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Copyright: © Richard Jacobs
In this episode, we sit down with Sir Steven Cowley, a British theoretical physicist and global authority on astrophysical plasmas and nuclear fusion. Steven is the director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) as well as the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Presently, he focuses his research on plasmas and nuclear fusion in astrophysical plasmas.
Steven began his fascination with fusion at the age of eleven, and since then, has pursued physics with a hunger for knowledge and innovation…
In this episode, you will learn about:
Fusion is an incredibly dense source of energy that researchers are learning more about every day. Want to find out how Steven is working towards harnessing this power? Join the conversation now!
Click here to find out more about Steven and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with expert astronomer Ori Fox. Ori is a Scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) where he works on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST was launched recently and has already made a plethora of fascinating discoveries using resourceful infrared technology.
The JWST images are baffling researchers with fascinating planetary information, and this is only the beginning…
Tune in now to uncover:
Using infrared technology is proving to be an extremely useful way to observe the cosmos.
Wondering what scientists are uncovering? Join us now to find out!
Click here to find out more about Ori Fox and his work with the James Webb Space Telescope, and get live Twitter updates by following his profile!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can science prove the existence of God? Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer, the co-hosts of the Physics to God podcast, sit down to dive into this fascinating subject…
Physics to God is a show that explores some of the most fascinating developments in physics that points directly to the existence of God. They explain these concepts using language that everyone can understand. By exploring our universe's great mysteries, they are on a mission to show how this demonstrates the existence of an intelligent force behind everything.
Elie Feder earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, and has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College since 2004. Additionally, he has published many papers and given countless talks on his unique field of mathematical research.
Aaron Zimmer earned a physics degree while receiving rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait. After his undergraduate studies, he pursued his intellectual curiosity that extended far beyond the realm of physics – encompassing the diverse fields of philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Drawing from his analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron went on to utilize his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading.
In this conversation, we discuss:
Make sure to follow along with the Physics to God podcast by visiting their website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Other Useful Links:
In this episode, we are once again joined by Andrew of the Post-Apostolic Church to discuss Biblical History. Today’s topic is fascinating and complex: The Septuagint – the earliest extant Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible from the original Hebrew…
Andrew runs a YouTube channel committed to the exploration and study of Christian writings from the pre-Nicene era. These ancient texts from early Christians provide us with an accurate depiction of what the church was like shortly after the time of Jesus. By diving into this comprehensive commentary handed down from the Apostles, Andrew uncovers groundbreaking knowledge on early Biblical history, educating viewers worldwide.
Jump in to explore:
How is The Septuagint related to early Christians? Why was it so engrained into Biblical teachings? These are the questions that we will explore in this episode, shedding light on the profound influence of The Septuagint on the early Christian community. Click play to join the conversation!
For more in-depth insights and discussions, you can follow Andrew’s channel here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our planet provides everything for us, and it’s our job to ensure that it is appropriately taken care of. By coming together and creating technology that supports this effort, we will be able to enjoy the resources Earth provides for generations to come.
Manik Suri is the Founder and CEO of Therma, a technology startup with a mission to help preserve our planet, food, and health. Therma fulfills this vision by building “safety and sustainability tools to eliminate food waste, improve energy efficiency, and reduce refrigerant emissions.”
Protecting consumers and battling climate change is Manik’s calling – and in this episode, we explore all he is doing to accomplish this goal…
Click play to learn about:
Thanks to organizations like Therma, we are taking steps towards more sustainable refrigeration practices. Join the conversation now to hear how this impacts the future of our environment!
You can find out more about Manik by visiting his website at maniksuri.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we sit down with Andy Wakefield to discuss the critical topic of vaccine safety. As a physician, author, and filmmaker, Andy is dedicated to exposing the truth of public health – encouraging a new standard of medical accountability and transparency…
Andy graduated as a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1985 and was made a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2001. He has published over 150 original scientific articles, books, and book chapters investigating the link between childhood vaccinations and chronic disease. While the media and medical institutions have continuously attacked his perspective, Andy continues to work towards exposing pharmaceutical corruption.
As a filmmaker, Andy is known for Protocol-7 (2024), Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe (2016) and 1986: The Act (2020).
Hit play to discover:
Want to follow along with Andy and his work? Click here now to explore more about vaccine safety and Andy's perspective!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Julie Siemers joins the podcast to discuss an extremely important topic: Optimizing patient care in the medical system. By demystifying the healthcare experience, Dr. Siemers is on a mission to empower patients to become active participants in their journeys toward healing.
In 2023, Dr. Siemers released Surviving Your Hospital Stay: A Nurse Educator's Guide to Staying Safe and Living to Tell About It. In this informative book, readers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex healthcare system – and ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones…
Dr. Siemers has more than four decades of experience and expertise in nursing practice, education, and executive leadership in the field of healthcare. She has worked in a wide variety of divisions throughout her career, including in the Intensive Care Unit, emergency department, and trauma resuscitation department at University Medical Center, Las Vegas.
Hit play to uncover:
Are you ready to learn how to ask the right questions, demand clear communication, and ensure optimal care for your loved ones? If so, this conversation is for you!
To follow along with Dr. Siemers and her impactful work, click here now.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we connect with Martin Rowinski to discuss referral marketing, business growth, and his recent book, The Corporate Matchmaker. Boasting more than 25 years of leadership experience, Martin is a technology executive and entrepreneur with expertise in developing and implementing strategic processes, deploying new products to streamline services, and improving lead generation and sales. He has worked across many industries, including recruiting, finance, technology, marketing, and mortgage lending.
Martin is the current CEO of Boardsi, a firm that connects executives with Boards of Directors and Advisors. By helping companies build executive boards more efficiently, they create diverse teams that enable companies to reach their highest success rate – and fastest growth potential…
Click play as we dive into:
Follow along with Martin and his ongoing work by visiting his website. And be sure to check out his book, The Corporate Matchmaker, for more insights on referral marketing and business growth!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joining us today to discuss his horticultural work is Daniel Wells. Daniel is an Associate Professor in Auburn University’s Department of Horticulture where he teaches and focuses his research on “improving controlled environment agriculture in the southeast.”
Daniel grew up on an agricultural research station, where he was exposed to this field at a young age. Since then, he has been delving into the world of hydroponics, aquaponics, and plant nutrition with a hunger to learn more…
In this episode, Daniel discusses:
The intricacies that exist within the field of horticulture certainly inform our food production methods as we know them. So how can we ensure that we are able to continue growing crops efficiently and sustainably? Tune in now to find out!
Want to find out more about Daniel and his research efforts? Visit agriculture.auburn.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Giovanni Strona, a senior researcher at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and a former Associate Professor in Ecological Data Sciences at The University of Helsinki. With research interests centering around the interface between ecology, computer science, and physics, Giovanni is on a mission to better understand the multi-faceted threats of global change.
So what role do ecological interactions play in extinction processes – and what mechanisms are contributing to biodiversity loss? Giovanni joins us to discuss his perspective on a chilling topic: the potential of another mass extinction…
Tune in now to find out:
To learn more about Giovanni and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How does the cardiovascular system affect other vital organs? Yugeesh Lankadeva of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health sits down to explain…
As a National Heart Foundation Future-Leader Fellow and leader of the Translational Cardiovascular and Renal Research Group, Yugeesh is on a mission to understand the pathophysiology of brain and kidney injury arising from sepsis, cardiac surgery, and heart disease. He does this in hopes to improve patient-centered health outcomes and strengthen the cardiovascular healthcare system…
Join us now to find out:
Want to learn more about Yugeesh and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast is Dr. Mark Holtzapple, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University. He joins us today to discuss his latest research interests: biofuels and engine efficiency…
With decades of experience in the field of chemical engineering, Dr. Holtzapple is always eager to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Not only does he want to convert biomass into biofuel to increase sustainability, but he also wants to enhance the functionality of engines. How does he propose we do this? Tune in to see for yourself!
In this episode, we discuss:
To discover more about Dr. Holtzapple and his fascinating research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Andrew L. Hipp, the Director of the Herbarium and Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics at The Morton Arboretum. With a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Hipp got into plant work as a way to work outdoors. Now, more than 20 years later, he has a lab that focuses on various aspects of plant biodiversity – with a strong focus on phylogenetics.
Using molecular systematics, genomics, community ecology, and herbarium study, the Arboretum’s Hipp Lab’s current research, which includes oaks, sedges, and the use of phylogenetic and trait diversity, is not just theoretical. It is informing practical questions in ecological restoration and community ecology, making a tangible impact on the world we live in…
Listen in to find out:
To follow along with Dr. Hipp’s work at the Arboretum’s Hipp Lab, click here now. And keep an eye out for his upcoming book, Oak Origins: From Acorns to Species and the Tree of Life, set to be published in December!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Are you intrigued by the transformative potential of psychedelics? Do you seek to enhance your relationship with mind-altering medicines? Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, this conversation will inspire you with the profound possibilities of these substances.
Given the fact that psychedelic use is on the rise, it’s more important than ever to approach these powerful substances with respect, awareness, and responsibility – and Chuchu Wang joins the podcast to point us all in the right direction…
As a heartening keynote speaker, leader, and co-founder of Ceremonia, Chuchu facilitates legal psilocybin and ayahuasca retreats designed for profound personal transformation. She is an authority in the realms of consciousness, psychedelics, connection, Plant Medicine, IFS, Gestalt therapy, Qigong, Tantra, and Shamanism. She also integrates ancient spiritual wisdom such as Daoism and Buddhism into her unique approach.
In this conversation, we discuss:
Are you ready to begin your journey to freedom and healing? If so, embracing the power of psychedelics may be the path for you. Hit play to learn more about this intriguing realm of self-discovery!
You can follow along with Chuchu and her Stewardship with Ceremonia by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with Professor Sreetharan Kanthaswamy to discuss advancements in forensic science and primate genetic research. Sreetharan is a professor in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University's West campus. He is also a Research Geneticist at the California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis.
Sreetharan's research on primate genetics focuses on understanding how both human activities and natural factors affect the genetic makeup of primates living in the wild and captivity. This includes studying how these influences shape differences in the genes of these animal populations. Additionally, his forensic work analyzes traces of blood, saliva, and hair collected at crime scenes or civil cases for DNA typing.
Curious about Sreetharan's contributions to forensic science and his efforts to provide educational opportunities for students? Wondering how he applies his expertise in population, forensic, and conservation genetics for the greater good? Tune in to the podcast and discover the answers for yourself in this engaging discussion!
Hit play to learn about:
Click here to follow along with Sreetharan's groundbreaking work at ASU.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we explore the astounding world of blood transfusions with Carly Newton and Lori Harada. Both Carly and Lori are registered nurses who work as managers at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis, and cellular technologies.
Blood transfusions are life-saving medical procedures that continue to revolutionize modern healthcare. So how do professionals like Carly and Lori drive innovations and advancements in this field? Join the conversation now to uncover essential insight from the leading experts on blood transfusions…
Click play to find out:
You can learn more about Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Mikolaj Raszek, the Founder and Managing Director of Merogenomics. As a consistent scientific thinker, Dr. Raszek is an expert in the field of genome sequencing. In 2014, he decided to start a business centering around this fascinating technology and hasn’t looked back since…
The purpose of Merogenomics is to provide the general public with access to medical DNA testing. The results of these tests enable individuals to seek proper medical intervention for an array of conditions – all while giving them an inside look at their inner biology.
Join the discussion now to explore:
To learn more about Dr. Raszek and his work with Merogenomics, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
When you hear the word ‘network,’ you might think of social, internet, or communication networks. But what about the biochemical and genetic networks within each of our cells?
These are the networks Albert-László Barabási explores. In this episode, he shares insight into these networks that will make you look at life, disease, health, and our bodies in a very different way.
Press play to learn:
Barabási is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science and a Distinguished University Professor at Northeastern University, where he directs the Center for Complex Network Research.
Learn more about Barabási and his research at Albert-László Barabási - Khoury College of Computer Sciences (northeastern.edu).
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Clair Gardiner to discuss how cancer cells and electrical currents interact for potential new therapies. As a Professor in Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, Clair has a background working with special types of immune cells called “natural killers” – a name that reflects its ability to kill cancer cells…
Clair and her research team are on a mission to revolutionize cancer treatment. They are at the forefront of developing new forms of immunotherapy that could potentially change the game for people living with aggressive brain tumors such as glioblastoma. If you're curious about how these groundbreaking findings may open the door to new combined therapies, this discussion is a must-listen!
Join us now to learn about:
Ready to dive deeper into Clair's research and stay updated on the latest developments? Click here to follow her work and be part of the journey towards revolutionizing cancer treatment!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas, the Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope of Dallas – and the world's largest progressive Christian church.
Ordained to the Christian ministry in 1989, Dr. Thomas's journey to this role is a testament to his dedication and passion. He is committed to building equality for all beings through activism and addressing social issues. He puts his devotion to work by leading a congregation with a primary outreach to the LGBTQ+ community…
As a native of Bournemouth, England, Dr. Thomas worked as the Senior Pastor of two Metropolitan Community Churches: MCC Bournemouth, England and Founders Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles. In addition to his work as a pastor, he is also a widely regarded speaker and contributor to local, national and international conversations around the intersectionality of faith, color, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Hit play to discover:
You can follow along with Dr. Thomas and his work at the Cathedral of Hope of Dallas here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Erik A. Fisher – or, as his patients refer to him, Dr. E. As a licensed psychologist, author, media consultant, and leading emotional dynamics expert, he has been transforming the lives of children, teens, and adults for more than twenty years. He’s done this by taking a creative and unique approach to his work – earning the respect and accolades of clients, colleagues, and the media along the way…
As an author, Dr. E has published two books on behavior and emotions: The Art of Empowered Parenting: The Manual You Wish Your Kids Came With and The Art of Managing Everyday Conflict: Understanding Emotions and Power Struggles. Additionally, he has been providing interviews for more than 15 years to stations across North America for countless print articles in magazines. Through his work, he is committed to bringing people hope with one simple, yet poignant message: “Life happens for us, not to us, and understanding that is the key to our own empowerment.”
Click play to find out:
Do you want to learn how to shift your perspective from hierarchy and fear to love-based equity? Join the conversation now!You can follow along with Dr. E and his thought-provoking work here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Have you ever felt stuck in your life? If so, you’re not alone. While a frustrating place to find yourself in, it doesn’t have to be permanent. So, how can we use focus to our advantage and develop the self-awareness we’re capable of possessing? Ann Weiser Cornell, an author, educator, and worldwide authority on Focusing, sits down to explain.
Ann has been teaching around the world since 1980. During this time, she developed a system and technique called Inner Relationship Focusing. She is also a past president of the Association for Humanistic Psychology. Additionally, she has written several definitive books on this powerful subject, including The Power Of Focusing: Finding Your Inner Voice, Untangling: How You Can Transform What’s Impossibly Stuck, and more…
In this episode, we discuss:
How can we use radical acceptance and allowance of our personalities to return to a place of wholeness? In what ways can Focus facilitate personal growth and inner healing? Click play to find out for yourself!
You can learn more about Ann and her important work here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, John Gusty and Dr. Jeremy Ayres join us to unravel the deception in the Medical Industrial Complex – and its links to the Pharma and Food industries…
John is a former entertainment industry insider turned health advocate passionate about exposing the truth. Following more than thirty years working behind the scenes for some of music’s biggest names, he shifted his focus to health and wellness to help his wife heal from a misdiagnosed condition. However, upon further exploration, he realized the profit-driven deceit running rampant in the Medical Industrial Complex.
Dr. Ayres is a Senior Practitioner of Physical Medicine and NaturoPractic Consultant with a background in Chiropractic, Osteopathic, and Naturopathic health. As an International Natural Health Educator, he has helped countless individuals heal using natural methods. Now, he combines Eastern wisdom with Western science in an effort to challenge the manipulation that exists within medicine.
In 2021, John and Dr. Ayres released The Red Pill Revolution, a book that advocates for a holistic approach to health. This approach, which combines Eastern wisdom with Western science, is a powerful tool for individuals to reclaim their health and well-being.
Click play to learn about:
You can find more on John Gusty and Dr. Jeremy Ayres’s joint-owned company, Naturally Better, here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we have the privilege of connecting with Dr. Aman Bhonsle, a highly qualified Psychosocial Analyst, Youth Mentor, Relationship Counsellor, and Trainer in Applied Transactional Analysis. His expertise in Creative Problem Solving, Anger Management, Communication Coaching, and facilitating Mindset Makeovers is a testament to his deep commitment to his ongoing passion for “stories” & “people”...
Dr. Bhonsle’s approach to therapy is culture-sensitive, logical, practical, and evidence-based. Currently, he leads the Mindset & Human Technology Project and Workshop Developments at the Heart to Heart Counselling Centre in Mumbai, India. In addition to this, he is a widely published author – most recently releasing a handbook on TA titled Essential TA: A Common Sense Psychology.
Ready to delve into Dr. Bhonsle’s groundbreaking discovery: “The greatest story out there – is the story that we tell ourselves every day on how we’d like to live our life”? This is your chance to learn from his insights. Jump into the conversation now!
This discussion covers:
Stay connected with Dr. Bhonsle and his innovative work. Follow along here to be part of our community of ongoing learning and growth.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Braven Grant, the co-founder and CEO of Gains in Bulk, a trailblazing whole food company at the forefront of the fitness supplement industry. Gains in Bulk is not just about products—it’s a philosophy that empowers individuals to conquer their fitness goals and extend their wins to all areas of life.
A flagship offering from Gains in Bulk is the Instantized Creatine, a groundbreaking 100% soluble creatine monohydrate, setting new standards for effectiveness in the fitness realm. Braven emphasizes the commitment to quality, subjecting all products to rigorous third-party testing to ensure excellence and consumer confidence.
Press play to learn:
Ready to elevate your knowledge about the fitness supplement arena? Tune in to explore the world of Gains in Bulk. For more information, visit Gains In Bulk | Natural Supplements | Large Gains at Wholesale Pricing – Gains in Bulk.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we connect with Jill Thomas, an intuitive hypnotherapist, clairvoyant reader, author, medium, and vocal channel. With more than 18 years of experience, Jill accesses the unconscious mind to help others achieve the lifestyle and wellness goals they couldn’t otherwise reach – from losing weight to overcoming toxic relationships.
Jill is the author of many powerful books, including The High Income Healer, Feed Your Real Hunger, and Tales From the Trance. Can hypnotherapy really help you get to the core of debilitating issues and create lasting change? Join us now to find out how this unique practice allows people to reach their full potential and find inner peace…
Jump in now to discover:
To learn more about Jill and her fascinating work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Leading by example is an extraordinary way to share wisdom and insight. In the case of Dr. Gladys McGarey, she has been doing this for the past 60 years – pioneering a new way of thinking about disease and health…
Dr. McGarey is internationally recognized as the “102-year-old Mother of Holistic Medicine”. As the author of The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, she wants to create a healthier and more joyful future by reframing how we approach healthcare and self-care.
Dr. McGarey has an ongoing life coaching practice, maintains a healthy diet, and continues to share her knowledge with everyone she can. What will you learn from her in this discussion? Click play to find out!
Join in now to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Gladys McGarey and her work, you can visit her website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are “turbo cancers,” and is this a new phenomenon that we should be aware of? This term has been coined to describe cancers that grow at an unusually rapid pace, making them much more challenging to treat. What’s more, with the aggressive nature of these diseases, the race against time becomes even more critical.
Are we seeing a rise in these fast-growing cancers – and what are scientists doing to address this issue? Let’s explore…
In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Harvey Risch, a leading authority in the field of cancer and infectious disease research. As a Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, his research interests center around cancer etiology, prevention and early diagnosis, and epidemiologic methods.
From ovarian cancer to lung cancer, Dr. Risch is committed to enhancing the way we approach chronic diseases. What makes his perspective so unique? Join us to learn for yourself!
Hit play to discover:
For more insights and updates on Dr. Risch's research, we encourage you to connect with him on Twitter or Telegram. This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed and engage directly with his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How do Vitamin D and genomic ancestry impact cancer cells? Dr. Moray J. Campbell, a research scientist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, joins the podcast to explain…
Dr. Campbell is a cancer biologist who studies the genomic and epigenomic drivers of hormone-dependent cancers. By utilizing high-dimensional data approaches and bioinformatic analyses, Dr. Campbell is on a mission to uncover the scientific mysteries of cancer. Jump into the conversation now to find out:
Want to learn more about Dr. Campbell and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we are joined by Paul Taylor, an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and neuroscientist currently completing a Ph.D. in applied psychology. As the Director of The Mind-Body-Brain Performance Institute, Paul aims to deliver resilience, leadership, and executive performance workshops to successful companies worldwide. How does he help others thrive under high-pressure situations? He sits down to explain…
Paul's book, Death by Comfort: How modern life is killing us and what we can do about it, is a compelling exploration of the urgent issues we face in today's society. Using neuroscience, anthropology, and nutrition, Paul reveals exactly what's wrong – and what we need to do to survive and flourish.
In this discussion, we cover:
Paul's advice is not just theoretical, it's practical and actionable. By fostering resilience, mental well-being, and reducing levels of burnout, Paul’s background as a British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer continues to benefit individuals across the globe. Click play now to learn how his latest book can empower you to reframe your understanding of comfort and connectivity!
Ready to learn more about Paul and his insights? Visit his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Water crises are on the rise in the United States. With so many environmental catastrophes, access to clean water is becoming a real problem in some places. But we are not powerless. What can we do about it – and what role does our government play in all of this? Jordan Chariton, the CEO of Status Coup, joins us in addressing this critical issue and highlighting the importance of government and media accountability.
Jordan is not just an independent investigative reporter, he is a force for change. His on-the-ground coverage of major stories like the Flint water crisis, the Standing Rock protests, and the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns has had a real impact. With raw, authentic reporting, he exposes critical issues such as worker strikes, poverty, and corruption, inspiring others to take action.
Jordan’s work has appeared in The Guardian, VICE News, The Intercept, and more. In 2018, he launched Status Coup News on YouTube, delivering hard-hitting journalism from the frontlines. He also recently released We the Poisoned: Exposing the Flint Water Crisis Cover-Up and the Poisoning of 100,000 Americans in August of 2024 – an enlightening book that reveals shocking new evidence of the major government cover-up that resulted in the poisoning of Flint.
In this discussion, we dive into:
Follow Jordan on X (Twitter) @JordanChariton and visit the Status Coup News website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s podcast, we connect with Dr. Trina Clayeux, a visionary leader with deep workforce development and mental health expertise. As the CEO of Give an Hour, she draws from decades of executive experience to enhance access to critical mental health services. Her career spans key roles in social impact organizations, higher education, and military support systems – including Chief Operations Officer and director-level positions…
Dr. Clayeux holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University and a Master of Public Administration from Portland State University, along with numerous certifications that highlight her commitment to innovation and service. Her work has earned recognition from national organizations, including the National Association of Development Boards, and she has received the Sailing Award for Leadership Excellence.
Give an Hour is a national organization committed to the transformation of mental health by building strong and healthy individuals and communities. Using an innovative approach, they continue to be at the forefront of customized mental health care.
Hit play to explore:
You can follow along with Dr. Clayeux’s important work with Give an Hour here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Scott Stripling to discuss the fascinating and complex realm of Biblical archaeology. Dr. Stripling is the Director of Excavations for the Associates for Biblical Research at ancient Shiloh and serves as Provost and Director of the Archaeology Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas. From directing ABR excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir to serving as Field Supervisor at Tall el-Hammam in Jordan, his work has taken him across the globe – in search of uncovering the mysteries of the past…
Dr. Stripling has been published in peer-reviewed journals, popular magazines, and books. He is also a popular speaker at churches and conferences worldwide and has guest appearances on numerous television programs and documentaries.
Want to know how Dr. Stripling fulfills his passion for connecting the material culture of the Holy Land with the Biblical text? Hit play now to dive in!
Join us as we cover:
You can follow along with Dr. Stripling and learn more about his current research by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Nicholas Young, a leading figure in the field of immunology and the founder of More than Moore’s Precision Medicine Solutions (MtM). Dr. Young and his team at MtM are at the forefront of developing targeted approaches for preventing and treating various diseases – with a particular focus on Lupus and other autoimmune conditions.
Using data from clinically approved testing, Dr. Young and his team help inform therapeutic decision-making in an effort to improve patient outcomes. Want to learn more about how MtM helps manage routine and preventative care using a cutting-edge integrated approach? Listen in now…
In this conversation, we cover:
Join us as we uncover the latest innovations in autoimmune care and precision medicine – offering new hope for those affected by Lupus and other chronic conditions!
You can follow along with MtM and their important work here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joining us in this episode to discuss all things pharmacology is Bryan Roth. Brian is the Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor of Protein Therapeutics and Translational Proteomics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. With discoveries and inventions in the areas of GPCR structure and molecular pharmacology, Bryan is one of the leading figures in the North Carolina pharmacological community.
Bryan has been interested in psychedelics and psychoactive drugs since he was young, and as he pursued pharmacological research, he is determined to find the “healing magic'' of these substances for the benefit of mental health…
Click play to explore:
While psychoactive drugs certainly have a stigma surrounding them, there is no question that there can be beneficial medical uses for them. In this episode, we investigate what these applications look like, and how researchers are progressing the way we use psychoactive drugs.
To find out more about Bryan and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joshua Burda Ph.D. joins the podcast to discuss how cells in the brain regulate response to injury and disease. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Joshua applies his knowledge as a biomedical neuroscientist to uncover new treatment paths for patients with neurological disabilities.
Joshua is interested in the functional recovery of neurological injuries, and his research reflects this. Over the course of his professional career, he has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals – including Nature, Neuron, and in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Jump into the conversation to hear Joshua talk about:
Neurological diseases and injuries are among the hardest for scientists to understand and treat. Fortunately, professionals like Joshua are leading the charge toward a future of neuroscientific innovation!
Click here to engage with Joshua’s work for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we connect with Andrew of the Post-Apostolic Church to dive into the fascinating topic of Biblical history. Andrew has a YouTube channel devoted to exploring the study of the writings of the Christians from the pre-Nicene era. This period, which spans 250 years from A.D. 75 to A.D. 325, is a crucial contextual bridge between the Apostles and the Council of Nicea…
Jump in to explore:
What do these eight volumes of Christian writings tell us about the early church? How can we learn more about the past using a comprehensive commentary handed down from the Apostles? Hit play to find out for yourself!
For more in-depth insights and discussions, you can follow Andrew’s channel by clicking here. It's a great way to stay connected and continue your journey through early Christian history.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we connect with Dr. Alan Breen to discuss motion analysis and musculoskeletal modeling and how they relate to the treatment of spinal disorders. Dr. Breen is an Emeritus Professor at the Health Sciences University Bournemouth and Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Bournemouth University.
With a Ph.D. from Southampton University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Dr. Breen has pioneered groundbreaking methods in using image processing and fluoroscopic imaging to measure vertebral movement in real time – with direct applications in the treatment of spinal disorders…
Tune in to discover:
Ready to dive into this intriguing conversation? Tune in as we explore how Dr. Breen’s innovative work is shaping the future of spinal health!
You can follow along with Dr. Breen’s latest research by clicking here.
Additional Useful Links:
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with Lyle Small to discuss cutting-edge methods of enhancing cancer treatments. Lyle is the founder and current CEO of Lahjavida, Inc., a cancer research firm focused on developing new cancer treatments. Known for their patented invention of a new cancer treatment, Lahjavida utilizes the tumor-targeting capabilities of NIR fluorescent dyes to work in conjunction with therapeutic agents – thus enhancing the effectiveness of a given therapy…
With an engineering degree from Cornell, Lyle has a diverse background in entrepreneurship. He served as the Founder and CEO of Chromatic Technologies, Inc. for more than 30 years, a company that pioneered several breakthroughs in the dye industry. Now, he leverages his extensive experience and knowledge to help in the battle against cancer.
What role does dye play in the identification and treatment of cancer? Join us now to find out for yourself!
Jump in to learn about:
To follow along with Lyle’s work with Lahjavida, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
As technology advances, so do the threats to digital security. What steps are scientists taking to raise awareness of cybersecurity and the complexities of quantum-related risks? Dustin Moody, a mathematician in NIST's Computer Security Division, joins the podcast to share his expert insights.
Dustin Moody, a leading figure in the field, heads the post-quantum cryptography project at NIST. With a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, his research focuses on elliptic curves and their applications in cryptography. He leverages this deep knowledge to develop new solutions that protect us from the future of quantum computing – instilling confidence in the security of our digital world…
Hit play to discover:
Ready to dive deeper into the world of quantum-related cybersecurity? Click here to learn more about Dustin and his groundbreaking work at NIST!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, Dr. Christopher Seitz joins the program to discuss the benefits of IV therapy. As a board-certified emergency physician by training, Dr. Seitz is an expert in sick and functional medicine. He brings his diverse background in wellness and holistic care to the American IV Association (AIVA), where he currently sits on the medical advisory board.
Dr. Seitz is dedicated to advancing the field of IV hydration therapy through scientific precision and innovation. He does this using evidence-based science and ethical standards – bringing cutting-edge opportunities alongside enhanced regulatory attention…
Dive in to explore:
What has fueled the remarkable growth of IV hydration therapy in the last decade? How have pioneers like Dr. Seitz shaped this advancement in medicine? Click play now to uncover these fascinating insights!
Stay connected with Dr. Seitz’s groundbreaking work at AIVA. Follow along here to be part of the journey towards a healthier future!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eduardo Cardona to discuss his unique approach to fighting obesity, depression, and more. As an Ayurvedic doctor who also uses modern medicine, Dr. Cardona employs holistic and hands-on methods to treat various chronic ailments and diseases effectively.
Dr. Cardona has been a practicing therapist for over ten years. Throughout his time in this field, he has held many distinguished positions at medical schools and university faculties. Using ancient medicine alongside modern medical technology, Dr. Cardona treats suffering individuals by helping them regulate their internal environments…
Jump in now to uncover:
You can find more on Dr. Cardona by visiting his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Bill McGraw, a recurring guest who is constantly pushing the boundaries of alternative health technology. He sits down with us today to discuss his latest research: removing heavy metals from the body through microcurrent therapy…
Dr. McGraw has helped countless patients take charge of their health and overcome chronic diseases from a holistic therapeutic approach. Are heavy metals impacting your bodily health? If so, what can you do about it? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
You can learn more about Dr. McGraw and his research here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we are honored to be joined by Leor Weinberger, the William and Ute Bowes Distinguished Professor of Virology, director of the Gladstone Center for Cell Circuitry, professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, and professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Gladstone Institutes/University of California, San Francisco. As a world-renowned virologist and quantitative biologist, Leor has made a significant impact in the field of HIV research with his groundbreaking discovery of the HIV virus latency circuit.
Leor’s lab studies the fundamental processes of viral biology in the pursuit of developing innovative first-in-class therapies against HIV. They use computational and experimental approaches, including quantitative, single-cell and single-molecule microscopy and mathematical modeling…
Click play to find out:
How are Leor and his team tackling the biggest challenges in human health? Tune in now to learn more about their unique and innovative approach to disrupting the way science is done – and how these discoveries have the potential to change lives!
You can follow along with Leor and his fascinating work with the Gladstone Center for Cell Circuitry here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Meet Dr. Robert R. Cargill, the Roger A. Hornsby Associate Professor in the Classics at The University of Iowa. He is a devout scholar of Jewish and biblical studies and an archaeologist, author, and digital humanist. In this episode, he joins us to unveil how our scholarly capacity and critical thinking can lead us to unravel some of history’s most perplexing mysteries…
Dr. Cargill’s research interests are vast, including second temple Judaism, literary criticism of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Pseudepigrapha and Apocrypha, and the archaeology of Southwest Asia. He is also the author of Melchizedek, King of Sodom: How Scribes Invented the Biblical Priest-King and The Cities That Built the Bible – and has appeared on CNN, History, Discovery, Nat Geo, and other networks.
Jump in to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Cargill and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with David Weill, the former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Diseases and the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. Since leaving this position behind, David has been assisting transplant programs across the country – with a dedication to improving the delivery of transplant care.
In May of 2021, David published Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant, a memoir that outlines the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives – and what it took for him to step back and reassess his own life…
Click play now to discover:
You can find David’s website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Judy Illes and Anthony Hannan to discuss the International Brain Initiative – a coalition that seeks to catalyze and advance neuroscience through international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Illes is a Professor of Neurology and a Distinguished University Scholar in Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She is also the Director of Neuroethics Canada at UBC, and faculty in the Brain Research Centre at UBC and at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Her work revolves around the intersection of neurosciences and biomedical ethics, specifically looking at them from an ethical, legal, social, and political perspective.
Anthony Hannon is the Head of the Neural Plasticity Laboratory at Florey Neuroscience Institutes, and an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. Currently, his research focuses on cognitive and psychiatric illnesses, including conditions like Huntington’s disease.
Join the conversation now to find out:
Want to learn more about the International Brain Initiative? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Amy Bernard, the head of strategy and programs for the nanoscience and neuroscience divisions of The Kavli Foundation. She sits down with us today to discuss her work in neuroscience, molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, imaging, physiology, open science, and more.
With more than 30 years of experience, Amy provides support for fundamental scientific research – and her efforts are making a real difference.
The Kavli Foundation is a nonprofit research organization that supports science philanthropy. With the help of experts like Amy, they are on a mission to support advances for the benefit of humanity…
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Want to find out more about Amy and her work with The Kavli Foundation? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we sit down with Kristen Jenson, the founder of Defend Young Minds and the #1 best-selling author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids and Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds.
Kristen is on a mission to equip parents with the resources they need to raise empowered, resilient, screen-smart kids. Using Defend Young Minds as her platform, she is focused on developing a future where children know how to reject pornography.
By creating books, curricula, articles, guides, courses, and communities aimed at digital self-defense, Kristen and her team are adamantly defending young minds from the harms of pornography – and the results are staggering…
Jump in now to explore:
To learn more about Kristen and her work in this field, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, Chuck Thompson joins us to address the urgent issues of effective fire protection, prevention, and safety. As the Director of Customer Relations at E Fire USA, Chuck and his team are on a mission to accomplish one central goal: “To innovate fire safety, anytime, anywhere – because there is never enough fire protection.”
Fires are among the most destructive forces known to man. In an effort to make the world a safer place, E Fire provides cutting-edge firefighting solutions that reduce property damage, environmental damage and, most importantly, the loss of life.
How is Chuck making this revolutionary new product available as an additional line of defense to fire prevention and suppression solutions? Hit play now to find out!
Jump in as we highlight:
Want to stay up-to-date on Chuck’s work with E Fire USA? Learn more about their products here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we sit down with Jason Yarusi to discuss real estate investment, habits for success, and actionable ambition. As a transformative keynote speaker and apartment building investor, Jason has built and sustained a construction company, restaurants, and multiple large apartment communities. Bringing all of his hands-on experience to others, he connects with audiences worldwide as a dynamic motivational speaker – with a natural ability to ignite positive transformations…
How does Jason empower individuals and businesses to break barriers and forge a path to lasting success? What changes can you make to create positive momentum? Find out all this and more in a podcast that dives deep into practical strategies for growth, resilience, and building long-term wealth.
Jump in now to discover:
To learn more about Jason and his passionate work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gardening is a skill that is both fulfilling and useful, especially in today’s world. Whether you are new to food cultivation or have been doing it for years, it is always important to consider the guidance of fellow gardeners – and in this episode, we do just that…
Kareen Erbe joins us today to discuss her work as the Founder of Broken Ground Permaculture. Kareen is a permaculture educator, homesteader, food farmer, garden designer, and soil-builder. Her mission is to help people living in colder climates cultivate their own food to live healthier and more sustainably.
In this conversation, we explore:
Want to get gardening tips from Kareen for yourself? Visit brokengroundpermaculture.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss all things fungi with Jordan Jent from Texas Fungus. Jordan is a farmer that supplies local restaurants and markets with gourmet artisan mushrooms – from Shiitake to Lions Mane and Oyster varieties.
In 2018, Jordan realized his passion for mushroom growing, and with a background in culinary work, he decided to pursue his love for farming and food from an entrepreneurial perspective. Presently, his company is growing 700-800 pounds of specialty mushrooms every week…
Tune in now to learn about:
Texas Fungus is supplying their community with mushrooms of superb quality – allowing chefs and home cooks alike to experience all that these delicious organisms have to offer…
Want to find out more about Jordan and his work with Texas Fungus? Visit Texasfungus.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with Anthony Siccardi, an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at Georgia Southern University. Anthony is an expert in aquaponics systems, and he joins us in this episode to discuss his research interests and educate us on a distinctive approach to fish and plant production.
Aquaponics is on the rise in the food production industry, as it utilizes both fish and plant resources to encourage growth for both organisms. This sustainable farming practice may be just what we need to achieve a successful yield without compromising the health of our environment…
Tune in now to discover:
What could aquaponics do for our current food production methods? Experts like Anthony are determined to find out!
Click here to learn more about Anthony and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we dive into the realm of neurological wellness with Adam Schell, the owner and founder of Brain Supreme. Brain Supreme is a transformative microdose supplement that blends the magic of mushrooms, nootropics, adaptogens, and ergogenics to support neurological health.
By harnessing the power of microdosing and brain rewiring, Brian has helped countless people overcome life challenges and operate at a higher level. Can mushrooms help you find the perfect flow state for everyday activities by improving brain function, uplifting emotions, and supporting neuroplasticity? If so, how do you find the balance that works for you?
Join us now to discover how to unlock your brain’s full potential and tap into a state of peak performance in every aspect of your life.
Tune in to learn about:
You can connect with Adam and his work with Brain Supreme by clicking here. Make sure to use the code GENIUS15 to receive 15% off your first purchase!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Christos A. Makridis, a Research Assistant Professor at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. In addition to his work at Arizona State, Christos is a Digital Fellow at MIT IDE, a Non-resident Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a Non-resident Fellow at the Institute for Religious Studies at Baylor University.
Christos works closely with both the business and academic sectors. He is the CEO and co-founder of Dainami and the CTO and co-founder of Living Opera – two startups at the cutting edge of new technology. His academic interests are vast, centering around labor economics, the digital economy, and personal finance and well-being…
Join us now to learn about:
You can find more on Christos and his work by visiting his website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Tim Francis, a Canadian-based award-winning entrepreneur, and the Founder of Great Assistant and Profit Factory. With over 10 years of experience as a business owner, Tim is a knowledgeable consultant and speaker in entrepreneurship, marketing, and systems…
With a recession on the horizon – or even already here – Tim offers valuable insight for business owners who may be facing economic uncertainty. Want to get familiar with Tim’s distinct approach to dealing with tough times? Click play to see for yourself!
Join us now to learn about:
To find out more about Tim and his work, visit https://greatassistant.com, https://profitfactory.com, and https://www.youtube.com/@realtimfrancis now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Grant Johnson joins the podcast to share his valuable insights into the world of insurance and real estate. As the founder and principal agent at Varde Insurance Group, his passion for being a valuable insurance resource for his clients and partners revolves around one central purpose: to reach the most so he can help the most…
Grant is a connector of people, resources, ideas, and solutions. Drawing from his undergrad education in psychology and master’s in counseling, he started Varde Insurance Group as a way to provide home, auto, life, and commercial insurance to clients at the best rates available.
In this conversation, we dive into:
How does Grant add value to his clients, partners, and community? What are the benefits of taking a friendly consultative approach to insurance coverage? Click play now to see for yourself!
To learn more about Grant and Varde Insurance Group, click here now.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Alberto Ramos-Luz, a Research Officer in the Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc, based in Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland. Alberto is at the forefront of research aimed at advancing the apple-growing industry in Ireland. His work involves identifying apple varieties with the best market and agronomic traits and creating production protocols to ensure high yield, quality, and consistency…
Alberto has been working with and studying apple trees since 2006. His specialties lie in temperate fruit crops, including apples and pears, tree management, training systems, and evaluation of cultivars and rootstocks.
After earning his qualifications as a Technologist in Fruit Crops in 2010, Alberto went on to pursue a master's in Plant Production in 2012 and completed his Ph.D. in 2016. He then worked as a postdoctoral associate at UDESC, where he focused on cutting-edge research in crop load management, studied how apple and pear trees perform when grafted onto different rootstocks, and trained in various systems.
Hit play to hear Alberto’s insights on:
You can find more information about Alberto and his work at Teagasc here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Allan Dib, the founder of Lean Marketing and the bestselling author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan. Allan doesn’t come from a traditional marketing background, but after ten years of painful trial and error, he eventually mastered this skill on his own. Now, he brings his expertise to others with strategic marketing coaching, consulting, and training programs.
Allan has founded, scaled, and successfully developed multiple high-growth businesses across various industries, including IT, telecommunications, and marketing. Additionally, he has been a featured speaker at various events and conferences and is among the top 0.01 percent of nonfiction authors.
Jump in to learn about:
How do Allan and his team successfully automate, scale, and simplify marketing for their clients? What are the benefits of identifying the gaps in a business’s current sales, system, and team? Join Allan as he reveals proven strategies that drive rapid business growth, ensuring your company reaches its full potential.
To follow along with Allan and his work with Lean Marketing, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Adam Bohnenblust, DC, BCN, joins the podcast to discuss chiropractic care, pain management, soft tissue recovery, and more. Board-certified in neuropathy and intractable pain, Dr. B. is the owner and clinical director of Texas Functional Health Centers in Dallas, Texas.
Boasting extensive post-graduate education in trauma treatment, MRI interpretation with certification, fascial therapy, functional medicine, and the Webster technique, Dr. B. is committed to providing the best care possible for his patients. What sets his approach apart from other chiropractic experts? Click play to find out for yourself…
In this conversation, we delve into:
By intently listening to his patients, Dr. B. guides others through a health journey that elevates their lives as a whole. He provides chiropractic care in Dallas, TX, for people of all ages, offering specialized prenatal and pediatric care.
To learn more about Dr. Bohnenblust’s holistic work at Texas Functional Health Centers, visit their website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Liz Lyster, a Midlife Health Expert committed to helping women embrace their health and happiness with holistic wellness. With a career rooted in holistic menopausal care, her mission is simple: To guide women through the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause with grace, understanding, and expert care…
Dr. Liz graduated from Cornell University with honors and completed her medical education with an OB/GYN specialty at the University of California, Irvine. She also holds a Master's in Community Health Education from UCLA. Her cutting-edge practice focuses on hormonal imbalances, where she provides a blend of conventional wisdom and innovative treatments – including the benefits of bio-identical hormones.
Jump in to explore:
How does Dr. Liz support women physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as they navigate the transformative phase of menopause? Join the conversation to learn more about her compassionate approach to midlife healthcare!
You can follow along with Dr. Liz and her important work by visiting her website. To receive a FREE digital copy of her recent book, Go For Great!: Dr. Liz's Guide to Thrive at Every Age, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we connect with Andy Neary, a former professional baseball player, two-time Ironman finisher, business coach, and the Founder of the Complete Game coaching program. Using his habits and work ethic, Andy offers specialized coaching programs, masterminds, and individualized consulting packages to help others achieve their career and business goals.
In 2017, Andy published Breaking Through the Status Quo: How Innovative Companies Are Changing The Benefits Game To Help Their Employees And Boost Their Bottom Line. In this best-selling book, he outlines powerful and proven strategies that can be used to save companies millions of dollars a year…
So, are you ready to uncover innovative ways to forge a path to success? Listen in now!
In this discussion, we go over:
Want to find out more about Andy and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Ellis Amdur joins the podcast to discuss his unique approach to verbal de-escalation, conflict resolution, and more. Ellis is a crisis intervention specialist with more than 50 years of traditional Japanese martial arts experience. He has published various books on martial arts, crisis intervention, hostage negotiation, and fiction – including Words of Power: A Guide for Ordinary People to Calm and De-Escalate Aggressive Individuals.
With a background in karate, aikido, judo, Muay Thai, and xingyiquan, Ellis is an expert in the study of 'internal strength' paradigms. Using his diverse knowledge of martial arts, he has provided training for competitive grappling practitioners and law enforcement professionals alike.
Are there proven strategies to de-escalate aggressive anger? How can we use verbal control tactics to manage the behaviors of enraged people? Tune in now to hear Ellis’s unique perspective on this complex topic…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Ellis and his ongoing work as the creator of Edgework Methodology, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s podcast, we welcome Dr. Patrick Vickers, the founder and director of Northern Baja Gerson Center, the world's premier clinic for the natural treatment of cancer and advanced diseases specializing in Advanced Gerson Therapy. As a chiropractor by trade, Dr. Vickers combines his expertise in spinal health with a deep knowledge of nutritional therapy and detoxification methods to treat chronic illnesses at their root.
After witnessing a rapid recovery from chiropractic treatment at the age of 11, Dr. Vickers’ passion for natural medicine was ignited, leading him to pursue a career dedicated to holistic healing and wellness. Once he graduated from the New York Chiropractic College in 1997, he proceeded to study Gerson Therapy directly under Charlotte Gerson, opening chiropractic and Gerson clinics in Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico shortly after.
Upon returning to the US in 2008, he started a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on Gerson Therapy. Dr. Vickers now travels the world lecturing at international embassies, Latin American medical schools, and other venues.
Dive in to explore:
You can follow along with Dr. Vickers and his work by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we discuss pain relief, musculoskeletal health, and more with Dr. Chad Nowlin. Dr. Chad is the founder of NRG Physio and the creator of the Keystone Reset. With NRG Physio, he is committed to helping companies reduce wasteful spending on musculoskeletal health conditions using fresh approaches to health screening and root cause pain relief in rehab – all while helping shift the culture of physical wellness inside the organization…
Dr. Chad is at the forefront of a new wave of physiotherapy built around a simple yet poignant philosophy: "Pain is not a medical problem. It is a movement problem. And if movement is the problem, movement can't be the medicine."
Drawing from his personal experience with the healthcare system, Dr. Chad found himself on a path to overcoming pain on his own, which ultimately led to the creation of the Keystone Reset. How does he help others reframe common misconceptions about pain? What role does muscle inhibition play in the symptoms of weakness? Join us now to dive into Dr. Chad's personal story and how it informed his comprehensive approach to pain management.
Hit play to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Chad and his work, visit his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How does the environment impact human health and rights? What role do waste and chemical issues play in the sustainable welfare of society? Vito Buonsante, an EU and International law specialist, joins the podcast to explain…
Vito is an environmental lawyer and Technical and Policy Advisor for IPEN. Here, he works on a wide range of issues related to chemical safety, including SAICM and its emerging policy issues and issues of concern, the Stockholm, Basel, and Rotterdam Convention.
With over 15 years of experience in drafting, analyzing, and implementing environmental legislation, Vito leverages his expertise in chemicals, nanomaterials, and pesticides to promote a healthier world – one where both people and the environment are free from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.
In this discussion, we cover:
To learn more about Vito and his work with IPEN, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with KC Owens to discuss her work as a dog breeder for the T1 diabetes community. As the founder of Tattle Tail Scent Dogs, KC is on a mission to produce highly trainable, healthy puppies that can excel as service/therapy dogs, working dogs, and companions. Driven by their motto, “Where a dog’s nose saves a life and embraces a heart,” Tattle Tail Scent Dogs have helped countless individuals and families with Diabetic Alert Dogs – and KC joins us to share her personal journey and the impact of her work.…
KC has faced autoimmune issues for much of her life and was officially diagnosed with diabetes in 2000. Despite her best efforts—changing her diet, increasing exercise, and taking medications—nothing seemed to work. However, she noticed a significant improvement when her dog began to recognize her high and low blood glucose levels. This discovery led her to become a niche dog trainer, helping others manage the challenges of diabetes through the unique abilities of their dogs.
Click play to find out:
Want to learn more about KC and her work training Diabetic Alert Dogs? Visit the Tattle Tail Scent Dogs website now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Deborah Zelinsky, an optometrist renowned worldwide for her work in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Currently serving as the founder and executive research director of The Mind-Eye Institute, Dr. Zelinsky is committed to making the latest eye-related scientific discoveries more accessible to patients both domestically and globally. How does she plan on achieving this goal? By training other eyecare professionals on retinal processing enhancement using her patented methods…
Dr. Zelinsky is known for the development of the Z-Bell Test: a patented test that enables doctors to prescribe lenses and administer other optometric interventions aimed at balancing the processing of central and peripheral eyesight – all while synchronizing the integration between auditory and retinal sensory systems. She is also a fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and a board member of the Society for Brain Mapping.
Tune in now to find out:
How has Dr. Zelinsky’s more than three decades of research into the connection of the eyes and the brain revolutionized the healthcare industry? Join the conversation now to see for yourself!
Click here to follow along with Dr. Zelinsky and her important work with Mind-Eye Institute.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Are there ways to afford college without getting buried in debt? What financial options do parents have to help their children achieve their higher education ambitions? Angie Grimm joins the podcast to address these important questions and explain her unique approach to helping students make valuable informed decisions about the future…
Angie is a College Funding Professional at College Solutions, a company that offers late-stage planning services for parents with students attending college in the near future. With an emphasis on families with college-bound high school students, Angie and her team are on a mission to help their clients navigate the complex and overwhelming process of paying for college tuition – using proven strategies to optimize their goals.
Jump in now to discover:
To learn more about Angie and her work with College Solutions, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Tina Marie (Waliczek) Cade to dive into the intriguing world of urban-plant interactions, the effects of greenspace on people, and more. As a Professor of Horticulture at Texas State University, Dr. Cade teaches 12 different courses in horticulture and advises multiple graduate students on research projects. Her interests in this field are broad, as she studies the active engagement of individuals with plants in community, home, or school gardens, as well as the passive interaction with plants in green spaces both outdoors and indoors, including the presence of indoor plants…
What can Dr. Cade’s more than 20 years of experience tell us about the benefits of people/plant interactions? Can gardening positively affect the overall quality of life in humans? Whether you're a horticulture enthusiast or a casual gardener, you'll find Dr. Cade's insights fascinating. She explains how interacting with plants can improve physical well-being, reduce stress, and deepen our connection to nature – ultimately enriching our lives.
Click play to find out:
You can learn more about Dr. Cade and her work here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Michael Marmor, Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at Stanford University, delves into the captivating realm of the human eye in this thought-provoking podcast episode. Focusing on the profound impact of eyes on various facets of human experience, Dr. Marmor shares his insights and expertise on this intriguing topic — particularly in the realm of art.
Dr. Marmor's research interests cover several areas, including the physiology and pathophysiology of retina and pigment epithelium, electrophysiological retinal and RPE function tests, and newer electroretinographic techniques such as multifocal ERG recording. Additionally, he is interested in the relationship between human vision and art, music, history, literature, and sports…
Tune in now to uncover:
Whether you’re interested in eye health or the science of art, this conversation promises to captivate and educate. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that sheds light on the wonders of the human eye and its significance in shaping our perception of the world around us!
Want to find out more about Michael and his research? Click here to view his Stanford profile, and here to purchase his latest book!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we connect with Thomas Licker to discuss his decades of experience managing biohazard investigations and remediations. As a certified bio-environmental infection control remediator and recovery master, Thomas serves as the president of the American Bio-Recovery Association. Here, he has helped create and publish the Bio Recovery Site Risk Assessment (BSRA) guidance document and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS) program.
Thomas studied environmental science in college. After researching soil, brown water, air, and industrial hygiene, he found himself working for the US Environmental Protection Agency as a contractor — remediating some of the nation's worst sites. Now, he is in the biohazard response industry full-time, a field of work he has discovered a deep passion for…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Thomas and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dive deep into the mysterious world of killer whales with Isabella Reeves, a passionate Ph.D. candidate in marine biology at the Cetacean Research Center. In this captivating podcast, Isabella takes you on a journey into the remote and harsh habitats of killer whales, the second most widespread species globally after humans.
Isabella shares the challenges of studying these elusive creatures, who dart through the ocean at high speeds, making them difficult to spot and study. Learn about the innovative techniques she employs, including a modified crossbow with a dart that collects a tiny sample of skin, providing invaluable genetic insights.
Isabella's research focuses on the genomics of killer whales, unraveling the evolution of orcas globally. She discusses the distinctions between male and female killer whales and explores the unique genetic makeup of Australia's orcas, a population with less-known details compared to their North Pacific counterparts.
She delves into the tragic extinction of a specific killer whale lineage, highlighting the whitewashing of indigenous history in her quest to rectify historical omissions. Her work strives to amplify the voices of indigenous communities, contributing crucial puzzle pieces to the evolutionary story of killer whales.
Tune in to follow Isabella's journey through the intricate world of killer whale evolution. Gain insights into her ongoing work, including her goals of submitting her Ph.D. in the coming year and contributing to conservation management. Discover how her research aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of killer whales, especially in tropical regions in Australia and New Zealand, where these magnificent creatures remain enigmatic puzzle pieces waiting to be unveiled.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Chris Peng, the Co-Founder and CEO of Labfront, joins us to delve into the groundbreaking initiatives of their startup, poised to transform health research. Labfront is on a mission to bridge the gap between medical research and practical applications, aiming to remedy the deficiencies in our current healthcare system.
In this episode, Peng shares the inspiration behind Labfront and how they are enhancing software infrastructure to consolidate data from various wearable sensors. By breaking down silos that often conceal crucial health information, Labfront strives to pinpoint and address underlying diseases.
Labfront empowers researchers by offering a comprehensive software solution to manage studies. Whether dealing with a study involving 50 participants or thousands of participants, Labfront assists researchers in crafting customized apps that help ensure participant adherence through reminders and task management.
Moreover, Labfront is at the forefront of innovation by developing an analysis engine within its platform. This enhancement streamlines the data analysis process, boosting efficiency for both researchers and studies.
Press play to discover:
Ready to explore the future of health research? Tune in now and explore Labfront | All-in-One Research Solution for Real-World Data.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joining us today is Marcia C. Inhorn, PhD, MPH, the William K. Lanman, Jr. Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs in the Department of Anthropology and The Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University.
Dr. Inhorn is an expert in Middle Eastern gender and health issues. For the past 35 years, she has studied the social impact of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies across various countries and cultures.
Dr. Lanman sits down with us to discuss motherhood on ice, the mating gap, and why women freeze their eggs. Eager to share her knowledge on reproductive health, she is interested in solving issues related to fertility – and egg freezing is among the most popular solutions…
In this episode, we dive into:
To learn more about Dr. Inhorn and her research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does quantum physics inform biology at a nanoscale? In what ways does biology exhibit quantum behavior? Clarice D. Aiello, a quantum engineer and Assistant Professor at UCLA, sits down to enlighten us…
Clarice is an expert on nanosensors harnessing room-temperature quantum effects in noisy environments. With her research group, the Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab, she performs quantum measurements on “living sensors” (such as proteins, cells, and microorganisms) to better understand how they interact with their environment.
In this episode, we cover:
To find out more about Clarice and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are nanomaterials being used around us – and what are the potential risks? Khara D. Grieger, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Environmental Health and Risk Assessment at North Carolina State University, joins us to discuss this intriguing topic.
With a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, Khara is interested in unpacking the uses and risks of nanotechnology in agriculture and food production. Drawing from her extensive knowledge of risk assessment, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, her research is truly ahead of its time…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Khara and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What will the next generation of medicine production look like? Dr. Govind Rao joins us today to discuss the importance of constructing safe and effective medications – standards that are harder to reach than one may think…
Dr. Rao is a Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and the Director of the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His research interests are primarily focused on how to enhance the production of protein-based therapeutics from the traditional fermentation and cell culture approach – something biopharmaceuticals have been doing for over 30 years.
In this episode, we discuss:
Wondering how Dr. Rao is contributing to the future of medicine and wellness? Join in now to see for yourself!
Want to find out more about Dr. Rao and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Stem cell research has been making remarkable strides, evolving rapidly over the years and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in medicine and regenerative therapies. Can this cutting-edge therapy be used to treat life-threatening conditions in effective ways? Dr. Bob Hariri sits down to discuss how these advancements are revolutionizing the treatment of a wide range of medical issues.
Dr. Bob Hariri is a renowned surgeon, biomedical scientist, and serial entrepreneur, leading innovations in biomedicine and aerospace. He’s also a founding partner of Fountain Life, a company that uses converging exponential technologies to catch disease at the earliest signs – and even turn back the clock on aging…
Hit play to discover:
Dr. Hariri has been at the forefront of utilizing stem cells to treat various critical human diseases and remains a key figure in advancing immuno-oncology, cell therapeutics, tissue engineering, and functional regeneration. Want to find out about his unique approach to human health and longevity? Join the conversation now!
Click here to learn more about Dr. Hariri and his work with Fountain Life
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we are joined by Dr. Del Tackett, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, the architect and teacher of The Truth Project, and the founder of The Engagement Project. With a background in computer science, Dr. Tackett is committed to helping believers “understand who we truly are, why we are still here, and what God has asked us to do.”
Over a twelve-year period, Dr. Tackett has taught more than thirty undergraduate and graduate courses across three institutions, and has authored hundreds of insightful articles on Biblical worldview, faith, family, and culture.
Are you ready to explore the depths of God’s character and witness transformative changes in your life? Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or are a seasoned follower of Christ, Dr. Tackett’s profound insights are sure to enrich your understanding and ignite a powerful transformation.
Tune in to discover how embracing a Biblical worldview can profoundly influence every facet of your life – from personal growth to your impact within the community.
Click play to learn more about:
Follow along with Dr. Tackett by visiting his website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we connect with William Varner, a professor of biblical languages and Bible exposition at The Master’s University and former director of the IBEX program. With three master’s degrees, a doctorate, and seven years of pastoral experience in Pennsylvania, William’s academic and spiritual journey took a transformative turn during his first trip to Israel — a journey that reshaped his entire approach to ministry.
William has authored a rich array of works, including The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet Elijah, The Way of the Didache, and Handbook for Praying Scripture. With over 100 articles published in both academic journals and popular magazines, his expertise is widely recognized in academic and Biblical communities alike. His 17 years of experience in Jewish ministry in Israel have endowed him with profound insights into the geography and history of the region, which he shares with students from across the world to this day….
Jump in now to find out:
Want to learn more about William and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s episode, we dive into the world of men’s sexual health with Dr. Elliot Justin, the CEO and Founder of FirmTech. On a mission to empower men with science-backed insight and objective data, Dr. Justin started FirmTech – the world’s first sex tech company that helps men remain firm and fit for a better lifetime of lovemaking and pleasure…
What is erectile fitness? Can men avoid ED, and if they have it, is it a reversible condition? Join us now to learn all about the transformative tools that FirmTech uses to help men optimize personal erectile health and inspire better cardiovascular well-being!
Click play to uncover:
You can follow along with Dr. Justin and his work by visiting the FirmTech website.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
What can headaches tell us about our overall health? Can we use these painful ailments to our advantage? Dr. Scott Vrzal thinks so, and in this episode, we dive into his cutting-edge approach to holistic wellness…
Dr. Vrzal is an applied kinesiologist and the author of The Headache Advantage, an upcoming book that explains the 7 headache patterns in-depth. By exploring beneficial lifestyle changes that can alleviate the root cause of head pain, readers gain insight into what their pain is signaling – paving the way for life-enhancing choices.
In this discussion, we cover:
Are you ready to learn how Dr. Vrzal’s journey from suffering to healing has helped him unravel the enigma of headaches? Hit play now to discover how his unique perspective on pain relief and lifestyle changes can transform your well-being.
To follow along with Dr. Vrzal and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Meet Nikki Burnett, a functional nutritionist and the Founder and CEO of Taste Life Nutrition. Drawing from nearly a decade in practice and over 25 years of education, Nikki has helped hundreds of clients unlock their optimum health. She does this by digging into the root cause of dysfunctions – and then using manageable and strategic methods to restore balance and wellness…
Nikki's own health struggles fueled her mission to empower others on their health journeys. By highlighting the effectiveness of personalized approaches, she helps people suffering from an array of complex health conditions.
From chronic pain to fertility struggles, Nikki is on a mission to bring holistic solutions to those who look beyond conventional norms. What sets her approach apart from other nutritionists? Tune in now to see for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
Click here to find out more about Nikki and her work with Taste Life Nutrition!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are once again joined by Dr. Tom Cowan, an alternative medicine doctor, author, and speaker known for his common-sense, holistic approach to health and wellness. Dr. Cowan is an expert in many areas of medicine, such as nutrition, homeopathy, anthroposophical medicine, and herbal medicine. He is also the author of various books, including How (and Why) to Eat MoreVegetables, Human Heart, Cosmic Heart, and The Fourfold Path to Healing.
As someone who grew up surrounded by conventional doctors, Dr. Cowan avoided becoming a corrupt medical professional at all costs. Through the years, he uncovered the significance of alternative medicine – and witnessed firsthand the healing power of a nutrient-rich diet…
Join us now to explore:
You can keep up with Dr. Cowan and his work by visiting his website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Robby Barbaro, the co-founder of Mastering Diabetes, a coaching program that reverses insulin resistance using low-fat, plant-based, whole-food nutrition. He is also the co-author of Mastering Diabetes, a book that outlines a revolutionary solution for people living with diabetes.
Robby was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Since 2006, he’s been living a plant-based lifestyle, which has dramatically increased his overall health and wellness. Want to know how Robby keeps his body functioning at optimal levels – even while living with Type 1 diabetes? Join us now to learn for yourself…
Tune in to discover:
To find out more about Robby, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the late 80s, vegan or even vegetarian registered dieticians were impossible to find … until Brenda Davis made the transition. Finding herself alone, without even the resources to back up her work as a vegan dietician, she considered changing careers. But instead, she found the courage to speak her truth and make a difference.
Davis is now regarded as the “Godmother” of vegan dieticians, and is an author and internationally acclaimed public speaker.
Tune in to learn:
Davis dives into the details of what it means to be vegan, and how to do it the right way. She also shares insights from a comparative study following cohorts of plant-based eaters from Taiwan, the US, and the UK.
Press play to hear the full conversation and check out one of Davis’s 13 books on all things plant-based eating and health.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The link between a keto diet and weight loss is very well known, but can this approach to nutrition really be used to heal chronic disease? Dr. David Jockers believes it can. David is functional nutrition counselor, popular guest on The Dr. Oz Show, and the author of Keto Metabolic Breakthrough and The Fasting Transformation. His natural health website receives over a million views per month from people curious about keto and natural health.
Tune in to discover:
After suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome to the point of becoming quite underweight for his height, David began to experiment with adhering to a ketogenic diet. After receiving a skin cancer diagnosis, he got even more serious about tackling the issue of nutrition. The results of these personal experiments not only changed his life; they continue to change the lives of the people he educates every day.
What do inexpensive cooking oils, pesticides, and factory farmed meat have in common? They all cause inflammation and inflammation causes chronic diseases, like cancer. According to Dr. Jockers, cancer cells thrive when they are feeding on glucose. When we eat carbohydrates, those carbs are converted into glucose, which feeds cancer cells. Removing carbohydrates and feeding our healthy cells with ketones means starvation for cancer.
Cancer is not the only ailment that may need to look out for the keto approach to nutrition. Stress is at an all-time high throughout the world today and it can take a major toll on a person’s digestive health. A ketogenic diet in combination with a healthy exercise routine and natural herbal supplementation can promote bile flow and a healthy environment within the stomach, without using commonly prescribed acid bocking medications.
For more information visit https://drjockers.com/
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Humans are social creatures, and despite the fact that many of us live together in large groups, there are still issues of isolation. How does the development of sustainable public places foster connections and create opportunities for interaction, inclusivity, and community building – ultimately enhancing the well-being and social cohesion of urban populations? Mark Lakeman joins the podcast to explain…
Mark is the founder of The City Repair Project and the principal and design director of Communitecture. Using urban design and placemaking, permaculture and ecological building, encouraging community interaction, he is committed to developing human and ecological communities.
Are you ready to explore the future of urban living and the role you can play in creating a more connected and sustainable world? Dive in now to learn how sustainable public spaces can transform neighborhoods, revitalize communities, and combat social isolation!
In this episode, we cover:
To follow along with Mark and his intriguing work, click here. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the Paleo diet suitable for everyone? Despite the popularity of fad diets, you may be surprised at how to actually see results. Listen in to learn:
Robb Wolf, a former research biochemist and a two-time New York Times and WSJ Best Selling author, shares the latest dietary health and fitness info.
Even though diets may be touted as widely effective, everyone functions differently and can benefit from more variability in the diet space. If a diet is not working for an individual, there may be underlying causes other than lack of discipline.
For many of us, the most benefits can be found by combining many effective components of a range of diets. However, for one important takeaway, an emphasis on good-quality sleep and eating protein first in a meal are widely effective.
Visit https://robbwolf.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Curious about an effective keto diet plan? Then you might be one of the one billion Ben Azadi has been trying to reach. Listen in as he shares years of experience and the finer points of Ketogenic diet side effects and health benefits.
He addresses:
Ben Azadi is founder of Keto Kamp and an expert on the ketogenic diet meal plan. He's also a health coach and personal trainer. He brings these together to help clients focus on the best practice for integrating the ketogenic diet food list, intermittent fasting, and healthful choices along the way.
His fascination with the approach started after his own struggles with weight that lead to a dramatic weight loss that left him as one of those "fit sick people" who only focused on weight loss. He spent every available minute researching and learned enough to transform his health through a well-balanced approach to the ketogenic life.
He now wants to help others get to the same place and shares several suggestions for listeners, including common mistakes that can sabotage success. For example, he talks about the importance of transitioning slowly to the diet rather than an extreme approach that often leads to failure. He addresses how to ease into intermittent fasting so it's not like trying to marathon without any training.
He also explains some key considerations such as appropriate and helpful lab work, means of assessing how your body is doing, and the importance of understanding electrolytes and the roll of "bitter" foods in liver function. If you are curious about the ketogenic approach and want to get a fuller picture, this conversation fits the bill.
For more about his work and his Keto Kamp program, see benazadi.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What is missing when it comes to Western medicine’s standard approach to treating chronic health problems? Dr. Will Cole, author of Intuitive Fasting: The Flexible Four-Week Intermittent Fasting Plan to Recharge Your Metabolism and Renew Your Health, grew up watching his loved ones battle autoimmune disorders. Now, he is leading a movement to change the way we treat chronic diseases using functional medicine.
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Cole looks beyond simple numbers and lab results in order to treat the whole patient and not just their current symptoms. His natural and holistic approach often utilizes functional medicine nutrition, intuitive eating intermittent fasting, and a hormonal imbalance diet. Understanding autoimmune thyroid disease, for example, and which foods can prompt the body to produce its own thyroid hormones can avoid unnecessary dependence on medications and highlight the importance of lifestyle in disease treatment.
Intuitively intermittent fasting combined with a mostly plant based high fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrate diet has been shown to support the metabolic process and protect against insulin resistance and digestive problems symptoms. Dr. Cole’s four-week plan makes the benefits of fasting and eating a plant based ketogenic diet accessible to beginners who may want to treat specific issues, improve their overall health, or both. Embracing functional medicine education can provide those suffering from chronic illness with a way to take their health and their personal power back into their own hands.
To learn more or book a consult visit https://drwillcole.com/
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Christianity has a rich and diverse history in the United States. With so many different traditions and nationalities serving as the foundation of the early church, historians are constantly uncovering new and exciting facts about Christianity's influence on the nation's cultural, social, and political development.
What have these discoveries revealed about the modern American religious landscape? Dr. Elesha J. Coffman joins us to explore the factors contributing to the complex tapestry of faith we see today…
Dr. Coffman is a Professor of History at Baylor University and an author of religion and media in American culture. In this conversation, we discuss her latest publication, Turning Points in American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped a Nation and a Faith, which outlines the evolution of American Christianity from the colonial period to the present.
Click play to find out:
Want to learn more about Dr. Coffman and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Archaeology offers profound insights into the history of our civilization. With each artifact uncovered, our understanding becomes clearer and more apparent. But what significance does the year 1177 BCE hold for human society and its collapse? Dr. Eric H. Cline joins the podcast to shed light on this pivotal moment…
Dr. Cline is a Professor of Classics, History, and Anthropology at George Washington University, a classical and biblical archaeologist, and an ancient historian. His research focuses on biblical archaeology, the military history of the Mediterranean world, the Bronze Age Aegean, and more.
Well-renowned in his field as a National Geographic Explorer, Fulbright scholar, NEH Public Scholar, Getty Scholar, and award-winning author, Dr. Cline is on a mission to uncover history’s greatest mysteries. What can his work tell us about the distant past? Dive in now to find out!
In this episode, we discuss:
To learn more about Dr. Cline’s work with ancient history, click here. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Artificial intelligence and data automation have taken the world by storm. As these tools continue to develop and evolve, businesses are constantly discovering new ways to use them for greater efficiency. In this discussion, we chat with Michael Greenberg about the game-changing impact of AI and automation on enhancing business productivity. Could this be the future of workflow as we know it? Join us now to see for yourself!
Michael Greenberg is the founder and CEO of Third Brain Automation and an expert in streamlining workflows for independent professionals and remote employees. By integrating and automating business processes, Michael and his team have helped countless high-growth organizations achieve optimal performance – and they’re only just beginning to see the full potential of what AI and automation can accomplish…
Click play to find out:
Click here to learn more about Third Brain Automation, and here to connect with Michael’s personal website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Can we transform how society consumes energy? What role does water desalination play in resource management? Join us as Mark Holtzapple, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University, shares his innovative approach to scientific sustainability…
Mark has been teaching, researching, and serving at Texas A&M for nearly 29 years. His interests include biomass fuels and chemicals, food and feed processing, water desalination, high-efficiency air conditioning, high-efficiency engines, and more.
Dedicated to the development of sustainable and renewable technologies, Mark is on a mission to redefine how vital resources are produced and consumed. How is his latest research contributing to this vision? Click play to see for yourself!
In this episode, we dive into:
You can find out more on Dr. Holtzapple and his fascinating work here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we are rejoined by Bob Walters to discuss the fast-paced nature of our society and the intricacies of cultural Christianity. Coming from a Biblical perspective, Bob has been growing in his faith for over 20 years. Now, he writes, edits, serves, and teaches in the Christian community – on a mission to bring God’s word to as many people as possible.
Drawing from his journalism and public relations background, Bob writes a weekly blog called Common Christianity. In this conversation, we delve into one of his latest columns, “What Atheism Means.” Here, he introduces a famous atheist who wants freedom and meaning without God while knowing Christ is necessary to our culture.
Can life have purpose and meaning without the existence of a higher power? How does humanity’s self-centeredness impact our collective worldview? Join us now to see for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
Learn more about Bob and his writing by visiting his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Fear and anxiety plague our society, affecting nearly 20% of Americans. Achieving progress may seem insurmountable, but what if it's easier than we think? Daniel Packard, a UC Berkeley Mechanical Engineer and CEO of Permanent Anxiety Solutions, joins us in exploring this important topic.
Daniel has had his own painful journey with mental health. Using his experiences to encourage others, he set out on a mission to develop a permanent solution for anxiety. 8 years and more than a million dollars of research and testing later, Daniel and his team succeeded in reverse-engineering a process that solves all types of anxiety permanently – and with a tremendous 90% success rate.
Join us now as Daniel exposes the hidden truths the mental health industry doesn’t want you to know, the real reasons behind your persistent fear and anxiety, and how overcoming anxiety is not only achievable, but also remarkably simple. Click play to uncover these life-changing insights!
In this discussion, we go over:
You can learn more about Daniel and his cutting-edge work by visiting his website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. As an expert in childhood injuries, obesity, and physical activity, Dr. Warsh has shared his insight by publishing various research findings in peer-reviewed journals. He has also been featured in numerous documentaries, films, summits, podcasts, and articles – highlighting his comprehensive approach to pediatric wellness…
Join in now to find out:
Dr. Warsh’s latest book, Parenting at Your Child's Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years, is set to be released in August 2024. Here, he provides readers with accessible and evidence-based guidance that addresses the unique realities of parenting today.
Whether you are expecting a new baby or currently caring for a young child, this conversation will surely provide invaluable pediatric health advice. Click play to learn more about holistically raising the next generation!
To learn more about Dr. Warsh, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we are joined by Dr. Joel Pash, the co-founder of Upsize, a series of clinics dedicated to safe and effective enhancement procedures. With over ten years of experience in the cosmetic and injectable field, Dr. Pash is committed to providing safe and effective enhancement services to men across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada…
Dr. Pash is a pioneer in a field that is often misunderstood. He advocates for accurate and reliable information – focusing on medically sound techniques while prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction. Are you ready to debunk myths and clear up common misconceptions about enlargement techniques? Tune in to our fascinating conversation with Dr. Pash now!
Click play to learn about:
Click here to find out more about Dr. Pash and his work with Upsize!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with Donald Summers to discuss his latest book, Scaling Altruism: A Proven Pathway for Accelerating Nonprofit Growth and Impact. As the Founder and CEO of Altruist Partners, Donald and his firm have spearheaded over one hundred successful accelerations for nonprofits and social enterprises – from local to global levels, across education, human services, health, environmental reform, and public media sectors…
Are you ready to gain practical guidance on how to turn nonprofit organizations into social problem-solving machines? Whether you are a funder or a graduate student aspiring to work in the nonprofit space, this conversation is sure to provide you with invaluable insights and actionable strategies to facilitate exciting social change efforts.
Jump in now to explore:
Want to learn more about Donald and his work with Altruist Partners? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we dive into the fascinating world of forest physiology with Lucy Penn Kerhoulas, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management at Cal Poly Humboldt.
How do trees and forests use water? How does human activity affect these crucial ecosystems? Lucy joins us to explain…
Jump in to explore:
Lucy gathers information on the coniferous forests of the western U.S. using various methods. From tree climbing to measuring gas exchange and stable isotopes of wood, she is dedicated to discovering how water use and carbon storage impact forest systems – and how to preserve these vital ecosystems for generations to come.
Want to learn more about Lucy and her research? Click here to follow along!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Dobri Kiprov, an internationally renowned pioneer and expert in Therapeutic Apheresis, immunotherapy, long-term COVID-19, and age-related disorders. As the founder and president of Global Apheresis, Inc., Dr. Kiprov brings more than 30 years of experience to the field of Therapeutic Apheresis – the process of separating the cellular and soluble components of blood using a machine.
Dr. Kiprov served two terms on the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) board of directors and created its first educational video program. Additionally, he was the first physician to take and pass the Hemapheresis Practitioner Exam (ASCP). Want to learn more about Dr. Kiprov's groundbreaking work and his contributions to the field of apheresis? Tune in to this episode for an in-depth conversation…
Jump in now to discover:
To find out more about Dr. Kiprov, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms returns to the podcast to discuss food preservation, self-sufficiency, homesteading, and more. Dawn has been a homesteader since 1992, and she is a mother to nine children, a farmer, nurse, artist, cheesemaker, canner, soapmaker, and beekeeper.
Dawn is on a mission to share her knowledge of self-sustainability with others – and she does this both in person and online with her YouTube channel.
Nestled on 30 acres of land with her family, Dawn immerses herself in the practices of gardening, goat rearing, beekeeping, and chicken care. Tune in as Dawn reflects on her journey through the "pantry challenge" – illuminating how it propelled her to explore the realms of canning, mindful food consumption, and sustainable practices…
In this episode, we cover:
Discover more about Dawn and her remarkable work by clicking here!
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Farming is a skill that requires hands-on training – but what if you don’t have access to the resources to learn for yourself? Thanks to people like Emma Torbert, this type of education is available to the students of UC Davis who are interested in sustainable agriculture…
As the Market Garden Manager and Educator for the Student Farm at UC Davis, Emma plays a major role in facilitating farming principles that are regenerative and sustainable. This is all done on a 9-acre mixed vegetable farm that sells its produce through a pop-up farm stand, the UC Davis Dining Service, a 110-member CSA, and the campus farmers market.
Tune in now to discover:
You can find out more about Emma and her work with the Student Farm by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What is the most sustainable and economic way to farm? Eddy Badrina of Eden Green Technology may have the answer to this million-dollar question…
Eden Green Technology is a company that uses vertical farming technology to produce more food while simultaneously using less energy, space, and water. As the CEO of this innovation-driven company, Eddy is instrumental in bringing this technology to retailers, researchers, cities, and governments across the globe…
Click play to explore:
Want to learn about innovative farming technology from an individual at the forefront of the industry? Tune in now to find out!
To connect with Eddy and his work with Eden Green Technology, visit www.edengreen.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in today’s podcast is Karis Johnston, a farmer in the Dallas-metro area that sells her goods at various local farmer’s markets around Texas. Karis sits down to discuss her lifestyle as a nurse-turned-farmer and the benefits of ingesting fresh foods from local sources.
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What can you do to improve your diet with refined eating habits? Karis joins us to answer this question and others like it in this enlightening episode about sustainable farming!
To learn more about Karis and her farming methods visit here and here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Agriculture is a vital part of our society’s health and welfare. Without it, our civilization wouldn't exist as it currently does – and it's all made possible by hard-working farmers.
Addressing his own background in agriculture is Joel Salatin – an author, farmer, and lecturer who raises livestock on his Polyface Farm in Virginia. Joel has been an integral part of regenerative agriculture for decades. He has also authored 15 books where he outlines the benefits of local food systems, small farms, and “the right to opt-out of the conventional food paradigm”.
Listen now to hear Joel discuss:
What is the future of food production in these uncertain times? Tune in now to find out!
Click here to learn more about Joel Salatin and his role in innovative agriculture.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PueipI
In this episode, we are joined by Paul Shapiro. Paul Shapiro is the CEO of The Better Meat Co., the author of the national bestseller Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World, a four-time TEDx speaker, and the host of the Business for Good Podcast.
The Better Meat Co. is a business that manufactures meat without animals, bringing to life a mission that Paul is committed to: weaning humanity off of the addiction of raising and slaughtering animals for food.
Listen in to explore:
Could this be the future of meat production? What role does this play in mitigating the environmental problems that factory farming contributes to? Tune in now to find out!
You can learn more about The Better Meat Co. by visiting www.bettermeat.co.
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What makes weeds so difficult to control? Since they grow in such close proximity to crops, methods of control can be challenging to perfect.
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Eric Gallandt, a Professor of Weed Ecology at the University of Maine, shares his work revolutionizing the world of physical weed control.
Weeds have been a problem for farmers since the dawn of agriculture. However, with more technology and information available than ever before, new technology has revolutionized the weeding and planting process.
Physical weeding techniques have seen more advancement in recent years since chemical methods have been shown to be damaging. With emerging robotic technologies, more organic crops can be produced, all while causing less harm to the planet.
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In this episode, we discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and its effects with Nathaniel Mead, an epidemiologist, public health research scientist, and science editor. Trained in nutritional epidemiology, Nathaniel Mead shares his expertise with the medical and scientific communities through editing and writing, research synthesis and interpretation, public speaking, and more…
Since 2002, Nathaniel has served on the editorial board for Integrative Cancer Therapies. He also has over 40 scientific papers on PubMed, with articles published in Environmental Health Perspectives, International Journal of Cancer, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, The Breast Journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies, and Cancer Treatment Reviews.
Join the conversation to find out:
Want to learn more about Nathaniel and his research? Click here to dive in
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Edward Chancellor, a financial historian, journalist, and investment strategist. He is the author of Devil Take Hindmost: A History of Financial Speculation, and The Price of Time, books that dive into the stock market, economic growth, rising inequality, elevated debt levels, the pensions crisis, and more.
In addition to his larger works, Edward is also a columnist writing for Reuters Breakingviews and a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, MoneyWeek, the New York Review of Books and Financial Times. What has 30 years of experience in the financial sector taught Edward about economic history and investment opportunities? He joins the podcast to explain…
In this conversation, we explore:
To learn more about Edward and his ongoing work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do our crop production systems work in tandem with plant pathology to form the best farming techniques? By focusing on disease control and sustainable farming techniques, better production techniques can be developed. Press play to learn:
Don M. Huber, a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, shares his life of work and research on plant pathology and crop production techniques.
Farming at every level requires an understanding of techniques that allows food production to work in concert with nature to optimize the processes.
buy flexeril online buy flexeril over the counter online pharmacyWhile not all techniques are sustainable, crop rotation is one of the most prevalent and significantly beneficial techniques available to producers. buy udenafil online buy udenafil over the counter online pharmacyRecognizing the dynamic between all aspects of production is vital since everything from pathogens to nutrition can drastically alter the efficacy of farming.
buy fildena online buy fildena over the counter online pharmacyNamely, the nutrition in the soil and available for future years is critical and can ensure a successful future.To learn more, a great resource is a best-selling book: Mineral Nutrition and Plant Disease.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we connect with Dr. Momo Vuyisich, the Founding CSO and Head of Clinical Research at Viome Life Sciences. Boasting more than 25 years of R&D experience in biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics, Dr. Vuyisich is an entrepreneur-scientist on a mission to turn scientific discoveries into technologies that improve humanity – and build a healthier future free of chronic diseases and cancers…
Dr. Vuyisich is a microbiologist and biochemist with skills spanning diverse biological fields, technology development and commercialization, drug discovery, biotech start-ups, and more. Drawing from his unique background, Dr. Vuyisich contributes to Viome’s primary goal of preventing/curing chronic diseases and cancers and slowing down aging.
How is Viome challenging the current medical-healthcare industrial paradigm and pushing the boundaries of modern science? Tune in to see for yourself!
Jump in now to learn about:
To follow along with Dr. Vuyisich’s work with Viome, click here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hurewitz, the author of Sell Like a Spy: The Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage and a policy advisor on National Security for the Joseph Rainey Center. Building his career around former CIA case officers, FBI agents, and other intelligence operatives, Jeremy is an espionage expert who believes that we can learn more about communication and the art of influence from spies – and use them to our advantage in real-life situations.
By tapping into his diverse background, Jeremey dives into corporate sales and security to teach us how to build relationships, persuade others, and sell anything. Are you ready to learn how to better connect, entice, and make deals in business and everyday life? Tune in now to sharpen your skills and equip yourself with the knowledge of a bonafide spy…
In this discussion, we cover:
To learn more about Jeremy and the Sell Like a Spy program, click here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can high-risk health conditions such as cancer and heart disease be prevented by taking essential fatty acids plus specific vitamins and minerals? Brian Peskin, the world’s “leading physiologic EFA expert,” joins the podcast to discuss the role of essential fatty acids in the body’s metabolic pathways and how to take charge of your health.
Brian understands science and systems very well. With an MIT degree in Electrical Engineering, he is highly knowledgeable in complex mathematics, engineering and physics, probability and statistics, and biochemistry and physiology. His diverse background has led him to develop an incredibly unique perspective on health and nutrition — and even a way to conquer cancer…
Jump in now to find out:
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the biology and the individual behavior of trees with Dr. Chuck Cannon, a Senior Scientist in Ecological Evolution at The Morton Arboretum. As an expert in forest evolution, wildlife, and conservation, Dr. Cannon brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the Arboretum. Currently, his work focuses on two primary research questions:
In addition to diving into these questions, we explore:
Want to learn more about Dr. Cannon and his fascinating work with trees? Click here now!
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Ken McCarthy returns to the podcast to share his insights and strategies for leveraging digital marketing opportunities. With decades of experience in the business world, Ken uses his diverse background to help others succeed in their professional endeavors. What makes his approach unique? He joins us to explain…
Ken is an internationally recognized activist, educator, and entrepreneur who has been pioneering internet-based direct response strategies since the early '90s. He employs evidence-based protocols to identify different types of audiences and capture their attention. This direct marketing tactic has helped countless businesses attract, maintain, and grow their client base. Today, Ken joins us to share his secrets!
In this conversation, we explore:
Want to find out more about Ken and his important work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with William Sargent, a NOVA consultant and the winner of the Boston Globe's Winship Award. He joins us in this episode to discuss his work as a renowned author and scientist covering subjects such as marine biology, fishing, diving, underwater photography, global warming, and more.
William has written a whopping 27 books about science and the environment. These include World on Edge: Covid-19, Climate Change, Ukraine and Solutions, and Storm Surge: A Coastal Village Battles the Rising Atlantic. His distinct insight is informed by years of research and personal interaction with the issues he tackles…
In this episode, you will learn about:
William is determined to bridge the gap between science and storytelling – and the success he has achieved is fascinating. Wondering how his work has contributed to scientific narratives around the world? Tune in now!
To find out more about William and his work, click here now!
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Today we connect with Judith Curry to discuss various climate change issues. As a renowned climatologist and former chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Judith’s research covers a range of topics; but her views on climate change are not necessarily considered mainstream…
Over the years, Judith has published over a hundred scientific papers and co-edited several major works. While she accepts that the planet is warming, she is skeptical about whether or not it is human-generated – and asserts that trying to reduce emissions may be pointless.
So what is climate change being caused by, and is the mainstream narrative accurate? Judith sits down to address this and much more!
In this episode, we cover:
To find out more about Judith and her work, click here now!
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Ice is an important facet of Earth’s climate system. Since ice affects our climate and sea levels, understanding the way ice sheets develop and change over time helps us better predict the future of our planet. So, what are researchers finding? Dr. Alexander Robel joins the podcast to enlighten us…
Dr. Robel is an Assistant Professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech University, and serves as the head of the Ice and Climate research group. By studying the causes of ice sheet change, Dr. Robel is on a mission to develop conceptual, mathematical, and computational tools to predict future changes..
In this episode, we talk about:
Want to learn more about Dr. Robel and his research? Click here now!
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Joining us today to address issues surrounding climate science is William Happer. William is the Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics, Emeritus, at Princeton University. He is also a long-term member of the JASON advisory group, where he played an integral role in the development of adaptive optics.
As a pioneer in the world of physics, William has focused his research on atomic physics, optics, and spectroscopy. This greatly informs his approach to topics such as climate change – giving him the scientific tools necessary to disprove any inaccurate claims being made by politicians and scientists alike…
Join the discussion now to learn more about:
While this is certainly a dividing issue, making your mind up for yourself is important. Tune in to learn about this subject from an alternative perspective!
To learn more about William and his work, click here now!
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Joining us in this episode to discuss climate science is Andrew Dessler. Andrew is the Director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies. He is also a Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and holder of the Reta A. Haynes Chair in Geoscience at Texas A&M University.
Andrew wants to know how climate change is going to affect humans in the future. In order to unpack this area of interest, he spends his time researching topics such as climate change policy, climate impacts, atmospheric chemistry, and global climate physics.
Tune in now to uncover:
So, what will the future hold for humans as the climate continues to transform? What can we do to prepare for a warmer future? Andrew answers these questions and others like them in this insightful conversation about climate change!
Click here to learn more about Andrew and his work as a climate scientist!
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Are the factors affecting air temperature what we previously thought? Based on physical evidence, there may be different culprits at hand. Listen in to learn:
Patrick Frank, Scientific Affiliate at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, shares his experience researching climate change, the real reasons behind it, and the possible consequences.
In recent years, the story of climate change has been centered on greenhouse gasses and a few other key factors. However, these factors may be based on errored evidence.
Even with extensive modeled evidence and published studies, the evidence may be more akin to statistics than science. Due to this, the real causes and effects of climate change and rising air temperature may vary from what we have been told.
To learn more, visit https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/a-climate-of-belief/
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Has climate change permanently shifted biodiversity, or can we make a course correction? While we may have done irreparable damage in some areas, we may still be able to fight the effects of climate change.
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Luisa Diele-Viegas, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Federal University of Alagoas, shares her work researching how climate change has affected biodiversity.
Much of the focus of the effects of climate change has focused on its impact on humans. However, if we take a closer look, the effects on biodiversity may be more severe than we initially thought.
Since many animals have adopted behaviors to shield themselves from higher temperatures, they may not be able to carry out the resource gathering and reproduction necessary to sustain their species. If we cannot correct some of the damage already done, entire ecosystems may be changed for the worse.
To learn more, search for Diele-Viegas LM on social media.
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In this episode, we connect once again with Benson Agbortogo, an investor, profit consultant, and the author of The Business System that Never Fails: How To Build A Business With God's Blessing. He is also the founder of Consistent Profit Tree, an institution that helps business owners and entrepreneurs in the construction and service industry generate more profit while working fewer hours.
Benson is on a mission to eradicate poverty using Christ-centered principles. Since moving to the United States from Africa more than 20 years ago, he has helped countless individuals achieve both personal and professional goals. Now, he is joining us to discuss the “Four Dimensions of Vision” – a useful framework designed to help people make decisions and evaluate them in the context of their lives…
Tune in now to learn:
Get started on your journey to personal and professional growth by visiting the Consistent Profit Tree website or scheduling an appointment with Benson here!
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Peter A. McCullough to discuss the harmful SARS-CoV-2s pike protein and how to detoxify it from your body. Dr. McCullough is an internist, cardiologist, epidemiologist, and the President of the McCullough Foundation who brings science-backed information to the COVID narrative.
Is the vaccine dangerous? What health complications are vaccinated individuals facing? Dr. McCullough, who has been skeptical of the COVID crisis from the beginning, has conducted thorough research and developed the “McCullough Protocol” to successfully treat countless patients. Now, he is addressing the concerns associated with vaccine-related injuries – and you may be surprised to see what he’s found…
Jump in to learn about:
You can find out more about Dr. McCullough and the McCullough Foundation by clicking here.
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Today, we are joined by Courtney Stairs to discuss the fascinating world of protists. These unique organisms, which are neither animals, land plants, fungi, nor bacteria, represent a vastly unexplored biomass on our planet – and Courtney is on a mission to learn as much as she can about them…
Courtney focuses her research on discovering how microbial eukaryotes – a.k.a “protists” – have evolved to thrive in low-oxygen environments. How do they thrive in challenging ecosystems? What does this tell us about how different organisms communicate and interact? Tune in now to expand your scientific knowledge!
In this conversation, we explore:
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In this episode, we are joined by Matthew M. Kurtz, an associate professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where he is also Chair of the Neuroscience and Behavior Program.
Publishing over 50 academic papers and chapters on topics related to cognition and rehabilitation in schizophrenia, Matthew is at the forefront of cutting-edge treatment for the severely mentally ill. He is also the author of Schizophrenia and Its Treatment: Where Is the Progress?, a book that analyzes how diagnostic classifications and core pathology views limit schizophrenia treatment – advocating for individually tailored, multimodal treatments for distinct disorder features…
Dive in to learn about:
How has Matthew’s research impacted the conventional treatment of neuropsychological deficits in schizophrenia? Click play to see for yourself!
You can find out more about Matthew’s work with the Schizophrenia Cognition Lab here.
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pisode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Meet Scott Frohman, the CEO and founder of Odyssey Elixir. Scott is an entrepreneur with a passion for health and wellness. What began as an exploration of adaptogenic mushrooms turned into an all-out business venture when he realized the powerful results they produced. Now, he is on a mission to share these discoveries with the world – and the results are inspiring…
Scott has been involved in the natural products industry for years, so he knows a good supplement when he sees one. By harnessing the power of functional mushrooms, he has brought euphoria, clarity, and lasting energy to the wellness routines of many. What sets Odyssey Elixir apart from other energy beverage lines? Tune in to see for yourself!
Offer: Odyssey’s beverages offer holistic support with organic, delicious drinks infused with adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps, promoting Energy, Endurance, Focus, Immunity, and Mood. Enjoy flavors like passion fruit, orange, guava, and blackberry, and get 15% off your first order. Shop Now: odysseyelixir.comIn this conversation, we cover:
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What physiological responses do trees have to environmental factors? By “chasing carbon dioxide molecules around,” John Seiler has gained fascinating insights into the world of tree physiology, and he joins us to share his knowledge…
Dr. John Seiler is a Professor and Tree Physiology Specialist at Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment. Here, he studies the environmental stress that affects woody plant physiology, including water and pollutant stresses. From soil health to photosynthesis, Dr. Seiler is on a mission to better understand how trees adapt to and survive under various environmental conditions – ultimately contributing to the sustainability and health of our forests.
Dive in now to explore:
Want to learn more about the nature of trees and their environments? To find out more on Dr. Seiler, click here now!
pisode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever taken a sip of water and immediately regretted it because it tasted awful? What about the water that tastes good but isn't good for you? What makes water drinkable?
All your questions about water quality and contamination will be answered in this episode, where we’re joined by Peter J. Vikesland, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. Over his decades-long career, his work has revolved primarily around drinking water treatment and contaminant remediation.
Tune in to explore:
Interested in learning more?
Press play and visit Peter J. Vikesland | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Virginia Tech (vt.edu).
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Joining us today to discuss water desalination is Michael Geitner, a Ph.D. Student Researcher at Pennsylvania State University. With a passion for chemical engineering, Michael wants to uncover new and improved desalination technologies – and revolutionize water treatment altogether.
What are the benefits of water desalination? How are researchers enhancing how it’s done? Michael sits down to explain…
In this podcast, you will learn:
Want to find out more about Michael and his work? Click here now!
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Gary Conley, the Chief Scientist at 2NDNATURE, joins the podcast to discuss how he uses his expertise in hydrology, pollution dynamics, and applied math to tackle water pollution problems. With a goal of improving watershed stewardship and reducing the cost of clean water in US communities, Gary draws from nearly 20 years of experience in his field to mitigate the challenges of water pollution…
2NDNATURE is a company that designs and builds software to simplify stormwater resource management, planning, and reporting. Want to know how 2NDNATURE is helping the water quality in US communities? Listen now to learn for yourself!
In this episode, we cover:
To discover more about 2NDNATURE and their work, visit www.2ndnaturewater.com now!
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Dr. Oded Nir joins the podcast today to discuss his work in water treatment and resource recovery. As the lab director of the Nir Water Lab in Israel, Dr. Nir works to eliminate water pollution in order to mitigate damage to human health and the environment.
Impaired water quality can cause a vast array of problems, and Dr. Nir is intent on improving this issue in an effort to facilitate a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants…
In this episode, you will discover:
By encouraging a more sustainable and circular economy, Dr. Nir is contributing much to the field of environmental research. Want to know how he is protecting fresh water and food for future generations? Dive in to find out now!
Click here to connect with Dr. Nir’s research at Nir Water Lab!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast to discuss water desalination is Mark Holtzapple. Mark is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University where he researches technologies that improve sustainability.
With close to 30 years of experience as a researcher, Mark is constantly finding new ways to turn waste into useful products. So what’s his take on obtaining fresh water from saltwater?
In this episode, you will learn about:
Imagine a world where freshwater is as plentiful as seawater… With the work that researchers like Mark Holtzapple are doing, this idea may be more realistic than you may think!
To find out more about Mark Holtzapple and his work, you can visit gfrc.tamu.edu.
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We often take our resources for granted – especially water. It’s not often that we think about the importance of treatment methods that help us reuse water to avoid the potential of water scarcity.
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Paul R. Frail, the Technical Leader at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions. SUEZ is a company that supplies water treatment chemicals that are designed to lengthen the lifespan of water-dependent machines like boilers, chillers, and cooling towers. They are doing this in an innovative way so that they can bring an environmentally conscious water treatment solution to the industrial sector.
Join us as Dr. Frail discusses:
You can find out more about SUEZ and its approach to water technology by visiting www.suezwatertechnologies.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MIwRF6
Is there something in the water? Or are there many different types of things in the water, depending on the source and location of the water…?
Explore the answer, and learn:
“Water across the United States is different, and we believe at Hydroviv that the filter should actually match the water,” says CEO, Eric Roy. He elaborates on how significant these differences are, and why.
It’s a labor-intensive task, but Hydroviv is doing it: Every time a customer submits an order through their website, a team of scientists begins investigating the water that is consumed by that specific customer, and building point-of-use filters that are optimized for it.
Customers are pleased—almost universally so.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Kim Shearer, MS, the Director of Collections and Curator at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. As an expert in trees, shrubs, and selective breeding, Kim strives to make the Arboretum’s mission a reality: to make the world a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place…
In order to keep the Arboretum thriving, Kim works to introduce plants with broad adaptability, disease resistance, and pest resistance. By exploring the intricacies of plant survival in controlled settings, Kim and her team specialize in cultivating breathtaking environments for others to enjoy and educate themselves on.
Dive in now to find out:
To learn more about Kim and her work with The Morton Arboretum, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we sit down with Kristen Jenson, the founder of Defend Young Minds and the #1 best-selling author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today’s Young Kids and Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds.
Kristen is on a mission to equip parents with the resources they need to raise empowered, resilient, screen-smart kids. Using Defend Young Minds as her platform, she is focused on developing a future where children know how to reject pornography.
By creating books, curricula, articles, guides, courses, and communities aimed at digital self-defense, Kristen and her team are adamantly defending young minds from the harms of pornography – and the results are staggering…
Jump in now to explore:
To learn more about Kristen and her work in this field, click here now!
In this episode, we discuss four-dimensional thinking with Dr. Jacob Kendall, the Founder of Kendall Enterprises, a speaker, and a facilitator for communities and businesses. With formal training and professional experience in gerontology, public health, social work, biology, and theology, Dr. Kendall is a true Renaissance man with a passion for optimizing healthcare experiences for all…
Dr. Kendall has lifelong experience managing his own medical care. With two open-heart surgeries, a congenital disorder, and various other issues, he grew tired of the healthcare system's shortcomings. Now, he has transformed his self-advocacy into a way to demystify healthcare so others can be better patients and caregivers.
Join the conversation now to learn about:
Are you ready to embrace a new approach to healthcare – challenging norms and seeking holistic solutions? Visit Dr. Kendall's website to dive deeper into his insights and start your journey toward reframing health for a better, more inclusive future.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Do pre and probiotics have healing and preventive powers? In an age of pharmaceutical solutions, finding sustainable and holistic health practices is critical. How can we leverage gut health to fight sickness and disease? Noelle Patno, the Chief Science Officer at Bened Life, sits down to explain…
Noelle has a Ph.D. and MS from the University of Chicago in molecular metabolism, nutrition, and translational sciences. She also has a BA in chemical engineering from Stanford University. With her work surrounding digestive health, the microbiome, and immune health, Noelle has designed and monitored clinical trials – resulting in publications on probiotics and prebiotics.
In this conversation, we discuss:
To learn more about Noelle and her work with Bened Life, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
CBD has been on the rise for years. Since it’s become widely available to consumers, the innovations have been endless. So, what are companies doing to stay at the cutting edge of CBD production and marketing? Jameson Rodgers joins the podcast to break it down.
Jameson is the Co-Founder of CBDfx, a company that is dedicated to delivering the finest, purest, and most effective CBD products to new and experienced users alike. Launched in 2014, CBDfx is on a mission to make the remarkable wellness benefits of CBD accessible to as many people as possible…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!
In this conversation, you will discover:
To learn more about Jameson’s work with CBDfx, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Glucose is in a vast array of the food we eat. From fruit to sweet corn, these types of foods can be a healthy part of our diets – in moderation. So what happens when we ingest too much glucose? Dr. Richard Jacoby, one of the country's leading peripheral nerve surgeons, joins us to explain…
Dr. Jacoby is the author of Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health, a book that outlines the link between sugar, inflammation, and a host of preventable chronic diseases. Drawing from his extensive background in medicine, he is on a mission to help people take control of their own health.
What makes Dr. Jacoby’s perspective on health and wellness so unique? Click play to find out!
In this episode, we cover:
Want to learn more about Dr. Jacoby and his work? You can visit his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Physical Therapist and international yoga leader Lara Heimann to discuss her distinct approach to yoga education. With more than 25 years of experience with yoga, Lara is on a mission to reinvent the practice by helping people find freedom through smarter, safer, and more conscious movement patterns.
buy zithromax online buy zithromax over the counter online pharmacyThrough the development of Lara's Yoga Training (LYT) Method, Lara has helped countless students improve their practice. She does this by emphasizing sustainable, freeing, and efficient movements…
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The LYT Method seeks to empower people by expanding their bodies and minds. Wondering how Lara achieves this? Join us now!
Want to learn more about Lara and her work with LYT Yoga?
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Ken McCarthy joins once again to discuss an intriguing topic that carries significant controversy: John F. Kennedy’s worldview and assassination. As the author of John F. Kennedy Anti-Imperialist: His Character and Intentions Revealed in Five Speeches and One Telegram, Ken is on a mission to shed light on the importance of Kennedy’s fundamental but strangely overlooked point of view…
Jump in to discover:
Ken has devoted much of his life to exposing mass corruption that the mainstream media hides – and his work only continues to evolve. Are you ready to uncover the truth with one of the country’s most impactful activists, educators, entrepreneurs, and Internet commercialization pioneers? Join the conversation now!
To find out more about Ken and his important work, click here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are molten salt reactors, and how are they transforming the nuclear industry? In this episode, we delve into the latest developments of atomic energy with Dr. Matthew Memmott, an associate professor in the chemical engineering department at Brigham Young University.
Dr. Memmott's research focuses on advanced nuclear reactor design, nuclear safety, and system modeling. Currently, he is honing in on molten salt micro-reactor technology – with an emphasis on fission products and transuranic bearing molten salts. Dr. Memmott also teaches fluid mechanics and introductory nuclear engineering at BYU.
Join us now to find out:
You can learn more about Dr. Matthew Memmott and his work here! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Research in the past has indicated that neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease are non-infectious. But what if it was possible to catch a brain infection? Joining us to discuss this fascinating topic is Dr. Or Shemesh, an expert working to build and utilize new technologies to study and reverse brain disease…
Dr. Shemesh is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Departments of Neurobiology and Bioengineering. Here, he works in a cutting-edge field called “Counter Disease Engineering” – otherwise known as a technological approach to understanding diseases of the nervous system.
In this conversation, we cover:
You can learn more about Dr. Shemesh and his work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles who specializes in Parenting, Wellness and Integrative Medicine. As an expert in childhood injuries, obesity, and physical activity, Dr. Warsh has shared his insight by publishing various research findings in peer-reviewed journals. He has also been featured in numerous documentaries, films, summits, podcasts, and articles – highlighting his comprehensive approach to pediatric wellness…
Join in now to find out:
Dr. Warsh’s latest book, Parenting at Your Child's Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years, is set to be released in August 2024. Here, he provides readers with accessible and evidence-based guidance that addresses the unique realities of parenting today.
Whether you are expecting a new baby or currently caring for a young child, this conversation will surely provide invaluable pediatric health advice. Click play to learn more about holistically raising the next generation!
To learn more about Dr. Warsh, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the anti-aging effects of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with Dr. Irina Conboy, a professor in the Department of Bioengineering at UC Berkeley. Her current research focuses on unraveling the key signal transduction pathways that regulate adult stem cell behavior – and understanding how these pathways change with age…
From synthetic biology to CRISPR technologies, Dr. Conboy has been working in the fields of aging and genetic diseases for decades. Is aging a disease that can be solved? If so, what role does TPE play in it? If you’re interested in the mysterious topic of human aging, this podcast is undoubtedly for you!
Jump in to find out:
You can follow along with Dr. Conboy and her lab’s work here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Marc Girardot joins us to discuss his innovative research on Bolus Theory. In his latest book, THE NEEDLE'S SECRET, Marc challenges the long-held beliefs associated with the scientific method, offering a new and unique perspective on the intersection of modern medicine and modern-day diseases…
Marc, a strategy consultant and member of PANDA, has authored several articles on COVID-19 and has actively participated in debates regarding natural immunity versus vaccine-induced immunity. His science-based perspective on the pandemic has impacted the lives of many individuals, educating them on the potential systematic public health risks associated with bolus injections.
Can some of the most perplexing and widespread health issues of our time be linked to the intravenous injection of vaccines? Tune in to find out for yourself!
In this conversation, we dive into:
Want to learn more about Marc and his work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with relaxation expert Craig Goldberg to discuss the benefits of sound therapy. As a Certified Vibroacoustic Therapist, Craig regularly hosts events and speaks on the Science of Mindfulness, the efficacy of Essential Oils, nutrition, and Living a Healthy Life.
Craig considers himself an evangelist for vibroacoustic therapy, and as the Co-Founder of inHarmony, he is on a mission to help people improve their health – all through science, technology & knowledge. If you’re seeking holistic advice on health, wellness, longevity, and biohacking, Craig is certainly the person to turn to…
Join us now to discover:
Want to find out more about Craig and his work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Harris, the author of What’s Wrong with My Child and America Is Infected. She sits down with us today to discuss her work as a researcher and entrepreneur – specifically her distinct take on autoimmune conditions.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field of wellness, Elizabeth is a science-minded business owner that is on a mission to educate medical professionals and other parents about her discoveries.
Currently working on her Master’s in Molecular Medicine, Elizabeth has dedicated her time to uncovering the strange disease that took her firstborn son’s life. Identified as a mysterious bacteria, she believes this could be the primary cause of an array of other ailments in America…
In this conversation, we cover:What is Elizabeth doing to get to the root of her family’s medical issues? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Jay Shah, the Chief Medical Officer at Aktiia. As a cardiologist by training and practice, Dr. Shah has developed extensive experience within the medical field – with expertise lying in the academic, clinical, and teaching environments.
After more than 10 years as a practicing medical professional, Dr. Shah was ready for something new. He was ready to impact more patients using his clinical experience in a different way. This is where Aktiia came into the picture…
Aktiia is a revolutionary company that is on a mission to empower both patients and providers to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of hypertension. This is a condition that affects nearly half of the American adult population, and more than 1 billion people worldwide.
Join us now to learn about:
Want to learn more about Dr. Shah and his work with Aktiia? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this interview, we explore schizophrenia and other complex mental health issues with Dr. Kelly Anderson, a Group Practice Owner at Wellness Therapy of San Diego. Trained as a generalist, Dr. Anderson has over 15 years of experience working with a diverse range of mental health conditions and providing high-quality, evidence-based psychological services to her clients.
Dr. Anderson accumulated both clinical and research experience working with clients suffering from various issues. This enabled her to effectively treat psychiatric concerns across an array of contexts. Drawing from her substantial experience as a mental health professional, she goes beyond symptom management – helping individuals achieve a sense of wellness and empowerment over their concerns.
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If you are interested in mental health and how to treat it, exploring Dr. Anderson's insights can offer valuable perspectives and strategies for understanding and addressing complex psychological conditions. Click play to listen now!
You can learn more about Dr. Anderson here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this podcast, we delve into the world of vegetable production, irrigation, and alternative cropping systems with Dr. Ted McAvoy, an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. Dr. McAvoy’s field research focuses on all aspects of vegetable production in Georgia – including variety performance, disease resistance, fertilizer, irrigation, and alternative crops.
Dr. McAvoy is on a mission to increase the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of crops using practical and data-driven recommendations. How does he accomplish this? Tune in now to see for yourself…
Jump in to discover:
To find out more about Dr. McAvoy and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Join us as we journey into the intriguing lives of owls, the only birds found across every continent except Antarctica, with each species uniquely adapted to its habitat.
Denver Holt is the founder and president of the Owl Research Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to comprehensive owl research, education, and conservation. Holt's passion takes him outdoors into their natural habitats, conducting exciting research and seeking sought-after insights through long-term, high-sample-size studies.
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Tune in to uncover the secrets of these fascinating birds and the dedicated efforts to study and preserve them.
You can learn more about Holt's work at Owl Research Institute.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you ready to reframe your law firm’s accounting experience and elevate your practice? In this episode, John Scott, CPA, AEP, joins us to discuss his understanding of the financial and accounting issues that law firms face today – and his unique approach to overcoming them…
John is the Head of Legal VCFO at Summit Virtual CFO by Anders and a Partner in Tax at Anders CPAS + Advisors. He has worked with Anders since the early 90s and has grown with the company to help clients achieve their goals while focusing on what matters most: reaching their highest potential.
In this conversation, we discuss:
To learn more about John and his work with Anders, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of cosmic geology with Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna, a planetary geologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida. From our Moon to asteroids, Dr. Donaldson Hanna’s work centers around airless celestial bodies – or any planetary body in our solar system without an atmosphere.
Dr. Donaldson Hanna's research methods are as fascinating as the celestial bodies she studies. She delves into the mysteries of airless bodies through telescopic observations, analysis and interpretation of both telescopic and spacecraft data, and even conducts laboratory measurements using remote sensing data.
Her expertise has been invaluable to various NASA missions, including her roles as a Co-Investigator on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment and a Participating Scientist on OSIRIS-REx.
Join us now to learn more about:
Don't miss the chance to delve deeper into the world of cosmic geology and learn more about the brilliant mind behind it all. Click here now to discover more about Dr. Donaldson Hanna and her exciting work!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Cate Shanahan, MD, joins us in this episode to discuss how vegetable oils affect the body. As a Cornell-trained physician-scientist, Dr. Cate’s work has inspired entire movements involving bone broth, live-culture ferments, and seed oil-free business empires – and she sits down to elaborate on some of her most intriguing discoveries…
In her latest book, Dark Calories: How Vegetable Oils Destroy Our Health and How We Can Get It Back, Dr. Cate shows readers how a group of eight little-known oils cause the cellular damage underlying nearly all chronic diseases, exposes the corruption that misleads doctors and consumers into using them, and provides a clear roadmap to recovery and rejuvenation.
Are you ready to reframe your understanding of vegetable oil and take control of your health? Join us now to get started!
In this conversation, we cover:
You can follow along with Dr. Cate and her work by visiting her website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Carol S. Henger, a former Postdoctoral Fellow in the Molecular Lab at the Wildlife Conservation Society. As a researcher who has used molecular approaches to conserve endangered species, she now teaches middle and high school students about DNA and genetics – a subject she fell in love with during her postdoc studies.
Carol is a Texan now living in New York who specializes in the ecology of coyotes in urban settings. Where are they coming from? What are they eating? How do they sustain themselves in such foreign environments? Tune in now as Carol educates us on the fascinating subjects of environmental science and wildlife monitoring…
In this conversation, we dig into:
To follow along with Carol and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Zeitz, a preventive medicine physician, epidemiologist, author, and award-winning champion of global justice and human rights. For more than 35 years, Dr. Zeitz has been advocating, campaigning, and leading political movements aimed at achieving collective repair, justice, and peace.
His latest crusade, #unifyUSA, was launched in 2023: a peaceful revolutionary political movement committed to co-creating a United States 2.0 through urgent constitutional renewal…
In his latest book, Revolutionary Optimism: Seven Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist, Dr. Zeitz shows readers how to break free from feelings of confusion, pessimism, and cynicism – and instead foster empowerment, resourcefulness, and inspiration.
From climate transformation to racial and gender equity, Dr. Zeitz has dedicated much of his career to helping others heal despite the conditions of our broken world. Want to find out how his work has influenced people across the globe? Join the conversation now!
Jump in to learn about:
To follow along with Dr. Zeitz and his important work, visit his website here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the American Dream fading as fast as people say it is? How are current real estate trends and the overall market contributing to the degradation of the U.S. economy? Brad Weisman, a Keller Williams Platinum Realty agent, joins the podcast to share his thoughts…
Brad has been a realtor since 1992. With more than 30 years of experience selling residential real estate in the surrounding Berks County, Pennsylvania area, he understands the magic of buying and selling homes better than most. On top of facilitating life-changing experiences for others, Brad is on a mission to provide exceptional, personalized service for all of his clients – and in this conversation, he gives us a glimpse of his unique approach to navigating today's challenging market conditions.
Tune in to explore:
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, invest in rental properties, or simply stay informed about the latest market trends, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert perspectives. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from an experienced professional in the industry!
To learn more about Brad and his work, visit his website here. You can also hear him hosting his own podcast here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of cold treatments with Timmy Håman, the founder of Prime Science. Hailing from Sweden and based in London, Timmy is an engineer with a master’s in Electrical Engineering and the Management and Economics of Innovation from Chalmers University of Technology.
Timmy's personal journey is one of struggle and triumph. Battling with fat accumulation in his early 20s, he embarked on a transformative path to reclaim his health. As he honed his performance in the gym, he discovered the power of cold exposure. This revelation sparked a mission within him-to share the transformative potential of cold therapy with others.
Whether you are just starting out with exercise or are looking for ways to improve your routine, this conversation is certainly worth listening to. Tune in now to learn more about:
You can find out more about Timmy and his work with Prime Science by clicking here!
Website link: https://primescience.co.uk/pages/main-page
Peak Performance Bar: https://primescience.co.uk/pages/peak-performance-bar
Blog posts:
Links to the different studies on the benefits of Palm Cooling:
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Join us in this episode as we welcome Shannon Race, the co-founder of Bio.me, for an enlightening discussion on gut health, dietary wellness, and more. Bio.me is a company that was born to help others integrate prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics into their diets in easy and straightforward ways. By taking a preventative approach to healing, Shannon and her team are on a mission to promote better digestion, microbiome balance, and gut repair – with science-backed products…
Shannon has suffered from gastrointestinal issues for as long as she can remember. By educating herself on the microbiome and how various symptoms manifest, she discovered a fresh perspective on what sustainable holistic health and wellness really look like.
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In this conversation, we dive into:
You can find out more about Shannon and her work with Bio.me by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
With technology rapidly improving, modern therapeutic devices are coming in many shapes and sizes.
Researchers are using all sorts of alternative approaches to healing the body – including sound frequencies. Joining us today to discuss his work in this intriguing field is James Bare, the inventor of the Rife and Bare System.
Trained as a chiropractor, James has always had an interest in electronics, resonances, and inventors that have made a difference in the world. By inventing the Rife-Bare Device, James is seeking to make a real impact on the medical world by utilizing the power of therapeutic frequencies…
Click play now to hear about:
To learn more about Rife-Bare devices for yourself, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of biodegradation with Professor Ramani Narayan of Michigan State University, an expert on polymer science and the interaction between microbes and plastics. Discover how bacteria and fungi use carbon as a vital source of food and energy, and what’s stopping them from consuming accumulated environmental plastic waste.
In this episode, we explore:
Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn more about Narayan’s work at Ramani Narayan | Michigan State University (msu.edu).
In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Beachum, a serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and co-founder of ResortShare. After achieving tremendous success in his business ventures, Brandon shifted his focus to his greatest passion: exploring consciousness and the "ultimate nature of reality." He has since been sharing his wisdom and empowering others through The Positive Head Podcast as the host of a late-night style talk show, Optimystic.
In January of 2021, Brandon released The Golden Key: Modern Alchemy to Unlock Infinite Abundance, a book offering practical and grounded advice on personal evolution. Drawing from 25 years of trial, error, and deep exploration, he provides readers with the 8 keys to abundance – enlightening those willing to take the ride…
Click play now to uncover:
Follow Brandon on Instagram to stay updated on his journey!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Rob Fried, an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning motion picture producer and, since 2018, the CEO of ChromaDex. Although he has interests in media and business, Rob also has an immense passion for health and wellness – specifically, the science of anti-aging…
ChromaDex is a global bioscience company dedicated to healthy aging. Their team comprises world-renowned scientists pioneering research on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme critical to metabolism health that declines with age. By creating a breakthrough ingredient commercially known as Niagen®, Rob and his team have one central goal to fulfill: To help the world age better.
Join us now to discover:
To learn more about Rob and his work with ChromaDex, click here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are researchers addressing issues that arise in plant cultivation? Extension Vegetable Specialist Dr. Rachel Rudolph joins us today to discuss her distinct approach to horticulture – and her aim to develop alternative approaches to challenges that arise both in the field and with high tunnel systems.
Dr. Rudolph has always been interested in the environment, and as a college student, she became integrated with the local food movement – which ultimately led to her research in plant science. Currently, her work deals with high tunnel systems, abiotic disorders, crop nutrition, and soil fertility…
Join us now to find out:
To learn more about Dr. Rudolph and her research click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Martin Bidartondo, a Professor of Molecular Ecology who works in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Martin is immensely interested in fungi and plant interactions, which has led to his innovative research on the “evolutionary ecology of the diverse plants that cheat mycorrhizal mutualisms”.
As someone that has always had a fascination with interactions between different species, Martin began investigating the symbioses between lineages of plants and fungi more than two decades ago. How are the changes that human life is imposing on the environment interacting with plant and fungal systems? Martin is on a mission to find out…
Join the conversation now to uncover:
To find out more about Marin and his work, click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why can some plants survive in cold climates, but others cannot? Al Pacheco Kovaleski, an expert in cold hardiness and dormancy in plants, joins us today to discuss his perspective on this intriguing topic…
Al is an Assistant Professor, in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Here, he researches how plants control their cold hardiness and dormancy during the winter, and how that leads to bud break and flowering in the spring.
Listen in now to discover:
What insights does he share with fellow horticulturists? Click play to find out!
To learn more about Al and his research, visit Plantresilience.cals.wisc.edu now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Susan Poizner, an urban orchardist and the founder of Orchard People. With a passion for educating and empowering others to successfully grow fruit, Susan started Orchard People because she believes that gardening is essential to being more connected to our environment – and living a more sustainable life.
Fruit trees can experience an array of problems, including poor-quality fruit, pests, and disease. Susan has a goal of making fruit tree care easy by providing articles, podcasts, books, and premium online courses to gardeners across the globe…
Join in now to find out:
Click here to learn more about Susan and her work with Orchard People!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do soil health and compost impact plant growth? What if there was a way to get nutrient-rich soil designed to enhance your garden? Jeremy Silva, the founder of BuildASoil, joins us to explain how his company curates natural ingredients from around the world to help consumers grow sustainably and efficiently…
BuildASoil is a website that provides handmade, small-batch, custom soils to growers across the country. Using the highest quality products and free education, Jeremy and his team are on a mission to help living soil enthusiasts achieve the best results possible for their gardens – all at a reasonable price.
In this conversation, we cover:
To uncover more about BuildASoil, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we connect with Jonathan Lynch, Ph.D., a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Science at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lynch has been a professional in his field for 4 decades, receiving his Masters and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from UC Davis, where he also completed his postdoctoral training.
The global environment is constantly changing – which significantly impacts plant and soil health. As the head of the Roots Lab at Penn State, Dr. Lynch is on a mission to better understand the genetic, physiological, and ecological basis of plant adaptation to infertile soils. How does he achieve this? By meticulously studying the physiology, genetics, and ecology surrounding organismic processes…
Tune in now to discover:
Join us now to dive into Dr. Lynch’s fascinating journey through life and science!
You can learn more about Dr. Lynch and his work with the Roots Lab by clicking here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Doug Evans, the author of The Sprout Book and a pioneer of the plant-based health movement for over 20 years. The Sprout Book is a National Bestseller that illustrates how sprouts can be used as an ultra-food for health, weight loss, and optimum nutrition – and Doug is eager to show people just how low-cost and accessible they really are.
After making the radical decision to live a raw, plant-based life, Doug found his health making dramatic improvements. Since then, he has been dedicated to sharing his nutrition habits with the world educationally and imaginatively…
In this conversation, we discuss:
To sign up for Doug’s newsletter and buy his book, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Can science turn any blood into a universal donor type? Join us in this episode as we explore groundbreaking healthcare innovations with Maher Abou Hachem, a distinguished Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark.
Maher’s expertise spans recombinant protein production, purification, biomolecular interactions, stability, and enzymology. From gut microbiome studies to pioneering blood type conversion, his cutting-edge research is reshaping the future of healthcare. Are you ready to find out what makes Maher’s work so unique? Hit play to find out!
Dive in now to discover:
You can learn more about Maher and his investigations here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are joined by Shawn Bossard, the Director of Agricultural Operations at Cornell University AES. Here, he oversees greenhouses and plant growth chambers – and eight research farms located across the state of New York.
Not only does Shawn oversee growth and research farms, but he also provides broad strategic direction for all Cornell AES operations. What has his experience with greenhouse plant production resulted in? You may be surprised…
Click play to discover:
You can find out more about Shawn and his work with Cornell’s AES here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today we connect with Michael Selden, the CEO and Co-founder of Finless Foods. Finless Foods is a company that works towards building a future for seafood where the ocean is preserved and protected.
With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael has dedicated his life to climate justice and science advocacy, and Finless Foods is a major part of this mission…
Seafood production is facing a variety of challenges, from dwindling resources to climate damage. Finless Foods aims to mitigate these issues by producing plant-based and cell-cultured seafood – all using scientific methods.
In this episode, Michael outlines:
Could this approach relieve the pressure from ocean-harvested seafood? Is this the future of seafood production? Determine this for yourself by tuning in now!
Visit finlessfoods.com now to learn more about Finless Foods and their unique vision!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we discuss four-dimensional thinking with Dr. Jacob Kendall, the Founder of Kendall Enterprises, a speaker, and a facilitator for communities and businesses. With formal training and professional experience in gerontology, public health, social work, biology, and theology, Dr. Kendall is a true Renaissance man with a passion for optimizing healthcare experiences for all…
Dr. Kendall has lifelong experience managing his own medical care. With two open-heart surgeries, a congenital disorder, and various other issues, he grew tired of the healthcare system's shortcomings. Now, he has transformed his self-advocacy into a way to demystify healthcare so others can be better patients and caregivers.
Join the conversation now to learn about:
Are you ready to embrace a new approach to healthcare – challenging norms and seeking holistic solutions? Visit Dr. Kendall's website to dive deeper into his insights and start your journey toward reframing health for a better, more inclusive future.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Usher, a seasoned tech innovator and expert in business development boasting over 15 years of experience across diverse industries. He joins us to discuss an intriguing topic: how to streamline legal firm operations with proven strategies.
Eric is the President of Legal AVA, a platform that provides highly trained and optimized virtual assistants to small law firms. He is also the CMO of Heraclius, a digital marketing and business development agency that serves the legal, healthcare, and tech sectors. With immense skills in marketing, advertising, and training, his passion for innovation has benefited legal professionals across the globe…
Listen now to explore:
Want to learn more about Eric and his unique approach to legal operations? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Whether you notice or not, the world is still picking up the pieces from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it began more than four years ago, many questions remain unanswered. Where did it come from? Is there evidence of genetic manipulation within the virus's molecules?
Dr. Jonathan R. Latham, a distinguished virologist and biopolitical theorist, joins us to shed light on this complex topic…
Dr. Latham is the Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project and the Editor of Independent Science News. He has also published scientific papers in virology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology. He is currently working on a book provisionally titled The Myth of The Master Molecule: DNA and the Social Order.
Dive in now to explore:
Why are governments and media outlets turning a blind eye to this issue? What could this mean for the future of public health outbreaks? Tune in now to unearth these answers...
To learn more about Dr. Latham and his investigations, click here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Lively to discuss key insights to help your law firm thrive. Brooke is the CEO and Founder of Cathedral Capital Inc. (CathCap), a company that works with law firms to help them understand their revenue and grow their business. With a passion for growth management, creative problem-solving, and profitability strategy, she has helped countless entrepreneurs clarify, simplify, and achieve their goals.
Beyond her leadership at CathCap, Brooke is a word-renowned international speaker, award-winning leader, and the author of several books, including From Panic to Profit: How 6 Key Numbers Can Make a 6 Figure Difference in Your Law Firm and Exit On Top: Sell Your Law Firm to the Right Person at the Right Time for the Right Price.
Dive in now to uncover:
Are you ready to supercharge your law firm and propel growth? This episode provides the foundational strategies you need to get started!
To learn more about Brooke and her work with CathCap, click here now.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How does maintaining hormonal balance affect your overall health, and what changes occur when it's optimized? What strategies can you employ to tackle persistent weight issues that seem to linger into your 40s? Join the conversation as Louise Digby shares her expertise – shedding light on these questions and introducing her distinctive methods for enhancing women’s health and achieving sustainable weight loss.
Louise is a weight loss expert, CNHC-registered nutritional therapist, and founder of The Nourish Method to Lasting Fat Loss. She is on a mission to show women across the globe how to shift resistant weight for good without sacrificing their favorite foods or spending hours in the gym…
In this conversation, we discuss:
Louise believes there’s a whole lot more to weight loss than just what you eat and how you exercise. Instead, she helps her clients get down to the root cause of it all, which is often hormone imbalance and a sluggish metabolism.
Ready to uncover more about Louise and her unique approach to health and weight loss? Visit her website here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Can YouTube actually enhance your real estate business? Levi Lascsak thinks so, and he has the experience to prove it. In this episode, he joins us to explain how social media can help generate more leads for entrepreneurs across industries – all without cold-calling, door-knocking, sending postcards, or spending any money on ads.
Levi has a deep passion for traveling and education, and when the pandemic halted his income, he found himself researching creative ways to engage with the business community. Since then, he has started a successful YouTube channel, co-written a book titled Passive Prospecting, and closed on millions of dollars worth of real estate transactions.
How was this possible? Listen now to hear Levi’s fascinating insight!
In this discussion, we cover:
To learn more about Levi and his work, visit his website today!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life, business, or living space? Struggling to focus, stay on task, or simply find things when you need them?
Today we speak with an organization expert who has the solutions: Andrew Mellen. As Founder and CEO of Andrew Mellen, Inc. and author of Calling Bullsh*t on Busy: A Practical Guide to Ditching the Time Management Myth and Quickly Achieving Your Goals and Unstuff Your Life!, he’s helped hundreds of thousands of people and businesses reclaim time and peace of mind through various programs designed to eliminate the messiness of modern life.
Press play to learn:
Mellen explains the process people tend to go through as they change their organizational habits and retrain their minds and behaviors to sustain them. His approach is centered around how people think, feel, and interact with their “stuff.” He details how he coaches people and the type of people he’s helped – including those with hoarding tendencies and a desire to be extreme minimalists.
As his business continues to grow, Mellen aims to reach more people more quickly… do you want to be one of them?
If you’re ready to start feeling more organized and efficient in all areas of life, visit Andrew Mellen Professional Organizer NYC | Speaker | Productivity + Decluttering Expert.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
From constant illness, frequent ER visits, and all kinds of pills to the best health of her life: this describes a snippet of Inesa Ponomariovaite’s life journey. She joins the show to share her story of wellness and her mission as founder and CEO of Nesa's Hemp.
Tune in to learn:
To explore more about Inesa’s work and company, check out Nesa's Hemp - CBDa Oil Extract - Nesa's Hemp (nesashemp.com).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. David D. Clarke, MD returns to the podcast to delve into the complexities of the opioid crisis, chronic pain, and mental health. As the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association and a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist, Dr. Clarke is on a mission to educate others on the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health.
Dr. Clarke is an expert on everything from psychophysiological disorders to internal medicine. Using his broad knowledge of physical and mental health, he has helped countless people understand the power of holistic wellness – empowering them to achieve optimal balance in both mind and body.
Dive in now to explore:
Ready to gain a deeper understanding of the opioid epidemic and the strategies medical professionals are using to address it? Hit play now!
You can learn more about Dr. Clarke and his work by visiting endchronicpain.org.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we dive into the world of real estate investment and business optimization with John Lewis, the founder of The Virtual Legacy. With a passion for helping others, John streamlines how coaches, consultants, and agency owners book top-tier sales appointments and convert them into lucrative clients effortlessly – all without resorting to paid ads or tedious sales calls…
How does The Virtual Legacy turn its clients’ passions and expertise into profit? Join us now to discover how John has helped countless entrepreneurs through wisdom, encouragement, and professional advice on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Tune in to explore:
You can learn more about John and his work with The Virtual Legacy here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dive into the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with Kyle Smith as we explore how metrics can steer your business towards success. Tailored for legal professionals, this podcast equips law firms with proven tactics to enhance revenue streams, streamline costs, optimize tax strategies, and more…
Kyle is a CPA and Partner at Strata Cloud Accountants who passionately helps small and medium-sized businesses thrive. He graduated from UT McCombs School of Business, where he studied finance and fell in love with Austin, TX. Working with clients across an array of industries, Kyle is on a mission to build a valuable, first-class advisory experience for every individual he works with.
Join in now to learn about:
Ready to supercharge your business? Click here to find out more about Kyle and his work with Strata Cloud Accountants now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we connect with Dr. Ming Wang, a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist, and community activist based in Nashville, TN. He is the founding director of the internationally renowned Wang Vision Institute and the co-founder of the non-profit organization the Common Ground Network.
Dr. Wang is on a mission to help others find common ground and solutions to problems – empowering them to achieve greater success and fulfillment in their lives. Coming from a difficult past, he used his resilience and determination to obtain his Ph.D. in laser physics and MD from Harvard Medical School…
Join the conversation now to uncover:
Dr. Wang has a film coming out on May 24th called Sight, based on his autobiographical book, From Darkness to Sight. Tickets are now available for a theater near you at angel.com/sight.
To learn more about Dr. Wang and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
There are many ways to manage stress and optimize health, but which ones actually work? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Torkil Færø to unravel his unique perspective on this captivating subject. His latest book, The Pulse Cure, serves as a beacon for those seeking to enhance their nervous system, diminish inflammation, and pave the way to a healthier tomorrow. How? By harnessing the potent force of heart rate variability...
Dr. Færø is a general practitioner, emergency physician, documentary filmmaker, author, and photographer. He has been working as a freelance doctor across Norway for more than 25 years and has learned that the causes of most medical conditions are often found in the stresses of our lifestyle practices.
Join us now to explore:
Ready to dive deeper into Dr. Færø's work and its potential impact on your health? Click here to follow his work on instagram!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Philip Metzger, the director of the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education. With a B.S.E. in electrical engineering from Auburn University and a PhD in Physics from UCF, Dr. Metzger is a physicist and planetary scientist on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe…
From rocket blast effects to economic planetary science, Dr. Metzger's research spans a wide array of topics aimed at propelling humanity's expansion beyond Earth. Are you ready to engage with his contagious dedication to space exploration? Tune in now!
Jump in to uncover:
Click here to learn more about Dr. Metzger and his fascinating work!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Adel Djellouli holds a Ph.D. in applied physics and works in the Bertoldi Lab at Harvard. His work revolves around fascinating concepts, including fluid mechanics, applied physics, nanotechnology, and metamaterials.
Adel Djellouli's most recent endeavor involves the development of a revolutionary 'intelligent fluid'—a metafluid that can be precisely programmed to exhibit specific responses. This cutting-edge innovation holds immense potential for a wide array of applications and marks a significant advancement in the field.
Tune in to explore:
Interested in learning more?
Press play and check out nature_adel.pdf (harvard.edu).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
What is the relationship between a hotel and the surrounding community? In what manners does it contribute positively, and in what ways does it potentially create competition? How does this dynamic evolve based on the hotel’s geographical location?
Levar Jackson is the CEO and Founder of Yogh Group, a hospitality development and ownership company with patent-backed technologies. His goal is to make sustainable and impactful practices and technologies more cost effective than non-sustainable ones.
Jackson also wants to change the relationship between hospitality and surrounding communities, thereby creating a circular power economy and strengthening local communities.
Tune in to learn more and discover:
Got a great idea for innovation, or just want to learn more about Yogh Group initiatives? Check out Yogh group.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Olivier Momma, the Founder of Ekster. Ekster is a smart wallet company with a simple mission: to make better gear for life on the move. In 2016, Oliver crowdfunded $1 million to create the next generation of wallets. Now, his company has 45 full-time employees across 11 countries – making bags, smartphone cases and travel gear.
Racking up a whopping 25 million EUR in revenue in 2021, there’s no question that Ekster is a success story for the ages. How did Oliver and his partner Rick Scharnigg achieve such a feat? Not without a ton of hard work and challenges…
Click play now to learn the lessons they learned launching and marketing such a unique business!
In this conversation, we discuss:
You can find more information on Ekster by clicking here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we connect with Randall Thompson, the president and founder of Dugout Mugs. Randall has a long history with baseball – including professional experience. By utilizing his love for the sport and passion for creativity, he decided to pursue a future as a startup founder – and thus, Dugout Mugs was born.
Randall’s road to success has been very unique. By facing the ups and downs of his startup with resilience, he formed a successful business that brings joy to baseball fans worldwide…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Randall and Dugout Mugs, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Join us for an enlightening episode as we welcome Jon D. Levenson, the esteemed Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies at Harvard University and author of several publications, including the books Resurrection and the Restoration of Israel: The Ultimate Victory of the God of Life, and The Love of God: Divine Gift, Human Gratitude, and Mutual Faithfulness in Judaism.
Exploring both literary and theological dimensions, Professor Levenson unveils the rich tapestry of Judaism's history and its resonance across descendant religions. Bringing his expertise in Judaism, the Hebrew language, biblical interpretation, and rabbinic literature, he offers unparalleled insights into these subjects.
Tune in to explore:
Press play now to hear the full conversation.
For more on Levenson’s work and publications, check out Jon D. Levenson | Harvard Divinity School (HDS).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
If you’ve ever felt like life is constantly presenting you with obstacle after obstacle, you’re not alone. You may ask yourself: How do I get unstuck to pursue resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Recker, a man who has faced and overcome similar challenges, to explore his intriguing approach to living in the present moment…
Eric is a dentist, success coach, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and author who is passionate about empowering others in their pursuit of success and well-being. Through coaching and mentorship, his aim is to assist individuals and teams in reaching their objectives – while prioritizing a sustainable work-life balance.
Click play now to uncover:
If you're seeking guidance and support as you navigate your own path, this conversation is surely for you. Tune in now to learn more about Eric and his holistic approach to mindful living!
You can find more on Eric and his work by visiting his website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we dive into Irlen Syndrome with Laura Ward Woelfel, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor and fourth-generation Austinite. As someone who was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome herself in 1991, there’s no one better to explain this topic — and to help others who may also have it…
Irlen Syndrome, a visual processing issue distinct from other vision problems, had a profound impact on Laura's life. Initially misdiagnosed as dyslexic or ADD, her life took a turn for the better when she discovered Irlen Syndrome and sought the necessary support. This newfound understanding and intervention transformed her academic performance, propelling her from a 'C' student in undergrad to a stellar 4.0 student in graduate school.
Now, Laura uses her knowledge and passion to help students with learning disabilities. Whether it be learning difficulties or reading issues, she uses integrative counseling and a series of cognitive behavior methods to bring awareness to her clients.
Join us now to find out:
You can learn more about Laura and her work by clicking here!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of cognitive enhancement and holistic wellness with Dr. Gregory Kelly, the director of product development at Neurohacker Collective. Dr. Kelly, a naturopathic physician and author of Shapeshift: The Shape Intelligence Solution, shares profound insights and practical wisdom to help you unlock your full potential.
Discover more about Neurohacker Collective's mission to revolutionize human performance by enhancing cognitive function, fostering empathy, and nurturing emotional resilience.
Offer: NAD+ is one of the most important molecules in the human body to age well. With groundbreaking advancements in science, Neurohacker Collective introduces Qualia NAD+, a revolutionary supplement designed to elevate NAD+ levels by up to 50%. Qualia NAD+ is a supplement rich in NAD+ precursors like niacin, niacinamide, and NIAGEN, elevating NAD+ levels by up to 50%. Clinically tested and formulated by naturopathic doctors, it's a trusted choice for cellular rejuvenation. To boost YOUR NAD+ levels up to 50%, Go to neurohacker.com for up to 50% off and use code findinggenius at checkout for an additional 15% off. Don’t miss this special offer.Tune in to explore:
Press play now to take the first step toward the best version of yourself.
Learn more at Qualia - Creating meaningful upgrades to personal well-being (neurohacker.com) and check out the Collective Insights Podcast at Collective Insights Podcast | Neurohacker Collective.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Grief is a painful journey that can feel isolating and endless. So what tools can we use to process grief, experience its pain, and ultimately learn how to live fully again? Claudia Coenen, a creative grief counselor and certified thanatologist, joins the podcast to discuss her unique perspective on this sensitive topic.
Claudia has a private practice at The Karuna Project and is a consultant and grief specialist at The REACH Center for Crime Victims. She is also the author of Shattered by Grief: Picking Up the Pieces to Become WHOLE Again, a book that helps readers work through their grief via expressive therapies and activities.
Tune in now to learn about:
By encouraging others to explore their pain through storytelling, self-care and ritual, and honest reflection, Claudia has achieved remarkable results. This creative approach to grief counseling was inspired by her own experience of loss – and she’s eager to share it with the world…
You can learn more about Claudia by clicking here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dive into the captivating world of archaeology with Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism. From her childhood fascination with the ancient world and fossils to her current groundbreaking excavations, Magness's journey unfolds with discoveries and a wealth of knowledge.
Tune in to unearth:
Press play and embark on a journey through time and discovery with Jodi Magness as your guide, and learn more about her work by visiting Jodi Magness, Archaeologist.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Deborah Vinall joins the podcast today to discuss schizophrenia, trauma, mental health, and her two most recent books, Gaslighting and Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens. Dr. Vinall is a trauma expert and author who holds a Doctor of Psychology and works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She currently runs a private practice in Los Angeles where she specializes in helping individuals heal from traumatic life experiences and painful relationship dynamics.
In this conversation, we cover:
How does Dr. Vinall help people heal, cultivate self-compassion, and build meaningful connections in holistic and sustainable ways? Join us now to explore her transformative approach – and gain valuable insights into reclaiming empowerment and fostering resilience.
Learn more about Dr. Vinall and her work by visiting her website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Annie Chen, an author, therapist, consultant, and coach who uses neuroscience research to help clients navigate the complexities of relationships and emotional safety. Annie has been studying the mind, nervous systems, and relationships for over 17 years – empowering her to help others in unique and productive ways…
Annie recently wrote I Want to Connect: Rewire Your Nervous System for Stress Resilience and Secure Attachment, a book that demystifies what it takes to have better relationships. By transcending surface-level advice and digging into the fundamentals of stress resilience, Annie provides readers with the resources to practice self-awareness, reflection, and skills to improve daily life.
Join us now to find out:
How has Annie’s work with meditation, therapeutic work, and community transformed her own life and others around her? Click play to see for yourself!
You can follow along with Annie by visiting her website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Marc Brettler and Amy-Jill “AJ” Levine to discuss the Jewish faith, Rabbinic Literature, the New Testament, Christianity, Anti-Semitism, and more. How do Judaism and Christianity intersect? These two experts are certainly the people to enlighten us on this intriguing subject…
Marc is a biblical scholar and the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University. His research interests include a vast array of topics, including biblical metaphors, the Bible and gender, biblical historical texts, the book of Psalms, and the post-biblical reception of the Hebrew Bible. He is a co-founder of the website thetorah.com and the author of several books, including The Bible With and Without Jesus, which he co-authored with AJ.
AJ is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She works in biblical studies – and is a well-known critic of antisemitic, sexist, and homophobic theologies. AJ is a self-described "Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominantly Protestant divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt."
Dive in now to explore:
You can learn more about Marc here, and AJ here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
As businesses emerge from tax season, many ask: How can I maximize profits and minimize taxes for next year? John Scott, an Anders CPAs + Advisors partner, sits down to enlighten us.
John has been working with Anders since 1992, leading the firm’s legal industry efforts for the Virtual CFO team. He effectively uses key performance metrics to offer dedicated resources, financial insight, and critical thinking to help law firms address complex issues.
John is on a mission to help his clients understand what’s going to happen based on current data. How does he achieve this? By accessing financial records and reconciling cash flows on a weekly basis…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about John and his work with Anders CPAs + Advisors, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, Avi Kumar, the Founder and CEO of KUWARE Inc., joins us to discuss business marketing, growth, and advertising. KUWARE is a marketing and advertising agency that focuses on growing businesses through organic and paid media. How do they do it, and what makes their methods unique? Avi sits down to explain…
KUWARE has been helping businesses since 2008, turning marketing into a science. From strategy to implementation, Avi and his team specialize in providing digital marketing solutions with targeted budgeting options.
Dive into the conversation now to learn about:
Avi says, “Some have described marketing as a practice of the arts and the sciences. At KUWARE, we only practice science!”
Are you ready to find out what this really means? Click play now to see for yourself!
You can find more on KUWARE here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Something had been brewing for years in the heart of the Nightingale household: a fervent desire to chart a course away from reliance on conventional systems and embrace a life of self-sufficiency, health, and well-being. When the perfect property came up for sale, Kelsey Nightingale and her husband Sean seized the opportunity to take a significant step toward their dream: they purchased a small house on acreage in the quiet corners of Scottsburg, Oregon, a literal ghost town with a population of just 350.
Building a homestead is a slow process with plenty of challenges, yet their progress only further motivates them with each passing year. No longer tethered to grocery store aisles as they once were, they produce their own bread, milk, eggs, chicken, and turkey. They also have a burgeoning food garden that improves each growing season.
Tune in to explore:
Press play to hear the entire conversation, and follow Kelsey and Sean's journey by finding them @NightingaleFarmstead on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Mark Holtzapple, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University, returns to the podcast to delve into his unique approach to engine efficiency and alternative energy. His passion for scientific exploration drives him to push the boundaries of what is possible. What is his current mission? To revolutionize the efficiency of automobile engines…
Mark is the co-author of two engineering textbooks used to teach engineers throughout the world: Foundations of Engineering and Concepts in Engineering. His research interests include biomass conversion to fuels, water desalination, high-efficiency air conditioning, engines, compressors, and more.
In this discussion, we cover:
To learn more about Mark and his fascinating research, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we sit down with a member of Doomberg to discuss the mindset of continuous improvement and other thought-provoking ideas that are important for us all to consider.
Doomberg is an anonymous news publication that provides readers with an in-depth analysis of financial and economic trends – underscoring information missing from mainstream media. By utilizing the principles of continuous improvement, it has become the #1 paid finance newsletter on Substack, boasting more than 85,000 email subscribers and 250,000 Twitter followers.
Dive in now to explore:
How can you hone your skills over the span of your career? What actionable steps can you take to enhance your productivity and success? Doomberg is here with insights you can’t miss out on…
You can find more on Doomberg by visiting their Substack here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we discuss teenage social anxiety with Kyle Mitchell, a Tedx Speaker, author, and the founder of Social Anxiety Kyle. With a passion for solving mental health problems and the impact they have on our communities, Kyle works with teens and youth to help them go from socially anxious to socially confident.
Kyle collaborates alongside teens, educators, parents, nonprofits, and other organizations to change the narrative and stigma surrounding social anxiety. Drawing from his own 10-year mental health battle, he found his calling and purpose – and is eager to share it with the world…
Join us now to find out:
What practical approaches and strategies can we utilize to make a difference in the lives of struggling teens? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Kyle and his mission, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are joined by Matthew Moody, the President of Mental Health America of Arizona and a licensed counselor in Arizona. He has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University.
Before his current position, Matthew oversaw over 100 employees in a crisis contact center and provided oversight to 2-1-1 Arizona, an organization that offers information and referral services to the state of Arizona. He also has over fifteen years of experience in the behavioral health field, specializing in police collaboration, 988 and crisis mobile teams.
Matthew is on a mission to help other people better understand mental health and how to get help for it. Through legislative advocacy and alternate response strategies, he has been instrumental in fostering safer and more effective communities – all while reducing costs and liabilities for municipalities…
Jump in to now to discover:
You can learn more about Mattew by visiting his website!
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 to speak with a specialist now. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Do pre and probiotics have healing and preventive powers? In an age of pharmaceutical solutions, finding sustainable and holistic health practices is critical. How can we leverage gut health to fight sickness and disease? Noelle Patno, the Chief Science Officer at Bened Life, sits down to explain…
Noelle has a Ph.D. and MS from the University of Chicago in molecular metabolism, nutrition, and translational sciences. She also has a BA in chemical engineering from Stanford University. With her work surrounding digestive health, the microbiome, and immune health, Noelle has designed and monitored clinical trials – resulting in publications on probiotics and prebiotics.
In this conversation, we discuss:
To learn more about Noelle and her work with Bened Life, click here now!
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Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
John C. A. Manley joins the podcast once again to discuss his daily email newsletter, Blazing Pine Cone Posts, and his work as a writer of fiction, freedom, and philosophy. John is the author of Much Ado About Corona: A Dystopian Love Story, the forthcoming All The Humans Are Sleeping, and other works of speculative fiction…
With a background in Eastern philosophy, fine art, and freelance ghostwriting, John’s perspective on the world is varied and analytical. Want to learn more about his worldview and upcoming projects? Tune in now!
Jump into the conversation to find out:
To follow along with John and his writing, click here now!
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Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bees are not alone in their fight to survive. While the backyard beekeeper might start with a pollinator garden, researchers are also busy strengthening and shoring up these vulnerable organisms that are an essential part of our food ecosystem.
Jay Evans explains some promising efforts, telling listeners
Jay Evans is with the USDA ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Maryland. He and his colleagues are approaching bee health from every angle, assessing direct and indirect factors that increase bee health and lessening those that cause habitat harm. The list is long, from increasing nutrition to mitigating pesticide effects, parasites, and the spread of viruses.
online pharmacy online pharmacyOften the best solutions provide a path for the bees to help themselves.Evans and his group in particular work on bolstering the honey bee immune system. Just as humans find their health affected by stress, so do bees, from temperature changes to chemical stress to nest disturbances. These stresses makes the bees more vulnerable to direct threats like parasites and pathogens.
online pharmacy buy ivermectin over the counter online pharmacyTheir close living quarters in the beekeeping industry make for further vulnerabilities.Once a colony in an apiary is infected with a pathogen, it spreads fairly quickly through the apiary.
online pharmacy buy trazodone over the counter online pharmacyResearchers like Evans are helping them tolerate those invasions and push the pathogens out over time. He describes some of the most promising efforts, from breeding for "varroa-sensitive hygiene" to developing disease-fighting medicines from botanical sources.For more, see the USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory website.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Is it possible to breed a species of bee with total viral immunity? Maybe, and the research being done in Michelle Flenniken’s lab could pave the way for it to happen.
Tune in to discover:
Michelle Flenniken is Assistant Professor in the Plant Sciences Department and Co-Director of the Pollinator Health Center at Montana State University whose primary research is focused not only on understanding the impact of viruses on honeybees, but on the molecular mechanisms that bees have evolved to combat viral infections.
Longitudinal monitoring projects looking at the prevalence and abundance of 16 pathogens across several bee colonies over time have led to interesting and useful findings. For instance, Flenniken’s lab has shown that bees that are infected with viruses have perturbation in the genes that are important for metabolic processes, and that even in so-called asymptomatic bees, there are more than a billion copies of RNA viruses per bee. The hypothesis that follows this finding is that this viral load could be energetically taxing on bees—even if the bees appear phenotypically normal.
More recent research in Flenniken’s lab has shown that a bee’s immune response is stimulated by double-stranded RNA, which is a molecule that viruses produce when replicating; this molecule stimulates RNA interference in bees—an antiviral mechanism. This has shown to be true also in bumblebees, but is not the case in the fruit fly, which is the go-to model for studying insect immunity. This has opened the door to more exciting and new research that Flenniken and her lab are gearing up to conduct.
If antiviral mechanisms in bees can be fully understood, then it may be possible to identify the genes associated with fighting off viral infection, which would make it possible to breed honeybees that are resistant or immune to viral infections.
Flenniken discusses the details of all this and more, including viral transmission in bees and across species, whether different castes of bees are differentially impacted by viruses, host-pathogen interaction studies, and which viruses most commonly impact bees.
Check out https://plantsciences.montana.edu/directory/faculty/1524085/michelle-flenniken to learn more.
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Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Honey bees are one of the most fascinating and complex social organisms on our planet. Scientists like Gene Robinson research how their genomics play a central role in this behavior and how their environment in turn affects their genes.
Listen and learn
Gene Robinson is the director of the Carl R.Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, an institute that practices team science within a multi-disciplinary scheme. He's been studying entomology and different species of bees for over 45 years. In this conversation, he shares some fascinating notes about honey bee behavior with listeners.
His group in the institute in particular looks at their social behavior mechanisms and evolution from a genomics perspective.
Interestingly, he says that studies indicate layers of individuality and adaptability in bee society—not only are they not all "marching to the same orders," they can change behavior depending on what is happening with the colony.
In one study, his lab monitored the entry and exit of the hive and found that a minority of the hive worked as foragers. In addition, a small group within the foragers took on a significant 50% of the work. However, when they removed those power-house foragers, the colony did not collapse. Rather, the other bees "upped their foraging game" and made up for the loss.
"So while labor is apportioned, it's not fixed and there's flexibility," adds Robinson.
He describes other remarkable modes of flexibility, from pheromone releasing and withholding to determine maturity rates to how a hive survives a queen loss. Along the way he explains how the history of genomics has rearranged how biologists look at bee behavior and development from transcriptomic studies. In fact, dramatic changes are evident in bee brain gene activity depending on their rearing conditions. Based on these studies, their genome is very sensitive to the environment.
For more, see the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Gene Robinson's lab website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
“…Their society and community is so complicated, that in fact you cannot really have a straight answer for why something is happening. You need to see it from a global perspective, and look at it from different angles…it’s the complexity that makes it fascinating for me,” says Dr. Fani Hatjina of bees, which have been the subject of her work for her entire professional life. She focuses specifically on social honey bees, and joins the show to discuss her current research goals and insights.
Press play to discover:
Dr. Hatjina is Director of the Institute of Animal Science & Department of Apiculture in Greece. After completing her PhD on the pollination behavior of bees, she went on to pursue additional research.
Currently, her focus is on finding ways of increasing the resistance of local honey bee populations against a primary pest (the varroa mite), searching for alternative methods of controlling disease without chemicals, improving and preserving the local population of honey bees in Greece for the benefit of the species and for beekeepers, and studying the effects of pesticides and other environmental stressors on bees, such as the presence of heavy metals, and even chemicals that are used by beekeepers inside bee colonies.
Dr. Hatjina explains ‘pollination behavior,’ which includes the way bees move inside the colony and on flowers or crops, how efficiently they transport pollen, and when they transport pollen. The idea is that by gaining a deeper understanding of this behavior, pollination efficiency can be increased.
She also comments on the “many gaps in knowledge” when it comes to understanding what triggers the increase of pathogens and bee mortality in winter. Sensors inside or underneath bee colonies are being implemented in order to gain a better idea of the possible variables contributing to it, as well as generate some sort of image of what is going on within a bee hive during winter months. Infrared light can also be used to gather valuable information about the heat generated by the bees, the size of the swarm inside a colony, the position of bees inside a colony, and how these things can change according to the external temperature.
Interested in learning more? Tune in for the full conversation and check out Dr. Hatjina’s publications at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fani_Hatjina.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Bees can generate five pounds of honey a day under prime nectar-gathering conditions.
Numerous factors make that possible and researchers like William Meikle work on modeling honey bee populations, keeping track of how different stressors might affect honey bee colony health.
Listen and learn
Willliam G. Meikle is a research entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture. He studies the colony-level behavior of bees through placing sensors on colonies and monitoring them over long periods of time. This can gather evidence for how they might respond to sub lethal pesticides and other stressors. He's therefore constantly measuring things like hive weight, temperature, CO2, and internal humidity. These measures are akin to numbers from a monitor your doctor might have used to check your health. Various measures might indicate your activity, from sleeping to eating to drinking a cup of coffee.
No, bees don't drink coffee, but they do get exposed to neonicotinoids, which are a common type of agriculture insecticide affecting bees. Even at low amounts, he says he can see some sort of impact. Higher levels seem to cause bees to stop foraging, for example. Temperature is another abiotic factor he monitors. Bees have an amazing ability to keep the center area, the brood area, quite warm and constant.
Bee social behavior is more than just an inclination. Rather, they work as a superorganism, teaming up and taking turns to use their thoracic muscle movement to warm the center of the hive one by one. A healthy brood is dependent on this constant warmth, and bee population increase can only happen with successful brood rearing.
Listen in for more indications of bee colony health.
For more about his work, see the USDA Honey Bee web page.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Pesticides, poor nutrition, pests, and parasites: these are the four factors influencing bee health around the world, and the amount of information we have about each—how exactly they impact bees, whether each relates to the others, and what can be done about them—is constantly growing.
Press play to learn:
Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu is a postdoctoral research associate at Oregon State University Honey Bee Lab, and for over a decade now, she’s been studying environmental impacts on bee populations.
Basu’s current work focuses on two specific areas within this field of research: pesticides and poor nutrition. She’s not only investigating each individually, but exploring the ways in which they may be interconnected.
When it comes to nutrition, she explains that most research to date has looked into the macronutrients required by bees, which are primarily carbohydrates and proteins. Only recently have a couple of research groups—including hers—put their focus on the importance of micronutrients required by bees.
Phytosterols are a group of molecules similar to cholesterol that are a required micronutrient for bees, as they fulfill several functions, including the production of important hormones and the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Bees source phytosterols naturally from plant pollens, so Basu and the OSU Honey Bee Lab team is trying to collect as many types of pollen as possible in order to look at the phytosterol spectrum available to bees, and determine how they might be able to add this critical micronutrient to the diet of bees that are lacking it.
Basu is also involved in a project which is being carried out in collaboration with growers and beekeepers with the goal of following hives across multiple cropping systems in order to evaluate colony health and growth, as well as assess individual bee physiology.
The ins and outs of the research being done at the OSU Honey Bee Lab are brought to light in today’s episode, along with many other informative and interesting aspects of bee health, types of apiculture (beekeeping), commercial crop production, methods of pollination (including cross-pollination and self-pollination), and more.
Tune in and visit https://honeybeelab.oregonstate.edu/.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
As we look back on the pandemic, there are clear ways in which our public health strategies failed. From the quarantine to vaccines, understanding the pitfalls in our response will enable us to do better in the future. But who’s brave enough to step forward and identify these issues? Dr. Martin Kulldorff joins the podcast to shed some light on the subject…
Dr. Kulldorff is an epidemiologist, a biostatistician, and a founding fellow at Hillsdale College’s Academy for Science and Freedom. He has also been a Professor of Medicine at Harvard University for thirteen years. As the co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, he advocated for a pandemic strategy of focused protection instead of lockdowns during the 2020 health crisis.
Dr. Kulldorff is an expert in infectious disease outbreaks who researches surveillance methods for post-market drug and vaccine safety and early detection and monitoring. How has his perspective shifted the conventional pandemic narrative? Tune in now to find out!
In this conversation, we dive into:
You can learn more about Dr. Kulldorff and his work by following his Twitter!
Want to find out more about Michael and his research? Click here to view his Stanford profile, and here to purchase his latest book!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Michael Marmor, Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at Stanford University, delves into the captivating realm of the human eye in this thought-provoking podcast episode. Focusing on the profound impact of eyes on various facets of human experience, Dr. Marmor shares his insights and expertise on this intriguing topic — particularly in the realm of art.
Dr. Marmor's research interests cover several areas, including the physiology and pathophysiology of retina and pigment epithelium, electrophysiological retinal and RPE function tests, and newer electroretinographic techniques such as multifocal ERG recording. Additionally, he is interested in the relationship between human vision and art, music, history, literature, and sports…
Tune in now to uncover:
Whether you’re interested in eye health or the science of art, this conversation promises to captivate and educate. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that sheds light on the wonders of the human eye and its significance in shaping our perception of the world around us! Want to find out more about Michael and his research? Click here to view his Stanford profile, and here to purchase his latest book! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Bonnie J. Kaplan, Professor Emerita at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, and author of The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition, expresses bewilderment at the reluctance of people to explore a subject so fundamental to our biology. What she's referring to is the intricate relationship between nutrition and brain function, which significantly impacts mental health and overall well-being.
Despite common misconceptions, Dr. Kaplan asserts that nutrition is crucial to brain health, mental stability, and life quality. Throughout her career, she has faced numerous challenges in advocating for the use of nutrients in treating mental health issues, emphasizing the biological underpinnings of behavior, and highlighting the impact of nutrition on brain development and function.
Intrigued? Dive deeper into:
Interested in learning more?
Tune in for the entire conversation, check out the book The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition, and visit Bonnie J Kaplan, Ph.D.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Jason P. Dworkin to discuss the cosmos in unprecedented ways. Always interested in the origin of life, Jason is a Senior Scientist for Astrobiology at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center who uses meteoritics, astrobiology, and analytical chemistry to observe our universe and uncover its hidden mysteries.
Currently, Jason is working on the OSIRIS-REx mission as a project scientist, contamination science lead, and sample analyst. This mission has several major objectives:
How does Jason’s work explore life's origin and early evolution while also focusing on the extraterrestrial input and the origin of various molecules? From modern analytical methods to laboratory models of ancient environments, he takes on an intriguing journey into the heart of his research…
To learn more about Jason and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Valuable insights and resources shared by Jason P. Dworkin:
More information:
Today, we connect with Thomas Licker to discuss his decades of experience managing biohazard investigations and remediations. As a certified bio-environmental infection control remediator and recovery master, Thomas serves as the president of the American Bio-Recovery Association. Here, he has helped create and publish the Bio Recovery Site Risk Assessment (BSRA) guidance document and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS) program.
Thomas studied environmental science in college. After researching soil, brown water, air, and industrial hygiene, he found himself working for the US Environmental Protection Agency as a contractor — remediating some of the nation's worst sites. Now, he is in the biohazard response industry full-time, a field of work he has discovered a deep passion for…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Thomas and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Erika Kohler, a Research Space Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. With a Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Science and a BS in Meteorology, Dr. Kohler’s research focuses on providing laboratory data that can inform and validate scientific models and mission observations. She does this by designing innovative experiments that simulate the extreme environments found on other planets – pushing the boundaries of laboratory research as we know it.
Dr. Kohler has always been interested in weather and planets, and she built her career on studying these things in tandem. Setting her sights on our sister planet, Venus, she shares some intriguing insights on its atmosphere, surface, and more…
Dive in now to find out:
To learn more about Dr. Kohler and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this conversation, we sit down with Will Hall, a mental health professional at the forefront of innovative psychosis treatment. He hosts Madness Radio, is the co-founder of Freedom Center, and is a counselor who works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. As a schizophrenia survivor himself, Will is on a mission to uncover new visions of mind – and redefine what it means to be human.
In his book, Outside Mental Health: Voices and Visions of Madness, Will presents readers with interviews and essays that reveal the human side of mental illness. By asking, "What does it mean to be called crazy in a crazy world?" he seeks to create a new conversation about empowering the human spirit by transforming society’s perspective as a whole…
Dive in now to explore:
From trauma and psychosis to medication, Will’s holistic approach to mental health is changing lives across the globe. What sets him apart from other mental health advocates? Click play to find out for yourself!
You can find more information about Will and his work by visiting his website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Joan Cohen to discuss her latest book, The Deepfake: A Novel. Newly released in April 2024, Joan takes us on a journey into the life of Sylvie, an employee at an AI company. In this gripping story, we are confronted with the ethics of AI, corporate scandals, and a woman’s self-discovery. This incredibly well-timed and thought-provoking narrative highlights the potentially harmful effects of powerful technology with wisdom – with an added bit of romance, too…
Joan is a Massachusetts-based author with a background in sales & marketing at computer hardware and software companies. Once she retired, she returned to school to pursue an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Since then, she has written two books, including The Deepfake and her 2019 release, The Land of Last Chances: A Novel.
Join us now to explore:
You can find more on Joan by visiting her website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
The queen bee has to get it right when she mates, because she only has one intense mating session for the duration of her life. The queen bee's anatomy and basic honey bee biology work together for success and Julian Rangel Posada tells listeners how.
Listen and learn
Juliana Rangel Posada is an associate professor of apiculture in the Department of Entomology and leads the Texas A&M University Honey Bee Research Program. She studies biotic and abiotic factors affecting bee health. The number one problem for honey bees is the varroa mite, and she starts the conversation addressing how her lab showed that the chemicals used to treat the mites actually affects both the mites and bees.
The wax that makes up the honey comb absorbs the chemicals like a sponge, and bees grow and develop within this wax home, absorbing the chemicals. The chemical buildup causes queens to develop lower reproductive capacity and also affects drone sperm and viability. She shares various ways they advise beekeepers to mitigate this affect, including clearing out the wax every few years.
She also describes for listeners a detailed and fascinating description of honey bee matting, one of several honey bee behavioral adaptations evolved to increase genetic diversity and reproductive success. She explains the harsh life of the drone, reared for mating and killed off quickly after they've done their job. She also describes the drone's endophallus and how a queen manages multiple mates and their sperm by taking in this organ.
The next mate removes the endophallus of the previous one and so on, until she has sperm from multiple mates to continue producing eggs for years. In addition to reproductive studies, her lab is researching foraging behavior and nutrition to see if honey bees are using certain pollens with various ratios of lipid-to-proteins that affect their survivability.
For more, see her lab's Facebook page, facebook.com/TAMUhoneybeelab, which includes a "stay-at-home beekeeping series."
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
From smelly footprints and dances to furry coats and long tongues, Professor Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex talks about it all. We often refer to “bees” as though there’s only one kind, but in fact, over 20,000 species of bee have been identified.
Goulson shares fascinating data and insights primarily on two: the bumblebee and the honeybee.
Press play to discover:
Goulson’s lifelong captivation by insects led to a fascination of bees in his adult life, and for the past 25 years, he’s been studying them. Initially, the focus of his research was on the foraging strategies of different species of bee, but it’s since shifted to an investigation of why bee populations are declining, and what can be done about it.
As a specialist in the ecology and conservation of bumblebees, Goulson discusses what he believes to be the primary driving force behind the declining numbers: habitat loss, such as hay meadows in the UK and prairie fields in North America. But he’s careful to note that other factors are likely at play too, including the heavy use of pesticides, and the fact that bumblebees suffer from a range of parasites and diseases.
What do bumblebees eat, and which nutrients are provided by pollen versus nectar? How can seemingly strange bumblebee behaviors actually make a whole lot of evolutionary sense? How can you differentiate between a male and female bee? What exactly happens when a bee pollinates a flower? What types of technology are used for tracking and gathering data on bees? You’ll get a compelling and thorough answer to all of these questions and more.
Tune in and check out https://www.thebuzzclub.uk/.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
One in every three bites you take are made possible by honey bee pollination. Keeping bees healthy and productive is essential.
Honey bee reproduction depends on a queen's ability to have one mating session, store sperm for years, and lay about 1,000 eggs a day during the warmer months: an amazing honey bee characteristic among many. Brandon Hopkins shares fascinating honey bee behavioral adaptations in this discussion.
Listen and learn
Brandon Hopkins is an assistant research professor and the apiary and laboratory manager with the Washington State University Apiary Program. Studying reproductive biology across different animals led him to a honey bee obsession. "They're fascinating creatures and present lots of room for improvement in assisted reproductive techniques in honey bee breeding," he says.
He gives listeners a primer on honey bee social behavior and reproduction, describing the sperm, the queen's spermatheca organ, which stores the sperm in a quiescence state over years, and the complex ability of the queen to continue laying eggs by releasing the sperm through a tube.
He also gives us a glimpse into how this works over our geography.
While he's worked on methods of cryopreservation of honey bee semen, he's now mainly focusing on practical aspects of beekeeping management. Over two million honey bee colonies have to be moved to California in January for February almond pollination, so the storage and transport of bees is a vital topic for research.
Many beekeepers store their bees that will go to California in large warehouse-like buildings for the winter. He explains why this is an advantage, from saving their energy production to keeping mites and bee interaction at a lower state, and for a better quality of life for the keepers themselves. Listen in to understand more about the ways researchers like Brandon Hopkins are keeping bees healthy.
For more about his work, see entomology.wsu.edu/directory/faculty/brandon-hopkins.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Bee keeping is an ancient practice: even prehistoric cave paintings in Spain depict a keeper reaching for a hive to collect honey while holding a smoker to calm the bees. Cameron Jack shares some of the more interesting details of this ancient art with lucky listeners.
Tune in and hear
Cameron Jack holds the unusual position of one-hundred percent lecturer at the University of Florida. He's still involved in research and extension work, but his full lecturer designation means his beekeeping course list at the University of Florida is probably the most extensive college-level beekeeping instruction out there.
He teaches seven different beekeeping courses, covering everything from evolution, biology, the annual cycle involved in beekeeping, and more. The courses are complete enough to turn out people who can actively be beekeepers. In this interview, he describes everything from why 3/8 inches is a magic number to how bees find and maintain hives in the wild.
Honey bee behavioral adaptations of course take center stage. For hive building, beekeepers who want to maximize honey production must learn such behaviors to know why they might, for example, sequester the queen in the lower level. Bees build their combs vertically and are considered a superorganism—"the whole animal is the whole colony," he adds. They are able to determine their hive sizing in multiple ways and if it gets too big, they swarm—one colony becomes two.
Furthermore, the queen designation doesn't mean ruler. She's a producer, laying as many eggs as she can in a systematic spiral through her level of the comb. Cameron Jack's primary interest is the management of pests and diseases bees face like types of mites, beetles, and even wax-eating moths. While the interaction of mites and bees is the most concerning, diseases even involve microorganisms in honey bees' guts.
Listen in to hear more about this amazing superorganism.
For more see the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab page.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
It's estimated that 20% of our food is dependent on honey bee pollination. Meanwhile, recent news has highlighted concerns like viral diseases of the honey bee to mites to invading "killer" bees. It's hard to keep straight where honey bee diseases and treatments stand. This conversation does the trick, leaving listeners with a clear and fascinating vision of what's up with the honey bee.
Listen and learn
Jamie Ellis is the Gahan Endowed Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Fascinated with bees since childhood, he took care of his first honey bee hive at age 12 and hasn't looked back since.
He's not alone: humans have been interacting with honey bees for thousands of years.
While there are 20,000 of bee species worldwide, only 9 of those species are honey bees.
Even more daunting, 8 of those 9 are specific to Asia. That remaining species is the one we're familiar with and it inhabits Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Honey bees are actually not native to North America; rather, Europeans brought them over hundreds of years ago.
Are the populations of this one honey bee species that inhabits such disparate regions the same? Well, while it is the same species, entomologists divide it into about 30 subspecies or races, such as the African bee, which the press has misnamed the "killer bee." North American honey bees have been facing population struggles lately because of a mite, and Ellis describes various pest control and pest management plans, including nature's own adaptation through honey bee evolution.
He also helps listeners with the big picture of the many reasons to raise honey bees. While many are familiar with bee hives used for honey, pollination services are also a tremendous business. Others raise colonies to sell and some keepers specialize in raising queens.
For more information, including resources on your own bee keeping, see the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab page.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
It's hard to imagine a world without honey, much less all the fruits they pollinate. That's one reason Zachary Huang's research into honey bee stressors is so important.
Listen in as he teaches listeners about
Zachary Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. He's also an avid photographer of all-things-honey bee, including the plants they pollinate. Honey bees face many stressors and are on the decline. Researchers across the country are trying to figure out why. Dr. Huang tells listeners about the Varroa destructor mite, which hitchhiked from Brazil or Asia on bees into North America. These purplish-red mites are about the size of a pinhead and feed on the fat body of the bee. They are an obligate parasite, meaning they are dependent on the bee for their life cycle. However, their bite transmits several viruses, which weaken and affect the bee anatomy and eventually lead to the death of the bee and increased hive vulnerability.
These types of mites are actually responsible for the death of 35% of honey bees a year. Honey bee social behavior increases mite transmission likelihood.
They can be transmitted from drifting, if a bee goes to the wrong nest and brings a mite back, or if a new colony takes over another colony's site.
Researchers have tried several methods to combat these mites, from chemical methods to Dr. Huang's own method of "zapping" the drones and mites, killing them with heat so that infected drones and mites die and the colony is free to recover. Other research explores utilizing honey bee behavioral adaptations like grooming behaviors and hygiene, working on breeding bees with increased habits that will decrease the mite population in their hives.
For more about his work and to see some of his photography, see bees.msu.edu.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Aleena Kanner, a Postural Restoration Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer with a passion for helping others with chronic pain. With a background in athletic training, she works with the neurology and psychology of the body to help restore sensation, realign position, and repattern the nervous system.
How can better posture transform your well-being and pave the way for holistic restoration? By putting the root causes of underlying health conditions at the heart of her practice, Aleena guides her clients down an empowering path of healing – and you may be surprised at the results…
During the episode, we delve into:
Want to learn more about Aleena and her distinct approach to physical and mental health? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, Change Your Genes, Change Your Life: Creating Optimal Health with the New Science of Epigenetics. Dr. Pelletier is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF, a renowned keynote speaker, and a pioneer in mind-body medicine and integrative health research.
Change Your Genes, Change Your Life is renowned for pioneering work in integrative medicine, epigenetics, and longevity. Throughout the book, Dr. Pelletier navigates readers through a captivating journey into the realm of health and wellness – unveiling actionable steps to alter our genetic expression and enhance our well-being for a lifetime…
Presently, Dr. Pelletier works as a medical and business consultant to an array of entities, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Business Group on Health, and the Federation of State Medical Boards. He also serves on the boards of the Healthtrac Foundation, United Behavioral Health, American Institute of Stress, and more.
In this conversation, we dive into:
You can follow along with Dr. Pelletier and his work by visiting his website!
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Dr. Xavier Amador and Janet Hays join the podcast to discuss the intriguing topic of schizophrenia. How is it treated? What systemic barriers do patients face? These experts sit down to offer their comprehensive perspective on this complex mental illness – and all of the intricacies that come with it…
Dr. Amador is a world-renowned clinical psychologist and the founder of the LEAP Institute. As a leader in his field, he has written many books, published clinical research, and completed worldwide speaking tours surrounding the topics of schizophrenia, bipolar, and other disorders.
Janet Hays is a mental healthcare advocate and founder of the Healing Minds NOLA. Determined to make a difference, she supports policies and funding priorities that focus on evidence-based treatment and care programs for those struggling with mental health issues.
Join us now to learn about:
Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of schizophrenia, grappling with its complexities firsthand, or simply interested in the intersection of science and practice in mental healthcare, this episode provides invaluable insights into a condition that affects millions worldwide.
Want to find mental health resources in your state? Visit www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Meet Nikki Burnett, a functional nutritionist and the Founder and CEO of Taste Life Nutrition. Drawing from nearly a decade in practice and over 25 years of education, Nikki has helped hundreds of clients unlock their optimum health. She does this by digging into the root cause of dysfunctions – and then using manageable and strategic methods to restore balance and wellness…
Nikki's own health struggles fueled her mission to empower others on their health journeys. By highlighting the effectiveness of personalized approaches, she helps people suffering from an array of complex health conditions.
From chronic pain to fertility struggles, Nikki is on a mission to bring holistic solutions to those who look beyond conventional norms. What sets her approach apart from other nutritionists? Tune in now to see for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
Click here to find out more about Nikki and her work with Taste Life Nutrition!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Functional mushrooms have garnered increasing attention in the realm of nutrition. As experts continue to unveil their myriad of health advantages, it’s no wonder that demand has surged. So, what are the benefits of functional mushrooms? Stephanie Moyal, the Co-founder of Troop Nutrition, sits down to graciously share her insights with us…
Stephanie created Troop Nutrition with Jake Mellman, her cousin and best friend. Founded with the goal of demystifying mushrooms and making them approachable, they decided to produce something truly groundbreaking: superfood mushrooms in gummy form.
Offer: Troop’s all about the mush life and it brings the magic of mushrooms to your doorstep. Our mushroom gummies are crafted with the best ingredients and methods to boost your health and wellness without compromising on taste. Troop is offering an exclusive 20% OFF for Finding Genius Podcast listeners! Use the discount code FINDINGGENIUS20 at troop.com for your first order. Don’t miss this special 20% OFF offer!Join us now to dive into:
What makes Troop Nutrition’s mushroom gummies so innovative? Listen to this intriguing conversation now to find out!
You can learn more about Troop Nutrition by visiting their website here. Use the discount code FINDINGGENIUS20 for 20% off your first order!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Tobias Schulze, the insightful clinical psychologist and director of Talking Cure, illuminates a profound notion: 'Personality is trauma decontextualized.' Delving into the essence of this statement, Schulze shares the intrigue and gratification he’s found within the realm of clinical psychology.
Initially, Schulze was reluctant to venture into clinical psychology, driven by misconceptions portraying it as emotionally draining and engulfed in negativity. However, he soon discovered a rich tapestry of challenges and rewards, particularly at the nexus of trauma and personality.
In his practice, Schulze confronts the core existential struggles inherent in personality disorders, addressing fundamental questions about navigating existence and relationships. His work revolves around empowering individuals to unlock their potential, dreams, and aspirations.
Join us as we explore the world of mental health with a true expert. You'll explore:
Tune in now, and learn more by visiting Tobias Schulze Clinical Psychologist Napier Hawke's Bay (talktherapy.co.nz).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are joined by Elisabeth O'Rourke, Ph.D., the Site Director for MindWell Psychology’s Albany, NY practice location. Dr. O'Rourke sits down to discuss her work as a clinical psychologist and her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy designed for children, adolescents, and emerging adults dealing with a range of disorders.
Incorporating techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness into her practice, Dr. O'Rourke uses individualized and strength-based approaches to address an array of mental health issues – including anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavioral concerns.
Dr. O'Rourke has always been passionate about helping children and young adults overcome mental health challenges. By examining the intersection between physical and mental health, she has helped countless individuals unlock their potential for growth and resilience…
Click play now to discover:
Find out more about O'Rourke and her work at MindWell here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms returns to the podcast to discuss food preservation, self-sufficiency, homesteading, and more. Dawn has been a homesteader since 1992, and she is a mother to nine children, a farmer, nurse, artist, cheesemaker, canner, soapmaker, and beekeeper.
Dawn is on a mission to share her knowledge of self-sustainability with others – and she does this both in person and online with her YouTube channel.
Nestled on 30 acres of land with her family, Dawn immerses herself in the practices of gardening, goat rearing, beekeeping, and chicken care. Tune in as Dawn reflects on her journey through the "pantry challenge" – illuminating how it propelled her to explore the realms of canning, mindful food consumption, and sustainable practices…
In this episode, we cover:
Discover more about Dawn and her remarkable work by clicking here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Meet Erin Diehl, a business improv edutainer, failfluencer, and keynote speaker. As the founder of improve it!, she harnesses the power of improvisational comedy and experiential learning to help others thrive in ever-changing environments – and do so with a smile on their faces.
Erin is also the author of I See You!: A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy. In this book, she uses her 18 years of leadership experience and sense of humor to create a mindset shift for busy, stressed-out leaders. Can laughter, positivity, and empathy facilitate self-exploration and personal growth? Erin thinks so, and she joins us to explain why…
In this discussion, we cover:
You can keep up with Erin and her work by visiting her website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we connect with Chase Chewning, a health and fitness entrepreneur turned full-time podcaster. Chase hosts Ever Forward Radio, a top-ranked health/fitness and self-improvement podcast featuring engaging interviews with industry leaders in fitness, nutrition, and mindset.
Chase has a passion for all things wellness and human optimization. As a US Army veteran who suffered a career-ending injury, he turned his unfortunate circumstances into fuel for fulfillment and inspiration. Now, his message centers around helping others build a life that propels them forward…
Jump in now to explore:
Whether you’re a fitness junkie or just starting out, this conversation is sure to peak your interest!
You can learn more about Ever Forward Radio by visiting their website.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
The widespread use of opioids and other addictive substances has inflicted profound suffering on countless people. While these narcotics may serve legitimate purposes within the medical system, grappling with the complexities of Substance Use Disorder requires careful consideration. In this episode, we're honored to have Susan Bartz Herrick join us to shed light on this vital and poignant subject…
Susan is a retired professor at UNC-Fayetteville, St. Andrews University, and Methodist University. She is also the author of Slow Dancing with the Devil, a memoir that follows the story of her beloved son and only child, Luke, through his struggle with opioid addiction, recovery and sobriety – and ultimately his heartbreaking death.
In this conversation, we discuss:
Discover firsthand how Susan uses her personal tragedy to illustrate how overprescribing contributes to Substance Use Disorder. Ready to learn more? Click play now!
You can find more on Susan by visiting her website here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
When you hear "schizophrenia," what comes to mind?
Perhaps not the image of a sharp-suited individual leading a mental health advocacy group. But in this episode, we delve into Matt Connolly's remarkable journey living with schizophrenia.
As President of Mindspring Mental Health Alliance, Connolly dedicates himself to combating stigma, promoting mental health awareness, and showcasing that recovery is attainable—he embodies this possibility.
Hit play to uncover:
Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the triumph of the human spirit.
For more resources on this topic, visit Mental Health Education, Support & Advocacy - Mindspring (mindspringhealth.org) and Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Meet Steven Cornett, an expert in regenerative agriculture, market gardening, homesteading, livestock, and everything else DIY. As the founder of Nature's Always Right, he has a primary goal: to share his passion for growing and gardening with others. Publishing content on YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms, Steven provides tips and tricks on how to grow veggies, build soil, raise chickens, and care for trees using 100% natural techniques.
Nature is the perfect example of sustainability, and Steven is on a mission to learn these systems and work in harmony with them. Would the world be a better place if more people knew these valuable techniques? Steven thinks so, and he joins us to explain why…
Jump in now to discover:
You can follow along and support Steven’s work by visiting his website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we dive into the world of hydroponics and sustainable farming with Stacy Adams, a Professor of Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
As an expert in controlled environment agriculture, Stacy’s work specifically focuses on using greenhouses and high tunnels to produce ornamental and food crops. Drawing from years of research, he has been addressing the issue of food security by researching the intriguing topic of hydroponic farming…
Confronted with environmental changes and challenges, scientists are tasked with developing sustainable alternative food production systems. How does Stacy’s knowledge contribute to this vision? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Join the conversation and grow your awareness of:
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply curious about sustainable food production, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of farming!
Click here to find out more about Stacy and his work.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
DNA is the blueprint of humans and almost every other organism on Earth. A highly complex strand of genetic material, virtually every single cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. So this begs the question: What is DNA composed of, and where does it come from? Dr. John Coffin, an American Cancer Society Research Professor and Distinguished Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, joins us to explain…
Dr. Coffin is a veteran policy analyst who has helped advise the National Cancer Center’s Center for Cancer Research director, among other prominent institutions. With a passion for understanding how retroviruses interact with their host cells and organisms, he is at the forefront of DNA research – a field that highlights the intricate mechanisms of evolution.
Dive in now to learn about:
How do viruses interact with human DNA? What can this tell us about the epigenetic landscape of our past? Click play to see for yourself!
You can find out more about Dr. Coffin and his work here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
“I had a toolbox full of addiction—alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, work, all of it—and basically what I’ve done is taken out the addiction and replaced it with holistic practices, like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, EMDR, equine therapy…you name it,” says Theo Fleury.
Press play to hear his personal story and learn:
Theo Fleury discovered his love for ice hockey at a young age: In it he found refuge from a household where addiction and mental illness were primary themes. But when he was just an adolescent, a hockey coach would subject Fleury to years of trauma and sexual abuse.
Serious mental illness and addiction would ensue.
Eventually, this experience would lead Fleury to become an expert in the field of relational trauma.
Fleury shares what he’s learned over the years, including the importance of talking about our negative emotions and experiences in order to work through them, rather than suppressing them through drugs or other forms of addiction.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and explore more at https://theofleury.life/
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How has the opioid epidemic exploded so quickly in the United States? Purdue Pharma may be behind one of the most prevalent causes of patient exploitation in world history.
Listen up to learn:
An expert speaker on the opioid crisis, Chris Johnson shares his experience making proactive steps forward to curb the opioid epidemic.
The introduction of OxyContin over two decades prior realistically marks the beginning of the opioid epidemic as it stands today. Sadly, with the degradation of medical morals and practices, increasing numbers of moderate pain patients have been led down the path to addiction.
The intertwining of big pharma and medical practices on all levels has caused over-prescribing of opioid pain management to skyrocket. With pills being harder to come by and increasingly expensive, many patients who were merely facing moderate or chronic pain have sought alternatives like heroin and fentanyl.
Visit endtheopioidcrisis.com for more resources and information.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Overeating. Drinking alcohol. Watching mindless TV. Gambling.
These are just a few of the ways in which people avoid troubling and painful emotions. As soon as we feel them creeping up, we tend to distract ourselves. It might feel good in the short-term, but what are the long-term costs?
Tune in to discover:
Nicole Cross, PhD is an associate psychologist with Cognitive Behavior Therapy Associates of Denver, where she focuses on helping people who struggle with substance and behavioral addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pornography, gambling, and alcohol abuse.
“Part of the process is noticing when you have an urge to use those behaviors in order to escape some uncomfortable thought, feeling, or emotion,” says Cross. She explains her approach to treatment, which involves developing the right coping skills for the issue at hand, and understanding why certain behaviors—no matter how detrimental—seem impossible to stop or even decrease.
Press play for all the details and learn more at https://cbtdenver.com/.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
For 23 years, Cali Estes, Ph.D. has been working with all types of people struggling from all kinds of addictions—from heroin or cocaine or alcohol to food or shopping or pornography.
She discusses the following:
Dr. Estes works with a wide range of individuals, from the ordinary person to the NFL athlete to some of the most popular celebrities, all of whom struggle in one way or another with some type of addiction. It is her belief that addiction cannot be resolved simply by getting a person to remove the addictive substance or behavior from their life, but by digging deeply until the root cause of addictive behaviors is uncovered; only then can an addiction truly be addressed.
She discusses why many conventional approaches to recovery don’t work for a lot of people, and what’s wrong about the fundamental assumptions such programs rely upon.
Dr. Estes’ approach is a combination of several methods, including talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, life coaching, addiction coaching, motivational interviewing, and techniques that address brain damage from years’ worth of substance use.
She discusses how she helps people with her Sober On-Demand program, and proprietary uses of a machine which repairs damaged receptors in the brain. Dr. Estes truly takes a holistic approach to each and every client, addressing their personal and unique needs and goals.
In her opinion, the goal isn’t just to be sober or free from addiction: the goal is to be happy while sober, and happy while free from addiction.
For more information, visit https://caliestes.com/ and https://theaddictionscoach.com/.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
When you think of what addiction recovery looks like, you probably don’t envision the consumption of psychedelic drugs. On today’s episode, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins and author of 47 articles on psychedelic drugs, Matthew Johnson, PhD, explains why and how psychedelic therapy might have a place in addiction recovery after all.
His area of expertise lies in understanding the ways in which psychedelic drugs can serve as behavior change agents. This idea is consistent with neuroscience research findings, countless anecdotal stories, and ceremonial use of psychedelic substances in a variety of indigenous cultures. Intrigued by the idea?
Tune in to hear all the details and learn more, including:
Tune in to hear the full discussion.
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“There are benefits to all mind-altering activities or substances…and it can almost be radical to even recognize that in a culture that seems hell-bent on convincing us all that drugs are evil and that drugs are the cause of the problem.
What we’ve tried to do with The Social Exchange…is to broaden the definition of addiction beyond just drugs and to broaden it beyond just an over-medicalized mentality around it,” says Aaron Ferguson, co-host of The Social Exchange podcast.
On today’s episode, he is joined by his co-host Zach Rhoads to discuss the creation, development, and goals of the podcast, as well as what they’ve learned by interviewing countless experts and pain patients who've experienced addiction on a firsthand basis.
Among many topics, they discuss differing viewpoints and arguments surrounding the concept and experience of addiction, the philosophy of harm reduction, and chemical dependency versus environmental influences.
Tune in for all the details of this compelling and passionate conversation.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
“Not everyone with the disease of addiction is able to access treatment…being a physician, that was very hard for me to digest, and the result is that we see so many preventable overdose deaths…
I would like that to change, and I think reducing the stigma associated with the disease of addiction and moving more treatment to an outpatient setting will greatly increase access to care,” says Dr. Indra Cidambi.
With this vision, she founded the Center for Network Therapy, New Jersey’s first state-licensed outpatient detoxification facility.
Dr. Cidambi explains that in contrast to the traditional model of inpatient care, which many insurance policies will not cover, an outpatient detoxification program will allow more patients to obtain care without the consequences of inpatient care, such as the required isolation from friends and family members, and having to take time away from work.
In addition, outpatient care allows patients to recover from addiction in their normal environment, encouraging them to integrate what they learn into their daily lives.
Approximately 65% of Dr. Cidambi’s patients remain sober after 90 days, and the same can only be said for about 40% of patients who undergo inpatient treatment.
Tune in for an interesting discussion about how exactly outpatient detoxification works, the four key components of Dr.Cidambi’s program, and so much more.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How does cold water immersion affect the body’s recovery and inflammation levels? Jonathan Peake, a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, joins us to explain…
Jonathan has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Queensland, where he has held several academic positions since 2006. Teaching in the areas of physiology and pathophysiology, he is an expert in exercise recovery and other fitness-related subjects.
Jump into the conversation learn about:
Are you eager to explore the fascinating world of muscle damage and inflammation, cold water immersion strategies, and heating recovery? If so, this podcast is certainly for you!
To find out more about Jonathan and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Paul Offit returns to the program to discuss his latest book, Tell Me When It's Over: An Insider's Guide to Deciphering Covid Myths and Navigating Our Post-Pandemic World. Dr. Offit is the Director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He is also an internationally recognized expert in the fields of virology and immunology and was a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tell Me When It's Over is a definitive guide that helps readers find new solutions to navigating the “new normal”. Brimming with pragmatic analysis and sensible advice, this book provides fact-based information in a world where science is highly politicized – and polarizing…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Dr. Offit and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Sugar seems to be in everything we eat. While experts have warned against its health side effects, people continue to consume it in staggering quantities. Why is sugar so addictive? How can we break free from our cravings and take care of our bodies instead?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicole Avena to discuss her newest book, Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction. In this step-by-step guide, Dr. Avena teaches readers how to completely change their mindset around what they eat – using food for what it is intended to be: fuel for the body…
Dr. Avena is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet, and addiction. She is the Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Health System and a Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University.
Tune in now to discover:
You can pick up your own copy of Sugarless here, and follow along with Dr. Avena’s research here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
The human brain is a mystery that scientists are still attempting to unravel. Many experts say that we know far more about the nature of the Universe than we know about the brain. Is this true? If so, what makes this wrinkly gray organ so complex? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Marois to discuss the neural basis of attention in humans – a fascinating topic that we are only just beginning to understand…
Dr. Marois is a Professor of Psychology and the Winkelried Family Chair in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. He also heads up the Human Information Processing Laboratory at Vanderbilt, where he researches the relationship between attention, working memory, and awareness.
Click play to find out:
You can follow along with Dr. Marois’s Human Information Processing Laboratory here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Every experience, connection, meal, and countless other environmental factors can influence whether specific genes are turned on or off, affecting all kinds of physiological processes, including aging.
Kara Fitzgerald provides eye-opening insights into this topic and so much more.
Tune in to explore:
Fitzgerald is the medical director of The Sandy Hook Clinic, host of New Frontiers and Functional Medicine, and author of the book Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better.
Her current research revolves around the impacts of diet and lifestyle on the epigenome and how a specific protocol centered on these factors might deliver surprising, beneficial health outcomes in the clinic.
Press play to hear the full conversation.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is aging the root cause of disease and the breakdown of our bodies?
If we can find a way to alter the process, many advances in health and longevity may no longer be out of reach. Press play to learn:
Co-Founder of NOVOS, Kris Verburgh, joins the podcast to discuss his work with epigenetics and how aging affects our bodies.
The prospect of aging has long been a reality that many of us would like to avoid.
However, even with setting vanity aside, slowing the aging process or stopping altogether may hold the key to a host of health benefits.
Since genetic modification has recently moved out of the realm of science fiction and into reality, altering the aging process has never been more tangible. New developments and procedures are in the works in the coming years and hold significant promise to potentially alter how humankind considers biology.
Visit https://novoslabs.com to learn more.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can acne stem from causes which many sources may not have told you before? While older techniques can be practical, recent advancements and discoveries can significantly expedite the process.
Listen up to learn:
Chris Gibson, the author of Acne Free in 3 Days, shares the knowledge gained over a career of treating acne and other pesky skin conditions.
Many people are familiar with acne and other skin conditions prevalent earlier in life, though many of us struggle with them throughout the various stages of life. However, using new techniques in tandem with a healthy diet, significant improvements can e made that can last. While progress may not be immediate, many stubborn effects and cosmetic issues will clear up with persistence and proper regimens and discipline.
However, it is important to follow the advice of those with extensive experience in the field and allow professionals to handle the more intensive treatments.
Search for Chris Gibson on YouTube for more information and advice or visit skinsofabulous.chrisgibsonlive.com.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Maggie Jackson sits down with us to discuss her latest book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. Nominated for a National Book Award and added to three Best Books of 2023 lists, Uncertain helps readers understand why they should seek “not-knowing” in times of angst and flux.
How can we harness the neglected power of uncertainty? Uncertain is a book that provides a detailed roadmap for people looking to shake things up in their lives…
Maggie is a former columnist for the Boston Globe and has written for The New York Times and other publications worldwide. With a passion for asking the hard questions, she writes about crucial aspects of life such as home and attention – and now the uncertain mind.
Click play to explore:
You can find more on Maggie and her work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can aging be curbed in order to improve the longevity of the body? With certain advancements, humans may be able to find a way to "cure" aging.
Listen up to learn:
Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, the founder of The Kaufmann Anti-aging Institute, shares her work in the fight to curb aging. While science is still far from curing aging, there are many factors and actions to help fight the process. Epigenetic factors are some of the most important, and the fewer negative epigenetic impacts we can introduce to our body, the better.
By focusing on the seven major aging factors, we can begin to understand what can speed or slow the process most.
Thankfully, practitioners like Dr. Kaufmann have developed systems to curb the negative impacts of aging.
Visit https://kaufmannprotocol.com to learn more.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you curious about the magnitude of life that has flourished on Earth over the eons?
Dr. Peter Crockford has devised an ingenious method to estimate it and come up with a number: a staggering 10 to the power of 39 cells. As a professor in Carleton University’s Earth Sciences Department, he unveils his groundbreaking research, analyzing ancient rock signatures to gauge biosphere productivity and extrapolate the total number of cells ever to exist on this planet.
Join us as we explore:
Hit play now and delve into the mysteries of Earth's past and future. Check out Peter W. Crockford, PhD (petercrockford.rocks) to learn more.
Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How is artificial intelligence enhancing health and fitness? While technology has the capacity to decrease human activity, it can also help people get into the best shape of their lives. In this episode, we jump into the fascinating world of digital fitness with Daniel Sobhani, an entrepreneurship expert and the CEO of Freeletics.
Founded in 2014, Freeletics is an app that provides people with access to a digital personal trainer that guides them through exercises whenever and wherever they want. It is now the leading AI-based fitness and mindset coaching provider – serving 40 million users in over 160 countries…
Join in the discussion now to discover:
Get started using Freeletics today by visiting their website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Dr. Amani Ballour sits down to discuss her upcoming book, The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman's Story of Survival in Syria, set to be released on March 5th, 2024. This intriguing memoir walks readers through the life of a young doctor and activist who ran an underground hospital in Damascus during the Syrian civil war – humanizing the enduring crisis. As the only woman to have ever run a wartime hospital, Dr. Ballour saved many people from the horrors of war while simultaneously contending with the patriarchal conservatism around her…
Dr. Ballour is an internationally acclaimed pediatrician and humanitarian who advocates for women and children across the globe. Her story is unlike any other person in Syria, and her impact on the world will be remembered for generations. She is a recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize and currently lives in New Jersey, USA.
We recently discovered the Biohacker Babes Podcast, which is a sister duo on a mission to help empower others to become their own biohacker and upgrade your life. They cover a wide variety of health topics with everything from fasting for women to using different wearables to track your health to peptides and biological age testing. If you're ready to take control of your well-being and optimize your health, you have to check out their show - The Biohacker Babes!.Tune in now to learn about:
To follow along with Dr. Ballour’s work, follow her on Twitter now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Clément Decrop joins us in this episode to discuss his latest book, The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self. In this fascinating book, Clément offers a groundbreaking, scientific approach to understanding the mind. The Idea Space invites readers to view their thoughts objectively and identify their impact – thus uncovering a happier existence and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
Clément is a Belgian-born author and inventor who moved to the United States with his family at the age of six. Since then, he has led wellness events for thousands of participants across the globe. He is knowledgeable on the topics of mindfulness, sleep, exercise, and nutrition. He has also submitted more than 130 patent disclosures in one year, of which 50-plus are filed and 12-plus are issued.
Join us now to explore:
Click here to learn more about Clément and his intriguing work! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Carolyn Kurle, a returning guest from long ago, joins us to discuss her latest book, The Guidance Groove: Escape Unproductive Habits, Trust Your Intuition, and Be True. Dr. Kurle is a tenured Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of California San Diego and holds degrees in Zoology, German Literature, Wildlife Science and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior.
Written as a passion project, The Guidance Groove provides readers with a roadmap for navigating life's flow while in continual communication with their own authentic, intuitive selves. It was written for people who want to live life from a place of wholeness – and Dr. Kurle is determined to show people how beneficial trusting your instincts really is…
In this episode, we discuss:
Are you interested in recognizing and dismantling the false stories you tell yourself? If so, this interview is certainly for you. Jump in now to learn how to find your groove!
To find out more about Dr. Kurle and her work, click here now.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Botox is a routine tool used in the cosmetic industry that has become increasingly popular. Is it a healthy medical procedure? What was it initially discovered for, and how has it developed over time? Dr. Eugene M. Helveston, a medical professional with many years of experience, sits down to enlighten us…
Dr. Helveston is an emeritus professor of ophthalmology, the founder of the section of Pediatric Ophthalmology, and the former Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine. In January of 2024, he released Death to Beauty: The Transformative History of Botox, a book that walks readers through the intricate history of how the world's deadliest toxin (starting as a treatment for crossed eyes) became a routine tool for the cosmetic industry.
In this discussion, we cover:
If you are ready to rethink success, beauty, and deadly bacteria, this podcast is certainly for you. Tune in now to broaden your perspective!
You can find out more about Dr. Helveston and his other work here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. David D. Clarke joins the podcast once again to discuss a fascinating topic: psychophysiological disorders. Also known as chronic functional syndromes or psychosocial factors linked to chronic pain, this is a vastly underexplored area of medicine. Dr. Clarke is a professional at the forefront of this field, and he is passionate about educating others on the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health…
Dr. Clarke is the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus both at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. He has also received many awards for patient care – including the Distinguished Physician Award from Kaiser Permanente and the Outstanding Commitment to Physician Assistant Education Award from Pacific University.
Click play now to find out:
You can find more on Dr. Clarke and his work by visiting endchronicpain.org!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Mark Springer joins us today to discuss his latest book, Flesh Becomes Words. Mark is an author from San Mateo, California, who studied English and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. He has been a science and technology writer and editor in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years, primarily in the biotechnology industry.
Flesh Becomes Words is an action-packed story that explores the nature of science, soul, and spirit. Mark believes these are the three parts of our beings: DNA in our bodies, thoughts in our souls, and God’s Word in our spirit. In this dynamic novel, he invites readers to put themselves in the shoes of the characters in the book – an experience a world where belief in the Bible is against the law…
In this conversation, we discuss:
You can pick up a copy of Flesh Becomes Words for yourself here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss fragmented focus, ADD, and how decreased attention impacts young learners in a technological world. We learn about this intriguing topic from a teacher on the front lines of this issue: John Kish. John is a teacher at St. Benedict’s Classical Academy, where he uses classical education to solve the deep cultural issues of our times.
John believes that teaching is an art rather than a science. By developing strong relationships with his students, he is eager to share his ardent love for the True, Good, and Beautiful with the next generation.
Is technology standing in the way of increased focus and productivity in the classroom? John thinks so, and he’s here to share his unique solutions to this unprecedented problem…
Jump in now to discover:
To find out more about John and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever taken a sip of water and immediately regretted it because it tasted awful? What about the water that tastes good but isn't good for you? What makes water drinkable?
All your questions about water quality and contamination will be answered in this episode, where we’re joined by Peter J. Vikesland, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. Over his decades-long career, his work has revolved primarily around drinking water treatment and contaminant remediation.
Tune in to explore:
Interested in learning more?
Press play and visit Peter J. Vikesland | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Virginia Tech (vt.edu).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the importance of soil health with Michelle M. Wander, the Director of the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program and Associate Professor of Soil Fertility/Ecology at the University of Illinois. She also directs the Wander Soil Ecology Lab, where she works to encourage soil stewardship and management using cutting-edge research.
Michelle has been involved in soil science for over 30 years. Interested in agroecology and agricultural sustainability, she is on a mission to better understand biologically-based fertility – specifically how it impacts soil organic matter and soil biology…
Join us now to learn more about:
To learn more about Michelle and her work, visit the Wander Soil Ecology Lab here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is it possible to make any organism fully resistant to viral infections?
According to new research using E. coli from the Harvard Medical School Department of Genetics, the answer seems to be yes…eventually!
Today, we’re joined by one of the lead researchers in this study, Akos Nyerges. Among many fascinating developments in the fields of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, he discusses the ability to modify existing organisms to achieve desired changes, the use of new DNA building blocks to create synthetic organisms, the most challenging regions of DNA to engineer, and what to expect in the near future.
Press play to discover:
Tune in for the full conversation, visit Home | Church Lab (harvard.edu) to learn more about Harvard’s Department of Genetics, and feel free to contact Nyerges via email: Akos_Nyerges@hms.harvard.edu.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Dr. Jon Mitchell, a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex. Dr. Mitchell is an expert in religious anthropology and researches questions of identity and political alignment in various regions…
Dr. Mitchell’s primary research site is Malta, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, he conducted his doctoral research during the 1990s – a time of rapid social and political transformation. Most recently, he has been researching the places and processes of belief while exploring the social, political, and economic significance of Maltese football.
Click play to find out:
You can learn about Dr. Mitchell and his work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The American South has a rich history of culture and religion. During the 19th century, Christianity played a major role in forming the social foundations that we see to this day. So what actually occurred during this time period, and why does it matter? Robert Elder, an expert in this topic, sits down to explain…
Robert is an Associate Professor of History at Baylor University where he teaches courses on the American South, the Early Republic, and the Civil War. In addition to this, he has written two books that outline distinct religious dynamics in the U.S.: The Sacred Mirror: Evangelicalism, Honor, and Identity in the Deep South, 1790-1860, and Calhoun: American Heretic.
In this episode, you will discover:
To learn more about Robert and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Daniel L. Dreisbach, a professor at the American University School of Public Affairs, who teaches in the Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology. As an author, academic, and attorney, Daniel is a long-time student of law and politics in the American founding era.
In 2016, Daniel published Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers, a book that outlines the founders' diverse use of scripture – ranging from the literary to the theological. So how has religion influenced the US Constitution and overall history? Daniel sits down to enlighten us…
Join the discussion now to discover:
To learn more about Daniel and his work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today we connect with Brian Grim, the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and global chairman of Dare to Overcome. The relationship between economic sustainability and freedom of religion or belief for all is a passion of Brian’s – so much so that he has become the world’s leading expert on the subject…
Brian has authored numerous academic articles and books. Drawing from his doctorate in quantitative sociology from Penn State, he has spent years measuring how governments in society restrict people’s freedom to believe (or not believe) in a faith or religion.
Jump into the conversation now to find out:
To learn more about Brian and his work with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, you can find their website here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Francis J. Beckwith, a Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also serves as Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy and Affiliate Professor of Political Science. Francis is a philosopher who publishes and teaches in the areas of religion, jurisprudence, politics, and ethics.
Francis has authored more than 100 academic articles, book chapters, reference entries, and reviews. With titles such as Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft, Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant, and Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice, Francis is a highly regarded voice in the academic community.
So, what makes Francis’s philosophical perspective so special? Tune in now to find out…
Join in now to explore:
Want to learn more about Francis J. Beckwith and his work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Byron Johnson, a Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences at Baylor University, and the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He joins us today to discuss his work exploring religion and criminal justice, proposing that religion can be a powerful remedy to crime.
Byron is trained as a criminologist, and over the years, he has used his expertise to tackle a plethora of related issues – most recently analyzing the role religion plays in helping people and societies to flourish…
Through his investigations, Byron wrote More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could Matter More, where he makes the case that “any effective crime fighting policy must include government and faith-based efforts in partnership.”
Click play to uncover:
You can learn more about Byron and his investigations here, and buy his book here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Tune in to our fascinating chat about biblical history with Marc Brettler!
Marc is a member of the American Academy for Jewish Research and the Council of the Society of Biblical Literature. In addition to this, Marc is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University, where he researches subjects such as the Hebrew Bible, biblical historical texts, the Bible and gender, the book of Psalms, and more…
The complexities of biblical history continues to astound scholars to this day. Whether you are newly exploring spirituality or a theological aficionado, this podcast is sure to pique your interest!
Join us now to hear Marc talk about:
By clicking here, you can find out more about Marc Brettler and his research!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Your brain weighs about as much as the microbes in your gut. That fact alone should ignite your interest in the role of microbes in all aspects of human health. Over the last 15 years or so, a lot has been discovered about the critical role of microbes in the brain-gut axis.
Today, we’re joined by an expert in this field, Ted Dinan. He is a professor of psychiatry at University College Cork, Ireland, who works as part of the Cork Neuroscience Research Group and has authored nearly 200 widely published papers and several books on the pharmacology and neurobiology of affective disorders.
Tune in to learn:
Interested in learning more about the groundbreaking research at University College Cork? Press play and visit CNSC | University College Cork (ucc.ie).
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Christopher D. Bader, a Professor of Sociology at Chapman University and an affiliate of the Institute for Religion, Economics and Society (IRES). Dr. Bader has been a sociologist for years, and early on in his career, he became interested in the decline of conventional religion. Where are people turning to instead? He found that many individuals fill this spiritual void with UFOs, ghosts, bigfoot, and other paranormal phenomena…
Dr. Bader has been the principal investigator of the first two waves of the Baylor Religion Survey, a nationwide survey of US religious beliefs and the principal investigator of the first three waves of the Chapman Survey of American Fears. He has also written two books, America's Four Gods and Paranormal America and has published 35 articles and chapters in the fields of sociology, deviance, criminology, the sociology of religion and education.
Click play now to uncover:
You can learn more about Dr. Bader here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Bob Walters returns to the podcast to discuss Paul the Apostle and various other Christianity-related topics. Bob is a writer who has a weekly blog called Common Christianity. In addition to his work as an educational writer, he has spent the past decade involved in an array of church-oriented volunteer enterprises.
Bob has a journalism and public relations background – skills he uses to benefit the Christian community. What makes Bob’s intellectual understanding of Paul and the Bible so engaging and important? He joins us to explain…
In this conversation, we cover:
Learn more about Bob and his writing by visiting his website here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Chris Peng, the Co-Founder and CEO of Labfront, joins us to delve into the groundbreaking initiatives of their startup, poised to transform health research. Labfront is on a mission to bridge the gap between medical research and practical applications, aiming to remedy the deficiencies in our current healthcare system.
In this episode, Peng shares the inspiration behind Labfront and how they are enhancing software infrastructure to consolidate data from various wearable sensors. By breaking down silos that often conceal crucial health information, Labfront strives to pinpoint and address underlying diseases.
Labfront empowers researchers by offering a comprehensive software solution to manage studies. Whether dealing with a study involving 50 participants or thousands of participants, Labfront assists researchers in crafting customized apps that help ensure participant adherence through reminders and task management.
Moreover, Labfront is at the forefront of innovation by developing an analysis engine within its platform. This enhancement streamlines the data analysis process, boosting efficiency for both researchers and studies.
Press play to discover:
Ready to explore the future of health research? Tune in now and explore Labfront | All-in-One Research Solution for Real-World Data.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
It can be difficult enough to manage our own diets – let alone the diet of our dogs. But what if there was a simple way to ensure our pups get the nutrition they need to thrive? Dr. Pete VanVranken, the founder of Voyager Dog Food Company, joins us to discuss the importance of feeding our dogs quality, safe food…
Dr. Pete brings over 49 years of veterinary experience to Voyager Dog Food Company. With a passion for pets, he started this venture with a primary goal: to provide safe and nutritious dog food to enhance their daily health and overall longevity.
In this episode, we explore:
Voyager Dog Food Company offers recipes created by veterinarians, food scientists, and Ph.D. nutritionists. What sets them apart from other specialty dog food suppliers? Dive in now to see for yourself!
You can learn more about Dr. Pete and Voyager Dog Food Company by clicking here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Can YouTube actually enhance your real estate business? Levi Lascsak thinks so, and he has the experience to prove it. In this episode, he joins us to explain how social media can help generate more leads for entrepreneurs across industries – all without cold-calling, door-knocking, sending postcards, or spending any money on ads.
Levi has a deep passion for traveling and education, and when the pandemic halted his income, he found himself researching creative ways to engage with the business community. Since then, he has started a successful YouTube channel, co-written a book titled Passive Prospecting, and closed on millions of dollars worth of real estate transactions.
How was this possible? Listen now to hear Levi’s fascinating insight!
In this discussion, we cover:
To learn more about Levi and his work, visit his website today!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Gut microbiome influences many facets of the body. From depression to diabetes, a healthy gut is essential for both physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Jack A. Gilbert joins us to discuss how microbes interact with each other, the world around them, and what makes them a vital part of our health and wellness.
Dr. Gilbert is the Director of the Microbiome and Metagenomics Center and the Microbiome Core Facility and a Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He also serves on the board of the Genomic Standards Consortium, and is the primary investigator for various research ventures – including the Earth Microbiome Project, the Home Microbiome Project, the Gulf Microbial Modeling Project, the Hospital Microbiome Project, and the Chicago River Microbiome Project.
As the author of more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Gilbert is an internationally recognized expert in medical and environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, and biotechnology development. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of gut health? You’ve come to the right place!
Join in to explore:
You can find more information on Dr. Gilbert and his work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with clinical nutritionist Dr. Michael Biamonte, the founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition and co-creator of BioCybernetics. Additionally, he is the author of The Candida Chronicles: A Manual for Candida Yeast Infections, a book that outlines candida and how to properly deal with it.
With over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, Dr. Biamonte is dedicated to enhancing the lives of his patients – and helping them get back to living life to its fullest. Coming from a nutritional standpoint, Dr. Biamonte helps patients make sustainable changes to their lives by improving their gut health…
Listen now to discover:
To find out more about Dr. Biamonte and his work with Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Listen to your gut!
It’s a saying we all resonate with on some level, but is there any merit to it? As research on the connection between gut and overall human health grows, it seems there is.
Prebiotic and probiotic products boast the ability to improve gut health, but most of them have virtually no beneficial effect.
Learn why, and discover:
The NIH Human Microbiome Project revolutionized what it means to have a “healthy gut.” As a consequence, it shed light on the serious shortcomings of most probiotics and prebiotics on the market. In essence, most of these products are either doing more harm than good, or not much at all.
When Tina Anderson made this discovery, she decided to do something about it. She and her husband were able to license specific probiotic strains from London University—strains that, unlike most on the market, actually reach the intestine alive and are therefore able to confer benefits to the consumer.
But that’s not all: this probiotic also produces antioxidants and carotenoids right at the site of absorption, adding even more benefits.
Anderson founded Just Thrive with the goal of making this product available to everyone. They now offer a prebiotic that also stands out among others on the market.
Anderson discusses all this and more, including exciting new products in the pipeline.
To learn more visithttps://justthrivehealth.com/.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Microbial sciences are experiencing a "gold rush of research," says Seed co-founder and co-CEO Raja Dhir. He discusses how Seed is a part of that work with a multi-technology approach to all aspects of the microbiome, from gut health to coral reef protection. Listen and learn
Raja Dhir is a life science entrepreneur who helped co-found Seed along with Ara Katz. The company is a venture-backed microbiome group that's pioneering the application of bacteria for both human and planetary health. Because he leads their R&D, academic collaborations, technology developments, and clinical trial design, he's able to give listeners a relevant and precise look at why their products work and how their research strives to help planetary health as well. He explains how they maintain their high scientific bar as they develop compounds for a variety of issues, including skin and gut treatments.
Unique among microbial science companies, Seed also researches environmental microbiome issues, including how to help coral reefs survive ocean acidification and ways to mitigate effects of neonicotinoids and pathogens on honey bees. Dhir also brings listeners on a deep dive into their techniques, explaining how they've achieved the 100% release of viable cells into the upper small intestines for their gut microbiome products, which allow the bacteria to be metabolically active.
He also helps listeners get a more vivid picture of how their synergistic and complimentary synbiotics work by carefully pairing appropriate prebiotics with probiotics. Listen in for more about this company's fascinating approach to microbial science.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
The connection between alcohol and gut health is established in scientific literature: alcohol is an inflammatory agent. But as researchers like Vincent Maffei work to improve the quality of life for HIV patients, every bit of information of how that inflammation develops makes a difference, especially in how alcohol and bowel problems connect.
Listeners will learn
Vincent J. Maffei is with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology at LSU. As a graduate student, he became involved in LSU's Comprehensive Alcohol Research Center (CARC) and studied how dysbiosis accompanies biological aging. He combined this with studying how alcohol affects the intestines, and now studies this specifically with HIV patients. More specifically, he works to find associations between alcohol use and advancing aging in HIV patients and their guts.
He explains to listeners about several players in this complex mix of cause and effect: alcohol and gut health as well as alcohol and HIV patients. He establishes that any amount of alcohol can be harmful to someone suffering from HIV. Combine that with an already-established connection with alcohol and dysbiosis in the gut, and researchers are faced with a very real problem to solve for these patients.
He does a careful job explaining the background to listeners, bringing in other studies more general to alcohol use and explaining its effect on T-cell senescence, which basically means they lack the ability to copy themselves—limiting their ability to fight infection.
Senescence is also a characteristic of biological aging. He explains that the administration of alcohol breaks down the gut barrier, allowing microbes to migrate from the lumen of gut into tissue, which causes inflammation.
He also explains their worthy end goal: to identify some sort of microbiota intervention to relieve this component of inflammation in HIV patients, improving their life span and quality of life. Hopefully their findings will lead to more precise mechanisms that can be leveraged in therapeutic modality.
For more, see the CARC website: medschool.lsuhsc.edu/alcoholresearch.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Tiny microbes make a huge difference in our health. These internal ecological systems utilize communication or signaling to maintain this health, effecting immune system function. This podcast shares an important discovery in this communication that influences receptivity to cancer treatment. Listen and learn.
Dr. Kathy McCoy is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary and the director of the International Microbiome Centre. Her research is focused on interactions between the microbiome and immune system and she shares an exciting just-published study that presents a key finding in cancer treatment. Specifically, her research asked how gut microbes play a rule in influencing or regulating the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy or cancer immunotherapy. She says that scientists have known for a few years that our microbiome is associated with immunotherapy success or lack thereof, but needed more information to make a difference in treatment.
Here's the big idea behind her findings: while researchers have known there's a microbial immune conversation, they now know that it's a three-way conversation rather than a two-way conversation.
In addition to the microbes and immune system players, metabolites sent out by microbes have a say; furthermore, this conversation gets enhanced by cancer immunotherapy.
More specifically, they found that one of these metabolites, inosine, binds to a receptor present on T-cells and causes a signal transduction cascade that makes that T-cell turn on an anti-tumor response—it makes the cytokines necessary to attack cancer cells. If a patient doesn't have this metabolite, the immunotherapy may not work as well. The hope is researchers can figure out how to encourage this metabolite in patients. Listen in for more details about this study and about its life-changing implications.
For more, see her lab website: kathymccoylab.ca.
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A metabolic pathway study on an ocean floor compound led marine scientist Veronika Kivenson straight to our gut. When she found evidence that a genetic code expansion utilized for metabolism in an ocean sediment compound also appears in the human gut, she knew she needed to understand this pathway better.
Listen and learn
Veronika Kivenson recently received her Ph.D. in Marine Science from UC Santa Barbara and is now working on a post doc at Oregon State University.
She studies microorganism and how they react with their surroundings, especially their metabolism, and what they consume and produce. While studying marine sediment, she came across an interesting connection with gut metabolism. An amino acid that converts from a stop codon in order to metabolize trimethylamine appears in both places. Furthermore, trimethylamine is listed in the negative column in animal-based diet pros and cons.
Animal-based foods are a major source of trimethylamine. In our liver, it becomes trimethylamine-N-oxide, or TMAO, which causes plaque, an element of cardiovascular disease symptoms. But if a pathway in the gut can prevent that formation of TMAO, that's significant. Veronika Kivenson is looking at the potential beneficial role in the genetic code expansion pathway that consumes and prevents TMA from becoming TMAO, or part of plaque formation.
What's really interesting is that this consuming bacteria is also associated with meat consumption. The Bilophila genus bacteria, through genetic code expansion, prevents the formation of the harmful TMAO. Studies on these pathways could lead to probiotic therapies to address cardiovascular disease.
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Bootsie Martinez joins the podcast today to discuss her work in criminal justice, linguistics, education, and more. She is a consultant, expert witness, college instructor, and writer with a passion for language analysis. How does her skillset fit into the legal world? She joins us to explain…
Bootsie is certified in Forensic Linguistic Analysis, has a Masters in Criminal Justice, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Linguistics. Her areas of specialties include retail security, loss prevention, and fraudulent nursing schools. She is also the author of The Retail Manager's Guide to Crime and Loss Prevention and Sticks and Stones – and contributes to various crime-related magazine publications.
In this conversation, we dive into:
You can learn more about Bootsie and her work by clicking here!
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Bootsie Martinez Important Note:
Feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life, business, or living space? Struggling to focus, stay on task, or simply find things when you need them?
Today we speak with an organization expert who has the solutions: Andrew Mellen. As Founder and CEO of Andrew Mellen, Inc. and author of Calling Bullsh*t on Busy: A Practical Guide to Ditching the Time Management Myth and Quickly Achieving Your Goals and Unstuff Your Life!, he’s helped hundreds of thousands of people and businesses reclaim time and peace of mind through various programs designed to eliminate the messiness of modern life.
Press play to learn:
Mellen explains the process people tend to go through as they change their organizational habits and retrain their minds and behaviors to sustain them. His approach is centered around how people think, feel, and interact with their “stuff.” He details how he coaches people and the type of people he’s helped – including those with hoarding tendencies and a desire to be extreme minimalists.
As his business continues to grow, Mellen aims to reach more people more quickly… do you want to be one of them?
If you’re ready to start feeling more organized and efficient in all areas of life, visit Andrew Mellen Professional Organizer NYC | Speaker | Productivity + Decluttering Expert.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Tom Cosgrove, Aidan Charron, and Michael Karapetian join the podcast today to discuss their work with Earthday.org – an organization that takes action on various environmental issues. As an annual event, Earth Day is a historical movement where citizens of the world rise up in a united call for creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery…
Tom is the Chief Creative and Content Officer for EarthDay.org. He offers more than 25 years of experience in the media/entertainment, digital/technology, and marketing fields. His skills include content programming, branding, strategic planning, P&L oversight, and board management.
Aidan is the Director of End Plastic Initiatives and has always been passionate about a clean environment and engaging in outdoor activities. He holds a degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Michael is the Great Global Cleanup Coordinator. As an experienced sustainability expert and speaker in the environmental non-profit industry, he offers insight into the urgency of acting now to build a better world for future generations.
In this conversation, we highlight:
How can we proactively address the climate crisis and seize the opportunity for a brighter future? Click play now to find out!
You can learn more about Earth Day by visiting EarthDay.org!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we are joined by the esteemed Dr. Jay Chhablani, a distinguished professor of ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgeon at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh. As the Director of Clinical Research at the UPMC Vision Institute, Dr. Chhablani stands at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in eye care.
Embark on a fascinating exploration as Dr. Chhablani, a retina specialist and surgeon, shares his wealth of knowledge on retinal diseases, ranging from bothersome floaters to age-related macular degeneration. Delve into the intricacies of ophthalmic surgeries, including the delicate art of retinal detachment repair.
Press play to discover:
Eager to learn more? Tune in and explore more at Jay Chhablani, MD | Department of Ophthalmology | University of Pittsburgh.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Zack Abbott returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of probiotics – and how bacteria can be used for various health and wellness applications. As the CEO and Co-founder of ZBiotics and the inventor of ZBiotics' proprietary technology, Zack has used his unique background to achieve something fascinating: the production of the world’s first genetically engineered probiotic.
Zack has a Ph.D. in microbiology & immunology from the University of Michigan, where he studied bacterial gene regulation in Legionella pneumophila. Now, he is on a mission to leverage bacteria for good, rather than combat them for bad…
What gives probiotics the unique ability to improve our daily lives? Join us now to find out!
In this episode, we discuss:
You can learn more about Zack’s work with ZBiotics here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Heidi B. Hammel is Vice President of Science at AURA, Inc., the organization overseeing iconic telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Join us as we delve into:
Dr. Hammel shares her visionary work on the upcoming telescope, the Habitable Worlds Observatory Telescope, and its potential role in discovering evidence of extraterrestrial life. Explore the distinctions between JWST and the next-generation telescope, uncovering its unique capabilities.
Gain insights into the current status of the 30-year-old Hubble Space Telescope – how it perseveres today and its anticipated future.
Are we on the brink of being the first generation to unearth evidence of life beyond Earth? Discover the pioneering efforts of Dr. Hammel and the AURA team that could lead the way.
Press play to embark on this captivating celestial odyssey, and for more astronomical wonders, visit Home - AURA Astronomy.
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This fascinating episode on health and wellness features Michael Snyder, a Professor in Stanford University School of Medicine’s Department of Genetics. Michael is widely considered a leader in the field of functional genomics and proteomics – and is a major participant of the ENCODE project.
Trained as a microbiologist, Michael is dedicated to gaining a global perspective on health care. Because many aspects of our medical system are broken, he is focused on refining the fields of genomics and proteomics with cutting-edge research. How is technology changing the way we monitor our bodies? Michael sits down to explain…
Join the conversation now to find out:
You can learn more about Michael and his work by visiting his laboratory website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we connect with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, the founder of The Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine and a nationally recognized speaker and media contributor. As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Lyon is an expert in brain and thyroid health, lean body mass support, and longevity.
Dr. Lyon has always been interested in nutritional sciences.
In this episode, we cover:
You can learn more about Dr. Lyon and her work by visiting her website.
Keep an eye out for her latest book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, releasing on October 17, 2023. Follow the presale link to secure your copy today!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down to discuss thyroid-related topics with Dr. Heather Stone, a functional medicine practitioner. As one of the most experienced clinicians in the realm of Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, Dr. Stone is dedicated to helping women take control of their health and get to the root cause of disease…
Dr. Stone has successfully treated thousands of patients who suffer from persistent low thyroid symptoms for over 19 years. As an avid supporter of functional medicine, she tirelessly advocates for healthcare freedom and is committed to overcoming the “dysfunction in mainstream healthcare”.
Tune in now to uncover:
To learn more about Dr. Stone and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Wendie Trubow MD, MBA, IFMCP, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 25 years of experience in the field. As the President at Five Journeys Functional Medicine & Wellness Clinic, Wendie is committed to creating comprehensive and individualized wellness plans for her patients drawing from five core areas of health…
In addition to her work in the field, Wendie is also the best-selling author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel FREAKING AMAZING!, a book that teaches readers how to optimize their health from a functional medicine perspective. Want to know how Wendie is helping women across the globe improve their health and welfare? Join us now to find out!
Jump into the discussion now to uncover:
To learn more about Wendie and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the age of diverse medical thought, it can be difficult to know the best way to approach holistic wellness.
Fortunately, there are many brilliant minds that are committed to uncovering solutions to medical problems, we just have to find them.
Joining us today is Dr. Michael Ruscio. Dr. Ruscio is a doctor of natural medicine who has a podcast called Dr. Ruscio Radio: Health, Nutrition, Functional Medicine. As a multifaceted medical professional, author, and speaker, Dr. Ruscio focuses his expertise on educating people about the many benefits of healthy nutrition and natural medicine.
In this episode, Dr. Ruscio discusses:
How are you approaching your own physical wellness? Tune in now to explore the medical avenues you can take to better your health.
To learn more about Dr. Ruscio and his research, visit drruscio.com
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When just getting out of bed in the morning started feeling almost impossible--no matter how much sleep he’d gotten or how hard he’d been trying to live a healthy lifestyle--Dr. Miles Nichols knew there was a problem. But no matter how many practitioners he saw, he couldn’t find any answers.
It took years for him to discover that a multitude of chronic and complex illnesses were to blame.
Press play to learn:
Chronic fatigue, an autoimmune condition, multiple chronic infections, and mold toxicity flew under the radar of countless doctors, who told Dr. Nichols he was probably just depressed.
Now, as the co-founder of Medicine with Heart Functional Medicine Clinic, Dr. Nichols has dedicated his career to helping others identify, understand, and heal from complex, chronic illnesses that often go undetected.
Two of the primary conditions Dr. Nichols treats are mold illness and Lyme disease, which most affected people don't even know they have.
He also treats a range of autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, and gut-related issues. He discusses all this and so much more in today's episode.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and visit medicinewithheart.com to learn more.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the water you drink contribute to the formation or treatment of cancer?
Deuterium present in the water may play a significant role.
Press play to learn:
Functional medicine doctor Petra Davelaar joins the podcast to discuss her research on deuterated water and how it may be a critical factor in health and cancer.
Deuterium present in water and the food around us is often overlooked but plays a significant role in maintaining health and staving off potentially severe diseases.
The lower the deuterium present in what is put into the body, the better it is.
Despite the evidence that deuterium plays such a significant role in many different processes within the body, the medical industry continues to overlook the benefits of manipulating the levels within the body. However, drinking deuterium-depleted water and honing one's diet may be effective strategies to combat certain diseases.
To learn more, visit https://drpetrad.com.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
After several friends were diagnosed with cancer, Marcus Freudenmann went on an intense research journey to try and help them fight the diagnosis.
He shares his journey with listeners by describing
When Marcus Freudenmann's best friend was diagnosed with cancer, he put his German mentality of "we can fix it" to work.
After piles of research and ideas about new cancer treatments at hand, from paleo diets to ozone therapy, he had the humbling and demoralizing experience of seeing cancer progress further in his friends despite these remedies.
buy finasteride online buy finasteride over the counter online pharmacy After piles of research and ideas about new cancer treatments at hand, from paleo diets to ozone therapy, he had the humbling and demoralizing experience of seeing cancer progress further in his friends despite these remedies.He describes further discussions with one particular doctor who described three patients with the same cancer but very different backgrounds. He learned that an approach to any new cancer treatments, from special diets to ozone therapy, really needs to change its focus.
For example, one patient had an intense bacterial presence in combination with living in a high EMF environment while another had a past history of Lyme disease. The doctor designed different treatments for all three patients despite having the same cancer, noting that one should stop looking only at treatments and start looking at what needs to be treated.
That's how he was introduced to functional medicine doctors—he saw facing cancer as more of a process of putting a puzzle together. He made a mind map at the time that allowed for a fuller picture and understanding of a patient's situation as part of the treatment plan.
buy caverta online buy caverta over the counter online pharmacyThis was the beginning of his training program, which he describes as a course-finding evaluation company.
They offer a six-part training program that goes into key elements, matching new cancer treatments to an understanding of mental issues, lifestyle factors, physical imbalances, and inherited problems.
buy flagyl online buy flagyl over the counter online pharmacyThey offer a six-part training program that goes into key elements, matching new cancer treatments to an understanding of mental issues, lifestyle factors, physical imbalances, and inherited problems.For more and to access the free part of the training, see trulyheal.com/genius.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are once again joined by Dr. Tom Cowan, an alternative medicine doctor, author, and speaker known for his common-sense, holistic approach to health and wellness. Dr. Cowan is an expert in many areas of medicine, such as nutrition, homeopathy, anthroposophical medicine, and herbal medicine. He is also the author of various books, including How (and Why) to Eat MoreVegetables, Human Heart, Cosmic Heart, and The Fourfold Path to Healing.
As someone who grew up surrounded by conventional doctors, Dr. Cowan avoided becoming a corrupt medical professional at all costs. Through the years, he uncovered the significance of alternative medicine – and witnessed firsthand the healing power of a nutrient-rich diet…
Join us now to explore:
You can keep up with Dr. Cowan and his work by visiting his website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Braven Grant, the co-founder and CEO of Gains in Bulk, a trailblazing whole food company at the forefront of the fitness supplement industry. Gains in Bulk is not just about products—it’s a philosophy that empowers individuals to conquer their fitness goals and extend their wins to all areas of life.
A flagship offering from Gains in Bulk is the Instantized Creatine, a groundbreaking 100% soluble creatine monohydrate, setting new standards for effectiveness in the fitness realm. Braven emphasizes the commitment to quality, subjecting all products to rigorous third-party testing to ensure excellence and consumer confidence.
Press play to learn:
Ready to elevate your knowledge about the fitness supplement arena? Tune in to explore the world of Gains in Bulk. For more information, visit Gains In Bulk | Natural Supplements | Large Gains at Wholesale Pricing – Gains in Bulk.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome back Dr. Christopher Estes, co-founder of Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness. Driven by a commitment to transcending traditional medical approaches, Dr. Estes and his wife, Dr. Emily Rowe, blend cutting-edge functional medicine with ancient healing practices, delving into the root causes of health issues.
As a board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Estes shares his journey observing patients caught in the "medical merry-go-round," where they go from one specialist to another without finding lasting solutions.
In this episode, we explore the dynamic realm of holistic health, with an emphasis on nontraditional treatments for cancer. Dr. Estes unveils the fundamental similarities among common cancers and offers insights into correcting these issues naturally. From ozone therapy to platelet-rich plasma, stem cell, peptide, and IV therapies, learn about the innovative approaches integrated to enhance well-being.
Press play to explore:
Ready to embark on a journey of holistic well-being? Tune in to delve into the world of comprehensive wellness with Dr. Christopher Estes.
For more information, visit Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Emily Rowe, the co-owner of Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center. Dr. Rowe is a physician and acupuncturist who goes beyond the world of conventional medicine. By digging deeper into the root causes of disease, she is on a mission to provide comprehensive and definitive care to patients from all walks of life.
Dr. Rowe has struggled with her own health issues in the past. After experiencing the downfalls of conventional medicine herself, she decided to develop new treatment plans for her clients. Now, she provides customized medical care by combining a variety of methods – including physiological detoxification strategies, eradication of stealth infections, meditation, hypnotherapy, medical astrological analysis, and more…
Click play to uncover:
Want to learn more about Dr. Rowe and her work with Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center? You can visit their website here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we sit down with Brian J. Ford to discuss a fascinating topic: the history of microscopes. Brian is an independent research biologist, author, and lecturer who publishes on scientific issues for the general public. As a prolific researcher who launched major science programs for the BBC, Brian is no stranger to the world of science. He has more than 60 years of experience in his field – and is an international authority on the microscope…
Brian’s work has revolutionized many major areas of science, breaking new ground in the public accessibility of all kinds of information. What are his thoughts on microscopes and their significance? Who was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, and where does he fit into all of this? Join us now to find out!
In this conversation, we go over:
To learn more about Brian and his work, you can visit his website here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we're joined by horticulturist, journalist, and the award-winning host of Food Garden Life, Steven Biggs. Get ready for an insightful journey into the world of horticulture and a deep dive into the delicious realm of growing figs.
Biggs shares his childhood memories of only having dried figs and how a summer working at a UK nursery with a national fig collection transformed his perspective. Discover his excitement about growing figs and his dedication to teaching others the art of cultivating these delectable fruits.
Learn about the ins and outs of growing and enjoying figs as he discusses his work through blogging, podcasting, and teaching. He shares his expertise, passion, and tips for cultivating the perfect fig harvest.
Press play to unravel the mysteries of figs! You’ll learn:
Eager to learn more? Check out Food Garden Life Show — Food Garden Life.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of health and wellness with renowned medical doctor, nutritionist, and author, Dr. Amy Lee. In this episode, Dr. Lee takes us on her journey from mainstream medicine to a holistic approach in glucose monitoring and obesity management.
Dr. Lee shares her transition from conventional medicine, centered around prescribing medications for various diseases, to her current focus on addressing the root cause of health issues. She emphasizes the significance of weight management as a cure for many common conditions and diseases.
She also discusses her exploration of various technologies to enhance patient care and the importance of nutrition therapy in helping patients navigate their glucose levels.
Tune in to explore:
Press play to join us for a thought-provoking conversation on improving metabolic health and overcoming the stumbling blocks to sustainable weight management.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Mikolaj Raszek, the Founder and Managing Director of Merogenomics. As a consistent scientific thinker, Dr. Raszek is an expert in the field of genome sequencing. In 2014, he decided to start a business centering around this fascinating technology and hasn’t looked back since…
The purpose of Merogenomics is to provide the general public with access to medical DNA testing. The results of these tests enable individuals to seek proper medical intervention for an array of conditions – all while giving them an inside look at their inner biology.
Join the discussion now to explore:
To learn more about Dr. Raszek and his work with Merogenomics, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dr. Bill McGraw joins the podcast once again to discuss an intriguing topic: his unique approach to cancer protocol treatments. Dr. McGraw is a pioneer of alternative medicine, and he has used his expertise to help countless people overcome an array of chronic illnesses.
As an accomplished research scientist, Dr. McGraw has spent years studying the impacts of heavy metal toxicity on the body. Employing his methods on illnesses such as cancer, he has developed an alternative approach to cancer treatment – and you may be surprised by his results…
In this episode, we dive into:
Dr. McGraw is the author of many books about heavy metals, including Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease, Glyphosate: Guide for Detox, and Aluminum Detox: An Easy Solution. Are you ready to unlock a fresh understanding of holistic wellness? Click play now!
You can keep up with Dr. McGraw by visiting his website here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Dive deep into the mysterious world of killer whales with Isabella Reeves, a passionate Ph.D. candidate in marine biology at the Cetacean Research Center. In this captivating podcast, Isabella takes you on a journey into the remote and harsh habitats of killer whales, the second most widespread species globally after humans.
Isabella shares the challenges of studying these elusive creatures, who dart through the ocean at high speeds, making them difficult to spot and study. Learn about the innovative techniques she employs, including a modified crossbow with a dart that collects a tiny sample of skin, providing invaluable genetic insights.
Isabella's research focuses on the genomics of killer whales, unraveling the evolution of orcas globally. She discusses the distinctions between male and female killer whales and explores the unique genetic makeup of Australia's orcas, a population with less-known details compared to their North Pacific counterparts.
She delves into the tragic extinction of a specific killer whale lineage, highlighting the whitewashing of indigenous history in her quest to rectify historical omissions. Her work strives to amplify the voices of indigenous communities, contributing crucial puzzle pieces to the evolutionary story of killer whales.
Tune in to follow Isabella's journey through the intricate world of killer whale evolution. Gain insights into her ongoing work, including her goals of submitting her Ph.D. in the coming year and contributing to conservation management. Discover how her research aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of killer whales, especially in tropical regions in Australia and New Zealand, where these magnificent creatures remain enigmatic puzzle pieces waiting to be unveiled.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Paul Garner to discuss creationism and the geological evidence that supports it. Paul is a full-time researcher and lecturer for Biblical Creation Trust and the author of The New Creationism and Fossils and the Flood. With a passion for geology and biology, he is on a mission to understand as much about Earth’s creation as possible – and you’d be surprised what he’s found…
Fossils and ancient rock formations tell fascinating stories about the origins of life as we know it. Are you ready to learn more about our Earth from a Biblical perspective? Tune in now!
Join in now to explore:
Want to learn more about Paul and his incredible work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we are once again joined by Ken McCarthy, a widely recognized activist, educator, entrepreneur, and Internet commercialization pioneer. He has devoted years of his life to exposing the corruption that mainstream media hides. What’s his motivation? To uncover the truth.
Ken is the author of various books, including Fauci's First Fraud, 78 Days of Terror, and The Pandemic Letters. His most recent publication, What the Nurses Saw, details the eye-witness accounts of failed COVID protocols – an unsettling picture of what happens when dictatorial bureaucrats hijack medicine…
Join in now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Ken and his important work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we discuss all things gut health with Sunny Jain, the Founder and CEO of Sun Genomics. Founded in 2016, Sunny started Sun Genomics as a response to his son’s GI distress. Realizing that the “one size fits all” probiotic approach didn’t necessarily work, Sunny tested his son’s gut – and formulated the world’s first custom probiotic for his diet and lifestyle.
Drawing from years of research and development, Sun Genomics aims to provide the best custom-formulated probiotics for those seeking exceptional gut health. What steps did Sunny take to succeed with Sun Genomics? Join the discussion to find out!
In this episode, we dive into:
To learn more about Sunny and his work, visit Flore.com today!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we go on a journey of the mind and body with Erica Porter, the Founder of Endorphasm. With a passion for creating a fitness environment that brings others closer to their soul, Erica offers her 27 years of health, fitness, and behavioral lifestyle experience to those seeking control in their lives.
Erica is not only a fitness expert, she is also a mother, business woman, motivator, WOW Superhero professional wrestler, and happiness junkie. How does she work to facilitate change and create a life of total wellness for those around her? Click play to find out!
Join in now to discover:
To learn more about Erica and her work with Endorphasm, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
What is the relationship between a hotel and the surrounding community? In what manners does it contribute positively, and in what ways does it potentially create competition? How does this dynamic evolve based on the hotel’s geographical location?
Levar Jackson is the CEO and Founder of Yogh Group, a hospitality development and ownership company with patent-backed technologies. His goal is to make sustainable and impactful practices and technologies more cost effective than non-sustainable ones.
Jackson also wants to change the relationship between hospitality and surrounding communities, thereby creating a circular power economy and strengthening local communities.
Tune in to learn more and discover:
Got a great idea for innovation, or just want to learn more about Yogh Group initiatives? Check out Yogh group.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Tatiana Matthews joins the podcast today to discuss depression and the effects it has on the brain and the body. Tatiana is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and the Clinical Director at Atlanta Specialized Care. She works with adolescents and adults who struggle with mental health, developmental, physical, and learning disabilities.
With more than two decades of experience in the mental health field, Tatiana has witnessed many changes over the years. More and more, people find themselves struggling with mental health challenges that they’ve never faced before – and counselors like Tatiana are on a mission to help…
In this discussion, we cover:
You can find out more about Tatiana’s work with Atlanta Specialized Care by visiting their website!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
What are the cognitive symptoms of depression? How are they treated? Dr. Amoha Bajaj-Mahajan, an expert in stress and health in adults, joins the podcast to explain…
Dr. Bajaj is a Licensed Clinical and Health Psychologist, Behavioral Medicine Specialist, and CBT Expert at the Manhattan Center. With years of experience in her field, she specializes in the treatment and management of insomnia, depression, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain, smoking cessation, women’s health and intimacy, and adjustment to medical illnesses.
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Dr. Bajaj and her approach, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Globalization has had an immense impact on many parts of our world. Throughout history, this has affected the formation of countless modern southern economies. What challenges have countries like Africa faced as a result? What are the benefits of looking at the world from a postcolonial perspective? In this episode, we connect with Jean Comaroff to explore this fascinating topic in more depth…
Jean is the Alfred North Whitehead Professor of African and African American Studies and Anthropology at Harvard University. Her writings include Body of Power, Spirit of Resistance: the Culture and History of a South African People, Beyond the Politics of Bare Life: AIDS and the Global Order, and Theory from the South.
Jean’s research is primarily conducted in southern Africa, and centers on social and cultural transformation processes. Whether she is studying the nature of postcolonial economies or viewing the late modern world from the perspective of the Global South, Jean is on a mission to understand our world better – and all those who inhabit it.
Tune in now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Jean and her work? Click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we are once again joined by Benson Agbortogo, an investor, profit consultant, and author of The Business System That Never Fails. As a devout Christian and successful business coach, Benson is also the Founder and CEO of Consistent Profit Tree – a company that helps others generate consistent profit from a Biblical perspective.
Combining business and spirituality can be tricky. In the case of Benson, he promotes the harmony of the two. He believes that developing a healthy relationship with God is the key to living both a personally and professionally fulfilling life.
In this episode, Benson sits down to discuss:
To connect with Benson and his work, visit this website now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
How does fasting impact gut microbiome? Can gut health contribute to overall wellness? Scott Anderson, an accomplished science journalist specializing in health and technology, rejoins the podcast to explain this and much more…
Scott is the author of several educational books, including Human Embryonic Stem Cells and The Psychobiotic Revolution – and is the editor and primary author of Science for People. With more than 20 years of experience writing science and technology material, Scott is on a mission to explain complicated research to the average individual in plain English.
In this conversation, we discuss:
To learn more about Scott’s approach to gut health and other scientific topics, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we connect with Olivier Momma, the Founder of Ekster. Ekster is a smart wallet company with a simple mission: to make better gear for life on the move. In 2016, Oliver crowdfunded $1 million to create the next generation of wallets. Now, his company has 45 full-time employees across 11 countries – making bags, smartphone cases and travel gear.
Racking up a whopping 25 million EUR in revenue in 2021, there’s no question that Ekster is a success story for the ages. How did Oliver and his partner Rick Scharnigg achieve such a feat? Not without a ton of hard work and challenges…
Click play now to learn the lessons they learned launching and marketing such a unique business!
In this conversation, we discuss:
You can find more information on Ekster by clicking here.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Gut microbiome influences many facets of the body. From depression to diabetes, a healthy gut is essential for both physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Jack A. Gilbert joins us to discuss how microbes interact with each other, the world around them, and what makes them a vital part of our health and wellness.
Dr. Gilbert is the Director of the Microbiome and Metagenomics Center and the Microbiome Core Facility and a Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He also serves on the board of the Genomic Standards Consortium, and is the primary investigator for various research ventures – including the Earth Microbiome Project, the Home Microbiome Project, the Gulf Microbial Modeling Project, the Hospital Microbiome Project, and the Chicago River Microbiome Project.
As the author of more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Gilbert is an internationally recognized expert in medical and environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, and biotechnology development. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of gut health? You’ve come to the right place!
Join in to explore:
You can find more information on Dr. Gilbert and his work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
What cognitive disorders and dysfunctions do people with depression suffer from? Dr. Mark Schiller, a Yale and University of Chicago-trained psychiatrist, joins the podcast to explain…
Dr. Schiller is the Founder and Medical Director of Mind Therapy Clinic, a psychiatric center focused on innovative, integrated, and personalized care. As a scientific innovator, he uses cutting-edge technologies to identify, target, and treat psychiatric problems more objectively.
What are the benefits of taking an integrated approach to treating the whole person? What does it take to provide high-quality and cohesive psychiatric care? Jump in now to find out!
In this conversation, we discuss:
Click here to learn more about Dr. Schiller and his work at Mind Therapy Clinic!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we sit down with Dr. Banu Arun, a Professor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is also the Co-Medical Director of the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program. With research interests including breast cancer treatment, biological markers, chemoprevention, and breast cancer genetics, Dr. Arun is at the forefront of breast cancer science – with a modern medical twist…
What makes Dr. Arun’s approach to cancer detection and prevention so compelling and unique? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Join in now to learn more about:
To learn more about Dr. Arun and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we connect with Randall Thompson, the president and founder of Dugout Mugs. Randall has a long history with baseball – including professional experience. By utilizing his love for the sport and passion for creativity, he decided to pursue a future as a startup founder – and thus, Dugout Mugs was born.
Randall’s road to success has been very unique. By facing the ups and downs of his startup with resilience, he formed a successful business that brings joy to baseball fans worldwide…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Randall and Dugout Mugs, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Karol Darsa, Psy.D., a trauma psychologist, author of The Trauma Map, founder of Reconnect Center, and creator of the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Darsa is passionate about helping individuals reconnect with themselves. How does she accomplish this? By treating physical, mental, and spiritual ailments caused by trauma.
Healing is a constant practice – and understanding the root cause of trauma is an incredible way to mend broken relationships within ourselves. Dr. Darsa believes that by living in the moment and overcoming trauma, we’ll all be able to live free of the pangs of dissociation, depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, and more…
Jump in now to explore:
To learn more about Dr. Darsa and her work, click here now!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
When you hear the word ‘network,’ you might think of social, internet, or communication networks. But what about the biochemical and genetic networks within each of our cells?
These are the networks Albert-László Barabási explores. In this episode, he shares insight into these networks that will make you look at life, disease, health, and our bodies in a very different way.
Press play to learn:
Barabási is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science and a Distinguished University Professor at Northeastern University, where he directs the Center for Complex Network Research.
Learn more about Barabási and his research at Albert-László Barabási - Khoury College of Computer Sciences (northeastern.edu).
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
If you get in an auto accident, can the police take your phone and search everything in it? What does the Fifth Amendment say about the authority of law enforcement in this regard?
Criminal defense and civil rights attorney Jonathan Brayman answers these questions and more, explaining the ins and outs of digital forensics and criminal investigations.
Tune in to learn:
Interested in learning more? Press play and visit Home Page - Breen & Pugh Attorneys at Law (breenpughlaw.com).
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
From constant illness, frequent ER visits, and all kinds of pills to the best health of her life: this describes a snippet of Inesa Ponomariovaite’s life journey. She joins the show to share her story of wellness and her mission as founder and CEO of Nesa's Hemp.
Tune in to learn:
To explore more about Inesa’s work and company, check out Nesa's Hemp - CBDa Oil Extract - Nesa's Hemp (nesashemp.com).
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can world religions possibly share more similarities than we may have thought? The similarities may surprise us if we look back at ancient religions and trace them through history. Listen up to learn:
Yair Lior, Ph.D. of religious studies in the department of religion at Boston University, shares his research and study in comparative religion and its science.
While many of the major world religions today may appear vastly different at first glance, they may share ancient similarities branching from distant commonalities. Especially when considering beliefs in the distant past before modern religious ideas, we can begin to uncover the similarities which branch from unexpected practices.
If we begin to separate ourselves from where we base our religious beliefs, we can adopt an analytical mindset when studying the world of religion.
Moreover, by introducing exploration and education into current beliefs, it may even strengthen the beliefs we currently hold, allowing us to explore deeper than we previously believed.
Visit https://bu.academia.edu/YLior to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why has history been filled with religious conflict? Even though some beliefs may appear similar, this can actually lead to more hostility than completely opposing views. Listen in to learn:
Robert Eisen, a Professor of Religion and Judaic Studies, shares his views on global relationships and the relationships and conflicts caused over a complex history.
Though many religions hold parables of peace and tranquility, they have been the root causes of fighting and conflict throughout history. Despite this, there is still much to be learned and gained when attempting to gain the knowledge they offer.
Since many practitioners and followers of religions have been persecuted throughout the centuries, many religions have become accustomed to strife. While this has made some cultures incredibly hearty, it has also caused lasting issues.
Visit https://religion.columbian.gwu.edu/robert-eisen to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The debate of time immemorial surrounding science and Christianity continues to rage, but could they both be correct? When examining issues of life, taking diverse and sometimes contradictory stances can lead to new solutions.
Listen up to learn:
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus), shares his view of the Christian faith and how it can intertwine with science and math to uncover some of the enduring mysteries of our species.
Different from what it sounds, Christian apologetics offers an opportunity to add the science of spirituality to many debates. Specifically, approaching obstacles in life, especially catastrophic divides, can give new additional context to previously contentious issues surrounding faith.
Despite the various opinions of theologians and philosophies worldwide, Christianity offers an opportunity for hope and collaboration. For example, mathematics and Christianity often find themselves at odds with proponents for both sides staunchly disagreeing, but in reality, both can offer answers to benefit the other.
Visit johnlennox.org to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
A member of Doomberg joins the podcast today to discuss various financial and energy topics from an unbiased and fact-based perspective. Founded in 2021, Doomberg is a small team of anonymous executives from the commodities sector that provides a necessary voice of reason to the energy, climate, and policy debates happening in modern media.
Jump in now to discover:
Doomberg is on a mission to highlight the essential information that’s missing from many economic and policy decisions. Using their experience in heavy industry, private equity, and the hard sciences, the content that this team produces has become one of the most read finance newsletters on Substack — and their reach only continues to grow…
You can find more on Doomberg by visiting their Substack here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we sit down with Joanna Sapir, a business strategist who helps health and wellness practitioners streamline their systems. By providing step-by-step guidance and proven business strategies, Joanna is on a mission to help practitioners transform their businesses to be sustainable and profitable – and live more fulfilled lives in the process…
Joanna plays a major role in helping practitioners develop more profitable and sustainable business practices. What makes her approach so distinct and effective? Click play to find out now!
Join us now to learn about:
You can uncover more about Joanna and her work by visiting her website here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, Ken McCarthy sits down with Richard Jacobs to discuss his approach to business and personal success. Richard is the Founder and CEO of Speakeasy Marketing Inc., a company that has been providing SEO authority marketing services to attorneys across the country for over a decade.
In addition to his work with Speakeasy, Richard is an avid podcaster, speaker, author, and chess player. With over a decade of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Richard is constantly refining his approach to marketing, business development, and communication.
you ready to learn more about Richard’s secrets to success? Join us now to find out!
Join the conversation now to discover:
You can learn more about Speakeasy Marketing by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Hilary DeCesare, an award-winning business leader, 3x international best-selling author, and coach to thousands of entrepreneurs and top executives. She is the author of RELAUNCH!: Spark Your Heart to Ignite Your Life, a book that introduces readers to the three H's—the Heart, the Head, and the Higher Self. Also known as the “3HQuotient”, these elements are meant to empower people and reveal a path toward transformation and possibility…
Hilary is on a mission to help women turn typical life transitions into positive transformations. As the CEO of The ReLaunch Company, she has assisted individuals and organizations around the world to scale and grow their businesses (and themselves) with proven strategies from her personal and professional life.
Join us now to discover:
Want to learn more about Hilary and her work? Click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As the world moves toward more audio-dominant media, many professionals are seeing this as an opportunity for business exposure and marketing success. However, few know the strategies that allow you to do this effectively and efficiently…
Joining us today is Omar Mo, the Founder and CEO of Nomads Cast. Omar has been a digital nomad for years, giving him insight into the world of location-independent employment and sustainable marketing tactics.
With Nomads Cast, Omar and his team assist businesses in producing “lead-generating podcasts and content that transforms their brand to the next level.
” This approach has helped countless enterprises achieve marketing success – all through empowering business models and growing platforms.
In this episode, you will learn about:You can find out more about Nomads Cast and their approach by visiting www.nomadscast.com!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Michelle Seiler Tucker is a best-selling author who has been in business for more than twenty years. She is an authority on buying and selling, improving businesses, and developing revenue streams. Seiler Tucker co-authored Exit Rich: The 6P Method to Sell your Business for Huge Profit with finance expert Sharon Lechter that educates readers on how to increase revenue productivity and many other techniques for creating a prosperous business that will be attractive to buyers.
Click on play to learn:
With more than 20 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, Seiler Tucker has been instrumental in the sale of hundreds of businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Incorporated and currently owns several other successful businesses. Seiler Tucker specializes in buying, fixing, growing, and selling businesses.
Business owners sell for different reasons: health issues, divorce, death, owners’ disputes, or something unforeseen and external like the current pandemic. Seiler Tucker collaborates with clients to help them expand their businesses and avoid making errors that hinder the growth of a healthy business.
She has identified common mistakes that business owners make that devalue the profitability of their companies. One of the biggest mistakes is not having a plan for exiting the business. The owner does not have a sellable asset because they failed to build a solid infrastructure which means there is no intrinsic value for prospective buyers. Exit Rich educates business owners on how to prepare for the sale of their business from the very beginning. The result is creating a high-value asset that is appealing to buyers.
To learn more visit: Website: seilertucker.com; exitrichbook.com
Twitter: @MSeilerTucker
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Paul Sloane’s always been interested in lateral thinking puzzles and has written international best sellers on the subject. He shares how he’s translated those methods into solving problems in the business world. A professional who’s helped busy executives with creativity and innovation in their companies for over fifteen years, he describes some of his methods to raise the bar for leadership and problem solving. Listen and learn
Author, speaker, and innovator Paul Sloane explains his cutting-edge approach to business problems and solutions for listeners with concrete examples and the philosophy behind what he does. It all starts with countering the staid habit of vertical thinking. That’s where “you build block on block on block, and that's fine. But lateral means coming at the problem from the side. It means finding a new and fresh and different approach to the problem,” says Sloane. He says that’s how great leaps, like our modern grocery shopping system, have evolved.
Unfortunately, he says that corporate culture is often works against innovation, mostly at the middle level when goals are geared toward meeting one’s numbers rather than risk taking that might not pan out. Sloane has numerous methods to address these, from brainstorming groups to creativity training. “Everyone can be more creative than they think. Everyone started out as creative. Kids are terrifically creative,” he says and he discusses how he helps to revive that creativity within corporate walls.
Listen in to find out more about his effective ideas.
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
This episode connects us with Michael J. Saks, a Regents Professor in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. He is also the author of Modern Scientific Evidence: The Law and Science of Expert Testimony – and is an expert in the empirical studies of the legal system….
Professor Saks is on a mission to bring a better understanding and appreciation of the value of empirical research to lawyers. His primary research involves decision-making in the legal process, evidence law, the law's use of science, the behavior of the litigation system, and legal policy affecting medical patient safety.
Join the discussion now to find out:
To learn more about Professor Saks and his work, click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can companies make educated decisions on how and where to operate their business? Information data can steer them in the right direction.
Listen up to learn:CEO of Premise, Maury Blackman, shares his expertise in collecting data and using it to guide business decisions worldwide.
Collecting data from users and contributors around the world can be the first step in helping businesses operate more intelligently. By ensuring this data is accurate, directives can be established to guide smart decision-making.
Organizing data collectors allows data sets to be comprehensive and diverse.
Since different people perceive the world around them in different ways, the most accurate sets of data can be gleaned from their experience.
To learn more, visit https://www.premise.com.
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast is Bob Walters, a Christian writer who has spent the past decade involved in church-oriented volunteer enterprises. With a background in journalism and public relations, he uses his skills to write, edit, serve, and teach others in the Christian community.
In addition to his work in the church, Bob also writes a weekly blog entitled Common Christianity. Here, he outlines an array of Biblical subjects – from Greek philosophy to New Testament parables…
In this episode, we explore:
How is Bob’s outlook on spirituality and faith impacting others? Join the conversation now to see for yourself!
You can find a link to Bob’s blog, Common Christianity, here!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are rejoined by Thomas Purifoy, Jr., a creative filmmaker who develops learning resources intended to advance the Kingdom of God. Known for his work on films like Is Genesis History?, Samaritan, and The Widow and Judge, Thomas is committed to revealing the truth about young Earth creation using the evidence of the Bible as his primary resource…
Always interested in science and faith, Thomas currently oversees three companies: Compass Cinema, Compass Classroom, and Compass Creative. From producing feature-length documentaries to creating and distributing homeschool video curriculums, Thomas makes sense of the world from a biblical perspective – and he’s eager to share this point of view with the world.
In this conversation, we invite you to learn about:
Want to uncover more on Thomas Purifoy and his work? Click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Christopher Estes joins the podcast today to discuss his distinct approach to functional medicine and the intersection of Eastern and Western medicine. As the Co-Founder of Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center, Dr. Estes is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who works hard to uncover the root causes of various medical conditions – no matter how complex they may seem.
Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center offers an array of therapies for both women and men. This includes functional medicine evaluations, intravenous and ozone therapies, platelet-rich plasma therapies, peptide therapies, energetic medicine, and Acutonics sound healing.
From managing environmentally acquired illnesses to offering comprehensive detoxification programs, Dr. Estes is on a mission to help people of all ages optimize their health using an integrated approach to wellness…
Jump in now to learn about:
You can find more information on Dr. Estes and his work with Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center by clicking here!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Marcia C. Inhorn, PhD, MPH, the William K. Lanman, Jr. Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs in the Department of Anthropology and The Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University.
Dr. Inhorn is an expert in Middle Eastern gender and health issues. For the past 35 years, she has studied the social impact of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies across various countries and cultures.
Dr. Lanman sits down with us to discuss motherhood on ice, the mating gap, and why women freeze their eggs. Eager to share her knowledge on reproductive health, she is interested in solving issues related to fertility – and egg freezing is among the most popular solutions…
In this episode, we dive into:
To learn more about Dr. Inhorn and her research, click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Khoshal Latifzai, the Co-Founder of Rocky Mountain Regenerative Medicine and an expert in regenerative and advanced non-surgical orthopedics. Specializing in advanced medical solutions, Rocky Mountain Regenerative Medicine offers a wide range of services – including stem cell therapy, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, and more…
Dr. Latifzai was born in Afghanistan, and in the 1990s, he emigrated to the United States at the age of 10. He is a Dartmouth Medical School and Yale University Emergency Medicine Residency program graduate and is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Currently, he is on a mission to optimize health with revolutionary diagnostics and custom-tailored therapeutics.
Join us now to learn about:
You can find out more about Dr. Latifzai and his work with Rocky Mountain Regenerative Medicine by clicking here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. James V. DeFrancesco, the director of the Forensic Science Program and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry at Loyola University Chicago.
With a 34-year career in law enforcement and industrial chemistry, Dr. DeFrancesco is no stranger to the forensic analysis of drugs. Since starting at Loyola University in 2015, he has taught courses in Drug Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, and Environmental Science.
With dangerous drugs like fentanyl on the rise, understanding the forensic makeup of these substances is more important than ever. How are experts managing the impending risks associated with drug use? Join us now to see for yourself…
Jump in now to learn about:
To learn more about Dr. DeFrancesco and his work, click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Dr. Jon Mitchell, a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex. Dr. Mitchell is an expert in religious anthropology and researches questions of identity and political alignment in various regions…
Dr. Mitchell’s primary research site is Malta, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, he conducted his doctoral research during the 1990s – a time of rapid social and political transformation. Most recently, he has been researching the places and processes of belief while exploring the social, political, and economic significance of Maltese football.
Click play to find out:
You can learn about Dr. Mitchell and his work here!
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are again joined by Thomas Seyfried, a Professor in Boston College’s Biology Department. Not only does Thomas have immense responsibilities educating students, but he also runs a research program that develops new drug therapies for managing cancer.
Thomas is focused on understanding how metabolic therapy impacts chronic diseases like epilepsy, neurodegenerative lipid storage diseases, and cancer. By looking into alternative cancer treatments, scientists like Thomas are revolutionizing the future of healthcare – using natural metabolic therapies such as caloric restriction, fasting, and ketogenic diets in place of toxic alternatives…
Jump in now to uncover:
To learn more about Professor Thomas Seyfried and his work, click here now!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Art Rothafel, the founder and owner of Private Label Fitness. Art has a passion for helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into successful and lucrative brands – and he uses his unique marketing experience to do so effectively and efficiently…
Through the years, Art has been involved in many avenues of business. From working at Guitar Center in 1982 to starting a freelance marketing agency, he has refined his approach to business in an extraordinary way. Today, he works with dedicated health professionals who value their branding, marketing and educational programming.
Are you ready to hear the inspiring story of Private Label Fitness? Listen in now!
Join the conversation, and you’ll discover:
You can find more on Art and his work with Private Label Fitness here!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss sustainable art with Erin Smith, the CEO of Ocean Sole. Erin is an eco-advocate passionate about spreading conservation awareness in fun and creative ways.
Ocean Sole specializes in creating life-size endangered species replicas from flip flops. This is done in an effort to educate people on ocean health, positively impact low-income communities, and contribute to ocean conservation.
Ocean Sole is on a mission to clean polluted beaches and provide careers to artisans in affected areas. Located in Kenya, they are making a difference in local ecosystems and communities alike. What’s next for this unique social enterprise? Tune in now to learn more!
In this conversation, we cover:
You can find more on Ocean Sole by visiting their website!
Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, connect with Mitchell J. Neubert, the senior associate dean of Research and Faculty Development for the Hankamer School of Business, the Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business, and a professor of Management at Baylor University.
With a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior, Mitchell specializes in leadership development, ethics, team dynamics, and organizational change – all in the context of spirituality and business.
So, are there benefits of combining Christianity and business? With years of experience in this field, Mitchell sits down to enlighten us…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Mitchell and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Rabbi Manis Friedman, a world-renowned author, counselor, lecturer, and philosopher. With a passion for combining ancient Torah wisdom with modern wit, Rabbi Friedman spreads the message of morality to audiences worldwide through his books, videos, and personal meetings.
Rabbi Friedman is known as “YouTube’s Most Popular Rabbi” and hosts his own critically acclaimed cable television series. He is also the author of Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore? – and has helped countless couples and individuals achieve fulfilling, balanced relationships.
In this episode, we discuss:
Want to find out more about Rabbi Friedman and his teachings? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What do we know about what’s happening deep inside Earth, and why does it matter? Dr. Sabine Stanley, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University, joins the podcast to enlighten us.
By focusing on planetary magnetic fields, dynamo theory, and other geophysical methods, Dr. Stanley is on a mission to uncover the deep interior of planets. From extrasolar worlds to planets within our own solar system, this research reveals many interesting facts about our universe – and we’ve only scratched the surface…
In this discussion, we explore:
You can learn more about Dr. Stanley here, and purchase her latest book, What’s Hidden Inside Planets?, here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Use promo code HPLAN for 30% off What’s Hidden Inside Planets? when you order from Hopkins Press at press.jhu.edu
In this conversation, we connect with Jill Thomas, an intuitive hypnotherapist, clairvoyant reader, author, medium, and vocal channel. With more than 18 years of experience, Jill accesses the unconscious mind to help others achieve the lifestyle and wellness goals they couldn’t otherwise reach – from losing weight to overcoming toxic relationships.
Jill is the author of many powerful books, including The High Income Healer, Feed Your Real Hunger, and Tales From the Trance. Can hypnotherapy really help you get to the core of debilitating issues and create lasting change? Join us now to find out how this unique practice allows people to reach their full potential and find inner peace…
Jump in now to discover:
To learn more about Jill and her fascinating work, click here now!
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this episode, we are joined by Karl Becker, a consultant, coach, author, and speaker with a passion for helping individuals and companies achieve breakthrough sales growth. As the founder of Improving Sales Performance, Karl is on a mission to inspire sales people by showing them how to take advantage of their strengths to connect with their customers – leading to remarkable sales results…
For the past 30 years, Karl has worked in every corner of the business world, from raising angel funds to transforming companies. He is also the author of several comprehensive sales and marketing books, including Set Up to Win and Iceberg Selling.
So, how can Karl’s leadership and strategy skills enhance your approach to business? Click play now to see for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Karl and his work with Improving Sales Performance, click here!
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this episode, we discuss stress and pain management with Dr. David D. Clarke, MD, the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. Dr. Clarke has successfully treated thousands of patients with seemingly “normal” diagnostic tests. Through years of research and hands-on work, he discovered that many illnesses are caused by hidden stress not detected by other doctors…
Dr. Clarke is passionate about providing insight into stresses that most people aren’t able to fully recognize – leading to the successful treatment of countless conditions. He has presented at seminars across North America and Europe, and is the author of They Can’t Find Anything Wrong! and lead editor of Psychophysiologic Disorders.
Join the conversation now to uncover:
Want to find out more about Dr. Clarke and his work? Click here now!
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this episode, we sit down with Susan Poizner, an urban orchardist and the founder of Orchard People. With a passion for educating and empowering others to successfully grow fruit, Susan started Orchard People because she believes that gardening is essential to being more connected to our environment – and living a more sustainable life.
Fruit trees can experience an array of problems, including poor-quality fruit, pests, and disease. Susan has a goal of making fruit tree care easy by providing articles, podcasts, books, and premium online courses to gardeners across the globe…
Join in now to find out:
Click here to learn more about Susan and her work with Orchard People!
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Today, we connect with Andy Neary, a former professional baseball player, two-time Ironman finisher, business coach, and the Founder of the Complete Game coaching program. Using his habits and work ethic, Andy offers specialized coaching programs, masterminds, and individualized consulting packages to help others achieve their career and business goals.
In 2017, Andy published Breaking Through the Status Quo: How Innovative Companies Are Changing The Benefits Game To Help Their Employees And Boost Their Bottom Line. In this best-selling book, he outlines powerful and proven strategies that can be used to save companies millions of dollars a year…
So, are you ready to uncover innovative ways to forge a path to success? Listen in now!
In this discussion, we go over:
Want to find out more about Andy and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss machine learning research and its many benefits for students. As technology progresses, this system can be used to develop data-driven teaching strategies that may redefine the future of education…
Want to find out more about machine learning and the role it plays in education and student success? Click play now!
Join us now to explore:
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Because studies predict one in nine Americans will face some level of disease of the kidney, understanding kidney development and nephron function is key.
buy furosemide online buy furosemide over the counter online pharmacyProfessor Lori O'Brien discusses her research into kidney processes, describing
Lori O'Brien is a principal investigator and assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina Kidney Center.
buy amoxil online online pharmacyIn this podcast, she discusses the focus of her work, namely to understand the development of a kidney to better understand what goes wrong in kidney disease. This work informs efforts to eventually manufacture a renal replacement, and she explains that scientists need to understand its basic biology as much as possible to do so.
She also explains the damage of kidney disease as well as the mistaken notion that dialysis treatment is somehow a cure. Rather, on average, most dialysis patients will only survive about five years because dialysis treatment only mimics about 10% of what a kidney actually does for the body. She then describes her work more specifically around pluripotent stem cells that lead to the two different cell populations in the kidney: cells that eventually make nephrons and those that make up the connecting duct system.
buy wellbutrin online buy wellbutrin over the counter online pharmacyShe describes challenges to each cell type, the complex specialization of the cell types, and how they work in the body along with the vascular and nerve network in a way that's hard to reproduce with organoids. She describes some advances therein and various ways they hope to problem solve.
For more, see her UNC website at med.unc.edu/cellbiophysio/directory/lori-obrien-phd/, and her lab's website at obrienlab.web.unc.edu.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A nephrologist for over 35 years, Vivek Jha discusses kidney function and disease treatments like dialysis and kidney transplantation.
He helps listeners understand
Vivekanand Jha is Executive Director at The George Institute for Global Health, India; Chair of Global Kidney Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of London; and President of the International Society of Nephrology.
online pharmacy buy temovate over the counter online pharmacyIn this podcast he covers the basics of kidney function, kidney disease, and late-stage efforts like dialysis treatment.
He accompanies all these issues with an eye to the global inequalities in effective treatment and discusses ways to educate populations and bring better medicine to all.
online pharmacy buy synthroid over the counter online pharmacyIn fact, he tells listeners that he became a nephrologist partly because of these inequalities. He also describes why the biology intrigued him: kidney function presents a "microcosm of internalized medicine.
online pharmacy buy wellbutrin over the counter online pharmacy" In other words, the kidney affects all other organs and, as a doctor, one utilizes every element of internalized medicine to address kidney issues.
He describes the complex and essential nature of kidney functions, from filtration, adaptability to different solutes, hormone production, and the biology behind these jobs such as nephrons function. He teaches listeners about the back and forth between kidneys and blood pressure control and talks about how early stage kidney disease is usually symptomless.
He advises listeners on which tests to seek out regularly for those at risk and touches on the goal of dialysis treatment. Finally, he talks more about the necessity for policy changes by governments in addressing health disparities in a holistic manner.
For more about global kidney health, see the International Society of Nephrology website, theisn.org, and for more about his team's research, see his page at The George Institute for Global Health: georgeinstitute.org/people/vivekanand-jha.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Amy Waterman directs the Transplant Research and Education Center at UCLA. She works with patients navigating any disease of the kidney and helps educate them on corresponding choices, from dialysis treatment to getting on a transplant list.
She discusses:
In addition to directing the Transplant Center, Amy D. Waterman is a Professor in Residence at the University of California in Los Angeles in the division of nephrology. She's a psychologist with an expertise on managing patient behavior toward healthy goals.
At the center, she works alongside nephrologists and other professionals to guide patents through choices and the complicated process of facing kidney disease. She researches and tests methods that might help educate and engage patients and evaluates how to work more effectively with providers.
online pharmacy buy neurontin over the counter online pharmacyShe describes for listeners the process a patient moves through, from typical questions they have to choices they can make, and for those that need a transplant, how to enter into searches for a donation from family members to strangers to someone who has passed away. She adds that there is a donor contingent called non-directed donors.
online pharmacy buy singulair over the counter online pharmacyThese are strangers who step forward and offer a kidney as a living donor.
online pharmacy buy clomiphene over the counter online pharmacyIn fact, over 6,000 living people donate a kidney each year. Dr. Waterman also describes the physical process of donation, what might be in the works for kidney disease cures, and how she became involved with this important work in the first place.
Find out more about her work at exploretransplant.org or explorelivingdonation.org.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Without glycogen, we couldn't go very far. Dr. Sullivan is a specialist in the glycogen molecule, which stores glucose, our energy source. In this podcast, he describes exciting discoveries and future research centered on glycogen presence that might help explain the connection between diabetes and kidney disease.
Listen and hear answers to these questions and more:
Mitchell Sullivan is pursuing a postdoc at the University of Queensland in a group that investigates glycation, diabetes, and how diabetic bodily systems handle extra glucose.
Dr. Sullivan in particular follows glycogen formation in the organs. He's just setting out on a new study connecting diabetes and kidney health by focusing on glycogen presence in the kidneys of diabetics. Normally, glycogen is in the liver and muscle tissue, waiting to supply us with different kinds of energy needs.
buy fildena online buy fildena over the counter online pharmacyBut microscopy shows glycogen in the kidneys of diabetic patients that likely leads to damage and inflammation. The findings may lead to better therapeutics and prevention measures, from a more effective diabetes and kidney disease diet to medical interventions.
buy aciphex online buy aciphex over the counter online pharmacyListeners will have the privilege of hearing straight from Dr. Mitchell the hypothesis for this study that's just begun. He explains with clarity why the structure of this glycogen in diabetic kidneys differs from its normal form and is significantly insoluble in this form.
Furthermore, it sticks together in clumps of starch-like granules in the thick ascending limb of the nephron. He's investigating if these cells that aren't accustomated to glycogen become overwhelmed and the glycogen gets stuck, leading to damage and inflammation that make for one of the common kidney failure causes.
What's most interesting is that his PhD work on glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue of diabetics makes this hypothesis seem more likely. Listen in to hear why that's the case and more about this study that might bring scientists that much closer to improving diabetes and kidney health.
To find out more about Dr. Mitchell's work, search his name in research aggregates, see his information page with Queensland University, and feel free to email him: mitchell.sullivan@mater.uq.edu.au.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While chronic kidney disease diagnosis is rare in children, its effects are profound. Furthermore, there's so much scientists don't know about kidney function. Keia Sanderson is hoping to change that. She specializes in chronic kidney disease treatment in pediatric patients and discusses avenues to advance treatment and prevention.
This podcast gives her the perfect platform to explain
Keia Sanderson, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Her job is a mix of teaching, clinical work, and research. In her clinical work, she takes care of children with kidney disease at all stages, including kids who receive transplants.
Her current research is focused on kidney outcomes in children with complex medical histories, in particular children who've been born prematurely. She says that the challenge is oftentimes the asymptomatic nature of kidney disease in children. Therefore, she and other clinicians are often meeting kids with disease states that are irreversible and are turning toward dialysis treatment and transplantation.
Dr. Sanderson gives listeners a special focus on the risks from preterm birth. Because preterm babies tend to have less nephron development, the nephrons that are present have to work overtime and are subject to hyper filtration. But because doctors have been able to identify this as a critical time, they are looking at ways to better manage preterm infant treatment. For example, what medications are they receiving that could affect kidney development? How are we feeding infants in this active development stage? How are we handling their oxygenation? While a clear pathway is not yet evident, she is hopeful she and other researches will find one.
Currently, she's hoping to develop mathematical models to make better predications about the risk levels for different babies.
For more information, see the UNC Kidney Center, the National Kidney Foundation, and talk to your primary doctor.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
An implantable bioartificial kidney system that does what dialysis can’t do; this is what’s being developed as part of The Kidney Project at University of California, San Francisco and Vanderbilt University.
Press play to learn:
Lynda Frassetto is Professor Emeritus of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of California, San Francisco. She spends some of her time taking care of nephrology patients, and some of her time working with William Fissell, MD and Shuvo Roy, PhD, who lead The Kidney Project. Dialysis can keep patients alive by filtering toxins out of the blood, which is what healthy kidneys do. But what happens to the fluid after it’s been filtered?
In healthy bodies, the fluid goes through kidney tubules, where it responds to chemical signals which might dictate that more water or salt be resorbed, and/or that more creatinine, phosphorus, urea, or other acids be removed. After the toxins have been filtered, the fluid is subjected to the feedback systems of the body, which is essential to keeping the body’s water and chemical levels where they should be. This is something that dialysis simply cannot accomplish, but it’s not too great a task for the artificial system being created; this system has renal tubular cells, so it can keep the body’s water and chemistry levels in check, which translates to better quality of life for patients.
Press play for the details of all this and more, including where in the body it is placed, how it stacks up against transplanted kidneys in terms of normal kidney function, when it might receive FDA approval for testing in humans, and what the first clinical trials will look like.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this episode, we sit down with David Selman of Savvy Organics Farm to discuss modern homesteading, sustainable living, organic gardening, and more…
Started by David and his wife Alice, Savvy Organics Farm is a modern homestead that produces health-centered, sustainable, regenerative farm-to-table foods. Leading by example, they want to show others that living a simpler, sustainable, regenerative lifestyle in our present-day society is possible.
Both David and Alice have experienced health issues over the years, leading to their distrust of modern medicine and commercial farming. By taking their health and nutrition into their own hands, they have created a lifestyle that is not dependent on the global food and medical systems – resulting in a healthier and more sustainable way of life.
Join the discussion now to find out:
You can learn more about David and his work with Savvy Organics Farm by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do soil health and compost impact plant growth? What if there was a way to get nutrient-rich soil designed to enhance your garden? Jeremy Silva, the founder of BuildASoil, joins us to explain how his company curates natural ingredients from around the world to help consumers grow sustainably and efficiently…
BuildASoil is a website that provides handmade, small-batch, custom soils to growers across the country. Using the highest quality products and free education, Jeremy and his team are on a mission to help living soil enthusiasts achieve the best results possible for their gardens – all at a reasonable price.
In this conversation, we cover:
To uncover more about BuildASoil, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Rebecca Larson, a postdoctoral research associate in RIT's School of Physics and Astronomy. As an astronomer who studies galaxies from the early Universe, Dr. Larson wants to discover how those galaxies – and the Universe itself – evolved into what we see today.
Astronomers across the globe are utilizing the groundbreaking power of the James Webb Telescope. How are experts like Dr. Larson reshaping our understanding of astronomy using this cutting-edge technology? Jump in now to uncover the fascinating history of our Universe…
Click play to learn more about:
You can find out more about Dr. Larson and her research here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
This episode offers listeners an expert view on diabetes and kidney damage treatments. Richard interviews researcher David J.
online pharmacy https://doctorsquarters.com/wp-content/themes/twentytwentytwo/inc/patterns/php/cymbalta.html no prescriptionLeehey, who has focused on diabetic kidney disease for the last 30 years.Listeners will learn:
Diabetes' prevalence has made it the most common cause of kidney disease. How does diabetes affect the kidneys? Professor David Leehey has the answers and catches listeners up with the latest in effective medications and discusses the lagging technology of dialysis.
He's a nephrologist, professor, and Medical Director of Acute Dialysis at Loyola University. He's also the Associate Chief of Staff of Clinical Affairs of Hines VA in Illinois. Dr. Leehey presents various pathways to kidney disease that necessitate dialysis and kidney transplantation with an emphasis on the primary cause of diabetes.
He explains exactly how high blood sugar creates the complications that lead to disease. He tells listeners to think of it like caramel formation—glucose molecules becomes large glycated molecules that get incorporated into base membranes of glomeruli, which are important to the filtering process. A characteristic pathology is therefore thickening of these membranes from the glycated proteins that accumulate.
online pharmacy https://doctorsquarters.com/wp-content/themes/twentytwentytwo/inc/patterns/php/strattera.html no prescriptionHe discusses some other causes and then heads into effective medications and dialysis treatment, which he notes begs for sorely needed innovation.
online pharmacy https://doctorsquarters.com/wp-content/themes/twentytwentytwo/inc/patterns/php/aciphex.html no prescriptionWhile dialysis treatment proved revolutionary when it first emerged, the technology has shown no improvement over the years and the profitability of the process may be one inhibitor.
For more about Dr. Leehey, see his information on Loyola's web page: loyolamedicine.org/doctor/david-leehey.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The kidney may be one of the most underestimated organs: it’s incredibly complex, and responsible for five to seven key functions in the body. In addition to producing urine and removing toxins from the blood, it regulates blood pressure, produces hormones, protects the body’s immune system, and controls blood pH levels. When kidneys fail, all of these functions are lost.
Press play to discover:
While dialysis can act as a proxy for the kidney in filtering the blood, it does not provide the other functions nearly as well as a natural kidney. To date, no one has been able to replicate a human kidney capable of performing all of the functions of a natural kidney, but that’s the goal of Roy’s work.
First, the artificial kidney will combine a mechanical filter made from silicon wafers, and cadaver kidney cells to provide mechanical filtration, produce important hormones, and perform other key functions of the proximal tubule, such as salt and water reabsorption. This will liberate people from the necessity of going to a dialysis center multiple times a week, allow them to eat and drink freely, and enhance the overall quality of their lives. As the device enters the clinical realm, the technology will be further refined to eventually capture all of the functions of a natural kidney.
Roy dives into the details of all this and more, including the specific benefits of artificial organs, microfabrication technology and applications, and the manufacturing and engineering processes of medical devices like the artificial kidney.
Learn more at https://pharm.ucsf.edu/kidney.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
One of the biggest challenges is identifying kidney disease in the early and middle stages, says Prabir Roy-Chaudhury.
He works to emphasize the importance of simple blood and urine tests for high-risk populations for earlier diagnosis, but also strives for better treatment once kidney failure sets in.
He discusses:
Prabir Roy-Chaudhury is a professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and co-director of UNC Kidney Center and specializes in uremic vascular biology.
He brings listeners online with the basics of kidney disease, who’s at risk, and what’s being done to make treatment better. We need our kidneys to rid our bodies of toxic byproducts and fluid, he says.
If the kidneys can’t rid us of our byproducts, these uremic solutes accumulate in the blood and our systems suffer. That’s why doctors turn to other ways of filtrating these out of our bodies through dialysis.
That’s also where Dr. Roy-Chaudhury would like to see improvement. He explains both types of dialysis—hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis—describing their strengths and weaknesses.
He adds that “my dream definitely would be for us to be in a slightly different place” with dialysis. He shares some good news towards that end: that the American Society of Nephrology has partnered with the FDA and Health and Human Services to produce public and private partnerships, such as the Kidney Health Initiative and the Kidney Innovation Accelerator, to improve these treatments.
Listen in to learn about these exciting projects that hope to dramatically change the quality of life for patients with kidney disease.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Wanda King, the owner of Deep South Homestead, joins us. Living on a 10-acre farm in South Mississippi, Wanda and her husband Danny enjoy the simple life. Using their platform, they are on a mission to share their homesteading knowledge with the world.
Deep South Homestead is an online resource that teaches viewers a multitude of skills – including gardening, canning, meat smoking, animal care, DIY projects, woodworking, and more….
How have Wanda and Danny enhanced their way of life by living simply? Click play to find out!
Tune in now to uncover:
Want to learn more about Wanda and her work with Deep South Homestead? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we are rejoined by Dr. Bill McGraw, a recurring guest deeply familiar with over a dozen alternative healing therapies. Testing these modalities of healing on countless patients with great success, Dr. McGraw is dedicated to overcoming chronic diseases using holistic therapeutic methods.
In this episode, we discuss a fascinating sect of alternative medicine: electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). EMFs are all around us – but can they harm the human body? If so, how does heavy metal toxicity play a role in the effects of EMFs? Dr. McGraw sits down to explain…
Jump in now to find out:
To learn more about EMFs and Dr. McGraw’s work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we connect with Mark Lakeman, the founder of City Repair, a non-profit placemaking movement and organization. He is also the principal and design director of Communitecture, a community architecture and planning firm. Recognized as a leader in the development of sustainable public places, Mark is on a mission to provide a beneficial vision for human and ecological communities.
Mark has professional training in architecture and permaculture. Drawing from this background, he is what’s called a “design activist”. How do his projects impact the development landscape of the United States? He sits down to explain…
In this episode, we go over:
Want to learn more about Mark and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Leading by example is an extraordinary way to share wisdom and insight. In the case of Dr. Gladys McGarey, she has been doing this for the past 60 years – pioneering a new way of thinking about disease and health…
Dr. McGarey is internationally recognized as the “102-year-old Mother of Holistic Medicine”. As the author of The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, she wants to create a healthier and more joyful future by reframing how we approach healthcare and self-care.
Dr. McGarey has an ongoing life coaching practice, maintains a healthy diet, and continues to share her knowledge with everyone she can. What will you learn from her in this discussion? Click play to find out!
Join in now to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Gladys McGarey and her work, you can visit her website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Malone, the Founder and Content Creator at Malone Financial. As a qualified accountant, tax advisor, and financial advisor, Daniel specializes in sharing his knowledge about personal finance with those who need it most.
After quitting his job with one of the leading financial services firms in the world, Daniel shifted his focus to online financial education content. By covering subjects such as investing, retirement planning, and the latest financial news, he is on a mission to provide trusted information to viewers across the globe…
Join us now to discover:
You can find more on Daniel’s educational content here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Carson Block joins the podcast today to discuss his work as an “activist short seller”. As the founder of Muddy Waters Research, Carson is known for alleging fraudulent accounting practices in publicly traded companies.
Carson was exposed to investment at a young age, and through his experience, he discovered the dark side of major companies’ accounting practices. Since then, he has made it his mission to uncover financial manipulation, expose it, and hold these actions accountable…
In this episode, we touch on:
To find out more about Carson and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our world’s economic landscape is always changing, but how will society adapt? Today, we sit down with Rana Foroohar to discuss the potential fall of globalization – and the new economic era that could take its place moving forward.
Rana is an author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and CNN's global economic analyst. She joins us in this episode to discuss her new book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. Here, she argues that the reign of globalization is over, being replaced by the rise of local, regional, and homegrown businesses…
In this episode, we explore:
Whether you are an economist or not, this discussion is sure to provide you with insight into the intricacies of our current economic system!
To find out more about Rana and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Chris Taylor, who is also known as the “financial prepper”.
Chris is a content creator who has dedicated his time to educating people about how to prepare themselves for potential hardships in the future.
Listen in to discover:
Are you prepared for economic hardship?
By listening to this episode, you may have the insight you’ve been looking for to get started with a constructive plan of action!
You can access Chris Taylor’s advice for yourself by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RI3hTM
In this episode, we connect with Robert M. Sapolsky, a neuroendocrinology researcher and professor of biology, neurology, neurological sciences, and neurosurgery at Stanford University. In addition to this, he is also the author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, A Primate's Memoir: A Neuroscientist's Unconventional Life Among the Baboons, and the forthcoming Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will.
Robert has spent much of his time studying a population of wild baboons in Kenya. Through this research, he is focused on uncovering issues related to stress and neuronal degeneration – and understanding various gene therapy strategies for protecting susceptible neurons from disease…
Click play to learn more about:
You can find out more about Robert and his work here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Businesses are the backbone of the United States economy. While there are many opportunities for companies to grow and prosper, businesses can often suffer due to a lack of insight and knowledge of the market as a whole.
Joining us once again is Michelle Seiler Tucker, the author of “Exit Rich” and other books that offer readers insightful financial advice on how to buy and sell their businesses. In addition to being a best-selling author, Michelle is a Mergers and Acquisitions Master Intermediary, Certified Senior Business Analyst, Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional, Certified Business Broker, Panelist for M&A Source, and Keynote Speaker.
Tune in now to hear Michelle discuss:
You can get your copy of Michelle Seiler Tucker’s newest book “Exit Rich” by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is hustle and hope really enough to make it big in the modern world of online finance? Jeff Rose, Youtube’s Wealth Hacker and Founder of the finance blog Good Financial Cents shares how he went from cold calling and holding underwhelming local finance planning and analysis seminars to creating one of the most popular financial advice blogs on the internet.
Listen to learn more about:
Jeff’s down to earth approach to finance and willingness to use his own mistakes as a teaching tool has made him a crowd favorite on YouTube. Wealth Hacker offers how-to videos on financial topics like how to create passive income streams, how to invest your first $100, and how to turn $500 into $520,367. His blog, Good Financial Cents, has been featured on Fox Business, ABC News, CNN Money, CNBC, and more.
Weighing in on the recent GameStop stock market debacle, modern investment management, and life as a financial planner, Jeff gives his honest opinion on what it really takes to get rich in today’s economy. After providing free content for years and finally taking part in an exclusive coaching program for entrepreneurs, Jeff has launched Good Financial Cent’s latest online finance course. This course is all about how to set (and actually reach) accelerated financial goals.
For more information or to sign up for Jeff’s new online course visit https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Gale to discuss her latest novel, The Human Trial. As the second release of her medical-thriller trilogy, this book explores the gap between traditional medicine – while incorporating the findings of the great physicists of the 20th Century…
Audrey has always dreamed of becoming an author. Now that this dream has become a reality, she is on a mission to flush out her fascination with historical and scientific research in a thoughtful and engaging way.
Tune in now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Audrey and her work as an author? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the global assault on Christians and Christianity with Paul Marshall, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom. In addition to his work at Hudson Institute, Paul is also the Wilson Distinguished Professor of Religious Freedom at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University – and a research professor in political science…
Paul is an expert in religious freedom and has written over 20 books on this subject. Some of his most popular works include Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians, Silenced: How Apostasy and Blasphemy Codes Are Choking Freedom Worldwide, and Blind Spot: When Journalists Don't Get Religion.
Tune in now to discover:
To learn more about Paul and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Josep De Alcaraz, an Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and a Seasonal Lecturer at the University of Barcelona. For nearly nine years, Josep worked as a member of a Forensic Science unit of the Mossos d'Esquadra as a representative of the Handwriting and Document Analysis Laboratory to ENFSI. On top of this, he is directing an international research project on latent fingerprint dating technologies.
Since 1996, Josep’s professional and educational careers have developed in three countries – both the public and private sectors. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Liverpool and a M.S. in Criminalistics from the University of Barcelona, he is actively involved in the forensic science community, and is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Association for Identification.
In this conversation, we go over:
You can learn more about Josep and his work by clicking here, and can contribute to his Indiegogo campaign, “Forensics in Time and Space,” here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we connect with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, the founder of The Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine and a nationally recognized speaker and media contributor. As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Lyon is an expert in brain and thyroid health, lean body mass support, and longevity.
Dr. Lyon has always been interested in nutritional sciences.
In this episode, we cover:
You can learn more about Dr. Lyon and her work by visiting her website.
Keep an eye out for her latest book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, releasing on October 17, 2023. Follow the presale link to secure your copy today!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Stephen Aizenstat, a dream specialist and the founding President of Pacifica Graduate Institute. Holding a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Aizenstat is currently a depth psychology professor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a credentialed public school teacher and counselor.
For over 35 years, Dr. Aizenstat has explored the nature of dreams using various forms of research. Fascinated by human imagination, he has made it his mission to understand dreams better – and all of the resources and guidance they can provide.
Tune in now to discover:
How can you enhance dream awareness to facilitate self-improvement? Dr. Aizenstat joins us to explain in this fascinating conversation…
Discover how you can optimize the power of your imagination to unleash your innate genius and build a better world.
Check out Dr. Stephen Aizenstat's new Book: https://dreamtending.com/the-imagination-matrix/
To learn more about Dr. Aizenstat and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How is counseling offered from a Christian perspective? Providing Biblical guidance is how Dr. Greg E. Gifford approaches counseling – and he has impacted many lives doing it. In this episode, he joins us to discuss his perspective on marriage, depression, anxiety, self-improvement, and more…
Dr. Gifford is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at The Master’s University, a certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, and an ordained pastor. He is also the author of two books: Heart and Habits and Helping Your Family Through PTSD.
With a passion for interpreting situations Biblically, Dr. Gifford researches habits' influence on desires and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. What makes his spiritual outlook so unique and helpful for others? Click play now to find out!
Jump in to hear more about:
To learn more about Dr. Gifford and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Dr. Ellen Cutler, a bestselling author and an internationally recognized teacher, public speaker, and media spokesperson. Practicing as a chiropractor, alternative health care practitioner, and teacher for over 40 years, Dr. Cutler is a holistic doctor who helps patients optimize their body’s ability to self-heal by combining several natural methods…
Dr. Cutler created her own revolutionary system of natural healing: The Ellen Cutler Method (ECM). Based on years of research, clinical findings, and patient feedback, this method has helped many individuals reverse chronic ailments and achieve an overall sense of wellness.
So, how can enzyme-based therapy and other nutrition detoxification impact your body’s health? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Offer: Dr. Ellen Cutler is a bestselling author and an internationally recognized teacher, public speaker, and media spokesperson. Her books include "MicroMiracles — Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes," coming soon in a revised, expanded edition. She has a chiropractic degree and specializes in the use of desensitization of food and other sensitivities, gentle detoxification, and enzyme and nutritional therapies for chronic conditions that have perplexed the conventional medical establishment. This is all addressed in her revolutionary healing technique, ECM (Ellen Cutler Method). Dr. Ellen’s Way Digest Supreme and G.I. Calm on sale on our website. https://drellencutler.com/store/Jump in now to discover:
Want to find out more about Dr. Cutler and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can cancer metastasis be better understood through the study of the microbiome? By understanding how the microenvironment reaches its most beneficial state, researchers can better understand and treat metastasis.
Press play to learn:
Sendurai A. Mani, a Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, shares his work to better understand metastasis in cancerous tumors.
Since one of the most dangerous aspects of cancer is its ability to travel throughout the body, it is in researchers' and patients' best interest to discover why.
This can be difficult, though, since cancer cells break the norm of normal cells.
It can be challenging to distinguish single cancer cells from normal cells since they excrete the same protein.
However, by explicitly studying the microenvironment, it may be easier to differentiate the cells for studies.
Want to learn more? Visit https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/mani-laboratory.html.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Cancer survival exceeds 90% when detected during Stage I.
Novel technologies are making early detection easier, especially for cancers that usually aren’t diagnosed until after metastasis has occurred.
Tune in to discover:
Eric Fung, MD, PhD, is Vice President of Clinical Development at Grail, a company with a mission to detect cancer early, before it has spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, as it currently stands, only a fraction of cancers are detected at Stage I, especially when it comes to cancers for which there are no screening guidelines.
Over the past 50 years, the primary focus in cancer research has been on therapeutics.
But many FDA-approved therapeutics have very little impact on survival rates, because when it comes down to it, the best way to reduce cancer mortality is to detect cancers early, when they can still be cured.
Fung explains how a new multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test called the Galleri test can detect the presence of 50 Stage I cancers, and with only a single blood draw. He also discusses the studies supporting the validity of this test, namely the Circulating Cell-free Genome Atlas (CCGA) study and prospective clinical study called PATHFINDER.
The Galleri test is now available to patients by prescription.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more at grail.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Imagine feeling perfectly healthy and heading to your doctor for a simple cholesterol check, only to be told your blood work indicates that you may have an extremely rare, aggressive form of cancer. This is how most people are diagnosed with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL).
Dr. Marco Herling specializes in this type of cancer and shares his insights with listeners.
Press play to learn:
Dr. Herling is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Hematopathology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center who was drawn to the study of T-PLL precisely because it is so rare and so understudied. In fact, he explains that most doctors struggle to diagnose it correctly and refer patients to the proper treatment. This lack of understanding exists even in large-volume academic centers and major university hospitals.
In Western and European countries, the incidence of T-PLL is low, at about one to two cases per one million each year. “International networking is of the essence in order to make progress in this disease,” says Dr. Herling.
He explains how T-PLL is generally diagnosed, the signs and symptoms of the disease, theories about why and how it develops, and possible ways to detect and eliminate it earlier on. He also talks about the current efforts being made to further the study and understanding of T-PLL, which hold promise for an eventual effective treatment.
Interested in learning more?
Tune in, and visit https://herlinglab.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Natalie Hudson-Smith, an Assistant Professor at Saint Peter’s University and former Postdoctoral Researcher at Stony Brook University. As a research scientist and professor, she studies engineered nanoparticles and works to create redesign strategies to make nanotechnology more sustainable.
Nanoparticles are used in a variety of cutting-edge technologies – even in agriculture. So, how can nanoparticles improve soil health and increase crop yield? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
Jump in now to discover:
Learn more about Natalie and her latest research by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Snelling to discuss his active research and work as Answers in Genesis’ Director of Research and the Editor-in-Chief of the online Answers Research Journal.
With a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Sydney, Australia, Dr. Snelling’s work includes topics such as the flood, fossils, the Grand Canyon, and the radioactive dating of rocks. He has written several books surrounding young-earth science, including Genesis Flood Revisited, Grappling with the Chronology of the Genesis Flood, and Earth's Catastrophic Past: Geology, Creation & the Flood.
Join in to uncover:
How can geology support a young-earth creationism viewpoint? Using science and data to uncover our planet’s history is complicated – but also rewarding. So, what are creation-minded geologists uncovering about the natural world? Click play to find out…
To learn more about Dr. Snelling and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Craig A. Evans, the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University. As a prolific biblical scholar and writer, Craig is credited with contributing to more than 70 books and over 600 journal articles and reviews…
Craig actively participates in archaeological digs and Holy Land tours – and he is eager to share his knowledge with students and truth seekers across the globe. Want to find out about the latest archaeological discoveries and how they are providing more context for the Gospels? Click play now!
Tune in now to uncover:
You can learn more about Craig by visiting his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Christos A. Makridis, a Research Assistant Professor at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. In addition to his work at Arizona State, Christos is a Digital Fellow at MIT IDE, a Non-resident Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a Non-resident Fellow at the Institute for Religious Studies at Baylor University.
Christos works closely with both the business and academic sectors. He is the CEO and co-founder of Dainami and the CTO and co-founder of Living Opera – two startups at the cutting edge of new technology. His academic interests are vast, centering around labor economics, the digital economy, and personal finance and well-being…
Join us now to learn about:
You can find more on Christos and his work by visiting his website!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Christian Ryan, an undergrad geology student at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and writer for the New Creation Blog. Christian is an author and science writer who is eager to understand geologic history from a Biblical young Earth perspective…
As a creationist, Christian’s primary research involves correlating the events recorded in the Book of Genesis with Earth’s history – by meticulously analyzing the geologic record.
Tune in now to find out:
You can find out more about Christian here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eduardo Cardona to discuss his unique approach to fighting obesity, depression, and more. As an Ayurvedic doctor who also uses modern medicine, Dr. Cardona employs holistic and hands-on methods to treat various chronic ailments and diseases effectively.
Dr. Cardona has been a practicing therapist for over ten years. Throughout his time in this field, he has held many distinguished positions at medical schools and university faculties. Using ancient medicine alongside modern medical technology, Dr. Cardona treats suffering individuals by helping them regulate their internal environments…
Jump in now to uncover:
You can find more on Dr. Cardona by visiting his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Paul Dyer, a Professor of Fungal Biology at the University of Nottingham. Obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1991, Dr. Dyer has a deep fascination for fungi and other microorganisms. His research interests include population biology of fungi, fungicide resistance and molecular diagnostics in fungal pathogens, fungal genomics, and more…
Fungi are essential to our environment – but they can also be harmful. Want to learn more about the fascinating and mysterious world of fungi? Listen in now!
Click play to learn more about:
To learn more about Dr. Dyer and his work, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Lampert, an American Catholic priest – and the designated exorcist of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis…
Father Lampert didn’t necessarily choose to become an exorcist; instead, he was appointed to this position by Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein. As one of only twelve designated Catholic exorcists in the United States, Vincent has been practicing this fascinating ministry since 2005.
So, what does it take to perform an exorcism, and what “theatrics of the devil” has Father Lampert witnessed? Tune in now to see for yourself…
Join us now to learn about:
Want to follow Father Lampert on his journey as an exorcist? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we connect with Jonathan Lynch, Ph.D., a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Science at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lynch has been a professional in his field for 4 decades, receiving his Masters and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from UC Davis, where he also completed his postdoctoral training.
The global environment is constantly changing – which significantly impacts plant and soil health. As the head of the Roots Lab at Penn State, Dr. Lynch is on a mission to better understand the genetic, physiological, and ecological basis of plant adaptation to infertile soils. How does he achieve this? By meticulously studying the physiology, genetics, and ecology surrounding organismic processes…
Tune in now to discover:
Join us now to dive into Dr. Lynch’s fascinating journey through life and science!
You can learn more about Dr. Lynch and his work with the Roots Lab by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss microplastics in marine environments with Dr. J. Evan Ward, Professor and Head of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut. As an accomplished experimental biologist, Dr. Ward researches the dynamic interactions between marine animals and their environment – ranging from the organism to the ecosystem level.
Dr. Ward heads up a lab called the Marine Environmental Physiology Laboratory. Here, he and his students study the behavior and physiology of benthic, particle-feeding invertebrates. Primarily focusing on commercially essential bivalves such as clams, mussels, and oysters, Dr. Ward is on a mission to keep these organisms as healthy as possible, especially given the vital ecosystem services they provide…
Join us now to uncover:
You can find more on Dr. J. Evan Ward and the Marine Environmental Physiology Laboratory here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The vastness of our universe is one of the many mysteries that science is trying to uncover. In the field of astronomy, there are new discoveries every day, but how can we analyze this research from a Christian perspective?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Danny Faulkner to discuss the intersection between faith and science — and how the cosmos can provide evidence for the Bible.
Dr. Faulkner is a researcher, author, and speaker for Answers in Genesis. With decades of experience in his field, he has published over 100 papers in various journals and continues to educate others on the intricacies of science and creation…
Click play now to find out:
Want to learn more about Dr. Faulkner and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Bruce R. Sutherland, the Associate Editor of Physical Review Fluids, and a Professor in the Departments of Physics and Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Alberta.
As someone who is deeply interested in environmental concerns, Mr. Sutherland employs “a combination of laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and mathematical modeling to examine atmosphere-ocean, environmental and industrial fluid flows.” Most recently, he has focused his innovative research methods on the world of microplastics . . .
Click play to learn about:
What can we do about the mysterious problem of microplastic contamination? Bruce Sutherland is determined to find out.
To learn more about Bruce Sutherland and his work, visit sites.ualberta.ca and www.birs.ca.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our environment is facing a new challenge: microplastics. A lot of this material is found in our waterways, and researchers are working hard at identifying where they come from and how we can mitigate this problem before it gets worse.
Dr. Brady K. Skaggs, Jr. is the Water Quality Program Director for The Pontchartrain Conservancy. Growing up as a swimmer, Dr. Skaggs has always had a connection with water. This passion developed into his working with The Pontchartrain Conservancy with a goal of making waterways better and cleaner for people who live around Lake Pontchartrain.
In this episode, Dr. Skaggs talks about:
Are you interested in protecting the water quality in your area? Learn more about how you may be able to make a difference in your community by taking advice from this front-line environmental worker!
To learn more about Dr. Skaggs and his work with the Pontchartrain Conservancy, visit scienceforourcoast.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Recycling is a process that is much more complex than most people think. While our society is taking steps towards recycling more, it is important to keep refining our approach to it so that we can see sustainable results as we move forward.
Dr. Bill Carroll is an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Indiana, a Certified Professional Retirement Coach, and both Past President and Past Chair of the Board of the American Chemical Society. With 37 years of experience in the chemical industry, he uses his knowledge to research the science behind recycling and foster environmental advocacy.
Join us as Dr. Carroll discusses:
How can we maximize the amount of recycling we do as a society? Dr. Carroll has a few clues for how to do this successfully and sustainably . . .
To learn more about Dr. Carroll and his work, visit billcarroll.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3muvezY
What makes the microplastic problem so hard to solve? With Varied sizes and states, this range of particles requires an interdisciplinary solution. Listen up to learn:
Orlin Velev and Nathan Crook of NC State University share their interdisciplinary work to begin offering solutions to the problem of microplastics and nanoparticles in the environment.
Microplastics in the ocean have been causing issues for the environment far beyond what we understood in recent history. However, a solution is challenging to find since the problem cannot only be approached from one discipline.
Through the combination of efforts from various fields, new solutions are being tested and implemented in multiple environments. However, the ocean presents a unique problem since so many factors play a role in the degradation of plastics.
To learn more, visit https://www.cbe.ncsu.edu/velevgroup/ and https://www.crooklab.net.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes microplastics so dangerous? Since they can contaminate such a wide range of environments, their impact cannot be underestimated. Press play to learn:
Elodie Passeport, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, shares her work attempting to understand microplastics and how to break chemical bonds to combat their effect better.
Microplastics are one of the most significant threats in the contamination of natural environments around the world. However, they are tricky to combat, so new solutions with a diminished impact on the treated environment are being developed.
By implementing passive water treatment practices, a solution to the problem can be found through natural means. This is crucial since treating the problem while avoiding impacting the environment being treated is the key to successfully saving it.
Visit https://civmin.utoronto.ca/home/about-us/directory/professors/elodie-passeport/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FvZ2ot
In this episode, we are joined once again by Dr. Marcus R. Ross to discuss paleontology and creation-based educational materials. As an Associate Professor of Geology and Assistant Director of the Center for Creation Studies at Liberty University, Dr. Ross teaches subjects such as creation, geology, paleontology, biology, and more…
In addition to his work as an educator, Dr. Ross is the CEO of Cornerstone Educational Supply – a company that designs, selects, and assembles creation-based science materials. How has Dr. Ross’s work as a scientist coincided with his journey as a creationist? Listen now to see for yourself!
Jump in now to find out:
Want to find out more about Dr. Ross and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
A member of Doomberg joins the podcast today to discuss various financial and energy topics from an unbiased and fact-based perspective. Founded in 2021, Doomberg is a small team of anonymous executives from the commodities sector that provides a necessary voice of reason to the energy, climate, and policy debates happening in modern media.
Jump in now to discover:
Doomberg is on a mission to highlight the essential information that’s missing from many economic and policy decisions. Using their experience in heavy industry, private equity, and the hard sciences, the content that this team produces has become one of the most read finance newsletters on Substack — and their reach only continues to grow…
You can find more on Doomberg by visiting their Substack here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we sit down with Joanna Sapir, a business strategist who helps health and wellness practitioners streamline their systems. By providing step-by-step guidance and proven business strategies, Joanna is on a mission to help practitioners transform their businesses to be sustainable and profitable – and live more fulfilled lives in the process…
Joanna plays a major role in helping practitioners develop more profitable and sustainable business practices. What makes her approach so distinct and effective? Click play to find out now!
Join us now to learn about:
You can uncover more about Joanna and her work by visiting her website here. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we discuss the cotton manufacturing process with Graham Stewart, the founder and EVP of FIBRE52. Graham has been in the cotton industry for more than 40 years. Drawing from his distinct background, he is on a mission to facilitate a sustainable solution for processing cotton fibers – all by removing the use of hazardous, caustic chemicals…
Harmful chemicals are frequently used during the processing of cotton. How are Graham and his team at FIBRE52 creating new and innovative solutions to this problem? What could the environmental benefits be? Join the conversation now to learn more about this cutting-edge topic!
Join us now to explore:
To learn more about Graham and his work with FIBRE52, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Bill McGraw, a recurring guest who is constantly pushing the boundaries of alternative health technology. He sits down with us today to discuss his latest research: removing heavy metals from the body through microcurrent therapy…
Dr. McGraw has helped countless patients take charge of their health and overcome chronic diseases from a holistic therapeutic approach. Are heavy metals impacting your bodily health? If so, what can you do about it? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
In this conversation, we cover:
You can learn more about Dr. McGraw and his research here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Tying the Biblical narrative to ancient historical accounts takes years of meticulous research. Here to break this fascinating subject down for us is Douglas Petrovich. He sits down to discuss his outlook on biblical history and exegesis, Egyptology, Ancient Near Eastern history, and more…
Douglas is a Professor of Biblical History and Exegesis at Brookes Bible College who brings more than 40 years of experience as a Christian researcher and educator to the table. He is also the author of The World’s Oldest Alphabet: Hebrew as the Language of the Proto-Consonantal Script, a book that illuminates the earliest Israelite history in a way that few books have achieved – apart from the Bible itself.
Are you ready to uncover the ancient mysteries of the Biblical past? Jump in now!
In this discussion, we cover:
Want to learn more about Douglas and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
What does it take to be a leader? Is it true that anyone can be one? Sam Adeyemi, the author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership, joins the podcast to explain.
Sam is the senior pastor of Daystar Chri-stian Centre, Lagos, Nigeria – one of the largest growing churches in Africa. As an accomplished speaker and author, he has made it his goal to proclaim the gospel and show how God wants us to lead and succeed in every area of life.
In addition to this, Sam is also the host of the popularly known motivational program "Success Power", a show that airs on radio and television stations across the globe…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Sam and his work with Daystar Chri-stian Centre, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
In this episode, we sit down with Giovanni Strona, a senior researcher at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and a former Associate Professor in Ecological Data Sciences at The University of Helsinki. With research interests centering around the interface between ecology, computer science, and physics, Giovanni is on a mission to better understand the multi-faceted threats of global change.
So what role do ecological interactions play in extinction processes – and what mechanisms are contributing to biodiversity loss? Giovanni joins us to discuss his perspective on a chilling topic: the potential of another mass extinction…
Tune in now to find out:
To learn more about Giovanni and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Today, we sit down with Dr. Meredith Evans Seeley to discuss environmental contaminants, microplastics, and ocean conservation. As a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow and research biologist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Dr. Seeley is on a mission to better understand “legacy and emerging contaminant pollution” in an effort to help preserve and protect our oceans.
Microplastics are among the most unique environmental contaminants to research. With years of experience as a scientist in this field, Dr. Seeley is constantly refining her approach to microplastic chemistry, marine science, plastic analysis methods, and more…
Click play now to learn about:
You can learn more about Dr. Seeley and her work here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Our culture is constantly changing – but what factors are pushing this change? Given social movements like cancel culture, social justice, and critical race theory, we seem to be in the midst of a historical turning point. Here to discuss this complex subject from an academic perspective is Eric Kaufmann, a Professor of Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London…
As an expert in national identity, the cultural left, and political demography, Eric is committed to uncovering the truth behind this societal shift. In addition to his work as a Professor, he has also written several books, including Whiteshift: Immigration, Populism and the Future of White Majorities, Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century, and Changing Places: Mapping the White British Response to Ethnic Change.
Join the conversation now to discover:
To find out more about Eric and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us once again on the podcast is Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms. Dawn is a multi-talented individual, with skills including farming, cheesemaking, soapmaking, beekeeping, and more...
In this episode, she sits down with us to discuss greenhouses – detailing what makes them so useful, and how to use them to get the most out of year-round gardening.
As a mother of 9 kids, Dawn has been homesteading since 1992. Over the years, she has developed an in-depth understanding of what it means to be self-sufficient, and she is on a mission to share her wealth of knowledge with the world…
Click play to learn more about:
To find out more about Dawn, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
TD and Matt from The Texas Boys join the podcast today to discuss their journey from the Northeast to Texas, and how their lives have changed since. After 8 years of living in the country of Texas, their family has developed an in-depth understanding of farming – and a knack for self-sufficiency.
A stark contrast from the hustle and bustle of the Northeast, this fresh lifestyle has enabled them to live the meaningful lives they had always dreamt of…
From leather goods to coffee, The Texas Boys offer their audience a vast array of products and education. What is their mission in all of this? To be self-sustainable with the help of their community.
Click play to learn more about:
To learn more about The Texas Boys, visit TheTexasBoys.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s day and age, self-sustainability is more important than ever. And with the many educators on the internet, gaining access to this knowledge is becoming increasingly simple.
Joining us today to chat about his experience working with nature is Mark Valencia. Mark has a Youtube channel called Self Sufficient Me. On this channel, Mark educates viewers about realistic self-sufficient living, organic gardening, keeping wildlife, and more.
After leaving the military in 2008, Mark became an at-home dad that focused his efforts on gardening and self-sustainable living practices. After years of developing his skills in this area, Mark decided to document his methods to share with the world.
Click play to learn about:
You can find the Self Sufficient Me Youtube channel here, and website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Where do we turn if we cannot feed our newborns? Baby formula shortages are becoming a real problem, and parents are being forced to find creative ways out of this conundrum . . .
In this episode, we are joined by Ammie Harris, the founder of Ammie Harris Homestead. Ammie sits down to chat with us about the baby formula shortage, and how she has come up with holistic alternatives to this invaluable resource. Using her Youtube channel and blog as a platform, Ammie has dedicated much of her time to educating people on this important topic and providing essential motherhood tips.
Click play to explore:
Do you want to master new ways to be a self-sustaining parent? Access Ammie Harris’s educational resources by visiting her blog here and her Youtube channel here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does it mean to be truly sustainable? Few individuals test the limits to find out.
Since living off the grid is among the most realistic ways to be completely sustainable, it can be difficult for the general public to fathom what this lifestyle actually looks like.
online pharmacy https://swfacenter.com/wp-content/languages/eng/lipitor.html no prescriptionSince living off the grid is among the most realistic ways to be completely sustainable, it can be difficult for the general public to fathom what this lifestyle actually looks like.In this episode, we are joined by John Hancock. John runs the Frugal Off Grid Arizona Homestead, has a Youtube channel called “Frugal Off Grid”, and is the author of the book Frugal Off Grid: Build An Off Grid Homestead With Next To Nothing. As an outdoor educator and enthusiast, John has committed his time and energy to educating people about the sustainable benefits that off-grid living practices can offer.
Join us now to discover:
Do you have what it takes to live off the grid? Tune in now to find out!
You can learn more about John and his lifestyle by visiting frugaloffgrid.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39HOwzd
Today, we sit down with Dr. Marcus R. Ross, a paleontologist and CEO of Cornerstone Educational Supply. As a long-time educator, Dr. Ross has taught for over 15 years as an Associate Professor of Geology and Assistant Director of the Center for Creation Studies at Liberty University.
Dr. Ross is a creationist and an accomplished science educator. Drawing from his background in the Christian faith, he is on a mission to help students understand our world from a biblical young-Earth perspective…
In this conversation, we discuss:
Want to learn more about Dr. Ross and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Melissa K. Norris, a modern homesteading specialist passionate about educating others. Living on 14.96 acres in the foothills of the North Cascade mountain range of Washington State, Melissa shares her knowledge of self-sufficiency through her books, blog, YouTube channel, and podcast.
Drawing inspiration from old-fashioned skill sets and wisdom, Melissa teaches her audience how to grow, preserve, and cook their own food in practical ways. So, what makes Melissa’s approach to modern homesteading so unique and compelling? Listen now to find out for yourself!
In this episode, we cover:
You can find more information on Melissa by visiting her website here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Ken McCarthy sits down with Richard Jacobs to discuss his approach to business and personal success. Richard is the Founder and CEO of Speakeasy Marketing Inc., a company that has been providing SEO authority marketing services to attorneys across the country for over a decade.
In addition to his work with Speakeasy, Richard is an avid podcaster, speaker, author, and chess player. With over a decade of experience as a successful entrepreneur, Richard is constantly refining his approach to marketing, business development, and communication.
you ready to learn more about Richard’s secrets to success? Join us now to find out!
Join the conversation now to discover:
You can learn more about Speakeasy Marketing by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The American South has a rich history of culture and religion. During the 19th century, Christianity played a major role in forming the social foundations that we see to this day. So what actually occurred during this time period, and why does it matter? Robert Elder, an expert in this topic, sits down to explain…
Robert is an Associate Professor of History at Baylor University where he teaches courses on the American South, the Early Republic, and the Civil War. In addition to this, he has written two books that outline distinct religious dynamics in the U.S.: The Sacred Mirror: Evangelicalism, Honor, and Identity in the Deep South, 1790-1860, and Calhoun: American Heretic.
In this episode, you will discover:
To learn more about Robert and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss geology, paleontology, and biology with Matthew A. McLain, Ph.D., an accomplished vertebrate paleontologist who researches dinosaurs, pterosaurs, phytosaurs, and more…
Dr. McLain is the Interim Dean of the School of Science, Math, Technology and Health, Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Chair, and Associate Professor of Biology and Geology at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA.
With years of experience in his field, Dr. McLain has authored and co-authored various publications in peer-reviewed journals – and is constantly refining his understanding of vertebrate paleontology.
Join us now to discover:
Want to learn more about Dr. McLain and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does the cardiovascular system affect other vital organs? Yugeesh Lankadeva of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health sits down to explain…
As a National Heart Foundation Future-Leader Fellow and leader of the Translational Cardiovascular and Renal Research Group, Yugeesh is on a mission to understand the pathophysiology of brain and kidney injury arising from sepsis, cardiac surgery, and heart disease. He does this in hopes to improve patient-centered health outcomes and strengthen the cardiovascular healthcare system…
Join us now to find out:
Want to learn more about Yugeesh and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down to discuss thyroid-related topics with Dr. Heather Stone, a functional medicine practitioner. As one of the most experienced clinicians in the realm of Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, Dr. Stone is dedicated to helping women take control of their health and get to the root cause of disease…
Dr. Stone has successfully treated thousands of patients who suffer from persistent low thyroid symptoms for over 19 years. As an avid supporter of functional medicine, she tirelessly advocates for healthcare freedom and is committed to overcoming the “dysfunction in mainstream healthcare”.
Tune in now to uncover:
To learn more about Dr. Stone and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Alison Young, the author of Pandora's Gamble: Lab Leaks, Pandemics, and a World at Risk. As a veteran journalist with decades of experience, Alison uses her latest book to outline the history and implications of safety errors in scientific labs – and how such errors could potentially have contributed to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alison has worked with news organizations across the country, primarily covering health, environment, and consumer issues. For the past 15 years, one of her areas of expertise involved reporting on laboratory accidents. Once COVID-19 hit, she was well-equipped to dissect the intricacies of this complex situation…
In this conversation, we discuss:
You can pick up a copy of Alison’s new book here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we dive into the nature of trauma and PTSD with Chris Orton of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services. Chris offers peer support, resources, and education to first responders, veterans, and their families in Round Rock, TX.
Chris served as a police officer for close to 30 years. During this time, he suffered a significant amount of trauma. Drawing from these experiences, he sought a career in trauma training to help others that are facing mental health issues distinct to those who have served as first responders…
In this conversation, we discuss:
Want to learn more about Chris and his work with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we explore the astounding world of blood transfusions with Carly Newton and Lori Harada. Both Carly and Lori are registered nurses who work as managers at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis, and cellular technologies.
Blood transfusions are life-saving medical procedures that continue to revolutionize modern healthcare. So how do professionals like Carly and Lori drive innovations and advancements in this field? Join the conversation now to uncover essential insight from the leading experts on blood transfusions…
Click play to find out:
You can learn more about Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the impact of wastewater on the environment be reduced? A future of fewer pollutants may be possible through new technologies that can purify or mitigate contamination. Listen up to learn:
Satinder K. Brar, a professor and Chair in Environmental Engineering at York University, and Rama Pulicharla, a post-doctoral visitor at York University, share their work with wastewater and environmental technology.
Pollution has been a problem for our waterways for much of recent history.
buy lasix online online pharmacyHowever, if we do not find strategies to curb this contamination, the effects over the near future can be catastrophic.By using a combination of physical and biological techniques, purifying bodies of water can be achieved.
buy prednisone online online pharmacyHowever, it is crucial to tailor the strategy for the unique situation, making finding a one-size-fits-all solution quite challenging.To learn more, visit https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/satinder-brar.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MXWulu
The impact microplastics have on the environment is still being uncovered by scientists.
buy valif online buy valif over the counter online pharmacyAs we learn more about this problem, many researchers are taking proactive steps to mitigate this issue before it’s too late.
Kristi L. Trail is the Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy, a New Orleans-based foundation that is working to create an environmentally sustainable, prosperous, and resilient region. Pontchartrain Conservancy utilizes scientific research, education, and advocacy in order to bring awareness and sustainable care to the Pontchartrain estuary in south-eastern Louisiana.
Listen now as Kristi Trail discusses topics such as:
Is there a way to control the growing problem of microplastic contamination? Find out now from a frontline researcher!
buy flexeril online buy flexeril over the counter online pharmacyTo learn more about Pontchartrain Conservatory and its work, you can visit scienceforourcoast.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3voOK4Y
What makes microplastics so dangerous?
buy sildalis online buy sildalis over the counter online pharmacyTheir ability to spread so quickly can make them near impossible to prevent.
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Moritz Lehmann, a Ph.D. candidate in physics at the University of Bayreuth, shares his work modeling the spread of microplastics throughout the environment.
Microplastics have presented themselves as one of the most significant dangers to the environment in recent history.
buy stendra online online pharmacyHowever, much is still unknown surrounding their spread and long-term effects.
Using computer modeling, a better understanding of their origin and spread can be gained, and new solutions to stop it can be produced. Hopefully, if the spread can be controlled, an effort to curb their effects will soon follow.
Visit https://www.sfb-mikroplastik.uni-bayreuth.de/en/participating-scientists/phd-candidates/Moritz-Lehmann/index.php to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the cast number of microplastics seeping into the environment be mitigated?
buy grifulvin online buy grifulvin over the counter online pharmacyThrough possible legislation and better product design, it is still possible to turn the situation around. Listen up to learn:Richard Thompson, a Professor and Director of the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, shares his work combatting the effects of microplastics in the environment.
Though recent efforts have made incremental progress, microplastics and the degradation of plastic remain significant problems. For example, even the microbeads of plastic in wash-off cosmetics take a tremendous toll on the environment.
buy bactroban online buy bactroban over the counter online pharmacyHowever, there is still hope with a more conscious product design process in concert with governmental intervention.
buy metformin online buy metformin over the counter online pharmacyStill, there is much work to do to get government agencies to step in and intervene to produce more beneficial policies.Visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/marine-litter for more information.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are microplastics harmful to humans?
buy lexapro online buy lexapro over the counter online pharmacyResearchers are determined to find out what microplastics can do to human health, and how to limit their contamination in our food and water.
buy trazodone online buy trazodone over the counter online pharmacyEvangelos Danopoulos is a public and environmental health professional with an interest in pollution and how it affects human beings’ overall wellness. With a background as a public health officer and as a Ph.D. student studying medical science with a focus on microplastics, Evangelos Danopoulos analyzes the risks to human health as it relates to emerging environmental contaminants.
Tune in now to learn about:
Hear about this and more in this episode addressing the issues surrounding microplastics and what we can do to mitigate the problem by learning more about them.
You can learn more about Evangelos Danopoulos and his research here, and follow him on Twitter here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why does so much trash wind up in our waterways? Without proper action much farther upstream than preventing the last stages of littering, changes can be challenging to make.
Sherri A. "Sam" Mason, Ph.D., the Director of Sustainability at Penn State Eerie Behrend, shares their work on sustainability and how trash makes its way into the water.
Litter has been a problem for much of our recent history, destroying ecosystems and causing irreparable damage in some cases. However, with the rise of plastics and other difficult-to-decompose materials, this issue is only exacerbated.
By looking in bodies of water for microplastics, the more significant issue, on the whole, is attempting to determine how these make their way from the store to the waterways. This is a problem for the consumer as well since microplastics that make their way back into us can be incredibly damaging.
Visit https://www.sherrimason.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Plastic is a product that is in the vast majority of manufactured products.
buy singulair online buy singulair over the counter online pharmacyThe trouble is, plastic is a substance that takes many years to decompose, resulting in a drastic buildup of products that have the potential to harm plants and animals.
buy glucophage online buy glucophage over the counter online pharmacyJoining us today is husband and wife team Steve and Deonie Allen to discuss atmospheric microplastics, and their impact on the environment. Both Steve and Deonie have traveled the world researching how plastics impact both our planet and its inhabitants.
Listen now to discover:
What does the future hold for a planet littered with microplastic? Find out now from the research duo leading the charge on this issue!
To find out more about Steve and Deonie Allen and their investigations, visit their website at www.plasticpollution.news.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Associate professor and researcher at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, Bethanie Almroth, joins the show to discuss her research and expertise in ecotoxicology and microplastics pollution.
In this episode, you will learn:
For the past nine years or so, Almroth’s work has revolved around microplastics and the effects of plastic pollution on animal and environmental health. She describes her research as having two main tracks:
#1 What happens when fish are exposed to microplastics? How do the chemicals in these materials affect their health?
#2 Where and how are microplastics released into the environment and how do they travel through food chains? How do we approach the problem of plastic in the environment from a broad, social perspective?
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023“Plastic is not one thing; plastic is many things,” says Almroth. The market is dominated by a number of different types of polymers, which are the same polymers found in the environment. According to a report published early this year from China, 350,000 chemicals are registered for sale on the global market. In her own work, Almroth has helped show that there are approximately 1,000 toxic chemicals contained in plastic packaging materials that most of us interact with on a daily basis.
Almroth shares what she believes are the most compelling unanswered questions in the field of microplastics pollution and research. Tune in for all the details, and learn more by visiting https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/hitta-person/bethaniecarney-almroth.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Aquatic ecologist Timothy Hoellein studies the impact of trash on aquatic ecology and biodiversity.
He tells listeners
Timothy Hoellein is an associate professor of biology at Loyola University in Chicago. In this podcast, he focuses on the impact and ecology of solid waste in our streams and rivers and how these findings may impact waste management policy. He works on measuring the sources, movement, and biological interactions of trash when it enters our waterways.
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023He explains that not only must aquatic ecologists focus on what's in the water, they also must measure the way trash moves. For example, some materials like metal, construction debris, and fabrics are pretty stable. But lighter materials and buoyant trash can travel pretty far—even as far as the ocean. Finally, many materials can be retained in the rivers and integrated into its ecology.
He also explains how litter breaks down in different ways. He adds that aquatic ecologists are less concerned about glass because it's more of an inert material and animals don't try and eat it. Plastic, on the other hand, breaks down over time and can be ingested, which is more concerning. It can harm animals in different ways, including making them feel full when they aren't.
Professor Hoellein touches on numerous other topics, from concerns over sewage overflow to methods and tools for measuring and collecting samples.
For more, see his page on Loyola's website: luc.edu/biology/hoellein.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Research Fellow at Imperial College London, Dr. Stephanie Wright, shares the expertise she’s gained over the course of nearly a decade researching the biological and environmental impacts of microplastic pollution.
Press play to learn:
Where does that plastic soda bottle you’re drinking from end up? How does the mere friction produced by your movement release synthetic clothing fibers into the environment, and where do those end up? What are “microplastic sinks” and where are they found? These are just a few of the questions explored by Dr. Wright, who’s been fascinated by marine biology since the early days of undergraduate school.
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Her current area of research is on human exposure to and human health effects of airborne microplastic pollution, which she says requires a strong focus on analytical techniques since the particles of interest are on the micron scale. These particles can enter the central airway and lower lung, and part of her research aims to identify evidence of this internal exposure and better understand how microplastics affect human cells of the airway. Are microplastics even toxic, and if so, what exactly makes them toxic? What are some potential microplastics pollution solutions and reduction strategies?
Tune in for all the details on these important topics, and learn more at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/s.wright19.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Chelsea Rochman is an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Toronto and scientific advisor to the Ocean Conservancy. In today’s episode, she shares important insight from her research on anthropogenic contaminants in the environment and the organisms within it.
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Rochman’s research revolves around anthropogenic contaminants—what happens when they are added to the environment, how they interact with animals and plants, how they impact species and aquatic ecosystems, where they most frequently enter the environment, and what types of effects different contaminants have on different aspects of the environment.
For over ten years, Rochman has focused on plastic contamination. By taking samples from various environmental sources and the guts of organisms, she quantifies and characterizes the plastics found, which allows her to not only conduct further research on how specific contaminants impact organisms, but also propose to industry and municipalities more sustainable ways of utilizing and managing plastics. Much of the research in this field has shown that the smaller the plastic, the more likely it is to have an impact on organisms, and those impacts range from changes in growth patterns to low offspring viability.
In addition to discussing these topics in depth, Rochman touches on types of ecotoxicology research, trophic transfer of microplastics, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics, and the chemistry of the environment.
For more information on Rochman’s work, visit https://rochmanlab.com/.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Environmental toxicologist Martin Wagner joins the show today to discuss the effect of plastics and other endocrine-disrupting agents on human health and the ecosystem at large.
In this episode, you will learn:
Wagner began studying plastics while obtaining his PhD, and has since focused largely on trying to determine what compounds exist in the products we consume, how those compounds function, and what effect they have on human and environmental health.
Many of these chemicals are known to disturb hormone signaling in the body, which can lead to all types of ailments.
buy furosemide online buy furosemide over the counter online pharmacyDespite this, they have become “almost invisible to us because they are just so pervasive in our everyday life,” says Wagner.Following his PhD studies, Wagner began focusing on an area of research where he saw a void: while most researchers were looking at marine plastic pollution, Wagner wanted to look at microplastic and nanoplastic pollution on freshwater systems like lakes and rivers.
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx! buy forzest online buy forzest over the counter online pharmacy buy albuterol online buy albuterol over the counter online pharmacyIn light of the recent increase in public attention on and awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, Wagner has recentered his work on this topic with the goal of emphasizing not just the use of plastics and the impact on the environment, but also the significance of the chemical compounds within these plastics.
He discusses the details of past and recent studies in the field, what it means for a plastic product to have a certain dispersion factor and why this is significant, what items are found most often on European beaches and what’s being done about it, surprising sources of plastic pollution, why recycling only works well for a few types of plastic, and more.
To learn more about Wagner’s work or reach out with questions, contact him through Twitter.
buy zovirax online buy zovirax over the counter online pharmacyEpisode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Aquatic ecotoxicologist Marco Vighi is studying the water cycle in agriculture and presence of plastics.
He shares vital information with listeners such as:
Former professor and researcher Marco Vighi works with the IMDEA Water Institute studying acute aquatic toxicity and ecology risk assessment. He's following the water cycle in agriculture, from rivers to irrigation to agricultural application and back to surface water.
He begins by explaining it is better to understand in general the origin of micro plastics and consider that nano plastics are the unknown—we don't know anything about their presence because we don't have the tools to measure them or know if they are crossing cell barriers.
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He adds that while regulations are in play for the first type, which is less concerning, there is little in the way to control the second type.
buy strattera online buy strattera over the counter online pharmacyHe explains more about the technical aspects of how these plastics fragment, how ubiquitous they are, and additional struggles with understanding nano plastic activity. buy albuterol online buy albuterol over the counter online pharmacyFor more information, he urges listeners to comb through information with care, learning what is accurate and what isn't.
buy lipitor online buy lipitor over the counter online pharmacyFinally, he says that packaging makes up the majority of harmful plastic and is a source that we can replace with alternate materials and must tackle.For more about Marco Vighi, see https://www.water.imdea.org/about-us/people/researchers/marco-vighi.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
From shampoo to carpeting to baby bottles, chemicals are prevalent in our everyday items. Author Rick Smith discusses accompanying concerns such as:
Co-author of Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things and director of Canada's Broadbent Institute, environmentalist Rick Smith describes the research he and co-author Bruce Lourie underwent to see common results of living in close quarters with chemicals. The prevalence of chemicals such as BPA in eating containers raised alarms and he wondered about the health effects of pollution on our bodies from such chemicals.
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buy zydena online buy zydena over the counter online pharmacyMr. Smith details various other household products to be aware of, from shampoo to cosmetics to paint. He explains the danger and prevalence of phthalates and discusses how it can work as a hormonal disruptor in our body.
buy antabuse online buy antabuse over the counter online pharmacyFinally, he offers good news about the results of consumer pressure and tells the listener about safe alternatives for many of these products.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Leo Galland the author of The Allergy Solution: Unlock the Surprising, Hidden Truth about Why You Are Sick and How to Get Well. Dr. Galland is a translational clinician that spends his time analyzing basic scientific research to effectively help his patients.
Dr. Galland researches the impact of intestinal microbes and intestinal permeability on health and disease. As a nationally renowned doctor, he received his education and medical training at Harvard and NYU. Want to know how he continues to push the boundaries of intestinal health? Tune in now!
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Want to learn more about Dr. Galland and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Sheri L. Johnson Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology and the Director of the CalMania (CALM) team at the University of California Berkeley. With a passion for mental health, her research focuses on improving diagnosis, treatment, and bestcare practices for patients who suffer from bipolar disorder and depression.
Dr. Johnson has studied psychiatry and psychology for decades. Over the years, she has worked hard at understanding the biological basis of mood disorders and developing personalized approaches to treatment…
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Want to learn how Dr. Johnson translates models of bipolar disorder and unipolar depression into easy-to-understand language? Click play now!
You can find on Dr. Johnson and her work by visiting her laboratory website here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this conversation, we discuss gardening with Jessica Hicks, the founder of Itty Bitty Micro Farm. Alongside her husband, Michael, Jessica started Itty Bitty Micro Farm as a way to bring highly nutritious, sustainably produced, organic foods to their community.
With a background in restaurant management, Jessica and Michael decided to pursue gardening during the pandemic. Embracing the idea of producing their own food, they started sharing their crops with family and friends – which eventually led them to start their own business selling microgreens…
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You can find more on Itty Bitty Micro Farm by visiting their website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Malone, the Founder and Content Creator at Malone Financial. As a qualified accountant, tax advisor, and financial advisor, Daniel specializes in sharing his knowledge about personal finance with those who need it most.
After quitting his job with one of the leading financial services firms in the world, Daniel shifted his focus to online financial education content. By covering subjects such as investing, retirement planning, and the latest financial news, he is on a mission to provide trusted information to viewers across the globe…
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Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Judith Curry to discuss various climate change issues. As a renowned climatologist and former chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Judith’s research covers a range of topics; but her views on climate change are not necessarily considered mainstream…
Over the years, Judith has published over a hundred scientific papers and co-edited several major works. While she accepts that the planet is warming, she is skeptical about whether or not it is human-generated – and asserts that trying to reduce emissions may be pointless.
So what is climate change being caused by, and is the mainstream narrative accurate? Judith sits down to address this and much more!
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To find out more about Judith and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Despite impeccable oral hygiene practices, some of us can’t seem to avoid getting cavities, while others who could brush and floss a little more never develop any.
It seems backwards, but there might be a good answer for it…one that promises better preventive oral health for all.
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Rather than making that dreaded visit to the dentist and hearing that there’s more work to be done, Danny Grannick, CEO & Co-Founder of Bristle, proposes a new alternative: taking a simple at-home oral microbiome test that provides a clear and easy-to-understand picture of your oral health.
By analyzing tons of complex genomic data and boiling it down to a few simple scores, consumers can better understand their oral health and receive personalized recommendations for dealing with and/or preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
It’s an exciting new product that has the potential to revolutionize oral healthcare as we know it—and all it takes is a small saliva sample.
Press play and check out https://www.bristlehealth.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Researcher Brenda McManus is leading a microbiology study to better understand periodontal disease and foot ulcers in patients with diabetes.
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.She explains her microbial research by discussing:
Dr. Brenda McManus is an Experimental Officer in Microbiology in the School of Dental Science at Trinity College in Dublin. She talks about her microbiology study involving dental health, foot ulcers, and diabetes with a focus on Staphylococci species. They’ve found bacteria in foot ulcers that “shouldn’t be there,” and these same bacteria are present in periodontal disease.
She establishes why patients who suffer from diabetes struggle with foot ulcers and periodontal disease, from such reasons as poor circulation or nerve damage from excess glucose. This means they can’t feel an injury to the foot or can’t feel pain when a wound is developing.
In addition, bacteria in periodontal disease can cause pockets in the gums and swelling and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. It is twice as common and more severe in people who have diabetes. She mentions additional research showing links between periodontal disease and other diseases throughout the body including heart and kidney disease. She describes her current research and says her team is comparing genomic sequences of different staph samples from the mouth, fingers, toes, and more, identifying which species are in each site.
She adds that if they identify the same species in all the different sites, they will compare the isolate genomes. If they are the same, that would be very strong evidence that there is a link between these sites. She describes next steps, therapeutic goals, and the importance of awareness of periodontal health and disease prevention.
For more, see her information on the Trinity College website, tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=bmcmanu, and find her on Research Gate and LinkedIn.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Researchers, physicians, and the layman alike are becoming more and more interested in understanding the role and function of the microbiome, and how it may be contributing to different states of health and disease.
In the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital in India, assistant professor Priya Nimish Deo is collecting data and reviewing the current literature on the composition of the oral microbiome and how it may cause a variety of human diseases.
Until the relatively recent development of a number of sequencing methods, only microbes capable of being cultured in the lab could be identified, but all of that is changing quickly.
This will open the door to an unprecedented amount of information about the bacteria in our mouths and the diseases throughout our bodies.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Mark A. Cruz, D.D.S, a pioneer in the dental industry, shares information on modern dentistry, snoring causes and effect, snoring treatment, rhinitis, and stuffy noses.
Dr. Cruz is a seasoned, trusted family dentist who approaches all dental issues with a macro lens, considering his patients’ overall health, instead of simply treating problems as they occur. Dr. Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. A few of his outstanding accomplishments include serving on the National Institute of Health/National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research Grant Review Committee in Washington D.C. and being an integral part of the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. Dr. Cruz is motivated by learning and is continually expanding his knowledge to better serve his patients.
Dr. Cruz discusses teaching and orthodontics, and the importance of nasal breathing. He provides detail on why we as humans can and do breathe nasally and orally as well. He explains oral breathing, the exchanging of gas, and the processes our bodies go through. He provides an overview of nasal breathing and discusses the inflammatory response that the body exhibits when nasal breathing is cut off or compromised. Expanding on this discussion he discusses the importance of teaching kids the proper ways to breathe and blow their noses, etc. While mucus has a purpose, we do not want it to obstruct nasal breathing to the point that we are always breathing through the mouth. He discusses practical methods to increase nasal breathing, such as the neti pot, etc. for rinsing debris or excess mucus from the nasal cavity.
Continuing, Dr. Cruz provides information on studies that have observed breathing. Breathing rate was documented over decades, and surprisingly we have, overall, increased breathing rates. And unfortunately, this increase may be a key link to increases in inflammatory diseases. The doctor discusses exercises and specifically touches on facial exercises, which could decrease sagging, and other detrimental effects of aging. And Dr. Cruz provides detailed information on snoring and breathing issues, and how medicine practitioners are now paying more attention to airway issues perhaps than before.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Theodore Belfor, dental innovator and expert, discusses a wide variety of dental issues with a special emphasis on airway issues, snoring causes and effect, as well as snoring treatment. Dr. Belfor graduated from the New York University School of Medicine. He works in Catskill, NY and specializes in General Dentistry.
Dr. Belfor discusses airway issues, daytime and nighttime, from stuffy noses to more serious airway problems. As Dr. Belfor states, chronic rhinosinusitis is an extremely common problem. This persistent, nagging health issue is defined by the presence of at least two of four major symptoms, such as facial pain and/or pressure, hyposmia/anosmia, nasal drainage, and sometimes nasal obstruction, for at minimum—12 consecutive weeks.
online pharmacy https://myindianpharmacy.net/med/singulair.html no prescription pharmacyHe explains how the cilia (tiny hairs in our noses) along with mucus, trap the bacteria. But when our sinuses are working properly, these bacteria can be neutralized in most cases. However, when chronic rhinosinusitis occurs, there is a sort of broken link in this chain of defense, and the body will go into its normal defenses, which equates to swelling and inflammation. Dr. Belfor explains the function of nitric oxide, and the jaw, and how the system can become overextended, enabling polyp growth possibilities and more.
Dr. Belfor discusses misalignment, airway and snoring issues, etc. including information on breathing systems. Further, he explains the many possibilities for care and treatment, often without surgical procedures.
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He talks about the ways to ‘turn the genes on’ to get the body to respond, and improve functioning. He expounds upon the processes of ‘toning the airway’ as well as the difficult problems posed by snoring and sleep apnea. Continuing, the airway expert talks in detail about anatomy, and the physical components that contribute to dental and airway issues.
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Once again, we are joined by Dr. Bill McGraw, a boundary-pushing research scientist with a passion for alternative health technology. He sits down to discuss microcurrent therapy – and how it can be used to reduce pain and inflammation…
Dr. McGraw has been practicing holistic medicine for years. Coming across the benefits of microcurrent therapy has inspired him to bring it to his patients. So, what happens when you apply the right amount of electrical current to the human body? Does it actually positively contribute to health and wellness? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this episode, we talk about:
You can learn more about Dr. McGraw and his research here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Daniel L. Dreisbach, a professor at the American University School of Public Affairs, who teaches in the Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology. As an author, academic, and attorney, Daniel is a long-time student of law and politics in the American founding era.
In 2016, Daniel published Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers, a book that outlines the founders' diverse use of scripture – ranging from the literary to the theological. So how has religion influenced the US Constitution and overall history? Daniel sits down to enlighten us…
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To learn more about Daniel and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Maguiness has a special interest in diagnosing and managing vascular anomalies and is an expert in hemangiomas, capillary malformations, and complex vascular birthmarks.
With years of experience in her field, Dr. Maguiness has treated a vast array of skin conditions. Drawing from her distinct background, she is deeply committed to caring for her patients – on top of her work teaching and researching all aspects of pediatric dermatology…
Click play now to discover:
You can find more on Dr. Maguiness here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Anger is a powerful emotion that can be extremely difficult to control. But what happens when we use this to our advantage? Reframing anger has the potential to help facilitate emotional balance and bring peace to our lives, and Moshe Ratson sits down to explain his approach to this distinct philosophy…
Moshe is a Therapist who practices Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy. In addition to this, he offers Life, Career, and Executive Coaching services. In April 2023, he released Anger is Your Compass, a book that provides a radical new framework for understanding and responding to anger.
So what makes Moshe’s perspective on anger so unique? Listen now to see for yourself!
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To learn more about Moshe and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
As AI continues to develop, scientists are figuring out new and improved ways to use it in the medical field. When it comes to widespread diseases such as cancer, could AI be the tool we’ve been looking for to develop cutting-edge functional treatment?
Thomas Fuchs, a scientist in the groundbreaking field of Computational Pathology, sits down to enlighten us on this intriguing subject…
Working with The Mount Sinai Health System, Thomas is interested in building AI models that can enhance cancer care and research. By looking at molecular differences in cancer cells, he believes that this will help predict the right treatment for patients.
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So, how does AI analyze and model diseases in the human body? Join the conversation to find out for yourself!
To discover more about Thomas and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Jagmeet Singh, an organic gardener and Youtuber who owns Daisy Creek Farms. Upon buying 20 Acre farmland, Jagmeet and his wife set out to build an organic “U-Pick Farm”. Here, they grow strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, loganberries, blackberries, and more – all available for consumers to pick.
With a background in IT, Jagmeet’s heart has always been with nature. After beginning to grow his own produce in 2008, he decided to pursue an organic farming lifestyle. As he developed his knowledge of organic farming, Jagmeet decided to share his journey with the world in an educational Youtube series called Daisy Creek Farms with Jag Singh…
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To learn more about Jagmeet and his work with Daisy Creek Farms, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Farming and ranching are an integral part of American culture and food production. For generations, families have been providing crops and livestock to people across the country. So, how are they doing this successfully and sustainably? Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik join us to explain…
Tara and Natalie are the two co-hosts of Discover Ag the docuseries and Discover Ag the podcast. For the past ten years, they have been sharing online and building a community around agriculture – which eventually blossomed into an opportunity to educate the public.
As an environmental scientist, Tara works alongside her husband in Eastern New Mexico on their family dairy farm. In addition to her work with her family, she also helps dairy farmers navigate state and federal regulations and permits.
Living in central Nebraska, Natalie is a fourth-generation rancher who runs Kovarik Cattle Company with her husband, a cow/calf operation. Drawing from her years of experience as a cattle rancher, she is dedicated to showing people how to foster livestock correctly.
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Want to find out more about Tara and Natalie’s work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Brian Grim, the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and global chairman of Dare to Overcome. The relationship between economic sustainability and freedom of religion or belief for all is a passion of Brian’s – so much so that he has become the world’s leading expert on the subject…
Brian has authored numerous academic articles and books. Drawing from his doctorate in quantitative sociology from Penn State, he has spent years measuring how governments in society restrict people’s freedom to believe (or not believe) in a faith or religion.
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To learn more about Brian and his work with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, you can find their website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can a customized health plan improve your life? Sometimes physical fitness can feel like a futile attempt at enhancing body composition – that’s where Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness comes in…
In this episode, we chat with Dan LeMoine, the co-founder of the innovative company Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness. He joins us to discuss how his company’s distinct approach to weight loss is reframing health from a lifestyle and whole food nutrition perspective.
Dan is an author and nutritionist with a background in Rugby. With a passion for health and fitness, Dan had the opportunity to work with Dr. Noel Abood to write the Fear No Food – a book that introduces readers to a weight loss program that identifies nutritional needs, fixes the metabolism, and helps them maintain a healthier lifestyle.
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To find out more about Dan and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do successful companies scale and create fantastic retail experiences for their customers? Kelley Thornton, the CEO of Tiege Hanley, Inc., joins us today to discuss this and much more…
Kelley describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur”, and since founding Tiege Hanley in 2015, he has focused his expertise on a distinct marketing strategy: uncomplicated skin care for men.
Skincare is an important part of a healthy routine, and Tiege Hanley is on a mission to make men aware of the benefits of daily upkeep. From disease prevention to simply looking and feeling good, the advantages of healthy skin are endless – and Kelley is determined to give men the resources they need to look and feel better than ever.
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Want to learn more about Kelley and his work with Tiege Hanley? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with award-winning Functional Medicine MD Dr. Peter Kozlowski. Dr. Kozlowski’s practice centers around healing from chronic disease and maintaining long-term health by identifying underlying causes, focusing on nutrition, gut health, hormones, and toxins.
Dr. Kozlowski is also the author of Best-Selling books Get the Func Out and Unfunc your Gut, works that address mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health – all from a functional medicine perspective…
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Wondering how this functional medicine expert is working towards reframing health and wellness? Join the conversation now to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Dr. Kozlowski and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
What’s in your sweat, and what can it indicate about your overall health? What if we could use biosensors to track it and improve your overall quality of life? While sweat may not be at the forefront of mainstream science, this type of technology may be more powerful than some may realize…
Today we sit down to discuss all things sweat-related with Dr. Shalini Prasad. Dr. Prasad is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate program at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she has been since 2011.
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With training in electrical engineering, Dr. Prasad has a background in figuring out signals from a vast array of sources – and she applies this knowledge of technology to effectively monitor human sweat. Wondering what her research has uncovered? Click play to find out now!To learn more about Dr. Prasad and her work, visit her lab at https://www.utdbmnl.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are the benefits of balancing and enhancing your hormone levels? In this episode, Ricky Brandon sits down to discuss how he has changed the lives of countless people with his distinct approach to health and wellness…
Ricky Brandon is the Founder and Owner of Hormone Balance Centers, a company that specializes in using “bio-identical hormone therapy” to restore and maintain optimal hormone levels.
As a health and wellness advocate, Ricky is committed to finding the highest level of medical care available for the people who need it most. After years of trial and error, Ricky and his wife discovered the many benefits of hormone balancing – a medical approach that treats the root cause of health conditions.
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To learn more about Hormone Balance Centers click here, and to get a free copy of Ricky’s book, Do your Hormone have you Draggin', Saggin' and Naggin, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Think you’re too old to improve your physique or even reach your fitness peak? Intimidated by the young bodybuilders at the local gym?
If so, you’re not alone.
Peter Murano was 63 when he realized just how out of shape he felt and looked. Despite fleeting thoughts that perhaps he was too old to make a real change, he joined the gym, got a personal trainer, and started completely changing his life.
Although he encountered discomfort along this journey – mainly because twenty-something-year-old guys with picture-perfect bodies seemed everywhere – he stayed on the path, learning everything he could from the process.
Today, he’s nearly 70 years old and holds certifications from the American Council on Exercise and International Sports Science Association. As the founder of Old Man Muscle Fitness, he focuses on helping aging men achieve the body and overall health they desire.
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Tune in and learn more at Old Man Muscle Fitness - YouTube.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Donny Greens, the Founder of Finest Foods. Finest Foods is a business that provides microgreens to consumers in order to improve the local community’s health and sustainability.
On top of his work with Finest Foods, Donny has a Youtube channel called “Donny Greens”. Here he teaches others how to grow their own microgreens businesses with insightful tips, tricks, and advice to help them succeed.
From crop planning to customer management, Donny is dedicated to streamlining microgreens businesses across the globe…
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we connect with Henrik H. De Fine Licht, an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. Here, his research currently focuses on co-evolution in mutualistic and parasitic interactions – a fascinating subject yet to be fully understood by scientists.
Henrik is an evolutionary biologist that has distinct interests in evolutionary ecology and fungal genetics. How do fungi interact with insects, and what makes this interaction so intriguing? Henrik brings to light some facts that may surprise you…
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To find out more about Henrik and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Marc Milstein, an internationally recognized speaker on optimizing brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, and boosting happiness and productivity. He joins us today to discuss the many facets of brain health, and how he’s made it his mission to educate people around the world…
Starting out as a researcher at UCLA studying breast cancer, Dr. Milstein learned that the same protein involved in breast cancer is also involved in learning and memory. This sparked his interest in brain science – and how it can be used to transform and maximize productivity, energy, and longevity.
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Want to find out more about Dr. Milstein and his work? Click here now!
In this episode, we are joined by William Jeynes, a Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach who has graduate degrees from both Harvard University and the University of Chicago.
Having written for both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, Professor Jeynes is no stranger to the nature of education and politics. He sits down with us today to discuss his work and the economic intricacies of the United States…
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Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Sadowsky, the Theodore J. Castele Professor of Medical History at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to his work as an academic, Dr. Sadowsky has written three books, the most recent being The Empire of Depression: A New History. He also has an upcoming publication from Routledge Press entitled Electroconvulsive Therapy in America: The Anatomy of a Medical Controversy.
Dr. Sadowsky engages with a variety of interesting topics, including his primary concentration: the history of psychiatry in Africa and the United States. Although he didn’t expect to dive so deep into this research area, his background in African history paved the way for his immense fascination with mental illnesses – specifically how they are quantified and treated across time and cultures…
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Want to find out more about Dr. Sadowsky and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast is Dr. Mark Holtzapple, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University. He joins us today to discuss his latest research interests: biofuels and engine efficiency…
With decades of experience in the field of chemical engineering, Dr. Holtzapple is always eager to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Not only does he want to convert biomass into biofuel to increase sustainability, but he also wants to enhance the functionality of engines. How does he propose we do this? Tune in to see for yourself!
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To discover more about Dr. Holtzapple and his fascinating research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we are joined by Barbara Laker and David Gambacorta of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a daily newspaper headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They sit down to explain their latest project: outlining the health risks of artificial turf…
Barbara is a reporter for the investigative team at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where she’s been since 1993. With years of experience in journalism, she is on a mission to educate her audience on a variety of topics – including the health risks of artificial turf.
David started at the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2005, and over the years, he has contributed to many different news outlets. Much like Barbara, he has covered multiple different subjects, and the risks of artificial turf have also garnered his attention.
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.Tune in now to find out:
To learn more about Barbara and David’s news coverage on artificial turf, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Richard Whitehead, an expert in Advanced Field Training Officer training and programs, Forensic Statement Analysis, Leadership, and Instructor Development training. With over 33 years of experience in the Public Safety field, Richard has directed high-profile units such as Homicide, SWAT, Communications, Intelligence, and more…
Richard has been sharing this knowledge with others since 1995, training and consulting for agencies across the country. So what makes Richard’s approach to Field Training Programs so beneficial? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Jump in now to discover:
To learn more about Richard and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with David Weill, the former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Diseases and the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. Since leaving this position behind, David has been assisting transplant programs across the country – with a dedication to improving the delivery of transplant care.
In May of 2021, David published Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant, a memoir that outlines the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives – and what it took for him to step back and reassess his own life…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.Click play now to discover:
You can find David’s website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today to discuss water desalination is Michael Geitner, a Ph.D. Student Researcher at Pennsylvania State University. With a passion for chemical engineering, Michael wants to uncover new and improved desalination technologies – and revolutionize water treatment altogether.
What are the benefits of water desalination? How are researchers enhancing how it’s done? Michael sits down to explain…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!In this podcast, you will learn:
Want to find out more about Michael and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Sydney Glassman, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside. Here, she specializes in the research of mycorrhizal fungi and soil fungi and bacteria – a complex community of organisms that can regenerate ecosystems after wildfires, and even contribute to litter decomposition…
Dr. Glassman wants to understand the patterns and processes that govern microbial diversity and their ecosystem functions, such as terrestrial symbioses and decomposition. What fascinating discoveries has she unearthed throughout her years of researching fungi? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.Click play to find out:
You can find Dr. Glassman’s website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Dr. Leroy Hood, a world-renowned scientist and recipient of the National Medal of Science. Dr. Hood has served on the faculties at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Washington, where he has developed ground-breaking scientific instruments that have paved the way for major advances in biological and medical sciences.
In April of 2023, Dr. Hood released The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands, a book he co-authored with Dr. Nathan Price. In this book, they explore the new frontier of medicine – and show how we can optimize our health in ways that were previously unimaginable….
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Want to find out more about Dr. Hood and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does quantum physics inform biology at a nanoscale? In what ways does biology exhibit quantum behavior? Clarice D. Aiello, a quantum engineer and Assistant Professor at UCLA, sits down to enlighten us…
Clarice is an expert on nanosensors harnessing room-temperature quantum effects in noisy environments. With her research group, the Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab, she performs quantum measurements on “living sensors” (such as proteins, cells, and microorganisms) to better understand how they interact with their environment.
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this episode, we cover:
To find out more about Clarice and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Robby Barbaro, the co-founder of Mastering Diabetes, a coaching program that reverses insulin resistance using low-fat, plant-based, whole-food nutrition. He is also the co-author of Mastering Diabetes, a book that outlines a revolutionary solution for people living with diabetes.
Robby was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Since 2006, he’s been living a plant-based lifestyle, which has dramatically increased his overall health and wellness. Want to know how Robby keeps his body functioning at optimal levels – even while living with Type 1 diabetes? Join us now to learn for yourself…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Tune in to discover:
To find out more about Robby, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Doug Evans, the author of The Sprout Book and a pioneer of the plant-based health movement for over 20 years. The Sprout Book is a National Bestseller that illustrates how sprouts can be used as an ultra-food for health, weight loss, and optimum nutrition – and Doug is eager to show people just how low-cost and accessible they really are.
After making the radical decision to live a raw, plant-based life, Doug found his health making dramatic improvements. Since then, he has been dedicated to sharing his nutrition habits with the world educationally and imaginatively…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this conversation, we discuss:
To sign up for Doug’s newsletter and buy his book, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Shawn Bossard, the Director of Agricultural Operations at Cornell University AES. Here, he oversees greenhouses and plant growth chambers – and eight research farms located across the state of New York.
Not only does Shawn oversee growth and research farms, but he also provides broad strategic direction for all Cornell AES operations. What has his experience with greenhouse plant production resulted in? You may be surprised…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Click play to discover:
You can find out more about Shawn and his work with Cornell’s AES here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Health and wellness can be approached in a variety of ways, and recently, “taboo” substances like cannabis are being more widely researched and accepted – much to the benefit of those who are using it as a form of therapeutic medicine.
Joining us today to discuss his work in this booming industry is Joseph Sheehey. Joseph is the Founder and CEO of Cured Nutrition, a company that uses cannabinoids, mushrooms, and adaptogens to elevate the mind, body, and spirit of the consumer.
As a former NASA-contributing aerospace engineer, Joseph’s career path changed when he started focusing on health and wellness to bring genuine fulfillment to his life and others. Out of this lifestyle shift came Cured Nutrition, a project created with the intention of rebranding cannabis to help those who can truly benefit from using it…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.Jump in to uncover:
To find out more about Joseph and his work with Cured Nutrition, click here now! To receive 20% off your first order, use the code GENIUS20 at checkout.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The next time you enjoy a cup of tea, a bottle of water, or anything else that involves the use of plastic, you might consider the impact of thousands of tiny particles being released and likely consumed by you.
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Tune in for an eye-opening look at the role of plastic in our lives and bodies, and learn:
Most people are aware of the single-use plastic waste problem, but there’s another part of the plastic problem story: nanoplastics. They range from 1 - 1,000 nanometers in size and are not intentionally produced but released from different items that most of us use every day.
Milica Velimirovic’s research aims to help environmental and food scientists better understand the techniques for analyzing the release of microplastics and nanoplastics, as well as the types and levels of exposure experienced by organisms, including plants and animals.
Tune in and check out Milica Velimirovic | VITO to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our world’s economic landscape is always changing, but how will society adapt? Today, we sit down with Rana Foroohar to discuss the potential fall of globalization – and the new economic era that could take its place moving forward.
Rana is an author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and CNN's global economic analyst. She joins us in this episode to discuss her new book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. Here, she argues that the reign of globalization is over, being replaced by the rise of local, regional, and homegrown businesses…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this episode, we explore:
Whether you are an economist or not, this discussion is sure to provide you with insight into the intricacies of our current economic system!
To find out more about Rana and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When you think of a college campus cafeteria, do you think about fresh-picked veggies like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers?
Probably not! But at Auburn University, that’s what you’d find. Along with familiar favorites like pizza and burgers, students can find a wide variety of local fresh food to fuel their bodies and minds.
Glenn Loughridge is the director of campus dining and concessions at Auburn University. He shares the ins and outs of his daily work, goals, and passion for high-quality and nutritious food.
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Press play to learn:
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at http://campusdining.auburn.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with scientist and entrepreneur Daniel J. Mandell, Ph.D. Daniel is the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Director of GRO Biosciences, a genome engineering, computational biology, and therapeutic development company that is expanding the amino acid alphabet to make better medicines.
Originally trained in AI and machine learning at Stanford University, Daniel went on to become the leading expert in synthetic biology, protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and biological and medical informatics. Now, he is at the forefront of a new technology that is breaking barriers in order to reach the unmet clinical needs of patients from all walks of life…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this conversation, Daniel discusses:
You can find out more about Daniel and GRO Biosciences by visiting Grobio.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Throughout history, wars have been fought for the sake of religious liberty. So how have political systems expanded religious freedoms, and is it only done to benefit those in power? Anthony Gill, a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington, sits down to share his thoughts on this intriguing subject.
Professor Gill has dedicated much of his career to the research of political economy and religion & politics. Narrowing his focus on church-state relations, religious liberty, and religious economies, he is on a mission to flush out how the expansion of religious liberty occurred – and what gave rise to it. This resulted in him writing Political Origins of Religious Liberty, a representation of this research all in one place…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!In this episode, we cover the following:
To learn more about Professor Gill and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Rick Passenier, the co-founder and executive board member of GO!PHA, an organization that accelerates the adoption of innovative materials with the potential to benefit the planet and people.
Rick has a background in industrial product design. Drawing from this experience, he is on a mission to innovate the plastics business using a variety of applications. With a desire to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution, Rick wants to use biologically sustainable materials in a safe and effective way – and he believes that GO!PHA could fulfill this ambition…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023. Jump in now to explore:To learn more about GO!PHA, click here now!
We're excited to invite you to the PHA World Congress in Atlanta on October 10-11. Use the code "fgpodcast" for a 10% discount on tickets at www.pha-world-congress.com. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network and gain valuable insights. See you there!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are once again joined by Dr. Bill McGraw, a boundary-pushing research scientist with a fascination for alternative health technology. Recently, he has turned his attention to Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy – a wellness approach that delivers electromagnetic waves at certain wavelengths to naturally stimulate the body's recovery process…
Throughout the years, Dr. McGraw has helped countless people suffering from various ailments. So, what makes his approach to health and wellness so unique and successful? Join the discussion to see for yourself!
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Click play to find out:
You can learn more about Dr. McGraw and his research here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Lilia Correa-Selm, a U.S. board-certified dermatologist and internist, international dermatologist, fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon, and expert confocalist. She is also an Assistant Professor at the Dermatology Department of The University of South Florida, where she spends much of her time researching Cutaneous Oncology, dermoscopy, complex dermatology, and more…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to trehouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this conversation, we discuss:
Dr. Correa-Selm has been in the field of dermatology for decades. Join us now to find out how these years of experience have shaped her outlook on the world of skin science!
To learn more about Dr. Correa-Selm and her work, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Danielle Clode, an award-winning author of Australian non-fiction books. With her work spanning history, essays, science-writing, historical fiction, and children’s books, Danielle has won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for non-fiction, the Federation of Australian Writers award for excellence in nonfiction, and more…
Danielle’s most recent book Koala: A Life in Trees was published in 2023 by Black Inc. In this book, she dives into the world of koalas to uncover the mysteries behind these extraordinary animals – and what must be done to ensure their survival.
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!Click play now to find out:
To learn more about Danielle and her work, you can visit her website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
There’s no question that Christianity and American culture have a connection – but what does this actually mean? For centuries, religion and politics have been intertwined, and the United States is no exception. Joining us in this episode to explain this complex relationship is Dr. Barry Hankins, a Professor of History and Graduate Program Director at Baylor University.
With an M.A. in Church-State Studies from Baylor University and a Ph.D. in History from Kansas State University, Dr. Hankins is an expert in religion and American culture, Protestant fundamentalism and evangelicalism, and the relationship of church and state in American history. Drawing from his distinct background, Dr. Hankins is on a mission to explain how religion and politics function in American culture…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to TREHouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Dr. Hankins and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Daniel, an award-winning author, spiritual teacher, and director at the Center for Cinesomatic Development. In 2022, he released Awaken to Your True Self, for which he received the 2022 gold Nautilus Book Award. Drawing from somatic therapy, mindfulness, and spirituality, Andrew is on a mission to help entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, and leaders break through “stuck cycles and genuinely wake up”.
Andrew has a background in running a software company, and for over two decades, he cultivated expertise in technology and design. From there, he went down the route of personal development and transformation – which led him to pursue work in therapy.
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!In this conversation, we discuss:
Andrew wants to motivate his clients to succeed in all that they do. Want to learn more about how he achieves this? Click play now!
You can find Andrew’s personal website here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Hemp products are being sold in new and creative ways every day. As this continues to happen, people like Amir Nezhad and his team have dedicated their time and energy to developing the perfect line of recreational delta products. So how are these professionals revolutionizing the cannabis industry? Amir sits down to explain.
Amir Nezhad is the President of TRĒ House, a company that is on a mission to bring consumers the best buzz from the finest THC products on the planet. By using the highest quality ingredients and testing their products at ISO-certified third-party labs, TRĒ House is redefining the THC industry – all while getting their customers faded in fun and unique ways…
Offer: TRĒ House products are crafted to bring you the best that legal, delivered-to-your-door THC has to offer. TRĒ House utilizes unique blends of carefully selected minor cannabinoids that get you lit in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of. TRĒ House offers an array of premium, legal THC products including gummies, vapes, prerolls, and more. Head over to TREHouse.com and enjoy 30% off your order AND get a free Acapulco Gold HHC preroll when you use coupon code GENIUS. This offer expires August 31, 2023.Join us now to find out:
To learn more about Amir and his work with TRĒ House, click here now. To get 30% off of your first purchase, use the code GENIUS at checkout!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
CBD has been on the rise for years. Since it’s become widely available to consumers, the innovations have been endless. So, what are companies doing to stay at the cutting edge of CBD production and marketing? Jameson Rodgers joins the podcast to break it down.
Jameson is the Co-Founder of CBDfx, a company that is dedicated to delivering the finest, purest, and most effective CBD products to new and experienced users alike. Launched in 2014, CBDfx is on a mission to make the remarkable wellness benefits of CBD accessible to as many people as possible…
Offer: CBDfx products are formulated to boost overall wellness and deliver calm vibes for daytime and nighttime use. CBDfx uses only organically grown hemp and all-natural ingredients. CBDfx is offering our listeners an exclusive 25% OFF plus a free CBD bath bomb with your first purchase, when you use code GENIUS. Don’t miss this special 25% OFF offer for Finding Genius listeners only at CBDfx.com. Offer expires August 31st, 2023. Feel the difference with CBDfx!In this conversation, you will discover:
To learn more about Jameson’s work with CBDfx, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Benson Agbortogo, an investor, profit consultant, and author of The Business System That Never Fails. In addition to this, he is also the Founder and CEO of Consistent Profit Tree. Through his work, Benson is on a mission to help others generate consistent profit from a Biblical perspective.
Born and raised in West Africa, Benson became a Christian in March of 1990. From there, he went on to become a missionary pastor – and this revealed to him the deep problem of poverty in his community. This prompted him to go to school in the U.S. to study business. Where did this path eventually lead? Join the conversation to find out…
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To connect with Benson and his work, visit this website now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Andrew Hammermeister, the Director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. He sits down to discuss his history in the field, and the lesser-known intricacies of organic farming.
Dr. Hammermeister has worked with the OACC since 2002 and has been involved in the research of grain and vegetable cropping rotations/systems, soil amendments, low-till organic production, and more. What has he uncovered in his years of work as an expert in organic farming? Tune in now to find out…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Dr. Hammermeister and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by William Jeynes, a Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach who has graduate degrees from both Harvard University and the University of Chicago.
Having written for both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, Professor Jeynes is no stranger to the nature of education and politics. He sits down with us today to discuss his work, and the economic intricacies of the United States…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu. Jump into the conversation now to discover:Want to learn more about Professor Jeynes and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can you achieve success using psychological and creative strategies? Scott Cochrane joins the podcast to explain. With decades of experience in neuroscience and psychology, Scott is a growth acceleration adviser who helps people disrupt their thinking and transform bold ideas into tangible plans.
Scott Cochrane is the author of Your Creative Mind: How to Disrupt Your Thinking, Abandon Your Comfort Zone, and Develop Bold New Strategies, a book that introduces readers to an entirely different approach to the creative process. By providing his audience with practical techniques, Scott is on a mission to encourage creative power and drive innovation for leaders all over the world…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.Jump into the conversation now to learn about
Want to find out more about Scott and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Ken McCarthy, the author of Fauci's First Fraud: The Foundation of Medical Totalitarianism in America. In part 2 of this series, we dive deeper into the mysteries behind the AIDS pandemic and the 2020 global pandemic…
The conditions needed to create mass hysteria and control society seem to be carefully calculated. Is public health being weaponized in order to make money and control our population? Click play to hear Ken flush these ideas out using history and data!
Tune in now to find out:
Want to learn more about Ken and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast is Ken McCarthy, an activist, educator, entrepreneur, and Internet commercialization pioneer. He sits down with us to discuss Fauci's First Fraud: The Foundation of Medical Totalitarianism in America, his latest book that dives into the logistics behind the AIDS pandemic – and how the 2020 global pandemic is eerily similar…
The 2020 pandemic certainly affected all of us in different ways. So how was this event orchestrated, and has it been done before? Ken McCarthy joins us to explain…
Tune in now to discover:
Want to learn more about Ken and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Sharing the Christian message with others can be challenging, yet very rewarding. So how do Christian writers like Bob Walters navigate this responsibility? In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of the Christian faith – and the importance of meeting others where they’re at…
Bob became a baptized believer in Christ in the fall of 2001. Since then, he has devoted his time to writing, editing, serving, and teaching in the Christian community. His weekly column "Current in Carmel" has been inspiring readers since 2006. Here, he shares opinions, stories, and lessons from Christian perspectives.
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.In this episode, we talk about:
To find out more about Bob and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of plant genetics and microbiome science with Dr. Maggie Wagner. Dr. Wagner is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Scientist in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. Here, she focuses her research on the genetic basis of plants' interactions with their environment in both natural and agricultural systems.
Dr. Wagner has extensive training in quantitative genetics and evolutionary ecology, and she uses this knowledge to study the relationships between plant genotypes, phenotypes, and microbiomes. With the data she gathers, Dr. Wagner dedicates her energy towards the improvement of crops and wild plants that are actively facing environmental challenges…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.Join us now to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Wagner and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gary Conley, the Chief Scientist at 2NDNATURE, joins the podcast to discuss how he uses his expertise in hydrology, pollution dynamics, and applied math to tackle water pollution problems. With a goal of improving watershed stewardship and reducing the cost of clean water in US communities, Gary draws from nearly 20 years of experience in his field to mitigate the challenges of water pollution…
2NDNATURE is a company that designs and builds software to simplify stormwater resource management, planning, and reporting. Want to know how 2NDNATURE is helping the water quality in US communities? Listen now to learn for yourself!
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.In this episode, we cover:
To discover more about 2NDNATURE and their work, visit www.2ndnaturewater.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Energy and food production is constantly evolving, and as resources seem to dwindle, experts are looking at alternative approaches to a multitude of ecological issues. Joining us today to discuss his perspective on this matter is Rob Avis, an expert in renewable energy and regenerative design.
Rob is the Owner, Lead Instructor, and Engineer at Verge Permaculture – an internationally-recognized and award-winning regenerative design, consulting, and education center. With a background in the oil and gas industry, Rob saw the need for a global mindset shift. Now he is focused on creating cultivated ecosystems that provide food and other crucial resources…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.Jump in now to explore:
Want to find out more about Rob and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Glucose is in a vast array of the food we eat. From fruit to sweet corn, these types of foods can be a healthy part of our diets – in moderation. So what happens when we ingest too much glucose? Dr. Richard Jacoby, one of the country's leading peripheral nerve surgeons, joins us to explain…
Dr. Jacoby is the author of Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health, a book that outlines the link between sugar, inflammation, and a host of preventable chronic diseases. Drawing from his extensive background in medicine, he is on a mission to help people take control of their own health.
What makes Dr. Jacoby’s perspective on health and wellness so unique? Click play to find out!
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.In this episode, we cover:
Want to learn more about Dr. Jacoby and his work? You can visit his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Ali Wing and Dr. Jason Ryder. Both guests are from a company called Oobli, where Ali serves as CEO, and Jason as the CTO and Co-Founder.
Oobli is a company on a mission to solve society’s sugar problem. By deriving sweet proteins from fruits, they use breakthrough technology to provide sweet lovers with a healthy alternative to sugar.
Oobli wants to make its products scalable, accessible, and affordable. Given that we’re all hardwired to crave sweets, sweet proteins could play a major role in bending the global health curve. So where does Oobli fit into all of this? Join the conversation now to see for yourself…
Offer: We all know we should be eating less sugar. But we’re constantly bombarded with drinks and snacks loaded with refined sugar might not be as harmless as we thought. Enter Oobli, who JUST launched the world’s first beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth with protein! Oobli gives brand new sweet iced teas with sugar-like sweetness without the impact to your health. Get 20% off your Oobli order with promo code GENIUS at oobli.com and try all three delicious, craft-brewed sweet iced teas: lemon, peach, and mango yuzu.Click play to discover:
Want to learn more about Oobli? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Military working dogs, contract working dogs, and other service dogs serve a very specific purpose for mankind. But what happens when they retire? Where do they go? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Bryant of Mission K9 Rescue to find out…
Mission K9 Rescue is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2013. With a dedication to the service of retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and PD-K9s, this organization has rescued over 1,000 dogs. By rescuing, reuniting, re-homing, rehabilitating, and repairing retired working dogs, Mission K9 Rescue has been a beacon of hope for dogs across the globe…
Join us now to discover:
Want to learn more about Mission K9 Rescue and their mission? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with David Trood (AKA Weedy), a prize-winning travel and commercial photographer who has a Youtube channel called The Weedy Garden. As someone who delivers a passionate narrative about people and nature, Weedy is on a mission to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
During COVID lockdowns, Weedy used this time as an opportunity to create a garden of self-sufficiency following the ethics of permaculture. He was eager to share these gardening experiences with the world through his eyes – and thus The Weedy Garden Youtube channel was born…
Join us now to explore:
Want to see Weedy’s inspiring Youtube channel for yourself? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What role does phosphorus play in the world? From some of the most lethal substances to the most vital, phosphorus is a complex element that is often overlooked.
So, what makes phosphorus so special? Dan Egan, the author of The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance, sits down to explain.
Released in March of 2023, Dan’s latest book outlines the past, present, and future of what has been called “the oil of our time.” As Dan dives into the intricacies of phosphorus, he reveals the complex nature of this element by using a combination of explanatory science and environmental journalism…
In this episode, we discuss:
To purchase Dan’s book, The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do Vitamin D and genomic ancestry impact cancer cells? Dr. Moray J. Campbell, a research scientist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, joins the podcast to explain…
Dr. Campbell is a cancer biologist who studies the genomic and epigenomic drivers of hormone-dependent cancers. By utilizing high-dimensional data approaches and bioinformatic analyses, Dr. Campbell is on a mission to uncover the scientific mysteries of cancer.
Jump into the conversation now to find out:
Want to learn more about Dr. Campbell and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What role does soil health play in sustainability and green living? Dr. Sally Brown, a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington’s School of Forest Resources joins the podcast to explain.
Dr. Brown focuses her research on soil health, climate change mitigation, biosolids recycling, and wastewater treatment. She believes that by making the use and reuse of wastes part of our daily vocabulary, our cities will function greener than ever.
So, how has Dr. Brown’s passion for environmental stewardship informed her research? Click play to see for yourself…
Jump in now to explore:
To find out more about Dr. Brown and her research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with Dan Shapiro, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Glowforge. Glowforge is an iconic 3D laser printer that has the ability to create millions of products – anything from wallets and lamps to furniture.
Dan is no stranger to startup companies. Having been awarded a dozen US patents, he has been the brains behind brands like Robot Turtles, Sparkbuy, Photobucket, and more. In addition to his work in business, Dan also authored Hot Seat: The Startup CEO Guidebook, which was published by O'Reilly. He has also been featured on NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and on the front page of the New York Times…
In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Dan and his work with Glowforge, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Francis J. Beckwith, a Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also serves as Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy and Affiliate Professor of Political Science. Francis is a philosopher who publishes and teaches in the areas of religion, jurisprudence, politics, and ethics.
Francis has authored more than 100 academic articles, book chapters, reference entries, and reviews. With titles such as Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft, Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant, and Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice, Francis is a highly regarded voice in the academic community.
So, what makes Francis’s philosophical perspective so special? Tune in now to find out…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Join in now to explore:
Want to learn more about Francis J. Beckwith and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you ready to dive into the latest veterinary nutrition studies about carbohydrates – and what they mean for our pets? Daniel Schulof, the Founder and CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, joins the podcast to explain.
Daniel is an entrepreneur, activist, and science writer that focuses on exposing the factors responsible for the chronic disease epidemic that kills millions of pets each year. In 2016, Daniel founded KetoNatural Pet Foods in an effort to change this by educating and empowering pet owners across the globe.
So, what sets KetoNatural Pet Foods apart from other pet food companies? They provide their customers with Ketona® – the world's first low-carb dry kibble on the market…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. In this episode, we cover:Want to learn more about Daniel and his work with KetoNatural Pet Foods? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Elise Granek, a Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Portland State University. Elise’s research primarily focuses on applied coastal ecology – specifically looking at the transition zone between land and sea.
Elise and her team are on a mission to conserve the marine community, ecosystem processes, and biodiversity by conducting applied research relevant to management and policy. By analyzing emerging contaminants (such as microplastics), Elise is dedicated to finding out how land activities affect coastal and marine ecosystems…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. Click play to find out:Want to learn more about Elise and her conservation efforts? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Sally Jenkins, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life. She joins us to discuss her writing career – specifically outlining the events and people she encountered that brought her to where she is today.
As a sports columnist and feature writer for The Washington Post, Sally has spent a significant amount of time analyzing and interviewing coaches and athletes. This experience informed the writing of her latest book in an extraordinary way, and led to her realization that there are seven crucial principles behind success.
What could these principles be? Tune in to see for yourself…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump into the conversation now to discover:
Want to learn more about Sally and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Judy Illes and Anthony Hannan to discuss the International Brain Initiative – a coalition that seeks to catalyze and advance neuroscience through international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Illes is a Professor of Neurology and a Distinguished University Scholar in Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She is also the Director of Neuroethics Canada at UBC, and faculty in the Brain Research Centre at UBC and at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Her work revolves around the intersection of neurosciences and biomedical ethics, specifically looking at them from an ethical, legal, social, and political perspective.
Anthony Hannon is the Head of the Neural Plasticity Laboratory at Florey Neuroscience Institutes, and an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. Currently, his research focuses on cognitive and psychiatric illnesses, including conditions like Huntington’s disease.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Join the conversation now to find out:
Want to learn more about the International Brain Initiative? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Valkyrie has brought together some of the best minds to utilize artificial intelligence in operations management. This podcast presents a fascinating conversation on the latest ways artificial intelligence can impact decision making.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Plug in, listen, and hear:
Charlie Burgoyne, Valkyrie’s CEO, educates listeners on the phenomenal potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, financial services, government applications, and even the entertainment and transportation space. He tells listeners to think of his firm as a modern-day Bell Labs, basically a research institute turned industrial team.
Valkyrie employs biologists, chemists, and physicists to work on different verticals, deploying algorithms and machine learning techniques to dramatically improve operational efficiencies and customer retention. He adds that while they do a degree of consulting, they're predominately scientists solving industrial problems.
He shares some of these challenges that AI easily meets, such as helping the largest ambulance company in the world develop COVID modeling predication tools and resource allocation plans. For example, they can predict what counties are likely to have an outbreak of disease and why, and inform them how to best provide and allocate PPE accordingly.
He adds that their most impactful projects live in the defense sector, identifying different types of behavior that help complex data systems adjust new data and develop supporting algorithms. But a nice vacation is also on their list of services, and they've recently helped a large cruise line identify which systems are creating failures, what can be optimized, and how they can develop operational capabilities to keep the ocean clean and still expand their operation.
He finishes with an interesting discussion of their approach to financial services and where they go against the grain by embracing quantum-driven hedge fund models. Listen in to learn more about how Valkyrie deploys AI for a better future.
For information about the company, see their website at valkyrie.ai.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Picture it: Ian McKellan in a wizard hat surrounded by a green screen. Is that what artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry looks like? It certainly is a step toward incorporating the powerful modeling tools computers can use to generate scenery like the Mines of Moria. But how much further might AI move beyond today's standard movie-making video vfx? Alexis Kirke and Richard take listeners on a tour of the possibilities. Listen and learn
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Alexis Kirke is a senior research fellow at the School of Humanities and Performing Arts and with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Plymouth, England. He's a screenwriter and quantum/AI programmer and shares intriguing AI ideas with listeners. Examples of AI most familiar to listeners include the blending of artificial and natural scenes in Marvel franchise movies or recreations of film stars no longer with us like Princes Leia in a recent Star Wars film. Alexis Kirke sees the blending of artificial and human intelligence as much more than automation in the film industry. Rather, he sees creative potential in how humans and machines collaborate, making each other more powerful and inspiring.
In addition to contemplating possibilities, he helps listeners understand the practical uses. For example, adapting a TV program for someone with hearing difficulties in a meaningful way is more possible than ever. Creators have broken down all the sound elements in a piece and rated each one with narrative importance—someone could have an intelligent volume control and turn down the sounds in inverse relative importance, emphasizing only the most essential noises for the story. The job of the production team is only to break these elements down. The individualization is up to the device of the viewer. But of course, it goes far beyond this and he and Richard talk about the extent to which a story might be alterable as well as scenery and actors. Listen in for an entertaining discussion about the movies.
For more about his work, see his website at alexiskirke.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Imaging a heart is both crucial and challenging, but Caption Health has fine-tuned artificial intelligence healthcare to make ultrasound imaging more precise, more accessible, and more efficient. Listen in as their CTO describes
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Research scientist Kilian Koepsell cofounded Caption Health and serves as their Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He's spent his career focusing on the potential of deep learning to solve healthcare issues. He tells Richard about exciting new advances from Caption Health for artificial intelligence in ultrasound imaging. While ultrasounds are extremely valuable diagnostic tools, the procedures require highly-skilled personnel to work the ultrasound machine. Imaging something like the heart, which requires a simultaneous apical four-chamber view to gather relevant information, is especially difficult.
That's why Caption Health started with cardiac imaging as they developed their FDA-approved AI-guided ultrasound system. They created an AI algorithm that works like an expert, guiding the user to the right spot to get that four-chamber image while automatically recording the image as well. Koepsell says that Caption Health's mission is to "democratize medical imaging and get it out to many more people, especially novices of ultrasounds," even if they are specialists in other healthcare segments. He explains how the ultrasound and its application works, down to the quality meter that guides the user and other prescriptive guidance tools.
For more about this technology, see the company's website: captionhealth.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Could artificial intelligence be used in clinical drug trials? Is AI really capable of making the overall process easier and allowing the advancement of medical science, bringing cutting-edge treatment options to patients? AI in healthcare may sound like science fiction, but thanks to Charles Fisher, Ph.D., and his company, Unlearn.ai, it is now quickly becoming a reality.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Listen to discover:
Unlearn.ai was founded as a way to invest in developing agenda-free and accessible machine learning and artificial intelligence in medical field applications. This primarily takes place in the form of intelligent clinical trials utilizing what is called a “digital twin”, which allows a personalized glimpse into the future for patients to assist them with choosing between multiple treatment options. The more data that is entered into these digital models over time, the more accurate and accessible the approaches to intelligent trials will become.
Recruiting people to participate in all clinical trials phases has always been incredibly difficult. Now, the restrictions of the pandemic have made it nearly impossible. Using artificial intelligence technology in clinical trials can reduce the number of participants required to acquire the same amount of accurate data about a drug’s safety, success rate, and side effects. In fact, entire control groups can be eliminated and replaced by simulations, improving efficiency across the board.
The accelerated clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine drugs raise many questions from the medical community and the public alike about the efficiency of the current practices around drug trials and approvals. Charles and Unlearn.ai are ready to move into the next phase of medical technological advancement and change the way clinical trials are performed now and well into the future.
To learn more, visit https://www.unlearn.ai/
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down once again with Omar Mo, the Founder and CEO of Nomads Cast. Omar is an expert in digital marketing, podcasting, and content generation. Using his knowledge in this field, he helps businesses enhance their brand by facilitating the production of lead-generating podcasts and content.
Joining Omar is ChatGPT, an AI chatbot launched in November 2022 that is known for its detailed responses and articulate answers. Today, we analyze what ChatGPT is capable of, its strengths and weaknesses, and its implications for different agencies.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Tune in now to discover:
Could AI tools like ChatGPT be the future of communication and information? Click play to find out now!
You can find out more about Omar and Nomads Cast here, and try ChatGPT for yourself here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Hilary DeCesare, an award-winning business leader, 3x international best-selling author, and coach to thousands of entrepreneurs and top executives. She is the author of RELAUNCH!: Spark Your Heart to Ignite Your Life, a book that introduces readers to the three H's—the Heart, the Head, and the Higher Self. Also known as the “3HQuotient”, these elements are meant to empower people and reveal a path toward transformation and possibility…
Hilary is on a mission to help women turn typical life transitions into positive transformations. As the CEO of The ReLaunch Company, she has assisted individuals and organizations around the world to scale and grow their businesses (and themselves) with proven strategies from her personal and professional life.
Join us now to discover:
Want to learn more about Hilary and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Birds are immensely complex creatures, and scientists discover fascinating facts about them every day. Mysterious behaviors such as migration are only recently being solved — and Rebecca Heisman is eager to share this research with the world.
Rebecca is a science writer based in Walla Walla, Washington with a deep passion for birds. She has worked with organizations such as the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the American Ornithological Society.
In March 2023, Rebecca released Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration, and she joins us today to discuss the remarkable story of how we know what we know about bird migration.
Click play to find out:
To learn more about Rebecca and purchase her book, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we consider one of the most interesting and mysterious questions that humans ponder: Is there life on other planets?
Andrew Watson, a Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Exeter joins the podcast to discuss his distinct understanding of planetary science…
Andrew has a background in physics, marine science, and environmental science. As someone who has always been interested in the evolution of our own planet's life, he naturally began to consider the possibility of life on other planets as well.
Where have Andrew’s curiosities taken him? Tune in to find out…
In this episode, we cover:
Want to find out more about Andrew and his fascinating research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Physical Therapist and international yoga leader Lara Heimann to discuss her distinct approach to yoga education. With more than 25 years of experience with yoga, Lara is on a mission to reinvent the practice by helping people find freedom through smarter, safer, and more conscious movement patterns.
Through the development of Lara's Yoga Training (LYT) Method, Lara has helped countless students improve their practice. She does this by emphasizing sustainable, freeing, and efficient movements…
Join in now to discover:
The LYT Method seeks to empower people by expanding their bodies and minds. Wondering how Lara achieves this? Join us now! Want to learn more about Lara and her work with LYT Yoga? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Stephen P. Hinshaw, Ph.D., a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley – where he was also Department Chair from 2004-2011. In addition to his position at UC Berkeley, Dr. Hinshaw is also a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco.
In June 2017, Dr. Hinshaw published Another Kind of Madness: A Journey Through the Stigma and Hope of Mental Illness, a memoir that calls for an end to the dark shaming of mental illness. With his work primarily focusing on developmental psychopathology, clinical interventions with children and adolescents, and mental illness stigma, Dr. Hinshaw has earned himself an international presence in both clinical psychology and mental health…
Tune in now to learn about:
To find out more about Dr. Hinshaw and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Morris D. Bell, Ph.D., ABPP, a Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist in Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. Additionally, he is a Senior Research Career Scientist for the Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service.
Dr. Bell has extensive experience as a clinical and neuropsychologist, and he devotes much of his time and energy toward researching interventions to restore cognitive and work function for people who struggle with severe and persistent mental disorders. From schizophrenia to substance abuse, Dr. Bell is an expert in a vast array of mental illnesses…
In this episode, we explore:
To find out more about Dr. Bell and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Wendie Trubow MD, MBA, IFMCP, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 25 years of experience in the field. As the President at Five Journeys Functional Medicine & Wellness Clinic, Wendie is committed to creating comprehensive and individualized wellness plans for her patients drawing from five core areas of health…
In addition to her work in the field, Wendie is also the best-selling author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel FREAKING AMAZING!, a book that teaches readers how to optimize their health from a functional medicine perspective. Want to know how Wendie is helping women across the globe improve their health and welfare? Join us now to find out!
Jump into the discussion now to uncover:
To learn more about Wendie and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Calix Lewis Reneau to discuss his take on anxiety and depression. Calix is a producer and writer, known for films such as Child, Canyon Road, and The Emergent Lens. He is also the author of Dancing with the Black Dog, a book that provides advice, anecdotes, and insights from his experiences as a 30-year survivor of depression…
Emotions are the fundamental baseline of our existence. Calix seeks to explore this fact and familiarize readers with tools they can use to effectively manage and excel in the face of this debilitating and often-misunderstood disorder.
Jump into the conversation now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Calix and his journey? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can a customized health plan improve your life? Sometimes physical fitness can feel like a futile attempt at enhancing body composition – that’s where Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness comes in…
In this episode, we chat with Dan LeMoine, the co-founder of the innovative company Re:Vitalize Weight Loss & Wellness. He joins us to discuss how his company’s distinct approach to weight loss is reframing health from a lifestyle and whole food nutrition perspective.
Dan is an author and nutritionist with a background in Rugby. With a passion for health and fitness, Dan had the opportunity to work with Dr. Noel Abood to write the Fear No Food – a book that introduces readers to a weight loss program that identifies nutritional needs, fixes the metabolism, and helps them maintain a healthier lifestyle.
In this episode, we explore:
To find out more about Dan and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts : http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Cheri Huber, a Zen student, teacher, and writer. Cheri is the author of more than 20 books – including There Is Nothing Wrong with You: Going Beyond Self-Hate, When You're Falling, Dive, and Time-Out for Parents. She is also the founder of Mountain View Zen Center in Mountain View, California, and the Zen Monastery Practice Center in Murphys, California.
Cheri is on a mission to help people establish practical ways to deal with the many difficulties of being human. She does this with encouraging humor, delight, curiosity, and compassion. Ending suffering is Cheri’s primary goal, and she helps others navigate this spiritual journey by teaching them how to pay attention, expand their awareness, and step back from the judgment of themselves and others…
In this episode, we go over:
To learn more about Cheri and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with Marcia Morris, the author of The Campus Cure: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health & Wellness for College Students, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and Associate Program Director for Student Health Psychiatry at the University of Florida.
With over 20 years of experience in providing care to university students, Marcia is on a mission to promote both preventive care and comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with mental illness in the college years and beyond…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.In this episode, we cover:
How has Marcia’s important work impacted college students throughout her community? Click play to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Marcia, visit Marciamorrismd.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do our mental and cognitive states interact with each other? Research has shown that everything is connected – meaning that our brains have an immense impact on the rest of our physical bodies…
Joining us in this episode is Bishoy Goubran, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow Physician at Rush University Medical Center. Bishoy is an expert in Autism spectrum disorder and psychotic and affective disorders with post-doctoral clinical research training in Behavioral and Cardiovascular medicine.
Drawing from his vast background in medicine, Bishoy is interested in digging deeper into understanding the phenomenon of the mind.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump into the conversation now to discover:
Want to learn more about Bishoy and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Ice is an important facet of Earth’s climate system. Since ice affects our climate and sea levels, understanding the way ice sheets develop and change over time helps us better predict the future of our planet. So, what are researchers finding? Dr. Alexander Robel joins the podcast to enlighten us…
Dr. Robel is an Assistant Professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech University, and serves as the head of the Ice and Climate research group. By studying the causes of ice sheet change, Dr. Robel is on a mission to develop conceptual, mathematical, and computational tools to predict future changes.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.In this episode, we talk about:
Want to learn more about Dr. Robel and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are nanomaterials being used around us – and what are the potential risks? Khara D. Grieger, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Environmental Health and Risk Assessment at North Carolina State University, joins us to discuss this intriguing topic.
With a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, Khara is interested in unpacking the uses and risks of nanotechnology in agriculture and food production. Drawing from her extensive knowledge of risk assessment, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, her research is truly ahead of its time…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.In this episode, we cover:
To learn more about Khala and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with relaxation expert Craig Goldberg to discuss the benefits of sound therapy. As a Certified Vibroacoustic Therapist, Craig regularly hosts events and speaks on the Science of Mindfulness, the efficacy of Essential Oils, nutrition, and Living a Healthy Life.
Craig considers himself an evangelist for vibroacoustic therapy, and as the Co-Founder of inHarmony, he is on a mission to help people improve their health – all through science, technology & knowledge. If you’re seeking holistic advice on health, wellness, longevity, and biohacking, Craig is certainly the person to turn to…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. Join us now to discover:Want to find out more about Craig and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today to discuss her research on microplastics is Dr. Gabriela Kalčíková, an Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana. With a background in chemistry and waste management, Dr. Kalčíková uses her expertise to investigate freshwater microplastics, their interaction with floating plants, and the development of new strategies to remove microplastics from freshwater.
Dr. Kalčíková wants to reframe our approach to waste management. As the head of the Planterastics Lab, Dr. Kalčíková works closely with other researchers at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology to come up with sustainable solutions to the microplastics crisis…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. In this episode, we discuss:To learn more about Dr. Kalčíková and her research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. David Miklowitz, a Professor of Psychiatry in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute, and a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University.
As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Miklowitz specializes in adolescents and children that suffer from bipolar disorder. By utilizing the resources that the family unit can offer, he has developed effective strategies to treat young people who suffer from this illness.
Dr. Miklowitz wants to give people tools to manage their disorder – or support a loved one with the illness. With this in mind, he wrote The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know, a book that outlines how to deal with mood episodes, reduce recurrences, avoid misdiagnosis, get the most out of treatment, resolve family conflicts, and more…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump into the conversation now to discover:
To find out more about Dr. Miklowitz and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can stress impact your well-being, even if you’re unaware of it? Marcy Mckay, the author of Transforming Your Stress sure thinks so – and she joins us today to unpack her perspective on this complex topic.
As an award-winning author, speaker, teacher, mentor, wife, mom, and friend, Marcy knows the harm that stress can cause as well as anyone. In the wake of a tragic life event in 2017, Marcy went searching for answers to her challenges. After finding solutions in places she never would have imagined, she decided to share what she has learned with others across the globe…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.In this episode, we explore:
To learn more about Marcy, you can find her website here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Mental health issues can be debilitating. Given that many people don’t know where to begin with the management of their psychological challenges, having someone that can help lead the way can be life-changing.
Joining us today to discuss his work in this very field is Justin Hayes, a Professor of Business, author, and a Career Coach at The House of You.
As someone who has depression himself, Justin draws from his life experiences to inform his work with mental health education. Using engaging lectures, workshops, and books, Justin has helped countless people navigate through their mental health journeys – enabling them to thrive as a result…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. In this episode, we cover:Want to learn more about Justin and his work with The House of You? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with a plastic and waste expert to discuss the science of sustainability. Given the threats that microplastics and other contaminants pose to the environment, animals, and humans, having a well-rounded approach to this subject is crucial.
With the insight that this guest offers, we get to dive deeper into the intricacies of how to monitor, develop, and sustainably solve the plastic and waste crisis that our world is facing…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump in to explore:
Wondering how researchers are tackling the issues surrounding waste and plastics? Join the discussion now to find out for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Amy Bernard, the head of strategy and programs for the nanoscience and neuroscience divisions of The Kavli Foundation. She sits down with us today to discuss her work in neuroscience, molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, imaging, physiology, open science, and more.
With more than 30 years of experience, Amy provides support for fundamental scientific research – and her efforts are making a real difference.
The Kavli Foundation is a nonprofit research organization that supports science philanthropy. With the help of experts like Amy, they are on a mission to support advances for the benefit of humanity…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump in to learn more about:
Want to find out more about Amy and her work with The Kavli Foundation? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can GI health significantly determine the general health of the rest of the body? Since so many bodily systems utilize products produced along the gastrointestinal tract, minor issues can be increased throughout the body.
Listen up to learn:
Executive vice president and chief medical officer at Seres Therapeutics, Dr. Lisa von Moltke, discusses her work developing therapeutic techniques to treat gastrointestinal conditions and microbiomes.
Through the study of how the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health affect the operation of the rest of the body, new therapies have been developed to combat GI-targeted infections. New therapies are also being produced to prevent infection with patients undergoing transplants and grafts.
Immunosuppressants are also a weak point regarding gut health since they open windows of vulnerability for infections to target your gut. Therefore, developing techniques to treat various diseases without affecting GI health and the gut microbiome may be the next most valuable step in developing pharmaceutical therapeutics.
For more information, visit https://www.serestherapeutics.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"Who eats first?" Richard asks Dr. Emeran Mayer as the researcher discusses his new book about the gut-immune connection. The answer is as complex as gut health and immune system interactions, but also just as fascinating.
Listen and learn:
Dr. Emeran Mayer's discusses his latest book, The Gut-Immune Connection: How Understanding the Connection Between Food and Immunity Can Help Us Regain Our Health. He digs deep on some of this timely book's topics, including the ties between our emotions and gut processes.
The trillions of microbes producing their own chemicals, or metabolites make for quite a "bi-directional dialogue," he explains. Neurotransmitters throw another element into the mix and the food we bring in completes this intense conversation between our gut and brain.
Who does eat first? Well, it's not a one-answer question, explains Dr. Mayer, because different microbes eat different foods. "With a typical standard American diet," he says, "most of it would be absorbed in that very beginning of the small intestine, because everything is processed with very little fiber . . . but if you eat a diet like our ancestors used to eat . . . much higher in fiber . . . it has to travel down." And, it turns out, which microbes get fed the most affects how our body responds, and ultimately, our health. Listen in for more about this integral and fundamental connection.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Ants are perfect models for Manuela Ramalho's research interest in microbiome and host symbiosis. Ants have one of the widest global distribution and habitat diversity of any animal. She captures her enthusiasm and shares it with listeners as she discusses the ecological role of insects and her research on ants. Listen and learn
Ant scientist Manuela Ramalho grew up in Brazil, an ecosystem flush with insects. Her academic life brought her in touch with all the possibilities of ant research and she's turned that work into a specialization in their microbiome. Now a postdoc researcher at Cornell University, she opens up this research world to listeners, offering an understanding of what we may learn about the impact of the microbiome on the ants themselves as well as how ant ecology, behavior, development, diet, and phylogeny determines the microbes.
For example, after she and her colleagues studied the Neotropical species Daceton armigerum, they found that varying their diet had surprisingly no effect on their microbiome. She explains how little scientist understand about the roles of these microbes and how they are beginning to learn more. Some studies, for example, imply symbiotic roles such as microbes providing ants with nutritional benefits.
Furthermore, as with most animal species, questions of coevolution may explain the function of microbe–ant symbiotic relationships. Ramhalho is heading in that direction with her latest study using ant phylogeny to map how the diversity of the ants combines with the phylogeny of bacteria, determining if bacteria are evolving together with their hosts. For more details and why these findings might be significant, listen in.
For more about Manuela Ramalho, see her web page: manuelaramalho.wordpress.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Tiny microbes make a huge difference in our health. These internal ecological systems utilize communication or signaling to maintain this health, effecting immune system function. This podcast shares an important discovery in this communication that influences receptivity to cancer treatment. Listen and learn.
Dr. Kathy McCoy is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary and the director of the International Microbiome Centre. Her research is focused on interactions between the microbiome and immune system and she shares an exciting just-published study that presents a key finding in cancer treatment. Specifically, her research asked how gut microbes play a rule in influencing or regulating the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy or cancer immunotherapy. She says that scientists have known for a few years that our microbiome is associated with immunotherapy success or lack thereof, but needed more information to make a difference in treatment.
Here's the big idea behind her findings: while researchers have known there's a microbial immune conversation, they now know that it's a three-way conversation rather than a two-way conversation. In addition to the microbes and immune system players, metabolites sent out by microbes have a say; furthermore, this conversation gets enhanced by cancer immunotherapy. More specifically, they found that one of these metabolites, inosine, binds to a receptor present on T-cells and causes a signal transduction cascade that makes that T-cell turn on an anti-tumor response—it makes the cytokines necessary to attack cancer cells. If a patient doesn't have this metabolite, the immunotherapy may not work as well. The hope is researchers can figure out how to encourage this metabolite in patients. Listen in for more details about this study and about its life-changing implications.
For more, see her lab website: kathymccoylab.ca.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Science journalist and author of a revolutionary book on psychobiotics shares compelling insight on the latest research in microbiome and gut-brain connection research.
Tune in to discover:
Psychobiotics are a class of microbes that help improve mood. In 2003, research on germ-free mice resulted in a shocking finding: there is a causal connection between bacteria and behavior.
Anderson explains all the details of this research and how it has served as a launching pad for additional research in the field. He discusses the production and function of serotonin in the body and as an antidepressant, and the questions that still remain as to why and how serotonin seems to improve mood in the brain.
One of the leading theories of the impact of psychobiotics in the brain is that they have the effect of lowering systemic inflammation, which is caused by bacterial dysbiosis in the gut, which in turn can lead to nearly every systemic disease that exists, including Alzheimer’s, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Anderson discusses the connection between depression and anxiety and obesity, the research that’s been done on the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in thin versus overweight individuals, how some people may be able to keep the brain healthy naturally with the use of probiotics or prebiotics, the advent of metabolomics and why it is so important to the study of the gut-brain microbiome axis, and shares a personal story about gut health and how he was able to correct it overnight.
Visit http://psychobiotic-revolution.com/ to learn more, and find his book, The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection on Amazon.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gavin Douglas and colleagues published a paper assessing microbiome research and assertions that the human microbiome explains missing heritability in nature.
He discusses this issue and explains
Gavin Douglas is a PhD Candidate in the Langille Lab in the Deptartment of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University. His background is in human genetics and he has just published an intriguing paper called “Re-evaluating the relationship between missing heritability and the microbiome” in the journal Microbiome.
He helps listeners understand the basics regarding the issue by explaining heritability as the proportion of variation in a phenotype in a given population explained by genetic variance. He offers more background to this standard and then explains the “case of the missing heritability,” which basically indicates the variation that isn’t explained.
Several hypotheses have emerged to explain this missing heritability, several of which are tied to the human microbiome. He describes how, for example, a holobiont model of a human organism puts forward a hologenome—a combined genome that includes the microbiome and might capture the missing heritability. The article discusses this theory and points out ways it doesn’t quite fit.
For example, the holobiont doesn’t present a combined evolutionary unit that transmits over generations. But he does think the microbiome plays a role in this mystery. He explains how and why and different ways scientists use these ideas.
For more, follow him on twitter as @gavin_m_douglas and read the open-access paper here: Re-evaluating the relationship between missing heritability and the microbiome.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Trent Northen studies the chemistry of microbiomes. More specifically, he studies how exogenous metabolites structure a microbial community, and, in turn, how those microbes change the metabolite pool and grow the microbial population. Because his work is primarily funded by the Department of Energy, he's focused on the microbial community in soil and on plant roots.
He describes
Trent Northen is the Interim Deputy of the EGSB Division and a Chemist Senior Scientist at the Berkeley Lab of Biosciences. He begins the podcast describing the rich and complex cycles of plant, metabolites, and microbes, noting how plants feed microbes that live in and around their roots and how those microbial populations in turn help the plants with nitrogen-fixing, excluding pathogens, and transporting phosphorous, among other processes.
His work mostly focuses on bacteria that live in close proximity to the roots, but he describes how fungi can interact with plant roots over very large distances. For example, biological soil crusts use fungal hyphae in extraordinary ways. He explains this process and ecology in more detail and then he describes his research into the microbial community attached to the roots of the plants—the rhizosphere.
He also explains the mechanism of soil depletion in big agriculture, how the compost and organic carbon cycle of decaying plant materials is absent from larger farming systems.
Furthermore, he elaborates on ways the work of his lab can and might address such problems as well as studying which plants might grow in low nutrient environments and heal the soil as well as practices for soil carbon restoration and other advances.
For more information, see his lab's website, northenlab.org, and eco-fab.org.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Filipe Cabrerio researches how a host’s microbiome and physiology interact in the context of different conditions such as aging and metabolic syndrome while taking various medications.
He shares some his lab’s research with listeners, explaining
Filipe Cabreiro holds a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship in the London Institute of Medical Sciences at the Imperial College of London. His lab works to understand how the microbiome interacts with a host’s physiology—how the microbes that one produces interact with others, especially when both are challenged by daily medications taken to deal with disease and in the conditions of aging.
The lab recently made an important discovery in the context of cancer drugs: they found that classic drugs for colorectal cancer were modified by microbial metabolism that reduced or amplified the action of the drugs. Further, they found that certain components of food could change that response.
He also discusses a study on metformin, a drug taken for type 2 diabetes, and its interaction with the microbiome. They found that nutrients, the host’s microbiome, and the drug interact in an important way. Metformin makes selective pressures on certain gut microbes, which translates into longer lasting change associated with positive effects. They think metformin pushes for certain conditions that allow some healthful microbes to survive and also pushes strong metabolic change.
The consequences of that change is the production of molecules such as fatty acids and others that can actively regulate the host’s physiology and metabolism. He explains the nature of this interaction and the significance in more detail along with challenges to these kinds of studies, further hypotheses, and future research he hopes to take on.
For more, see his lab’s web page: cabreirolab.org.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A microbiologist by training, Sam Minot now works as a computational biologist helping other scientists understand the data between of human microbiome and health connections.
In this podcast, he explains
Samuel Minot is a Staff Scientist with the Microbiome Research Initiative in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center. He begins this conversation with a foundational question in microbiology: how do the microbes on us impact our health? He then discusses the complexity of the interaction of bacteria and the viruses that infect them, also called phages.
He offers examples of new discoveries constantly upending our picture of what viruses and bacteria can do and ways infectious viruses impact some bacteria and cause disease. As an example, he discusses cholera, which is harmful because of a satellite virus that infects a bacterium: the two together make the disease.
He then lays the ground for why it is important to prioritize a gene-level study of our microbiome by describing the impossibility of culturing every bacterium. He describes what functional annotation is and how that concept allows him to identify genes that affect human health and work to understand data at this level. He talks about the big impacts in his field, namely newer findings on how the microbiome influences the treatment of cancer.
Studies show that the kinds of microbes in our gut relate to our immune response's handling of different treatments to fight the cancer. In other words, the immune system is poised to respond to cancer treatment based on the microbiome. This is leading to hopeful microbiome-based therapeutic treatments for cancer.
For more, see https://www.fredhutch.org/en/research/divisions/vaccine-infectious-disease-division.html and Sam Minot's blog at minot.bio.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
While scientists know antibiotic resistance is linked to the widespread use of antibiotics, understanding the physiology and microbiome of guts that have never been exposed to synthetic antibiotics might offer information to help address this resistance.
Researcher Sharmily Khanam designed a study to tackle this gap in knowledge. She explains
Dr. Sharmily S. Khanam is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology at the University of Oklahoma. She explains her initial question in her research, namely what the microbial population in our ancestors was like and how resistant they were to the current antibiotics. She and her colleagues are therefore studying a population in a remote village in the Amazon Forest in Peru.
Currently they are studying the scope and extent of antibiotic resistance in the gut microbiome population of this ancestral-like population, comparing them with the gut microbial population, physiology, and antibiotic resistant population in the microbiome of people exposed to modern antibiotics.
They are trying to see if our ancestral microbiome was well positioned to tolerate the modern day antibiotics. She explains that researchers need to fill the gap of knowledge in understanding the molecular mechanism involved in resistance to a diverse group of antibiotics.
She adds that at the same time, this will provide a foundation to investigate and characterize the molecular mechanism in the bacterial population and how that is related to host metabolism—the combination of host and microbial population is creating the outcome that scientists need to understand in order to interrupt this process and prevent resistance. She adds an explanation of their findings thus far and explains how this may help the medical community.
To learn more about this study, see her LinkedIn profile and Google scholar account.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss depression's causes and cures with Sarah Zabel, a writer who concentrates her work on this universal mental illness. Sarah retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 as a Major General, and since then, she has embarked on a new career as a science writer.
Inspired, intrigued, and frustrated by watching someone close to her struggle with depression, Sarah has made it her mission to educate people on this illness so that they can understand it better themselves…
In 2021, Sarah wrote Fighting Chance: How Unexpected Observations and Unintended Outcomes Shape the Science and Treatment of Depression, a book that looks inside the twisting search for the causes and cures for depression – the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. Join in now to uncover:Want to learn more about Sarah and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Sadowsky, the Theodore J. Castele Professor of Medical History at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to his work as an academic, Dr. Sadowsky has written three books, the most recent being The Empire of Depression: A New History. He also has an upcoming publication from Routledge Press entitled Electroconvulsive Therapy in America: The Anatomy of a Medical Controversy.
Dr. Sadowsky engages with a variety of interesting topics, including his primary concentration: the history of psychiatry in Africa and the United States. Although he didn’t expect to dive so deep into this research area, his background in African history paved the way for his immense fascination with mental illnesses – specifically how they are quantified and treated across time and cultures…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. Jump into the conversation now to learn more about:Want to find out more about Dr. Sadowsky and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Marc Milstein, an internationally recognized speaker on optimizing brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, and boosting happiness and productivity. He joins us today to discuss the many facets of brain health, and how he’s made it his mission to educate people around the world…
Starting out as a researcher at UCLA studying breast cancer, Dr. Milstein learned that the same protein involved in breast cancer is also involved in learning and memory. This sparked his interest in brain science – and how it can be used to transform and maximize productivity, energy, and longevity.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump into the conversation now to learn more about:
Want to find out more about Dr. Milstein and his work? Click here now!
This episode is sponsored by Wild Food Co, a company that provides high-quality and healthy superfood ingredients direct from small producers. To get 10% off your next order, use the coupon code GENIUS!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Harris, the author of What’s Wrong with My Child and America Is Infected. She sits down with us today to discuss her work as a researcher and entrepreneur – specifically her distinct take on autoimmune conditions.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field of wellness, Elizabeth is a science-minded business owner that is on a mission to educate medical professionals and other parents about her discoveries.
Currently working on her Master’s in Molecular Medicine, Elizabeth has dedicated her time to uncovering the strange disease that took her firstborn son’s life. Identified as a mysterious bacteria, she believes this could be the primary cause of an array of other ailments in America…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. In this conversation, we cover:What is Elizabeth doing to get to the root of her family’s medical issues? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do successful companies scale and create fantastic retail experiences for their customers? Kelley Thornton, the CEO of Tiege Hanley, Inc., joins us today to discuss this, and much more…
Kelley describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur”, and since founding Tiege Hanley in 2015, he has focused his expertise on a distinct marketing strategy: uncomplicated skin care for men.
Skincare is an important part of a healthy routine, and Tiege Hanley is on a mission to make men aware of the benefits of daily upkeep. From disease prevention to simply looking and feeling good, the advantages of healthy skin are endless – and Kelley is determined to give men the resources they need to look and feel better than ever.
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Tune in now to uncover:
Want to learn more about Kelley and his work with Tiege Hanley? Click here now!
Tiege Hanley is offering podcast listeners 30% off their next skincare order. To redeem yours, visit tiege.com/findinggenius today!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Dr. Michelle S. Min, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UC Irvine’s School of Medicine. As a professional that specializes in dermatology-rheumatology, Dr. Min deals with a wide range of skin disorders – from psoriatic disease to lupus…
Dr. Min graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine in 2016, and since then, she has continued to refine her role as both a clinician and researcher of dermatology. Wondering how her work has developed over the years? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Jump into the conversation now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Dr. Min and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Luigi Gentile, the Chief Revenue Officer at BenchSci, a company that uses advanced biomedical artificial intelligence to empower scientists all around the world. He joins us today to discuss their preclinical R&D platform that uses patented machine learning technology to extract experiment evidence from internal and external data sources.
The R&D process behind clinical experimentation is often challenging and time-consuming. BenchSci seeks to expedite this process by cutting down on trial and error procedures – and thus, empowering scientists across therapeutic areas with cutting-edge biomedical knowledge…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order. Jump in now to explore:To learn more about Luigi and his work with BenchSci, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9CIn this episode, we sit down with Colin Stuckert, the Founder and CEO of Wild Foods Co. With a mission to help their customers live their best lives, Wild Foods is a company that provides high-quality functional superfoods and Earth-sourced supplements – all directly sourced from small producers.
What are the benefits of knowing your ingredients are sustainable, natural, and pure? Wild Foods Co’s products are certainly raising the bar for food and nutrition – and this is only the beginning…
Offer: Magnesium is integral for 600+ biochemical processes in the human body. The common misconception is that consuming more magnesium will automatically improve health and well-being. The truth is that there are various forms of magnesium, each of which is essential for a variety of physiological processes. Most people are inadequate in all forms of magnesium, while even those considered "healthy" typically only ingest 1 or 2 kinds. Consuming all 7 of magnesium's primary forms is the key to accessing all its health benefits.That’s why we packed 7 forms of 450mg of elemental magnesium into each serving of Wild Mag Complex. One dose a day is all you need. Learn more and grab a bottle today at WildFoods.co. Use code GENIUS for 10% off your order.Join the conversation now to learn about:
Whether you’re a health junkie, entrepreneur, or creator, this podcast is sure to pique your interest. Tune in now to discover the advantages of taking high-quality supplements!
To find out more about Colin and his work with Wild Foods Co, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9CIn this episode, we connect with Dr. Jay Shah, the Chief Medical Officer at Aktiia. As a cardiologist by training and practice, Dr. Shah has developed extensive experience within the medical field – with expertise lying in the academic, clinical, and teaching environments.
After more than 10 years as a practicing medical professional, Dr. Shah was ready for something new. He was ready to impact more patients using his clinical experience in a different way. This is where Aktiia came into the picture…
Aktiia is a revolutionary company that is on a mission to empower both patients and providers to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of hypertension. This is a condition that affects nearly half of the American adult population, and more than 1 billion people worldwide.
Join us now to learn about:
Want to learn more about Dr. Shah and his work with Aktiia? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss silicone and polymer chemistry with Michelle Cummings, a Senior R&D Leader at Dow Performance Silicones. With over 25 years of experience in this industry, Michelle has developed a strong technical understanding of silicone chemistry and material science.
From consumer electronics to automotive applications, silicone is used in more than one may think. By utilizing her skills in formulation and mechanical characterization, Michelle is on a mission to enhance silicone innovation in lighting, 3D printing, silicone elastomers, and more…
Join in now to find out:
Want to learn more about Michelle and her work with Dow Performance Silicones? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Andrea “Annie” Lynn Kritcher, a nuclear engineer and physicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Annie has been working in fusion for over 18 years, which eventually led to her developing Hybrid-E – a capsule that enables inertial confinement fusion.
Much of Annie’s postdoctoral research explored how to use X-rays to measure the properties of plasma, and how nuclei interact with it. In 2022, she was elected Fellow of the American Physical Society for her contributions to the creation of the first laboratory burning and igniting fusion plasma – a high honor for a member of her field…
In this episode, you will discover:
Want to learn more about Annie and her work with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Happiness is an abstract concept that can be difficult to define – but it seems like we’re all trying to find it in some way or another…
What if you had the ability to uncover happiness from within yourself? Spiritual teacher Shai Tubali joins us today to discuss how you can accomplish just that through one holistic process.
Shai describes himself as a “happiness history expert”. He believes that by taking advantage of tools such as meditation, psychological and emotional development, and intellectual study, spiritual fulfillment will come naturally.
So how can you start your own inner journey of mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation? Listen in to find out for yourself…
In this episode, we discuss:
Want to learn more about Shai Tubali and his teachings? Visit shaitubali.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are the benefits of buying your meat from a local farm? In this episode, we sit down with Sebastien Bonneu to discuss his farming practices, and why farm-raised meat is generally better tasting – and better for you – than meat from a factory.
Sebastien runs Countryside Farm, a farm based in Cedar Creek, Texas that raises, processes, and sells birds, rabbits, and wild hogs.
Raised on a farm outside of Bordeaux, France, Sebastien cut his teeth sustainably farming with his parents – who are both chefs. Since then, he has brought his own family to a plot of land outside of Austin to put his knowledge and skills to the test…
Join us now to find out:
Want to learn more about Sebastien and his work with Countryside Farm? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect once again with Alex Bäcker, an inventor, board director, technologist, author, entrepreneur, coach, and public speaker. Alex is the founder and CEO of Drisit, a company that uses real-time streaming of drone footage and automated drone missions to empower individuals to see anywhere in the world…
Drisit is constantly advancing, and Alex joins the podcast today to fill us in on the company’s latest developments – specifically how they are using their drones in the context of security. What role are drones playing in the improvement of public safety? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
In this episode, we discuss:
To learn more about Alex and his work with Drisit, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with William Sargent, a NOVA consultant and the winner of the Boston Globe's Winship Award. He joins us in this episode to discuss his work as a renowned author and scientist covering subjects such as marine biology, fishing, diving, underwater photography, global warming, and more.
William has written a whopping 27 books about science and the environment. These include World on Edge: Covid-19, Climate Change, Ukraine and Solutions, and Storm Surge: A Coastal Village Battles the Rising Atlantic. His distinct insight is informed by years of research and personal interaction with the issues he tackles…
In this episode, you will learn about:
William is determined to bridge the gap between science and storytelling – and the success he has achieved is fascinating. Wondering how his work has contributed to scientific narratives around the world? Tune in now!
To find out more about William and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What will the next generation of medicine production look like? Dr. Govind Rao joins us today to discuss the importance of constructing safe and effective medications – standards that are harder to reach than one may think…
Dr. Rao is a Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and the Director of the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His research interests are primarily focused on how to enhance the production of protein-based therapeutics from the traditional fermentation and cell culture approach – something biopharmaceuticals have been doing for over 30 years.
In this episode, we discuss:
Wondering how Dr. Rao is contributing to the future of medicine and wellness? Join in now to see for yourself!
Want to find out more about Dr. Rao and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Child psychologist and neuroscientist Sam Wass joins the podcast today to discuss the early human development of attention and stress. What makes Sam’s research unique is the way he analyzes not one – but two people at once. He does this to explore the interpersonal properties that exist between parents and their children.
Sam is a Professor of Developmental Psychology in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of East London’s School of Psychology. Here, he heads up the BabyDevLab and the Developmental Group. What has his psychological and neurological work uncovered? Tune in now to find out!
In this episode, we talk about:
To learn more about Sam and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are polyethylene-destroying enzymes the answer to plastic pollution that we’ve been looking for? Federica Bertocchini, an expert in molecular biology, joins the podcast today to enlighten us on this fascinating research topic.
Federica works with the Department of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology at Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-Margarita Salas in Madrid, Spain. With a passion for environmental science, Federica found herself looking for plastic eating-organisms – and you’d be surprised what her research has uncovered…
In this episode, we cover:
To find out more about Federica Bertocchini and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with award-winning Functional Medicine MD Dr. Peter Kozlowski. Dr. Kozlowski’s practice centers around healing from chronic disease and maintaining long-term health by identifying underlying causes, focusing on nutrition, gut health, hormones, and toxins.
Dr. Kozlowski is also the author of Best-Selling books Get the Func Out and Unfunc your Gut, works that address mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health – all from a functional medicine perspective…
Jump in now to hear us discuss:
Wondering how this functional medicine expert is working towards reframing health and wellness? Join the conversation now to find out for yourself!
To learn more about Dr. Kozlowski and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Rejoining us in this episode is Dr. Bill McGraw, a boundary-pushing research scientist and the author of Aluminum Detox: An Easy Solution and Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease. He sits down today to discuss Rife Machines – instruments used to treat various ailments using electromagnetic frequencies.
Used as a noninvasive form of therapy, Rife Machines were invented nearly a century ago to get rid of cancer, Lyme disease, and other serious conditions. Dr. McGraw says he has been using Rife Machines for years on his patients with a 95% success rate…
How do these curious inventions work? Tune in now to see for yourself!
Join us now to explore:
Use Code Bill0323 to get 5% OFF on any two Spooky Equipments.Visit https://www.spooky2-mall.com/ now!!
To learn more about Dr. McGraw and his work with Rife Machines, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do microplastics impact aquatic ecosystems? What can happen if an entire food web of aquatic organisms is exposed to microplastic contaminants?
Garth Covernton, a researcher who studies the interactions between microplastic pollution and aquatic ecology, joins the podcast today to enlighten us on these critical questions…
Garth is a University of Toronto Arts and Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow working in the Rochman lab and the McMeans lab as part of the pELAstics project. Through his work, Garth is on a mission to “provide conservation managers and policymakers with the simplified frameworks required to protect aquatic ecosystems”.
Join us now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Garth and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Judy Grisel, an internationally recognized behavioral neuroscientist, and professor of psychology at Bucknell University. She joins us today to discuss her work researching the root causes of drug addiction.
Judy has a history of her own with addiction, and she uses her past to fuel her mission to understand the neuroscience of addiction. In 2019, she published Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, a book that explores “how drugs work, the dangerous hold they can take on the brain, and the surprising way to combat today's epidemic of addiction”.
Jump into the conversation now to discover:
The more we understand about addiction, the easier it will be to prevent future generations from using. How has Judy’s work contributed to this mission? Tune in now to find out for yourself!
To uncover more about Judy and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do you become a top 1% communicator in your industry? Brenden Kumarasamy, the Founder of MasterTalk joins the podcast today to discuss how he has been helping professionals around the world master their communication skills and share their messages with confidence.
After college, Brenden found himself coaching others for debates and case competitions – through which he “accidentally” developed a gift as an educator. Since then, he has used this newfound skill to educate others through MasterTalk, and the results have been significant…
Tune in now to learn about:
To find out more about Brenden and his work with MasterTalk, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Pain is a complicated and subjective experience that varies greatly from person to person. Arguably one of the most significant human health problems, pain is a signal from your nervous system indicating something isn’t right – and as we all know, it is a deeply unpleasant feeling.
In this episode, we sit down with Jeffrey Mogil, the E. P. Taylor Chair in Pain Studies at McGill University’s Department of Psychology. As someone who has always been fascinated by the science of pain, Jeffrey focuses his research on the nervous system mechanisms that mediate the perception and inhibition of pain.
What fascinating discoveries has Jeffrey made in the field of pain science? Jump in now to find out…
In this conversation, we cover:
To learn more about Jeffrey and his research, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does it mean to be a man in today’s society? How can God’s vision for men come to fruition?
Life and marriage expert Jerry Jacobs Jr. joins the podcast today to talk about his role in reconnecting men with their God-given mission – and how it helps them protect, defend, and serve their families more effectively…
In this episode, we cover:
Jerry started Catholic Alpha to serve as a resource for men around the world. Wondering how his work has shaped his audience for the better? Jump in now to find out!
To learn more about Jerry and his work, click here and here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss pollution from tire particles with Dr. Kelly D. Moran, a Senior Scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute. With over 18 years of experience in her field, Dr. Moran has worked in both environmental science and public policy – and has played a major role in assisting government agencies with water pollution management from consumer products…
Join us now to discover:
Dr. Moran is an environmental professional that is passionate about translating complex scientific information into plain language. How has her research benefited our environment? Click play to find out now!
To learn more about Dr. Moran and her work, visit https://www.sfei.org!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do the microorganisms that live in us, on us, and around us influence our biology? Joseph Bruckner joins us today to discuss the gut-brain connection, and how social development is affected by the microbes that reside in our bodies…
Joseph is a Senior Scientist at InVivo Biosystems, a company that strives to help pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnology companies, and academic research institutions advance their research and drug development endeavors.
With extensive experience in immunology, virology, microbiology, neurobiology, and more, Joseph is on a mission to develop solutions to “accelerate discovery and address underserved conditions”.
In this episode, we cover:
Want to learn more about Joseph and his work? Click here and here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pierre, M.D., a Health Sciences Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF, and the Unit Chief of the Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital Adult Inpatient Unit.
He has considerable experience working with individuals that suffer from psychotic disorders, substance abuse issues, and those with “dual diagnosis”. He is also a primary contributor to clinical trials in schizophrenia and early intervention for young persons at high risk for psychosis.
Joe is both intrigued and challenged by schizophrenia – and he is on a mission to better understand it so that those suffering from it can live more comfortably…
Join in now to uncover:
To learn more about Joe and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does electron density look like at the subatomic level? How do chemists and physicists manage to study matter at this level? In this episode, we discuss these topics and more with returning guest Dr. Preston J. MacDougall, a Professor of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University.
Dr. MacDougall’s research surrounds theoretical chemistry – with a distinct focus on the development of quantum chemistry-based design tools for pharmacology and molecular electronics. How could his research influence the work of physicians and microbiologists around the world? Tune in now to find out…
Join the conversation to uncover:
Want to learn more about Dr. MacDougall and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Colleen A. McClung, a Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also the Director of the NIDA-funded Center for Adolescent Reward, Rhythms, and Sleep – a translational center dedicated to understanding the contribution of sleep and circadian disruptions to addiction vulnerability in adolescents.
As a renowned leader in her field, Dr. McClung focuses her research on the molecular mechanisms of bipolar disorder, major depression, and drug addiction. By studying the interconnectivity between these psychiatric disorders and the circadian clock, Dr. McClung has made many fascinating discoveries – some you may never have guessed…
Join in now to find out:
To learn more about Dr. McClung and her research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with internationally-renowned teacher and healer Dr. Bradley Nelson. As a holistic Chiropractic Physician and Medical Intuitive, Dr. Nelson has used his background to develop The Emotion Code and Body Code Systems – his own distinct approach to energy healing.
Drawing from both ancient and modern methods of healing, Dr. Nelson is dedicated to helping people struggling with emotions and diseases that modern healthcare has yet to find a cure to.
In an effort to make this holistic perspective more accessible, he recently wrote The Body Code: Unlocking Your Body's Ability to Heal Itself – an informative book that outlines his revolutionary development of energy medicine…
Join in now to uncover:
Want to find out more about Dr. Nelson and his work? Visit drbradleynelson.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Deborah Vinall, a Doctor of Psychology, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a certified EMDR and Brainspotting practitioner. She joins us today to discuss her work as an author, trauma expert, and psychotherapist at Tamar Counseling Services.
Dr. Vinall focuses her practice on helping individuals heal from traumatic life experiences and painful relationship dynamics. Additionally, she is the author of Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide and Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens. Over the years, Dr. Vinall has helped countless individuals expand from victim to victorious survivor – and she is just getting started…
Jump in now to learn about:
To find out more about Dr. Deborah Vinall and her work visit https://www.drdeborahvinall.com and https://www.tamarcounselingservices.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What’s in your sweat, and what can it indicate about your overall health? What if we could use biosensors to track it and improve your overall quality of life? While sweat may not be at the forefront of mainstream science, this type of technology may be more powerful than some may realize…
Today we sit down to discuss all things sweat-related with Dr. Shalini Prasad. Dr. Prasad is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate program at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she has been since 2011.
In this episode, we talk about:
With training in electrical engineering, Dr. Prasad has a background in figuring out signals from a vast array of sources – and she applies this knowledge of technology to effectively monitor human sweat. Wondering what her research has uncovered? Click play to find out now!
To learn more about Dr. Prasad and her work, visit her lab at https://www.utdbmnl.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Sleep and Schizophrenia Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. With years of experience in his field, Fabio is interested in gaining a better understanding of the neurobiological, cognitive, and social dysfunctions of psychotic disorders – specifically conditions such as schizophrenia.
By examining the biomarkers of schizophrenia and related disorders, Fabio is on a mission to characterize the changes in neuronal circuits and mechanisms that affect neuroplasticity, learning, and memory of the human brain. What has he found? You may be surprised…
Join the conversation to hear Fabio discuss:
To learn more about Fabio Ferrarelli and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do contaminants such as microplastics impact marine ecosystems? What can we do to mitigate the harmful effects of these pollutants? In this episode, we discuss these questions through the lens of aquatic toxicology and analytical chemistry with Austin Gray.
Austin is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. Austin’s research interests are centered around environmental toxicology – specifically analyzing how emerging contaminants may pose a risk to a variety of freshwater and marine organisms…
In this episode, we unpack:36
Austin has been conducting research since the age of 19, and since then, he has contributed much to his research field. What sets him apart from other biological scientists? Click play now to find out!
You can follow along with Austin’s work on Twitter by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with Patricia Morreale, a Professor and the Director of the School of Computer Science and Technology in the Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology at Kean University. Patricia’s distinct research on machine learning and network systems has contributed to advances in error detection and secure processing – which has been patented and commercialized.
Additionally, Patricia conducts research on broadening participation in computer science, with a specific interest in faculty development and undergraduate research engagement. What has her research uncovered throughout the years? Tune in now to find out…
In this conversation, we cover:
Want to learn more about Patricia Morreale and her work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of plant genetics and microbiome science with Dr. Maggie Wagner. Dr. Wagner is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Scientist in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. Here, she focuses her research on the genetic basis of plants' interactions with their environment in both natural and agricultural systems.
Dr. Wagner has extensive training in quantitative genetics and evolutionary ecology, and she uses this knowledge to study the relationships between plant genotypes, phenotypes, and microbiomes. With the data she gathers, Dr. Wagner dedicates her energy towards the improvement of crops and wild plants that are actively facing environmental challenges…
Join us now to discover:
To learn more about Dr. Wagner and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Stroke, heart attack, autoimmune diseases, weight gain and the inability to lose it, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer: what do all of these have in common? According to Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, one of the foremost authorities in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as a growing body of evidence, they can all occur as a result of snoring or sleep apnea.
This is a significant problem, especially considering the fact that tens of millions of people in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and most of them either don’t know it or aren’t being treated.
Dr. Greenberg discusses the barriers to diagnosis and treatment when it comes to snoring and sleep apnea, and why so few people comply with what their doctors recommend.
He also explains how his company, Sleep Certified, is making the process of receiving treatment more convenient for people, as well as encouraging awareness and education on the connection between sleep health, dental health, and overall health among dentists and physicians through a Sleep Certified training program that leads to multiple levels of certification. Contrary to popular belief, the CPAP machine is not the only option for those who snore and/or have sleep apnea.
Press play to hear the full conversation:
Explore more about Dr. Greenberg and his work by visiting Sleep Certified .
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The truth is that most people who have sleep problems don’t really need to see a doctor about it; they just need to understand the problem, understand the challenges they’re having, and understand sleep, and then be given some ways to resolve it without using medications or medical devices or surgery,” says Jonathan Parker, who has worked as a dentist for over 36 years. For the past seven years, he's been collaborating with a sleep physician by the name of Mike Howell.
With their combined experience of nearly four decades and a mutual interest in reaching large numbers of people who sleep poorly but don’t know why or what to do about it, Dr. Howell and Dr. Parker started the Sleep Performance Institute, which helps enable people with simple, fun, and engaging methods of resolving their sleep issues.
Interested in learning more? Tune in, and discover the details of all this and more, including:
Check out https://www.sleepperformanceinstitute.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this podcast, Dr. Jose Colon explains
Triple board-certified author Dr. Jose Colon brings his expertise to this podcast by addressing many common questions about the current state of sleep science. He describes different types of sleep disorders treatment from C-Pap machines to oral devices and when one may be more beneficial than another.
Dr. Colon practices full time sleep medicine for adults and children, incorporating a holistic outlook that includes mindfulness and science-driven approaches. In an effort to bring his ideas together, he wrote Sleep Diet: A Novel Approach to Insomnia for adults and The Magic Ice Cream Palace for kids, both of which are more creative approaches to the issue rather than to-do lists. He explains some of the most common sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia to less common but equally harmful disorders that disturb our sleep health benefits.
He then weighs the plus and minus for different sleep disorders treatments and even describes his own experience with an oral appliance to improve sleep quality. Dr. Colon also points to upcoming advances in improving sleep health benefits such as comfort level improvements of C-Pap machines and an implant in the works.
For any next steps, he recommends reaching out to your primary care physician but also a search for a locally accredited sleep center.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this podcast, Michelle Mullaley, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, discusses sleep issues, psychology, child psychology, and the techniques and tools she utilizes to help people at her clinic.
Jump in now to learn about:
Dr. Mullaley specializes in child and family psychology. She earned her doctorate at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Dr. Mullaley discusses her background and current focus. As an active researcher, Dr. Mullaley does a lot of testing in addition to her regular schedule of therapy.
Dr. Mullaley talks about sleep problems, specifically sleep deprivation that kids and teens struggle with. As she states, falling asleep can be difficult for some, especially in kids who have ADHD. She provides a wealth of information on circadian rhythms and how they can shift through our lives.
As a result of this shifting, some teens tend to feel very awake even late at night, but when they have to get up early to get to school, their bodies feel sleep deprived because they are craving that full nine hours of relaxing sleep but aren’t getting it.
Dr. Mullaley discusses cases she deals with, in regard to sleep problems and issues. She discusses multiple techniques and treatments—including cognitive challenging, which is a cognitive behavior technique used to bring on calming and relief from anxiety.
Continuing, Dr. Mullaley discusses breathing, yoga, various imagery techniques, and even some apps that can help kids, and adults, to relax and calm themselves, which can assist with falling asleep, and getting better sleep. Further she talks about melatonin and how it can play a role in sleep and why we have different issues as we get older.
Wrapping up, she talks about the impact of technology, and how smartphones are one thing we should detach ourselves from when we want to fall asleep, and get quality sleep.
Learn more about Dr. Mullaley and her work by visiting Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center .
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Certified in both sports medicine and neurology, Dr. Gabriele Barthlen, PhD, MD has directed several sleep centers and authored three books, 33 abstracts, and 15 peer-reviewed articles throughout her career.
She’s also been invited to speak at over 250 lectures, and today she’s accepted the invitation to speak on the podcast about the work that she’s currently doing at Sleep Center Hawaii and the latest in the world of sleep medicine.
Contrary to much of her previous work researching sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, insomnia, and a range of other sleep disorders, Dr. Barthlen now focuses almost exclusively on the clinical treatment of sleep apnea using the most established treatment options.
She explains:
Learn more by visiting sleepcenterhawaii.com and feel free to give them a call at 808 456 REST.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
One night of poor sleep can ruin the week. Chronic poor sleep can disrupt short and long-term mental and physical health. And traditional sleep methods are misguided, which is why most of them don’t work.
Press play to discover:
Internationally renowned sleep expert and Co-Founder/Chief Clinical Officer at Sleep Easy, Richard Shane, has been featured in over 100 medical journals and publications.
Today, he shares his insights with listeners, and even leads them through a four-minute experience of the body sensations of sleep—a method he says triggers neurological switches for sleep. It’s not hypnosis, it’s not meditation; it’s simpler than both.
For years, Shane struggled with “horrific” insomnia…leading him into a state of terror and anger, until he realized that he could use his experience as a way to discover how sleep happens. Through this process, he captured what he calls “secrets from the depths of sleep itself,” recording these secrets, implementing them into his method, and now sharing them with people all over the world.
The Sleep Easy method is a 14-day program consisting of daily and nightly recordings aimed at bringing people from insomnia to progressively deeper levels of sleep. In the near future, a clinical study will not only measure how quickly people enjoy improved sleep using this method, but also how this results in lower healthcare costs.
For more about his work, Visit https://sleepeasymethod.com/
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Phyllis Zee has studied circadian rhythm sleep disorders and symptoms for decades and shares key findings in this podcast. Listen and learn your way to better circadian habits.
She explains
Phyllis C. Zee is the Chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
This podcast offers listeners an enlightening conversation about how our circadian clocks work and what happens when they don't. She is able to combine years of research with practical advice for listeners to address sleep issues. She explains that our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake schedules set the stage for all our other timing; therefore, disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs at night might fall under these larger issues.
She hits at the heart of sleep issues for many listeners: whether you are a night owl or morning lark, as long as you are able to keep to your ideal cycle, you might be ok; but problems arise when work and society dictate different hours. Therefore, your internal clock timing needs to be aligned with your social, physical, and work activities. She also addresses disorders outside of this tension such as the non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. These patients have an intrinsic rhythm that is 26 or 27 hours, so they will drift an hour every day and have no predictability for their sleep habits.
She gives advice on how we can align our rhythm, from making sure we are exposed to daylight first thing in the morning to not eating within a few hours of bedtime. For similar suggestions and other glimpses into the mystery of sleep, listen in and enjoy.
For more about her work, see the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine website. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
According to a meta-analysis study in 2015 that considered 226 studies, the practice of oral and breathing exercises lowered subjects' apnea–hypopnea index (an index of the severity of apnea based on how many times and for how long breathing ceases per hour of sleep) by 50%. So, what exactly are oral exercises? It may sound a little odd at first, but Sarah Hornsby is a myofunctional therapist who teaches people how to strengthen their tongue, throat, breathe through their nose, and keep their tongue resting at the roof rather than the bottom of their mouth through a series of exercises she leads via Skype-based appointments, video programs, and YouTube videos. Her goal is to make this knowledge and resource globally accessible to the many people who are unnecessarily suffering or unaware that there is an actual fixable problem underlying their daily fatigue.
“It really is something that actually addresses root causes, and I appreciate that so much because I feel like a lot of what we do in modern medicine and dentistry is just about treating symptoms,” says Hornsby. In addition to sleep apnea, headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, teeth grinding, and chronic sinus issues are just a few of the symptoms associated with oral myofunctional and breathing problems. Ultimately, a person’s overall health and well-being can be severely compromised by something that's treatable without the use of pills or bothersome devices.
Hornsby makes for an insightful and eye-opening conversation that covers everything from craniofacial development and growth in children (and how it can be altered by the position of the tongue in the mouth), why snoring shouldn’t be brushed off as simply a nuisance, the importance of the respiratory disturbance index in evaluating the seriousness of a person’s sleep apnea, and what an initial consultation with her would look like.
Press play to hear the full conversation, find her videos on YouTube, and visit https://myomentor.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As the founder of CPAPBabes, Stacy Erickson Edwards is making it her mission to raise awareness of sleep apnea and the importance of receiving the right diagnosis early on, encourage people to appreciate the CPAP machine, which is the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea, and empower people to use the machine with confidence and a sense of pride.
She discusses the tendency of people to associate sleep apnea and CPAP machines with overweight, unhealthy, older people, so it came as quite a shock to her when at 32 she received the diagnosis herself. But it is precisely these stereotypes—which are not at all reflective of reality—that are so detrimental and cause people to feel self-conscious about the diagnosis of sleep apnea, reluctant or embarrassed about using the machine, and ashamed for needing it. Edwards explains that this can easily lead to untreated cases of sleep apnea, which pose a threat not only to people’s health but to public safety. Among other topics, she discusses sleep apnea in kids and how untreated sleep apnea can be misdiagnosed as ADHD, the growing number of sleep apnea diagnoses among millennials, how the personalization of CPAP masks and machines could help change the stigma attached to them and make people more excited about using them, and a common problem with auto-adjust pressure machines.
Get in contact with Stacy Erickson Edwards on Instagram and check out her website at cpapbabes.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“If you can’t sleep, so what?” asks Annie Miller.
Well, you may or may not agree, but the point she’s making is that it’s far better to not care about a lack of sleep than to panic about it.
Press play for more of her insights and learn:
Annie Miller is a psychotherapist and the founder of DC Metro Sleep and Psychotherapy, a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. Her specialties include sleep and insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
In today’s show, she discusses how the current virus situation has been impacting people’s anxiety and sleep health, and also explains her approach to helping people through these issues. In the process, she provides several tips on establishing and maintaining good sleep hygiene.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://dcmetrotherapy.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we explore the world of deep sleep with Dr. Dan Gartenberg. Dr. Gartenberg is the CEO of SleepSpace, a company that provides people with various sleep-related resources so that they can discover effective ways to improve their rest.
Dr. Gartenberg has been trying to “hack sleep” for 15 years. With a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, he is deeply interested in how sleep affects perception and discernment. Dr. Garten is determined to make a difference in the field of sleep health with his innovative mindset…
Join us now to explore:
Sleep is how we process reality, and improving it has the potential to benefit many other parts of our lives – from healing trauma to achieving optimal cognitive function.
You can learn more about SleepSpace and its resources by visiting sleepspace.com. To get a 30-day free trial for listening, go to sleepspace.com/union now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Snoring is so common these days that some people either think it’s normal or just learn to live with it, but many encounter all kinds of problems as a result of snoring, including relationships and serious health problems. When Erin Elliott began asking her dental patients how they sleep at night and whether or not they snore, she was given a lot of strange looks. That was 10 years ago when the connection between dental signs and symptoms weren’t really considered to have anything to do with sleep or snoring. Today, many more dentists are acknowledging how they are intertwined and integrating this understanding into their practice.
Erin Elliott is a dentist who is so well known for this that many of her patients are referred to her for snoring problems by physicians or existing patients. On today’s episode, she discusses the varying causes and effects of snoring and how essential it is to identify the cause before implementing a snoring treatment, what kinds of dental signs and symptoms indicate the presence of a sleep or breathing problem, what’s happening physiologically when someone snores, and so much more.
By tuning in, you will discover:
Learn more by tuning in and emailing your questions to erinelliottdds@gmail.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Richard J. Schwab, MD, DABSM, Head of Sleep Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and the Co-Medical Director, Penn Sleep Center, discusses the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Schwab provides some background on his work and the various sleep problems that exist. He talks about sleep apnea, and why there is so much left to understand. Why does it happen when we sleep? He discusses soft tissue structures and lateral walls and other factors that can lead to airway paths collapsing.
Dr. Schwab’s extensive research seeks to target the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea by using advanced upper airway imaging techniques. His studies help further explain the motion of various key structures of the upper airway and the role they play in airway closure. Dr. Schwab talks about the biomechanics of apneic events.
He provides information on how they utilize magnetic resonance imaging and electronic beam computed tomography during sleep, as well as wakefulness, to study patients. Dr. Schwab talks about abnormal craniofacial structures as well as soft tissue, and how they can potentially impact sleep apnea occurrences. He discusses mouth breathing, studies they conducted on tongue fat, and how it all could impact breathing issues.
As he states, if you naturally have a narrow airway, as movement occurs when you sleep, apnea could be initiated. He provides an in-depth discussion of how tissues move, and studies they have done on wakefulness. But he states there are more studies on sleep and breathing that they plan to do in the near future.
Dr. Schwab, through his exhaustive research annually, collaborates regularly with members of the Departments of Radiology and Biomechanical and Computer Engineering. And together, the scientific researcher/developers have designed an extremely advanced, computer graphics-based analysis software that can assist with modeling, in three dimensions, of the biomechanical interrelationships that exist between soft tissue structures and the upper airway.
Want to find out more about Dr. Schwab and his work? Visit https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/richard-schwab now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Abramson is a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea and created a specific oral appliance called the Oasys.
In this discussion, he explains
As someone who has researched and applied various techniques to treat sleep apnea through dentistry, Dr. Mark Abramson is able to discuss the process and benefits of oral appliances with effective clarity.
In this conversation he explains first why it is important to seek solutions to sleep apnea, from general health issues to a correlation between lack of deep sleeping and dementia.
He then describes the blocking that causes apnea and the mechanics for different treatment approaches. He highlights the success rate of oral appliances for several reasons, including the rates at which people stop using or won't even try CPAP machines because of the discomfort and difficulty of wearing the device.
He then articulates the approach through dentistry in more detail, describing how oral appliances bring the jaw forward and can also treat other areas that may need addressing such as nasal dilation and small pads that reposition the tongue. His Oasys system is able to mechanically treat all three issues with one device.
Finally, he answers additional questions about oral appliances and dentistry such as effects on TMJ, the efficacy of over-the-counter products, and more.
For more information, see his practice website: Dr. Mark Abramson DDS in Redwood City, CA, at https://www.drtmjsleepapnea.com/.
You can learn more about the Oasys device at Dream Systems Dental Lab in Rosewood, CA: https://www.dreamsystemsdentallab.com/ and at http://www.oasyssleep.com/.
Dr. Abramsons' office can also help locate dentists in your area that offer oral appliance treatment.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What purpose do psychedelics serve in the human experience? How can substances like psilocybin shape consciousness as we know it? Jahan Khamsehzadeh, Ph.D. joins the podcast today to offer his distinct insight on this fascinating subject…
Jahan Khamsehzadeh is the author of The Psilocybin Connection: Psychedelics, the Transformation of Consciousness, and Evolution on the Planet – An Integral Approach, a book that serves as a comprehensive guide to psilocybin mushrooms and their impact on our psychology, biology, and social development.
Jahan has been deeply involved in the realm of psychedelics for years, and using his knowledge in Consciousness, Transformative Studies, Psychology, and more, he has contributed much to the field of psychedelic therapy…
Jump in now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Jahan and his work? Visit https://psychedelicevolution.org now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Want to know what it takes to feel more connected to yourself and in your relationships? Fiachra "Figs" O'Sullivan, a psychotherapist, counselor, and entrepreneur, joins us today to discuss his commitment to helping individuals and couples feel more connected in their relationships.
Figs is the Founder of Empathi, a therapy resource that provides personalized relationship guidance for individuals and couples of all demographics. With a distinct approach to counseling services, Figs and his team at Empathi have helped countless clients find the support they need…
Listen now to explore:
To learn more about Figs and his work with Empathi, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with clinical nutritionist Dr. Michael Biamonte, the founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition and co-creator of BioCybernetics. Additionally, he is the author of The Candida Chronicles: A Manual for Candida Yeast Infections, a book that outlines candida and how to properly deal with it.
With over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, Dr. Biamonte is dedicated to enhancing the lives of his patients – and helping them get back to living life to its fullest. Coming from a nutritional standpoint, Dr. Biamonte helps patients make sustainable changes to their lives by improving their gut health…
Listen now to discover:
To find out more about Dr. Biamonte and his work with Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss environmental contaminants in aquatic systems with Rachel Giles. Rachel is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Here, she researches pollution in rivers – specifically looking at how contaminants such as microplastics impact the things living in these ecosystems.
In addition to her research as an aquatic ecologist, Rachel also participates in outreach and education. From increasing waste literacy to decreasing trash pollution, Rachel is on a mission to educate people on the intricacies of environmental contaminants and the impacts they have…
Join the conversation now to uncover:
To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit rachelkgiles.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Tim Francis, a Canadian-based award-winning entrepreneur, and the Founder of Great Assistant and Profit Factory. With over 10 years of experience as a business owner, Tim is a knowledgeable consultant and speaker in entrepreneurship, marketing, and systems…
With a recession on the horizon – or even already here – Tim offers valuable insight for business owners who may be facing economic uncertainty. Want to get familiar with Tim’s distinct approach to dealing with tough times? Click play to see for yourself!
Join us now to learn about:
To find out more about Tim and his work, visit https://greatassistant.com, https://profitfactory.com, and https://www.youtube.com/@realtimfrancis now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are the benefits of balancing and enhancing your hormone levels? In this episode, Ricky Brandon sits down to discuss how he has changed the lives of countless people with his distinct approach to health and wellness…
Ricky Brandon is the Founder and Owner of Hormone Balance Centers, a company that specializes in using “bio-identical hormone therapy” to restore and maintain optimal hormone levels.
As a health and wellness advocate, Ricky is committed to finding the highest level of medical care available for the people who need it most. After years of trial and error, Ricky and his wife discovered the many benefits of hormone balancing – a medical approach that treats the root cause of health conditions.
Listen now to explore:
To learn more about Hormone Balance Centers click here, and to get a free copy of Ricky’s book, Do your Hormone have you Draggin', Saggin' and Naggin, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gary Conley, the Chief Scientist at 2NDNATURE, joins the podcast to discuss how he uses his expertise in hydrology, pollution dynamics, and applied math to tackle water pollution problems. With a goal of improving watershed stewardship and reducing the cost of clean water in US communities, Gary draws from nearly 20 years of experience in his field to mitigate the challenges of water pollution…
2NDNATURE is a company that designs and builds software to simplify stormwater resource management, planning, and reporting. Want to know how 2NDNATURE is helping the water quality in US communities? Listen now to learn for yourself!
In this episode, we cover:
To discover more about 2NDNATURE and their work, visit www.2ndnaturewater.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Carson Block joins the podcast today to discuss his work as an “activist short seller”. As the founder of Muddy Waters Research, Carson is known for alleging fraudulent accounting practices in publicly traded companies.
Carson was exposed to investment at a young age, and through his experience, he discovered the dark side of major companies’ accounting practices. Since then, he has made it his mission to uncover financial manipulation, expose it, and hold these actions accountable…
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To find out more about Carson and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joanna Sadler, a Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. With a Ph.D. in biocatalysis and organic chemistry, Dr. Sadler joins us to share her thoughts on plastic degradation, up-cycling, fungus and bacteria, and more…
Dr. Sadler has always thought about science from a chemical perspective and is particularly interested in how we can make industrial chemicals in a more sustainable way. This curiosity has blossomed into up-cycling post-consumer waste to be used in other industrial chemicals – amongst other intriguing research.
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.
Click play to discover:
Could this approach to chemistry mitigate the harmful environmental impacts of chemical pollution? Find out for yourself by listening now!
Want to learn more about Dr. Sadler and her research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we talk all things sexual wellness and intimacy with Susan Bratton. As the CEO of Personal Life Media, Susan is committed to educating people about sexual communication skills and advanced sexual mastery techniques using the online sex education program she’s developed.
As someone who has always been interested in sexuality, Susan has been a featured expert on national television and other various major media outlets. Additionally, she has authored and published 34 books and programs, including the Amazon #1 International Bestseller, Sexual Soulmates: The Six Essentials for Connected Sex…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.
Join the conversation now to find out:
Are you ready to take your intimacy knowledge to the next level? Tune in now!
To learn more about Susan and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Do you believe in the power of apologies? Why is a good apology hard to find, even though it shouldn’t be? In this episode, we chat with Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, the authors of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies. They join us to discuss their six-and-a-half-step formula for apologizing beautifully…
Both Marjorie and Susan are writers who understand the complexities and importance of apologies & forgiveness. This book enabled both of them to dive deeper into the examination of apologies & brain science – and give credit to the amount of power that a good apology can have.
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.Tune in now to find out:
To pick up a copy of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies for yourself, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Chess is a game of strategy that takes years to master – but what if you could significantly improve your skills by following simple, yet practical advice?
Joining us today to provide 3 lessons from his lifetime of chess playing is Richard Jacobs, the host of the Finding Genius Podcast. From developing patience to thinking ahead, you’d be surprised how chess skills can also benefit your everyday life…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.In this episode, we cover:
Are you ready to take your chess game to the next level? Listen now to start improving your skills!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with psychologist Daniel Willingham to discuss his upcoming book, Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy. On top of his work as an author, Daniel is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he focuses his research on applying cognitive psychology and neuroscience discoveries to K–12 education.
Daniel’s recent book outlines how to train your brain for better learning. Using the latest research and real-world applications, this guide provides strategies for enhancing the learning experience – while also illustrating why traditional study practices do not necessarily work…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.Join the conversation now to explore:
Can the student learning experience be done more effectively? If so, what methods can we use to achieve this? Tune in now to find out!
To learn more about Daniel and his work, visit www.danielwillingham.com, and preorder his new book here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Michael Selden, the CEO and Co-founder of Finless Foods. Finless Foods is a company that works towards building a future for seafood where the ocean is preserved and protected.
With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael has dedicated his life to climate justice and science advocacy, and Finless Foods is a major part of this mission…
Seafood production is facing a variety of challenges, from dwindling resources to climate damage. Finless Foods aims to mitigate these issues by producing plant-based and cell-cultured seafood – all using scientific methods.
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.In this episode, Michael outlines:
Could this approach relieve the pressure from ocean-harvested seafood? Is this the future of seafood production? Determine this for yourself by tuning in now!
Visit finlessfoods.com now to learn more about Finless Foods and their unique vision!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Robert Twilley joins us today to discuss global blue carbon estimates of mangroves, and how nature-based solutions are used to combat climate change. Dr. Twilley is the Executive Director of Louisiana Sea Grant College, and a Professor in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Science at Louisiana State University.
For decades, Dr. Twilley has been researching carbon sequestration – with a specific focus on how it is stored and expelled in mangroves. Over the years, his investigations have unearthed some very interesting information surrounding carbon estimates in nature…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels - the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body - with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.In this conversation, we cover:
Want to find out more about Dr. Twilley and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with food science and safety specialist Dr. Elsa Murano. Presently, Dr. Murano serves as the Director of the Norman E. Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture and Development at Texas A&M University's Agriculture and Life Sciences program.
For years, Dr. Murano has been lending her expertise to developing countries around the world – from Sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America…
Dr. Murano and her team are committed to following the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, which is to elevate smallholder farmers out of poverty using science. Whether it be crop production or water management, the goal is to create opportunities for farmers across social classes.
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels – the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body – with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.Join us now to learn about:
To find out more about Dr. Elsa Murano and her projects, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
John Droz returns to the podcast to discuss his mission to defend our rights and the field of science – particularly in relation to education.
John is a physicist that educates people on subjects such as COVID, the U.S. elections process, “green” energy, and more. In addition to this, he also recently put out a four-part series on the U.S. education system, where he outlines the downfalls – and what we can do to amend them.
In this episode, we explore:
John believes in the value of critical thinking. He also argues that the issues we are facing within the U.S. school system are linked to the political programming of our kids. What can we do to improve how our children learn? Join the conversation now to find out…
You can find John’s website on COVID-19 here, energy here, and election integrity here. Additionally, you can sign up for his newsletter by sending him an email at aaprjohn@northnet.org.
Tom Kirkham joins the podcast once again to discuss issues surrounding cybersecurity. Tom is the founder and CEO of IronTech Security and Kirkham IT, where he provides cybersecurity defense systems and educates organizations on the importance of protecting their information.
In addition to his work at IronTech Security and Kirkham IT, Tom also recently authored Hack the Rich, a book that outlines the ten mistakes high-net-worth individuals make that give hackers control over their money, privacy, and confidentiality…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels – the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body – with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution.In this episode, you will learn:
To discover more about Tom Kirkham and his work, visit Tomkirkham.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are researchers addressing issues that arise in plant cultivation? Extension Vegetable Specialist Dr. Rachel Rudolph joins us today to discuss her distinct approach to horticulture – and her aim to develop alternative approaches to challenges that arise both in the field and with high tunnel systems.
Dr. Rudolph has always been interested in the environment, and as a college student, she became integrated with the local food movement – which ultimately led to her research in plant science. Currently, her work deals with high tunnel systems, abiotic disorders, crop nutrition, and soil fertility…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels – the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body – with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution. Join us now to find out:To learn more about Dr. Rudolph and her research click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does the quality of water you drink impact your overall health? Mario Brainović of Analemma Water joins the podcast today to discuss this distinct question, and whether or not you are giving your body the water it needs to thrive.
As the CEO of Analemma Water, Mario has dedicated his expertise to transforming “regular tap and bottled water from its depleted, chaotic and lesser state into its supreme, coherent, and naturally structured state.” This revolutionary device that Analemma provides has revitalized the minds and bodies of people around the world – all it takes is paying a little attention to the water you ingest…
Offer: Are you ready to unlock the true potential of your body and mind? Introducing Analemma coherent water, a revolutionary new way to improve your health and well-being. Analemma has been clinically proven to significantly increase the ATP levels – the mitochondrial energy of your body! It significantly improves your gut health by improving the state of your microbiome, and it provides up to 12 years of biological age rejuvenation within only three months of drinking this water! Imagine having more energy, a healthier gut, a clearer mind and a youthful body – with Analemma water, it all stops being a dream. Take the first step towards unlocking your true potential – try Analemma water and revolutionize your life! Visit coherent-water.com. Every purchase comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can literally taste the difference risk free GET 10% DISCOUNT BY USING CODE Genius10.coherent-water.com – Join the Water Revolution. Jump into the conversation now to find out:Want to learn more about Mario and his work with Analemma Water? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Martin Bidartondo, a Professor of Molecular Ecology who works in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Martin is immensely interested in fungi and plant interactions, which has led to his innovative research on the “evolutionary ecology of the diverse plants that cheat mycorrhizal mutualisms”.
As someone that has always had a fascination with interactions between different species, Martin began investigating the symbioses between lineages of plants and fungi more than two decades ago. How are the changes that human life is imposing on the environment interacting with plant and fungal systems? Martin is on a mission to find out…
Join the conversation now to uncover:
To find out more about Marin and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss all things related to aquatic systems and coral reefs with Christopher D'Elia. Christopher is Dean and Professor at Louisiana State University’s College of the Coast and Environment, where he has been refining his knowledge in marine science and biology since 2009.
Christopher began studying coral reefs in the early ‘70s, and since then, he has been recognized for his poignant research on nutrient pollution by nitrogen. What has he found in his more than five decades of aquatic discovery? Join us now to find out…
Click play to explore:
To learn more about Christopher D'Elia and his work, visit www.lsu.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Tanya Phillips, a Director at Texas Honey Bee Farm based in Austin, Texas. In addition to her work at the bee farm, Tanya is also the author of Beginning Beekeeping: Everything You Need to Make Your Hive Thrive!, a book that outlines how to foster and maintain healthy, vibrant colonies.
Tanya has always found bees fascinating, and her initial interest blossomed into an immense passion for their preservation. Are you thinking of keeping a bee colony of your own? Tanya is certainly the person to guide you through the process…
Join the conversation now to learn about:
To find out more about Texas Honey Bee Farm, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does psychedelic medicine have health benefits? If so, what are they? Benjamin Lightburn joins the podcast today to address these questions – and discuss what his company is doing to enrich the growing field of alternative medicines.
Benjamin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Filament Health, a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug discovery and development company. Benjamin has been working in the field of botanical extraction throughout his whole career, and with his most recent entrepreneurial pursuit, he has decided to shift his focus to natural psychedelics…
Join the discussion now to explore:
Filament Health is on a mission to improve the lives of people by providing safe, standardized, naturally-derived psychedelic medicines. How are they planning on achieving this goal? Tune in now to find out!
To learn more about Benjamin and his work with Filament Health, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Chris Rinke, an ARC Future Fellow, and Senior Lecturer at the Australian Centre for Ecogenomics (ACE), University of Queensland, Australia. He joins us today to discuss a very interesting topic: plastic-eating superworms.
Dr. Rinke’s research centers around microbial biology – specifically looking into the metabolic diversity of uncultured microbes and how they contribute to bacterial plastic degradation. How could this area of investigation affect our problems surrounding plastic pollution? Dr. Rinke is determined to find out…
Jump in now to uncover:
Click here to learn more about Dr. Rinke and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Miriam Diamond joins the podcast today to discuss chemical contaminants in the environment – and viable strategies she is investigating to reduce them. Miriam is an environmental chemist and professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto, where she has been teaching for over 10 years.
Miriam has always been interested in the environment, and over the years, she has developed a deep passion for the reduction of chemical contaminants within it.
She accomplishes this within the Diamond Research Lab, a group she founded that is dedicated to identifying and connecting sources of chemical emissions to understand how they move through systems – and ultimately to exposure…
Join us now to learn more about:
To find out more about Miriam and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Think you’re too old to improve your physique or even reach your fitness peak? Intimidated by the young bodybuilders at the local gym?
If so, you’re not alone.
Peter Murano was 63 when he realized just how out of shape he felt and looked. Despite fleeting thoughts that perhaps he was too old to make a real change, he joined the gym, got a personal trainer, and started completely changing his life.
Although he encountered discomfort along this journey – mainly because twenty-something-year-old guys with picture-perfect bodies seemed everywhere – he stayed on the path, learning everything he could from the process.
Today, he’s nearly 70 years old and holds certifications from the American Council on Exercise and International Sports Science Association. As the founder of Old Man Muscle Fitness, he focuses on helping aging men achieve the body and overall health they desire.
Press play to learn:
Tune in and learn more at Old Man Muscle Fitness - YouTube.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Animal species have been going extinct since the dawn of time – which begs the questions: why is it happening, and which ones are next? Professor Corey Bradshaw joins the podcast to address this interesting research topic and convey his perspective as a global-change ecologist.
Corey is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University where he studies how human endeavor and climate fluctuations have altered past, present, and future ecosystems. Using methods such as species extinction modeling, Corey is uncovering just how much deforestation has occurred as a result of rapid urbanization and increasing agricultural intensification…
Jump in now to discover:
Want to find out more about Corey and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today to discuss mushroom-forming fungi is Dimitrios Floudas, a researcher and principal investigator at BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate). Through his work at BECC, Dimitrios is researching how mushroom-forming fungi break down organic matter produced by other organisms.
While studying at the University of Athens, Dimitrios became very fascinated by fungi – particularly in their diversity and metabolic versatility. Since then, he has studied fungal ecology and function – attempting to understand the evolution and decomposition mechanisms of these complex organisms…
Click play to hear Dimitrios talk about:
To learn more about Dimitrios and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Thomas Purifoy, a filmmaker who is devoted to developing unique learning resources to advance the Kingdom of God. Thomas has been involved in many thought-provoking films, including Is Genesis History?, Samaritan, and more…
Thomas oversees three companies: Compass Cinema, Compass Classroom, and Compass Creative. Using outlets such as documentaries, schooling curriculums, and marketing, he is on a mission to educate people from all walks of life.
Join us now to discover:
To find out more about Thomas and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
With technology rapidly improving, modern therapeutic devices are coming in many shapes and sizes. Researchers are using all sorts of alternative approaches to healing the body – including sound frequencies. Joining us today to discuss his work in this intriguing field is James Bare, the inventor of the Rife and Bare System.
Trained as a chiropractor, James has always had an interest in electronics, resonances, and inventors that have made a difference in the world. By inventing the Rife-Bare Device, James is seeking to make a real impact on the medical world by utilizing the power of therapeutic frequencies…
Click play now to hear about:
To learn more about Rife-Bare devices for yourself, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does it mean to have a metaphysical understanding of the world around us? Dr. Wolfgang Smith, a mathematician, physicist, philosopher of science, and metaphysician, joins the podcast to discuss this intriguing topic and others like it…
Born in 1930, Dr. Smith has seen the world of physics develop and change before his very eyes. Not only has he personally met the great Albert Einstein himself, but Dr. Smith has also contributed a plethora of important theories to the scientific community over the years…
Jump in and you’ll discover:
From authoring books such as The Quantum Enigma: Finding the Hidden Key to contributing to scientific documentaries, Dr. Smith has certainly been a prolific researcher. Join the conversation now to hear his unique perspective on philosophy and scientific thought!
To learn more about Dr. Smith and his work, visit Philos-sophia.org!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do emerging pollutants such as microplastics and pesticides affect aquatic ecosystems? Ecotoxicologist Susanne M. Brander joins the podcast today to discuss her work on this poignant topic of research…
Susanne is an Associate Professor at Oregon State University in the College of Agricultural Sciences, in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department, and at the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station.
In addition to this, she is also an adjunct member of the OSU Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, a part of the OSU Marine Studies Initiative – and is affiliate faculty in the Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing.
In this episode, Susanne fills us in on:
To find out more about Susanne and her work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Angelos Deltsidis, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor and Post-harvest Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia. As an expert in the field of horticulture, Angelos focuses his research on an intriguing area of specialization: post-harvest fruit and vegetable physiology.
So, what happens to fruits and vegetables once they are harvested? Angelos is determined to find out…
Jump in to explore:
To find out more about Angelos and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Mitch Hunter joins the podcast today to discuss plant diversity, sustainability, and more. As the Associate Director of Forever Green Initiative and Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Minnesota, Mitch is interested in developing cropping systems that promote greater diversity, resilience, and sustainability.
Mitch is a Minnesota native, and his work at U of M greatly centers around his expertise in the science of soil management and crop production. Using his deep knowledge of this topic, Mitch is on a mission to diversify agricultural landscapes with new crops – thus improving the environment and creating new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses alike …
Click play to uncover:
To learn more about Mitch and his work, visit Forevergreen.umn.edu!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why can some plants survive in cold climates, but others cannot? Al Pacheco Kovaleski, an expert in cold hardiness and dormancy in plants, joins us today to discuss his perspective on this intriguing topic…
Al is an Assistant Professor, in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Here, he researches how plants control their cold hardiness and dormancy during the winter, and how that leads to bud break and flowering in the spring.
Listen in now to discover:
What insights does he share with fellow horticulturists? Click play to find out!
To learn more about Al and his research, visit Plantresilience.cals.wisc.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does it truly mean to walk with God? Daniel Krynzel, the Founder of Godspeed, joins the podcast today to share his perspective on this question, and others like it…
Daniel has always known there was a God, and the economic crisis of 2008 made His presence clearer than ever. After losing everything and turning to alcohol, Daniel had truly hit rock bottom. It was at this point that God stepped in to help – and Daniel listened…
Click play to uncover:
Godspeed with Daniel provides people with the resources they need to get answers from God directly. Want to learn more about how you can take this journey yourself? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Energy and food production is constantly evolving, and as resources seem to dwindle, experts are looking at alternative approaches to a multitude of ecological issues. Joining us today to discuss his perspective on this matter is Rob Avis, an expert in renewable energy and regenerative design.
Rob is the Owner, Lead Instructor, and Engineer at Verge Permaculture – an internationally-recognized and award-winning regenerative design, consulting, and education center. With a background in the oil and gas industry, Rob saw the need for a global mindset shift. Now he is focused on creating cultivated ecosystems that provide food and other crucial resources…
Jump in now to explore:
Want to find out more about Rob and his work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss microfossils, crystals, and more with geoscientist Juan Manuel García-Ruiz. Juan is a Research Professor of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) at the University of Granada, where he explores the interconnectivity of crystals and the origins of life.
As an internationally recognized expert in mineral genesis, Juan does extensive fieldwork visiting crystal sites hundreds of thousands of years old – and you would be surprised at what he has discovered…
Join us now to find out:
To learn more about Juan Manuel García-Ruiz and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Geocentrism. Preformationism. Ice pick lobotomies cure depression.
What do these ideas have in common?
They were once accepted as true, influencing how people understood and interacted with the world around them.
From our modern-day vantage point, we can laugh at the absurdity – at the foolishness of our forefathers. We might even consider them hoodwinked by holes in their own scientific knowledge.
But we can also learn something, which is that humans love storytelling. Whether we tell them or listen to them, stories help us make sense of the world.
That doesn't make them true.
It might take a year, century, or millennium, but every story – and the compelling beliefs they engender – is liable to be disrobed, layer by layer…
Often until the emperor has no clothes.
Press play to explore:
In addition to pioneering much of the technology we use today, Ken McCarthy is an educator, activist, and author. Find his books on Amazon, including Unraveling the Cohh-viddd Con: How One Marketer Exposed the Truth When It Mattered (Volume I and II).
Tune in to tap into decades' worth of his eye-opening insight.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is plant physiologist Nicolas Cafaro La Menza, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Here, he researches the development of agronomic strategies and tools to enhance agroecosystems management.
Based at a research station in West Central Nebraska, Nicolas works in both research and extension. Nicolas closely studies the nutrients and resource use of crops to enhance plant growth – specifically looking at factors such as sunlight, water, phosphorus, and nitrogen…
Click play to find out:
Click here to learn more about Nicolas and his research!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
These days, there is a new type of trash we are confronted with: plastic and microplastic pollution. Scientists around the world are still puzzled by the impact this problem may have on humans and the environment. Today we sit down with researcher Win Cowger to discuss his thoughts on this important issue.
Win Cowger, Ph.D. is an Environmental Scientist at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution and Research. Also known as “Dr. Trash”, Win is interested in advancing science on the transport and fate of trash in watersheds and river flow. He believes that by tracking trash, we will be able to identify solutions to plastic pollution while also assessing how well they work…
Join us now to discover:
To learn more about Win Cowger and his work with the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution and Research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down once again with Omar Mo, the Founder and CEO of Nomads Cast. Omar is an expert in digital marketing, podcasting, and content generation. Using his knowledge in this field, he helps businesses enhance their brand by facilitating the production of lead-generating podcasts and content.
Joining Omar is ChatGPT, an AI chatbot launched in November 2022 that is known for its detailed responses and articulate answers. Today, we analyze what ChatGPT is capable of, its strengths and weaknesses, and its implications for different agencies.
Tune in now to discover:
Could AI tools like ChatGPT be the future of communication and information? Click play to find out now!
You can find out more about Omar and Nomads Cast here, and try ChatGPT for yourself here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why do other people seem to get through life so easily, while I struggle with even the smallest things?
That was a question that plagued Holly Barker for years as she went through a major depressive episode—one that made it hard for her to do anything but sleep and shut out the world, including her closest friends.
She shares her journey on today’s show, which includes her experience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants.
Tune in to hear her story and learn:
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“Tapping...works so well and so quickly because we’re actually speaking to the survival system in its native language…it's listening to your body, it’s not listening to your thoughts…or all the strategies you have or all the skills you’ve built—it doesn’t care about those things,” explains Rachelle McCloud.
She’s describing the emotional freedom technique, which has not only transformed her life but the lives of so many of her clients.
Tune in to discover:
Rachelle McCloud is a mental health therapist who has spent years helping people work through anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders with an unconventional technique that in many ways is similar to acupuncture. It’s called emotional freedom technique and is commonly referred to simply as “tapping.”
McCloud describes how to use the technique, why it works, and so much more.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more at https://rachellemccloud.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“You can’t be afraid of anxiety and depression; you need to approach it head on and realize exactly what it is, and exactly how the mind frames things to keep us involved with…the habits of anxiety and depression,” says Luciani.
Anxiety and depression aren’t usually seen as habitual, but should they be?
Press play to discover:
Joe Luciani is a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Unlearning Anxiety and Depression: The 4-Step Self-Coaching Program to Reclaim Your Life. But it wasn’t until he chose to break away from his formal training and look at therapy with a fresh and intuitive standpoint—one that is a matter of engagement between therapist and patient—that he even started understanding the ideas that form the basis of his book.
Once he started seeing anxiety and depression as habits, they became demystified, which allowed him to consider how the mind can unlearn those habits.
Tune in for more of Luciani’s perspective and visit https://self-coaching.net/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s a saying you’ve probably heard before, but today’s episode puts a spin on it and places it in the context of mental health: “If it’s not ‘wrong,’ don’t try to fix it as if it is.”
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Sami Timimi is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who has worked at National Health Service in the UK his entire working life. He’s been involved with several research projects involving mental health and cross-cultural issues, and has contributed to the publication of a dozen books, in addition to many papers and journal articles. He frequently appears in national and international conferences on matters of mental health, and teaches and trains others in his area of expertise.
In the early 90s during his medical training, Dr. Timimi completed a placement in child and adolescent psychiatry, a field that at the time saw children and young people as connected to their history and broader environment (e.g., their parents, peer groups, cultural ideas). It was nothing like what he’d seen in general psychiatric wards, which he describes as dominated by a narrow medicalized approach as opposed to a truly therapeutic approach that embraces a broader understanding of how mental health problems are identified, characterized, and addressed.
For over two decades now, Dr. Timimi has immersed himself in this field as a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist.
In this episode, he discusses everything from the way cultural and societal expectations and assumptions shape the way we perceive our own experience and the experience of others, to how ideas popularized by many in the psychiatric profession actually contribute to increased rates of distress and feelings of alienation in young adults (especially in the context of the current virus situation).
He also explains how certain treatments given for a short-term problem can actually cause it to become a long-term problem.
But it’s not all bad. Tune in to learn about some extremely successful models for addressing even the most serious mental issues; chances are, you’ve never heard of them before.
Visit https://www.madinamerica.com/ for more information and resources.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“The people who listen to my show…want to listen to someone who has been through it, and knows what it’s like…to struggle to get out of bed because you feel like the entire world is closing in on you,” says Jeremy Godwin.
Press play to discover:
In 2011, the pressure from Godwin’s corporate job combined with unresolved family issues, seemingly insurmountable financial concerns, and unaddressed issues from childhood led him into a total mental breakdown. For the following three years or so, he wrestled with all-consuming anxiety and depression. More often than not, he really believed there was no way out.
He joins the show today to share his journey into and out of the darkest period of his life, and explains how he’s come to use those dark times in a way that helps others.
As creator and host of the Let’s Talk About Mental Health podcast, Godwin reaches thousands of people on a weekly basis with his practical, evidence-based strategies for understanding and addressing the many faces of mental illness.
Visit https://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/ for access to his podcast, where you can anticipate a new episode every Sunday.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“You’ve got to teach what you’ve learned,” says Bianca Rodriguez, and that’s exactly what she does. Only, it took her decades to truly learn what she’d been through, and how she could use her experience to help others.
Tune in to discover:
In addition to emotional, physical, and sexual trauma, Rodriguez knows firsthand that there’s also something called medical trauma, which is when a physical condition or disease causes a person to feel like their wellbeing or life is threatened.
When Rodriguez was just three years old, she developed severe asthma and was hospitalized numerous times. And every time she would have an asthma attack, she truly felt as though she was going to die. But it wasn’t until much later in life that she understood it for what it really was.
She’s since become a licensed holistic psychotherapist and founder of You Are Complete, through which she helps people uncover their true selves, access and work through suppressed memories of past trauma, and integrate their mind, body, and spirit for complete wellness.
She discusses the details of her work as a therapist, including the use of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT, and holotropic breathwork.
Press play to hear the full conversation and visit https://youarecomplete.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can attempting to predict the future lead to more harm than good? Based on recent theory, transcending these uncertainties may lead to a healthier mental state.
Press play to learn:
Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, shares his work and knowledge surrounding the power beliefs hold over you.
While fear and anxiety can often sprout from many external sources, one of the most significant sources may reside inside. The beliefs we hold about our situation may actually be the limiting factor in our happiness.
Rather than living with these beliefs, it can be profoundly helpful to challenge them and attempt to shift our ways of thinking. Constructive change and conversation can build confidence and allow you to change direction to find the happiness you may not have previously thought possible.
To learn more, visit melschwartz.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Dr. Michael Gonsior, a tenured associate professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. With a background in analytical chemistry and engineering, Dr. Gonsior found his passion in water chemistry, and he is using his knowledge to research the ocean at a molecular level.
Dr. Gonsior has worked all over the world studying marine biogeochemistry, specifically trying to characterize “dissolved organic matter” in the ocean – a material researchers are still trying to understand…
Jump into the conversation now to uncover:
Want to learn more about Dr. Gonsior and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kimball, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. As a plant breeder by trade, Jennifer works with cultivated wild rice, a crop species naturally grown in Minnesota.
Jennifer works closely with farmers to research the breeding, genetics, and conservation of wild rice. From environmental management to developing new and improved rice breeding techniques, Jennifer is a central figure in Minnesota’s wild rice research community…
Tune in now to learn about:
To find out more about Jennifer and her work with wild rice, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Marc Sholes, a New York City-based psychotherapist and psychoanalyst that specializes in adult treatment, and marital and couples therapy. With over 35 years of experience, Marc has learned that patients are able to reclaim healthy parts of their personalities through the process of self-discovery – which allows them to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
As the author of the book Reset Your Romantic GPS: Why You Steer Toward The Wrong Partners, And How To Change Direction For The Better, Marc outlines how people can achieve healthy relationships that they are actually prepared for. He joins us today to discuss the details of this book, and what you can do to enhance your approach to your own romantic relationships…
Join the conversation now to discover:
To find out more about Marc and his work, visit www.marcsholeslcsw.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Jon Eckert, a Professor of Educational Leadership, and the Lynda and Robert Copple Endowed Chair for Christians in School Leadership at Baylor University. He joins us in this episode to discuss strategies for effective teaching and learning – and how he supports people moving into educational leadership.
With over two decades of experience in education, Jon offers unique insight into the world of collective leadership, teaching effectiveness, science education, and more. Jon’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of productive educators is making a real difference, and he explains his unique insight in this engaging and informative conversation…
In this podcast, you will learn:
To find out more about Jon and his work in education, visit Jonathaneckert.org now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Ismail Dweikat, a Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Presently his research centers around plant breeding and genetics – specifically in sorghum and pearl millet.
Ismail grew up on a farm with his uncle, so he is no stranger to working with plants. Over the years, his interest in horticulture shifted to DNA research, which has led to some fascinating discoveries surrounding plant science and productivity…
Jump in now to explore:
Want to learn more about Ismail and his efforts? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are microplastics breaking down into nanoplastics, and is this affecting plant and animal life? Joana M. Sipe, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Duke University joins the podcast to share her perspective on this important topic.
As an environmental engineer studying the degeneration of polymers and the release of chemical additives, Joana is at the forefront of microplastic research – and her findings are intriguing…
Listen in to discover:
Joana has been working in plastics research for over 7 years, and as public interest has shifted toward this issue, her motivation is at an all-time high. Tune in now to learn how her studies are shaping this gripping scientific movement!
To learn more about Joana and her investigations, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us once again on the podcast is Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms. Dawn is a multi-talented individual, with skills including farming, cheesemaking, soapmaking, beekeeping, and more...
In this episode, she sits down with us to discuss greenhouses – detailing what makes them so useful, and how to use them to get the most out of year-round gardening.
As a mother of 9 kids, Dawn has been homesteading since 1992. Over the years, she has developed an in-depth understanding of what it means to be self-sufficient, and she is on a mission to share her wealth of knowledge with the world…
Click play to learn more about:
To find out more about Dawn, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does the quality of water you drink impact your overall health? Mario Brainović of Analemma Water joins the podcast today to discuss this distinct question, and whether or not you are giving your body the water it needs to thrive.
As the CEO of Analemma Water, Mario has dedicated his expertise to transforming “regular tap and bottled water from its depleted, chaotic and lesser state into its supreme, coherent, and naturally structured state.” This revolutionary device that Analemma provides has revitalized the minds and bodies of people around the world – all it takes is paying a little attention to the water you ingest…
Jump into the conversation now to find out:
Want to learn more about Mario and his work with Analemma Water? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Microplastics have been detected in human blood for the first time, which begs the question: What could this mean for human health? Joining us to address this problem is Dick Vethaak, a Marine Ecotoxicologist and Environmental Health Scientist that specializes in the impacts of chemical pollutants and plastic debris.
Vethaak is trained in biology and toxicology, which gives him insight into the complex world of plastic pollution and how it impacts environmental health. Currently a research professor at Vrije Universiteit, in Amsterdam, Vethaak has focused his efforts on exploring microplastic contamination – both in water and in human beings…
Click play to discover:
Want to learn more about this important topic from a professional with over 30 years of experience? Tune in now!
To find out about Dick Vethaak and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. David Friedman joins the podcast today to discuss the immune-boosting effects of laughter. Dr. Friedman is the International award-winning, #1 national best-selling author of Food Sanity, How to Eat in a World of Fads and Fiction. In addition to this, he's also a Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist, Chiropractic Neurologist, and part-time comedian.
Most recently, Dr. Friedman wrote Funny Bones: True Tales of a Chiropractor That Will Crack You Up, a book that details his 30 years of practice as a chiropractic neurologist – and how laughter is truly the best medicine. So, what health conditions can laughter treat? The answer may surprise you…
In this episode, Dr. Friedman talks about:
To learn more about Dr. Friedman and his work, visit Doctordavidfriedman.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with therapist Isaac Smith. Isaac is the founder and Executive Director of Whole Wellness Therapy, a private therapy collective that specializes in addiction, anxiety, grief, and loss.
Isaac began working in this field in 2012, and since then, he has helped people in a wide assortment of settings – from dialectical behavior therapy agencies to hospice organizations.
Originally wanting to exclusively work in hospice, Isaac found himself gravitating toward the “sacred and important” work of therapy. Now, with Whole Wellness Therapy, he has made an important resource available to those striving to reclaim their lives and feel whole again…
Listen in to hear Isaac discuss:
Want to learn more about Isaac and his important work with Whole Wellness Therapy? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Farming in the 21st century comes with its own set of unique challenges, and people like Jonathan Dysinger have committed their time to the innovation of this process. Jonathan is the Owner and CEO of Farmers Friend, a company that develops tools and supplies to make small farms more efficient and profitable – and he joins the podcast today to tell us just how they do this.
With a history of farming in his family, Jonathan is no stranger to the difficulties of this lifestyle. That’s why he’s made it his mission with Farmers Friend to use regenerative agriculture to equip, educate, and inspire growers around the world…
In this episode, Jonathan discusses:
You can learn more about Jonathan and his work with Farmers Friend by visiting www.farmersfriend.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Education only for the wealthy?
In the 1860s, that’s what most people believed. A crucial turning point for public education was establishing the public land grant educational system, which has brought the best, newest research to the people – regardless of status.
Today, you’ll benefit from this simply by pressing play.
Tune in to explore:
Mark Gregory Robson is a distinguished professor, extension specialist of plant biology, and faculty director at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Press play to hear all his insight and learn more at Dr. Mark Gregory Robson Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers SEBS.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Matthew Helmers, the Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the Dean’s Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University.
Since 2003, Matthew has been on the faculty of Iowa State studying how water moves across our landscape – specifically in agricultural areas of the US. Known as watershed hydrology, this area of investigation looks at how much water falls, and where it goes…
Click play to uncover:
To find out more about Matthew and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Richard L. Mulvaney, a Professor of Soil Fertility at the University of Illinois. He joins us today to discuss the use of nitrogen and carbon in the fertilization of plants and soil.
As an Illinois native, Richard has had a long history of connection to the region’s agricultural field. His immense interest in soil science led him to get three degrees in it – recently concentrating his research on a very intriguing topic: nitrogen fertilizer.
Join the conversation now to uncover:
What is the long-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer on soil? Why is it such a staple in our food production? Tune in now to find out!
To connect with Richard’s work for yourself, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
We should have the right to practice whichever religion suits us, but what happens when this freedom is regulated? Sociologist Roger Finke joins the podcast today to discuss the relationship that religion has with the state – and the consequences of restricting religious freedom…
Roger Finke is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at The Pennsylvania State University and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives. For the past several years, he has been on a mission to understand the implications government restrictions have for religious organizations, civil liberties, and social conflict.
Jump in the conversation now to uncover:
To find out more about Roger and his work, visit www.thearda.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
We hear the term "sustainable" a LOT these days. But what does it really mean when it's applied to agriculture?
Joshua Earl Arnold, professor of sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College, explains.
Press play to learn more about:
Interested in learning more?
Want to learn more about Joshua and his outlook on sustainable agriculture? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Eric Thomas Stafne joins the podcast to discuss fruit and nut crops – and what it takes to enhance them. With more than 17 years of experience as a horticulturist, Dr. Stafne has greatly refined his understanding of fruit and nut crops, enabling him to uncover factors that are creating issues for growers.
Dr. Stafne is an Extension and Research Professor at Mississippi State University and the Coastal Research and Extension Center. Here, he researches Mississippi’s primary fruit crops, including blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and muscadines. From breeding techniques to pruning procedures, Dr. Stafne is on a mission to sustainably optimize fruit and nut production…
Join the conversation now to learn more about:
You can find out more about Dr. Stafne and his work by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The human microbiome has been a hot topic recently, especially as it relates to our physical and mental health. And just like humans, plants host complex microbiomes of fungi and bacteria, which play crucial roles in their health, productivity, survivability, and more. Michelle Afkhami shares her insights.
Press play to learn:
Afkhami is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami. She joins the show to discuss her area of expertise: unique, complicated, and meaningful interactions between plants and microbiomes, both at the molecular and ecological levels.
Tune in and visit Michelle Afkhami (miami.edu) to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Do policymakers make assumptions about how the public feels without genuinely understanding the public? How can communication between policymakers and the people be improved for everyone?
These questions are at the center of Steven Kull’s work as Founder and President of Voice of the People, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of “the people” in government.
Press play to explore:
Kull is a political psychologist and Director of the Program for Public Consultation in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. He offers an in-depth look at the importance and interconnectedness of policymaking, public opinion, politics, human psychology, and more.
Tune in and learn more at Voice of the People
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Nita Sweeney returns to the podcast to discuss her new book, Make Every Move A Meditation: Mindful Movement for Mental Health, Well-Being, and Insight. As an award-winning author, meditator, and mental health advocate, Nita’s teachings have helped countless individuals across the globe develop a new relationship with their psychological well-being…
Whether you have anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness, Nita’s wise insight is geared towards helping mitigate these feelings with healthy and sustainable mindset tools. Nita is someone who has struggled with these issues herself – and by taking incremental steps to improve her welfare over time, she has transformed her life for the better.
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTubeIn this episode, Nita touches on:
Want to learn more about Nita and her unique outlook on life? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Brandon M. Collins joins the podcast today to discuss fire dynamics and forest management. As an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and the lead scientist at Berkeley Forests, Dr. Collins spends his time researching how fire influences forest ecosystems – and how management in these ecosystems influences fire and forest health.
Wildfires have been an ongoing problem that seems to be getting worse. Dr. Collins is not interested in eliminating these fires altogether, instead, he is dedicated to finding ways for forests to better tolerate them…
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTubeIn this episode, we cover:
You can find out more about Dr. Collins by clicking here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What we put in our bodies greatly affects our overall health and wellness. With the industrialization of food production, healthy food has become harder and harder to come by. Fortunately, people like Blaine Hitzfield and his family are bringing humane and nutritious farming values to the world when it seems to need them most…
Blaine oversees daily marketing and distribution activities at Seven Sons Farms, a farm started by his parents in the late 1980s. What began as a strictly conventional agricultural operation turned into a regenerative pasture-based farm – with an emphasis on nutrient-dense and ethically raised foods.
Blaine is the second of seven sons, and he plays a critical role in the functionality of Seven Sons Farms. Spending most of his time managing and communicating the high-level vision of Seven Sons Farms to the founders and leadership team, Blaine is a driving force behind his family’s business practices.
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube
In this episode, we discuss:
You can find out more about Seven Sons Farms by clicking here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What is “pro-social behavior” and the neurological basis behind it? Dr. Inbal Ben Ami Bartal joins the podcast today to lend her expertise to this fascinating research subject – drawing from her comprehensive background as a psychobiologist…
Dr. Bartal is interested in gaining insight into what leads to the complex behaviors that we see in humans, and she is using rats to study this phenomenon. As a faculty member at Tel-Aviv University's Psychology Department and School of Neuroscience, she has spent over 15 years analyzing this intriguing and complex topic.
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube
In this episode, Dr. Bartal discusses:
How can we develop more effective strategies to enhance things like compassion and empathy? Perhaps looking at what motivates us on a biological level will allow us to find sustainable solutions to age-old social problems…
To connect with Dr. Bartal’s work for yourself, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
California is not only the first U.S. state but the first government in the world to mandate the development of regulations for microplastics in drinking water.
What is getting into California’s drinking water?
This will be the first line of investigation as soon as this mandate is implemented. Once we know what we’re being exposed to, we’ll have a much better idea of the problem we face, the health effects we may be experiencing, and ways to tackle the issue.
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube
Tune in to learn:
Scott Coffin has been studying the effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic organisms and humans since 2014. He is a research scientist at the California State Water Resources Control Board, part of the California EPA. He shares loads of important information about water -- the substance that makes up over half our body weight.
Press play and visit Drinking Water Programs | California State Water Resources Control Board to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our guest today is Brian Burzynski, the Founder and CEO of Intelligent Threads and expert recovery coach. With Intelligent Threads, Brian developed a new type of energy field that communicates with the muscular and skeletal system in order to provide pain relief, muscle relaxation, posture improvement, increased blood flow, and a plethora of other health benefits.
With over 20 years of practicing Synergy Release Method therapeutic services, Brian has helped countless patients find sustainable relief for their skeletal and muscular issues. Could this technology be the future of relaxation and recovery?
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTubeJoin the podcast now to find out:
You can learn more about Brian and his work with Intelligent Threads by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Jaime F. Cardenas-Garcia, a Visiting Research Scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, and a Member of the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador. He joins the podcast today to discuss his work in info-autopoiesis – a subject that investigates the relationship between human consciousness and its environment.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Jaime has been involved in academia for many years as an educator and researcher. Following his retirement, he found himself interested in the topic of consciousness, which led him to investigate a wide spectrum of Science and the Humanities that have yet to be fully explored…
Offer: Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit intelligentthreads.com. For more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube
Click play to hear Jaime talk about:
Where does information come from? Is our consciousness processing it, or creating it? Jump into the conversation now to dive into the mind-boggling concept behind info-autopoiesis!
Want to find out more about Jaime and his fascinating research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Health and wellness can be approached in a variety of ways, and recently, “taboo” substances like cannabis are being more widely researched and accepted – much to the benefit of those who are using it as a form of therapeutic medicine.
Joining us today to discuss his work in this booming industry is Joseph Sheehey. Joseph is the Founder and CEO of Cured Nutrition, a company that uses cannabinoids, mushrooms, and adaptogens to elevate the mind, body, and spirit of the consumer.
As a former NASA-contributing aerospace engineer, Joseph’s career path changed when he started focusing on health and wellness to bring genuine fulfillment to his life and others. Out of this lifestyle shift came Cured Nutrition, a project created with the intention of rebranding cannabis to help those who can truly benefit from using it…
Intelligent Threads, the most advanced wearable technology on the market. This revolutionary product releases the engaged muscles holding your body out of structural balance. The results are legendary, improving posture, sleep, and relaxation while decreasing pain. It produces results within seconds of wear. Tested over the past 7 years for maximum effectiveness in quality of life improvements. Think about an 80% better REM and Deep Sleep per night. Try a patch, last for 7 days, and see for yourself. Visit www.intelligentthreads.com. For or more discussions on Intelligent Threads please listen to the podcast “ It’s a Body Structure Thing” on Spotify and YouTube.
Jump in to uncover:
To find out more about Joseph and his work with Cured Nutrition, click here now! To receive 20% off your first order, use the code GENIUS20 at checkout.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The next time you enjoy a cup of tea, a bottle of water, or anything else that involves the use of plastic, you might consider the impact of thousands of tiny particles being released and likely consumed by you.
Tune in for an eye-opening look at the role of plastic in our lives and bodies, and learn:
Most people are aware of the single-use plastic waste problem, but there’s another part of the plastic problem story: nanoplastics. They range from 1 - 1,000 nanometers in size and are not intentionally produced but released from different items that most of us use every day.
Milica Velimirovic’s research aims to help environmental and food scientists better understand the techniques for analyzing the release of microplastics and nanoplastics, as well as the types and levels of exposure experienced by organisms, including plants and animals.
Tune in and check out Milica Velimirovic | VITO to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our world’s economic landscape is always changing, but how will society adapt? Today, we sit down with Rana Foroohar to discuss the potential fall of globalization – and the new economic era that could take its place moving forward.
Rana is an author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and CNN's global economic analyst. She joins us in this episode to discuss her new book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. Here, she argues that the reign of globalization is over, being replaced by the rise of local, regional, and homegrown businesses…
In this episode, we explore:
Whether you are an economist or not, this discussion is sure to provide you with insight into the intricacies of our current economic system!
To find out more about Rana and her work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When you think of a college campus cafeteria, do you think about fresh-picked veggies like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers?
Probably not! But at Auburn University, that’s what you’d find. Along with familiar favorites like pizza and burgers, students can find a wide variety of local fresh food to fuel their bodies and minds.
Glenn Loughridge is the director of campus dining and concessions at Auburn University. He shares the ins and outs of his daily work, goals, and passion for high-quality and nutritious food.
Press play to learn:
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at http://campusdining.auburn.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with scientist and entrepreneur Daniel J. Mandell, Ph.D. Daniel is the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Director of GRO Biosciences, a genome engineering, computational biology, and therapeutic development company that is expanding the amino acid alphabet to make better medicines.
Originally trained in AI and machine learning at Stanford University, Daniel went on to become the leading expert in synthetic biology, protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and biological and medical informatics. Now, he is at the forefront of a new technology that is breaking barriers in order to reach the unmet clinical needs of patients from all walks of life…
In this conversation, Daniel discusses:
You can find out more about Daniel and GRO Biosciences by visiting Grobio.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss all things peach-related with horticulturist Dario J. Chavez. Dario is an Associate Professor in the University of Georgia’s Department of Horticulture. Specializing in peach physiology and breeding, Dario is constantly uncovering new ways to maximize plant production and profit for the growers in the industry.
Originally from Ecuador, Dario comes from four generations of farming. Through the years, he has developed his horticulture knowledge to the point where he became an expert in peach orchard management, tree longevity, irrigation practices, and genetics…
In this episode, we explore:
What does it take to identify the optimal interaction between peaches and their environments? Tune in now to find out!
Click here to learn more about Dario and his work with peaches!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode to discuss homesteading is Dawn Gallop. Dawn is a mother of nine children, a farmer, nurse, artist, cheesemaker, canner, soapmaker, and beekeeper. As someone who wants to share her knowledge with others, Dawn has also taken on the role of an educator. She teaches people her skills both in person and online with her Youtube channel – fostering a whole new generation of homesteaders…
Dawn had always had a dream of homesteading, and that dream came true in 1992. Since then, she and her family have cultivated their 30 acres of land with greenhouses, goats, bees, and chickens. Constantly learning new things, Dawn has expanded her farming and livestock knowledge to new heights in the 30 years since she began this journey.
Join the conversation now to hear Dawn talk about:
Click here to learn more about Dawn and her work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Water is the backbone of human life, and professionals like Anacleto Rizzo are committed to preserving it. As a hydraulic civil engineer, Anacleto works on sustainable water management, nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment, climate change adaptation policies, sustainable drainage systems, and more…
With a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, Anacleto has focused his expertise on the natural world. Most recently, he has worked as a partner and in-house consultant in research, development, dissemination, and design for Iridra Srl – an engineering firm in Florence, Italy.
In this episode, Anacleto discusses:
To learn more about Anacleto and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Large-scale AI models that enable next-generation applications like natural language processing and autonomous systems require intensive training and immense power. The monetary and environmental expense is too great.
This is where analog deep learning comes into play. The concept behind it is to develop a new type of hardware that can accelerate the training of neural networks, achieving a cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable way to move forward with AI applications.
Murat Onen, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, explains.
Tune in to explore:
Press play for the full conversation.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What could the chemistry of comets and interstellar objects tell us about the nature of our Solar System? Stefanie N. Milam is a planetary scientist that studies this intriguing subject using specialized ground- and space-based telescopes…
Stefanie is the James Webb Space Telescope Deputy Project Scientist for Planetary Science at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Here, she spends her time researching the compositional makeup of primitive bodies to better understand their connection to the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
Click play to discover:
You can find out more about Stefanie and her research by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Britt, the Pegasus Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences at the Department of Physics, University of Central Florida. He joins us today to discuss his research on planetary geology.
In addition to his work at the University of Central Florida, Daniel also periodically consults with NASA on their various missions. As an expert that analyzes the geology of other planets, he is committed to researching the physical properties and mineralogy of comets, asteroids, the Moon, and Mars…
Join the conversation now to hear Daniel talk about:
Want to explore the fascinating nature of astrogeology through the eyes of a discerning professional? Tune in now!
To learn more about Dr. Britt and his discoveries, click here and here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does the brain react to sound therapy? In this episode, we connect with Lee Gerdes, the CEO of Cereset, a wellness company that helps its clients “relax their brains to manage stress, restore hope and achieve restful sleep.”
With a background in math, physics, psychology, theology, and computer software, Lee has made fascinating discoveries regarding brain health – and he is on a mission to bring these benefits to others.
After sustaining a traumatic brain injury in the early 1990s, Lee found himself personally committed to the subject of brain health and rehabilitation. Since then, he has done a deep dive into acoustic brain stimulation, and his clients are seeing real results from this cutting-edge therapy…
Join the conversation now to uncover:
Want to learn more about Lee and his intriguing work with Cereset? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Having a baby as a working mom is incredibly demanding. Unfortunately, many mothers can feel as though they don’t have the proper resources to take care of their babies while working – especially when breastfeeding and pumping are involved…
Today we chat with Allison Tolman, a nurse, lactation consultant, and breast pump expert that is committed to taking this burden off of working mothers. As the owner of New Little Life, she focuses on combining breastfeeding and pumping support for mothers who feel overwhelmed or under-informed.
Allison is a women’s health specialist that believes in the power of education. Along with her website, she also has a Youtube channel. Here, she supports mothers as they transition back to work and provides integral information on breastfeeding and breast pumps for viewers around the world.
Tune in now to hear Allison discuss:
Visit Newlittlelife.com now to learn more about Allison and her work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we sit down with marine scientists Amber Sparks and Emily Hazelwood, Co-Founders of Blue Latitudes. Blue Latitudes is a women-owned small business and marine environmental consulting firm that focuses on enhancing the traditional concept of ocean stewardship.
Amber is a marine environmental scientist and oil and gas consultant with a background in technology and public outreach. She combines her skills with Emily, a marine conservation biologist and offshore energy consultant who has extensive experience in project management.
Since 2015, Blue Latitudes has been working to develop sustainable, innovative, and economic solutions for environmental challenges that encompass the offshore energy industry. By uniting science, policy, and communications, Amber and Emily are aiming to provide real results for the offshore industry as a whole…
Tune in now to learn about:
Visit www.rig2reefexploration.org now to learn more about Amber and Emily’s work with Blue Latitudes!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes for healthy mushroom crop production? Can substrate microbiomes be manipulated to improve mushroom growth and development?
Eoin O'Connor is a postdoctoral scholar at the Penn State University Hockett Lab, where he studies mycology and the microbiomes of commercial mushroom substrates.
Tune in to learn:
Press play for more, and visit https://www.hockettlab.com/eoin-oconnor to learn about O’Connor’s research.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do you go about facilitating safe and high-quality fruit and vegetable production? Horticulturist Camila Rodrigues joins the podcast to explain her distinct approach to this very important issue…
As an Assistant Professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, Camilia has an exceptionally in-depth understanding of fruit and vegetable production.
Currently, her mission is to help growers, producers, and stakeholders enhance and encourage food safety practices – all by developing educational material and specialized food safety programs.
Join the conversation to discover:
Food safety plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy society. Want to know how experts like Camila are contributing to this essential function? Tune in now!
Click here to learn more about Camila and her important work in horticulture!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
TD and Matt from The Texas Boys join the podcast today to discuss their journey from the Northeast to Texas, and how their lives have changed since. After 8 years of living in the country of Texas, their family has developed an in-depth understanding of farming – and a knack for self-sufficiency.
A stark contrast from the hustle and bustle of the Northeast, this fresh lifestyle has enabled them to live the meaningful lives they had always dreamt of…
From leather goods to coffee, The Texas Boys offer their audience a vast array of products and education. What is their mission in all of this? To be self-sustainable with the help of their community.
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.Click play to learn more about:
To learn more about The Texas Boys, visit TheTexasBoys.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Byron Johnson, a Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences at Baylor University, and the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He joins us today to discuss his work exploring religion and criminal justice, proposing that religion can be a powerful remedy to crime.
Byron is trained as a criminologist, and over the years, he has used his expertise to tackle a plethora of related issues – most recently analyzing the role religion plays in helping people and societies to flourish…
Through his investigations, Byron wrote More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could Matter More, where he makes the case that “any effective crime fighting policy must include government and faith-based efforts in partnership.”
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.
Click play to uncover:
You can learn more about Byron and his investigations here, and buy his book here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is science the only means to the truth? Dr. Micah J. Green joins the podcast to address this question and others like it from an academic and faith-based perspective.
Dr. Green is Faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University. Here, he engages with the field of chemical engineering to take on both nanomaterial production and novel nanotechnology applications.
Over the years, Dr. Green has refined his approach to nanotechnology, climate change, and the interactions between faith and science – providing him with insight that is both engaging and thought-provoking…
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.
In this episode, Dr. Green discusses:
Does science tell us that the material universe is all there is? Jump into the conversation now to hear Dr. Green’s thoughts on this intriguing issue!
Want to learn more about Dr. Green and his unique perspective? Click here to visit his website, and here to listen to his Tedx Talk!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
We often have no other choice than to trust the advice of our medical professionals – but what if there’s a financial incentive? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Ardavan Aslie about this issue in the context of spinal surgery – and what he is doing to change it.
Dr. Aslie is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgery Specialist in Sacramento, CA with over 28 years of experience in his field. Throughout his career, Dr. Aslie has seen how medical device companies are making billions from spinal surgery with little proven effectiveness, and he’s determined to change this.
In an effort to bring awareness to this topic, Dr. Aslie wrote Corporate Spine: How Spine Surgery Went Off Track and How We Put It Right, a book that explores “how spinal surgery got to this low point, how patients can protect themselves, and how spinal surgery can get back on track to help, not hurt, the estimated 16 million Americans suffering from chronic back pain.”
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.
Tune in now to hear Dr. Aslie discuss:
To purchase Dr. Aslie’s book, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Meag Sargent, a Chicago-based horticulturist, multimedia artist, farmer, and food sovereignty advocate. Currently, she works with Farm From a Box, an off-grid toolkit for sustainable agriculture with the goal to revolutionize local food production.
Meag has always had a passion for farming and environmental advocacy. Through her work, she channels her love of plant breeding, controlled environment agriculture, and regenerative farming into a truly impactful pursuit…
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.
Join the conversation now to explore:
Making effective agriculture accessible to those who need it is critical to the well-being of all people. Want to know how people like Meag are contributing to this vision? Tune in now!
You can find out more about Meag Sargent’s work with Farm From a Box by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Klaus Steger, a Professor of Molecular Andrology at Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany. He joins us in this episode to discuss the scientific flaws of the PCR tests that were used to detect SARS-CoV-2.
Klaus is a molecular biologist that is determined to get to the bottom of the lack of scientific accountability associated with PCR tests. Analyzing this issue from a molecular and methodological level, the data he found is certainly astonishing…
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout. Join the conversation now to learn about:To learn more about Klaus visit cormandrostenreview.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we are joined by rare disease expert James A. Geraghty. James has been a director of eight NASDAQ-listed biotech companies, and chair of five. As someone that has worked on “orphan drugs” for over 40 years, James has fulfilled many roles in this industry – from venture entrepreneur to CEO.
Drawing from his experience in this complex field of science, James wrote Inside the Orphan Drug Revolution: The Promise of Patient-Centered Biotechnology, a book that explores the world of rare diseases and how healthcare manages them…
Offer: Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.In this episode, we explore:
Why is it so important to treat patients that suffer from rare diseases? James addresses this question and others like it in this highly insightful discussion on healthcare!
Click here to learn more about James and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What does medical ingenuity look like in the modern world? Many experts think it starts with root-cause solutions. In this episode, we connect with Jackson Larkin, a professional that is at the forefront of providing specialized nutritional products that are geared toward enhancing human health.
Jackson is the CEO of Physician Designed and Head of Operations at AO Biologix. Both companies are medical technology innovators that provide their consumers with products that help them optimize their health.
Bringing his design and marketing skills to the medical field, Jackson plays a foundational role in developing unique nutritional products – and making them accessible to the world…
Do you struggle with a lack of focus or energy? The team at Physician Designed knows the feeling and they can help! Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActiveCoQ10® uses a proprietary blend of PQQ and CoQ10, to maximize the boost you need without any negative side effects. Studies show that Brain Support MicroPQQ® & MicroActive® CoQ10 lowers fatigue, anxiety, and depression while increasing mental acuity and awareness. Feel the difference for yourself today! Save 30% on your next order at physiciandesigned.com using code GENIUS during checkout.
Join the conversation to hear Jackson discuss:
You can find out more about Jackson and his companies by visiting physiciandesigned.com and aobiologix.com! To receive a discount at Physician Designed, use the code GENIUS at checkout.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss the topic of green energy with Andrew Morriss, the Professor at Bush School of Government and Public Service and School of Law, Texas A&M University. As a lawyer and an economist, Andrew has been teaching for almost 30 years. Throughout his career, he has focused his energy on uncovering the truth behind widely accepted political and economic narratives…
Andrew has always been interested in energy – looking at where it comes from, how we use it, and the tradeoffs that are necessary when it comes to changing the way we use it. From his research came the book entitled The False Promise of Green Energy, where he explores the “irresponsibility of attempting to transform modern society with borrowed money, wishful thinking, and bad economics.”
Join the conversation to hear Andrew address:
Want to find out more about Andrew and his investigations? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Farming is a skill that requires hands-on training – but what if you don’t have access to the resources to learn for yourself? Thanks to people like Emma Torbert, this type of education is available to the students of UC Davis who are interested in sustainable agriculture…
As the Market Garden Manager and Educator for the Student Farm at UC Davis, Emma plays a major role in facilitating farming principles that are regenerative and sustainable. This is all done on a 9-acre mixed vegetable farm that sells its produce through a pop-up farm stand, the UC Davis Dining Service, a 110-member CSA, and the campus farmers market.
Tune in now to discover:
You can find out more about Emma and her work with the Student Farm by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today to address issues surrounding climate science is William Happer. William is the Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics, Emeritus, at Princeton University. He is also a long-term member of the JASON advisory group, where he played an integral role in the development of adaptive optics.
As a pioneer in the world of physics, William has focused his research on atomic physics, optics, and spectroscopy. This greatly informs his approach to topics such as climate change – giving him the scientific tools necessary to disprove any inaccurate claims being made by politicians and scientists alike…
Join the discussion now to learn more about:
While this is certainly a dividing issue, making your mind up for yourself is important. Tune in to learn about this subject from an alternative perspective!
To learn more about William and his work, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Fungi are a foundational part of our environment as we know it, but what makes them so important? In this episode, we dive into the world of fungi to answer this question, and others like it with Ursula Peintner.
Ursula is a Professor at the University of Innsbruck’s Institute of Microbiology in Austria. She joins us today to discuss her analyses of fungi – addressing the diversity, function, and interactions of these complex organisms.
Ursula has always been fascinated with biology, and as she dug deeper into this subject, fungi became a foundational part of her research. Presently, she is uncovering the intricate scientific aspects of fungi so that she can better understand their overall function in nature…
Click play to discover more about:
To find out more about Ursula and her work, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Vivek Kumar, a scientist, innovator, and entrepreneur. Vivek is faculty at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and is the Dhiraj Shah Faculty Fellow at the NJIT Albert Dorman Honors College.
As the author of over 50 peer-reviewed articles and co-inventor of over a dozen patents and applications, Vivek contributes a great deal to both the scientific and entrepreneurial communities.
The Kumar Lab, which Vivek is the principal investigator of, researches the “genetic and neurobiological basis of complex behaviors that are important in psychiatric conditions such as addiction, ADHD, and depression using genomic, neural circuits, and computational tools.”
Click play to hear Vivek discuss:
Want to learn more about Vivek and his pursuits? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s day and age, we seem to have everything available at our fingertips. But given the instability of our society, what would happen if basic resources were harder to come by?
In this episode, we are joined by Rudy, also known as the Alaska Prepper. Using his platform as the Alaska Prepper, Rudy provides viewers with content that illustrates how prepping can be done by anybody – and on any budget.
After getting out of the military, Rudy found himself on a mission to figure out how the world works. Waking up to the truth behind our system of government, Rudy founded the Alaska Prepper to empower his audience and educate the public on the foundations of preparedness.
Join the discussion now to uncover:
You can learn more about the Alaska Prepper by watching his videos here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Money is in everything, and how we choose to interact with it greatly influences the way we view the world. In this episode, we chat with Ken Honda about healthy ways to adjust your perspective on money so that you are able to live life to the absolute fullest.
Ken Honda is the author of Happy Money: Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money. Known as the “Zen Millionaire”, Ken encourages his readers to “let the unhappy money go and begin bringing in happy money and a sense of freedom.”
Ken regularly gives seminars to large groups of people around the world, and with the wisdom he shares, many individuals come away with a wholly different outlook on money and happiness…
Join the discussion now to find out:
You can learn more about Ken Honda and purchase his book by visiting Kenhonda.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode to discuss all things pharmacology is Bryan Roth. Brian is the Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor of Protein Therapeutics and Translational Proteomics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. With discoveries and inventions in the areas of GPCR structure and molecular pharmacology, Bryan is one of the leading figures in the North Carolina pharmacological community.
Bryan has been interested in psychedelics and psychoactive drugs since he was young, and as he pursued pharmacological research, he is determined to find the “healing magic'' of these substances for the benefit of mental health…
Click play to explore:
While psychoactive drugs certainly have a stigma surrounding them, there is no question that there can be beneficial medical uses for them. In this episode, we investigate what these applications look like, and how researchers are progressing the way we use psychoactive drugs.
To find out more about Bryan and his research, click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we learn about the creative writing process straight from an Award-winning historical fantasy novelist. Helene Wecker is the author of The Golem and the Jinni and its sequel, The Hidden Palace – two books that have captured the imagination of readers around the globe…
Helene comes from a Jewish background, and she uses her life experiences to inspire her work. With a passion for writing that has been present from a young age, Helene has developed her creative approach over the years, leading to the engaging telling of fascinating stories.
Join the discussion to discover:
Want to get inside the mind of a visionary writer? Tune into this episode now!
Visit www.helenewecker.com to connect with Helene’s work for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What is the most sustainable and economic way to farm? Eddy Badrina of Eden Green Technology may have the answer to this million-dollar question…
Eden Green Technology is a company that uses vertical farming technology to produce more food while simultaneously using less energy, space, and water. As the CEO of this innovation-driven company, Eddy is instrumental in bringing this technology to retailers, researchers, cities, and governments across the globe…
Click play to explore:
Want to learn about innovative farming technology from an individual at the forefront of the industry? Tune in now to find out!
To connect with Eddy and his work with Eden Green Technology, visit www.edengreen.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do farm animals’ gut health and eating habits impact sustainability? What are researchers doing to improve food safety and animal health? In this episode, we sit down with animal and dairy science expert Todd Riley Callaway to address these questions and others like them…
Todd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia, where he researches topics related to the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. With his studies, Todd is seeking to encourage sustainability and animal health by looking closely at their diets and overall gut health.
Tune in to explore:
If you have any interest in the sustainability of our meat production, you won’t want to miss this informative episode!
Want to find out more about Todd and his work with animal and dairy science? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce your favorite beer? Well, it turns out that it requires a fair amount of scientific research to create a decent brew. In this episode, we chat with John Sheppard about exactly what this looks like for both craft and major breweries alike…
John is a Professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State where he teaches in the Bioprocessing Science major with particular interests in upstream processes and validation. With his many years of experience as a research scientist in this subject, John has cultivated an in-depth understanding of the biological processes associated with beer fermentation.
Join the conversation to uncover:
Click here to learn more about John and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Paladino, a scientist, humanitarian, and pioneer in quantum health research. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability, Tom is the founder and CEO of the award-winning green building consulting firm, Paladino and Company.
Tom has worked with countless real estate owners, operators, and developers as they aim to develop business results that are backed by sustainable strategies. With over 25 years of experience, Tom is an innovator that is focused on market transformation, carbon strategies, climate action, wellness, resilience, and the next generation of sustainable real estate…
Tune in now to discover:
What does it look like to cultivate sustainable wellness and business practices in today’s age? Join the conversation now to find out!
To learn more about Tom Paladino and his work visit www.paladinoandco.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you always wanted to start a backyard garden but never been sure how? Have you created a garden but failed to produce good crops?
If so, you’re not alone. One of the most challenging things for people who want to garden is the planning process: knowing when to seed, when to transplant, and when to harvest crops based on location and climate.
The good news is that this is precisely what Paul and Edwin Dysinger can help you with. This father and son duo co-founded Seedtime, a company that provides education on gardening and customized plans for starting your own garden, no matter where you live or what you want to grow.
Press play to learn:
Interested in learning more? Tune in, and visit https://get.seedtime.us/ref/61c398514e7abM/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How could someone who’s illiterate construct an amazing and powerful work of literature such as the Quran? And what does the answer have to do with religious belief, Western literature, and human history in general?
Tune in for a fascinating discussion exploring these questions and more.
You’ll discover:
Andy Bannister is the Director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, holds a PhD in Islamic studies, and teaches at universities in multiple countries. Having interacted and held lengthy dialogues with Muslims for 20+ years, Bannister shares loads of insight into Islam, philosophy, politics, and more.
Press play to hear the full conversation and visit http://www.andybannister.net/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How many chemicals are floating around in natural bodies of water? Where do they travel, how do they change over time, and how much do we know about their environmental and human health impacts?
Tune in to explore the answers to these questions and more important topics, including:
Bill Arnold, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering at the University of Minnesota, focuses on the environmental impact of various chemicals. Some of these chemicals come from wastewater treatment, agriculture, and industrial processes, while others come from pharmaceuticals and consumer chemicals.
He shares the ins and outs of his research and the critical implications it may have.
To learn more about Arnold's research, visit https://cse.umn.edu/cege/faculty/william-arnold.
Press play to hear the full conversation.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
About 90% of plants have partners that enrich their life – fungal partners, specifically, and nutritional enrichment that the plants use for growth, reproduction, and photosynthesis. How do these relationships form and develop, and what do they look like?
Tune in to explore:
Katie Field is a professor in plant-fungi interactions at the University of Sheffield in the UK. She discusses all this and more in today's episode -- press play for the full conversation.
Visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/katie-j-field to learn more about Field's research.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Hannah Collins to discuss the ongoing issue of microplastic contamination. Hannah is a Ph.D. student in Oceanography at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point where she currently focuses her research on microplastics and their impact on marine bivalves (mollusks), and biological solutions to microplastic-related problems.
Microplastics seem to find their way into everything – including marine environments. So what is this pollution doing to sea creatures such as clams, mussels, and oysters? Hannah is committed to finding out…
Join the conversation and you will learn about:
Want to uncover more about Hannah’s research with the University of Connecticut? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joshua Burda Ph.D. joins the podcast to discuss how cells in the brain regulate response to injury and disease. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Joshua applies his knowledge as a biomedical neuroscientist to uncover new treatment paths for patients with neurological disabilities.
Joshua is interested in the functional recovery of neurological injuries, and his research reflects this. Over the course of his professional career, he has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals – including Nature, Neuron, and in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Jump into the conversation to hear Joshua talk about:
Neurological diseases and injuries are among the hardest for scientists to understand and treat. Fortunately, professionals like Joshua are leading the charge toward a future of neuroscientific innovation!
Click here to engage with Joshua’s work for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Andrew Latimer joins the podcast today to discuss his work as a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. Andrew is here to address responses to fire and drought in California, and educate us on the intricacies of forest environments.
Starting out as an environmental lawyer, Andrew moved forward in his professional life by pursuing forest development and conservation as an ecologist and biologist. As he continues to refine his research, Andrew is committed to finding ways to keep our forests healthy and sustainable…
Click play to uncover:
Want to find out more about forest ecology? If so, Andrew is certainly the person to pay attention to! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Oded Nir joins the podcast today to discuss his work in water treatment and resource recovery. As the lab director of the Nir Water Lab in Israel, Dr. Nir works to eliminate water pollution in order to mitigate damage to human health and the environment.
Impaired water quality can cause a vast array of problems, and Dr. Nir is intent on improving this issue in an effort to facilitate a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants…
In this episode, you will discover:
By encouraging a more sustainable and circular economy, Dr. Nir is contributing much to the field of environmental research. Want to know how he is protecting fresh water and food for future generations? Dive in to find out now!
Click here to connect with Dr. Nir’s research at Nir Water Lab!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Sir Steven Cowley, a British theoretical physicist and global authority on astrophysical plasmas and nuclear fusion. Steven is the director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) as well as the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Presently, he focuses his research on plasmas and nuclear fusion in astrophysical plasmas.
Steven began his fascination with fusion at the age of eleven, and since then, has pursued physics with a hunger for knowledge and innovation…
In this episode, you will learn about:
Fusion is an incredibly dense source of energy that researchers are learning more about every day. Want to find out how Steven is working towards harnessing this power? Join the conversation now!
Click here to find out more about Steven and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Cece Gerstenbacher joins the podcast today to discuss environmental stewardship. Cece is an Environmental Program Coordinator as part of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC). Here, she works on everything from coastal restoration to water quality monitoring – serving a foundational role in the protection and responsible use of Merrimack Valley’s prime natural resources.
Cece is on a mission to bring Merrimack Valley towards a sustainable future, and in this episode, she describes how her work is bringing this vision to life…
Tune in now to learn about:
Want to find out more about Cece and her work? Visit mvpc.org now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode we are joined by John Williams, a real estate investor and mentor who also creates educational Youtube videos. John has a passion for surrounding himself with successful people, and throughout his career, he has provided countless individuals with valuable economic insight.
Jump into the conversation to discover:
Being prepared for the future is immensely valuable – and John dedicates much of his time and energy to helping people become aware of the economic tools that are available to them.
Want to know how you can think big and prepare for the potential changes on the horizon? Tune in now!
Visit thisisjohnwilliams.com now to engage with John’s content for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Every experience, connection, meal, and countless other environmental factors can influence whether specific genes are turned on or off, affecting all kinds of physiological processes, including aging.
Kara Fitzgerald provides eye-opening insights into this topic and so much more.
Tune in to explore:
Fitzgerald is the medical director of The Sandy Hook Clinic, host of New Frontiers and Functional Medicine, and author of the book Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better.
Her current research revolves around the impacts of diet and lifestyle on the epigenome and how a specific protocol centered on these factors might deliver surprising, beneficial health outcomes in the clinic.
Press play to hear the full conversation.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode to discuss microplastics and nanoplastics is Andrew Mayes. Andrew is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of East Anglia where he analyzes and identifies microplastic contamination at a chemical level.
Andrew has spent much of his career producing polymer micro and nanoparticles for various analytical applications. Using his skills in environmental analysis, he has been able to shift his focus on researching the growing problem of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution – and what we can do to stop it.
Jump into the conversation and you’ll learn:
Microplastic pollution is still a fairly new problem, and researchers like Andrew are redefining the way the scientific community views this issue as a whole. Tune in now to discover his unique approach to this emerging environmental challenge!
Click here to find out more about Andrew and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining the podcast to address microplastic pollution is Aleksandra Tubić, Ph.D. Aleksandra is an Associate Professor and Chair of Chemical Technology and Environmental Protection at the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences in Serbia.
With a background in chemistry, Aleksandra has fostered a deep fascination with the issue of microplastic pollution. Examining how microplastics interact with other pollutants at a chemical level has allowed Aleksandra to uncover many interesting facts about this complex issue – and in this episode, you have the opportunity to hear about these findings for yourself…
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.
Join the discussion to learn about:
Want to find out more about Aleksandra’s work? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez joins the podcast today to discuss his research in vegetable production and physiology. Juan is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia where he investigates plasticulture/protected agriculture technologies, how preharvest factors impact postharvest quality, and sustainable/organic vegetable production.
Juan is from Guadalajara, Mexico, where he grew up gardening with his parents. With his passion for horticulture instilled at a young age, Juan has been able to expand his knowledge on this subject and dive deeper into the intricate world of vegetable production…
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.
Jump into the conversation to discover:
Horticulture is a subject that is always evolving, and with the uncertainties that the future holds, it is more important than ever to learn how to garden sustainably. Wondering what researchers are doing to explore these possibilities? Tune in now!
You can learn more about Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez and his research by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode to discuss climate science is Andrew Dessler. Andrew is the Director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies. He is also a Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and holder of the Reta A. Haynes Chair in Geoscience at Texas A&M University.
Andrew wants to know how climate change is going to affect humans in the future. In order to unpack this area of interest, he spends his time researching topics such as climate change policy, climate impacts, atmospheric chemistry, and global climate physics.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.
Tune in now to uncover:
So, what will the future hold for humans as the climate continues to transform? What can we do to prepare for a warmer future? Andrew answers these questions and others like them in this insightful conversation about climate change!
Click here to learn more about Andrew and his work as a climate scientist!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we discuss the “new frontier” of health and wellness: gut science. With all that the gut does for our bodies as a whole, it’s about time we take proper care of it. In this episode, we learn how to do just that with molecular and microbiology expert Sunny Jain.
Sunny is the CEO and Founder of Sun Genomics, a company that provides probiotics tailored to your gut. This distinct approach to gut health allows users to get the most out of their probiotic use.
With 25 years of experience following the development of genomics, Sunny has gained a well-informed perspective on gut health – and he’s committed to bringing this knowledge to the public…
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.Click play to discover:
To get ahold of Sun Genomic’s probiotics for yourself, visit flore.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Scott Wilson joins the podcast today to discuss all things gardening-related. Scott is a Master Gardener in the state of Colorado, where he educates people both in person and with his instructional Youtube videos.
Since 2004, Scott has been refining his approach to gardening and sharing his knowledge with people near and far. From starting seeds to harvesting crops, Scott is deeply familiar with every step of the gardening process. In this episode, he shares his techniques with us and reveals just what it takes to cultivate a healthy garden.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.Join the conversation now and you will uncover:
Want to hear about helpful tips that will help you with your own gardening endeavors? Tune in now!
Visit gardenerscott.com to find out more about Scott’s gardening methods for yourself! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we analyze the environmental impact of food waste and how to reduce it with Dr. Simon Lockrey. Dr. Lockrey is a leading sustainability and design-based entrepreneur, board member, and academic. He has been based at RMIT since 2009, and recently became an interim national leader of the Reduce Program with FFW CRC – a series of reduction projects aimed at cutting Australian food waste in half by 2030.
Dr. Lockrey has worked across a spectrum of industries, and he uses his diverse skillset to promote sustainability at a global level. In this conversation, he reveals just how important it is to be aware of food waste, and decrease it as much as possible.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.
Join the discussion now to discover:
Food waste is a complex issue that is hard to generalize, and because of this, it is harder to combat. Fortunately, we have experts like Dr. Lockrey finding solutions that are transforming our approach to food waste management altogether…
Click here to learn more about Dr. Lockrey’s work with Fight Food Waste CRC!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Faust Ruggiero joins the podcast today to discuss his work as a published research author, clinical trainer, and therapist. Faust has counseled people from all walks of life, and has helped countless individuals take control of their emotions and intellect with thoughtful and practical guidance.
Faust recently wrote the book entitled, The Fix Yourself Handbook: Using the Process Way of Life to Transform Your Life into a Happy, Healthy Journey. Here, he provides advice on how to reduce the impact of anxiety on your life and empower your sense of inner being.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Daily Tonic. The Daily Tonic is a five-minute newsletter that shares science-backed health news and tips, all while getting you to crack a smile or even laugh out loud on occasion. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage .Did you know many of 247health.com favorite products -- like avocado oil mayonnaise, hydrating ketone water, and skin-revitalizing red light lamps – are featured on The Daily Tonic with discount code s? The Daily Tonic also features new wellness products with special discounts every single day. To subscribe, go to 247health.com and click on The Daily Tonic button at the top of the webpage.Tune in now to find out:
Professionals like Faust are playing critical roles in shaping the future of mental health treatment. Whether you are struggling with psychological issues or not, this conversation is sure to inspire you!
Go to www.faustruggiero.com to learn more about Faust and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Sustainable agriculture is a concept that takes an immense amount of attention and commitment. The disconnect between society and our food sources is staggering – and in this episode, we get familiar with food origins from the ground level…
Andy Smith joins the podcast today to discuss his work as the Farm Manager at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Here, he informs students on sustainable farming practices and provides hands-on agricultural education.
Join us now to explore:
With a dedication to functional farming, Andy has played a major role in enriching KPU’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture. Wondering how he’s accomplishing this? Tune in now!
Want to find out more about Andy and his work with KPU? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast to discuss water desalination is Mark Holtzapple. Mark is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University where he researches technologies that improve sustainability.
With close to 30 years of experience as a researcher, Mark is constantly finding new ways to turn waste into useful products. So what’s his take on obtaining fresh water from saltwater?
In this episode, you will learn about:
Imagine a world where freshwater is as plentiful as seawater… With the work that researchers like Mark Holtzapple are doing, this idea may be more realistic than you may think!
To find out more about Mark Holtzapple and his work, you can visit gfrc.tamu.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever wondered how alcohol contributed to the origins of our civilization? Well, look no further. In this episode, we explore how our ancestors used alcohol and other intoxicants – and why humans have been innately drawn to drunkenness throughout history…
Joining us to address this topic and others like it is Edward “Ted” Slingerland. Ted is a professor at the University of British Columbia, where teaches and researches East Asian studies, religious history, philosophy, and psychology.
Ted is the author of the recent book, Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. Here he dives into “the alcohol-soaked origins of civilization — and the evolutionary roots of humanity’s appetite for intoxication.”
In this episode, you will uncover:
Want to find out more about Ted and his work? Visit www.edwardslingerland.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is physicist and astrophysicist Marco Castellano. Marco is a researcher at Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma-INAF, where he investigates galaxy formation – specifically looking at the early galaxies that formed right after the Big Bang.
Our universe is estimated to be 13.7 billion years old, and the James Webb Space Telescope has been using infrared technology to explore the ancient history of our cosmos. This revolutionary device is illuminating an array of mysteries that astronomers have been guessing at for centuries…
Tune in now to hear Marco discuss:
We are living in an exciting time for astronomy, and Marco is among the integral researchers that are at the forefront of these fascinating discoveries. Join the podcast now to find out more about this scientific revolution!
Click here to learn more about Marco and his work!
In this episode, we sit down with two expert agriculturalists: Jim Kamas and Jacy L. Lewis. Both Jim and Jacy reside in Texas, where they lend their horticultural insight to Texas A&M University and various other education programs.
Jim is an Assistant Professor and Extension Fruit Specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, and is stationed in Fredericksburg, TX. He works as a farm advisor to fruit growers across Texas and devotes his time to understanding the needs of both commercial and home fruit producers.
Jacy is the Program Manager in the Viticulture and Sustainable Fruit Lab at Texas A&M and is also stationed in Fredericksburg. She serves the Texas wine industry with her involvement in a number of sustainable research projects for wine grapes and perennial fruit crops.
Tune in now to hear Jim and Jacy discuss:
The science behind wine grape production is fascinating. Want to learn about this subject for yourself? Jump into the conversation now to gain a better understanding of viticulture, and how it informs grape production!
Click here to find out more about Jim and Jacy’s work with Texas A&M’s Department of Horticulture!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our planet provides everything for us, and it’s our job to ensure that it is appropriately taken care of. By coming together and creating technology that supports this effort, we will be able to enjoy the resources Earth provides for generations to come.
Manik Suri is the Founder and CEO of Therma, a technology startup with a mission to help preserve our planet, food, and health. Therma fulfills this vision by building “safety and sustainability tools to eliminate food waste, improve energy efficiency, and reduce refrigerant emissions.”
Protecting consumers and battling climate change is Manik’s calling – and in this episode, we explore all he is doing to accomplish this goal…
Click play to learn about:
Thanks to organizations like Therma, we are taking steps towards more sustainable refrigeration practices. Join the conversation now to hear how this impacts the future of our environment!
You can find out more about Manik by visiting his website at maniksuri.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As technology continues to advance, so does our ability to understand astronomical wonders. With the ongoing innovation of state-of-the-art telescopes, you wouldn’t believe what researchers are discovering…
Chima McGruder joins the podcast today to discuss his fascinating work surrounding planetary science. Chima is a fifth-year graduate student at Harvard University’s Center for Astrophysics, where he examines exoplanet atmospheres.
Join us now to hear Chima talk about:
What can these discoveries tell us about our universe and the possibility of other life? Researchers like Chima McGruder are on track to finding out!
To connect with Chima’s work for yourself, click here and here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with expert astronomer Ori Fox. Ori is a Scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) where he works on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST was launched recently and has already made a plethora of fascinating discoveries using resourceful infrared technology.
The JWST images are baffling researchers with fascinating planetary information, and this is only the beginning…
Tune in now to uncover:
Using infrared technology is proving to be an extremely useful way to observe the cosmos. Wondering what scientists are uncovering? Join us now to find out!
Click here to find out more about Ori Fox and his work with the James Webb Space Telescope, and get live Twitter updates by following his profile!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are some innovative and creative ways to reduce the negative impacts of human activity on the environment and marine life?
This is a question at the center of Juan José Bonello’s work as an environmental scientist and lecturer at Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) in the central Mediterranean.
Tune in to explore:
Tune in to hear the whole conversation, and visit https://www.projectimpact.mt/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Natalie M. Mahowald, an Earth scientist who is the Irving Porter Church Professor of Engineering at Cornell University. She joins us today to discuss her work surrounding microplastic deposition and the atmospheric transport of biogeochemically-relevant species.
Natalie is interested in exploring how humans impact the environment. With the new issues arising concerning microplastics, she has focused her research on where they come from, and how they are transported throughout the world.
In this episode, you will discover:
This is the only Earth we have, and if we don’t take proactive steps to take care of it, the damage caused could be irreversible. Fortunately, with the dedication of experts like Natalie, our planet may just have a fighting chance…
Click here to learn more about Natalie and her important environmental research!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gardening is a skill that is both fulfilling and useful, especially in today’s world. Whether you are new to food cultivation or have been doing it for years, it is always important to consider the guidance of fellow gardeners – and in this episode, we do just that…
Kareen Erbe joins us today to discuss her work as the Founder of Broken Ground Permaculture. Kareen is a permaculture educator, homesteader, food farmer, garden designer, and soil-builder. Her mission is to help people living in colder climates cultivate their own food to live healthier and more sustainably.
In this conversation, we explore:
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Andy Booth joins the podcast today to discuss the ongoing problem of microplastics. Andy is an environmental chemist that serves as the Chief Scientist at SINTEF Ocean, where he contributes his knowledge to matters surrounding microplastics, nanoplastics, nanoparticles, and organic pollutants.
With a background in chemistry, Andy devotes his time to researching emerging pollutants – and in recent years, he has honed his focus on plastic-related issues…
In this episode, you will discover:
Pollution is a problem that is continuing to reveal itself, especially in the world of microplastics. What are scientists doing to make headway on this topic of growing concern? Join the conversation to find out!
Click here to learn more about Andy and his work with SINTEF.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Devin Burke, the Founder of Sleep Science Academy. Brian wears many hats – he is a bestselling author, Youtuber, TedX speaker, and sleep coach that was named “One of the Top 25 Health Coaches in America.”
Sleep is a very complex and captivating subject to consider, and Devin joins us today to educate us on just how important it is to overall health and wellness…
Tune in now to learn about:
Devin has helped hundreds of people across the country find effective ways to improve their sleep and productivity. Wondering how you can wake up feeling refreshed and present? Devin certainly has pointers for you!
Find out more about Devin by visiting Devinburke.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we discuss all things fungi with Jordan Jent from Texas Fungus. Jordan is a farmer that supplies local restaurants and markets with gourmet artisan mushrooms – from Shiitake to Lions Mane and Oyster varieties.
In 2018, Jordan realized his passion for mushroom growing, and with a background in culinary work, he decided to pursue his love for farming and food from an entrepreneurial perspective. Presently, his company is growing 700-800 pounds of specialty mushrooms every week…
Tune in now to learn about:
Texas Fungus is supplying their community with mushrooms of superb quality – allowing chefs and home cooks alike to experience all that these delicious organisms have to offer…
Want to find out more about Jordan and his work with Texas Fungus? Visit Texasfungus.com now!
Joining us today is John Virdin, the Director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Program at Duke University. He joins us today to discuss marine conservation, and how humans affect ocean environments.
John has over twenty years of experience advising and analyzing government policies that regulate human use of the oceans – with a particular interest in ocean policy that reduces poverty. Combining his passion for policy and love for marine life, John has played a major role in refining political approaches to ocean-related issues…
Offer: Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.In this episode, you can hear John talk about:
Marine conservation affects so much more than you may think – and a lot of it can be controlled with good policies. Join the conversation now to learn about what John and experts like him are doing to make the world a better place!
Click here to find out more about John Virdin and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Where is your seafood coming from, and why does it matter?
Find out the answer to this question and so many more with aquaculture and marine science expert Laura Tiu.
You’ll explore:
As a marine science county extension director and agent in the Florida Panhandle, much of Laura Tiu’s work revolves around educating farmers, producers, businesses, and the general public about environmental issues and marine science, as well as ongoing research projects in aquaculture and aquaponics.
She shares insights about the most recent projects in aquaculture, including genetic selection for yellow perch and all-male bluegill production.
She also discusses the benefits of raising shellfish for food, the effects of unprecedented amounts of fresh water entering Florida bays, the permitting process for offshore aquaculture in federal waters, and the future of the aquaculture industry in Florida and beyond.
Tune in and visit https://www.flseagrant.org/ to learn more, and feel free to email your questions to lgtiu@ufl.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Dr. Noelle Patno, a microbiome scientific educator that has cultivated a distinct approach to nutritional research. Dr. Patno has a Ph.D. in Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, and a Master’s in Translational Science from the University of Chicago. Utilizing her years of education and experience, she is on a mission to “advance effective and safe therapies for patients facing difficult healthcare decisions.”
Dr. Patno has dealt with her share of health difficulties, and this has played a major role in informing her approach to wellness and medicine. Most recently, she has focused her research on nutritional ingredients – primarily in probiotics and the microbiome.
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The human digestive system is incredibly complex and affects so many other parts of the body. Want to know more about what researchers like Dr. Patno are doing to uncover solutions to gut health problems? Join us in this episode to find out!
To learn more about Dr. Patno and her work, visit linkedin.com/noelle-patno-phd now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
There’s not one sector of our economy that isn’t completely dependent upon a secure, natural rubber supply. But 100% of natural rubber is produced outside of the U.S., putting us at risk of running out due to supply chain disruptions.
Over 40 million metric tons of natural rubber are made annually – almost 50% of all the rubber used globally, synthetic included.
What would things look like without the 50,000+ items that require natural rubber?
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Katrina Cornish is focused on developing domestic rubber-producing crops that can provide the rubber and latex we need for critical applications in every industry. She explains what this entails, the ins and outs of the natural rubber production process, what natural rubber offers that synthetic rubber cannot, different types of natural rubber, and so much more.
Tune in for the full conversation.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today to discuss his horticultural work is Daniel Wells. Daniel is an Associate Professor in Auburn University’s Department of Horticulture where he teaches and focuses his research on “improving controlled environment agriculture in the southeast.”
Daniel grew up on an agricultural research station, where he was exposed to this field at a young age. Since then, he has been delving into the world of hydroponics, aquaponics, and plant nutrition with a hunger to learn more…
Offer: Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.In this episode, Daniel discusses:
The intricacies that exist within the field of horticulture certainly inform our food production methods as we know them. So how can we ensure that we are able to continue growing crops efficiently and sustainably? Tune in now to find out!
Want to find out more about Daniel and his research efforts? Visit agriculture.auburn.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
One of the world’s leading experts in tree fruit horticulture extension joins the podcast today: Desmond Lane. Desmond is the Department Head and Professor at Auburn University Horticulture, where he draws from more than 30 years of experience to inform his role as a research administrator.
Desmond joins us to discuss his work with orchards and address how he has contributed to positively impacting the future of the tree fruit industry…
Offer: Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.In this episode, we explore:
Desmond is dedicated to facilitating sustainable orchard management practices, which requires a significant amount of analysis—wondering how these factors influence fruit production as a whole? Click play to find out!
To learn more about Desmond Layne and his work visit agriculture.auburn.edu now.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Sean M. Smukler joins the podcast today to discuss soil health and sustainable agriculture. Sean is the Principal Investigator of the SAL lab, and Associate Professor and Chair of Agriculture and Environment in Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia.
Sean realized at an early age that he thoroughly enjoyed working with plants and soil. After studying ecology at UC Davis and the University of Washington, Sean has focused his research on managing agriculture to enhance soil productivity for future generations.
Offer: Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Soil health is a complex and intriguing subject to explore – and it affects more than you may think… Listen now to find out how soil is being preserved so that our agricultural systems can effectively and sustainably produce food and fuel!
To find out more about Sean Smukler and his work, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we uncover human culture with forensic archaeologist Kimberlee Sue Moran. Kimberlee is the Founder of Forensic Outreach and the Director of Forensics at Rutgers University. Currently, she is working on excavating the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia Cemetery – and in this episode, she reveals the methods she uses to make intriguing historical discoveries…
Kimberlee has been a forensic consultant and educator for two decades, which she has been doing in tandem with her archeological work. Over the years, she has researched everything from ancient fingerprints to artificial cranial deformation, providing her with a fascinating insight into the world of our ancestors.
Offer: Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.
Join us now to hear Kimberlee discuss:
Wondering what the earth beneath your feet can tell you about the past? This episode is sure to enlighten you!
You can learn more about Kimberlee Sue Moran and her work by visiting kimberleemoran.camden.rutgers.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Rich Marini, a Professor of Horticulture at Pennsylvania State University. Rich specializes in tree and small fruit physiology, data analysis, and fruit production systems. He sits down with us today to discuss his extensive research in horticulture.
Rich was exposed to horticulture at a young age, and he has stuck with it all of his life. With decades of experience studying fruit trees and their physiology, he has made some fascinating discoveries as a result…
Click play to learn more about:
Want to get familiar with fruit trees and their characteristics? Tune in now to learn from an expert!
You can find out more about Rich by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Osler Ortez. Dr. Ortez is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, where he specializes in corn and emerging crops.
Dr. Ortez was born and raised in northern Nicaragua, where he was exposed to agriculture at an early age on his family’s coffee farm. Now, he is focused on “developing and distributing science-based information concerning efficient, productive, and sustainable corn and emerging crop production systems.”
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to learn about:
Whether you are a farming professional or strictly a consumer, this conversation is sure to capture your attention!
Click here to find out more about Dr. Ortez!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Gabe Brown, a regenerative agriculture expert with a commitment to natural resources and healthy living. Gabe runs Brown’s Ranch, where he participates in “no-till farming” – a farming method that improves soil health.
Not only does Gabe run a successful agricultural operation, but he also has a platform where he demonstrates his practices. People around the world are gaining useful insight into the world of sustainable farming by tapping into the resources that Gabe and his family provide…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
By joining the conversation, you will learn about:
Caring for the health of natural resources is at the top of Gabe’s list of priorities. Want to know how he does it? Tune in now!
Visit brownsranch.us to find out more about Gabe and his work with Brown’s Ranch.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with Anthony Siccardi, an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at Georgia Southern University. Anthony is an expert in aquaponics systems, and he joins us in this episode to discuss his research interests and educate us on a distinctive approach to fish and plant production.
Aquaponics is on the rise in the food production industry, as it utilizes both fish and plant resources to encourage growth for both organisms. This sustainable farming practice may be just what we need to achieve a successful yield without compromising the health of our environment…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Tune in now to discover:
What could aquaponics do for our current food production methods? Experts like Anthony are determined to find out!
Click here to learn more about Anthony and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Kathleen Tlush, the CEO and Founder of Tlush Family Farm. On a small patch of land near Philadelphia, Kathleen and her family cultivate everything from microgreens and mushrooms to edible flowers.
Kathleen is a full-time mom and a full-time farmer – and she loves every minute of it. She has an indoor garden that takes up half of her living space, which allows her to grow crops 365 days a year…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will discover:
Whether you are a farmer or a consumer, this podcast is sure to provide you with useful gardening tips!
You can learn more about Kathleen Tlush and her work with Tlush Family Farm by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Paldeep S. Atwal joins the podcast today to discuss his research in clinical genomic medicine and educate us on Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Dr. Atwal is a board-certified clinical and medical biochemical geneticist and director of the Atwal Clinic for Genomic & Personalized Medicine.
Hypermobility disorders can be debilitating to live with. Medical professionals like Dr. Atwal are finding innovative ways to diagnose and treat EDS, and conditions like it…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will find out:
You can find out more about Dr. Atwal by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Christy Darlington from Green Living Off Grid. Green Living Off Grid is a platform that Christy uses to teach people how to live healthier lives by cultivating homegrown vegetable gardens and utilizing renewable energy.
Self-sustainability is important to Christy, and she equips her viewers with the tools to achieve this by providing insight into the world of hydroponics, aquaponics, organic gardening, and off-grid energy solutions.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play to discover:
Being self-sufficient is not only important in case of emergencies, but it is also a fulfilling way to live. In this episode, Christy demonstrates what it takes to achieve this level of sustainability…
To learn more about Christy and her work with Green Living Off Grid, visit greenlivingoffgrid.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we chat with a world-renowned scientist: Dr. Omar A. Hurricane. Dr. Hurricane is a physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, in the thermonuclear and inertial confinement fusion design division. He joins us today to discuss a recent breakthrough in his lab regarding fusion.
Dr. Hurricane specializes in the area of plasma physics, which is the physics of highly ionized gasses. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, his research focuses on high energy density physics science, weapons physics, the theory of plasmas, and plasma instability.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play to learn about:
The world of physics is certainly riveting – but what is actually going on? In this episode, Dr. Hurricane addresses the intricacies of physics in an engaging way that is sure to pique your interest!
Click here to learn more about Dr. Hurricane’s work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Robert B. Beelman. Robert is a Professor Emeritus of Food Science at Penn State and Director at the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health. He joins us today to discuss his fieldwork and research surrounding the medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms.
Robert has been studying mushrooms for decades, and the more he learns about this field, the more interest he has. Mushrooms are very multi-dimensional organisms, and he has made a plethora of fascinating discoveries about them throughout his career…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to explore:
Want to learn more about Robert Beelman and his research? Click here now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we chat with Oscar Adelman, the Founder and CEO of Remi. Remi is a direct-to-consumer sleep and wellness organization backed by Foundation Capital. The mission of Remi is to provide affordable and ultra-comfortable custom night guards to individuals who would otherwise have to obtain this protection from a dentist.
Oscar has a diverse background in business. From being a part of the BMW venture capital team to investing with startups, Oscar has been finding inventive ways to cut out the middleman and go directly to the consumer.
What are the benefits of acquiring these products directly from a company? Affordability and convenience.
Increased stress is linked with teeth grinding and clenching, which causes poor sleep, jaw pain and headaches. But did you know that 1 in every 4 adults grind or clench their teeth while sleeping? A Remi Custom Night Guard can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, while saving you hundreds of dollars compared to the dental office. Use code GUARD20 for 20% off your order. Visit ShopRemi.com now.
Listen now to learn more about:
Want to learn more about Oscar and his work with Remi? Visit shopremi.com now, and make sure you use the code GENIUS25 to receive 20% off of your order!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we explore the world of deep sleep with Dr. Dan Gartenberg. Dr. Gartenberg is the CEO of SleepSpace, a company that provides people with various sleep-related resources so that they can discover effective ways to improve their rest.
Dr. Gartenberg has been trying to “hack sleep” for 15 years. With a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, he is deeply interested in how sleep affects perception and discernment. Dr. Garten is determined to make a difference in the field of sleep health with his innovative mindset…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to explore:
Sleep is how we process reality, and improving it has the potential to benefit many other parts of our lives – from healing trauma to achieving optimal cognitive function.
You can learn more about SleepSpace and its resources by visiting sleepspace.com. To get a 30-day free trial for listening, go to sleepspace.com/union now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Cassie Holmes, an award-winning teacher, and expert on time and happiness. Dr. Holmes is a Professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and the author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most.
Happier Hour is a book that provides readers with a practical guide on how to think about and spend time living a more joyful and fulfilling life. Dr. Holmes uses this publication to address our society’s problem of being overly distracted, and to expose just how limited time can be…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Click play to hear Dr. Holmes discuss:
Are you using your time in a way that promotes happiness in your own life? Life passes by faster than we realize, and Dr. Holmes offers proactive advice on how you can take advantage of the moment.
To find out more about Dr. Holmes, visit www.cassiemholmes.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us to talk about 3-D printed prosthetics is Alexander Tholl, the Co-Founder and CEO of Dive Design. Dive Design is a company that produces 3-D products ranging from apple stem cutters to mobile workstations. In addition to his work with Dive Design, Alexander also plays a major role in the creation of pet prosthetics with his other company, 3D Pets.
Alexander studied industrial design in order to get into this field. Industrial design is the intersection of art and engineering – brought together to bring physical products into the real world.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will learn:
Click here to learn about Dive Design, and here to discover more about 3D Pets!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Zoie Diana joins us to discuss her research on plastic pollution management. Zoie is a scientist in the Marine Lab at Duke University, where she is also a Ph.D. candidate pursuing certificates in Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health and College Teaching.
Zoie has always been interested in how human activity influences marine environments, and this fascination led her to study the ecological repercussions of plastic pollution. In addition to this, she has focused her research on understanding how governments, businesses, and biologists mitigate the plastic pollution problem…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play now to explore:
What can be done to alleviate the problems surrounding marine plastic contamination? Join us now to find out!
You can learn more about Zoie Diana and her work by visiting www.zoiediana.com!
This episode is sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs, a premier provider of high-quality natural supplements. To receive an exclusive offer for listening to this podcast, visit Geniuspollen.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Janice Brahney, an accomplished environmental researcher. Dr. Brahney is an assistant professor at Utah State University’s Watershed Sciences department. She joins us today to discuss her work with watersheds, integrated biological systems, and the issue of microplastics.
Dr. Brahney has always been fascinated by freshwater ecology, and this interest expanded into researching the impact air quality has on water quality. Through this work, she has developed three major themes in her research: understanding what is being transported through the atmosphere to remote ecosystems, understanding how the recession of glaciers is affecting freshwater systems, and the cause, effect, and mitigation of water quality impairment.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play to learn more about:
Humans have significantly appropriated the natural landscape, and Dr. Brahney is committed to finding out what the impacts and solutions to this may be…
To connect with Dr. Brahney’s research for yourself, click here! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
From high inflation to increased interest rates, maintaining financial stability in today’s economy is harder than ever. In this episode, we get financial advice from 5 experts on how to prepare for a potential looming recession.
By joining us now, you will gain economic insight from these professionals:
Wondering what kind of guidance you’ll hear? Here are some examples:
Are you prepared for an uncertain future? Whether or not you feel financially secure, refining your understanding of the current economic climate is critical. Protect your future now by joining this informative discussion on monetary wellness!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we chat with Robert Westerfield, the Senior Public Service Associate for the University of Georgia. Robert is a consumer horticulturist that specializes in vegetables and woody ornamentals.
At the University of Georgia, Robert develops agent consumer resources, teaches master gardener classes, and conducts agent training. He also works with mass media – primarily in TV, radio, and newspaper.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to hear Robert discuss:
Horticulture is a subject full of fascinating facts. By listening to this episode, you will gain useful insight into the world of plant cultivation!
To learn more about Robert and his work, click here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we are joined by two incredible guests: Dr. Michelle Kukla and Dr. Eugene Lipov. In this episode, we will be discussing their distinct professional approaches to countering PTSD.
Dr. Michelle Kukla is a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with over 15 years of experience helping individuals cope with mental health challenges. She is also the owner and founder of Healthy Living Counseling Center, a health consortium in Chicago that provides premier mental healthcare.
Dr. Eugene Lipov is a Chicago-based board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. With over 25 years of experience practicing in the field of pain medicine, Dr. Lipov has pioneered PTSD treatments for veterans and victims of military sexual trauma.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Click play to learn about:
Mental health conditions like PTSD affect millions of Americans every year. In this episode, these experts tell us how doctors are treating these disorders and provide resources for those who may be struggling with them.
You can find out more about Dr. Michelle Kukla here, and Dr. Eugene Lipov here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Rob Greenfield. Rob is an environmental activist and humanitarian dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable and just world. With his platform, he provides people with information surrounding the growing, harvesting, and foraging of food.
Ten years ago, upon realizing how his lifestyle was destroying the planet and humanity, Rob shifted his focus toward self-sufficiency so he could live in harmony with the Earth and its inhabitants. Since then, he has completely changed his way of life – and is encouraging others to do the same in whatever capacity they can…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Listen now to hear Rob discuss:
Do you have what it takes to live like Rob? While his lifestyle may seem extreme to many people, taking cues from this ethical approach may be more impactful than you think…
To learn more about Rob and his educational resources make sure you visit his website and Youtube channel!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Donny Greens, the Founder of Finest Foods. Finest Foods is a business that provides microgreens to consumers in order to improve the local community’s health and sustainability.
On top of his work with Finest Foods, Donny has a Youtube channel called “Donny Greens”. Here he teaches others how to grow their own microgreens businesses with insightful tips, tricks, and advice to help them succeed.
From crop planning to customer management, Donny is dedicated to streamlining microgreens businesses across the globe…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Click play to hear Donny discuss:
Click here to connect with Donny’s work for yourself!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Robin Buell. Robin is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Chair in Crop Genomics at the University of Georgia. She sits down with us today to discuss topics relating to plant genomics.
Robin has been studying plant genomics since 1999, and over the years, she has cultivated an interest in how we can use plants directly as fuels. Understanding the genome of plants is allowing researchers like Robin to modify their function into something entirely different…
Click play to learn more about:
How does this change our understanding of ecological sustainability? Explore this question and others like it by joining us now! You can learn more about Robin and her work by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you wondering how to bank your stem cells for future use in a non-invasive way? If so, turn your attention towards Drew Taylor, the CEO of Acorn Biolabs. Acorn Biolabs is a company that provides the “first non-invasive solution to preserving your younger follicle cells for use in future cell treatments.”
Drew has always been passionate about health science, and after playing professional baseball while simultaneously completing his Ph.D., he dedicated his professional career to researching tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Join us now to hear Drew address:
Want to find out more information about Drew Taylor and his work with Biolabs? Visit www.acorn.me now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we speak with Thomas Stanton, an AXA Research Fund Fellow at Loughborough University. In this episode, Thomas educates us on plastics, microplastics, and anthropogenic materials.
Thomas’s interest in microplastic and plastic pollution stemmed from media coverage of the problem – particularly how our environment is being affected by it. Presently, Thomas has zeroed in his research on textile fiber pollution: the contaminates that come from our clothing as we use and wash it.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to discover:
What are the physical and chemical risks associated with this type of pollution? Thomas is determined to find out…
Click here to learn more about Thomas’s research!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Andrew Millison, an instructor of Permaculture at Oregon State University. Over the years, Andrew has developed an online instruction program in collaboration with Oregon State that has proven to be very successful. He does this with a level of artistry that piques the interest of individuals who may have otherwise dismissed the subject altogether.
This has allowed him to bring permaculture and sustainable living education all over the world…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will learn about:
Could permaculture and land regeneration be the answer to many of our environmental problems? Tune in to find out!
Want to learn more about Andrew Millison and his educational resources? Visit AndrewMillison.com and Youtube.com/AndrewMillison now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Elise Pickett joins us to discuss her mission to familiarize people with the benefits of home gardening. Elise runs The Urban Harvest LLC, a platform she uses to teach her community “how to grow an organic and sustainable edible garden.”
As Elise grew her knowledge regarding the modern food system and the toxicities that surround it, she decided to make a difference in her life by growing her own healthy and organic garden. This lifestyle shift eventually evolved into a community-wide effort of education and support.
Join in the conversation to learn more about:
What you put in your body directly influences your lifestyle as a whole. That’s why people like Elise are determined to give people the resources they need to make healthy and nutritious decisions about their diets.
Want to learn more about The Urban Harvest? Visit theurbanharvest.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Join us now in our conversation about aquaponics and environmental sustainability with Nancy Gift! Nancy is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Chair of the Sustainability and Environmental Studies Department at Berea College.
Nancy has an expansive background in agriculture, and got her Ph.D. in weed science from Cornell University in 2002. Since then, she has focused her research on environmental topics involving aquaponics and ecological sustainability.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will learn about:
Both aquaculture and hydroponic farming techniques create the basis of aquaponic systems, and Nancy tells us how these methods are utilized in real-world situations.
Want to find out more about Nancy Gift and her work? Visit www.berea.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined once again by Ken McCarthy, an activist, educator, entrepreneur, and internet commercialization pioneer. Ken is dedicated to enlightening the public on issues of significant importance – and his biggest project yet is the conversations we’ve had around COVID-19…
Ken recently wrote a book entitled, Unraveling the CoVid Con: The 2020-2022 Blog Posts of Ken McCarthy - How One Marketer Exposed The Truth When It Mattered. In this publication, he clearly illustrates the pitfalls of our government and news media in the face of a public crisis.
Click play to explore:
How has COVID altered the public’s mindset? Is the government and media really capable of deception on this scale? Join us now to find out for yourself!
Visit www.kenmccarthy.com to learn more about Ken McCarthy and his work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we discuss technologies that improve sustainability with Mark Holtzapple. Mark is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he has been doing research for nearly 37 years.
Mark’s research interests include the conversion of biomass to fuels, water desalination, high-efficiency air conditioning, high-thrust propulsion systems, the production of liquid natural gas, and more…
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Join us now to explore an innovative approach to sustainable development!
To find out more about Mark Holtzapple and his work, you can visit gfrc.tamu.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we connect with Anastasios “Taso” Arima, the CEO of IperionX. IperionX is a company that develops zero carbon sustainable critical minerals and metals. Its mission is to facilitate a “global transition towards a closed-loop, low-to-zero carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive green economy.”
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to discover:
Could titanium and other critical minerals and metals be the answer to a zero carbon future? Click play to find out now!
Click here to learn more about IperionX and its work!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the uncertainty of this modern world, it seems obvious that being prepared is a necessary safety precaution. But what does this look like? And what should you be prepared for?
If you are unsure of how to get started with your own prepping methods, you should consider the guidance of Charles from Survival Preparedness for Beginners. In this episode, he joins us to discuss his approach to proactive preparedness – and the benefits of doing so before it’s too late.
Survival Preparedness for Beginners is a platform that Chris uses to help ordinary people understand the value of being prepared for anything at any time. He does this by demonstrating how easy it is to prep – even on a budget…
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.
Join us now to hear Charles discuss:
You can learn more about Charles and his work with Survival Preparedness for Beginners by visiting his Youtube channel here, and his website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today, we welcome Logan Christopher back to the podcast. Logan is the CEO of Lost Empire Herbs, a family-run natural supplement company that was created by three like-minded brothers that have a passion for living a healthy lifestyle.
Lost Empire Herbs ships its products around the world to consumers who are seeking to enhance their health by supplementing with potent herbal extracts. Targeted for both men and women, these supplements are assured to give you more energy, mental focus, better sleep, hormone health, and more…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Click play to learn about:
Are you wondering how you can take your health to the next level? Lost Empire Herbs may be the answer you’ve been looking for!
You can purchase these products for yourself by visiting Lostempireherbs.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today’s day and age, self-sustainability is more important than ever. And with the many educators on the internet, gaining access to this knowledge is becoming increasingly simple.
Joining us today to chat about his experience working with nature is Mark Valencia. Mark has a Youtube channel called Self Sufficient Me. On this channel, Mark educates viewers about realistic self-sufficient living, organic gardening, keeping wildlife, and more.
After leaving the military in 2008, Mark became an at-home dad that focused his efforts on gardening and self-sustainable living practices. After years of developing his skills in this area, Mark decided to document his methods to share with the world.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play to learn about:
As Mark often says, ”you don’t have to be self-sufficient in everything, just be self-sufficient in something.”
You can find the Self Sufficient Me Youtube channel here, and website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we chat with John Jaquish, a scientist, mentor, and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author. John’s book, Weight Lifting Is a Waste of Time: So Is Cardio, and There’s a Better Way to Have the Body You Want, is essentially a summary of his approach to fitness.
Your body is more capable than you may think… In this episode, we’ll explore John’s background and how it led him to this specific lifestyle practice.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.Join us now to explore:
Have we been looking at fitness all wrong? Listen now as John outlines what you can do to maintain a healthy and effective workout routine!
To learn more about John Jaquish, his book, and the X3 Bar, visit www.jaquishbiomedical.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, author of the new book, The Secret World of Stem Cell Therapy. In this publication, Dr. Von Schwarz presents a comprehensive outline of the secrets and presently known facts concerning stem cell therapy.
Dr. von Schwarz is a world-renowned, triple board certified clinical and academic cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and UC Riverside. His years of research on stem cell therapy have led him to make fascinating discoveries that are transforming the medical community.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. Life is a patented blend of essential amino acids that works to improve strength, heart health, and overall quality of life so you can stay healthy and active as you age. It’s an easy-to-use powder that you mix with water for a delicious drink that keeps you healthy. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.
Listen now to hear Dr. von Schwarz discuss:
Want to find out more about Dr. von Schwarz and his research? Visit www.drvonschwarz.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As the world moves toward more audio-dominant media, many professionals are seeing this as an opportunity for business exposure and marketing success. However, few know the strategies that allow you to do this effectively and efficiently…
Joining us today is Omar Mo, the Founder and CEO of Nomads Cast. Omar has been a digital nomad for years, giving him insight into the world of location-independent employment and sustainable marketing tactics.
With Nomads Cast, Omar and his team assist businesses in producing “lead-generating podcasts and content that transforms their brand to the next level.” This approach has helped countless enterprises achieve marketing success – all through empowering business models and growing platforms.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
In this episode, you will learn about:
You can find out more about Nomads Cast and their approach by visiting www.nomadscast.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Richard M. Cruse, a professor in the Agronomy Department at Iowa State University and Director of the Iowa Water Center. Dr. Cruse has always been deeply fascinated with soil health and water quality, and his current research reflects this.
Presently, Dr. Cruse focuses his time on analyzing water-driven soil erosion rates. More specifically, he researches the ways that erosion is affected by rainfall, soil type, soil slope, and management.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.
Click play to explore:
Want to learn about the intricacies of soil health and how it influences our environment? Join us now to learn from an expert at the forefront of this research!
You can find out more about Dr. Cruse by visiting faculty.sites.iastate.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Jess Klain, the founder of Physio Yoga & Wellness. With her career and personal aspirations always evolving, Jess is devoted to refining her approach to physical therapy by integrating lifestyle changes like nutrition, yoga, and healthy exercise into her practice.
In light of the imperfections that exist within our healthcare system, Jess is taking action by departing from traditional physical therapy and engaging with holistic wellness treatments.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. In a clinical trial, muscle protein synthesis from exercise more than tripled by using Perform as compared to whey protein. Perform is formulated to minimize muscle breakdown during exercise and maximize muscle growth after exercise. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.
Click play to explore:
Want to learn more about Jess and her work with Physio Yoga & Wellness? Visit www.physioyogaandwellness.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we chat with prepping expert Stacy Zivicki. She joins us to address important topics such as sustainable agriculture, food preservation, homesteading, and farm freedom. Stacy educates people around the world on these subjects via her platform, Sustainable Stewards.
Sustainable Stewards is on a mission to teach and guide people on how to achieve a self-sufficient sustainable lifestyle – independent from society’s resources.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..
Join us now to hear Stacy discuss:
Want to learn how you can take a proactive approach to self-sufficiency? Stacy is certainly the right person to take advice from!
To watch Stacy’s informational videos click here, and to purchase Sustainable Stewards merchandise click here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The internet allows us to exchange information so efficiently that location is becoming obsolete. As a result, working from anywhere is becoming increasingly more accessible.
What if you had the opportunity to ditch your conventional job and get paid from a reliable source anywhere in the world? In this episode, we chat with an expert that can show you exactly how to do just that.
Kristin Wilson is the host of Badass Digital Nomads Podcast, a show that explores the freedoms and flexibilities that online work can offer. In her podcast, Kristin and her guests guide listeners on how to transition from a classic 9-5 work schedule to a location-independent job.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.Join us now to explore:
Want to learn how you can make this transformation yourself? Visit www.travelingwithkristin.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever wondered how the game of chess can impact real-life skills? In this episode, we connect with an individual that is committed to using chess to develop and expand young minds: Elliott Neff.
Elliott is the founder and CEO of Chess4Life, a platform that teaches kids critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and other important life lessons through chess.
Elliott is also a master of chess, and he has reached this level mostly through self-studying techniques. He holds the Professional Chess Coaching Certification - Level V – the highest level of certification awarded by USCF.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Join us now to learn more about:
Want to learn more about Chess4Life and its mission to change young lives? Visit chess4life.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with a long-time professional in the medical device industry: Robert Cohen. Robert is the President of Stryker’s Digital, Robotics, and Enabling Technologies — an organization that uses robots for surgery.
With over 35 years of experience in this industry, Robert has been on the cutting-edge of healthcare technology for decades. His latest venture with Stryker has been instrumental in providing orthopedic implants for individuals who need them with significantly higher success rates.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. Life is a patented blend of essential amino acids that works to improve strength, heart health, and overall quality of life so you can stay healthy and active as you age. It’s an easy-to-use powder that you mix with water for a delicious drink that keeps you healthy. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.Join us now to learn about:
When it comes to surgery, are robots more efficient than doctors? Robert speaks on this and much more in this informative podcast on medical innovation!
To learn more about how you can gain access to this technology, visit www.stryker.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Tune in to our fascinating chat about biblical history with Marc Brettler!
Marc is a member of the American Academy for Jewish Research and the Council of the Society of Biblical Literature. In addition to this, Marc is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University, where he researches subjects such as the Hebrew Bible, biblical historical texts, the Bible and gender, the book of Psalms, and more…
The complexities of biblical history continues to astound scholars to this day. Whether you are newly exploring spirituality or a theological aficionado, this podcast is sure to pique your interest!
Offer: This episode is sponsored by X3Bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3Bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout. Join us now to hear Marc talk about:By clicking here, you can find out more about Marc Brettler and his research!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman, the author of ”The Molecule of More”. Dr. Lieberman joins us in anticipation of his newest book “Spellbound”, which is out on August 23rd. “Spellbound” is a work that focuses on the unconscious mind – something that many people don’t realize plays a major role in their lives.
Dr. Liberman is a psychiatrist on the faculty at George Washington University, where he does a combination of teaching, patient care, and writing. He has also an award-winning educator, a recipient of the Caron Foundation Research Award, and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed book chapters and articles.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Click play to learn more about:
Listen now to learn how you may be able to harness the power of your subconscious mind!
To learn more about Dr. Lieberman visit www.danielzlieberman.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Here to chat with us about responsible government and democracy is Peter MacLeod. Peter is the founder and principal of MASS LBP, an organization based in Toronto, Canada that seeks to improve the relationship between citizens and their government. They do this by bringing people together to have constructive democratic conversations in order to make governmental decisions.
If you’re living in a democracy but feel like things aren’t quite right, you’re not alone. Peter and MASS aim to change this by refining democracy to what it is meant to be: citizen-centered.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. In a clinical trial, muscle protein synthesis from exercise more than tripled by using Perform as compared to whey protein. Perform is formulated to minimize muscle breakdown during exercise and maximize muscle growth after exercise. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop
Join us now to learn about:
To learn more about Peter Macleod and his work with MASS, visit masslbp.com now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we talk with Aaron Dukes, Esquire from Dukes Legal, P.A. Aaron Dukes is not only an attorney, but he is also a cattle rancher and farmer that is an expert in agriculture and livestock raising.
Aaron spends his time taking care of his cattle operation and experimenting with small-scale gardening methods. Being self-sufficient requires a multi-faceted skillset, and Aaron describes what it takes to take part in this rugged lifestyle.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by X3bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkout.
Listen now to learn about:
Do you have what it takes to produce your own food supply? With economic uncertainty in the future, it is certainly worth finding out!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Science and spirituality seem to be worlds apart, especially in this day and age. But what if they actually made each other stronger?
In this episode, we sit down with Sy Garte, a research scientist and author of The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith. In this captivating book, Sy describes the significant shift in his scientific and spiritual worldview – showing readers how he discovered an alliance between science and faith.
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by Lost Empire Herbs. Right now, Lost Empire Herb’s bestselling Pine Pollen is now available for just one penny, plus shipping and handling. Go to www.GeniusPollen.com to find out more and grab yourself a bag today. No hidden charges, no trial offer, no shenanigans. Just a low cost way to try Lost Empire Herbs’ top product for next to nothing. If you’re looking for 100% natural hormonal support for men and women YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THIS..Join us now to uncover:
Whether you are casually contemplating spirituality or a devout Christian, this podcast will surely intrigue you!
To learn more about Sy Garte and his work, visit sygarte.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Returning to the podcast is Alex Backer, Ph.D., a scientist, inventor, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. He joins us to discuss his latest project based on cutting-edge drone technology: drisit.
Drisit is a platform that allows users to control a drone anywhere on earth using their phone or computer. This project aims to connect us in a global community that goes beyond the platform and gives us access to an abundance of live data – all at your fingertips…
Offer: This Podcast is Sponsored by X3bar.com. X3 is the first exercise device to deliver force in line with the variable capabilities of human movement. When you train like this, you go to a far greater level of fatigue, which triggers a far greater level of growth. Go to X3bar.com and learn more about the professional athletes that use X3 exclusively as well as many before after transformations this discovery has caused. Enter the code LIFTSMARTER for $50 off at checkoutListen now to hear Alex talk about:
Are you interested in seeing the world through an innovative lens? Drisit is a fascinating way to start!
To learn more about drisit and its inventive approach to drone technology, visit drisit.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Kenneth Oliveira, the Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Kenneth has a very interesting research interest: the biology of American eels.
In this episode, we explore the intricacies of an animal that has been ecologically successful in a variety of different ways. The American eel has among the widest habitat ranges of any other fish in the world, making them fascinating creatures to study.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. Life is a patented blend of essential amino acids that works to improve strength, heart health, and overall quality of life so you can stay healthy and active as you age. It’s an easy-to-use powder that you mix with water for a delicious drink that keeps you healthy. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.
Join us now to learn about:
Want to absorb fascinating information about the American eel? Click play now!
You can find out more about Kenneth Oliveira and his work by visiting www.researchgate.net.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us again on the podcast is Dr. Bill McGraw, a prolific research scientist and the author of Aluminum Detox: An Easy Solution and Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease. In this episode, Dr. McGraw shares evidence illustrating aluminum toxicity’s threats, how it’s related to Alzheimer’s disease, and a cure that he may have uncovered with his research.
According to Dr. McGraw, the truth is much simpler than throwing drugs and gene therapies at a terminal disease. Listen now as he describes how this illness can be prevented by utilizing the discoveries he has made in his analysis.
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In this episode, you will hear Dr. McGraw discuss:
Could Alzheimer’s disease be an ailment of the past? How does aluminum influence cognitive abilities? Join us to find out!
Click here to find out more about Dr. McGraw and his cutting-edge research.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we address important environmental issues with Kalliat T. Valsaraj. Kalliat is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Louisianna State University, and he focuses his research on the impacts of plastic and wastewater pollution on the environment.
Working in the area of environmental transport and transformation of chemicals, Kalliat is determined to find out the behavior of microplastics – analyzing how they are generated and how they interact with the environment.
Join us now to explore:
Want to learn more about Kalliat T. Valsaraj and his work with microplastics? Visit scholar.google.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Bhuvnesh Bharti, an Associate Professor at the LSU Department of Chemical Engineering. He joins us today to talk about oil spill management and recovery.
Bhuvnesh’s research at LSU focuses on understanding and programming the behavior of micron and nano-sized particles in liquids, specifically in microplastics and oil spills. Finding eco-friendly alternatives to these issues is of great importance to Bhuvnesh and his research group – as uncovering solutions will contribute to a healthier future for our planet.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. In a clinical trial, muscle protein synthesis from exercise more than tripled by using Perform as compared to whey protein. Perform is formulated to minimize muscle breakdown during exercise and maximize muscle growth after exercise. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.
This episode covers subjects such as:
Want to learn more about Bhuvnesh’s work with oil spill research? Visit www.cbe.ncsu.edu and www.lsu.edu now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Abhaya Dandekar, a Distinguished Professor at UC Davis and Director at the Plant Transformation Facility. Abhaya focuses his research on the dissection of plant phenotypes in order to describe plant responses. He aims to do this by defining the underlying molecular genetics at work – as well as the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that manage the response.
Click play to learn more about:
In this episode, we absorb in-depth information on fruit trees, vineyards, and other plants by exploring the fascinating world of molecular genetics!
You can access Abhaya Dandekar’s research for yourself by visiting scholar.google.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we examine all things related to mitochondrial genetics and disease with Keshav K. Singh, Ph.D. Mitochondrial function affects more in your body than you may realize, and Dr. Singh shares some very interesting knowledge on this matter…
Dr. Singh is the Joy and Bill Harbert Endowed Chair and the Director of the Cancer Genetics Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to this, he is also a Professor of Genetics, Pathology, and Environmental Health.
As a professional at the forefront of mitochondrial research and medicine, Dr. Singh is committed to discovering the role of mitochondria in all cell types.
Join us now to hear Dr. Singh discuss:
Want to learn more about the complexities of mitochondrial research? You can find Dr. Singh’s research by clicking here! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we have the opportunity to talk with Alice Siu, the Associate Director for the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University. She joins us to discuss economic issues surrounding deliberation and sortition – highlighting ways to improve our democracy with citizen participation.
Alice has devoted much of her time and research to examining the socio-economic effects of deliberative polling and obtaining the opinions of an informed public.
Listen now to hear Alice address:
You can learn more about Alice Siu’s work with Deliberative Democracy Lab by clicking here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Join us today in our engaging discussion about pregnancy and childbirth with Sarah Lavonne! Sarah is an accomplished labor nurse, birth coach, and the Founder/CEO of Bundle Birth.
Sarah has worn many hats in the healthcare industry, particularly in the area of obstetrics. Using her extensive knowledge of this field, she went on to start Bundle Birth – an organization that provides education and support for families giving birth and delivery nurses within the medical community.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. Life is a patented blend of essential amino acids that works to improve strength, heart health, and overall quality of life so you can stay healthy and active as you age. It’s an easy-to-use powder that you mix with water for a delicious drink that keeps you healthy. To get 30% off use code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop.
Click play to learn about:
You can learn more about Sarah Lavonne and her work with Bundle Birth by visiting www.bundlebirth.com and www.youtube.com!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we have a conversation with Gregg Beckham, a Senior Research Fellow at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Gregg received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from MIT in 2007 and has gone on to pursue specialized research in energy and environmental applications toward sustainable energy and environmental pollution remediation.
As the Chief Consecutive Officer of the BOTTLE Consortium at NREL, Gregg is heading up the research on the management, recycling, and upcycling of plastics. The vision for BOTTLE is to “deliver technologies that will incentivize the reclamation of waste plastics to enable a circular plastics economy”.
Tune in now to hear Gregg discuss:
How are professionals finding inventive ways to take care of our environment? Join us now to find out!
Click here to learn more about Gregg’s work with NREL!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever wondered how to cultivate your own farm? Joe Foster has a YouTube channel dedicated to just that. Entitled Growit Buildit, Joe’s videos provide detailed accounts of how to set up a garden, how to compost, and other essential farming techniques.
Being self-sustainable starts with a dependable food supply – and Joe is committed to equipping people with the resources necessary to get started with their own gardens.
In this episode, you will learn about:
You can learn more about Joe Foster and his work with Growit Buildit by visiting his website and Youtube channel!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, Dr. Robert Wolfe from the Amino Company, joins us to talk about Essential amino acids and how they influence aging and longevity. Dr. Wolfe is the CoFounder of The Amino Company, a business founded to develop and market products based on amino acids.
Over the years, Dr. Wolfe’s research led him to establish 15 different patents that specifically address metabolic problems. The Amino Company was born to sponsor this research and manufacture products that the general public can benefit from.
Offer: This episode is sponsored by The Amino Company. The Amino Company offers 100% science-backed amino acids formulas that taste great and is easy to incorporate into the daily routine. It’s Keto-friendly, Soy-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, without any nasty NON-GMOs. In a clinical trial, muscle protein synthesis from exercise more than tripled by using Perform as compared to whey protein. Perform is formulated to minimize muscle breakdown during exercise and maximize muscle growth after exercise. To get 30% off by using code GENIUS at check out when you visit Amino Co to shop now!In this discussion, Dr. Wolfe tackles subjects such as:
Are you looking for ways to take charge of your health in highly functional ways? Visit aminoco.com now to get your hands on The Amino Company’s innovative products!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Ever been curious about the lactation process? Kassi Reyes, a registered nurse, doula, and lactation expert joins us today to talk about all things human lactation. Kassi does online courses for parents and has a Youtube channel where she provides lactation-specific videos to families all over the world.
Click play to explore:
Whether you’re currently having problems with breastfeeding or are anticipating a little one in the future, this podcast is a must-listen! To learn more about Kassi Reyes and her work, visit www.kassireyes.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we have a conversation with Jay “The Famous Mommy”. Jay has a Youtube channel where she provides breastfeeding education and real-life documentaries educating parents on the art of breastfeeding and raising children.
Understanding the intricacies of human lactation without the proper resources is challenging. Jay is committed to making this information accessible to those who need it so that they can make healthy and informed decisions about the well-being of their children.
Join us now to learn more about:
You can learn more about Jay “The Famous Mommy” by visiting her educational Youtube channel here and her website here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Where do we turn if we cannot feed our newborns? Baby formula shortages are becoming a real problem, and parents are being forced to find creative ways out of this conundrum . . .
In this episode, we are joined by Ammie Harris, the founder of Ammie Harris Homestead. Ammie sits down to chat with us about the baby formula shortage, and how she has come up with holistic alternatives to this invaluable resource. Using her Youtube channel and blog as a platform, Ammie has dedicated much of her time to educating people on this important topic and providing essential motherhood tips.
Click play to explore:
Do you want to master new ways to be a self-sustaining parent? Access Ammie Harris’s educational resources by visiting her blog here and her Youtube channel here!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When life continues to knock you down, it gets harder and harder to get back up. However, when we are able to overcome hardship, it allows us to refine our character and be an example to others in difficult positions.
This is the case with Pat Armitstead. Pat is a multi-award-winning speaker and author that focuses on stress, anxiety, and wellbeing at work. Coming from a turbulent background, Pat has built up resilience in the face of adversity. This has equipped her with the tools necessary to help others battle their own psychological demons with the proactive prevention of health problems and stress.
Join us now to discover:
Want to learn more about Pat and her mission to encourage people facing life challenges? Visit Joyology.co.nz now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Here on the podcast to contribute her knowledge on climate science is Eri Saikawa. Eri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Emory University. She primarily focuses her research on how emissions affect humans and the environment, and what economic policies may be able to reduce this problem.
Join us now to explore:
How can scientists work with governments to take action against air pollution? Eri Saikawa and researchers like her are committed to finding innovative ways to tackle this issue and others like it.
Click here to learn more about Eri Saikawa and her work! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we connect with Chris Impey, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. Chris’s astronomy research interests lie in observational cosmology – the process of using telescopes and other devices to study the far-reaching structure and evolution of the universe.
In this fascinating episode, Chris discusses all things astronomy – from active galaxies to black holes . . .
Join us now to learn about:
The mysteries of the cosmos continue to captivate researchers. Observational cosmology is a field that uncovers many groundbreaking discoveries about the qualities of our universe, and Chris Impey is one of the great minds behind it.
To learn more about Chris Impey and his work, visit chrisimpey-astronomy.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the past, tattooing was often regarded as a “gritty” industry. But as it evolves, it has become much more than that. In this episode, we chat with Becky Barker about a restorative approach to tattooing that can help people in a medical context.
Becky is a professional medical tattoo artist that empowers people recovering from surgery, self-harm, and other conditions by reviving their confidence in their bodies. By utilizing cosmetic-based tattooing techniques, Becky has helped countless individuals view themselves more healthily and confidently.
Listen now to hear Becky talk about:
Join us now to explore the influence medical tattooing can have on a person’s healing process! To find out more about Becky Barker and her career, visit www.beckyadelaidetattoo.co.uk.
Joining the podcast today is Peter Hore, a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford. Peter researches a very peculiar topic: the navigational abilities of night migratory songbirds. In this episode, he educates us on how birds navigate using magnetic sensing – highlighting their innate biophysical mechanisms.
By listening in you can learn about:
What makes the magnetic sensibilities of birds so astounding? Click play to find out! You can connect with Peter Hore’s research for yourself by clicking here and here.
Joining us in today’s podcast is Karis Johnston, a farmer in the Dallas-metro area that sells her goods at various local farmer’s markets around Texas. Karis sits down to discuss her lifestyle as a nurse-turned-farmer and the benefits of ingesting fresh foods from local sources.
Click play to learn more about:
What can you do to improve your diet with refined eating habits? Karis joins us to answer this question and others like it in this enlightening episode about sustainable farming!
To learn more about Karis and her farming methods visit here and here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RI41s2
Agriculture is a vital part of our society’s health and welfare. Without it, our civilization wouldn't exist as it currently does – and it's all made possible by hard-working farmers.
Addressing his own background in agriculture is Joel Salatin – an author, farmer, and lecturer who raises livestock on his Polyface Farm in Virginia. Joel has been an integral part of regenerative agriculture for decades. He has also authored 15 books where he outlines the benefits of local food systems, small farms, and “the right to opt-out of the conventional food paradigm”.
Listen now to hear Joel discuss:
What is the future of food production in these uncertain times? Tune in now to find out!
Click here to learn more about Joel Salatin and his role in innovative agriculture.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PueipI
In this episode, we connect with Ole Kristian Sivertsen, the President and Group CEO of Desert Control. Ole is a “hope maker and climate optimist” that is compelled to make proactive changes to the environmental crisis. Working with Desert Control, Ole has set out to make the Earth green again by stopping and reversing desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity.
Tune in now to learn more about:
Could Desert Control hold the key to a greener future? Visit their website to find out more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ze4tXQ
In this episode, we connect with Hamid Khoja, the Chief Scientific Officer of FibroBiologics. With experience as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry, Hamid now works with FibroBiologics using fibroblast cells to cure chronic diseases. Fibroblasts are among the most abundant cells in the human body, and medical professionals are finding that they can be used effectively in regenerative medicine.
Join us now to learn about:
You can see the innovative research behind fibroblasts for yourself by visiting www.fibrobiologics.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Ph80Kh
In this episode, we are joined by Katie from Good Patriot. Good Patriot is a platform that Katie uses to inform people about proactive ways to exercise their freedom while being prepared for an uncertain future.
Whatever may be on the horizon, having a preparation mindset offers a heightened sense of security to you and your loved ones. Good Patriot aims to give people the agency they need to make educated decisions about their welfare by supplying them with insightful information about the state of the world and how to safely navigate it.
Click play to learn about:
Want to find out more about Katie and her work with Good Patriot? Visit www.goodpatriot.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3oefsds
In this episode, we have the opportunity to talk with Sara Schley, the author of BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum. As someone that has faced mental health issues herself, Sara uses her experiences to help other people struggling with psychological conditions by providing them with education and understanding.
Tune in now to learn more about:
Discover the benefits of understanding psychological health by tuning into this explorative podcast!
You can get familiar with Sara’s work by visiting https://saraschley.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3B23U4C
Joining us in this episode is Charles Dowding, the author of No Dig: Nurture Your Soil to Grow Better Veg with Less Effort, and other books that are centered around modern no dig and organic soil management gardening practices.
Charles is an English horticulturist who has been working in this field since 1983, and he devotes much of his time and skills to educating people about this effective gardening technique. In addition to his work as an author, Charles also has a popular Youtube channel that shows these methods in action.
Click play to discover:
To find out more about Charles Dowding and his approach to no dig gardening, visit charlesdowding.co.uk. Get AudioBook of Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardening: Course 1: https://adbl.co/3nWhS0c
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3J3eURr
Today we sit down with Andrey Ethan Rubin, a Ph.D. student in the Zucker lab at Tel Aviv University (TAU). Andry is a researcher that focuses his efforts on dealing with the health and environmental hazards that arise due to microplastic contamination in the aquatic environment.
Join us now to learn about:
While microplastic pollution is still widely regarded as a mystery, researchers like Andrey Rubin are playing important roles in uncovering the nature of this problem, and what we can do to solve it . . .
To learn more about Andrey Rubin and his work with microplastics, visit www.researchgate.net.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OhqAAT
In this episode, we chat with Chris Taylor, who is also known as the “financial prepper”. Chris is a content creator that is has dedicated his time to educating people about how to prepare themselves for potential hardships in the future.
Listen in to discover:
Are you prepared for economic hardship? By listening to this episode, you may have the insight you’ve been looking for to get started with a constructive plan of action!
You can access Chris Taylor’s advice for yourself by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RI3hTM
In this episode, we are joined by Jay Fields, an educator, coach, and author. As someone who is committed to helping others manage their emotions, Jay has created various coaching programs that have been utilized by over 250,000 people on their quest toward a healthy emotional life.
Click play to hear Jay discuss:
Are you seeking ways to productively manage your emotional well-being? Jay Fields has tips on where you can start this journey with intentional presence of mind. You can learn more about Jay Fields and her work by visiting jay-fields.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yLaxFI
Today we are joined by Tom Kirkham, the CEO & Founder of IronTech Security. IronTech Security is a company that offers cybersecurity solutions to organizations of all sizes around the country. With over three decades of experience in this field, Tom started this service to provide cybersecurity defense to businesses who need it.
Listen now to hear Tom discuss:
Are you curious about the proper cybersecurity precautions to take for your business? Tom is here to point you in the right direction . . .
By vising irontechsecurity.com, you can find out more about the intricacies and importance of cybersecurity. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ySdwfr
In this episode, we chat with Hans Plugge, the principal at Safer Chemical Analytics LLC. With a background in environmental chemistry and toxicology, Hans focuses his expertise on the sustainability of environmental chemicals and the specialty consulting of chemical firms.
Tune in now to discover:
Is toxicology risk assessment an overlooked area of sustainability? Join us in this podcast to find out!
You can learn more about Hans and his work with Safer Chemicals Analytics saferchemicalanalyticsllc.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IO8t4k
Today we sit down with Paul Douglas (“Doug”) Tougaw, a full professor and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Valparaiso University. Doug has an extensive background in both electrical engineering and applied physics. With this multifaceted knowledge, Doug focuses on applying physics (primarily quantum physics) to solve problems that are relevant to electrical engineering – also known as Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA).
Join us as Doug discusses topics such as:
To find out more about QCA, search on Google Scholar here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OipSmM
In this episode, we are joined by John Prisco, the CEO and Founder of Safe Quantum Incorporated. Safe Quantum Inc. works with data-driven companies to “define, develop and deploy quantum-safe technologies”. With 11 years of experience running a cybersecurity company, John has focused his efforts on developing effective cybersecurity with quantum technology.
Listen now to learn more about:
What role does quantum computing play in the future of cybersecurity? Click play to find out!
To learn more about John and his efforts with Safe Quantum Inc., visit safequantum.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Ph7Keo
In this episode, we are joined by John Prisco, the CEO and Founder of Safe Quantum Incorporated. Safe Quantum Inc. works with data-driven companies to “define, develop and deploy quantum-safe technologies”. With 11 years of experience running a cybersecurity company, John has focused his efforts on developing effective cybersecurity with quantum technology.
Listen now to learn more about:
What role does quantum computing play in the future of cybersecurity? Click play to find out!
To learn more about John and his efforts with Safe Quantum Inc., visit safequantum.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Patrick Flynn, a Chiropractor, and founder of The Wellness Way. In addition to his work as a medical professional, Dr. Flynn authored the internationally bestselling book, I DISAGREE: How These Two Words are the Secret to Thinking Differently and Taking Control of Your Health. With over 23 years of medical experience, Dr. Flynn has devoted much of his effort to educating people about their health and wellness.
Listen now to learn about:
What can we gain from taking a new approach to healthcare and doctoring? Tune in now to find out!
You can engage with Dr. Flynn and his work by visiting thewellnessway.com and drpatrickflynn.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3PEgTO4
It makes sense that anywhere that has a dry climate should seek alternative sources of water. In this podcast, we chat with Tucson business owner, Brad Lancaster about his approach to this issue.
Brad Lancaster works in permaculture and regenerative design with a particular focus on water harvesting. Living in a dryland environment himself, Brad has focused on informing individuals about this subject by authoring the two-volume book series, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and beyond, a resource that provides in-depth information on water harvesting.
Click play to learn more about:
Visit www.harvestingrainwater.com to absorb more information about this fascinating subject!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3ILbqCR
Today we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Alan Lindemann, an obstetric physician that has delivered more than 6,000 babies over his four decades of medical practice. Dr. Lindemann has devoted his career to reducing maternal mortality by educating women and their families on how to have a healthy pregnancy and lifestyle.
Join us now to hear Dr. Lindemann discuss:
What factors contribute to maternal mortality, and what will it take to diminish them? Dr. Lindemann joins us to answer this question and others like it . . . To learn more about Dr. Lindemann and his mission, visit lindemannmd.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3aheCZU
In this episode, we are joined by Paul Shapiro. Paul Shapiro is the CEO of The Better Meat Co., the author of the national bestseller Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World, a four-time TEDx speaker, and the host of the Business for Good Podcast. The Better Meat Co. is a business that manufactures meat without animals, bringing to life a mission that Paul is committed to: weaning humanity off of the addiction of raising and slaughtering animals for food.
Listen in to explore:
Could this be the future of meat production? What role does this play in mitigating the environmental problems that factory farming contributes to? Tune in now to find out!
You can learn more about The Better Meat Co. by visiting www.bettermeat.co. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How many species are in your salad mix?
It’s probably not a question you’ve ever asked yourself, but the what, why, and how of the answer is worth exploring.
Seed expert and professor emeritus at UC Davis, Kent Bradford, shares unique and interesting insight into the world of plant biology, seed germination, and propagation.
Press play to learn:
Over the course of his career, Bradford has studied almost all things seed biology. This includes everything from the production and use of vegetable seeds in crop production, to the planting, development, and storage of seeds, to the physiology and biology of germination.
Anyone -- whether large-scale farmer or individual looking to grow a single plant -- can learn something from this episode.
Tune in for all the details. https://bradford.ucdavis.edu/ Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us in this episode is Iain Walker. Iain is the Executive Director of the newDemocracy Foundation (nDF) in Australia and has done various work in both local and state-level governments. As an individual that is interested in the innovation of democracy, Iain has focused his efforts on sortition-based research – aiming to make citizens’ assemblies a functional part of democratic decision-making.
Click play to learn about:
What are the benefits of elevating the voices of citizens? Join us now to find out!You can find out more about Iain Walker and newDemocracy Foundation by visiting www.newdemocracy.com.au.
Today’s episode is unique: 5 industry leaders cut to the chase and share their #1 piece of health advice.
It’s powerful information packed into bite-sized pieces:
#1 - Be the boss of your own body. You are the CEO of your own body. Work WITH your health care providers – don’t blindly submit to what they tell you.
#2 - Don’t eat food that isn’t food. No, this expert isn’t talking about highly processed food and food dyes: she’s talking about certain groups on the food pyramid that most people have been led to believe are nourishing their body.
#3 - Center your meals around protein. Consequently, you could feel more energized, minimize inflammation in the body, and live a longer life.
#4 - Take 100% self-responsibility for your health. Do this on all levels - physical, emotional, and mental. You have the power to heal yourself - all you have to do is find it. Understand food as medicine, how your intuition can lead you to healing self-discoveries, and listen to your gut (microbiota).
#5 - Love yourself. When you begin to truly love yourself, you want to treat your body well; you want to move it, nourish it with the proper foods, give it rest, remove the stress from it, and use it to do the things that bring you joy. In the process, you can heal yourself physically.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today’s episode is unique: 5 industry leaders cut to the chase and share their #1 piece of health advice.
It’s powerful information packed into bite-sized pieces:
#1 - Be the boss of your own body. You are the CEO of your own body. Work WITH your health care providers – don’t blindly submit to what they tell you.
#2 - Don’t eat food that isn’t food. No, this expert isn’t talking about highly processed food and food dyes: she’s talking about certain groups on the food pyramid that most people have been led to believe are nourishing their body.
#3 - Center your meals around protein. Consequently, you could feel more energized, minimize inflammation in the body, and live a longer life.
#4 - Take 100% self-responsibility for your health. Do this on all levels - physical, emotional, and mental. You have the power to heal yourself - all you have to do is find it. Understand food as medicine, how your intuition can lead you to healing self-discoveries, and listen to your gut (microbiota).
#5 - Love yourself. When you begin to truly love yourself, you want to treat your body well; you want to move it, nourish it with the proper foods, give it rest, remove the stress from it, and use it to do the things that bring you joy. In the process, you can heal yourself physically.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Maddock, a best-selling author and entrepreneurial anthropologist who has dedicated his efforts to inspiring and empowering curiosity. Most recently, Mike published Plan D: Lessons from the World's Most Successful Disruptors, a book that explores the power of solving problems with disruptive ideas.
Listen now as Mike covers subjects like:
Are you ready to seize possibility, but don’t know where to begin? This podcast may be just what you need to get started!
You can learn more about Mike Maddock and his work by visiting www.mike-maddock.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we sit down with Shmuel Lederman, Ph.D. Dr. Lederman is part of The Weiss-Livnat Center for Holocaust Research at Haifa University, and specializes in both political theory and genocide science. Most recently, Dr. Lederman has focused his research efforts on participatory democracy, a form of democracy that involves citizens making decisions about the issues that directly affect them.
Click play to learn about:
What are the political theories that surround issues like participatory democracy? Join us now to find out!
You can learn more about Dr. Lederman and his research by visiting academia.edu/ShmuelLederman.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The interconnectivity between humans and nature is inherent, yet often overlooked. This begs the question: How can we use this connection to build a healthier relationship with our planet and its inhabitants?
In this episode, we are joined by Tom Oliver, critically acclaimed author of The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of Our Connection to Each Other and the Natural World. In addition to his work as an author, Tom is also a Professor of Applied Ecology at the University of Reading.
Listen now to hear about:
You can get in touch with Tom Oliver by clicking here, and purchasing a copy of his book here. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Shawn Rowland, M.D., the founder and CEO of Jase Medical. Jase Medical is a telemedicine platform that helps prepare people for emergency situations by supplying them with antibiotics.
As a board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Rowland has experience in border health and clinical global health and has dedicated his practice to providing patients with access to life-saving medications.
Tune in to hear Dr. Rowland discuss:
You can learn more about Dr. Rowland and Jase Medical by visiting jasemedical.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we sit down to talk with David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM, a Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine expert that specializes in nutrition and wellness. Dr. Katz focuses his time and attention on researching and educating people about healthy lifestyle habits that can prevent chronic disease.
Tune in to delve into subjects such as:
You can explore Dr. Katz’s work by visiting davidkatzmd.com and truehealthinitiative.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Today we chat with Michael Slepian, the leading expert on the psychology of secrets who authored the book, The Secret Life of Secrets: How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-Being, Relationships, and Who We Are. With an expansive knowledge of social psychology, Michael has written over 50 articles on truth, secrecy, and deception, and is the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia University.
In this episode, we discuss topics such as:
Secrets are a complex psychological subject that many people don’t think about. By tuning in now, you may learn more about yourself by considering your own relationships with secrets . . .
You can engage with Michael Slepian and his work by visiting michaelslepian.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The complexities that exist within the human brain continue to stump scientists to this day. Among the most mysterious brain workings is the formation and storage of memories – and some researchers are unearthing fascinating discoveries about the inner workings of this phenomenon.
In this episode, we discuss topics related to neuroscience and memories with Dr. Ueli Rutishauser. Dr. Rutishauser is a Professor and Chair of the Board of Governors in Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he researches the characteristics of human memory.
Join us now to explore:
To learn more about Dr. Rutishauser and his research, visit rutishauserlab.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QDAm2D
In this episode, we are joined by Olly Dowlen, the author of The Political Potential of Sortition: A study of the random selection of citizens for public office (Sortition and Public Policy), a book that examines the benefits that sortition can bring to the political community. As a researcher, Olly is interested in the value of involving citizens in the democratic decision-making process by utilizing randomly selected control groups.
Listen now to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Organifi. To receive a 20% Off on your order, use the coupon code GENIUS at checkout. Go to https://www.organifishop.com/pages/genius/ to shop now!
What would it look like for democracies to start involving their people with sortition-based political strategies? Click play to find out!
You can explore more about sortition by purchasing Olly’s book here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OnQvY6
Do you love traveling? Do you love having the freedom to be where you want, when you want, doing what you want? Do you hate taxes?
If so, this episode is for you.
Andrew Henderson, founder of Nomad Capitalist, shares the invaluable knowledge he’s gained through numerous entrepreneurial ventures and his travels to 100+ countries over the past 12 years.
Tune in to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Organifi. To receive a 20% Off on your order, use the coupon code GENIUS at checkout. Go to https://www.organifishop.com/pages/genius/ to shop now!
For over a decade, Nomad Capitalist has helped more than 1,000 people achieve global freedom by obtaining citizenship in other countries, conducting international business and making international investments, reducing their tax rate offshore, and protecting their assets. How do they do it?
First and foremost, the team at Nomad Capitalist develops a holistic plan for every client – one that identifies the client’s true needs and objectives, lays out the smartest ways to achieve those objectives, brings to light solutions few people even know exist, and of course, protects the client from overpaying for things they just don’t need.
Henderson fleshes out all of this and more.
Visit https://nomadcapitalist.com/ and explore the Nomad Capitalist YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/nomadcapitalist.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39HOwzd
What does it mean to be truly sustainable? Few individuals test the limits to find out. Since living off the grid is among the most realistic ways to be completely sustainable, it can be difficult for the general public to fathom what this lifestyle actually looks like.
In this episode, we are joined by John Hancock. John runs the Frugal Off Grid Arizona Homestead, has a Youtube channel called “Frugal Off Grid”, and is the author of the book Frugal Off Grid: Build An Off Grid Homestead With Next To Nothing. As an outdoor educator and enthusiast, John has committed his time and energy to educating people about the sustainable benefits that off-grid living practices can offer.
Join us now to discover:
Do you have what it takes to live off the grid? Tune in now to find out!
You can learn more about John and his lifestyle by visiting frugaloffgrid.com. Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39HOwzd
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this episode, we chat with Joseph Lynch, the owner and CEO of Survival Living LLC. Survival Living is a company that is committed to equipping its clients with the skills necessary to face any uncertainties that the future may hold. As someone that has been interested in survival and self-sustainable living practices for most of his life, Joseph sits down with us to share his thoughts about the future stability of our society.
Listen in to hear about:
What are the benefits of preparing yourself for unstable economic conditions? Joseph Lynch is here to give us answers.
To learn more about Joseph Lynch and Survival Living, visit survivallivingguide.com and youtube.com/c/SurvivalLiving.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3QBGOqR
When considering the subject of economics, it is important to know that it is a global phenomenon. Otherwise referred to as macroeconomics, studying the economy from this perspective offers unique insights into the world of investing and personal freedom.
Today we hear from George Gammon, the founder of Rebel Capitalist. George is an entrepreneur, investor, economist, and educator that has dedicated his time to teaching people about the elaborate world of macroeconomics.
Click play to learn more about:
You can access George’s educational resources yourself by visiting www.georgegammon.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3HMgTsG
It’s fascinating to consider the complexities that exist within the world of birds. Their behavior and ability to communicate with intricate songs is continuing to captivate researchers to this day.
In this podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dominique Potvin. Dr. Potvin is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, and conducts extensive research on the evolution of vocalizations in animals as well as the impact anthropogenic activities have on vertebrate populations.
By tuning in, you can learn about:
To learn more about Dr. Potvin and her research, visit www.usc.edu.au and follow her on Twitter!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ykIk9X
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Michael MacKenzie, an Assistant Professor at The University of Pittsburgh. Dr. MacKenzie holds a Ph.D. in political science, and has done extensive work focusing on the dynamic connections between democracy and the people within it. Dr. MacKenzie joins us to share his passion for political science by touching on important subjects such as democracy, deliberation, and collective action.
Listen now to explore:
What makes a democracy a democracy? Dr. MacKenzie addresses this question and others like it in this interesting discussion about our social and political world
To learn more about Dr. MacKenzie and his research, click here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zTyoFm
Stress-related conditions affect a vast array of individuals. Many health professionals are finding innovative and effective ways to not only manage these disorders, but also prevent them from happening.
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Glenn R. Schiraldi. Dr. Schiraldi is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Adjunct Professor at The University of Maryland School of Public Health, Author, and founder of Resilience Training International. Throughout his career in public health, Dr. Schiraldi has primarily focused his research on preventing stress-related mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tune in now to hear Dr. Schiraldi discuss:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
You can find out more about Dr. Schiraldi and his approach by visiting www.resiliencefirst.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bj8Ebo
In this episode, we are joined by Bruce R. Sutherland, the Associate Editor of Physical Review Fluids, and a Professor in the Departments of Physics and Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Alberta.
As someone who is deeply interested in environmental concerns, Mr. Sutherland employs “a combination of laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and mathematical modeling to examine atmosphere-ocean, environmental and industrial fluid flows.” Most recently, he has focused his innovative research methods on the world of microplastics . . .
Click play to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Organifi. To receive a 20% Off on your order, use the coupon code GENIUS at checkout. Go to https://www.organifishop.com/pages/genius/ to shop now!
What can we do about the mysterious problem of microplastic contamination? Bruce Sutherland is determined to find out.
To learn more about Bruce Sutherland and his work, visit sites.ualberta.ca and www.birs.ca
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Chronic health conditions affect millions of people worldwide. While the conventional approaches to treating these issues can certainly alleviate discomfort, there are medical professionals who are more interested in finding a more sustainable solution by examining the root of these conditions.
Joining us in this episode is Amber Walker, a physical therapist and the owner of Origin Wellness in Denver, Colorado. As a person that has suffered from chronic health conditions herself, Amber is dedicated to helping others with various health-related issues by employing her own distinct approach to lifestyle and wellness.
Listen now to hear Amber discuss:
You can dig deeper into Amber‘s work by visiting originwellnesscolorado.com and mastcellsunited.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39K3GnC
Few people consider the ways in which the environment is affected by the animals that inhabit them. From urban landscapes to desert terrains – animals have a profound impact on the land around them. Although this may be an overlooked area of investigation, researchers are uncovering fascinating discoveries about the way animals influence the world.
Today we hear from Dr. Ilya V. Buynevich, an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Temple University. Dr. Buynevich is a geologist who spends his time conducting research on topics such as event sedimentology, process geomorphology, and animal-landscape interaction.
Hit play to hear Dr. Buynevich discuss:
To learn more about Dr. Buynevich and his work, click here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39Bic0Z
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Dianne McGrath, a sustainability expert, TEDx speaker, and prior candidate for the Mars One mission. Utilizing her diverse skill set, Dr. McGrath is committed to refining our approach to the sustainability of resources on a global scale.
Dr. McGrath joins us to touch on topics such as:
What is the future of sustainability? Can we solve the world’s problems from outer space? Tune in now to find out more!
You can learn about Dr. McGrath and her work by clicking here. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NIULBG
We often think of cancer treatment primarily as types of radiation therapy such as chemotherapy. However, some medical professionals are finding that vaccines may be a productive method of killing cancer cells within our bodies, which is an exciting new scientific development.
We are joined once again by Dr. Brendon Coventry, a surgical oncologist, immunologist, and medical researcher. Dr. Coventry is the Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Adelaide, South Australia, and he spends his time researching innovative treatments for cancer using vaccination methods.
Listen now to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
You can find out more about Dr. Coventry and his research by clicking here and here
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Mv2EZV
Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death in the United States, which begs the question: How can we prevent heart disease before it’s too late? Many medical professionals believe that lifestyle and diet are the best places to start . . .
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Raj K. Anand, author of A Practical Approach to EKG Interpretation. In this book, Dr. Anand explores how both a healthy diet and mindfulness can prevent coronary heart disease. In addition to being an accomplished author, Dr. Arnand also served for 41 years at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and invented the “Thermo-Electric Angioplasty Catheter”.
Join us as Dr. Anand talks about:
Are you willing to do what it takes to build a healthy heart and mind? If so, Dr. Anand is certainly worth listening to!
To learn more about Dr. Raj K. Anand and his approach to wellness, you can visit his website at rajkanand.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tpEhWR
Our environment is facing a new challenge: microplastics. A lot of this material is found in our waterways, and researchers are working hard at identifying where they come from and how we can mitigate this problem before it gets worse.
Dr. Brady K. Skaggs, Jr. is the Water Quality Program Director for The Pontchartrain Conservancy. Growing up as a swimmer, Dr. Skaggs has always had a connection with water. This passion developed into his working with The Pontchartrain Conservancy with a goal of making waterways better and cleaner for people who live around Lake Pontchartrain.
In this episode, Dr. Skaggs talks about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by SelfDecode. Get started for free with an existing DNA file or order a DNA kit at 25% off with code GENIUS. Start optimizing your health today at https://selfdecode.com/ now!
Are you interested in protecting the water quality in your area? Learn more about how you may be able to make a difference in your community by taking advice from this front-line environmental worker!
To learn more about Dr. Skaggs and his work with the Pontchartrain Conservancy, visit scienceforourcoast.org
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MzQ8Z9
We often take our resources for granted – especially water. It’s not often that we think about the importance of treatment methods that help us reuse water to avoid the potential of water scarcity.
Joining us in this episode is Dr. Paul R. Frail, the Technical Leader at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions. SUEZ is a company that supplies water treatment chemicals that are designed to lengthen the lifespan of water-dependent machines like boilers, chillers, and cooling towers. They are doing this in an innovative way so that they can bring an environmentally conscious water treatment solution to the industrial sector.
Join us as Dr. Frail discusses:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Organifi. To receive a 20% Off on your order, use the coupon code GENIUS at checkout. Go to https://www.organifishop.com/pages/genius/ to shop now!
You can find out more about SUEZ and its approach to water technology by visiting www.suezwatertechnologies.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MIwRF6
When plants are exposed to fungal infections, it dramatically changes their ability to survive. In the context of farming, these infections can lead to many agricultural issues – and researchers are examining ways to understand these fungal pathogens so that we can better control them.
Claire Whitaker is a graduate student and Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Dr. Hailing Jin at the University of California Riverside. She spends her time researching the interactions between plants and necrotrophic fungi, and how this influences crops and agricultural products worldwide.
Listen in to learn more about:
You can find out more about Claire and her work by visiting her Twitter, as well as Dr. Hailing Jin’s laboratory website. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3tsP8zo
Many neurological diseases are still regarded as scientific mysteries. Given the complexities that exist within our neurological makeup, figuring out how diseases interact with the nervous system is often very challenging.
Dr. Karen S. Ho is the Senior Director of Translational Medicine at Clene Inc. Clene is a “clinical-stage” biopharmaceutical organization that commits itself to the innovative treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. They do so using nanotherapeutics to target specific “cellular energy impairments” that are persistently present in many diseases.
Tune in now to discover:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now! Is Clene part of the future of pharmaceutical research? Dr. Karen S. Ho is certainly the person to ask! Listen now to learn more about Clene and its mission to effectively treat neurological disorders.
Find out more about Clene Inc. and its therapeutic approach at clene.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3znPGu5
A seven-year-old boy plays in the forest, stumbles upon a dog skull, and falls into a lifelong passion for all things bones.
That was decades ago, and the boy was Jay Villemarette. He’s now the founder of Skulls Unlimited and owns a collection of 7,000+ bone specimens, 700+ of which are on display at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, OK.
Every year, tens of thousands of visitors seek the awe-inspiring sight of skeletons big and small, from humpback whales to hummingbirds.
Press play to learn:
Interested in learning more?
Tune in and check out https://www.skeletonmuseum.com/ and https://www.skullsunlimited.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39gAwvS
Recycling is a process that is much more complex than most people think. While our society is taking steps towards recycling more, it is important to keep refining our approach to it so that we can see sustainable results as we move forward.
Dr. Bill Carroll is an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Indiana, a Certified Professional Retirement Coach, and both Past President and Past Chair of the Board of the American Chemical Society. With 37 years of experience in the chemical industry, he uses his knowledge to research the science behind recycling and foster environmental advocacy.
Join us as Dr. Carroll discusses:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
How can we maximize the amount of recycling we do as a society? Dr. Carroll has a few clues for how to do this successfully and sustainably . . .
To learn more about Dr. Carroll and his work, visit billcarroll.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3muvezY
Businesses are the backbone of the United States economy. While there are many opportunities for companies to grow and prosper, businesses can often suffer due to a lack of insight and knowledge of the market as a whole.
Joining us once again is Michelle Seiler Tucker, the author of “Exit Rich” and other books that offer readers insightful financial advice on how to buy and sell their businesses. In addition to being a best-selling author, Michelle is a Mergers and Acquisitions Master Intermediary, Certified Senior Business Analyst, Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional, Certified Business Broker, Panelist for M&A Source, and Keynote Speaker.
Tune in now to hear Michelle discuss:
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In today's age, the process of product manufacturing is advancing at a rapid pace. At the forefront of this development is 3D printing, a growing industry that eliminates the labor-intensive methods of fabricating items by hand.
Alex Hussain is the co-founder and CEO of 3DChimera, a leading distributor of 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D software. 3DChimera is a company that seeks to bring its clients advanced manufacturing methods – from consulting and design, all the way to training and support.
Alex joins us on this episode to talk about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Tune in now to learn about how 3D printing is pioneering the future of manufacturing!
To find out more about Alex Hussain and his work, visit 3dchimera.com as well as linkedin.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3x0k1x1
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Dominic Papineau, an Associate Professor in Geochemistry and Astrobiology at University College London. Dr. Papineau is a researcher that is interested in understanding the origin and evolution of life during Earth’s early history. He investigates these things so that he is able to further predict what might be found on other planets with both water and volcanism.
Join us as Dr. Papineau addresses topics such as:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Organifi. To receive a 20% Off on your order, use the coupon code GENIUS at checkout. Go to https://www.organifishop.com/pages/genius/ to shop now!
What can ancient complex lifeforms tell us about the origins of our planet and others like it? Dr. Papineau gives us his understanding of this question and others like it in this riveting conversation!
You can find out more about Dr. Papineau and his work by visiting www.ucl.ac.uk.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zamrLi
Sometimes it can be challenging to imagine what it would look like to change your relationship with stress and anxiety truly. But what if all it took to manage these emotions was learning to facilitate intentional quietness with your mind?
Joining us on this episode is Dr. Elvir Causevic, Esq., an entrepreneur and Professor. Utilizing his diverse background in both law and medicine, Dr. Causevic is currently devoting his time to teaching wisdom skills to people from all walks of life.
In this episode, Dr. Causevic talks about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Are you wondering about the benefits of mindfulness? Dr. Causevic connects with us here to share his insights on training the mind and what it can do for your overall mental and physical health.
To find out more about Dr. Causevic and his work, visit UpEnd.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PRSHsd
We often think of long recovery times and large scars when we think of surgery. While this is still the case with many patients, there are methods surgeons are using in particular surgeries that minimize the overall invasive nature of these procedures.
On this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Greg Marchand. Dr. Marchand is a board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is the Director of the Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery. In addition to these things, Dr. Marchand also holds the World Record for performing a total laparoscopic hysterectomy through the most minor incision ever.
Tune in now to hear Dr. Marchand discuss:
To learn more about Dr. Marchand and his work, visit marchandinstitute.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NaHXUo
What is changing in our bodies to cause conditions like diabetes, heart issues, and obesity? Could it be linked to our gut health? Many researchers are finding that the microbiome that exists in our bodies dictates more than one may think.
Joining us again is Naveen Jain, the founder, and CEO of Viome. Viome is a company that gives individuals access to information about their gut microbiome so that they can live healthier lives and prevent chronic diseases.
Tune in to learn more about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
Learn how you can take charge of your health today by utilizing Viome’s state-of-the-art approach to holistic living!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MZe7Su
Obtaining specific health advice for our bodies usually involves a trip to the doctor. This is because in order to see how our genetic makeup influences our health, extensive lab testing and other similar medical measures are involved. What if you could skip the doctor and acquire this same information from a third-party company – and from the comfort of your home?
Joe Cohen is the founder & CEO of SelfDecode, a company that is looking to take precision health to the masses. They do this by looking at things such as DNA, lab tests, and lifestyle so that their clients can make informed decisions about their health based on specific genetic factors.
Today we learn about Joe’s background, and what led him to start SelfDecode. Listen now to hear Joe discuss:
Are companies like SelfDecode the future of precision medicine? Tune in to find out!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3t7j7wn
The stock market is an incredibly complicated system that many people don’t understand. In order to become an experienced trader on your own, it takes a lot of time and money – and that’s where proprietary trade alert firms come in.
These companies use their expert knowledge of the stock market to make informed investment decisions on behalf of their clients. They do this so their clients have a certain amount of financial security as they navigate the elaborate structure of the stock market.
Gareth Soloway is the President & CFO at InTheMoneyStocks, a company established in 2007 to help average investors compete with the Wall Street elite. With over 20 years of experience as a pro trader, Gareth has a plethora of knowledge on subjects relating to money trading and the technology surrounding it.
Join us as Gareth shares insight into:
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3M2ju25
Nursing homes were certainly among the hardest-hit communities when COVID-19 began spreading. Before the pandemic hit, however, how did infectious disease spread in these long-term care facilities? Dr. Buffy Lloyd-Krejci joins us in this episode to look at these issues from a statistical and research-centered perspective.
Dr. Lloyd-Krejci is the author of "Broken", a book that examines how the global pandemic uncovered problems within the nursing home industry that have existed for far too long. In addition to her work as an author, Dr. Lloyd-Krejci is an accomplished medical worker that focuses her research on how infectious diseases spread through high-risk communities.
Listen in to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
What measures can we take to reduce the spread of infectious disease in these facilities? Tune in now to find out!
You can find out more about Dr. Lloyd-Krejci and her work by visiting doctorbuffy.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3M2vFM8
Leading a “happy” life can mean a multitude of things, and there are great minds out there that have proven methods for those who are seeking this elevated way of life. Alex Bäcker, Ph.D. is a professional that has his own unique take on how to live happier – both successfully and sustainably.
Alex Bäcker is a scientist, inventor, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. He joins us today to discuss his background, and talk about his new book, “101 Clues to a Happy Life”. This new publication tackles advice on how to become a better partner, parent, and person using insightful life lessons that Alex has experienced himself.
In this episode, Alex Bäcker talks about:
To learn more about Alex Bäcker and get your own copy of “101 Clues to a Happy Life”, visit 101clues.com. You can also find out about Alex’s drone company, Drisit, by clicking here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GwBsIU
Making healthy food options accessible to consumers is not something that many companies do. Not only is it generally more expensive to manufacture these products, but it can also be tough to do so with the quality and taste that people desire.
Joining us today is Mae Steigler, the Chief Executive Officer of Organifi. Organifi is a company that seeks to support consumers in their quest for healthy eating habits. Mae connects with us to talk about the products that Organifi makes, and the mission behind their health-centered business approach.
Listen now to hear about:
Discover out how this groundbreaking company made juicing both delicious and convenient now by tuning in now!
To find out more about Organifi and its products, visit www.organifishop.com. Use code GENIUS to receive 25% off your first order.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wVfc7e
On this podcast, we are joined by Arthur Saniotis. Arthur is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at The University of Adelaide, Australia, and he currently specializes in clinical anatomy, neuroanatomy, and medical science. With a diverse background in the sciences, Arthur is interested in integrating various disciplines such as anthropology, philosophy, medical science, and evolutionary science. He does this so that he can see and study the same thing – just from different angles.
Listen to this episode to learn more about:
You can find out more about Arthur Saniotis and his research by clicking here, as well as here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yOVBI7
There are questions that are constantly racing through our minds as conscious human beings. Oftentimes, these questions never leave our inner dialogue – but what happens when we talk about them openly?
John Strelecky is a motivational speaker, adventure traveler, and most recently, the best-selling author of “The Cafe on the Edge of the World”. This new book addresses three big life questions: “why are you here?”, “do you fear death?”, and “am I fulfilled?”. John is fascinated by the human experience, and he has devoted his work to proposing challenging questions to individuals who gain new insight by confronting new perspectives.
In this episode, John talks about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
You can purchase John’s new book by visiting his website at www.johnstrelecky.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LwV0hb
Don’t show emotion. To cry is to show weakness. Suppress your anger to prove your manhood.
These are the kinds of messages sent by society to boys and young men. As a result, many are left with no healthy outlet for their emotions, which causes those emotions to build up over the course of years and years.
But “anger is like a ticking time bomb,” says Joseph Warren. It’s bound to come out at some point, and when it does, it often does so in uncontrolled and damaging ways.
Having experienced this himself, Warren has worked his way through a troubled childhood and past, and come out on the other side. And now, he’s dedicated his life to helping other men do the same.
Tune in to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Joseph Warren is the host of “Your FIRST 100k,” a top 100 podcast in entrepreneurship, and also hosts “Broken Catholic,” which is the #1 podcast on iTunes for Protestants and Catholics. He spends his days doing consulting work with seven and eight-figure entrepreneurial men who seek help navigating the emotional challenges of family life and success.
All too often, the suppression of emotions leads to other issues, including a range of addictions. And when young boys witness this in their fathers, the cycle often repeats.
On today’s episode, Warren dives deep into this and related topics, sharing the details of his personal story in the process.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and check out Warren’s podcasts to explore more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/39DVogm
Diet influences a vast array of body functions. Eating poorly not only dictates how your body operates, but it can also affect your mental health. There are many opinions about what “good” nutrition looks like – and now more than ever, it is important to listen to evidence over anecdotes.
Rohini Bajekal is a nutritionist and author who is joining us to discuss hormonal health, and how adding plants to one’s diet can improve overall wellness. Her background in nutritional health has greatly influenced her current mission to educate people about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a well-balanced diet.
Tune in now to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
Take charge of your hormonal health today by following the science and listening to experts!
You can visit Rohini Bajekal’s website here to learn more about her work.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wHpqrF
If you see a police officer choking someone to death … is it morally permissible to shoot the police officer to save the person?
Professor Jason Brennan from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, argues that yes, it would indeed be just and morally permissible.
Press play to discover:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Brennan focuses on issues that lie at the intersection of politics, philosophy, and economics, many of which are considered “taboo” by most.
In today's show, he discusses a number of his views, including why democracy is a flawed system, why “politics makes most people stupid,” his take on Brexit, and the differences between how voting is currently done and how it should be done.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The approach to Women’s Health continues to shift as medical experts research alternative methods. Many doctors are finding that the best way to prevent female-specific disease is by implementing healthy lifestyle changes.
Joining us on this podcast is Dr. Nitu Bajekal. Dr. Bajekal is a Gynaecologist, Women’s Health Specialist, and co-author of Living PCOS Free. With over 35 years of clinical experience in this field, Dr. Bajekal tackles a diverse range of female-associated problems – all coming from a perspective of lifestyle medicine.
Listen now as Dr. Bajekal discusses:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
Tune in now to learn about how listening to proven science can greatly improve female-based health!
To learn more about Dr. Bajekal and her work, visit https://nitubajekal.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3a1RrSY
One of the biggest issues with the supplement industry is that it’s unregulated, and many people don’t really know whether they’re getting a safe and effective product. Sarah and Josh Bowmar wanted to change that, and they did. It all started with a cup of “protein hot chocolate.”
Tune in to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
In 2018, Sarah and Josh launched Bowmar Nutrition with the intention of selling just one product: protein hot chocolate. But when six weeks’ worth of product sold out in just eight days, they decided to dive a bit deeper into the world of nutrition and supplements.
Over the past four years, they’ve expanded their product line to include everything from protein bars and electrolytes and nootropics, to bone broth and antler chews for dogs.
Learn more about what to watch out for (and avoid!) when shopping for supplements.
Check out https://bowmarnutrition.com/ to learn more and view the full range of quality products offered at Bowmar Nutrition. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MKIBr6
Nutrition is a relatively new science. With this comes the revolving concept of what defines “good” nutrition, and what defines “bad” nutrition. As nutritional science evolves, many experts are finding new and innovative ways to nourish our bodies with holistic and well-balanced diets.
Vesanto Melina, MS is a registered dietitian, consultant, and speaker. Along with this, she is the author of Kick Diabetes, Becoming Vegan, and many other nutrition-based publications. Her long history with nutritional health has informed her refined relationship with vegetarian, vegan, and raw food diets. Vesanto Melina uses her research to help individuals fine-tune their plant-based diets and lead healthy nutritional lives.
Listen now to hear Vesanto Melina discuss:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Can switching to a plant-based diet mitigate major health problems? See for yourself by tuning in now!
To find more information about Vesanto Melina, you can visit her website at nutrispeak.ca.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/381Lepu
In this episode, our host, Richard Jacobs walks us through his recent visit to the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, OK. With the many marvels he witnessed, Richard took numerous photographs and integrated 31 of them into a book – accompanied by 7 observations of what he saw.
The Museum of Osteology focuses on the function and form of the skeletal system. It does so by displaying hundreds of skeletal remains from all over the world. The exhibits included in the museum are aimed at revealing the wonders of the vertebrate kingdom and celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
Listen to this podcast to hear Richard discuss:
It’s important to remain interested in everything we do and to ask questions to continue to grow. Richard Jacobs gives us insight into how he did just that in this fascinating story about a simple visit to a museum in Oklahoma City.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PvCQiV
Why can it be so challenging to wake up in the morning? Based on an individual's circadian rhythms, exposure to morning light can make all the difference. Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
Russell Foster, Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, shares his research on how light regulates our lives as vertebrates.
Our eyes' exposure to light has a special relationship with our sleeping and waking patterns. While initially thought to be an internal master clock, this is no longer considered to be true.
Many factors can determine whether an individual is a night owl or an early bird. However, while everyone is unique, there are significant benefits to morning light exposure, and it can even help "reset" your circadian rhythm.
For more resources, visit https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/research/sleep-circadian-neuroscience-institute.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
You’ve surely asked yourself the age-old question: what factors influence my weight? Well, there are many approaches to that question, and it’s getting harder to distinguish between the accurate and false information available. Fortunately, there are scientists who are seeking answers by going back to basics and investigating inherent biological mechanisms within other animals.
Returning to the podcast is Dr. Richard J. Johnson, a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, as well as a physician, researcher, and author. Dr. Johnson recently released a new book entitled “Nature Wants You To Be Fat”. This publication is for people who are interested in the science behind why we gain weight – and how to prevent it.
Listen now to learn about:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Viome. Use the code GENIUS to get an extra $20 off on Health Intelligence Test. Check it out now: Viome
Can we manage our weight based on information gathered from other animals? Tune in to find out now!
You can learn more about Dr. Johnson and purchase his publications by visiting drrichardjohnson.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3L3PuSO
As you age, you lose stem cells. Scientists have found that collecting younger samples of these cells can be effective for future medical treatment. Being your own stem cell donor can come with a plethora of benefits, and many researchers believe that you will thank yourself later for thinking ahead.
Joining us on this podcast is Steven Clausnitzer. Steven is the CEO and co-founder of Forever Labs, an adult stem cell banking and storage company. Forever Labs uses an outpatient procedure to harvest adult Mesenchymal stem cells for prospective medical treatments down the road.
In this episode, you will hear Steven address topics such as:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
To learn more about Forever Labs and their services, you can visit foreverlabs.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fx3NOK
Joining us on this episode is Dr. Jason Kindrachuk. Dr. Kindrachuk is an assistant professor in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba. In addition to this, he is also Canada Research Chair in the molecular pathogenesis of emerging viruses. His research primarily focuses on the circulation, transmission, and pathogenesis of emerging viruses. Currently, Dr. Kindrachuk is investigating the many complexities of viruses and what measures we can take to control them.
Listen now to explore topics like:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
With the proper analysis, can we curb the spread of viruses before they go too far? Follow along on this conversational journey with Dr. Kindrachuk to find out now!
To learn more about Dr. Kindrachuk and his work, you can visit umanitoba.ca.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3w9ZtAw
Why is the preservation of freshwater habitats so crucial? With the abundance of unique populations of fish that utilize these ecosystems, the destruction of freshwater environments could be devastating.
Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Andrew Rypel, an associate professor and Peter B. Moyle & California Trout Chair, shares his efforts to preserve the freshwater environments of California.
Many species rely on the unique environments offered in the California landscape. One of the most prominent wildlife groups is freshwater fish, which has faced conservation challenges for much of recent history.
With a booming population and agriculture industry, conservation efforts may not be as effective as many would like. However, with an improving understanding of these freshwater environments, population reduction may be slowed, and the unique groups of fish that rely on such bodies can continue to be protected.
Visit https://sites.google.com/view/rypel-lab/home to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3M4J9ry
What makes the absence of antimatter puzzling? Since we know it is produced, not being able to observe it opens a host of new questions.
Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Chris Polly, the project manager of the Muon g-2 project, shares his work with accelerator experiments and what they may lead to.
Accelerator physics experiments have the potential to reveal an entirely new set of answers to the questions surrounding our universe. From particles winking in and out of existence to the search for antimatter, it is truly the bleeding edge.
The Muon g-2 project holds the potential to reveal some of the universe's inner workings. Using principles that have been long-established in combination with new theories, the possibilities are fascinating.
Visit https://muon-g-2.fnal.gov to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3M11aat
The sensory and navigational abilities of migratory birds are a staggering phenomenon. As birds continue to complete successful voyages spanning thousands of miles, scientists have many questions about how they are able to do so with such accuracy and precision.
Dr. Henrik Mouritsen is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Chemistry as well as a permanent Full Professor at the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Germany. As an individual that has been particularly interested in birds from a young age, Dr. Mouritsen has been researching the behavior of these animals for years. In particular, he is curious about how they utilize the earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
Tune in now to hear Dr. Mouritsen discuss:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Can we untangle the many mysteries of birds’ navigational methods? How can quantum physics help us figure this out? Find out now from an investigator at the forefront of this research!
You can learn more about Dr. Mouritsen and his work at www.quantumbirds.eu and uol.de.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3whg5GJ
What makes the microplastic problem so hard to solve? With Varied sizes and states, this range of particles requires an interdisciplinary solution. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Orlin Velev and Nathan Crook of NC State University share their interdisciplinary work to begin offering solutions to the problem of microplastics and nanoparticles in the environment.
Microplastics in the ocean have been causing issues for the environment far beyond what we understood in recent history. However, a solution is challenging to find since the problem cannot only be approached from one discipline.
Through the combination of efforts from various fields, new solutions are being tested and implemented in multiple environments. However, the ocean presents a unique problem since so many factors play a role in the degradation of plastics.
To learn more, visit https://www.cbe.ncsu.edu/velevgroup/ and https://www.crooklab.net.
Please have a look at the Slides Below and learn more about the Project Orlin Velev and Nathan Crook are working on:
Hall_Velev_Crook_NSF_EFRI_slides_S21
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3slKVN5
What's the next big leap in medicine? Nature may have more to offer than one may think. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Cassandra Leah Quave, an associate professor in the department of dermatology at Emery University, shares her quest for nature's next medicines.
Nature has offered treatments and medicines since ancient times. However, with increasingly resilient bacteria, viruses, and other conditions, new solutions need to be found.
These solutions may come in the form of new solutions found in nature for biofilm-related infections and highly drug-resistant conditions. The possible impact of anti-biofilm technology has tremendous potential, especially in quorum sensing and other stubborn conditions.
Visit https://cassandraquave.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3L3Lj9A
What makes microplastics so dangerous? Since they can contaminate such a wide range of environments, their impact cannot be underestimated. Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Elodie Passeport, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, shares her work attempting to understand microplastics and how to break chemical bonds to combat their effect better.
Microplastics are one of the most significant threats in the contamination of natural environments around the world. However, they are tricky to combat, so new solutions with a diminished impact on the treated environment are being developed.
By implementing passive water treatment practices, a solution to the problem can be found through natural means. This is crucial since treating the problem while avoiding impacting the environment being treated is the key to successfully saving it.
Visit https://civmin.utoronto.ca/home/about-us/directory/professors/elodie-passeport/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FvZ2ot
When does life truly end? Since it can be challenging to measure, neurosurgery may offer more clues. Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Ajmal Zemmar, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, discusses the crossroads of neurosurgery and the end of life.
Even with the amazing medical advancements in recent history, it is difficult to get an accurate picture of what is going on in the brain. Especially at the end of life, much of what is undergone in the brain remains a mystery.
Since many folks do not want extensive tests at the end of their life, studying their brains becomes quite challenging. However, with tools like EEGs and other techniques, we can study various situations in which someone passes away, allowing us to better understand when life actually ends.
Visit https://uoflhealth.org/provider/ajmal-zemmar/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vZwKja
What makes tattoo removal so challenging? Since the process is delicate and the use of lasers is so temperamental based on a range of factors, the process must be tailored to each individual. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie, the Co-Founder of Clinical Operations at Removery, shares her work developing and progressing laser removal technology.
Tattoos are touted as one of the most permanent decisions one can make regarding their body. However, with improving technology and laser removal techniques, this may no longer be the case.
By tuning treatments to the individual and continuing advancement, treatment can become more straightforward and effective. For example, by allowing for more power at lower levels, the range of solutions for patients can be broadened.
To learn more, visit https://removery.com/removery-hq/clinical-advisory-board/meet-the-clinical-advisory-board/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3vWcdvV
What makes mitochondrial diseases so dangerous? Since they power the body, a defect can be disastrous. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Gino Cortopassi, a Professor in the Molecular Biosciences School of Veterinary Medicine, and his colleague Sandipan Datta share their work with mitochondrial diseases and develop possible therapeutic techniques.
Since the mitochondria play such a significant role in the body's regulation, it can be a considerable problem if something goes wrong. For example, mitochondrial dysfunction may be a contributing factor in several adverse health reactions.
By tracing patterns in various medical histories of folks in various fields, some patterns start to emerge. Since harmful molecules can be present in many household products, it is essential to watch cutting-edge research to ensure you avoid exposure.
To learn more, search for Gino Cortopassi on Google Scholar.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PczTUa
How can the impact of wastewater on the environment be reduced? A future of fewer pollutants may be possible through new technologies that can purify or mitigate contamination. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Satinder K. Brar, a professor and Chair in Environmental Engineering at York University, and Rama Pulicharla, a post-doctoral visitor at York University, share their work with wastewater and environmental technology.
Pollution has been a problem for our waterways for much of recent history. However, if we do not find strategies to curb this contamination, the effects over the near future can be catastrophic.
By using a combination of physical and biological techniques, purifying bodies of water can be achieved. However, it is crucial to tailor the strategy for the unique situation, making finding a one-size-fits-all solution quite challenging.
To learn more, visit https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/satinder-brar.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3MXWulu
What makes weeds so difficult to control? Since they grow in such close proximity to crops, methods of control can be challenging to perfect. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Eric Gallandt, a Professor of Weed Ecology at the University of Maine, shares his work revolutionizing the world of physical weed control.
Weeds have been a problem for farmers since the dawn of agriculture. However, with more technology and information available than ever before, new technology has revolutionized the weeding and planting process.
Physical weeding techniques have seen more advancement in recent years since chemical methods have been shown to be damaging. With emerging robotic technologies, more organic crops can be produced, all while causing less harm to the planet.
Visit https://umaine.edu/weedecology/ to learn more
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vNwTVM
Is the gut the gateway to taking control of your overall health? By ensuring a healthy gut through nutrition, significant benefits can be seen in a wide variety of cases. Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant Pamela Groulx shares her work shifting how folks think about their health, nutrition, and the gut microbiome.
After struggling to find solutions for her daughter's auto-immune condition, Pamela found a solution in the gut. By eliminating some foods and modifying her daughter's diet, much of the issue was solved, and her daughter finally found relief.
By establishing a healthy and balanced diet full of gut-healthy foods, many folks can find relief for their persistent problems. Since it is simple, safe, and effective to modify your diet for gut health, it may be an excellent first choice for many who do not know where else to turn.
To learn more, visit https://gut2health.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Mp3tDW
Have new breakthroughs been made in treating Parkinson's Disease? Through new therapeutic techniques, promising results have been shown. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Dr. Anumantha Kanthasamy, the Director of the Center for Brain Science, shares his research and work developing new therapies and detection methods for Parkinson's Disease.
Parkinson's Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases have long plagued folks around the globe. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of these conditions, there has been little progress in treating or reversing the associated symptoms.
One of the most promising sites of progress in treating such diseases has been the gut biome. Since the gut biome is one of the most significant influences on the rest of the body, learning how to influence it can help us better regulate the brain.
Visit https://vet.uga.edu/person/anumantha-kanthasamy/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3LdCL0J
How can our current systems of government be updated to reflect modern needs? Through citizen assemblies and a more accessible format, there may be a more significant opportunity for change. Press play to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Dr. Peter Stone, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Trinity College, Dublin, shares his work on how ancient practices can revolutionize modern politics.
Political change and how companies or corporations can be run have long been left up to a very small group of people. However, if we can accept a change in thinking, the true benefits of democracy can be realized.
A fresh perspective can be brought into leadership by selecting positions of power through a stratified random selection. Even if this is not implemented for direct decisions, citizens' input can offer helpful reality checks to even established decision-making procedures.
To learn more, visit https://www.sortitionfoundation.org Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/39TNiAJ
Why are preserving pollinators so crucial? Without the benefits offered by pollinators, food supplies around the world can be negatively impacted. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Juliana Hipólito, a visiting professor at UFBA Salvador, Brazil, shares her work in the conservation effort and protecting the vital pollinators around the globe.
Much of our ecosystem depends heavily on the successful pollination of both crops and natural ecosystems. However, with a recent shift in focus away from conserving pollinators, this vital role may be at risk.
To combat this risk, the responsibility falls on national governments and farmers to implement more sustainable practices. For example, a recent strategy that may be successful is postponing pesticide application until crops are finished flowering.
Visit https://ufba.academia.edu/JulianaHipólito to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3snZrnE.
Can looking to the past revolutionize how we approach government and leadership? Through strategies like lottery systems and more accessible leadership, ancient Greek politics may have been on to something. Listen up to learn:
Offer: This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Jeff Miller, Political Science and International Relations professor at New York State University, shares how ancient Greek Politics reflect on our political landscape today.
The leadership techniques used by many governments and businesses have some glaring shortcomings in many situations. From a lack of diversity to inaccessibility, there may need to be a shift in thinking.
Drawing from the example of ancient Greek politics, there are strategies to get a broader range of voices involved in making the decisions that will affect them. For instance, sortition gives everyone an equally likely shot to be their own leader, bringing in new ideas and voices into leadership.
Visit https://faculty.newpaltz.edu/jeffmiller/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3jUPY2w
How has the shift in customer behavior and mental health affected employees? Through management strategies and developmental procedures, employees can be protected from many of the negative impacts. Listen up to learn:
This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Graeme Cowan, of #1 Team Care and a resilience speaker, shares his mission to improve employee mental health and build a more productive and efficient workplace.
It is no secret that the working situation for many worldwide has been significantly altered in recent years. Due to increased pressures and new challenges, it has taken a toll on employees and executives at all levels.
However, there are ways to combat these negative impacts and rebuild a healthier workplace from the ground up. Additionally, using strategies to promote caring has been shown to increase employee efficiency and profit in many situations.
Visit https://graemecowan.com.au Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3xCr3ZH
The impact microplastics have on the environment is still being uncovered by scientists. As we learn more about this problem, many researchers are taking proactive steps to mitigate this issue before it’s too late.
Kristi L. Trail is the Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy, a New Orleans-based foundation that is working to create an environmentally sustainable, prosperous, and resilient region. Pontchartrain Conservancy utilizes scientific research, education, and advocacy in order to bring awareness and sustainable care to the Pontchartrain estuary in south-eastern Louisiana.
Listen now as Kristi Trail discusses topics such as:
This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Is there a way to control the growing problem of microplastic contamination? Find out now from a frontline researcher!
To learn more about Pontchartrain Conservatory and its work, you can visit scienceforourcoast.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3voOK4Y
Is natural selection as natural as it once was? Despite what we may think, natural selection, as laid out by Darwin, has little resemblance to mutations happening today. Listen up to learn:
This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Steve Gullans, the author of Evolving Ourselves, shares his research in biotech and the world on how humans are changing the course of evolution.
Darwinian concepts of natural selection have long been the gold standard for how we think of evolution. However, humans are significantly altering the course of evolution through means we could have never seen on the horizon in Darwin's time.
Biotech holds countless new opportunities to take control of evolution and leave it in the hands of the individual. However, since biotech is a challenging field to research and test, we must be patient and wait for the great leap.
Check out Evolving Ourselves to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36mLSwX
Is there a cure for the widespread disillusionment with politics around the world? By returning the focus of politics to the community it serves, there may be a chance. Press play to learn:
This episode is sponsored by Bowmar Nutrition. To receive a 5% discount, use the code GENIUS5 at checkout. Go to BowmarNutrition.com to shop now!
Rich Rippin, the Project Manager at the Sortition Foundation, shares his work bringing about change in political organizations around the globe through community activism.
Politics is a strongly gate-kept and divided process, not allowing much space for discussion. However, promoting community discourse and returning the focus to fostering conversation promotes a new focus on accessibility.
Government is not the only place deliberative democracy works, though. By implementing these strategies in corporations and businesses as well, new solutions can be found, and the wisdom of the crowd can prosper.
Visit https://www.sortitionfoundation.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Episode is also available on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rxMQOy
How can the effort to find absolute zero contribution to the world of medicine? By mastering the motion of atoms and molecules, new therapeutic techniques may be uncovered. Listen up to learn:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Mark G. Raizen, the Sid W. Richardson Foundation Region Chair in Physics, shares his work with laser cooling and the possible development of novel medical technology.
Founded on the same tracks as Maxwell's Demon thought experiment, a new technique to reach as close to absolute zero was developed. However, it may very well have a practical application to the world of medicine as well.
With the potential to separate the isotopes from their periodic elements, a new world of opportunity has opened up. Since many of the applications of this technique may not have a business application but will save lives, a nonprofit was established to ensure maximum benefit to the broadest range of people.
Visit https://www.pointsman.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is how we think about and approach cancer all wrong? By reexamining the roots of cancer evolution, a shift in thinking may lead to significant new developments. Listen up to learn:
Richard Jacobs, the founder of the Finding Genius Podcast, joins the conversation with Perry Marshall to discuss revolutionizing the way we approach cancer treatment and the possibilities the future holds.
Cancer is one of the most significant and prevalent issues plaguing humankind. However, despite tremendous research budgets and efforts, there has been little progress in finding any base causes for the condition.
While chemotherapy and radiation are the industry standard, the reality of the situation is that they alone often aren't enough and can cause damage of their own. However, if we take a fresh perspective on cancer and lose inhibition in asking new questions, we may just find a magic bullet that has never before been considered.
Look for the Finding Genius Podcast on almost all platforms to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does the body regulate itself to maintain health? Despite what we may think, it may not be as effective as many think. Press play to learn:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Dr. John Poothullil, the author of Your Health Is at Risk, shares his work combating lifestyle diseases and the vast amount of misinformation surrounding personal health.
It has long been understood that lifestyle choices one makes can very reliably impact their quality of life. However, with more specific information available, these impacts can be better understood, allowing for more educated decisions.
Still, making the right choice can be challenging with the vast array of misinformation available at every turn. By changing the way we approach decisions we make on a daily basis, we may be able to drastically improve our personal health.
Visit https://www.drjohnonhealth.com to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there evidence of life continuing after death? Between anecdotes and the witnesses to the most unlikely of events, there may be more to the stories than you might have thought. Press play to learn:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Piero Cavi-Parisetti, a speaker and author of 21 Days into the Afterlife, shares the stories that changed his mind and the evidence that has the potential to change others'.
There have long been stories and experiences in which someone thought to be dead experienced an out-of-body or afterlife phenomena. Still, it can take much more than these anecdotes to change the minds of those who have a disdain for the metaphysical.
Hopefully, by showing more concrete evidence, even those nonbelievers can be swayed. From memories being built and retained to the potential for personality to survive death, there is an entire world of evidence if one is open to exploring it.
To learn more, visit https://www.drparisetti.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are T cells so vital to our immune response? As one of the primary markers of a potential issue, a problem with your T cells could spell disaster. Listen up to learn:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
John Wherry, the Chair of the Department of Systems Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his research in epigenetics and the vital role of T cells in our immune system.
T cell differentiation is an essential process in our body, initially being able to control infection and limit tumor growth. However, if the process reaches T cell exhaustion, it can cause a variety of problems in our immune response.
While T cell exhaustion is similar to viruses and tumors, the response can be varied, even if slightly. Still, the reversal of T cell exhaustion has been shown to be effective and will only become more comprehensive as research progresses.
Visit https://www.med.upenn.edu/wherrylab/ for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Those who suffer from hypermobility disorders are often at a loss of what to do to relieve the discomfort and tension that they experience. It takes a particular type of professional to recognize the nature of these conditions and make every effort to help individuals alleviate the symptoms they are facing daily.
Corinne Zeiderman is one of these professionals with a deep commitment to the treatment of patients with hypermobility conditions. Corinne is a skillful personal trainer and soft tissue therapist who works with clients that suffer from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). Both of these conditions affect connective tissues such as joints and ligaments, and Corinne uses specialized therapeutic approaches to relieve the pain and tightness associated with EDS and HSD.
Join the discussion as Corinne addresses:
Listen now to learn more about how dedicated physical therapists are offering a newfound level of relief to their patients. To discover more about Corinne Zeiderman and her practice, visit fitnesswithcorinneuk.com or www.haleclinic.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Experiencing strong emotions is inevitable. Still, controlling one's anger is a valuable skill, especially as children grow older. Listen up to learn:
Mental Health Counselor Dr. Raychelle Cassada Lohmann shares strategies and methods to manage anger and find outlets to release intense emotion in a healthy manner.
Especially in the teenage years, strong emotions can feel inescapable. However, managing these feelings is an integral part of growing older and becoming a healthy and well-functioning adult.
Giving those who struggle with anger outlets to remove themselves from a given situation can show significant benefits to behavior. Additionally, by using healthy strategies to deescalate a situation, many instances of intense feelings of anger can be diffused and handled more healthily.
Visit https://raychelleclohmann.com for more helpful resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is aging the root cause of disease and the breakdown of our bodies? If we can find a way to alter the process, many advances in health and longevity may no longer be out of reach. Press play to learn:
Co-Founder of NOVOS, Kris Verburgh, joins the podcast to discuss his work with epigenetics and how aging affects our bodies.
The prospect of aging has long been a reality that many of us would like to avoid. However, even with setting vanity aside, slowing the aging process or stopping altogether may hold the key to a host of health benefits.
Since genetic modification has recently moved out of the realm of science fiction and into reality, altering the aging process has never been more tangible. New developments and procedures are in the works in the coming years and hold significant promise to potentially alter how humankind considers biology.
Visit https://novoslabs.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Hypermobility spectrum disorders are incredibly unique conditions to live with. Medical professionals are still uncovering various ways to treat those with hypermobility disorders, with one of the more prominent methods being nutritional intervention.
Joining us in this episode is Lorna Ryan. As a registered Nutritional Therapy and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Lorna focuses her research on hypermobility spectrum disorders – specifically Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Lorna has EDS herself, which has led to her own distinct interest in these types of conditions.
Listen now to hear Lorna discuss:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
What is the future of hypermobility disorders? Lorna Ryan’s investigations give us insight into this question and others like it on this educational podcast!
You can keep up with Lorna Ryan on Instagram, Facebook, and through her website.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can breathing offer more benefits than many of us give it credit for? While a necessary part of staying alive, being mindful of it can offer a host of health and emotional benefits. Listen up to learn:
Linda Scotson, the developer of the Linda Scotson Technique (LST), shares how she developed the technique and the range of benefits of improving the diaphragm and breathing techniques.
Breathing seems like an automatic function of the body, but it is much more integral than we may think. By remaining mindful of your breathing technique, one may actually be able to modify their emotions and how they experience them significantly.
Diaphragm posture and efficacy can be improved, but it takes mindful practice and technique improvement. Luckily, everyone can practice and improve in their own homes, offering emotional relief and possible significant health benefits.
Visit https://www.lindascotson.co.uk to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our bodies are complex ecosystems that require intentional upkeep. While there are many ways to nourish the body, many professionals are finding that preventative approaches to wellness yield the most effective results.
Dr. Sanaz Hariri is a Harvard and Stanford graduate who specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. As an advisor for a company called 305 Life, Dr. Hariri plays an integral role in their approach to dietary intervention and health-enhancing methods. In addition to her work at 305 Life, Dr. Hariri has been developing her own private practice for 12 years, diagnosing and treating shoulder and knee pain.
Tune in now to learn about:
To learn more about Dr. Hariri and her work visit www.drsanaz.com. Additionally, you can find out more about 305 Life at 305-life.com. This episode is sponsored by 305-LIFE. To save 20% on your first order use the coupon code 305Genius at checkout. You can shop here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In this podcast, we are joined by Indu Navar. Indu Navar is the CEO of Everything ALS, a company that prioritizes bringing awareness to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and those who suffer from it. ALS is a neurological condition that affects the victim's motor neurons. This causes muscle atrophy all across the body, which can eventually cause suffocation and even death.
Listen now to learn about:
We don’t know much about ALS and how to treat it. Indu Navar is dedicated to facilitating more investigation into this condition so that doctors can more effectively treat it. This episode explores how advocacy and citizen research plays an important role in solving ALS and conditions like it.
To learn more about Indu Navar and her work at Everything ALS, visit www.everythingals.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Scientists are using the power of mathematics to take action against cancer. These unique analytical methods have contributed to an exciting new approach to cancer investigation and treatment.
Joining us on this episode is Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Anderson, Ph.D. Dr. Anderson is the Chair of Integrated Mathematical Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Anderson researches the mathematical modeling of cancer in order to develop eco-evolutionary therapies that can control cancer – rather than eradicate it.
Listen in to learn about:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Is mathematical modeling the future of cancer research? Find out now from a professional at the forefront of this investigative approach. To find out more about Dr. Anderson and his work, visit www.mathematical-oncology.org and www.moffitt.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can mathematical models help us better understand how we can combat the evolution of diseases? By understanding how the development progresses, we may be able to alleviate the burden of disease on humankind. Press play to learn:
Sunetra Gupta, a Professor of Theoretical Epidemiology at the University of Oxford, shares her work developing treatments to keep up with the development of various diseases and illnesses.
Developing vaccines for various therapeutic applications has been a standard solution to combat illness in a specific period. However, as viruses and other "bugs" evolve, vaccines can become ineffective over time.
However, by identifying commonalities between various strains of a virus, developing a more applicable treatment may be possible. For example, if viruses were viewed as wearing different clothing outfits over evolutions, identifying a common item of clothing throughout iterations can be incredibly valuable.
To learn more, visit https://www.bluewatervaccines.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why is finding mental health aid for many new mothers so tricky? Through a lacking mental healthcare system and few resources, it can be challenging for new mothers to find the treatment they need. Listen up to learn:
Jen Schwartz, the Founder and CEO of Motherhood Understood, shares her story of postpartum depression and helping other new mothers find the support that can be hard to come by.
Many expecting mothers have not been prepared for the possibility of postpartum depression after giving birth. Since recognizing these mental health symptoms can be difficult, finding an effective treatment can be even more challenging.
By building a community that new mothers can identify with, it can validate the feelings of struggle many mothers have. Even if only starting by reading without interacting, dipping a tow in is the first step to finding the support that can provide the needed relief.
Visit https://www.motherhood-understood.com to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does BRCA play a role in new oncology developments? By manipulating the levels, a more vulnerable state can be reached, opening treatment opportunities. Press play to learn:
Mark Vincent, a medical oncologist at the London Regional Cancer Centre, discusses how new targets can be treated in emerging fields of oncology.
Some cancers have long been thought to be generally untreatable, leaving many patients with little hope. However, with new developments in oncology, no cancer remains entirely untreatable.
From studying genes like BRCA and developing new drugs that can target specific traits, even small metastasis can be shrunk. Moreover, by using a more local approach, even lower doses of chemo may truly destroy tumors in the near future.
Visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-Vincent to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes microplastics so dangerous? Their ability to spread so quickly can make them near impossible to prevent. Listen in to learn:
Moritz Lehmann, a Ph.D. candidate in physics at the University of Bayreuth, shares his work modeling the spread of microplastics throughout the environment.
Microplastics have presented themselves as one of the most significant dangers to the environment in recent history. However, much is still unknown surrounding their spread and long-term effects.
Using computer modeling, a better understanding of their origin and spread can be gained, and new solutions to stop it can be produced. Hopefully, if the spread can be controlled, an effort to curb their effects will soon follow.
Visit https://www.sfb-mikroplastik.uni-bayreuth.de/en/participating-scientists/phd-candidates/Moritz-Lehmann/index.php to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does the environment around the parents impact the chance for birth defects? Evidence may support a level of present danger through evidence in mice. Press play to learn:
Terry Hrubec, DVM, Ph.D., shares how the environment one is exposed to during gestation can present risks that can be harmful and leave lasting implications.
While studying lab mice, Dr. Hrubrec noticed a sudden jump in birth defects among the population. After much investigation, it turned out to result from a new cleaning product used to clean the laboratory where the mice resided.
The epigenetic changes may stem from the quaternary ammonium compounds present in the cleaner. Therefore, being cautious about our environment and what a mother is exposed to during gestation can be vital for the child's health.
Visit https://www.vcom.edu/people/theresa-hrubec to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How did a water purifier lead to a range of unintended health benefits for its users? By cultivating hydrogen in the purified water, those who used it could reap the antioxidant properties. Listen up to learn:
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Dr. Adam Trainor, the CEO of Vital Reaction, shares his experience with the benefits of molecular hydrogen and how it may be able to help you as well!
Hydrogen molecules have long been thought to be inert as a gas concerning many possible health benefits. However, this may not be the case, as it is one of the most widely studied health supplements available.
There are tremendous antioxidant properties offered by treating with molecular hydrogen. Due to this, countless folks have found relief for ailments they previously had not been able to curb.
Visit https://www.vital-reaction.com/ to learn more and take advantage of an exclusive offer on your first order. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the cast number of microplastics seeping into the environment be mitigated? Through possible legislation and better product design, it is still possible to turn the situation around. Listen up to learn:
Richard Thompson, a Professor and Director of the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, shares his work combatting the effects of microplastics in the environment.
Though recent efforts have made incremental progress, microplastics and the degradation of plastic remain significant problems. For example, even the microbeads of plastic in wash-off cosmetics take a tremendous toll on the environment.
However, there is still hope with a more conscious product design process in concert with governmental intervention. Still, there is much work to do to get government agencies to step in and intervene to produce more beneficial policies.
Visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/marine-litter for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the age of diverse medical thought, it can be difficult to know the best way to approach holistic wellness. Fortunately, there are many brilliant minds that are committed to uncovering solutions to medical problems, we just have to find them.
Joining us today is Dr. Michael Ruscio. Dr. Ruscio is a doctor of natural medicine who has a podcast called Dr. Ruscio Radio: Health, Nutrition, Functional Medicine. As a multifaceted medical professional, author, and speaker, Dr. Ruscio focuses his expertise on educating people about the many benefits of healthy nutrition and natural medicine.
In this episode, Dr. Ruscio discusses:
How are you approaching your own physical wellness? Tune in now to explore the medical avenues you can take to better your health. To learn more about Dr. Ruscio and his research, visit drruscio.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Coral reefs are delicate ecological communities that must be taken care of in the face of climate change and other environmental circumstances. Conservationists are discovering more about how to effectively do this the more they investigate the diverse background and genome types of various coral reefs.
Joining us on this episode is Marilyn Brandt, a research associate professor at The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies in the Virgin Islands. Her interest in environmental conservation has been particularly associated with coral reef ecology and the disease research surrounding it. With numerous disease outbreaks occurring in coral reefs, Marilyn is adamant about discovering the causes of these afflictions and how to control them.
Listen to discover:
To learn more about the nature of coral restoration and climate change, tune in now!
You can find Marilyn Brandt’s online resources at www.vireefresponse.org and www.vicoraldisease.org
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
We know that many diseases are caused by factors such as lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, the current medical system often offers prescriptions to treat the conditions we are diagnosed with rather than encouraging prophylactic approaches. While this may help to some degree, many nutritionists are more interested in finding ways to prevent diseases that arise from these circumstances altogether, seeking to eliminate the problem before it arises.
David Getoff is the author of Abundant Health in a Toxic World, a book that explores methods of reducing or eradicating causes of human disease through nutrition-based lifestyle changes.
As a certified clinical nutritionist and traditional naturopath, David Getoff is internationally recognized as an expert in diet, nutrition, and detoxification treatments, and he uses this knowledge to educate the public with his research.
Listen now to find out:
Can you prevent disease by taking a different approach to your own lifestyle? Find out now in this investigative and informative episode!
To learn more about David Getoff and his work, visit naturopath4you.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can children who struggle to learn how to read catch up? Through literacy interventions and tailored support, reading is within reach of everyone!
Offer:Want a safe energy-boosting alternative to caffeine? Want to lower free radical damage so you can enjoy optimal cognition, faster muscle recovery, and exceptional wellness? Take the 30-day hydrogen challenge. Drink 2 glasses of hydrogen water daily for 30 days to zap the most damaging free radicals and unleash your inner energy.To get started, use code genius to save 20% on your first order from TryVitalReaction.com
Sara Rich, CEO of Just Right Reader, shares her work to help every child succeed in their literacy journey, regardless of the stage at which they find themselves.
Literacy can be a challenge for children at a variety of stages along their learning journey. Unfortunately, until recently, tailored support was hard to come by, and children were at risk of falling behind.
Using systems that have been proven to work, like decoding and progressive literacy steps, children can find a fun and less frustrating path to reading. At Just Right Reader, various options are available for children throughout a range of literacy stages, allowing families to find the solutions that work for them.
Visit https://justrightreader.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How have increasing numbers of folks found relief through CBD? With an easy-to-understand ingredient list and consistent dosing, Relax Babe CBD may be your new best friend. Listen up to learn:
Lindsey Hogan, the Owner of Relax Babe, shares the wide range of benefits that a consistent and easy-to-use CBD brand can offer the market.
In our world of increasingly high demands in every part of life, it can be challenging to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Whether you struggle with stress, sleeplessness, or even anxiety, CBD may be the answer you seek.
However, the CBD industry has been notoriously difficult to understand and finding a product that is right for you was tough. Luckily, Relax Babe offers simple and transparent treatments with a variety of great flavors to explore!
Visit https://shoprelaxbabe.com to learn more! This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Has the world of medicine turned to over-technical solutions for events and problems with holistic paths to wellness? From pregnancy to stress, the crossroads of spirituality and science may be where the true answers lie. Press play to learn:
Karen Curry Parker of the Quantum Revolution Podcast shares her work in the spiritual and medical world, helping the world to realize how to unlock the potential in our future.
When Karen Curry Parker realized the birth process might be becoming denaturalized and holistic solutions were more effective in her personal life, a switch flipped. From coaching others in their lives to healing their personal issues, using spirituality and science has shown its efficacy.
While the current medical world rejects many of the alternative treatments and tends to hamper research and treatment, it may be incredibly effective for individuals who open their minds to it. Going forward, researching the impact of language on DNA is the next step on Karen Curry Parker's path.
Visit https://quantumrevolutionpodcast.com for more resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the late 80s, vegan or even vegetarian registered dieticians were impossible to find … until Brenda Davis made the transition. Finding herself alone, without even the resources to back up her work as a vegan dietician, she considered changing careers. But instead, she found the courage to speak her truth and make a difference.
Davis is now regarded as the “Godmother” of vegan dieticians, and is an author and internationally acclaimed public speaker.
Tune in to learn:
Davis dives into the details of what it means to be vegan, and how to do it the right way. She also shares insights from a comparative study following cohorts of plant-based eaters from Taiwan, the US, and the UK.
Press play to hear the full conversation and check out one of Davis’s 13 books on all things plant-based eating and health. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes new discoveries about ion channels in relation to cancer? With recent developments and techniques, revolutionary therapeutic methods may be on the horizon. Listen up to learn:
Saverio Gentile, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago, shares his work researching ion channels in cancer cells.
Cancer has been one of the most mysterious and complex to treat conditions present in recent history. While the current treatments have severe side effects and other negative implications, ion channels may offer new opportunities.
Ion channels are highly selective proteins that play a significant role in the function of cells. By changing the cell's charge, the various functions and metabolism can be manipulated, allowing for the development of new therapeutic techniques to treat cancer.
For more information, email sgentile@uic.edu.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Joining us today is Patricia Stott, who is part of Elevation Wellness, a treatment center centered around a holistic approach to health and wellness. In this episode, Patricia will be discussing her research and treatment of conditions such as Ehler’s-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), autoimmune disorders, and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. As a person that suffers from EDS herself, Patricia is dedicated to the restorative therapy practices surrounding EDS and disorders like it using her background in physical therapy and athletic training.
In this episode, you will learn about:
What are the intricacies surrounding these unique conditions? Find out now by tuning in to this enlightening conversation with Patricia Stott and her distinct insight into this topic. To learn more about Patricia Stott and her work with Elevation Wellness, visit www.elevationwellness.co Additionally, be the first to purchase her upcoming book at tamingthezebra.org! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Decades of chronic stress led to Scott Lifer nearly collapsing in the middle of a restaurant, feeling absolutely certain that he was about to die. It was a horrible experience for him, but one that would prompt him to look in the mirror and finally make a major change.
Tune in to learn more about Lifer’s story and explore
Lifer is now the CEO and founder of Wake Up Sense, a holistic healing platform offering information and products you won’t find in Western medicine. At the fundamental level, Wake Up Sense products use orthomolecular science, which is just a fancy word for the cellular penetration of nutrients to the cells of the body. Combined with mental health education and psychotherapy, this approach is revolutionizing people’s lives, sometimes even overnight.
Press play now to discover what mainstream media and the typical Western medicine practitioner simply won’t tell you (because they probably don’t know it themselves).
Visit https://wakeupsense.com/ for information on supplements and a transformational 28-day program offered by Wake Up Sense. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How are microplastics harmful to humans? Researchers are determined to find out what microplastics can do to human health, and how to limit their contamination in our food and water.
Evangelos Danopoulos is a public and environmental health professional with an interest in pollution and how it affects human beings’ overall wellness. With a background as a public health officer and as a Ph.D. student studying medical science with a focus on microplastics, Evangelos Danopoulos analyzes the risks to human health as it relates to emerging environmental contaminants.
Tune in now to learn about:
Hear about this and more in this episode addressing the issues surrounding microplastics and what we can do to mitigate the problem by learning more about them.
You can learn more about Evangelos Danopoulos and his research here, and follow him on Twitter here.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why is the Australian dragon so fascinating? Since they can change gender based on the temperature in the egg, they can offer insight into several aspects of environmental temperature impact, among much else. Press play to learn:
Jennifer A. Marshall Graves, a Distinguished Professor and Vice-Chancellors Fellow at La Trobe University, speaks about her research on Australian dragons and various other Australian animals' sex determination.
Genes are the primary building blocks that determine all of the traits we acquire during gestation. However, for many species, external factors can play a significant role during incubation or gestation in determining the sex of animals like the Australian dragon.
Even in mammals, which we previously thought set in sex chromosomes, there can be bizarre differences between humans and the rest of the mammalian range. For example, in platypuses, their sex chromosomes may more closely resemble chickens than humans.
Search for Jennifer A. Marshall Graves in your engine of choice for many resources to further explore her work.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can snake venom be used in medicine for humans?
This seems like a trick question, but in fact, researchers are developing medicines that utilize different properties of snake venom that are actually beneficial to human beings.
Jacob Galan is an assistant professor at the National Natural Toxins Research Center in The Department of Chemistry Texas A&M. He joins us on this podcast to discuss his research in venom toxinology, and his focus on obtaining snake venom in order to develop antivenoms and other biomedical products.
Listen now to learn about:
Discover all of this and more by diving into this episode examining the thrilling subject of snake venom!
To find out more about Jacob Galan and his research, you can visit www.tamuk.edu
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are injections still the most prevalent delivery method of vaccination? Well, through the development of nasal delivery and other methods, it might soon be phased out. Listen up to learn:
Biao He, the Fred C. Davison Distinguished University Chair In Veterinary Medicine, discusses the possible development of an alternative delivery method of vaccination.
Aside from the sometimes significantly harmful effects of injection-based vaccination in our pets, many folks are still needle-averse. So, this begs the question: why are there no alternative options when seeking the protection offered by vaccines?
Carrying the payload of the material responsible for protecting the immune system is the primary goal of vaccination. However, the question of shedding remains, leaving the viability of different delivery methods up in the air.
Visit https://vet.uga.edu/person/biao_he/ to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why does so much trash wind up in our waterways? Without proper action much farther upstream than preventing the last stages of littering, changes can be challenging to make.
Sherri A. "Sam" Mason, Ph.D., the Director of Sustainability at Penn State Eerie Behrend, shares their work on sustainability and how trash makes its way into the water.
Litter has been a problem for much of our recent history, destroying ecosystems and causing irreparable damage in some cases. However, with the rise of plastics and other difficult-to-decompose materials, this issue is only exacerbated.
By looking in bodies of water for microplastics, the more significant issue, on the whole, is attempting to determine how these make their way from the store to the waterways. This is a problem for the consumer as well since microplastics that make their way back into us can be incredibly damaging.
Visit https://www.sherrimason.com to learn more. This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why has Gout been an incredibly challenging condition for many individuals to treat? Even though treatments have been developed and used, Gout flares can remain, being an incredibly painful and diminishing quality of life. Listen up to learn:
Nihar Bhakta, the CMO of Aristea Therapeutics, speaks about treating Gout and giving patients lasting relief.
Gout has long troubled patients, causing severe inflammatory reactions and limiting motion and quality of life. However, lowering uric acid is the primary treatment method and can remain challenging for some patients.
If patients are mistreated over time, they can go on to develop kidney issues, which may even begin to turn chronic. Hopefully, with further development, Aristea and a handful of other companies can produce treatments to reduce uric acid while limiting possible adverse effects.
Visit https://aristeatx.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
On this podcast, we are joined by David Berlinski, who is a widely published author and academic mind. He is here to talk about his most recent literary work, Human Nature, as well as his other books that discuss topics such as the scientific method and mathematics. With an extensive background in academics, David Berlinski has used this knowledge to fuel his writing ventures in a strikingly sophisticated way.
In this episode, we analyze:
Examining the world from such a distinct point of view is what enhances human consciousness as we know it. Coming from the mind of an individual that is able to sum these topics up in such an eloquent way is truly a marvel to witness.
To find out more about David Berlinski and his work, you can visit his website at davidberlinski.org. This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Psychedelics are commonly thought of as substances that are purely used for recreation, but researchers are continuing to find that there is much more to them than just that. Given the effect that pychoplastis have on the human neurological system, many professionals have found that they can be used for medical applications as well.
Dr. David Olson is an Associate Professor at the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine here to talk about “psychedelics without tripping”. As a chemical neuroscientist, Dr. Olson focuses his research on medicines designed to treat a vast array of brain disorders. Dr. Olson has found that certain psychedelic compounds have been shown to promote neurological growth, and he is determined to uncover their mechanisms of action in order to treat symptoms with as much efficacy as possible.
This episode highlights:
Join this fascinating discussion about the effects psychoplastogens have on anxiety disorders, depression, and many other neurological issues.
You can find out more about Dr. Olson and his work at olsonlab.org and delixtherapeutics.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Plastic is a product that is in the vast majority of manufactured products. The trouble is, plastic is a substance that takes many years to decompose, resulting in a drastic buildup of products that have the potential to harm plants and animals.
Joining us today is husband and wife team Steve and Deonie Allen to discuss atmospheric microplastics, and their impact on the environment. Both Steve and Deonie have traveled the world researching how plastics impact both our planet and its inhabitants.
Listen now to discover:
What does the future hold for a planet littered with microplastic? Find out now from the research duo leading the charge on this issue!
To find out more about Steve and Deonie Allen and their investigations, visit their website at www.plasticpollution.news.
This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe CBD products. To receive 20% off your next purchase, use the coupon code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Shop at shoprelaxbabe.com today! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there an invisible epidemic that is the underlying cause of more problems than we may initially think? Stemming from mental illness and trauma, the negative impacts on many facets of society have been severely detrimental. Press play to learn:
Psychiatrist and consultant Dr. Paul Conti shares his work healing trauma and helping the world out of the invisible epidemic.
The positive and negative feelings we hold on a daily basis inevitably end up spilling over and affecting the world around us. By working to heal our traumas and building the goodness within, we can improve the world around us on a personal level.
However, this change requires a deeply personal understanding and recognizing the chronic trauma we have been exposed to. Being able to take stock of what goes on inside all of us will help enable the first steps to be taken.
Visit https://www.drpaulconti.com for more resources.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How is sex determined in reptiles if sex chromosomes are absent? Through environmental factors like temperature, genetics can be altered, and sex can be finalized. Press play to learn:
Sarah Whiteley, a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra, shares her work researching environmentally sensitive sex determination in central bearded dragons.
Human sex at birth is determined by sex chromosomes and is rarely, if ever, determined by the environment during gestation. However, for some species of reptiles like the central bearded dragon, their gender is determined by environmental factors like temperature.
Gene expression is one of the most common forms of this, which can cause sex reversal and changes. This is one of the many effects of global climate change and can adversely affect the reptile population.
Visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Whiteley for more information. This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Worldwide, heart conditions are among the leading causes of death. Given the many factors that are at play in cardiovascular health, among the most interesting is the issue of how breathing polluted air affects humans’ health. Because of this, doctors are eager to explore how pollution affects the heart specifically, and what we can do to control widespread heart disease caused by unhealthy air.
Joining us on this episode is Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar. Dr. Bhatnagar is the Professor of Medicine at The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the Director of The American Heart Association - Tobacco Center. Given his extensive background and knowledge in heart disease, he has fostered a dedication for research into the connection between air pollution and cardiovascular health.
Listen now to hear Dr. Bhatnagar discuss:
How much is pollution affecting the health of our society, and how can we restrain its effects in the future? Find out now from a doctor on the front lines of this research!
To learn more about Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar and his efforts with the American Heart Association, you can visit their website here. Additionally, be sure to tune in to Dr. Bhatnagar’s own podcast entitled Elements of Nature, set to be released on all major listening platforms in the coming months.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is vaccine hesitancy warranted? Through the NICE (National Informed Consent Exemption) Act, more people may have the right to act on this hesitancy. Listen up to learn:
Greg Glaser, a health freedom lawyer in California, shares information on the NICE Act and his fight for society's right to choose when it comes to decisions about their health autonomy.
Vaccines may cause much more harm than good, dividing the nation and possibly leading to a decline in the health of those that get them. From clotting to chronic diseases, it is essential to be informed before making a decision regarding your health.
The right to choose when it comes to choices about your own body is essential. To protect this freedom, the proposed NICE Act takes aim at vaccine mandates, allowing those who are concerned about their safety to choose for themselves.
Visit https://niceact.org for more resources. This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is endometriosis at fault for more than we currently think? From fertility to immunological factors, there are still many mysteries to be discovered. listen up to learn:
Andrea Vidali, a doctor working on endometriosis, adenomyosis, and miscarriage, shares his experience helping patients find solutions for fertility issues through immunological techniques.
Endometriosis is a widespread condition, but the standard of care is far from up to par. With an extremely long average diagnosis time and frequent minimization from doctors, the condition can wreak havoc on the body far beyond the commonly considered effects.
Fertility problems can arise due to a host of factors caused by endometriosis, even ranging to immune responses. Unfortunately, without an available solution or a complete set of information, fertility problems can persist, unfortunately including miscarriage.
Visit https://pregmune.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Having spent years as a licensed professional counselor in community health centers, hospitals, and rehab centers, Nicole Monteleone ultimately found herself undeniably drawn to holistic, whole-body wellness and treatment. This led her to a colleague with the same interests and goals, and together they founded the Counseling & Wellness Center of Pittsburgh.
Tune in to learn:
Offering nutrition counseling, meditation and mindfulness coaching, and talk therapy to individuals, couples, and families, the Counseling & Wellness Center of Pittsburgh has become a refuge for people, many of whom have been struggling with a higher level of depression and anxiety over the past couple of years.
For more information and resources, visit https://counselingwellnesspgh.com/ This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the nervous system the gateway to health and happiness throughout the rest of our lives? Even the most minor changes can make a significant difference from relationships to the gut biome. Listen up to learn:
Victoria Albina, a coach and the host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, shares her journey of seeking health and helping others do the same.
Our nervous system runs the vast majority of how we feel and operate on a daily basis. However, we may be falling victim to stress responses that served our ancestors well, but they may do more harm than good now.
One of the most significant areas of life our nervous system can impact is our relationships. Victoria Albina helps coach clients reach their lifestyle goals and better handle their nervous system responses.
Visit https://victoriaalbina.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is kibble responsible for poor pet health? While it may be so common to feed kibble, raw food may be the key to a healthier and happier life for our dogs and cats. Listen up to learn:
Kambrey Moneyhon of Jake & Blues Raw Dogfood shares the significant and surprising benefits of raw food diets for our pets.
Kibble has been a ubiquitous staple of pet food in recent history and still to this day, though it may be doing more harm than we think. With the raw food revolution underway, the benefits of feeding a raw diet to dogs range from possibly longer lifespans to healthier eating habits.
Raw diets have the potential to fix a range of conditions from kidney failure and beyond. Jake & Blues Raw Dogfood is a wonderful choice for your pet with convenient servings and a complete nutritional spectrum!
Visit https://jakeandblues.com to learn more. This episode is sponsored by Relax Babe. To receive a 20% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to shoprelaxbabe.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Nearly 20% of the global population suffers from some level of hearing loss, yet there are still no therapeutics for it on the market – just devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants. The team at Decibel Therapeutics is working to change this.
Lend an ear to learn:
Laurence Reid is the CEO of Decibel Therapeutics, a company working to develop the very first therapeutics for hearing loss. He joins the show to explain this work in detail, which includes the development of gene therapy products and small-molecule therapeutics. Along the way, he explains the link between cisplatin (a common chemo drug) and hearing loss, and why the products in the Decibel pipeline are looking like promising treatments.
This work has the potential to completely change billions of lives across the globe. If you or someone you know has hearing loss, this episode isn’t one to miss.
Press play to learn more and check out https://www.decibeltx.com/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the current standard of heart healthcare doing enough to address unseen risks in patients? With a new approach and epidemiology, there may be additional steps to take. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Brad Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen, the author and co-author of Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain, share their work revolutionizing the field of heart health.
The current standard of care for heart and brain health may be lacking. However, using the BaleDoneen Method in combination with the standard of care, many more patients can avoid the risk of heart attacks and strokes they may have otherwise suffered.
The BaleDoneen Method utilizes individualized genetic examination and puts the individual at the center of their treatment technique. Recently, practitioners around the country have begun to embrace the BaleDoneen Method, allowing greater accessibility to take charge of your health through a genetically driven program.
Search for Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and many other retailers.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How has childhood stress potentially affected our everyday lives? While childhood is generally thought to be low-stress, it may have more of an impact than we think. Press play to learn:
Dr. Byron Bhagwandin, the Co-Founder and CEO at Recalibrate Solutions, shares his work combatting toxic stress.
Stress responses are a normal part of life and can even be incredibly useful if danger is present. However, if the stress response system is not buffered in children, it can cause significant damage over time.
Using saliva cortisol tests as a monitoring tool, contributing factors may be measured, allowing a tailored treatment to be developed. In addition, with a focus on accessibility and affordability, these tools may be considered a solution for those who have long suffered from stress dysregulation.
To learn more, visit https://www.recalibratesolutions.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are mushrooms the next big leap in consumables for human benefit and development? While they may not be for everyone, psychedelic mushroom consumption holds potentially promising results. Press play to learn:
As part of Gwella Mushrooms Inc, Daniel Sanders discusses his work developing a broadly available and beneficial medicinal mushroom product.
Mushrooms have long been known to provide significant benefits when consumed, from nootropic to nutritional. However, with growing support and availability, medicinal mushrooms are beginning to show benefits far beyond what we may have thought possible.
Using psychedelic mushrooms to aid in brain development and regulate emotional responses has previously been illegal and able to be studied. However, with new regulations, research has finally been allowed to progress, holding significant benefits for the progression of the field.
Search for more information on medicinal psychedelic research on pubmed.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are there alternative options for treatment than traditional physical therapy for a condition like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome? For example, significant improvement can be found for patients using Pilates and movements that work for hypermobility. Listen up to learn:
Bonnie Southgate, a Sports Therapist, Pilates Therapist, and Biomechanics Specialist, shares her work using alternative physical therapies for those suffering from EDS and various other conditions.
While muscle strength, flexibility, and traditional physical therapy techniques may work for some, they can fall short for patients with hypermobility conditions. Pilates and some other forms of stretching and resistance training can be incredibly effective in these cases.
It can be challenging for those with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or EDS to diagnose, meaning finding an effective treatment can be even more difficult. Since the spectrum of criteria and effects can be so broad, finding a treatment that proves for an individual patient seems to be the best path.
To learn more, visit https://www.ehlers-danlos.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are we on this Earth? While it can be challenging to answer for many, it is one of the most important questions we can attempt to answer. Press play to learn:
Max Lucado, a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author, joins the podcast to share his message of faith and what can be learned from the biblical story of Esther.
We are in a season of global calamity, and it is more important than ever to attempt to understand one another and offer understanding rather than judgment. The story of Esther is a perfect reflection of how God can get us through such a difficult season.
During a time of great crisis, Esther stood in the face of it with an unyielding belief that God had a larger plan. Through her exposure, those in the story gained a greater understanding of the situation, and a catastrophe was avoided.
Visit https://maxlucado.com for more information.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Where do we go when we experience physical death? Regardless of beliefs, there may be emerging scientific evidence for a more concrete answer. Listen up to discover:
Robert Ginsberg, the Vice-President and Founder of the Forever Family Foundation, shares his work and experience with consciousness and its state after death.
Regardless of one's beliefs, no one can say for certain what happens to someone's consciousness after they physically die. However, evidence may support that consciousness is preserved in another dimension.
Through various techniques and belief systems, folks may find a way to navigate the new way of thinking. Reframing your way of thinking can be a significant benefit regarding grief.
Visit https://www.foreverfamilyfoundation.org to learn more.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why can strangers from similar cultures seem to get along without missing a beat? With constant unconscious mindshaping occurring as early as childhood, many people have been shaped into similar ways of thinking and being. Listen up to learn:
Tadeusz Zawidzki, the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, shares his research on mindshaping and the effects on those who have been affected.
Strangers seem to be able to get along, even if they have seemingly very little in common. This phenomenon may be due to mindshaping, which is one of the unique behavioral influences that make us human.
Mindshaping is a hypothesis that states we can coordinate and cooperate with other individuals with whom we have no personal knowledge. This may be due to shared cultural aspects and common experiences like education, imitation of role models, and media absorption.
To learn more, visit https://philosophy.columbian.gwu.edu/tadeusz-zawidzki.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there a better answer coming to oncology therapeutics? Using targeted molecule therapies, a broader base of patients may be found. Press play to learn:
John Mulligan, the CEO at Good Therapeutics, shares his work developing targeted molecular therapies for a variety of applications.
Genetics can be a surprisingly strong tool in modeling and developing a novel drug. However, the applications can be fairly limited since the patient base can be only a percentage of folks compared to other traditional therapeutics.
One of the most promising new developments is the use of Cytokines to treat and combat many forms of cancer. The hope is to expand the application to a broader base of patients moving forward.
Visit https://goodtherapeutics.com for more information.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Hormones can be an overlooked facet of medical health. Often, the symptoms that occur due to hormone changes are difficult to pinpoint, perhaps causing the problems to linger longer than they should.
Dr. Debbie Rice is a naturopathic doctor who maintains a part-time practice that focuses on pediatric, hormone, thyroid, and adrenal health. Her dedication to hormone health and its research is evident in the level of information she has to share about this subject. Dr. Rice is an expert at identifying the interconnectivity between her patient’s hormones and any health difficulties they may be facing.
In this episode, Dr. Rice discusses:
Hear about this, and much more in this engaging podcast about hormone health! To learn more about Dr. Rice and her work, you can visit dutchtest.com.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is purifying blood the future of treating sepsis and many other conditions? While still under development, a new device may revolutionize the field. Press play to learn:
Jim Joyce, the CEO of Sigyn Therapeutics, shares his research and development of a new Hemopurifier and the value of therapeutic blood purification.
Many therapeutic techniques involve the purification of blood and lowering toxicity. However, many of the currently used methods are rarely accessible and may not be the correct technique to expand the range of treatable ailments.
While acute life-threatening conditions are the current focus of the new device, its application may be broadened in the future. With increasingly effective and available technology, subtractive therapies may be just as viable an option as additive therapies we see today.
Visit https://www.sigyntherapeutics.com to learn more.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As hemp products become less taboo and increasingly popular, researchers and businesses are able to create a diverse range of exciting products for the average consumer. One of the fastest-growing hemp products today is CBD, due to its medicinal properties and the accessibility many people now have to it.
On the front lines of CBD marketing is Matthew Colan. Matthew Colan is the co-founder of a company called SOTA CBD. After suffering a lower back injury in a car accident, Colan used CBD to treat his pain, compelling him to extensively research its many benefits. As a result of this deep investigation of hemp products, Colan eventually decided to start a company in order to educate people, and bring CBD to the individuals who need it.
Tune in to hear Matthew Colan explore subjects like:
Educate yourself with one of the brightest minds in CBD production today with this informative episode addressing the many benefits of the hemp plant!
You can find out more about Matthew Colan here, and his company SOTA CBD here.
This episode is sponsored by SOTA CBD. To receive a 25% discount at checkout, use the code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout. Go to sotacbd.com to shop now!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes palmoplantar pustulosis symptoms so difficult to treat? Based on its unique makeup, relief can be challenging to find. Listen up to learn:
James Mackay, the CEO of Aristea Therapeutics, shares his work researching inflammatory skin conditions and finding a solution to palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).
Palmoplantar pustulosis is an immensely painful and debilitating inflammatory skin condition. Unfortunately, it has been discovered to be quite challenging to treat, and symptoms are challenging to quell for patients to find relief.
While it has been previously seemingly untreatable in many situations, a vital discovery of the importance of neutrophils has allowed the development of new solutions. With additional research and development in tandem with big pharma, a solution may loom on the horizon.
To learn more, visit https://aristeatx.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are medical lasers more valuable than many of us currently think? They may be part of the medical future with uses far beyond tattoo removal. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Thomas Barrows, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at World Back to Work, shares his work with medical lasers across their many uses.
Lasers have become a mainstay in many medical applications, but tattoo removal may be one of the most beneficial uses. While it is not an immediate fix, they may make a once permanent decision much less untouchable.
However, lasers interact very differently with different skin types, colors, ages, and tattoo colors. Still, with more research and development, advancements in laser technology can make the entirety of the process more effective and efficient.
Contact your local laser procedure clinic for more information and resources.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are the factors affecting air temperature what we previously thought? Based on physical evidence, there may be different culprits at hand. Listen in to learn:
Patrick Frank, Scientific Affiliate at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, shares his experience researching climate change, the real reasons behind it, and the possible consequences.
In recent years, the story of climate change has been centered on greenhouse gasses and a few other key factors. However, these factors may be based on errored evidence.
Even with extensive modeled evidence and published studies, the evidence may be more akin to statistics than science. Due to this, the real causes and effects of climate change and rising air temperature may vary from what we have been told.
To learn more, visit https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/a-climate-of-belief/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How do primary deficiency disorders affect those who present with them? Since some aren't even common enough to name, the effects can be quite challenging to pin down. Listen up to learn:
Professor of Medicine and the Director of the Center for Personalized Immunology, Matthew Cook, shares his work understanding the effects of immune-mediated diseases.
Immune disorders can be debilitating for some of those who have them, but they can also run the gamut of effects from innocuous to severe. However, by examining the genetics of the diseases and those who have them, we may be able to begin demystifying some of the causes.
Once we can begin to understand the genetic makeup and its effects on the immune condition, we can start developing treatments to help those who suffer from them. However, a patient's microbiome may make a significant difference.
To learn more, visit https://www.cpi.org.au to learn more
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Has climate change permanently shifted biodiversity, or can we make a course correction? While we may have done irreparable damage in some areas, we may still be able to fight the effects of climate change. Listen up to learn:
Luisa Diele-Viegas, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Federal University of Alagoas, shares her work researching how climate change has affected biodiversity.
Much of the focus of the effects of climate change has focused on its impact on humans. However, if we take a closer look, the effects on biodiversity may be more severe than we initially thought.
Since many animals have adopted behaviors to shield themselves from higher temperatures, they may not be able to carry out the resource gathering and reproduction necessary to sustain their species. If we cannot correct some of the damage already done, entire ecosystems may be changed for the worse.
To learn more, search for Diele-Viegas LM on social media. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Has climate change permanently shifted biodiversity, or can we make a course correction? While we may have done irreparable damage in some areas, we may still be able to fight the effects of climate change. Listen up to learn:
Luisa Diele-Viegas, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Federal University of Alagoas, shares her work researching how climate change has affected biodiversity.
Much of the focus of the effects of climate change has focused on its impact on humans. However, if we take a closer look, the effects on biodiversity may be more severe than we initially thought.
Since many animals have adopted behaviors to shield themselves from higher temperatures, they may not be able to carry out the resource gathering and reproduction necessary to sustain their species. If we cannot correct some of the damage already done, entire ecosystems may be changed for the worse.
To learn more, search for Diele-Viegas LM on social media. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is your anxiety true or false?
You might be thinking “It’s TRUE anxiety—it’s real, not false, and I’m not making it up.”
It turns out your anxiety might be of both types, but this does not mean you’re making up anything at all.
Tune in to explore:
“Genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger.” This simple phrase reflects the underpinnings of Dr. Vora’s work as a holistic psychiatrist.
She believes everyone has the ability to influence their mental health, simply because a person’s diet and lifestyle determine how their mental health manifests.
People who seek new avenues of relief for their anxiety—beyond or altogether outside of prescription medication—come to see Dr. Vora. These avenues almost always lead straight to the physiological conditions of the body that relate to mental health, such as blood sugar levels, hormonal imbalances, digestion, and sleep patterns.
After that, Dr. Vora works with patients on a deeper, often psycho-spiritual level.
Interested in learning more?
Follow Dr. Vora on Instagram @EllenVoraMD, check out ,https://ellenvora.com/, and find a copy of her book The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can finding the links between neurodegenerative diseases help find treatments as well? The more we learn about the causes and effective treatments, the clearer the entire picture becomes. Listen up to discover:
Dr. Cheng Fang, the VP of Research at Annovis, shares her work with neurodegenerative diseases and the emerging treatments and therapeutic techniques.
There is still much to learn about neurodegenerative diseases, but if we begin to examine the similarities between them, we may be able to learn about the role of specific causes and components. For example, proteins have been overlooked for a long time, but they play a significant role in the pathology of the diseases.
By examining the common toxins or problematic structures present, we can determine which are neurotoxic. However, by improving axonal transport, significant improvements may be made.
Visit https://www.annovisbio.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Believe it or not, your body is essentially an electrical field.
The tissues within the human body contain many charged ions that are constantly moving around, creating an electrical current. Scientists are conducting cutting-edge research on how this electricity can be used as a major health benefit for humans.
Dr. Ann Rajnicek is on the front lines of such bioelectric research and is a senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. Dr. Rajnicek has made fascinating discoveries about the electrical current in the human body, and how it may be used to benefit cell regeneration and innovate various medical treatments.
Tune in now to hear Dr. Rajnicek discuss things like:
Learn about this, and much more in this scientifically immersive podcast with Dr. Rajnicek.
To find out more about Dr. Rajnicek’s research, you can visit her university webpage here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/a.m.rajnicek
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What has caused such a mass loss of attention capacity around the world? The true culprit may not be what you think. Press play to learn:
A New York Times Best Seller Author, Johann Hari, shares his research and insight gained throughout writing Stolen Focus.
It is no secret that the world's population has lost the capacity for focus over recent generations. While we may think the reason is apparent, it is actually far more complex than surface-level reward.
We can take the fight into our own hands through various strategies and tools to help get your attention span back. However, the attention crisis still rages, and we must fight to increase our collective attention at the root cause of the problem.
To learn more, visit https://stolenfocusbook.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can gene therapy be used to help prevent and treat disease? With immunotherapies and cell therapy techniques, sicknesses previously thought difficult to treat can be more effectively treated.Listen up to learn:
Jan ter Meulen, M.D., Ph.D., the CSO of Obsidian Therapeutics, shares his work building a company producing advances in gene and cell therapeutics.
Gene therapies have been effectively used to safely treat stubborn illnesses and diseases for generations. However, using these protocols against cancer has become increasingly effective, and companies like Obsidian Therapeutics are making great leaps.
While some patients may have experienced problems with less safe treatment versions, new techniques make more frail patients able to seek treatment. However, using mice as models provides particular challenges, so treatments like these require a significant level of testing.
Visit https://obsidiantx.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does there need to be a new approach to treating and handling mental health disorders? Using understanding and a naturopathic approach, previously unconsidered solutions may appear. Press play to learn:
Doctor Of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Christina Bjorndal, shares her experience with her own mental health struggles and their journey to help others who struggle as well.
Many practitioners and patients believe the only path to treatment of mental health disorders is purely medication prescription. However, through attempting to understand the patient and their circumstances along with a more naturalized treatment approach, success can be found where previously thought impossible.
Additionally, improvements can be made to supplement more traditional treatment by ensuring that many other areas of life are in line with health standards like sleep and nutrition. If the rest of the body is aligned, the chances are that a patient struggling with their mental health will have a more solid foundation on which to build the rest of their treatment.
Visit https://naturopathic.org to learn more, or visit https://drchristinabjorndal.com to see more of Dr. Bjorndal’s work.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the past, human bodies evolved to process the toxins we encounter in our genes and environments. Today, however, the world presents us with challenges that our bodies struggle to overcome. From our food and water to auto emissions and products we use every day, heavy metal toxins are present in almost every facet of modern life.
Spencer Feldman in alternative medicine for over 30 years. Throughout his practice, he encountered people with “mystery diseases” that couldn’t be identified or treated with traditional medicine. This prompted Feldman to learn more about the detox process, and eventually, to found Remedylink, a company focused on manufacturing holistic detoxification products that can be used by everyone for their total health benefits.
In this informative episode, you can learn about:
Listen to this enlightening discussion today and find more about how Spencer Feldman and Remedylink are providing a new opportunity for people to get their hope back about their health and focus on what really matters.
To learn more about the Detox process, protocols, and Feldman’s work, visit Remedylink’s website here, or call (888) 456-4268.
For a limited time, Finding Genius listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast, text GENIUS to 818181.
Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the past, human bodies evolved to process the toxins we encounter in our genes and environments. Today, however, the world presents us with challenges that our bodies struggle to overcome. From our food and water to auto emissions and products we use every day, heavy metal toxins are present in almost every facet of modern life.
Spencer Feldman in alternative medicine for over 30 years. Throughout his practice, he encountered people with “mystery diseases” that couldn’t be identified or treated with traditional medicine. This prompted Feldman to learn more about the detox process, and eventually, to found Remedylink, a company focused on manufacturing holistic detoxification products that can be used by everyone for their total health benefits.
In this informative episode, you can learn about:
Listen to this enlightening discussion today and find more about how Spencer Feldman and Remedylink are providing a new opportunity for people to get their hope back about their health and focus on what really matters.
To learn more about the Detox process, protocols, and Feldman’s work, visit Remedylink’s website here, or call (888) 456-4268.
For a limited time, Finding Genius listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast, text GENIUS to 818181.
Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the past, human bodies evolved to process the toxins we encounter in our genes and environments. Today, however, the world presents us with challenges that our bodies struggle to overcome. From our food and water to auto emissions and products we use every day, heavy metal toxins are present in almost every facet of modern life.
Spencer Feldman in alternative medicine for over 30 years. Throughout his practice, he encountered people with “mystery diseases” that couldn’t be identified or treated with traditional medicine. This prompted Feldman to learn more about the detox process, and eventually, to found Remedylink, a company focused on manufacturing holistic detoxification products that can be used by everyone for their total health benefits.
In this informative episode, you can learn about:
Listen to this enlightening discussion today and find more about how Spencer Feldman and Remedylink are providing a new opportunity for people to get their hope back about their health and focus on what really matters.
To learn more about the Detox process, protocols, and Feldman’s work, visit Remedylink’s website here, or call (888) 456-4268.
For a limited time, Finding Genius listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast, text GENIUS to 818181.
Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In the past, human bodies evolved to process the toxins we encounter in our genes and environments. Today, however, the world presents us with challenges that our bodies struggle to overcome. From our food and water to auto emissions and products we use every day, heavy metal toxins are present in almost every facet of modern life.
Spencer Feldman in alternative medicine for over 30 years. Throughout his practice, he encountered people with “mystery diseases” that couldn’t be identified or treated with traditional medicine. This prompted Feldman to learn more about the detox process, and eventually, to found Remedylink, a company focused on manufacturing holistic detoxification products that can be used by everyone for their total health benefits.
In this informative episode, you can learn about:
Listen to this enlightening discussion today and find more about how Spencer Feldman and Remedylink are providing a new opportunity for people to get their hope back about their health and focus on what really matters.
To learn more about the Detox process, protocols, and Feldman’s work, visit Remedylink’s website here, or call (888) 456-4268.
For a limited time, Finding Genius listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast, text GENIUS to 818181.
Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Given the nature of the human cough as a symptom, it is often poorly managed by medical providers simply because it’s not measured.
Allowing people the chance to make their cough quantifiable may allow them to better represent their condition to their doctors. This is not only empowering to patients, but it’s also incredibly helpful to health care providers.
In this episode, we are joined by Peter Small, the chief medical officer at a company called Hyfe. Hyfe is a small group of clinical investigators, scientists, data engineers, and software programmers whose ambition is to change the way the world manages the human cough. Hyfe combines the ubiquity of cellphones with sophisticated AI machine learning algorithms to passively monitor and quantify your cough in order to gain insight on how to properly treat it.
Hear Peter Small cover things like:
Not only this but hear about Hyfe’s goals moving forward and what role they aim to play as innovators of healthcare technology.
To find out more about Peter Small’s work at Hyfe, visit their website at hyfeapp.com and follow them on Twitter @hyfeapp.
For a limited time, Finding Genius Podcast listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast discount, text GENIUS to 818181. Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can love really change the world for the better? By reevaluating how we perceive the world, we may be able to affect the change we wish to see around us. Listen in to learn:
Juan Lee, the author of Love Made Simple, shares his strategies to cultivate love and happiness in the world and the people around him.
Far too many people go about their daily lives with negative attitudes and very little love in their hearts. Due to this, negativity, hostility, and malice permeate many of their actions, making the world a more pessimistic place.
By embracing love throughout life, holding good in your heart, and showing it to others, there is hope to make the world better. By acknowledging just one person around you, you can make their lives better and create a ripple effect of love.
Visit https://juanleetheauthor.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Given their close relationship with human beings, primates continue to provide an intriguing field of research for scientists around the world. As we learn more about these animals and their behaviour, their cognitive abilities remain a distinct point of interest for researchers.
Dr. Alecia Carter is a lecturer in evolutionary anthropology at University College London that does extensive research regarding the evolution of cognition in primates. Classically trained as a zoologist, the majority of her work has been focused on medium to large size monkeys. Dr. Carter continues to explore how primates’ perceptions and group interactions display an advanced level of mental capacity.
Listen now to hear Dr. Carter discuss:
Hear about all of this, and more about her current and future research questions surrounding primate cognition in this fascinating podcast!
To keep up with Dr. Alecia Carter’s research, you can visit her website at draleciacarter.mystrikingly.com and follow her on Twitter @alecia_carter.
For a limited time, Finding Genius Podcast listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast discount, text GENIUS to 818181. Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why does Hollywood seem to shy away from the topic of Christianity? Though the big-box movies often have massive budgets, more thoughtful Christian pieces usually do not get the same attention. Listen up to learn:
Actor, Producer, and Director, Kevin Sorbo, shares his experience as a professional in Hollywood standing up for Christianity in a religion-averse environment.
Despite the more thoughtful and family-oriented topics and approaches of faith-based movies, very few get the same level of attention given to big-box productions. However, over 80-million households may be waiting for just such works.
From strengthening his own faith and the values of others, Kevin Sorbo plans to keep fighting to bring faith-based productions into the mainstream. If we continue the same path we are on, we may pass the tipping point and find ourselves in severe trouble.
Visit https://www.sorbostudios.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Leaders in the corporate field are learning that they are losing valuable and talented employees who feel uncared for and uninspired.
Listen in to discover:
Gian Singh Power is the founder of TLC Lions, an organization whose vision is to “humanize the working world.” Once immersed in a corporate world where high performance and competitive productivity were the sole measures of success, Power began to rethink his viewpoint after the murder of his father and the suicide of a work colleague. Suddenly, it became clear to him that people, even those in the corporate world, are suffering, and they shouldn’t have to do it silently and alone.
The TLC Lions work with organizations around the world to help create work cultures that promote diversity, inclusion, and open dialogue around mental health. Their work has not only helped businesses, but saved lives.
For more information, go to https://www.tlclions.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can you influence your biological age using science?
Nikolina Lauc, CEO of GlycanAge, is asking these questions and is determined to find out how to reverse the aging process with a specific type of molecular testing. GlycanAge looks at a part of human biology that is often ignored: the human glycan. By measuring glycan, we can determine people’s biological age vs chronological age to take steps that may reverse the aging process as a whole.
Along with this, glycan testing also shows how the immune system changes with age, and how reducing chronic inflammation is so crucial to overall health.
Listen now as Nikolina Lauc discusses:
Discover this, and much more about biological age testing from someone on the cutting-edge of this molecular research. Additionally, learn about what other diagnostic products GlycanAge has in the pipelines that are more risk-specific.
To find out more about what GlycanAge does, visit their website at GlycanAge.com for more information.
For a limited time, Finding Genius Podcast listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast discount, text GENIUS to 818181. Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can we explain how life emerged and gained cognition through explaining cell origins and evolution? We may be farther off than we currently think. Press play to learn:
David Galloway, an Honorary Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow, shares his research on the complexities of life and the possibility of design rather than happenstance.
The origin of life and our ability to think in the abstract has long been debated. While there have been countless theories over the course of history, two of the primary contenders are random chance and grand design.
Natural selection and evolution are generally thought to be the two significant players in the development of life over eons, but there may be a grand cognition that designed this process. By examining common threads that run through almost every aspect of life, we may be able to begin to approach an understanding of the larger plan.
Visit https://davidgalloway.co.uk to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
… And we’re not done with “worse” yet.
Of course, we’re talking about the current virus situation. But as usual, we’re talking about it in a way you won’t hear from most other media outlets.
Tune in to explore:
In the current climate amid the virus situation, some people—about 30% of the U.S. population—are making vicious statements and even threats against others. Why? And will this percentage grow, decrease, or stay the same?
What might turn the tide in this virus situation over the coming months or years? Will the main actors just disappear? Will more people continue to die—and if so—from what, exactly?
Pamela Popper is Founder and President of Wellness Forum Health, a company that for more than 25 years has been helping people achieve long-term health through informed medical decision-making and diet and lifestyle.
Learn more about her work at https://wellnessforumhealth.com/, and get involved at https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“Food is medicine … There are foods that can heal you and foods that can poison you,” says Achina Stein.
She’s an American board-certified psychiatrist with 25+ years of practice experience, and she brings a whole new perspective to the treatment of mental illnesses.
Tune in to explore:
In her book, What If It’s Not Depression?: Your Guide to Finding Answers and Solutions, Dr. Stein aims to help people understand that the symptoms of mental disorders can have numerous root causes and that they can be reversed through the use of multiple interventions, including diet, lifestyle, meditation, and spiritual or religious practices.
There are so many ways to improve your mental health and your life in general; medication isn't always the answer, and it’s certainly not the only answer.
But in all cases, Dr. Stein stresses the importance of making a plan that matches the individual’s personality and where they are in life at that very moment. This means starting with the "low-hanging fruit" and working toward digging into the root causes of their symptoms.
Interested in learning more or contacting Dr. Stein?
Just tune in and visit https://achinasteindo.com/ Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can public access to genome sequencing help mitigate overall risk in the future of medicine? With broader availability, new services can help propel testing to new heights. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Mikolaj Raszek, founder and managing director of Merogenomics Inc., shares his work to bring public access to genetic testing.
Many folks are familiar with the genetic testing available to the public today, like those designed to examine ancestry and basic medical information. However, if more in-depth testing can be made available to the public, much more beneficial and meaningful data can be disseminated, mitigating significant risks to the patient.
If we can examine the genome of any one, we can determine the likelihood of thousands of conditions they may develop in the future. With this knowledge, they can choose to take risk-mitigating action much earlier, hopefully nipping the problem in the bud.
Visit https://merogenomics.ca to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can geomorphology be used to determine earthquake hazards? By watching the changes in geography over the Earth's history, we can learn to predict future geographic events. Listen up to discover:
Mikael Attal, a geomorphologist at the School of Geosciences at the University of Edinburgh, shares his research and work studying the changes in the Earth's landscape and what these changes can mean for the future.
Major geological events like earthquakes can be some of the most significantly changing events on Earth. By studying these changes and how they have affected the geography of an area, we may be able to start making predictions to mitigate risk and attempt to predict significant future events.
These studies allow various countries and societies to better prepare for the possibility of natural disasters and save lives. Moreover, by identifying disasters waiting to happen, false senses of security can be shaken, and actual beneficial measures can be taken.
For additional resources, visit https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/persons/mikael-attal. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
There is no question that we are living in unprecedented times with the ongoing public health crisis that is COVID-19. As we continue to deal with this pandemic, it seems that the stance on vaccination that governments and big pharma are taking is very black or white, leaving very little room for open discourse.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. James Lyons-Weiler, who is the president and CEO of the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge (IPAK), a nonprofit organization that conducts research in the interest of the public. Dr. Lyons-Weiler has a bachelor's degree in zoology, a doctoral degree in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, and a postdoctoral degree in computational molecular biology. He has been a front-line researcher for the COVID-19 pandemic, and he shares his thoughts and findings regarding how the vaccine is affecting society.
Listen now to learn more about:
Learn about this, and much more in this skeptical yet enlightening episode.
To research more on this subject, Dr. Lyons-Weiler recommends visiting Ipaknowledge.org, as well as his personal medical blog popularrationalism.substack.com. Additionally, for online courses regarding these matters, he recommends using the resources at ipak-edu.org. for a limited time, Finding Genius Podcast listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout products. To receive this exclusive podcast discount, text GENIUS to 818181. Message and data rates may apply, see terms for details. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the climate really in a crisis like so much of the media and pop culture would like us to believe? Based on the actual statistics and historical climate events, we may not be in as much trouble as we think. Listen up to learn:
A Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics, William Happer, shares his work as a climate specialist and a whistleblower on the climate "crisis."
Despite the significant voices joining the call for change amidst a climate crisis, it may be a red herring for the real problems harming society. Even the warnings of increasingly severe fires and storm events may be overblown.
While greenhouse gasses and fossil fuels are usually the factors blamed for climate change, they may promote certain beneficial factors. Even carbon dioxide can actually promote greening worldwide rather than promote harm like previously thought.
Visit https://co2coalition.org for more educational resources.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does climate change deserve the panic it has caused in recent years? Based on statistics, it may not warrant the reaction we have been affording it. Listen up to learn:
Bjorn Lomborg, the author of False Alarm, shares his work researching the true impact of climate change and the cost of the panic caused in recent years.
Climate change has long been touted as one of the most significant threats to the modern world. However, based on the statistics presented outside of the mainstream, the effects may not warrant the reaction the world has afforded it.
While the effects of climate change are damaging in particular ways, the reality of the situation is that the situation may have been improving the entire time. Even if global agencies are influencing modern models, the data actually may show a gradual improvement, despite the reality of global warming.
Visit https://www.lomborg.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does Nihilism deserve the bad reputation it seems to carry? Well, according to Wendy Syfret, it may be the key to happiness so many seek. Press play to learn:
Many hear Nihilism and immediately connect it with apathy or pessimism. However, in reality, it offers solutions to some of the most significant emotional dilemmas humans face.
In the face of overwhelming importance placed on even the simplest of everyday tasks, relief can be hard to come by. If one becomes interested or overwhelmed, though, accepting the deeper understanding of insignificance may be the remedy.
Visit https://www.wendysyfret.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes it so difficult for those suffering from endometriosis to find a proper diagnosis or relief? Unfortunately, due to misplaced research and lack of credence given to patients, the only practical and available treatments are difficult to obtain. Listen in to learn:
Sallie Sarrel, a pelvic physical therapist, speaks on her research and work surrounding pelvic pain and endometriosis.
Those with endometriosis have struggled to find treatments or even a doctor who will listen to them for a large portion of recent history. Unfortunately, this is due to a lack of up-to-date knowledge, and a misplaced foundation of knowledge proliferated even in treatment as current as of the present.
Even though effective treatment can be challenging to obtain, alternative options and remedies are available even in your own home. By optimizing the quality of life and experimenting with various physical therapies, relief may be more attainable than many patients may think.
Visit https://salliesarrel.com for more resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is cancer a byproduct of the evolutionary process?
In this podcast, we are joined by Rafe Furst and Dr. Henry Heng to address questions like this.
Rafe Furst is an entrepreneur, investor, and on the board at the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Dr. Heng is returning guest from the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne School of Medicine. Both Dr. Heng and Rafe Furst are passionate about cutting-edge cancer research, and in this episode, they share their thoughts on their discoveries about the evolutionary mechanisms of cancer.
Tune in now to hear them discuss:
Hear them discuss this, and how understanding the integral facts about cancer cells is crucial for the progression of this research.
You can find Henry Heng’s book, Genome Chaos: Rethinking Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Medicine here, and explore his recent work here. Additionally, keep an eye out for Richard Jacob’s book co-written by Henry Heng, Finding Genius: Understanding Cancer, coming out in the next couple of weeks.
For a limited time, Finding Genius Podcast listeners can get up to $800 off MSRP on Echelon workout equipment. To receive this exclusive podcast discount, text GENIUS to 818181. Message and data rates may apply, see store for details.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How does cancer begin to spread throughout the body? Epithelial cells may be a significant culprit through cell metastasis and various mutations. Press play to learn:
Engda Hagos, M.S., Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Biology at Colgate University, shares his work with cell metastasis and the possible causes and symptoms of metastatic cancer.
Cell metastasis and its impact on cancer can be challenging to examine when attempting to find the origin and initial causes. However, through various mutations and gene structures, traits and actions can be triggered within cells which may not have initially been possible.
The commonly accepted causes of cancer remain largely at fault for many mutations. However, attempting to understand the true nature of cancer will be the endeavor that may bring novel advances in cancer research.
For more information, visit https://www.colgate.edu/about/directory/ehagos. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can world religions possibly share more similarities than we may have thought? The similarities may surprise us if we look back at ancient religions and trace them through history. Listen up to learn:
Yair Lior, Ph.D. of religious studies in the department of religion at Boston University, shares his research and study in comparative religion and its science.
While many of the major world religions today may appear vastly different at first glance, they may share ancient similarities branching from distant commonalities. Especially when considering beliefs in the distant past before modern religious ideas, we can begin to uncover the similarities which branch from unexpected practices.
If we begin to separate ourselves from where we base our religious beliefs, we can adopt an analytical mindset when studying the world of religion. Moreover, by introducing exploration and education into current beliefs, it may even strengthen the beliefs we currently hold, allowing us to explore deeper than we previously believed.
Visit https://bu.academia.edu/YLior to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Emotional intelligence and stress reduction speaker and healer, Carla Sridevi Cohen, used to live a completely different life—until her body would no longer let her.
Tune in to learn about her incredible journey and discover:
“I quit because my body was quitting for me,” says Cohen. From 70-hour workweeks in Hollywood doing story and script development to hardly able to walk from her bedroom to the bathroom: It was a relatively sudden and drastic change for Cohen that would completely alter the trajectory of her life and career.
She explains her journey in detail, sharing how she came to learn so much about her and other people’s emotions, and ultimately heal herself—her body and her mind. For so long, her body had been communicating to her, but she wasn’t listening. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she didn’t know she needed to, or even how to.
Cohen now spends her time helping others heal—both physically and mentally—by tuning into and listening to their bodies. She explains her process, and how she works with people both in person and virtually.
Press play to hear the full conversation and visit https://quantummindshift.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
There are many ways to approach health and general wellness, and considering things such as psychedelic mushrooms as a potential health resource is certainly a rapidly developing field.
Peter Reitano is an award-winning entrepreneur and the CEO of Gwella, a company that is at the forefront of bringing functional mushrooms to consumers. The goal of Gwella is to bring the wellness benefits that mushrooms provide (psychedelic and otherwise) to the general public in order to help people use them safely and effectively. Whether it’s psilocybin mushrooms or lion’s mane, Peter Reitano believes in the health benefits of mushrooms immensely.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Listen now as Peter Reitano discusses this, and everything else mushroom on this intriguing episode on fungi.
To learn more about what Gwella is doing, be sure to visit www.gwellamushrooms.com.
To purchase Gwella products, visit mojo.shop and use the code WELCOME20 to receive 20% off your first purchase!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is Psychiatric drugging really the solution we thought it was initially? Though it may be the predominant tool, there are hidden dangers many are unaware of. Listen up to learn:
Professor of Psychology Dr. Mo Hannah shares important warnings and information surrounding psychiatric drugging and concerns in the modern psychiatric field.
While they have a place and use in modern psychiatric treatment, we may be too quick to prescribe and take unnecessary medication. Despite the widespread prescription and use, there are important considerations to make before prescribing or accepting psychiatric medication for themselves or their children.
Withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly dangerous when working with psychiatric medication and should be taken seriously. A common misconception is that withdrawal symptoms are simply due to preexisting mental conditions; however, this may be dangerously wrong.
Visit http://motheresehannahphd.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The process of regenerating damaged skin tissue has been happening naturally in humans for millennia, and as medical experts continue to develop faster and more effective regenerative medicines, this process continues to evolve and progress.
Dr. Ryan Mathis, Chief Medical Officer at PolarityTE and former plastic surgery resident at Georgetown University, has been on the frontlines of skin regeneration research. PolarityTE is pioneering a new tissue engineering method called SkinTE, and Dr. Mathis clues us in on how this method functions.
Listen now as Dr. Mathis discusses:
Find more information about Dr. Mathis’s research and SkinTE at Polarityte.com.
This episode was brought to you by FeelGood Hemp, for 33% off your first purchase, use the code GENIUS33 at checkout! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
As technology continues to evolve, so does our ability to explore cutting-edge scientific research. This allows for better diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in all kinds of scenarios in the safest and most effective way possible. Scientists have been using microscopic skin imaging to diagnose ailments and treat skin tumors.
Dr. Aydogan Ozcan, Chancellor’s Professor and HHMI professor, enlightens us on his fascinating research: bringing AI technology to the skin biopsy process. Trained as an electrical engineer, Dr. Ozcan became interested in biomechanical applications of light in laboratory settings.
In this episode, Dr. Ozcan discusses things like:
Tune in to learn all this and more in this educational podcast on a new field of scientific pioneering.
To learn more, you can look up PICTOR Labs, the start-up looking to commercialize this new tech.
This episode was brought to you by FeelGood Hemp, for 33% off your first purchase, use the code GENIUS33 at checkout! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Throughout the majority of our history, astronomers have measured things in the cosmos with light. Now, they’re able to look at the Universe through an exciting new medium. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, and before 2015, it was believed that it was impossible to see them. Through incredible new research, we can now observe gravitational waves and use them to understand more about extreme events that are happening in the Universe.
Michael Zevin is a NASA Hubble Fellow at the University of Chicago. He became interested in black holes research and gravity waves at the beginning of his Ph.D. and began working with a research group studying gravitational waves called the LIGO scientific collaboration. Michael Zevin shares how his work is helping to move us forward in our understanding of this incredible new science.
In this episode, you can learn about:
Discover all of this and more by tuning in to this thrilling episode!
To continue following this exciting research, you can find Michael Zevin on Twitter at @spacedontwait or at michaelzevin.com. You can also keep up with LIGO, access all the data yourself, and learn more by visiting gw-openscience.org.
This episode is supported by Feel Good Hemp. Listeners can receive 33% off of hemp and CBD products sitewide on their first purchase by using the code GENIUS33 at checkout!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship understands the importance of communication and commitment to a thriving partnership. While most people enter into marriage with the best of intentions, it is likely that every relationship will face some form of intimacy and relationship trouble. Learning how to be proactive and present in your relationship can pave a way forward that prevents the problems that will inevitably arise from becoming too severe to repair.
Stephanie Wijkstrom is a Marriage and Relationship counselor at the Counseling Wellness Center of Pittsburgh. She has practiced the Gottman Method of relationship counseling to help people in pathological conflict through self-reflection and reminding couples what brought them together in the first place. Though many couples don’t come to therapy until problems become frequent, Stephanie Wijkstrom is particularly interested in helping couples find ways to enhance their relationships before breakdown occurs.
In this episode, Stephanie will explain:
To learn more about Stephanie Wijkstrom’s work, go to https://counselingwellnesspgh.com or call (412) 856-WELL to connect with a counselor who can best meet your needs.
This episode is sponsored by Feel Good Hemp. Use code GENIUS33 for 33% off at https://feelgoodhemp.org/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is fitness the remedy to many ailments we face in life? With the proper routine and habits, you may be surprised by what can be accomplished. Press play to learn:
Steve Willis, A.K.A. Commando Steve, shares some of the lessons he has gained along his fitness journey and how to better your life with fitness.
Fitness has long been misunderstood and may have seemed exclusionary from various sources in the industry. However, with proper scaling and technique, it may be much more accessible and beneficial than it has previously appeared.
Fitness can look different for everyone, and one program or routine that works for one group of people may not work for everyone. Regardless of the fitness level you have found yourself at, there are steps to take to better your current circumstances.
Visit https://www.commandosteve.com to find out more.
This episode is sponsored by Feel Good Hemp. Use code GENIUS33 for 33% off at https://feelgoodhemp.org/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“What’s your plan?”
That’s a question almost every addict hates, because the truth is they likely don’t have one—at least not for their personal life. They’re stuck. And although most people think that therapy is the solution, it might not be.
Press play to learn:
Cali Estes, PhD is a psychologist who specializes in addiction and uses a solution-focused approach to coaching and therapy. She’s also known as the “celebrity addictions coach.”
Rather than rehashing the past, some people need to figure out how to move forward with a plan. Others need to rehash the past in order to figure out the root cause of their issue. Part of Dr. Estes' job is figuring out which category her clients fall into—or whether they fall somewhere in the middle.
She discusses the primary drivers behind any coping mechanism, the importance of distinguishing a problem from a perception, how a situation leads to an action, and so much more.
Tune in and visit https://caliestes.com/ to learn more.
This episode is sponsored by Feel Good Hemp. Use code GENIUS33 for 33% off at https://feelgoodhemp.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Bill McGraw joins us again to discuss the seemingly inescapable “forever chemicals” found in everything around us. Poly-fluoroalkyl substances, referred to by their plural acronym PFAS, are found in many things we use every day, they’re in our water and food – even in our rainjackets.
Dr. Bill McGraw, the author of “Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease”, has a passion and deep interest in being cognizant of the potentially harmful things we may be ingesting daily, and how we can avoid them for overall better health benefits. From mercury toxicity in humans to cancer-causing chemicals, Dr. McGraw has done researched it.
Educating yourself on this often overlooked subject may improve your quality of life and health, and there’s no one better to discuss it than Dr. McGraw.
On this podcast, you’ll learn about:
There is plenty of research done about health problems due to processed food, and this is an important characteristic of why this is the case.
To engage with what Dr. Bill McGraw is doing, visit newaquatechpanama.com for the latest updates on his work.
This episode is sponsored by Feel Good Hemp. Use code GENIUS33 for 33% off at https://feelgoodhemp.org/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Imagine being diagnosed with a liver tumor the size of a football and given three months to live.
Now imagine the same tumor completely disappearing within the same amount of time, and feeling better than you have in years.
Noah Hammond Tyrrell shares the incredible story behind the creation of Feel Good Hemp, a company designed to help people feel good naturally.
Tune in to learn:
After just a few weeks of a hemp oil and juicing protocol, Tyrrell’s dad’s tumor markers had decreased significantly and his tumor had shrunk by about 30%. And just about two months later, the tumor had completely disappeared: his cancer was cured. To top it off, his type II diabetes had been permanently reversed. But the story might have ended very differently had it not been for Tyrrell’s familiarity with Rick Simpson Oil, a cannabis extract known by many to help treat cancer.
Not long after his dad’s recovery, Tyrrell and his wife decided to start a CBD company, which is now known as Feel Good Hemp. In addition to offering CBD products, they provide holistic coaching, self-help and self-healing techniques, and education on CBD itself, including how to identify high-quality CBD.
Tune in to learn more about the surprising and powerful health benefits of cannabis.
Use code GENIUS33 for 33% off at https://feelgoodhemp.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
There’s no doubt that our planet is always changing, and we can see just how much it is changing right before our eyes. As the climate continues to shift, it is important to have an understanding of what our future may look like, and how to prepare for it.
David Pogue was a New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000 to 2013 and has done everything from music for broadway to TV presentations and more. Most recently, he has written a book called “How To Prepare For Climate Change”, where explores and discusses the importance of having a plan for the uncertain future of our planet.
Listen now to learn things like:
Are you prepared for the future? Tune in now to find out!
To learn more about David Pogue’s work, listen to his podcast Unsung Science here, follow him on Twitter @pogue, and of course, be sure to pick up a copy of his book “How To Prepare For Climate Change”.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Our bodies are constantly going through changes, and sometimes there are important factors we don’t consider when it comes to why these changes occur. Hormone health is one of these factors. When we know how to properly monitor our hormones, there can be considerable health benefits that follow.
Doreen Saltiel MD, JD, FACC, from Peak Health and Wellness, is a preventative cardiologist and functional medicine doctor that has encountered a profound interest in the link between hormonal health and our body’s health and wellness. She has used this interest to fuel her intensive research on hormonal health resulting in truly fascinating discoveries.
Listen now to hear about:
Learn about what resources you can use to inform your own hormonal health, and much more in this compelling talk!
Find out more about Dorren Saltiel at a4m.com or at ifm.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is goal setting one of the critical components of happiness? By sticking to goals and plans, you can cultivate happiness and satisfaction without constraint. Listen up to learn:
Payal Kadakia, the Founder of ClassPass and the Author of LIFEPASS: Drop Your Limits, shares her experience with happiness and cultivating a fulfilling life.
There may be realistic and abstract constraints that appear to be holding you back, but with the right strategy for success, they may not be as impactful as you think. Even the loftier goals may soon be in reach by setting goals and sticking to them with a dedicated purpose.
Taking stock of your current position is the first step in moving forward. By tailoring your immediate goals to the fundamental next steps of your success plan, incremental progress can ultimately lead to greater freedom.
For more information, visit http://www.lifepassbook.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When it comes to mental health in adolescents, what matters more than cognitive behavioral therapy and medication?
According to Elia Abi-Jaoude, MD, PhD, it’s something practical and basic: two-way communication between the struggling adolescent and their family members.
The first step is to form a connection that allows the adolescent to feel truly heard, and like what they say and how they are feeling actually matters.
Tune in to discover:
Abi-Jaoude has spent years working with children and adolescents who are experiencing mental health crises, which qualifies him to make the observation that in recent years, things have gotten markedly worse. This is true not only in Toronto where he works, but across Canada and the U.S.
He explains what to do (and what not to do) if you or someone you love is showing signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation. As hard as it might be…don’t freak out, but do take it seriously. Start by showing true interest in what is going on, and never blame the person who is struggling.
Press play to hear the full conversation and to learn more about Abi-Jaoude’s approach to this growing problem. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes camels so special? Through a unique disposition combined with incredible physical attributes, they offer a capable and intriguing working companion. Press play to learn:
John Hare, a conservationist, explorer, and author, shares his experience working with camels and why they are in such great need of conservation.
Camels have long been thought of as merely work companions or circus attractions. However, with their unique makeup and abilities, they have proven to be capable far beyond what we may have expected.
Still, despite this wide variety of traits, they are in need of conservation. With depleting resources and habitats, it is critical now more than ever to ensure their species continuity.
To learn more, visit johnhare.org.uk. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
It is never too late to find your voice!
Tania de Jong is an acclaimed Australian soprano and award-winning social entrepreneur that prioritizes the importance of uniting diverse groups of people through the power of collective song. As one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs, Tania de Jong has used her innovative mindset to develop six businesses and three charities. She has gone on to utilize these resources to work for disadvantaged communities throughout Australia.
While doing this, she believes that fostering social inclusion and changing the world through creativity can help people access entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Tune in to learn more about things like:
On top of all of this, you will hear what you can do to lead a healthier, smarter, and more creative life by exposing yourself to a few basic lifestyle choices, which she discusses in this episode.
Join us now for Tania de Jong’s eye-opening perspective on how to achieve truly remarkable change.
To engage with more of Tania de Jong’s work, visit taniadejong.com and creativityaustralia.org.au. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why do other people seem to get through life so easily, while I struggle with even the smallest things?
That was a question that plagued Holly Barker for years as she went through a major depressive episode—one that made it hard for her to do anything but sleep and shut out the world, including her closest friends.
She shares her journey on today’s show, which includes her experience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants.
Tune in to hear her story and learn:
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
If you don’t know much about Buddhism, it can seem quite confusing and nebulous. With its emergence into the West, Buddhism has taken on new approaches and meanings to people that may have otherwise never had access to it.
Eyal Aviv is an Assistant Professor at Columbian College of Arts & Sciences and a Buddhist scholar that offers a very informed and well-rounded perspective on the Buddhist worldview.
Born in Israel, and surrounded by people who were practicing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for his formative years, Aviv’s curiosity in Buddhist philosophy sparked after he attended a meditation retreat in Thailand as a young adult.
In this podcast he discusses:
On top of all this, learn about what resources Eyal Aviv recommends to people that are interested in exploring Buddhism and much more by pressing play and tuning in now!
Find more about Buddhism and Eyal Aviv’s work at https://religion.columbian.gwu.edu/eyal-aviv or on Twitter @aviv_eyal. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can gravity really affect climate change to a noticeable degree? While it may not be widely known, gravity changes over time and has a wide range of implications. Listen up to learn:
Carmen Boening, a Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, shares her work with an experiment to determine gravity's effect on the global climate.
While the climate crisis has had the spotlight recently, other factors may contribute to climate change that go under the radar. Specifically, gravitational fluctuation has more of an effect than you may think.
To do this, viewing tidal patterns on a large scale can give insight into how the gravitational fields change. By observing these changes, we can form projections on how the sea level may change to the tenth of a millimeter.
Visit https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/boening/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can physics and science offer a deeper understanding of our place in life? Understanding the difference between wisdom and intelligence is the first step. Press play to learn:
Brian Keating, a Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of physics, shares his work as a physicist studying the origins of the universe and the process that goes into chasing the Nobel Prize.
While many view science, and acutely physics, with a perception of unattainability and reverence, there is actually much to be learned from even simple observation. This can help one understand the knowledge which can be found from many sources and begin to build a level of wisdom.
By understanding more of the universe's inner workings, that data and intelligence can be applied to our everyday lives. To demonstrate this, Keating has compiled vital information from interviews with Nobel Prize winners so as many people as possible can glean the knowledge they offer.
Visit https://briankeating.com to learn more!
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“Tapping...works so well and so quickly because we’re actually speaking to the survival system in its native language…it's listening to your body, it’s not listening to your thoughts…or all the strategies you have or all the skills you’ve built—it doesn’t care about those things,” explains Rachelle McCloud.
She’s describing the emotional freedom technique, which has not only transformed her life but the lives of so many of her clients.
Tune in to discover:
Rachelle McCloud is a mental health therapist who has spent years helping people work through anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders with an unconventional technique that in many ways is similar to acupuncture. It’s called emotional freedom technique and is commonly referred to simply as “tapping.”
McCloud describes how to use the technique, why it works, and so much more.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more at https://rachellemccloud.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Mental health issues are a difficult topic to breach, and finding the right way to address them is an essential way to do it correctly. Our overall health and mental health are the most important components to leading a thriving life, and without the tools to maintain it, it is very difficult to understand how to manage emotions and trauma.
Frank King has found that his extensive background in comedy plays a crucial role in his approach to talking about suicide prevention as a TEDx motivational speaker. With his own history of mental illness and dealing with depression and humor, Frank King uses his experiences and knowledge to empathetically articulate the difficulties of suicide, and how to prevent it.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Discover all of this and more on this thought-provoking episode on suicide prevention.
To find out more about what Frank King does, visit thementalhealthcomedian.com for more information.
If you or a loved one are at risk of suicide, text HELP 74174. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why has history been filled with religious conflict? Even though some beliefs may appear similar, this can actually lead to more hostility than completely opposing views. Listen in to learn:
Robert Eisen, a Professor of Religion and Judaic Studies, shares his views on global relationships and the relationships and conflicts caused over a complex history.
Though many religions hold parables of peace and tranquility, they have been the root causes of fighting and conflict throughout history. Despite this, there is still much to be learned and gained when attempting to gain the knowledge they offer.
Since many practitioners and followers of religions have been persecuted throughout the centuries, many religions have become accustomed to strife. While this has made some cultures incredibly hearty, it has also caused lasting issues.
Visit https://religion.columbian.gwu.edu/robert-eisen to learn more.
What happens when a glacier dies? While it may occur over the course of decades, it can have devastating effects on the environment. Press play to learn:
Ben Marzeion, Professor at the Institute of Geography and MARUM, shares his work as an oceanographer offering insight into glaciers and how climate change impacts them.
It can be challenging to notice glaciers' status or health since their lifespan and changes can take decades or even centuries to observe. However, that does not mean that climate change has taken its toll.
Since many regions worldwide depend on glaciers and ice sheets to regulate climate and provide sufficient water, the slow melting process may be the beginning of the end. One of the most significant threats caused by this is the quickening speed of ice sliding into the ocean, causing the sea-level rise and the potential shrinking of Antarctica.
Visit oggm.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
With cancer being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there has been an incredibly diverse amount of research done on how to treat and control it.
Danny Welch, Professor of Cancer Biology at University of Kansas Medical Center and Associate Director for Career Development at The Cancer Center has a lot of exciting discoveries about his intensive research on the relationship between cancer and genetic properties.
Listen now to discover:
Is cancer controllable? Danny Welch’s research is increasingly showing that cancer may be able to be controlled as a chronic disease rather than a deadly disease using genetics.
Hear about Danny Welch’s short and long-term plans, and learn about his prestigious cancer efforts in this fascinating podcast!
Find out more about Danny Welch’s work at https://www.kumc.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can polar ice sheets be used as an indicator for climate health? By monitoring shifts and melting, metrics of change can be recorded to aid researchers. Press play to learn:
Dr. Xavier Fettweis, a Research Associate - Chercheur qualifié (FNRS), shares his current research on the formation and movement of ice sheets, mainly in Greenland and Antarctica.
The ice caps and sheets melting have been used as rhetoric for many angles of the climate change debate for decades, but the reality of the situation can be surprising. By measuring the ice sheets over time, we can track trends and other environmental factors worldwide through only a few points of contact.
What we see with the melting and shifts of ice sheets can be intimidating when looking to the future. If a specific tipping point is reached in the next century, it may be impossible to reform any ice sheets in the future.
Search for Dr. Xavier Fettweis on your search engine of choice to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the Paleo diet suitable for everyone? Despite the popularity of fad diets, you may be surprised at how to actually see results. Listen in to learn:
Robb Wolf, a former research biochemist and a two-time New York Times and WSJ Best Selling author, shares the latest dietary health and fitness info.
Even though diets may be touted as widely effective, everyone functions differently and can benefit from more variability in the diet space. If a diet is not working for an individual, there may be underlying causes other than lack of discipline.
For many of us, the most benefits can be found by combining many effective components of a range of diets. However, for one important takeaway, an emphasis on good-quality sleep and eating protein first in a meal are widely effective.
Visit https://robbwolf.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“You can’t be afraid of anxiety and depression; you need to approach it head on and realize exactly what it is, and exactly how the mind frames things to keep us involved with…the habits of anxiety and depression,” says Luciani.
Anxiety and depression aren’t usually seen as habitual, but should they be?
Press play to discover:
Joe Luciani is a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Unlearning Anxiety and Depression: The 4-Step Self-Coaching Program to Reclaim Your Life. But it wasn’t until he chose to break away from his formal training and look at therapy with a fresh and intuitive standpoint—one that is a matter of engagement between therapist and patient—that he even started understanding the ideas that form the basis of his book.
Once he started seeing anxiety and depression as habits, they became demystified, which allowed him to consider how the mind can unlearn those habits.
Tune in for more of Luciani’s perspective and visit https://self-coaching.net/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can acne stem from causes which many sources may not have told you before? While older techniques can be practical, recent advancements and discoveries can significantly expedite the process. Listen up to learn:
Chris Gibson, the author of Acne Free in 3 Days, shares the knowledge gained over a career of treating acne and other pesky skin conditions.
Many people are familiar with acne and other skin conditions prevalent earlier in life, though many of us struggle with them throughout the various stages of life. However, using new techniques in tandem with a healthy diet, significant improvements can e made that can last.
While progress may not be immediate, many stubborn effects and cosmetic issues will clear up with persistence and proper regimens and discipline. However, it is important to follow the advice of those with extensive experience in the field and allow professionals to handle the more intensive treatments.
Search for Chris Gibson on YouTube for more information and advice or visit skinsofabulous.chrisgibsonlive.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are giraffes such a good marker of biodiversity and the health of the environment? Though their slow extinction has been quiet, they show traits that are substantial indicators of environmental health. Listen up to learn:
Derek E. Lee, a Principal Scientist of the Wild Nature Institute, shares his work with preserving biodiversity and working with giraffes in Tanzania.
While relatively niche in the grand scheme of biodiversity and the animal kingdom in general, giraffes in Tanzania offer a fascinating study of preserving environmental health. However, through threats like habitat loss and criminal syndicates, they may be in more danger than you may know.
Since giraffes keep the same unique spot pattern throughout their lives, they do not need to be trapped and tagged to be tracked. Unfortunately, though, fewer than 100,000 giraffes are left in the wild, meaning conservation efforts need to be drastically improved to make a significant difference.
To learn more, visit wildnatureinstitute.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s a saying you’ve probably heard before, but today’s episode puts a spin on it and places it in the context of mental health: “If it’s not ‘wrong,’ don’t try to fix it as if it is.”
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Sami Timimi is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who has worked at National Health Service in the UK his entire working life. He’s been involved with several research projects involving mental health and cross-cultural issues, and has contributed to the publication of a dozen books, in addition to many papers and journal articles. He frequently appears in national and international conferences on matters of mental health, and teaches and trains others in his area of expertise.
In the early 90s during his medical training, Dr. Timimi completed a placement in child and adolescent psychiatry, a field that at the time saw children and young people as connected to their history and broader environment (e.g., their parents, peer groups, cultural ideas). It was nothing like what he’d seen in general psychiatric wards, which he describes as dominated by a narrow medicalized approach as opposed to a truly therapeutic approach that embraces a broader understanding of how mental health problems are identified, characterized, and addressed.
For over two decades now, Dr. Timimi has immersed himself in this field as a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist.
In this episode, he discusses everything from the way cultural and societal expectations and assumptions shape the way we perceive our own experience and the experience of others, to how ideas popularized by many in the psychiatric profession actually contribute to increased rates of distress and feelings of alienation in young adults (especially in the context of the current virus situation).
He also explains how certain treatments given for a short-term problem can actually cause it to become a long-term problem.
But it’s not all bad. Tune in to learn about some extremely successful models for addressing even the most serious mental issues; chances are, you’ve never heard of them before.
Visit https://www.madinamerica.com/ for more information and resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are some of the challenges faced by parents of Autistic children? If we look at behavior problems on a different level, it can be much easier to understand. Press play to learn:
Alicia Trautwein, the Founder of The Mom Kind, Autism advocate, writer, and motivational speaker, shares her experience as an Autistic parent and the joys and challenges of having Autistic children.
As many already know, Autism can present in many forms across all points along a spectrum. However, there are important considerations for parents and children alike when interacting with and raising those who find themselves on it.
By attempting to understand the root causes of disturbance for those with Autism, it can be helpful for everyone in the situation when handling it. It is also essential for the community surrounding an Autistic child to support that child and work with individual needs.
To learn more, visit themomkind.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Earlier detection of cancer and connective tissue disorders may be possible using atomic force microscopy.
Tune in to learn how it works and discover:
Atomic force microscopy is a technique that can generate high-resolution images of biological samples too small to be imaged using other techniques.
It works similar to a stylus on a record player: a tiny stylus contacts and moves up and down along the biological sample, while a computer program analyzes these movements and recreates 3D images accordingly.
In essence, it’s a process whereby the topography of almost any surface can be measured and visualized.
This technology is leading to great insights in various fields of research, and has exciting applications in the field of early cancer detection.
Press play for all the details.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“The people who listen to my show…want to listen to someone who has been through it, and knows what it’s like…to struggle to get out of bed because you feel like the entire world is closing in on you,” says Jeremy Godwin.
Press play to discover:
In 2011, the pressure from Godwin’s corporate job combined with unresolved family issues, seemingly insurmountable financial concerns, and unaddressed issues from childhood led him into a total mental breakdown. For the following three years or so, he wrestled with all-consuming anxiety and depression. More often than not, he really believed there was no way out.
He joins the show today to share his journey into and out of the darkest period of his life, and explains how he’s come to use those dark times in a way that helps others.
As creator and host of the Let’s Talk About Mental Health podcast, Godwin reaches thousands of people on a weekly basis with his practical, evidence-based strategies for understanding and addressing the many faces of mental illness.
Visit https://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/ for access to his podcast, where you can anticipate a new episode every Sunday.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“You’ve got to teach what you’ve learned,” says Bianca Rodriguez, and that’s exactly what she does. Only, it took her decades to truly learn what she’d been through, and how she could use her experience to help others.
Tune in to discover:
In addition to emotional, physical, and sexual trauma, Rodriguez knows firsthand that there’s also something called medical trauma, which is when a physical condition or disease causes a person to feel like their wellbeing or life is threatened.
When Rodriguez was just three years old, she developed severe asthma and was hospitalized numerous times. And every time she would have an asthma attack, she truly felt as though she was going to die. But it wasn’t until much later in life that she understood it for what it really was.
She’s since become a licensed holistic psychotherapist and founder of You Are Complete, through which she helps people uncover their true selves, access and work through suppressed memories of past trauma, and integrate their mind, body, and spirit for complete wellness.
She discusses the details of her work as a therapist, including the use of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT, and holotropic breathwork.
Press play to hear the full conversation and visit https://youarecomplete.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are beehives and productivity within it dependent on the quality of the queen's mating habit? Surprisingly, just through smell, worker bees may judge the quality of various combinations. Press play to learn:
Dr. Elina L. Nino, an Associate Specialist in Apiculture, shares her work with various insects and apiculture in particular in an effort to improve the sustainability of the hive.
Despite colony collapse disorder's prevalence in recent years, the health of a colony may rely on many more factors. In fact, even the general public can contribute to the health of the colonies in their area.
By varying chemicals we use and treating hives with probiotics, the health of the bees and colonies they are part of can be drastically improved. In addition, with improved data gathering techniques, the information we gather about various hives at different levels of health, we can begin to understand what makes a thriving hive.
Visit elninobeelab.ucdavis.edu to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When just getting out of bed in the morning started feeling almost impossible--no matter how much sleep he’d gotten or how hard he’d been trying to live a healthy lifestyle--Dr. Miles Nichols knew there was a problem. But no matter how many practitioners he saw, he couldn’t find any answers.
It took years for him to discover that a multitude of chronic and complex illnesses were to blame.
Press play to learn:
Chronic fatigue, an autoimmune condition, multiple chronic infections, and mold toxicity flew under the radar of countless doctors, who told Dr. Nichols he was probably just depressed.
Now, as the co-founder of Medicine with Heart Functional Medicine Clinic, Dr. Nichols has dedicated his career to helping others identify, understand, and heal from complex, chronic illnesses that often go undetected.
Two of the primary conditions Dr. Nichols treats are mold illness and Lyme disease, which most affected people don't even know they have. He also treats a range of autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, and gut-related issues. He discusses all this and so much more in today's episode.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and visit medicinewithheart.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Why is there still a massive diagnosis gap for endometriosis? Since pain has been normalized in many women, it is often overlooked. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Dan Martin, the EndoFound Scientific and Medical Director, discusses the root causes and developments in endometriosis treatment and diagnosis.
Despite the severity of symptoms and the negative impacts of endometriosis on emotional stability, it has long been ignored. For several reasons, many women struggling with endometriosis have been ignored or misdiagnosed for decades.
With the de-normalization of pain and advancements of treatment options, the diagnosis of endometriosis can happen much earlier. This accurate diagnosis is critical in adequately treating this often-debilitating condition.
To learn more, visit endofound.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can attempting to predict the future lead to more harm than good? Based on recent theory, transcending these uncertainties may lead to a healthier mental state. Press play to learn:
Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, shares his work and knowledge surrounding the power beliefs hold over you.
While fear and anxiety can often sprout from many external sources, one of the most significant sources may reside inside. The beliefs we hold about our situation may actually be the limiting factor in our happiness.
Rather than living with these beliefs, it can be profoundly helpful to challenge them and attempt to shift our ways of thinking. Constructive change and conversation can build confidence and allow you to change direction to find the happiness you may not have previously thought possible.
To learn more, visit melschwartz.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Despite impeccable oral hygiene practices, some of us can’t seem to avoid getting cavities, while others who could brush and floss a little more never develop any.
It seems backwards, but there might be a good answer for it…one that promises better preventive oral health for all.
Tune in to discover:
Rather than making that dreaded visit to the dentist and hearing that there’s more work to be done, Danny Grannick, CEO & Co-Founder of Bristle, proposes a new alternative: taking a simple at-home oral microbiome test that provides a clear and easy-to-understand picture of your oral health.
By analyzing tons of complex genomic data and boiling it down to a few simple scores, consumers can better understand their oral health and receive personalized recommendations for dealing with and/or preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
It’s an exciting new product that has the potential to revolutionize oral healthcare as we know it—and all it takes is a small saliva sample.
Press play and check out https://www.bristlehealth.com/ to learn more. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What can we learn about our mental health from rats? Since our brains are similar, the answer may surprise you. Listen up to discover:
Catherine Pittman, an author and Professor of Psychology at St. Mary's College, shares her career developing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques dealing with fear and anxiety.
By looking at how our brain may be similar to a rat's, we can begin to understand our fear responses and the effects they have. However, since it still triggers the amygdala, it can be challenging to control your body's response to stimuli.
Since the cortex and amygdala are two of the important response centers in anxiety disorders, we must attempt to change how they learn. By presenting stimuli in a controlled setting with the help of cognitive-behavioral therapies, relief can be brought to those who struggle with anxiety-based disorders.
To learn more, check out the book, Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes soil health so vital across the country? From crops to the rest of the ecosystem, the soil can be considered the base of a healthy environment. Listen up to learn:
Soil experts Mike Lehman, Kristen Veum, and Veronica Acosta Martinez weigh in to discuss the issues faced across their varying specialties regarding soil health and agricultural management practices.
Much of the industry in our country relies on the health and sustainability of the soil found in varying environments and capacities in many regions. Unfortunately, the health of the soil has become damaged through many means, and new techniques and practices are being implemented in an attempt to curb the issue.
Crop rotation and no-till practices have yielded promising results for many farmers and landowners across the country, but there is still a long way to go. As we advance, facing region-specific challenges will become more prominent, forcing new solutions to be found.
For more information, visit https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/brookings-sd/ncarl/. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can Plants and the landscapes from which they come give us a clue into the human lineage? By looking at where apes lived and interacted with plants, history can be uncovered. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Daniel Peppe, associate professor at Baylor University, shares his research working with paleontology and how plants affect various periods of time.
By examining generations' worth of time and the plants present during it, we can get a glimpse of what life may have been like during them. Whether through temperature, precipitation, or the ape and human impact, ancient ecology can reveal more than you may think.
Since temperature varies over millennia, it has had a massive impact on plants and biological life. By examining weather and ecology in as many places in the world as possible, a complete picture can begin to be formed.
To learn more, visit https://sites.baylor.edu/daniel_peppe/. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
When you think of medieval people and practices, what comes to mind? Whatever your answer, this episode may very well change it.
Tune in to discover:
As an associate professor of history at the University of Chicago, Rachel Fulton Brown's teachings are based on questions revolving around historical and present-day civilization and creativity, with special emphasis on J.R.R. Tolkien. Since 2006 she’s offered a class that examines how Tolkien, as a Catholic, drew on medieval understandings of the imagination and creativity in order to touch the modern world, which he certainly did. Brown also offers a class on writing Christian poetry, and she explains the art and value of this practice.
Brown discusses obvious and subtle yet meaningful differences between medieval and modern-day human perceptions, religious practices, and the interaction between the two. She also shares ideas about the ways in which modern society, with its emphasis on fame and technological prowess, is turning us into idolaters, perhaps without us even realizing it.
Learn more about Brown’s beliefs and work at https://home.uchicago.edu/~rfulton/, and check out her book, Mary and the Art of Prayer: The Hours of the Virgin in Medieval Christian Life and Thought. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you inadvertently shortening your pet's lifespan? Without providing your fluffy friend with the proper diet, you may very well be. Listen up to learn:
Daniel Schulof, CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, shares his journey to spread the word and the importance of a healthy pet diet and change how your dog eats.
While you may believe the food you give your pet is wholesome and nutritious, it may be doing more harm than good. Unfortunately, since dietary carbohydrates are so cheap and marketing has become more effective, we have been fooled into thinking about what is healthy for your pet.
By focusing on protein and cutting carbohydrates out of your dog's diet, it may actually be improved relatively quickly. However, you must keep in mind the other components of health to ensure the complete picture of health.
Visit ketonaturalpetfoods.com for more information. This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Listen to your gut!
It’s a saying we all resonate with on some level, but is there any merit to it? As research on the connection between gut and overall human health grows, it seems there is.
Prebiotic and probiotic products boast the ability to improve gut health, but most of them have virtually no beneficial effect.
Learn why, and discover:
The NIH Human Microbiome Project revolutionized what it means to have a “healthy gut.” As a consequence, it shed light on the serious shortcomings of most probiotics and prebiotics on the market. In essence, most of these products are either doing more harm than good, or not much at all.
When Tina Anderson made this discovery, she decided to do something about it. She and her husband were able to license specific probiotic strains from London University—strains that, unlike most on the market, actually reach the intestine alive and are therefore able to confer benefits to the consumer.
But that’s not all: this probiotic also produces antioxidants and carotenoids right at the site of absorption, adding even more benefits.
Anderson founded Just Thrive with the goal of making this product available to everyone. They now offer a prebiotic that also stands out among others on the market.
Anderson discusses all this and more, including exciting new products in the pipeline.
This podcast is sponsored by Just Thrive. For 15% off any product, visit https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code: GENIUS15. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
A combination of factors led Nick Bracks to a place he never expected to be: in a deep and dark depression, mixed with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, a dependence on alcohol, low self-esteem, and an overall feeling of hopelessness about life.
But had it not been for that time in his life, Bracks may have never found his true passion: raising mental health awareness and creating easily-accessible tools for those who struggle with theirs.
Tune in the learn:
Nick Bracks is an actor, advocate for mental health, and author of Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life. In today’s episode, he shares key aspects of his youth and adult life that led him to where he is today.
As a facilitator and communicator in the mental health arena, Bracks works alongside psychologists and other mental health experts to produce audio and video content, tools, and other resources for those struggling with their mental health. The latest project is a docuseries on various aspects of mental health set to be released next year.
Visit https://nickbracks.com/ for more information, and check out Bracks’s podcast and book, Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life.
This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
How do our crop production systems work in tandem with plant pathology to form the best farming techniques? By focusing on disease control and sustainable farming techniques, better production techniques can be developed. Press play to learn:
Don M. Huber, a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, shares his life of work and research on plant pathology and crop production techniques.
Farming at every level requires an understanding of techniques that allows food production to work in concert with nature to optimize the processes. While not all techniques are sustainable, crop rotation is one of the most prevalent and significantly beneficial techniques available to producers.
Recognizing the dynamic between all aspects of production is vital since everything from pathogens to nutrition can drastically alter the efficacy of farming. Namely, the nutrition in the soil and available for future years is critical and can ensure a successful future.
To learn more, a great resource is a best-selling book: Mineral Nutrition and Plant Disease.
This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
Can aging be curbed in order to improve the longevity of the body? With certain advancements, humans may be able to find a way to "cure" aging. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, the founder of The Kaufmann Anti-aging Institute, shares her work in the fight to curb aging.
While science is still far from curing aging, there are many factors and actions to help fight the process. Epigenetic factors are some of the most important, and the fewer negative epigenetic impacts we can introduce to our body, the better.
By focusing on the seven major aging factors, we can begin to understand what can speed or slow the process most. Thankfully, practitioners like Dr. Kaufmann have developed systems to curb the negative impacts of aging.
Visit https://kaufmannprotocol.com to learn more. This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
Can the FDA and current scientific medical establishment be trusted? Based on recent events, they may not be the pillar of honestly and health they have postured to be. Listen in to learn:
John Droz, a Physicist and Environmental Advocate, shares what he has learned from research into the causes and bad actors in current scientific explanations.
While many of us think we understand and are active in the nature of science, it has really become political science rather than what it was created to do. Since we do not have a good understanding, it leaves the population vulnerable to misinformation and dangerous omissions.
With the FDA being so tied into the current medical establishment, it leaves it vulnerable to falling victim to the same traps as the general population. Moreover, since the establishment controls the FDA, which regulates the approval of new drugs, the establishment influences how we perceive effective treatment.
Email aaprjohn@northnet.org for more information and access to the newsletter. This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
We are shaped by the social and physical environments in which we live. And by examining how this idea has played out in her own life, licensed psychologist Maria Schmid has come to a place where she is capable of helping others through the difficulties of life.
Press play to discover:
“I never liked the statement ‘everything happens for a reason,’ but I do believe that things happen with meaning,” says Schmid, explaining how and why living in the present moment is so key.
Reflection, resilience, relational health, and ritual are the four “Rs” Schmid helps her clients focus on. She explains each in detail, and shares insight from her work with clients.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and learn more about Schmid’s work at https://mariaschmid.ca/. This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
What secrets does the honeybee gut microbiome hold? By examining the bacteria and genomics of the bees, we can gain insight into the risks posed to the ecology of a hive. Listen up to learn:
Nancy Moran, the Warren J. and Viola Mae, Raymer Chair and Professor of Integrative Biology, shares her research with honeybees and the clues they can give us into how microorganisms interact with insects.
Colony collapse syndrome has plagued hives across the nation for some time now and prompted a search for the issue's root causes. Through this study, bee researchers have been led down a path that leads to studying the bacteria within the bee microbiome.
With such a delicate balance present uniquely inside bees and colonies, chemicals like glyphosate and others pose a tremendous risk. However, aphids can also offer clues, as they have a single unique bacterium that has been passed on from ancient aphids.
Visit http://web.biosci.utexas.edu/moran/nancymoran.html to learn more. This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
“It was about reminding myself to get up and be aggressive in my own pursuit of wellness, cause no one’s going to do it for you…it takes a lot of courage and effort and strength to be an advocate for your own life,” says Matthew Gagne, a former professional skydiver and founder of Flock Goods.
But it’s not solely the bravery of his career that makes such a comment particularly powerful, coming from him: In 2014, Gagne’s neck was broken in 10 different places during a car crash, leaving him in the hospital for nearly two months, and setting him up for years of physical therapy.
Press play to hear his story, and how it’s led him to where he is today. You’ll discover:
Learn more about Flock Goods by visiting https://flockgoods.com/ This episode is sponsored by Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein. Check this Podcast out on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/35lLBtK
Is the standard of justice still innocent until proven guilty? Cancel culture does not seem to think this to be the case. Listen up to learn:
Mark Jeftovic, the author of Unassailable, shares his first-hand experience with cancel culture and how to mitigate your risk.
Cancel culture has begun to run rampant, allowing the mob mentality to run the information which may or may not be made available. Without proper cause, many hosting services have bent to online tantrums, de-platforming businesses without cause.
It is critical to ensure you have a direct line to the consumers who interact with the business to avoid this. Without these second lines of contact, the mob may win, allowing cancel culture to prevail without proper due course.
To learn more, visit https://easydns.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“I had a toolbox full of addiction—alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, work, all of it—and basically what I’ve done is taken out the addiction and replaced it with holistic practices, like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, EMDR, equine therapy…you name it,” says Theo Fleury.
Press play to hear his personal story and learn:
Theo Fleury discovered his love for ice hockey at a young age: In it he found refuge from a household where addiction and mental illness were primary themes. But when he was just an adolescent, a hockey coach would subject Fleury to years of trauma and sexual abuse. Serious mental illness and addiction would ensue.
Eventually, this experience would lead Fleury to become an expert in the field of relational trauma.
Fleury shares what he’s learned over the years, including the importance of talking about our negative emotions and experiences in order to work through them, rather than suppressing them through drugs or other forms of addiction.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and explore more at https://theofleury.life/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Stage IV ovarian cancer with metastasis to the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis, malignant ascites, pleural effusion, end-stage organ failure, and a bowel blockage: this was the list of diagnoses facing 19-year-old Nasha Winters after years of being dismissed as a hypochondriac.
But it wasn’t until she was actually diagnosed with a terminal disease that she finally wanted to live.
Tune in to hear Dr. Winters’s incredible story and learn:
It’s been three decades since her diagnosis, and today Dr. Winters is a naturopathic doctor, Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO), author, and well-respected authority in healthcare.
In addition to sharing the incredible details of her personal story—which includes childhood illness, severe anxiety and depression, and two suicide attempts—Dr. Winters tells listeners about the connection between adverse childhood events and mental illness, chronic physical illness, and cancer, as well as the impact of nutrition on gut health, and in turn, the impact of gut health on mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Winters has each of her patients take the ACE (adverse childhood events) test, examines their epigenetic factors, and looks for nutritional deficiencies—especially those strongly associated with depression and anxiety. She then analyzes each patient’s organic acid profile, which offers a lot of information on neurotransmitter metabolism, and gut and mitochondrial activity. She also checks for genetic signs of certain diseases, such as celiac.
Press play to hear the full conversation, check out Dr. Winters’s book, The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies, and visit her website at https://www.drnasha.com/ for more resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Reacting to a seizure can be difficult, but can it be made easier? With the introduction of new treatment options, a more straightforward way forward can be found.
Listen up to learn:
Dr. Stuart Madden, CSO of Neurelis, shares his organization's goals for aiding those struggling with seizures and provides new hope for simpler and equally effective treatment for the future.
Traditionally, once a seizure is upon the patient, the options to mitigate the effects are quite cumbersome and invasive. Fortunately, the nasal cavity may hold the solution long sought after by researchers and patients alike.
With the introduction of a nasal spray that can be used prior to or during a seizure, more treatment options become available for patients and caregivers. However, there are far more missions to accomplish for Neurelis, and Dr. Stuart Madden hopes to guide them there.
Visit neurelis.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can new technology better connect the brain and nervous system to help the body heal faster? Using neuronal networks, new human potential may be unlocked. Listen in to learn:
Garrett Salpeter, the Founder and CEO of NeuFit, shares the potential for healing with the help of his revolutionary technology.
Injuries may be catastrophic for those who suffer them, especially in cases where physical health is the cornerstone of life and livelihood. However, they may have been misunderstood, leading to unnecessarily long recovery times and further complications.
Using NeuFit technology, quicker recovery times for surgeries and injuries of all kinds can be possible. In addition, the body's reaction to injuries can be modified using neurological stimulus, altering the healing process in significantly beneficial ways.
To learn more and for additional resources, visit https://neu.fit. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are all dogs made the same? No matter how much you love your furry friend, some dogs may be better suited to certain lifestyles than others. Listen up to learn:
Jenny Essler, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, shares her work developing the traits and finding the best working dogs science can discover.
Dogs are capable of much more than offering a best friend or emotional support animal, which most of us are familiar with. However, if we can identify specific traits, they are fantastic tools for a wide variety of work applications, from bomb-sniffing to cancer detection.
Each breed of dog is proficient in different areas of work, but not every dog is cut out for the job another may be capable of. Since training a working dog can present such a tremendous cost, understanding the genetics of each breed and litter can be a significant advantage.
Visit https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/center/penn-vet-working-dog-center to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Years ago, Stephanie Berg’s passion for law merged with a budding passion for naturopathic and alternative medicine. By combining the two, she has become a well-respected and sought-after resource for health practitioners across California.
Press play to discover:
As both a lawyer and naturopathic doctor, one of Berg’s greatest assets is her ability to truly speak the language of her clients. She assists healthcare practitioners of all kinds with business, transactional, and regulatory work, whether that means drafting patient forms, helping form an LLC, or writing employee contract agreements.
The ultimate goal, for Berg, is to prevent future issues of liability for her clients, and more importantly, help them grow their business with confidence.
Interested in learning more? Check out https://www.stephanieberglaw.com/, and feel free to contact Berg via email at sberg@stephanieberg.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can we ensure our coastlines remain around for the long haul? By paying attention to the wave climate, we can begin to take protective measures. Press play to learn:
Dr. Will Bateman, CEO of CCell Renewables Ltd., shares his experience taking measures to protect our coasts and the diverse ecosystem they contain.
While climate change has been recognized as a significant threat moving forward in human history, but coastal erosion may be a silent killer. However, by examining new factors and taking preventative and retroactive action, we may be able to hope to turn back the clocks and restore our coasts.
Through the restoration of coastlines through natural and manufactured means, very promising results have been recorded. For example, natural rock can form after implementing a structure into the coastline, and marine organisms will attach, only bolstering the effort.
To learn more, visit https://www.ccell.co.uk/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes the secrets to raising money so complex? Not only must the business end be considered, but psychology and human motivation must also be regarded. Listen up to learn:
Jim Lord, the author of The Raising of Money, shares his experience in the philanthropic world and the reasons why his book has become the most successful guide to philanthropy.
Philanthropy is a cornerstone for organizations and nonprofit groups and their longevity when making a difference in the world. However, convincing others to donate to the cause can be more complicated than you may think.
While it may initially seem that folks can be convinced simply on a financial or business basis, this is not always the case. In reality, many components like morality, psychology, and education are all integral components to a successful philanthropic effort.
To learn more, visit https://leadershipphilanthropy.com/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How has the opioid epidemic exploded so quickly in the United States? Purdue Pharma may be behind one of the most prevalent causes of patient exploitation in world history. Listen up to learn:
An expert speaker on the opioid crisis, Chris Johnson shares his experience making proactive steps forward to curb the opioid epidemic.
The introduction of OxyContin over two decades prior realistically marks the beginning of the opioid epidemic as it stands today. Sadly, with the degradation of medical morals and practices, increasing numbers of moderate pain patients have been led down the path to addiction.
The intertwining of big pharma and medical practices on all levels has caused over-prescribing of opioid pain management to skyrocket. With pills being harder to come by and increasingly expensive, many patients who were merely facing moderate or chronic pain have sought alternatives like heroin and fentanyl.
Visit endtheopioidcrisis.com for more resources and information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can being able to image tinnitus help patients who struggle with the chronic issue? Since it is not truly understood in its origins, treatment can be challenging to develop. Listen up to learn:
Mehrnaz Shoushtarian, a Project Leader in Tinnitus Imaging, shares her work attempting to image the brain regions that may lead to the origin or progression of tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a chronic issue widely experienced worldwide, which leaves a lasting sound perceived constantly in those who suffer from it. However, since we do not yet completely understand the origins, a consistently effective treatment has not yet been identified.
With an increased focus on imaging the brain regions thought to be the source of tinnitus, new clues about possible treatments are being discovered. However, since the condition is so variable and can present differently for each individual, nailing down specifics remains challenging.
To learn more, visit https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/dr-mehrnaz-shoushtarian. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
The debate of time immemorial surrounding science and Christianity continues to rage, but could they both be correct? When examining issues of life, taking diverse and sometimes contradictory stances can lead to new solutions. Listen up to learn:
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus), shares his view of the Christian faith and how it can intertwine with science and math to uncover some of the enduring mysteries of our species.
Different from what it sounds, Christian apologetics offers an opportunity to add the science of spirituality to many debates. Specifically, approaching obstacles in life, especially catastrophic divides, can give new additional context to previously contentious issues surrounding faith.
Despite the various opinions of theologians and philosophies worldwide, Christianity offers an opportunity for hope and collaboration. For example, mathematics and Christianity often find themselves at odds with proponents for both sides staunchly disagreeing, but in reality, both can offer answers to benefit the other.
Visit johnlennox.org to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“In psychiatry, the idea is that if you’re anxious or depressed, you’ve got some sort of brain disease that requires lifelong medication; in psychology…it’s a matter of unskillful behavior and unskillful choices that lead to anxiety and depression, and that brings about the brain changes we see,” says Brant Cortright.
Which perspective would you side with?
According to Cortright, you don’t need to pick a side. We are both physical and psychological beings, and neither side can be reduced to the other.
Press play to discover:
Cortright is a psychologist, author, speaker, and former Professor Emeritus with the California Institute of Integral Studies. He discusses his philosophy on mental, physical, and overall health. This includes an examination of the ways in which our brains are under attack by an unprecedented number of toxins in our environment, and how this contributes to unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
Is it possible to restore mental health through diet and exercise changes? What foods should you eat (or not eat) in order to protect your cognitive and emotional health? Is psychotherapy always necessary? Can spiritual practices actually influence our mood and cognition?
These are just a few of the questions Cortright explores in today’s show.
Tune in, and check out Cortright’s books:
Functional Psychology for Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Decline
The Neurogenesis Diet and Lifestyle: Upgrade Your Brain, Upgrade Your Life
Integral Psychology: Yoga, Growth, and Opening the Heart
Psychotherapy and Spirit: Theory and Practice in Transpersonal Psychotherapy Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“One of the reasons I named my book Mental Illness is an Asshole is because…it is…It’s so mean and cruel; not only does it make you hate yourself, but it makes all the people that you love hate you too.”
Press play for powerful insight into bipolar and anxiety disorders, and learn:
Author, speaker, and award-winning podcast host, Gabe Howard, was diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorders in 2003.
At the time, weighing the pros and cons of suicide was a daily activity, and life existed in a constant state of vacillation, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Howard lost friends and jobs, and his family members were mad at him. On top of it all, he was confused. Confused as to what was wrong with him, confused as to why he would do and say certain things, and confused as to why he had trouble even remembering things.
Howard gives listeners insight into his own experience with bipolar disorder, illustrating the delusions that would convince him of the worst-case scenarios in almost all aspects of life. He talks about his journey through the depths of this illness, to the beginning of wellness, to where he is today.
He also shares advice for loved ones of someone who may be suffering from bipolar disorder or is showing signs of suicidal ideation. One of the most important things to remember is that understanding the illness isn’t necessary before seeking help. As soon as there is suspicion, take action.
“So often, we wait until there is a crisis or until it gets really, really bad before we do any sort of intervention, and that makes it so much more difficult than if you caught it more towards the beginning,” says Howard.
Check out Howard’s book, Mental Illness is an Asshole, and listen to Inside Mental Health: A Psych Central Podcast.
Tune in and visit https://www.gabehoward.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
About 300,000 whales and dolphins are killed every year as a result of human activity. Why is this allowed to continue? Roger Payne asked that same question before deciding to put his expertise toward this issue.
He would eventually become well-known as the person who discovered that humpback whales sing songs.
Tune in to learn:
Founder and President of Ocean Alliance, Roger Payne, has spent decades studying the function and nature of the sounds that animals make and hear.
As the environmental crisis became increasingly serious, Payne wanted to shift his research efforts toward an animal that is actively threatened by the state of the environment.
He chose whales—which, at the time, he knew absolutely nothing about. Payne began studying whales and whale songs at Rockefeller University. He explains what it means to say a whale (or other animal) "sings a song," the insight he’s gained from observing whale behavior over the years, and so much more.
Visit https://whale.org/ to learn more.
How can the body's immune system play a role in cancer therapy? By exploring treatment that relies on the immune system, new solutions continue to be found. Press play to learn:
Brendon Coventry, an Associate Professor of Surgery in Adelaide, South Australia, shares his work looking into the profound part the immune system can play in fighting cancer.
By examining the evolutionary roots of cancer, we have found out that it can track back to how bacteria proliferate and reproduce. Since this raised questions about cancer development, new lines of thinking were introduced, allowing for revolutionary new treatment techniques.
By characterizing a cancer patient's cancer more specifically, treatment may be more effectively tailored to better fight the cancer. In addition, the body's immune response will be able to better assist and fight the tumors as they evolve in conjunction with growth.
To learn more, visit https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/brendon.coventry.
What does the future hold for us in the scope of near-future climate change? From drought to fire, new solutions are needed now more than ever. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Steven Ostoja is the director of the USDA California Climate Hub and has joined the conversation to share his experience battling climate change and to share a dire warning on what is to come.
Climate change has been an ongoing and widely known issue but has been altogether ignored for far too long. From the prospect of serious drought to the increasing severity of fires, the consequences will only continue to grow if no action is taken.
Using new technologies that can sense the areas of greatest benefits, groundwater recharge may hold the promise of protection from drought and pad our reserves moving forward. However, if fire management is not improved or rethought, relief may be difficult to come by, especially if suppression remains the primary solution.
Visit https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can camels conserve water so efficiently? By examining how their body handles cholesterol, the key may not just be the humps. Listen in to learn:
Fernando Alvira, an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Bristol, Murphy group, shares his research examining the secret to camel's high hydration efficiency.
Many other mammals rely on water every few days to remain alive, but camels can go for weeks on just a single standard hydration. While not entirely clear how, finding the genetic characteristics that make this possible may lead to new insights in our own bodies.
As the search for the specific gene in question remains ongoing, cholesterol in the camel's body shows promise. Hopefully, while perfect knowledge of the exact reason may elude us for now, narrowing the targeted research can make incremental progress.
Visit https://ecoevocommunity.nature.com/posts/multiomic-analysis-of-the-arabian-camel-camelus-dromedarius-kidney-reveals-a-role-for-cholesterol-in-water-conservation to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there more than meets the eye with CBD? Due to its array of benefits across many ailments, you may find it can help more than you think. Listen up to learn:
Matt Parks, the Founder and CEO of One Less CBD, share his work developing and producing the highest quality CBD products that can help when other treatments have fallen short.
CBD is a cannabinoid that binds to your body receptors and provides a host of benefits, from pain relief to mental health benefits. Since the government has finally removed it from the controlled substance list, new work and developments have only expanded the benefits already known.
While many products offer ingestible solutions, it appears topical treatments may be the most effective and efficient solution. In the future, additions to the creams may improve delivery to the body, and pain patches may even emerge on the market.
Visit onelesscbd.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can we finally get a look into a tumor with cerebrospinal fluid? Using CNSide, Biocept may have found the answer. Press play to learn:
Michael Dugan, MD, Biocept’s Senior Vice President, shares his work using new technology to better look into cancer tumors and metastasis.
Previous iterations of biopsies for tumors in the body are highly invasive and difficult to perform. However, with the new technology of CNSide, the implementation of cerebrospinal fluid can make the process much easier.
With a better look into the tumors, a more targeted approach can be used for patient treatment. Additionally, since it can be easier to get a cell count, treatment efficacy can be more effectively gauged along the way.
Visit biocept.com/cnside-assay/ to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is graphene oxide the real killer we face in recent times? Due to its high toxicity and unique structure, it may not be the miracle solution we think. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Bill McGraw, the author of Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease, shares a warning about a prevalent and toxic chemical widely found in increasingly increased amounts.
While initially touted for its myriad revolutionary uses, graphene oxide may be much more dangerous than its benefits warrant. Yet, despite the hesitations of professionals globally, the use and spread of graphene oxide continue to proliferate.
In these turbulent times we face today, graphene oxide has become more used than ever, leading to increased and more direct toxicity. However, the more each of us learns, the more protected we can be against inaccurate information.
Visit newaquatechpanama.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Most of us go to the doctor after we’re already sick—which usually makes treatment more difficult. But what if there was an easy-to-use early warning system that could tell us when and how we are headed in an unhealthy direction?
Well, now there is.
Press play to learn:
Whether set by ourselves or recommended by doctors, personal trainers, or nutritionists, we almost all have health and fitness goals. But having goals is only half the story: we need an easy way to see whether we’re meeting them—or at least making progress.
AHI is a mobile phone-based digital technology that can help us do just that.
CEO of AHI, Vlado Bosanac, explains how and why this technology came to be what it is today, how it can be used to get core measurements and body fat percentage, and why this will give people a thorough understanding of their own personal risk for certain diseases.
Check out www.advancedhumanimaging.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie: people in a lab, printing human body parts composed of real, living tissues. But for the team at 3DBio Therapeutics, it’s just another day at the “office.”
Press play to learn:
Daniel Cohen, Ph.D. is Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of 3DBio Therapeutics, a company that aims to create complex living tissues that can be implanted in the human body to treat various conditions.
Some areas of the body accept synthetic implants well, while others don’t. The team at 3D Biotherapeutics are focused on the areas that present the greatest challenges when it comes to synthetic implants.
Cohen explains the detailed process of creating living tissues using bioprinting techniques, and how they are able to recreate complex structures like human ears. He also discusses what this technology can and can’t currently accomplish, and where he sees it going.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and learn more at https://3dbiocorp.com/.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can we gain a better understanding surrounding the control over metastasis throughout the body? Through mouse and human study, we can start to understand why and how tumors metastasize. Press play to learn:
Yibin Kang, a Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology, shares his work with cancer metastasis and finding solutions to mitigate risks within humans once the primary tumor has been removed.
While everyone knows the danger of cancer and how it can affect the body, it may be revealed that metastatic cancer is the real killer. Since it is much harder to control the spread and location of metastasis, treatment can be challenging to pinpoint, leaving the patient vulnerable.
Since the nature of cancer remains a relative mystery, the mathematical analysis may shed light on the ins and outs of the disease. Furthermore, by removing the silos of study surrounding cancer, collaboration is the hope to find future solutions.
For more information, search for @yibinkang on Twitter.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Could your seemingly insurmountable anxiety or depression be a little simpler than it feels?
The answer might surprise you, and then change your life.
Tune in to discover:
Returning guest, Sandy Bevacqua, has a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, and is an expert on the connection between biochemistry and anxiety and depression.
No matter who is sitting before her and no matter what their ailment, Bevacqua always begins by getting a very detailed medical history and biochemical picture. Her goal is to get to the cause of anxiety and depression, which she says is almost always related to a person’s biochemistry and genetic ability to process certain supplements or produce certain enzymes.
She dives into the details of many common problems underlying anxiety and depression, which biochemical deficiencies are more associated with anxiety as opposed to depression (and vice versa), and how to seek help.
Bevacqua has a wealth of invaluable information on this topic. This isn’t one to miss.
Press play now, and visit https://drsandybevacqua.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can each of us make minor adjustments in our lifestyle to enhance our holistic wellness on the whole? By working through several layers of treatment, any form of healing can be possible. Press play to learn:
Steve Young, the Chief Solutionite of BodySolutions, shares his work helping folks heal and find wellness, regardless of their situation.
From his origins as a physical therapist, Steve has found a greater calling helping people find happiness and health in alternative fashions. By eliminating the transactional model of treatment, much greater opportunities can be found.
Through new technologies like augmented reality and varied ideas of how work can be done, the promotion of health and happiness can take center stage. An example of this can already be seen in one of the largest real estate companies, leading to great success.
Visit drsteveyoung.com to find additional resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is the average mental health of society deteriorating? Based on unfortunate new statistics and behaviors among young people, it may be the case. Listen in to learn:
Véronique Tomaszewski, a pre-licensed clinician at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto and a member of the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapy, shares her experience helping patients cope with growing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Since young people are faced with increasingly complex issues, there is an increase in the severity of anxiety and depression. Therefore, whether it is genetic or situation-based, the need for coping strategies and solutions continues to grow.
One set of ideas that have been successful in helping people of all ages is personal growth through mindfulness and various other strategies. Additionally, Gestalt therapy techniques have shown great promise when it is used to enhance mental health.
Visit gestalt.on.ca for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there a potential to make man's best friend be a lifelong companion? With new research and insight, the forever dog may finally be a possibility. Press play to learn:
Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and Rodney Habib, TEDx speakers and authors, share their work in the health of animals and preventing chronic disease in your furry friend.
Dogs have long been domestic companions for people worldwide, but as every dog owner knows, their lifespan is significantly shorter than that of their owner in most cases. Fortunately, there is a burgeoning field of research in extending the lifespan of various dog breeds and educating owners on how to better maintain the health of their dogs.
One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is falling for the same kibble marketing owners have for years. However, with advances in research and the production of better food, the longevity of bets has been shown to increase.
Visit foreverdog.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is your unconscious really in the driver's seat without you knowing it? Jungian psychology may hold answers to more than we know. Press play to learn:
Dr. Joanna LaPrade, an Author and Registered Psychotherapist, discusses her view of psychology through the lens of Carl Jung and how we may all benefit from it.
Many of the feelings and ways we have of dealing with trauma may not originate from where we have previously thought. Externalizing issues and viewing our personality on the surface level can be highly ungrounding and harmful to our psyches.
Through remaining mindful and paying attention to our subconscious, we may find solutions to issues that our ego did not want to accept previously. While the lessons may not always be easy to learn, but once they are, they can continually benefit us going forward.
For more info, visit https://aionpsychotherapy.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What do space and cancer have in common? Using principles found in physical biology, a new understanding of cancer behavior is beginning to be seen. Listen in to learn:
Charley Lineweaver, an Associate Professor at The Australian National University, shares his research overlap between the cellular biology of cancer and its development.
One of the most fundamental understandings surrounding cancer is its limit of origin at no further than after single cells began to split. Since cancer requires multiple cells to survive and thrive, this means that single cells become part of the mystery in solving the origin of cancer.
By targeting new features of cancer, new targets open for researchers to study in an attempt to thwart the cell. This is part of the atavistic model, which relies on the reversion of the cell.
Visit https://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~charley/ for more information.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
To protect his anonymity, the guest in this podcast will be referred to as Mr. X.
He shares the ins and outs of his social anxiety and depression—when and how it began, how it has evolved over the years, and how it continues to affect him today.
From serious social anxiety and depression during elementary and middle school years, to the divorce of his parents and a traumatic event in his teens, to issues navigating college and employment, Mr. X shares his compelling and moving story with listeners.
He explains the details of how he experiences depression, what it feels like, and how he perceives it when in the midst of an episode.
Tune in to hear the full conversation—you might just find it relatable. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Are humans superior to all other forms of life? Or just another ingredient in a massive bowl of evolutionary soup?
Part of Whitney Bauman’s work involves dissecting these viewpoints and understanding how they interact.
Press play to learn:
Whitney Bauman is a professor at Florida International University, where he focuses on the intersection of religion and science and religion and ecology.
This means he investigates questions like, “How have religious and philosophical ideas shaped human-Earth interactions and science, and vice versa?”
Bauman is also interested in developing a critical planetary perspective, which means understanding ourselves as existing alongside other humans and the natural world, as opposed to understanding ourselves through divisive lines, like ‘American’ versus ‘Indian’ or ‘Christian’ versus ‘Buddhist.’
Could a balance between localist or nationalist ideals and the continuance of neoliberal globalization be the key to a better understanding of the planetary community? Bauman and many others would say that it is.
Interested in learning more?
Tune in, and visit https://religion.fiu.edu/faculty/full-time-faculty/whitney-bauman//. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Do you feel like you could ever truly be happy at your job? You might feel inclined to say “No,” but you might also be wrong.
Press play to learn:
One day, a combination of unexpected and emotionally difficult life changes compelled Jenn Lim to ask herself, “What am I doing this for?”
She was referring to her choice of career as an internet strategist. But when a friend introduced her to Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos at the time, her career trajectory—and life in general—would change forever.
Lim is now the CEO of Delivering Happiness, a company that helps companies create sustainably meaningful and happy cultures, and in turn, enjoy healthy ROIs, profitability, and productivity.
Among many valuable insights, Lim shares with listeners what she has learned about the importance of being true to ourselves—even in the workplace, and even on our worst days.
Lim’s new book, Beyond Happiness: How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact will be released October 12, 2021.
Learn more about her work and mission at https://www.deliveringhappiness.com/, https://jennlim.com/, and https://beyondhappiness.brandlive.com/beyond-happypalooza/en/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Gad Saad is a professor of marketing at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, and author of The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense, a book that traces the path of bad ideas like pathogens through the human mind.
Learn about his perspective, and discover:
Irrational ideas can equate to ideological pathology, causing maladaptive behaviors.
What happens when we choose to speak our minds? And knowing the risk, are you still willing to do it?
“When you speak your mind, there are all sorts of people who are going to be angry,” says Saad. And unfortunately, he knows that to be true more than most of us.
Saad brings a compelling and controversial perspective to the table, exploring the ins and outs for listeners.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, search for his book on Amazon, and check out the Saad Truth podcast and YouTube channel. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes our eyes move in tandem with each other? Convergence is key, but some people may struggle without vision therapy. Press Play to learn:
Tara Alvarez, a professor of Bio-Medical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, shares her work developing vision therapy and tools used in rehabilitation.
While many of us may not even notice, our eyes' ability to move in coordination with each other is responsible for much of our visual capabilities. Vision therapy may become necessary when people struggle with this or experience an accident that caused the issue.
Though it can be challenging to find the root cause of convergence deficiency, effective treatments tend to be quite dull. However, by developing new techniques and including virtual reality, vision therapy is becoming much more successful.
To learn more, visit people.njit.edu/faculty/alvarez. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes T-cells so crucial in fighting cancer? As studies have shown, there may be a great benefit from finding a large concentration of them in or near the tumor in question. Listen in to learn:
Greg M Delgoffe, an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology at PITT, shares the value of T cells and his work finding precisely how the body fights cancer.
As many of us are familiar with, when sick or an immune response from our body is indicated, our lymph nodes often swell and become painful. However, what many people do not know is why. Since T cells are one of our body's premier defenses, the sheer number of them proliferated causes some of these unpleasant reactions.
While they are not always as effective in every individual who needs them, there are ways for researchers to improve their potency. Thankfully, this work is showing great promise in helping beat or significantly extend the prognosis in many cancer patients.
Visit delgoffe-lab.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever wondered how we can earn about the age of rocks and what that information can enlighten us on? By using the temperature and other strategies, we can gain a clearer picture of just what happened when these rocks were formed. Listen in to learn:
Peter Copeland, a Professor of Geology and Thermochronology at the University of Houston, shares his work dating minerals and examining the thermochronology of rocks.
Radiometric dating is one of the primary tools used to learn the history of the world we live on. By using isotopes of Potassium and Uranium, their half-lives can be examined to determine the date they were formed and what that reveals about the world at that time.
Since half-lives are not obstructed by various factors faced by ancient samples of a rock or mineral, this strategy is the best possible method of study. While this is not the only way and the other primary method only requires a microscope, it remains one of the most accurate and reliable.
https://www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-atmospheric/people/faculty/peter-copeland/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Nancy Sherman has studied philosophy for decades—namely ancient and moral philosophy. She also spent over two decades advising the military on issues of moral injury.
Press play to learn about Sherman’s work, and discover:
In addition to exploring the experiences of moral injury and post-traumatic stress, Sherman shares valuable insights about her take on Stoic philosophy. Contrary to popular belief, Stoicism isn’t about ignoring your emotions or just “toughing it out,” but it took Sherman a lot of time to reread Stoic texts and a lot of careful thought to arrive at a more nuanced, contoured view of Stoicism.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and check out Sherman’s book, Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience.
https://www.nancysherman.com/about
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever gone to a doctor for a specific problem, and felt like you were treated like anyone else would be? Was it an in-and-out appointment that left you feeling like the doctor didn’t even consider you as an individual?
Unfortunately, this approach to medicine is commonplace, but precision medicine is opening a new world of health and healing.
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Marvin Singh is a general gastroenterologist and Director of Integrative Gastroenterology at UC Irvine. He’s also the founder of Precisione Clinic, a private clinic designed to optimize health through precision medicine--medicine that is tailored to the individual with various parameters in mind, such as the microbiome, genetic variables, environmental exposures, sensitivities, and mitochondrial health.
Dr. Singh works to understand each of his patients through a very specific lens in order to help them improve their health and mitigate potential or existing health problems.
Before bringing this approach to the clinic, Dr. Singh tried it on himself, and experienced amazing results. Since then, he’s helped countless people achieve transformational health they never thought possible.
Interested in learning more?
Visit https://drmarvinsingh.com/ and https://precisioneclinic.com/, and check out Dr. Singh’s book, Rescue Your Health. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What has the world of proteins been hiding? Through further exploration, even nutritional additives may be able to be replaced. Listen in to learn:
Leonardo Alvarez, the CEO of Protera, shares his work discovering uses for proteins previously untapped in the world of production.
Additives and preservatives have gotten a bad reputation from consumers lately, calling for a new solution. Fortunately, proteins may step in providing a much safer and more natural alternative.
One of the first products produced by Protera allows the shelf life of baked goods to be extended by introducing antifungal properties. In addition, by examining previously existing protein properties in nature, it can be scaled into production use very quickly.
Visit proterabio.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can AI revolutionize the healthcare field along with the rest of the world? With new systems and workload relief, the benefits may be staggering. Press play to learn:
Dr. Anthony Chang, Chair & Dr. Orest Boyko, Vice-Chair of the American Board of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (ABAIM), share their current progress and hopes for the future of AI in medicine.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized almost every aspect of how we live. However, the healthcare industry can be slow to change, but the guests today hope to change that, possibly increasing the standard of healthcare worldwide.
Whether decreasing the logistical workload for doctors or finding the a from tests undetectable by humans, the possibilities AI can bring into the field are immense. Additionally, AI may even be able to diagnose issues years in advance before humans would have been able to recognize the pattern, saving countless lives.
Visit abaim.org for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why can giving mood support in serious medical situations make a significant difference? By providing support to patients, it may lead to more long-lasting treatment success. Listen in to learn:
Samina Ahmed, an Assistant Professor at the CWRU School of Medicine, shares her work assisting patients in finding mental peace and clarity while facing challenging situations.
Since many medical conditions and situations offer many patients a challenging pill to swallow, their mental health is prone to decline. However, using behavioral psychologists within treatment centers, patients are able to find effective strategies to find peace, leading to greater medical success.
However, this field tends to lag behind more quantifiable healthcare. By innovating in the area, the care can be spread to more patients and more accessible in the long term.
Research local psychological support in your area to find a provider near you!
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Most of us know at least one young adult who’s having trouble making that transition from dependent teenager to 20-year-old adult paying their own bills and pursuing their own goals.
This is Dr. Randy Paterson’s area of expertise, and today he shares helpful insights.
Press play to learn:
Dr. Paterson has been a psychotherapist for nearly 40 years, is the author of How to Be Miserable in Your Twenties, and currently serves as the director of Changeways Clinic.
Throughout his career, he’s noticed a subset of his client population that struggles to achieve adult independence, even into their twenties. In the U.S., you might know this as a “failure to thrive,” which generally means that the young adult is not employed (or grossly underemployed), not in school, and not even engaging in much of a social life.
Dr. Paterson sees this in young males far more than females, and he discusses why that might be. He also explains that the longer this failure to launch lasts, the more entrenched the young adult becomes in this state, and the harder they find it to gain independence.
Tune in to learn how Dr. Paterson helps young adults—and their families—make the critical transition into adulthood.
For more, visit https://randypaterson.com/ and the YouTube channel called “How To Be Miserable.” Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can we tap into the spiritual side of life if we haven't before? Even by just dipping our toe in the waters of spirituality, a wide array of benefits can be discovered. Press play to learn:
Daniel Aaron, a Spiritual Teacher, Coach, Leader, Father, Writer, and Yogi, shares his experience helping people find their spiritual truth while also being recognized as an entrepreneur.
Many folks worldwide tend to miss out on the wide world of spirituality, writing it off as "woo-woo" or insignificant. However, this could not be farther from the truth, as students have witnessed tremendous changes for years.
By helping spiritual teachers to spread their message more effectively, spiritual entrepreneurs have found access to strategies that have revolutionized their practice. Hopefully, the message and benefits of spirituality can be more easily spread to every willing individual in the future.
For more information, visit spiritualentrepreneurenterprises.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why has the opioid epidemic caused so many deaths? Patients refusing to follow doctors' orders can lead to dangerous and deadly drug interactions. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Michael Presti, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic-trained neurologist and the CEO of SafeRX Pharmaceuticals, shares his work on a new additive into pharmaceuticals that may help reduce the risk of overdose.
The opioid crisis has swept the nation, leading to a staggering rise in addiction and overdose. However, if patients are able to stay abreast of alcohol while taking their prescription, some danger can be reduced.
With a long-overlooked treatment for alcoholism, the addition into opioid tablets and pills may curb one's appetite for drink. While this does not present a cure for the opioid epidemic, it may play a significant part in harm reduction moving forward.
Visit https://saferxpharmaceuticals.com to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can acupuncture bring the relief you may seek? For pain, stress, mental health, and chronic issues, the vast array of benefits can bring an end to the struggles you face. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Jannine Krause, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and host of The Health Fix Podcast, shares her lifetime of work as an acupuncturist, helping to bring patients to the relief sought.
The modern world of medicine has failed many folks, who have turned to Eastern and traditional medicine for answers. Using acupuncture needles, blood flow and attention can be brought to specific parts of the body, assisting in body-to-brain signaling.
Additionally, cupping, gua sha, and other techniques used in concert can bring additional relief for stubborn problems. Even if the initial issue has been solved, consistent treatments periodically can keep the body and mind healthy.
Visit https://doctorjkrausend.com/about/
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What are the new relationships thought to be between cancer and evolution? Cancer can be considered in a new light by accepting a new definition and possible set of interactions. Listen up to learn:
Denis Noble, a member of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at the University of Oxford, shares his view of the new links between Darwinism and cancer that may revolutionize the field.
It has been known that mutations play a role in cancer for a great while, but in recent years, the style of mutations has hinted at new lines of thinking. These new lines of thought have even caused a possible shift in the current and widely accepted theory of evolution.
By assuming that control of the tumor only arises out of genetic sequencing, it is possible that the current method of examination may be short-sighted. After understanding the genome first, researchers also need to consider the downstream ramifications of the formation and operation of cancerous tumors.
To learn more, visit https://www.aacr.org/professionals/membership/scientific-working-groups/cancer-evolution-working-group/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can identifying pathogens make a difference in evidence-based treatment? By examining the genome, researchers may be able to identify and fight the current threat more effectively by diagnosing first. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Jack Regan, CEO of LexaGene, shares his work identifying the future biothreats the human and veterinary population may face.
While biothreats may seem like a pending threat for the developing world, there may be a broader goal. By examining the genome, MiQLab can assist point-of-need genetic testing for contaminants without an infected individual present.
It can also be incredibly challenging for clinicians to diagnose individuals facing health issues and complications properly. However, by assisting with evidence-based medical care, adequate care can be recognized for patients with as little invasiveness as possible.
Visit lexagene.com/miqlab/ for additional info. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
At eight years old, Rachael Siddoway was hiding knives from her mom so she wouldn’t commit suicide. She was trying tirelessly to be emotionally strong so her mom could depend on her. And she was blaming herself when she thought she’d failed.
Press play to hear more about Siddoway’s experience, and learn:
Siddoway is the author of An Impossible Life, a book in which she debuts her mom’s life with bipolar disorder, and her journey into a state of healing through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medication, and support groups.
In today’s show, Siddoway gives listeners a peek into her book and her life as a whole, illustrating her challenging and interesting childhood, explaining one of the most difficult aspects of living closely with someone who has a mental illness, and sharing how she has managed to navigate the ups and downs while keeping a positive relationship with her mom and her own mental health intact.
Learn about the other books in The Impossible Series at https://animpossiblelife.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“One of the things that has been a driving force in my work is that I want to help other people accept themselves, and accept other people; to have compassion and understanding for themselves and other people,” says Ellen Forney.
Press play to learn about her work and discover:
Ellen Forney is a speaker, artist, and author of the New York Times Best Seller, Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir, in which she depicts her struggle with bipolar disorder.
Having received the diagnosis shortly before turning 30 and after several acute episodes of mania and depression, Forney spent the following four years struggling to find a sense of stability within herself and the world.
Instead of just telling readers which tools and practices she has found useful on her journey through bipolar disorder, Forney details them with graphic images and explains in detail how others can implement them in their own lives.
Sleep, medication, eating well, doctors, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, routine, coping tools, and support system: these are the things that Forney says are critical for her and many others who struggle with mental illness.
Tune in to learn more about her life and book. Check out Marbles, and the companion book, Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can recognizing the root causes of mental illness make a difference? If we learn to solve the initial problems, some trauma may be healed. Listen up to learn:
The author of Undoing Depression, Richard O'Connor, joins the conversation to share his insight regarding the causes and possible solutions for depression and anxiety.
While many people tend to assume prescriptions are the only solution to their struggle with depression, it may not be the case. Instead, by finding the root cause and identifying the issues, we may be able to begin chipping away at the mental health crisis.
After people begin to grow healthier, they begin to realize the internal negative dialogue does not control their lives. By growing more mindful over time, we may finally be able to gain control of our own mental health.
For additional resources, visit undoingdepression.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can fungi provide solutions we have not before thought possible? Well, through natural chemistry, they may offer benefits far beyond the range of our imagination. Press play to learn:
Nick Oberlies, a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at The University of North Carolina Greensboro, shares his expertise as a natural chemist and his work surrounding fungi.
Many people have been affected personally or have heard stories of the difficulties surrounding the world of typical pharmaceuticals and their side effects. Fortunately, there has been a push to seek treatments from the natural world, including exceedingly promising results from a range of fungi.
One of the most promising results from medicinal fungi is its cancer-fighting capabilities, especially in cases where surgery may be necessary. However, more investment is required in research, development, and accessibility to natural medicine to become truly viable.
Visit https://chem.uncg.edu/oberlies/ for more information.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can genetic testing help diagnose mental health disorders? Genetic and body chemistry testing may hold the key to diagnosis and treatment in many cases of eating disorders and various other conditions. Listen up to learn:
James M. Greenblatt, a Functional Psychiatrist, Orthomolecular Hall of Fame Inductee, Author, and Founder of Psychiatry Redefined, shares his vast experience treating and diagnosing mental health disorders.
Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia are some of the harshest and most devious illnesses in the realm of mental health. Sadly, they can be challenging to treat and even harder to diagnose or show a tendency towards.
Since anorexia is a brain-based illness, it has been firmly proven to be caused by genetics and issues in brain chemistry, rather than how it used to be blamed on one's surroundings or upbringing. Fortunately, this revolution in understanding allows for a gain in efficacy in the treatment and even more so in proper diagnosis, helping to avoid any tragic circumstances.
To learn more, visit https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com.
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“It ends up coming down to this: there are certain things that make us worse, emotionally and physically, and certain things that make us better, emotionally and physically; they go together, and they are consistent over time,” says Carrie Wrigley.
Tune in to learn more about Wrigley’s perspective and discover:
Carrie Wrigley has been a clinical social worker for over three decades, and has been teaching classes on coping with anxiety and depression for over two decades. She’s also the author of Your Happiness Toolkit: 16 Strategies for Overcoming Depression, and Building a Joyful, Fulfilling Life, and Your Happiness Toolkit Workbook, both of which include the strategies Wrigley has found most helpful over the course of her personal and professional life.
At little to no cost, the strategies in these books are practical and straightforward, and have proven successful for countless people who struggle with mental and overall health.
Action, feeling, positivity, learning, and creativity: according to Wrigley, these are the five easiest strategies for us to adopt, because they already exist within us—even if it doesn't seem like it. She discusses each in detail, and also touches on the more complex strategies that should come later in the process of healing.
Press play to hear the full conversation, search for her books anywhere online, and visit https://carriewrigley.com/ for more information and resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why does self-harm rear its head in teens struggling with their mental health? While it is difficult to truly understand, facing these issues and helping those who suffer from it to heal is vital. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Lisa Machoian, an author and psychologist, shares her work helping younger generations cope with their mental health and heal from the root causes of self-harm.
Much stigma surrounds the act of self-harm, and through this misunderstanding, the issue can often be misconstrued or exacerbated. Since so many teens suffering from depression or anxiety often resort to self-regulation methods such as these, it is crucial to understand the underlying reasons.
Thankfully, self-harm has become better understood and treated over time, but there is still much work to do in supporting those amid these issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with matters surrounding self-harm, it is imperative to seek support or provide support if you notice the signs in those around you.
For more information, search for The Disappearing Girl: Learning the Language of Teenage Depression on our engine of choice. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can exercise really help anxiety and depression? For a wide array of reasons, even a quick jog may help someone struggling with their mental health more than you may think. Listen in to learn:
Nita Sweeney, the Author of Depression Hates a Moving Target, shares her journey handling her mental health by reclaiming her physical health.
While there is a wide range of medications available for severe depression or anxiety, they may not be the best option for every individual coming to terms with their mental health. Instead, physical activity like running or jogging can have profound benefits as an alternative or in concert with prescription medication.
However, one of the cruelest aspects of anxiety and depression can be the challenges one faces when trying something new or the significant fear of failure. Despite this, even getting off of the couch and outdoors to attempt can be the first step on your path to remedying your mental health.
Visit nitasweeney.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What is natural mental health? While overlooked by many, there are alternative solutions that can help outside the world of pharmaceuticals and in a more holistic context. Listen up to learn:
Henry Emmons, an author and integrative psychiatrist, shares his work in natural mental health and ensuring patients find the mental health goals for which they search.
While there are countless options in the world of medicine when attempting to diagnose and treat mental health issues, mental fitness is achievable outside of that world as well. With outside factors like micronutrients and various stressors, there are often alternative options to holistically address a patient's mental health.
Even if medication is the right choice for a patient, which is often the case, minding the nutrition and activity of the patient is also highly beneficial. However, it is crucial to keep the holistic context in mind since it can provide further and lasting benefits to improve a patient's mental fitness and lifestyle patterns.
Visit naturalmentalhealth.com for more resources. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes glyphosate so dangerous? Unfortunately, due to its widespread use and prevalence in products we consume every day, it can be hard to avoid harmful effects. Press play to learn:
Dr. Bill McGraw, the Author of Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease, shares his experience and research into the terrifying world of glyphosate.
Many of us are familiar with the brand name weed killer that glyphosate is known for, but do we genuinely understand its harm? Since it causes so many issues throughout our body, it has become a massive problem when attempting to avoid its inclusion in products that we regularly eat or wear.
Unfortunately, while one of the best ways to avoid glyphosate is going organic in every area we are able, it can still appear in some organic products. However, solutions are available to remove and break down glyphosate, and Dr. McGraw shares his wisdom surrounding these remedies.
Visit newaquatechpanama.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why is glyphosate still widely used if it is known to cause micronutrient deficiencies and is toxic? Due to the lack of care from industry and the government, it can still be easily seen in use. Listen up to learn:
Stephanie Seneff, a Senior Research Scientist at MIT, shares her work looking into the host of adverse effects of glyphosate when used as a weedkiller.
Due to its ability to bind to minerals and damage our livers, glyphosate can be extremely dangerous. For example, due to the damage to the liver through micronutrients, glyphosate can compound the toxicity of other widely used chemicals.
Since glyphosate can be found in so many products, from sanitary products to food, it has even seeped into the realm of food and organic products we think are safe. Unfortunately, this can be highly damaging to people of all ages since it causes so many problems to the gut microbiome.
For more information, visit https://stephanieseneff.net
Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Does the ketogenic diet have hidden benefits beyond healthy living? Thanks to new exploration, the popular diet may show promise in treatment areas from oncology to holistic living. Press play to learn:
Denise Potter, of Potter Dietitian Consulting, LLC, stops by to share how ketogenic therapy may benefit many more people than initially thought.
While the ketogenic diet has been lauded for its efficacy as a diet, it has shown promise in treating individuals far beyond their weight. Due to its ability to regulate many of the levels and systems in your body, it may be a promising therapeutic technique for cancer and beyond.
However, without proper medical advice, the true therapeutic benefits seen by those in sustained ketosis may not be seen. Without appropriate medical training, there are many sources of misinformation surrounding the keto diet, and finding a proven source of information when attempting keto therapy is essential.
For more information, visit https://potterketogenic.diet/?from=@. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can physical fitness help battle cancer alongside other treatments? Despite the myths of the past, it may actually be a significant player in cancer therapeutics. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, the author of Moving Through Cancer, shares her experience finding the benefits of exercise when battling cancer.
Despite the many myths surrounding cancer in the past, it has been found that moderate exercise is incredibly beneficial when compared to sedentary lifestyles. However, this form of training needs to be guided effectively to maximize efficiency and range of benefits.
One of the most significant benefits of this effort is implementing active support for cancer patients in rural settings with little to no support. Even if patients are currently participating in no activity, even beginning small can show excellent benefits.
For more information, visit movingthroughcancer.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can anxiety seep into the health and happiness of those suffering from it? Due to its ability to control other processes in the body, it can be very detrimental to health. Press play to learn:
Christine Purdon, a professor at the University of Waterloo, shares her insight into the world of anxiety and depression.
While it may have initially been thought to only affect the mind, anxiety can have far-reaching negative impacts on the health and lifestyle of a patient. Due to this, there are specific ways to interact and attempt to help and understand those with anxiety around you.
From the outside, anxiety and depression can seem immaterial or "silly" if you have never undergone it. However, to best help those around you and gain a better understanding of the inner workings of anxiety and depression, better and more understanding communication is critical.
Feel free to email christine.purdon@uwaterloo.ca for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can hyperbaric therapy be used to treat a wide range of ailments that may not be available to many? Since it is so aptly integrative, it offers solutions that help avoid specific other requirements of traditional treatments. Press play to learn:
Dr. Scott Sherr, an independent provider of hyperbaric medicine, shares his work with patients worldwide and the many benefits of hyperbaric oxygen.
By simulating the pressure one would experience while trying to breathe under specific seawater depths, oxygen levels can be controlled, leading to accelerated healing. Through consistent treatment and correct procedure, patients who cannot find success elsewhere have seen it with hyperbaric therapeutics.
Though there are initial challenges to consider before endorsing a patient seeking hyperbaric treatment, very few risks are involved. The initial improvements can be very promising for people through the course of treatment, with true healing in the brain occurring as sessions continue.
For more information, visit hbot.plus/integrativehbot. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can we unplug ourselves and disconnect from technology addiction? By remaining mindful and limiting the role technology has in our lives, future generations may nurture a more sustainable relationship. Listen in to learn:
Ben Pring, the Vice President, Head of Thought Leadership, and Managing Director at Cognizant's Center for the Future of Work, shares his insight into technology and why we can all benefit from disconnecting.
While technology has introduced unheard-of miracles in many of our lives, it has also introduced almost incomprehensible challenges to future generations. Since technology offers so many benefits, it has also been incredibly addictive, and it may be just as harmful as others.
Since it may prove difficult to put this proverbial genie back in a bottle, some solutions to curb this effect in future generations will be posed. However, this will be an effort that each and every one of us will need to take seriously, especially in the years to come.
Search @BenjaminPring on Twitter for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why has pancreatic cancer continued to stump scientists, despite decades of research? Due to its unique traits and development of tumors, it presents tricks that continue to elude treatment. Listen up to learn:
Ben Z. Stanger, a Hanna Wise Professor of Cancer Research at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his work bridging the gap from developmental biology to the world of pancreatic cancer.
Since the development of pancreatic cancer can remain hidden or undetected for so long, early or preventative treatment that is effective in other forms of cancer is less effective. In addition, since there are very rarely physical signs of a pancreatic tumor developing, it may even be difficult for an individual to tell that something is wrong before it is too late.
However, with new research into metabolism and immunology, there have been promising results on mice when tested in the lab. Since pancreatic cancer has so many tricky paradoxes, it draws researchers to study since the opportunity to find overarching cancer treatments are bountiful.
Visit pancan.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How has the mental health treatment system been revolutionized in recent years to better address the root causes of depression and anxiety? By recentering focus on healing rather than prescribing, many mental health professionals have found success. Press play to learn:
Hilary Jacobs Hendel, a Psychotherapist, Author, Blogger, Speaker, stops by the podcast to discuss anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma.
In recent years, many mental health professionals have realized it is equally, if not more, important to treat the underlying causes of depression and anxiety. However, instead of simply treating the symptoms, slowing down to address trauma and stressors has led patients to lasting improvements.
By assisting her patients in slowing down to truly face past trauma or other triggers, Hilary Jacobs Hendel has shown that pills alone may not be the answer. If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone, and techniques like those shared here may offer the solutions you seek.
To learn more, visit https://www.hilaryjacobshendel.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can ensuring drugs are tracked properly ensure quality? By constantly watching the drugs produced in this country, it is more difficult to accidentally ingest counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Listen up to learn:
Michael Bartholomeusz, the CEO of TruTag, shares his work in the fight to stop counterfeit pharmaceuticals and ensuring patients get the medicine they need.
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are responsible for a massive number of deaths around the world each year, especially in the cases of lifesaving drugs. To combat this problem, there needs to be a way to track supply chains worldwide and make it accessible to patients and industry alike.
By using smart silica, which is already standard in many pills we take regularly, there can be a system to ensure the medication you are taking is the one the intended company produced. Then, as a patient, each pill can be scanned through an app on your smartphone, through microscopic barcodes encoded in each pill and on each bottle.
To learn more, visit https://trutags.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How have chemicals been snuck into foods consumed across the country daily? Using GMOs and pesticides, our favorite foods may be more toxic than we think. Listen up to learn:
Jeffrey Smith, the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and Protect Nature Now, shares his dire warning of genetically modified foods and pesticides.
Genetically modified organisms or GMOs have been introduced into many peoples' diets worldwide without proving they are safe. Instead of conducting thorough testing and review, lies have been spread about the safety of genetically modified plants.
Since the group of modified crops is so pervasive throughout the processed products we can find on the grocery store shelves, it can be tough to avoid ingesting these dangerous products. However, one of the best ways to avoid these is ensuring that everything we introduce into our bodies is organic.
Visit responsibletechnology.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can cancer metastasis be better understood through the study of the microbiome? By understanding how the microenvironment reaches its most beneficial state, researchers can better understand and treat metastasis. Press play to learn:
Sendurai A. Mani, a Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, shares his work to better understand metastasis in cancerous tumors.
Since one of the most dangerous aspects of cancer is its ability to travel throughout the body, it is in researchers' and patients' best interest to discover why. This can be difficult, though, since cancer cells break the norm of normal cells.
It can be challenging to distinguish single cancer cells from normal cells since they excrete the same protein. However, by explicitly studying the microenvironment, it may be easier to differentiate the cells for studies.
Want to learn more? Visit https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/mani-laboratory.html. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can we view evolution through comparative genomics? By understanding how viruses and various organisms have evolved, new views of world issues can be gained. Listen up to learn:
Denis Jacob Machado, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, shares his work with viruses and attempting to model and annotate genomics to understand them better.
Even though humans may have been affected by viruses similar to what we face today, our ability to detect them has grown exponentially. Through research and phylogenetic analysis, we can begin to see clues as to how all of these subjects relate.
Through this better understanding, we may be able to more quickly and effectively respond to future threats. With continued research into how mutations can pose a threat in the future, there is even hope to prevent situations like the one in which we find ourselves today.
For more information, visit about.me/machadodj. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can revolutionary findings in immunotherapy lead to better treatment for individuals who have cancer? With new biotechnology solutions, there is hope for ease of pain and inflammation in many areas of the body. Press play to learn:
Peter Keller, the Co-founder and CEO of Monopteros Therapeutics, shares his experience finding solutions for inflammation and bettering the field of immunotherapeutics.
T-regulatory cells are prone to eventually losing their immune capability and instead promote inflammation within the tumor. By reprogramming these cells, many ailments can be treated, including autoimmune disorders.
While the initial results from clinical trials are promising, there are still many limitations. In addition, since treatment is only effective in around 20% of tested patients with solid tumors, the development of further techniques lies on the near horizon.
Visit monopterostx.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are corals so susceptible to disease and destruction, and how can we fix it? By respecting the environment coral thrives in, there may be hope to save these natural wonders of the world. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Bill McGraw, Author of Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease, joins the podcast to discuss his work learning about coral reefs and the risks posed to the reef systems worldwide.
While coral is notoriously delicate, there is a vast amount of misinformation floating around as to the cause of the demise of coral reefs. The PH of the water was long thought to be the coral killer, but in reality, it tends to be many other factors.
Coral is not just a beautiful sight to behold in many locations around the world. Many creatures rely on the health of the nearby coral system, including humans, who depend on the colonies of fish that use the reef ecosystem.
For more information, visit newaquatechpanama.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What makes mushrooms so unique? With health benefits ranging from mental to physical, they are indeed a magical class of life. Press play to learn:
Christian Kaelin, the Senior Mycologist and Production Manager at Leiio Wellness, shares his work and study of fungi and how they can benefit almost everybody who enjoys them.
Mushrooms are often vilified and misunderstood after the war on drugs and their close relationship with decomposition. However, it is virtually impossible to ignore the vast array of potential benefits they offer those who partake in their consumption.
Aside from the hallucinatory and psychedelic effects, the health benefits of eating mushrooms regularly range from higher brain function to gut health. Spectacularly, almost anyone who wants to attempt to grow their own edible mushrooms has the ability to if they so choose as close as their back yard.
Visit https://www.leiiowellness.com for more information.
How can simple switches in everyday life have the potential to make a massive environmental impact? Through technological advances, these improvements may be easy to attain. Press play to learn:
Matt Ferrell, the creator behind the YouTube Channel Undecided, shares his knowledge surrounding technologies that have the potential to help save the planet.
While many individuals are skeptical of environmentally friendly technologies and their practicality, it is becoming more difficult to deny their benefits. For example, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly accessible, which offers the general population a way to contribute.
Alternative energy solutions are still in their infancy but are becoming increasingly accepted as more people accept the efficacy of the methods. Nuclear energy is the ultimate goal, but fusion is perpetually 30 years away, and the cost remains high.
Visit https://undecidedmf.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Eric Maisel Bio:
Eric Maisel, a retired family therapist and active creativity coach, is the author of 50+ books and developer of the philosophy of life known as kirism.
His 2020 books include Unleashing the Artist Within, The Creativity Workbook for Coaches and Creatives, Lighting the Way, and The Power of Daily Practice. In 2021, Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists and Clients, The Great Book of Journaling, and Redesign Your Mind will appear.
Dr. Maisel, widely regarded as America’s foremost creativity coach, has writing extensively on the challenges of the creative life. His books in this area include Fearless Creating, Coaching the Artist Within, Creative Recovery, The Van Gogh Blues, and Mastering Creative Anxiety. His books specifically for writers include Deep Writing, Write Mind, Living the Writer’s Life, A Writer’s Space, A Writer’s Paris, and A Writer’s San Francisco.
Dr. Maisel also writes extensively in the areas variously known as critical psychology and critical psychiatry, where he is a thought-leader and advocate for significant shifts in mental health paradigms and practices. His books in this area include Rethinking Depression (New World Library), The Future of Mental Health (Routledge), and Humane Helping (Routledge). Among his other books for mental health professionals are Helping Parents of Diagnosed, Distressed and Different Children, 60 Innovative Cognitive Strategies for the Bright, the Sensitive and the Creative, and Helping Survivors of Authoritarian Parents, Siblings and Partners, all from Routledge.
Dr. Maisel leads workshops for writers online and around the world in locations like London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Dublin, Rome and Prague. He writes the “Rethinking Mental Health” blog for Psychology Today (with 3 million views) and three weekly blogs for The Good Men Project, including “Redesign Your Mind” and “Kirism Today.” He divides his time between Walnut Creek, California, where he and his wife live, and Belmont, California, where his grandchildren babysitting skills are required.
You can visit Dr. Maisel at www.ericmaisel.com, contact him at ericmaisel@hotmail.com, subscribe to his weekly newsletter at https://ericmaisel.com/newsletter/, and be automatically notified about his new blog posts at https://authory.com/ericmaisel
--------------------- Why do creative individuals tend to deal more heavily with symptoms of anxiety and depression? Pursuing creativity seems to lead to a life more fraught with anxiety and depression, so new understandings of mental health need to be accepted.
Listen in to learn:
Dr. Eric Maisel, the author of more than 50 books, shares his work researching the relationship between a creative lifestyle and mental health disorders.
People have often misunderstood individuals' lifestyles and mental states in a creative profession, leading to misdiagnosis of mental health disorders and laundry lists of ineffective treatments. In addition, a built-up misunderstanding of mental health treatments has left a void of adequate resources for those seeking treatment to go to.
Many people hold the misconception that highly talented people must be high achieving in every area of their lives. Due to this, creative people face scrutiny and pressure that have more severe consequences than those posed to others.
Visit ericmaisel.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How impactful is inflammation on the body, and how can it be treated? Since it can disrupt so many of the body's natural processes, it has the potential to wreak havoc in many areas. Press play to learn:
Dr. Jim Woody, the CEO of 180 Life Sciences, shares his work researching inflammation and learning how to more effectively treat it to reduce suffering in individuals worldwide.
Fibrosis and other forms of inflammation can be very painful and lead to increasingly severe symptoms as it continues over a lifetime. However, researchers have found specific factors that can help treat it before the inflammation becomes disabling.
TNF has been discovered to be helpful in treating inflammation through injections, but there is still much research to complete. There is also a significant reduction in pain by reducing inflammation, giving patients who are treated a potential new lease on life
For more information, visit 180lifesciences.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why is it so easy to develop bad habits, and so hard to break them? Why does anxiety and depression feel like an endless loop? Are antidepressants the only real option?
These are the questions you or a loved one may be asking, and they’re also the questions Alex Korb has spent years researching.
Tune in to learn more about:
Alex Korb is a neuroscientist and best-selling author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time . He’s studied the brain for over 20 years, and joins the show to share his insights on how the brain regulates our emotional experiences of the world, and what we can do about it.
“There is no one correct way to treat depression; there are dozens of different interventions that research has shown us to be generally helpful for people with depression. What science can’t tell you is exactly which specific treatment is definitely going to work for you right now ,” says Korb.
Korb explains this sentiment in more detail, and how neuroscience can help people navigate the issue.
Press play to hear the full conversation. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could procrastination play a starring role in anxiety and depression? For David Parker, it definitely did.
Tune in to learn how he overcame it, and discover:
Procrastination, anxiety, and depression can form a vicious loop; we feel anxious about getting something done, so we push it off and avoid it, only to feel more anxious and even depressed about having procrastinated in the first place.
When putting a line through even one task on the longest, most concise to-do list feels impossible, it may be a sign that we’ve taken the wrong approach.
Since childhood, David Parker suffered from severe anxiety and depression, and found no relief in multiple psychotherapists and antidepressants. Day after day, the strongest allure was anything and everything that could pull him away from what he actually needed to do.
“Everything looked like it was 10 miles away…everything was bleak, distant, unachievable,” says Parker.
But eventually, he embarked on a journey of intense introspection. This brought him to the realization that his tendency to procrastinate was making him miserable. And this realization led him to create the J.O.T. Method, which entails jotting down Just One Thing on the “to-do” list, and actually doing it.
Parker explains this method in detail, and explains who it can help the most.
Tune in to learn more, and be sure to check out his book, The More You Do the Better You Feel: How to Overcome Procrastination and Live a Happier Life. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
In 1966, a random genetic mutation led to the birth of Prune, a hairless kitten that would ultimately lead to birth of many, many more of its kind.
Tune in for a unique episode on Sphynx cats, and discover:
Many would say that the certified veterinary technician (CVT) is the veterinary equivalent of the registered nurse (RN); both are tasked with the majority of hands-on patient care, both need good bedside manner, and both can offer insights that a doctor might not.
Since 2013, Kelsey Nightingale, CVT has fulfilled just that role in small animal general practice. She’s also an excellent source on all things Sphynx—the breed of cat that’s perhaps best known for its hairlessness. But there are so many other things that owners should know about them, at least one of which is a matter of life and death.
Tune in to learn about the prevalence, detection, and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hygiene tips, common personality traits, and more.
Visit https://tica.org/ and https://cfa.org/ to learn more, and find information about a new genetic test for HCM in Sphynx cats at https://cvm.ncsu.edu/nc-state-vet-hospital/small-animal/genetics/submit-dna-testing/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Diyar Talbayev, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the Tulane School of Science and Engineering and an experienced condensed matter physicist. His current research involves the optical and electronic properties of complex materials. He has a keen interest in high-speed spectroscopy as well as solid state physics.
Click on play to learn:
Research in the Femtosecond & Terahertz Spectroscopy Laboratory focuses on observing and identifying activities inside electrons. The studies encompass magnetism, electricity, insulators, and super conductivity, and possible uses in semi-conductor chips and magnet materials for the purpose of data storage.
Researchers are gathering data on laser-pulse experiments to determine effects of electron behaviors. As light interacts with matter, it changes in a specific manner in which some colors are absorbed. By shining a stream of laser pulses on the surface of a material the changes can in colorization can be observed. Some colors are absorbed; some wavelengths are scattered.
Dr. Talbayev is presently working on a research project titled “Optical super oscillations in time domain; ‘seeing’ through opaque matter and wavelength conversion without nonlinearity. He is investigating the physics behind magnetism and how the interactions between electrons in a material establish its magnetic and electronic properties.
To learn more visit:
Why has the spectrum of bipolar disorder symptoms been separated for so long? With a new understanding of the reciprocity of manic and depressive episodes, treatments can be honed to better help patients. Listen in to learn:
Chris Aiken, M.D., the Director at the Mood Treatment Center, shares his work helping advance the world of bipolar disorder research to help patients find a state of normality.
Bipolar disorder has long been misunderstood by researchers and physicians, leading to ineffective treatment and a misunderstanding between patients and therapists. However, through a combination of refined therapy and a more comprehensive understanding, patients can find a method of treatment that works for them.
While there are plenty of pharmaceutical solutions for mood disorders, there are many holistic alternatives as well. For example, by changing the microbiome in the body, there have been promising results for patients who choose to change their diet.
To learn more, visit https://psycheducation.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
What causes inflammation in the brain, and how can this affect us as we age? Astrocytes found in the brain may be the key to unlock a better understanding. Press play to learn:
Soraya Vallés Marti, a Physiology Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Valencia, Spain, shares her research surrounding astrocytes and the negative impact of inflammation in the body.
It has been known that inflammation is a damaging and potentially dangerous state of the tissue in the body. However, it has recently been thought to cause much more damage than initially thought by researchers.
While some inflammation in the body can be a sign of healing, chronic and widespread inflammation has been thought to cause neurodegenerative diseases and other complications as sufferers age. While many aspects remain a mystery, studying astrocytes has let researchers gain a greater understanding.
To learn more, search for Soraya L. Vallés on Google Scholar. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Seth Dillon had no idea that inquiring about becoming an investor in The Babylon Bee would result in his becoming CEO of the organization that is considered a conservative news satire website. After three years in that role, Dillion shares his thoughts about the ongoing success of The Babylon Bee and future endeavors.
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The Babylon Bee has the look and feel of a traditional news publication. Some media outlets recognize that content on The Babylon Bee is satire. However, the satire is so good, it is sometimes mistaken for fact and passed along as such by unsuspecting readers. According to Dillon, the plausibility of the satire means there is some truth there.
In spite of being targeted by social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, popularity of The Babylon Bee continues to grow. New services include an app in IOS and Android and a headline forum that will allow people to suggest headlines. Looking ahead, projects are in the works for expansion in distribution, developing content for a YouTube channel, and creating videos which is a new media for The Babylon Bee.
According to Dillon, levity is important in dark times. People seeking some respite from the daily dose of dismal news reports have discovered The Babylon Bee and Not the Bee, a humor-based social network for news, commentary, and entertainment. In effect, The Babylon Bee has become a mental refuge and its popularity continues to grow.
To learn more visit:
Website: babylonbee.com
Twitter: @SethDillon
Instagram: @thebabylonbee Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Steven Hayes, a Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, has researched language and cognition and is best known for his theories on acceptance, mindfulness, and values. His life’s work has focused on behavioral analysis, the nature of human language, and how these apply to the understanding and lessening of human suffering. Dr. Hayes has developed multiple tools that address psychological problems and solutions.
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As someone who has suffered from a panic disorder, Dr. Hayes understands how disabling the condition can become. It took a 40-year journey to learn how to carry the pain of his past. He was able to find a way forward and learned from his experience to become a respected psychology professor and author who is renowned for his work in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Dr. Hayes uses the concepts of being open, aware, and actively engaged in the processing of negative feelings. He teaches people how to be open cognitively and emotionally, allowing emotions to come and go. His clients learn how to allocate attention in a flexible, fluid, and voluntary way, in his words; “How to shift, stick, broaden, or narrow” various emotions. Being actively engaged is the third tool for handling problematic feelings.
After more than 5,000 studies and eight hundred randomized trials, Dr. Hayes learned what is important in achieving mental health. He reviewed the data and evidence and distilled them down to a small manageable set of skills to help those hindered by negative emotional feelings learn how to control them. These are the tools that develop mindfulness, acceptance, and values and lead to learning how to live life in the best way.
To learn more visit:
Website: stevenchayes.com
Twitter: @StevenCHayes Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the body be better prepared to fight cancer? By combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other therapeutic techniques, various beneficial effects can be found. Listen up to learn:
Dr. Joanne Lysaght, an Associate Professor, and the Immunotherapy Group Lead at Trinity College, shares her most recent work with cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
Internal factors broadly impact the body's response to tumors determined by where in the body they are and how the tumor micro-environment presents. Therefore, in combination with other regimented treatments, immunotherapies have been found to be especially effective.
Since the tumor microenvironment is critical to treatment, more research is needed to find a broader method. However, with a concentrated effort on new techniques, the percentage of lasting effective treatment will rise as time goes on.
To learn more, vist stjames.ie/cancer/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What insight can be gained about humans by examining animals first? If groups of animals are vulnerable to specific factors, chances are, humans may be too. Press play to learn:
Barbara Natterson Horowitz, a cardiologist and evolutionary biologist at Harvard Medical School, shares her work examining the natural world and gaining insights into the human experience.
Attempting to understand human health without examining that of animals and the planet tends to be relatively ineffective. However, by reviewing how disease and other processes emerge in other species, more can be learned about human vulnerability and how some negatives can be avoided.
By looking for other species that contain unique biology, there may be solutions to problems humans have been unable to solve. In the future, searching for plausible hypotheses is the primary goal of researchers in this field, hopefully leading to a rich source of insights.
Visit bnatterson-horowitz.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Overeating. Drinking alcohol. Watching mindless TV. Gambling.
These are just a few of the ways in which people avoid troubling and painful emotions. As soon as we feel them creeping up, we tend to distract ourselves. It might feel good in the short-term, but what are the long-term costs?
Tune in to discover:
Nicole Cross, PhD is an associate psychologist with Cognitive Behavior Therapy Associates of Denver, where she focuses on helping people who struggle with substance and behavioral addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pornography, gambling, and alcohol abuse.
“Part of the process is noticing when you have an urge to use those behaviors in order to escape some uncomfortable thought, feeling, or emotion,” says Cross. She explains her approach to treatment, which involves developing the right coping skills for the issue at hand, and understanding why certain behaviors—no matter how detrimental—seem impossible to stop or even decrease.
Press play for all the details and learn more at https://cbtdenver.com/.
Why has so much misinformation spread surrounding endometriosis? While initially thought to be simply the cause of painful periods, the picture has become more transparent than ever before. Press play to learn:
Heather C. Guidone, BCPA and Surgical Program Director at the Center for Endometriosis Care, shares her work helping people find solutions that work with their endometriosis and educating researchers in the field. For years, the information surrounding endometriosis has been cloudy at best, and victims have struggled to find validation. Unfortunately, the thought to be cures of the past may have had very little efficacy in treating the condition.
While endometriosis has various effects based upon the sufferer, there is also a range of solutions and treatments becoming available to patients. However, it is essential to find a specialized provider to conduct the proper evaluations to find a treatment that may be most beneficial to the patient.
To learn more, visit https://centerforendo.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
In 1995, a research group at Lund University led by Professor Catharina Svanborg discovered a component in human breast milk that kills tumor cells without harming healthy, mature cells. Additional studies and experiments determined that a common protein in human milk known as alpha-lactalbumin is responsible for this effect when bound with oleic acid. The new biological complex is called Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to tumor cells, also known as HAMLET.
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Initial findings showed that HAMLET killed numerous types of cancers using harmless molecules from breast milk. It was confirmed to be safe in proof-of-concept studies in animals. A clinical trial with bladder cancer patients used breast milk. Patients responded very quickly with no apparent side effects. They rapidly shed large numbers of tumor cells via urine.
The project moved into drug development where researchers identified peptides and fatty acids to create a compound with activity similar to what was observed using breast milk to treat tumors. Another trial was conducted in humans diagnosed with bladder cancer by treating bladder tumors. Further studies focused on developing a drug substance made from different synthetic compounds that would work in the same way as HAMLET.
HAMLET Pharma began in 1999 to develop drugs based on HAMLET for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Currently, efforts to fund the production of the synthetic form of HAMLET are underway.
To learn more visit:
Websites: hamletpharma.com lucc.lu.se Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can conditions be corrected in a child before they are even born? Fetal gene therapy may hold the key. Listen in to learn:
William H. Peranteau, MD, is an attending surgeon in the Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Today he stops by to share his hope for the future of surgical possibilities for fetuses.
While the possibilities for fetal surgery have been speculated for decades, fetal genetic engineering is the bleeding edge of new techniques. By proving its efficacy to the FDA and the medical community at large, editing genetics may bring a wave of hope similar to the ability to operate in utero.
Though the technique is most effective if introduced as young as possible, the younger the patient is, the more complex the editing is. In the future, the hope is that procedures become more accessible by reducing the demanding requirements on both the patient and medical staff.
To learn more, visit https://www.chop.edu/doctors/peranteau-william-h. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
New findings in the understanding of tumor cell resistance to therapies—a main contributing factor to tumor recurrence —are being discovered and analyzed.
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In the Marusyk Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center, Andriy Marusyk, PhD is studying how cancer develops resistance to targeted therapies, with the aim of better understanding how tumors change over time and evolve in response to therapy-induced pressures. Equipped with this knowledge, Marusyk believes we’ll be that much closer to knowing how to obtain better treatment outcomes.
He explains the design of his experimental system and shares some early research findings. “We’ve found that we cannot explain resistance with any single mechanism; instead, resistance appears to reflect a combined output of multiple individual changes.” Marusyk goes on to elaborate on the nature of these changes, and the implications for cancer therapy in general.
Press play to hear the full conversation and check out https://moffitt.org/research-science/researchers/andriy-marusyk/ to learn more about Marusyk’s research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Diffusion Pharmaceuticals is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that is currently developing novel therapies that enhance the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to areas where the need is greatest. In 2021, Diffusion reported successful test results for human safety and tolerance from a Phase 1b trial for trans sodium crocetinate (TCS), Diffusion Pharmaceuticals’ lead therapy.
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Dr. Robert Cobuzzi, Jr., an accomplished life sciences professional, is President, CEO, and Board Member at Diffusion Pharmaceuticals as of September 2020. He has more than 25 years of experience in cross-functional leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
TSC is Diffusion’s lead drug candidate and recently completed a Phase 1b study evaluating TSC in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The drug improves the way oxygen moves to hypoxic tissues and has been shown to accelerate the speed of oxygen movement through the blood which allows an increased rate of oxygen diffusion. Earlier this year, the company reported successful trial results in the testing of TSC for human safety and tolerance.
The recently completed transcutaneous oxygen monitoring (TCOM) trial is the first of three short-term controlled Oxygenation Trials being conducted at Diffusion Pharmaceuticals. The data gathered from the TCOM trial will provide information for study design of upcoming trials and the ongoing evaluation of the timing of administration to capitalize on clinical effectiveness. Two other trials, the Induced Hypoxia Trial and the DLCO Trial are planned for the second half of 2021.
To learn more visit:
Website: https://www.diffusionpharma.com
Twitter: @DiffusionPharma Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How have researchers been viewing obesity incorrectly for years? Many forms of obesity may actually be driven by biochemical pathways going awry. Listen up to learn:
Robert H. Lustig, M.D., is a Professor of Pediatrics and joins the discussion to share his research on various schools of thought surrounding obesity and diabetes.
Many folks suffering from obesity and diabetes have received the same treatment and explanations from medical professionals for years. However, gluttony and sloth may not be the complete picture when it comes to individuals who struggle with health and weight.
In truth, many of the patients viewed and studied have other root causes within their bodies that may explain their prolonged struggle. However, by following diets laid out over extensive research, there has been a marked shift in the success of many patients.
If you would like to learn more, visit robertlustig.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can studying the vocal abilities of animals lend insight into their world? By studying acoustic patterns and cognition, a new understanding of how various animals can be gained. Press play to learn:
Diana Reiss, Ph.D. Professor and Director of the Animal Behavior & Conservation MA & Certificate Programs, stops in to share her work studying the capacity of various species to communicate with one another and what it may indicate.
Many people know of the ability of parrots to mimic words and dolphins' ability to echolocate. However, the vast majority do not understand the miraculous cognitive complexity needed to facilitate this ability in animals across the animal kingdom.
By attempting to understand how and why animals communicate or feel the need to mimic, humans can better understand how these species operate on a daily basis. But, sadly, this revelation also brings into consideration the inhumane treatment of many vastly intelligent creatures and the need to modernize our way of thinking.
Visit m2c2.net/latexm2c2latex/diana-reiss/diana-reiss/ for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
As a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D. has established an environment that challenges researchers and facilitates cancer research. She is an expert on melanoma metastasis, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the effects of aging on melanoma metastasis. Dr. Weeraratna also serves as president of The Society of Melanoma Research.
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The Weeraratna lab is known for cancer biology research and is currently studying the molecular mechanisms that lead to metastatic progression and therapy resistance. Dr. Weeraratna has conducted research on the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways to determine what causes cells to become more aggressive and develop into melanoma tumors. The goal is to understand the age-related changes at a molecular level and identify how those changes affect tumor cells making them behave aggressively.
Research continues on the effects of the tumor microenvironment on metastasis and therapy resistance. Researchers seek to understand how the aging microenvironment influences metastasis and therapy resistance, specifically in melanoma. In the short term, Dr. Weeraratna hopes to use an inhibitor to enhance the response to targeted therapies in older patients who are not eligible for immune therapy. In the long term, studies are focusing on age-related modifications such as life-style changes and/or medications to increase the chances of surviving cancer. The ultimate goal is to treat cancer as a chronic disease.
In December 2021, Dr. Weeraratna’s book, Is Cancer Inevitable? will be released. The book includes the personal story of her journey to become a respected cancer researcher. It also discusses the research she has been involved in such as the effects of aging on skin and corresponding changes in tumor growth as well as seeking ways to treat and prevent melanoma.
To learn more visit:
Website: research.jhu.edu/members/ashani-weeraratna
jhu.bmb.phd.org/ashani-weeraratna
Twitter: @AshaniTW
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
From a tiny, rented house in Copán Ruinas, Honduras, Emily Monroe began to implement her dream of providing daycare, child protection, and education to at-risk children. With few resources, much hope, many ideas, and the help of friends, the dream of helping children stay with their families has become reality. Casita Copán, a community-based organization in Copán, Honduras provides economic opportunities and social assistance to single mothers and their children.
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There are few opportunities to find employment for single mothers in small rural towns in Honduras to earn enough money to support their children. Emily Moore saw a need for gainful employment when she visited Honduras more than 10 years ago and began to think about what she could do to change the fact that too many single-parent families in Honduras live in poverty with limited opportunities.
The reality of these small rural towns is that single mothers are raising their children while working long hours in low-paying jobs. Children considered at risk can be sent to institutions far away from their communities because few resources exist within the community. Casita Copán fills the need for a day care center for children that provides education, nutrition, and health services to young children.
There are few opportunities for youth in Honduras to obtain an education. Through Casita Copán, local youth have an opportunity to participate in educational programming, workshops, trainings, and even internships in the community to obtain work experience. Students may earn a scholarship to attend high school and continue their education.
To learn more visit:
Website: casitacopan.org
Twitter: @CasitaCopan
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Vanessa LoBue has a keen interest in emotional development, and the effects of emotion and experience on perception and learning. She is the Lab Director at the Child Study Center at Rutgers University that conducts studies on the emotional, cognitive, and perceptual development of infants and children. In a current study, Dr. LoBue has been following a group of children from the age of four months to their current ages of three years old. The goal is to follow the same group of children as they continue to grow and develop.
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Ongoing research at the Child Study Center explores the behavioral responses to negative or threatening stimuli. Dr. LoBue has been working on studies that focus on infants and their responses to the environment surrounding them. Infants take cues from their primary caregiver and research has demonstrated that they are able to quickly perceive the presence of threatening stimuli in infancy.
One of the goals of a current study is to use the data from previous research in conjunction with new data to identify responses to threatening stimuli. Of particular interest is whether early perceptual biases for threat contribute to inadequately developed avoidance behaviors associated with anxiety.
Researchers hope to learn about biases that infants develop in the first months after birth. One aspect of the study is the role of temperament in the development of biases for threatening behaviors. What are the differences in response to a perceived threat between more sensitive infants and babies who tend to be more social? What are the stress factors? How does an anxious mother influence the emotional wellbeing of her baby? The search for the answers to these and other questions motivates the research of Dr. LoBue and her associates
To learn more visit:
Website: childstudycenter-rutgers.com
Twitter: @vanessalobue Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can learning about your dog's DNA help keep them in better health? By pinpointing specific markers for possible disorders or diseases, preemptive medical attention can be given as needed. Listen up to learn:
Adam Boyko, the co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Embark Veterinary & Associate Professor at Cornell University, shares his work with genomic data to improve dogs' health.
By studying the canine DNA sequence and applying techniques previously used for recording human DNA data, many points of information can be gained. From coat type to possible diseases, the more the genome is explored, the better we can understand our furry friends.
Using similar techniques to the 23andMe model, previously mysterious portions of the dog genome can be demystified and studied. Complicated genomic points of information often cause complex diseases and traits present in dogs.
For more information, visit embarkvet.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
If diabetes were a country, it would be the third largest country in the world.That’s right—there are about 463 million people globally who have diabetes, and only a very small percentage of those people are actually successfully treated and not impacted by comorbidities. When examining this problem, are we considering all contributing factors?
Tune in to learn:
· What ‘social vulnerability’ means in the context of health and other inequalities · How diabetes is negatively impacting healthcare systems on a global scale · How technologies like AI can aid in the understanding of complex biological, social, geographical, and cultural factors impacting health and equality around the world
David Napier is a professor of medical anthropology at University College London, where he also serves as the director of the Center for Applied Global Citizenship, and the Science, Medicine, and Society Network. For the past eight years, he has been an academic lead for a program called Cities Changing Diabetes, which aims to research and limit type 2 diabetes in cities around the world.
“By constructing this [diabetes] as a purely biomedical problem, we’re failing to address what the key drivers of this are, and we’re failing, therefore, to develop responses to that disease that will help us to reduce where it’s going in the next 45 years,” says Napier. Despite clear evidence of the significance of sociocultural drivers, there is a surprising lack of scientific publication on them.
Napier discusses the ins and outs of this global problem, the details of his efforts to address it, and what’s to come in the near future.
Press play to hear the full conversation and check out citieschangingdiabetes.com/ to learn more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Professor Ghil’ad Zuckerman believes that languages are the building blocks of community identity and authority. In an effort to civilize the aboriginal people in Australia, their language was taken away from them in the 1900s resulting in linguicide (language killing) and glottophagy (language eating). In recent years, the concept of language reclamation has become a popular theory as people seek to uncover their roots and reclaim their cultural autonomy.
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Professor Zuckermann is the founder of Revivalistics, a global, trans-disciplinary field of enquiry surrounding language reclamation, revitalization, and reinvigoration. He believes that the loss of a language is more damaging for indigenous peoples than the loss of their land. While compensation may be given for lost land, there is no compensation for lost languages.
Language killing began to occur at the beginning of colonization in Australia. The belief was that the natives could be civilized more quickly if their language was eliminated and only the language of England was spoken in Australia. Although there are 250 known Aboriginal languages, only eighteen languages are currently in use as a result of language killing.
As globalization has grown in recent years, the interest in recovering lost languages has flourished. Revivalistics examines language revival from various perspectives including mental health, law, sociology, colonization, architecture, politics, and education.
To learn more visit:
Website: professorzuckermann.com
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Also Check out these:
Israelit Safa Yafa (Israeli - A Beautiful Language), Am Oved, 2008: http://www.zuckermann.org/israelit.html
Language Contact and Lexical Enrichment in Israeli Hebrew, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003: http://www.zuckermann.org/enrichment.html
Engaging – A Guide to Interacting Respectfully and Reciprocally with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and their Arts Practices and Intellectual Property, 2015: http://www.zuckermann.org/guide.html
Dictionary of the Barngarla Aboriginal Language of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, 2018: https://www.barngarlalanguage.com/dictionary
Barngarlidhi Manoo (Speaking Barngarla Together), 2019.
How does adrenaline leftover in the body affect more than just the fight or flight response? Excess adrenaline may actually be the root cause of many ailments suffered daily by many people. Press pleat to learn:
Dr. Michael E. Platt, the Author of Adrenaline Dominance, shares his research into the problems caused by the body holding excess adrenaline.
From weight gain to the common headache, adrenaline may be the underlying cause not previously considered. By considering adrenaline as equally powerful as other hormones in daily life, adrenaline can be used to tweak the body's chemistry to live a more comfortable lifestyle.
Since adrenaline may be the only cause of anxiety, controlling its levels within the body may be a boon to mental health. The key to living a happy and healthy life, in general, may be limiting adrenaline and maintaining an even level from day to day.
To learn more, visit plattwellness.com. Use the link: https://plattwellness.com/discount/Welcome10 and also use promo code WELCOME10 to get an amazing discount.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What can be learned about all cancer by studying rare cancer? Since they make up a large portion of total cancers when combined, valuable insight can be gained. Press play to learn:
Holly Barker, Ph.D., a Stafford Fox Centenary Fellow of Rare Cancer Biology and Genomics, stops by to share her work researching rare forms of cancer.
While rare cancers only make up around one-fifth of all diagnosed cancer cases, they account for around one-third of cancer deaths. Moreover, due to misdiagnosis or lack of appropriate treatment, they tend to be much more dangerous than other forms.
Treating specific mutations within the cancer genome can be more targeted and, therefore, more effective. In addition, when sequencing the genome, insights on precisely how to treat specific cancer a patient suffers from can be pinpointed.
To learn more, visit wehi.edu.au/research-diseases/cancer/rare-cancers
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Arwen Podesta is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in New Orleans. Her practice includes adult psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative and holistic medicine. She collaborates with patients to help them decrease anxiety, improve mood and sleep, and move from misery to wellness with dignity. Dr. Podesta is a renowned speaker who lectures at conferences on the topics of mental health, addiction medicine, and integrative psychiatry.
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When treating drug addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, Dr. Podesta and her staff at Podesta Wellness use multiple tools, treatments, and methods that are specific to the needs of each patient. She begins with a clinical interview with a patient to identify a root cause of mental health problems such as toxin exposure, use of antibiotics, and other factors and uses this information to develop a plan for addiction treatment, anxiety management, or depression therapy.
With extensive experience in the integrative and functional medical fields, Dr. Podesta has successfully treated patients using traditional therapies and alternative therapies such as botanicals, supplements, and medical devices to treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Evidence-based therapies may include medications, nutritional supplements, psychotherapies, and behavior modification.
The future holds promise for new treatments for mental health issues. The National Institutes of Health is researching immunotherapy as a treatment for addiction to opioids. Wearable devices and digital therapeutics may help with cognitive behavior therapies. Coordinated care platforms provide much needed follow-up care for patients receiving treatment for mental illness.
To learn more visit:
Website: podestawellness.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can treatments for mental health issues and be reimagined to work more effectively for more people? By offering new solutions and strategies to individuals struggling with their mental health, breakthroughs provide hope to those who it was not previously available. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Adam Chekroud, chief scientist and co-founder of Spring Health, discusses his work to combat the country's mental health epidemic and offers innovative new approaches to treatment.
Mental health is an oft-overlooked aspect of health that can lead to many physical symptoms and struggles that can occupy an individual's day-to-day life. However, using new techniques like machine learning and algorithms to find patients increasingly optimized and personalized care, more targeted therapeutic approaches can be applied.
Through analyzing symptoms and the frequency at which they occur, a set of data points can be organized, which researchers use to better hone the personalization of the care provided. In addition, since much of previously in-person therapy has been transitioned to online, Spring Health aims to broaden the type of care they offer while upholding the quality of care provided.
Visit springhealth.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“Precancerous events are happening in everyone’s body every day,” says Sandy Bevacqua, explaining the importance of “fine-tuning” the immune system in order to promote tumor regression naturally, the way it was designed to happen.
This is just one aspect of her approach to cancer.
Tune in to discover:
Returning guest, Sandy Bevacqua, has a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, conducted scientific research in both university and government settings, and lectured around the world for decades. Her work has revolved primarily around melanoma due to its capacity for metastasis.
Today, she discusses how cancer spreads throughout the body, what a cancer cell needs in order to thrive as opposed to what a normal cell needs, the abundance of toxins in the environment and how they are contributing to the development of cancer, and how, as a biochemist, she joins forces with healthcare practitioners to help treat those with a cancer diagnosis—in the most natural way possible.
“Anybody that’s getting well from cancer is hitting it over the head from 20 different directions. We never, ever do just one treatment, because cancer is smart; it has figured out how to change its genetic expression and continues to do so…such that it gets around whatever you’re treating it with,” says Bevacqua.
Learn more about her work and treatment strategies at https://drsandybevacqua.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Michelle Seiler Tucker is a best-selling author who has been in business for more than twenty years. She is an authority on buying and selling, improving businesses, and developing revenue streams. Seiler Tucker co-authored Exit Rich: The 6P Method to Sell your Business for Huge Profit with finance expert Sharon Lechter that educates readers on how to increase revenue productivity and many other techniques for creating a prosperous business that will be attractive to buyers.
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With more than 20 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, Seiler Tucker has been instrumental in the sale of hundreds of businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Incorporated and currently owns several other successful businesses. Seiler Tucker specializes in buying, fixing, growing, and selling businesses.
Business owners sell for different reasons: health issues, divorce, death, owners’ disputes, or something unforeseen and external like the current pandemic. Seiler Tucker collaborates with clients to help them expand their businesses and avoid making errors that hinder the growth of a healthy business.
She has identified common mistakes that business owners make that devalue the profitability of their companies. One of the biggest mistakes is not having a plan for exiting the business. The owner does not have a sellable asset because they failed to build a solid infrastructure which means there is no intrinsic value for prospective buyers. Exit Rich educates business owners on how to prepare for the sale of their business from the very beginning. The result is creating a high-value asset that is appealing to buyers.
To learn more visit:
Website: seilertucker.com; exitrichbook.com
Twitter: @MSeilerTucker Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How has the quantum revolution allowed researchers a new understanding of light? By examining the properties and behavior of light, discoveries like gravity waves can be found. Press play to learn:
Ryan T. Glasser, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Tulane EDU, School of Science & Engineering, stops by to share his work with quantum optics and discusses what this work may hold for the future.
A higher-quality image can be gained by quantizing light in a specific way, allowing a more extended range for optics to be used effectively. By quantum correlating the pairs of photons, accurate measurements, even beyond lasers, can be created.
By eliminating "noise" in calculations using quantum optics, the data collected from the experiment can be much more dependable. This is in part the quality of quantum optics that allowed a team of researchers to earn a Nobel prize for discovering gravity waves.
To learn more, visit https://glasser.tulane.edu.
Nathan Crane is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, cancer health researcher, and award-winning documentary film maker. With more than 15 years of experience in the health and wellness field, he shares his dynamic perspective on the connection between cancer and lifestyle focusing on the prevention and reversal of this deadly disease.
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Mr. Crane’s search for a healthy lifestyle comes from a troubled childhood, mental and emotional trauma, drug addiction, house arrest, and homelessness. He has overcome past troubles and uses what he learned to move forward in a positive direction towards a healthy lifestyle. His research has focused on the link between cancer and the immune system.
Nathan has extensively studied indigenous, energy, holistic, and naturopathic medicines in his quest for eradiating cancer and achieving optimum health without using toxic treatments such as the chemotherapy process. He has been able to find something good in all forms of medicine such as meditation, raw diet, cleansing, and detoxing that can be used to restore health.
As a film maker, Crane has found success in the 20-time winning documentary, Cancer: The Integrative Perspective. The film explores the unrecognized causes of cancers and presents the concepts of holistic and integrative approaches to prevent and reverse cancer.
To learn more visit: Website: https://nathancrane.com; https://theintegrativeperspective.com
“The ruling class and the people who put this all together are in trouble and they know it,” says Pamela Popper, president of Wellness Forum Health.
She’s talking, of course, about the cv1-9 situation.
Press play to discover:
Popper shares the latest developments in the unfolding of the cv1-9 situation around the world, including a number of lawsuits in the U.S. regarding vaccines and mandates (lockdowns, masks, etc.).
How were things different a year ago than they are today? What’s going on inside the minds of the majority of Americans regarding the cv1-9 situation? How are children being psychologically and intellectually affected by the current situation? What’s in store for the coming months and years?
Popper explores all of these questions and more.
Tune in, learn more about Popper at https://wellnessforumhealth.com/, and get involved at https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Many medical institutions only treat the patient when the industry at large is sick. By considering the techniques and practices that realistically work for people, there is hope to save the healthcare industry and treat how it helps people. Listen in to learn:
Omar Manejwala, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer of DarioHealth, discusses his work treating the issues in the healthcare industry and how new platforms can more effectively treat more people.
Many solutions presented in the healthcare industry provide patients with only narrow solutions for specific problems. A more effective medical field can be reached by using a program that adapts to and enables the patients and users.
By using direct consumer solutions, Dario finds new ways to engage its users and empower them to reach their health goals with more success and autonomy. Implementing the analysis of rich data, the platform can continue evolving and developing to benefit users and patients on a broad scale.
Visit dariohealth for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can systems of life be analyzed to offer insights into human evolution? By taking a broader approach to examination, a clearer picture materializes than ever before thought possible. Listen in to learn:
Eric Bapteste, a CNRS Research Director at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, shares his insight into viruses and how they evolved to target human cells.
Since fitness is often regarded as an evolutionary success, the relationships and systems responsible for this fitness are overlooked. By taking a topographic search into these factors, hints can be gained into which interactions are specifically responsible for effective evolutionary biology.
Due to the complexity and variability of the biome within a phage, it is challenging to nail down the specific processes and causes of certain phenomena. Thus, one of the main challenges facing research as we advance is connecting findings across species and genomes.
Visit evol-net.fr for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why are stage 4 cancer patients not much better off today than in 1930, despite the U.S. government spending $250 billion on cancer research?
Why are we losing the antibiotics race against bacteria, with superbugs evolving in a matter of minutes?
According to Perry Marshall, author of Evolution 2.0: Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design, “These problems stem from an inadequate understanding of evolution itself…A prime reason cancer treatments fail is that the tumor cells evolve at tremendous speed by some kind of self-governing process.”
Even in the most popular, best-selling books on evolution, critical mechanisms of high-speed evolution are hardly discussed or skipped altogether. These include symbiogenesis, transposition, epigenetics, horizontal gene transfer, reverse transcription, and endosymbiogenesis.
These mechanisms go far beyond neo-Darwinism, and should compel us to examine what needs to change about the way we think about cancer. Could this be the key to moving cancer research forward…toward better treatments or a cure? The argument for "Yes" is strong. Also, take a look at this accompanying infographic, showing omissions of the most popular evolution books: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1583603/Natural_Code_popular_evolution_books.pdf
Tune in for all the details.
What secrets about the world do various species of fungi hold? By using time-lapse technology, a never before available peek into the life of mushrooms can be seen. Listen up to learn:
Nature photographer Stephen Axford joins the podcast to discuss his work photographing fungi and using time-lapse techniques to explore mycology's more deeply detailed world.
Mushrooms are often overlooked in their awe-inspiring beauty and complex communication networks. Yet, by examining their development and taking the time to view them, new insights can be gained, and a glimpse into their extended set of uses can be broken down.
Mushrooms are the masters of symbiosis, and therefore can be a gateway to view many fantastic relationships and organisms with fungi as a part of their everyday existence. Moreover, since there are estimated to be around six million varieties of mushrooms, they have the potential to fascinate researchers for decades to come.
Visit steveaxford.smugmug.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
David Getoff is a naturopath and nutritionist who is a renowned traditional naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, and author. He has spoken at a number of scientific medical, nutritional, and organic agriculture conferences and currently works with clients helping them address lifestyle illnesses and regain their health using holistic and nutritional methods.
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Mr. Getoff is a highly qualified and popular speaker on preventing and holistically treating health issues such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. He is a Board-Certified Naturopath, a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, and elected member of the American College of Nutrition and the International College of Integrative Medicine. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Price Pottenger Nutrition Foundation.
Over the years, David has developed and produced more than a dozen educational holistic health DVDs on topics such as cancer, diabetes, detoxification, and heart disease. He specializes in helping people reduce the consequences of lifestyle-related illnesses by eliminating the causes of these diseases using nutrition, detoxing, destressing, epigenetics regulation in cancer, and other diseases.
Mr. Getoff advises clients from across the United States and around the world in his home office in California. He educates, guides, and recommends various dietary and lifestyle changes, and supplements that are specific to the issues of each client to strengthen the immune system and promote cancer prevention. The foundation of his work is sharing the benefits of a healthy diet, using non-toxic products in the home, limiting exposure to electrical fields, and the advantages of supplements to provide liver support and kidney support.
To learn more visit:
Website: davidgetoff.com; naturopath4you.com
Twitter: @DetoxProfessor Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Sarah James co-founded Jacaranda Hill Farm, an award-winning, off-grid, self-sustaining farm one hour from Perth in Western Australia. Mrs. James juggles her career in technology and engineering consultancy while helping her Husband Robert run a permaculture farm that uses agriculture technology and renewable resources and services. The farm is open to campers, which provides an opportunity to share permaculture and Holistic farming concepts.
Click on play to learn:
Nestled on just over one hundred acres outside of Perth, Jacaranda Hill Farm is a work in progress. Sarah and her husband value the importance of using technology in agriculture and are firm believers in the benefits of regenerative farming. They are in the process of transforming their land into a completely sustainable farm without using pesticides through partnerships with neighbors, local businesses, and technology.
Running a self-sufficient farm requires the essential elements: electricity, water, and sustenance. The James family has an ambitious approach to becoming self-sufficient by irrigating their crops using the three dams on the farm and exchanging resources with neighbors and visitors. Noteworthy accomplishments include the recent installation of a lithium-ion battery system, establishing 20 beehives on the farm, and raising ducks and chickens. You can read more in Sarah's book.
Jacaranda Hill Farm is part of a growing community of like-minded people who provide opportunities to others to get out into the wide-open spaces and enjoy all nature has to offer. Currently, the farm is open to campers through Hipcamp, and Sarah James and Robert Cass hope to add two glamping tents in the future and more technology and livestock.
To learn more visit:
Facebook: Jacaranda Hill Farm
Twitter: @JacarandaHill
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Breno Fragomeni, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in Genomics at the University of Connecticut. He is currently conducting research to identify genetics that may play a role in heat tolerance in farm animals such as pigs and cattle. The goal is to be able to identify the genetics of farm animals such as cows and pigs who lose less weight or produce less milk during hot seasons and use the genomic information to identify better suited animals.
Click on play to learn:
Dairy farmers and corporate farms would prefer an animal that may produce a little less but is more tolerant of heat stress. Dr. Fragomeni is interested in finding out whether there are any genetic aberrations that may maintain milk production in dairy cows, even during times of extreme heat. Generally, higher milk production makes cows more sensitive to heat stress. The questions are why and what mechanism causes that sensitivity to heat.
In an effort to mitigate heat stress, Dr. Fragomen is using genomic information to predict animals’ performance and applies the information when making selection and breeding decisions. The use of genetics studying the basic data collected from thousands of animals such as body weight, date of birth, and phenotypes is easier and less expensive than physically testing thousands of animals to gather data. The objective is not necessarily to identify the best gene to alleviate heat stress but to identify the animal that can best tolerate heat.
To learn more visit: animalscience.uconn.edu Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Lishan Aklog, M.D. is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PAVmed, a multiproduct commercial stage medical device company with a unique business model. He is also the Executive Chairman of Lucid Diagnostics, a subsidiary of PAVmed. The first half of Dr. Aklog’s impressive career was focused on becoming a heart surgeon. He has always been interested in medical device innovation, how things are done, and how to do them better to improve the logistics of health care, the patient experience, as well as the clinician and nursing experiences.
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From the beginning, one of the goals of PAVmed was to commercialize innovative products to quickly get them to market. Of particular interest was finding ways to interact with academic medical centers, small start-up companies, and medical device entrepreneurs to expedite the leap to a commercial path. Their proprietary model provides access to capital.
PAVmed has a combination of internal innovations and external licensing and acquisitions. One of the most interesting medical products is a new diagnostic device for detecting esophageal cancer. Developed by Lucid Diagnostics, EsoCheck is a non-invasive diagnostic test for biomarkers of esophageal cancer that can be done in five minutes in the doctor’s office.
New products are on the horizon at PAVmed including CarpeX, a minimally invasive device that is designed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome without the traditional surgical incision. Another project is focused on the treatment of recurrent pediatric ear infections that sometimes requires the insertion of tubes to drain the ears. The new product is made out of a silk material that can be molded and is resorbed by the body.
To learn more visit:
Websites: www.pavmed.com, https://luciddx.com
Email: info@pavmed.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can even the simplest of daily CBT practice provide drastic positive change in your life? By taking time to improve your state of mind and getting familiar with your mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can be incredibly effective. Listen up to learn:
Seth J. Gillihan, a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, podcast host, and creator of the Think Act Be Online School, joins the discussion to share his experience helping people reach their full mental potential.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has developed dramatically in recent years and offers an option for individuals struggling with their mental health who seek options other than medication. For issues like anxiety, OCD, and even substance abuse issues, CBT has been shown to be incredibly effective.
By creating a system using cards in a deck to help implement the daily practice, Seth J. Gillihan has seen incredible results for people struggling with their day-to-day mental health. One of the most important aspects of CBT is asking the right questions, and the cognitive behavioral therapy deck provides a fantastic starting point to begin your daily practice.
For more information, visit sethgillihan.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the weight loss industry be reimagined to benefit those struggling with a healthy lifestyle? Through new techniques and understanding of health gained in new business models, effective weight loss and lifestyle improvements are more available than ever. Press play to learn:
Dave Sherwin, Founder of the Dirobi Health Show, certified fitness nutrition coach and entrepreneur stops by to share his experience helping thousands of people achieve the healthy lifestyle they desire.
Drastic health changes are often not sustainable, and historically, one of the most challenging portions of losing weight through a diet is keeping it off after the program has ended. However, by turning this model on its head and implementing the maintenance techniques throughout the diet plan, many more people have successfully maintained healthy habits.
Those seeking to reinvent their health and lifestyle have faced challenges that may not have been previously involved in a typical diet and weight loss plan. However, by accounting for factors like sleep and other often overlooked but essential keys, the complete image of a healthy lifestyle can be found.
Visit dirobi o learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the body's natural frequencies be used to solve pain and hindrances throughout? New frequency therapy techniques used by certified strength and conditioning specialists are leading to excellent results. Press play to learn:
Pain therapist and instructor Santiago Villamil shares his work with frequency therapies and how they may be the key to the next cutting-edge physical therapy techniques.
Since our understanding of the frequencies throughout the body in the 1800s, they have often been overlooked as the root cause of pain and mobility issues. However, with the help of new technology that can target specific frequencies and alter or correct them, targeted treatment can help patients that have been unable to find solutions elsewhere.
With the education and training of frequency therapy practitioners worldwide and in almost every state, these techniques have the potential to revolutionize the fitness healing world. Many clients can even experience relief within 20 minutes of treatment.
To learn more, visit https://www.santivillamil.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How can neurodegenerative diseases be better understood to find new therapeutic techniques? Researchers use tools like deep brain stimulation and virtual reality to make new leaps. Press play to learn:
Aasef Shaikh, a neurologist, and neuroscientist from Daroff-Dell'Osso Ocular Motility Laboratory at Cleveland VA Medical Center, shares their experience researching neurodegenerative diseases and Parkinson's Disease particularly.
By identifying key risk factors and signals that an individual may develop Parkinson's Disease, therapeutic techniques can be implemented early to begin proactive treatment. In addition, techniques like deep brain stimulation can give patients insight into their condition and allow neurologists a peek behind the curtain.
Systems neuroscientists study the circuits within the brain that allow proper function throughout the body. To prevent unfortunate events like falls and slips, neuromodulators work to solve faulty brain circuits. While Parkinson's never kills the patient, the side effects do. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Cancer survival exceeds 90% when detected during Stage I. Novel technologies are making early detection easier, especially for cancers that usually aren’t diagnosed until after metastasis has occurred.
Tune in to discover:
Eric Fung, MD, PhD, is Vice President of Clinical Development at Grail, a company with a mission to detect cancer early, before it has spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, as it currently stands, only a fraction of cancers are detected at Stage I, especially when it comes to cancers for which there are no screening guidelines.
Over the past 50 years, the primary focus in cancer research has been on therapeutics. But many FDA-approved therapeutics have very little impact on survival rates, because when it comes down to it, the best way to reduce cancer mortality is to detect cancers early, when they can still be cured.
Fung explains how a new multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test called the Galleri test can detect the presence of 50 Stage I cancers, and with only a single blood draw. He also discusses the studies supporting the validity of this test, namely the Circulating Cell-free Genome Atlas (CCGA) study and prospective clinical study called PATHFINDER.
The Galleri test is now available to patients by prescription.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more at grail.
https://www.galleri.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Bill McGraw is a research scientist currently living in Panama and is a prolific writer on a variety of topics such as aquaculture, the environment, heavy metals in the body, and related health issues. He is currently studying for a degree in naturopathic healing and helps people afflicted with chronic disease find the path to health using heavy metal detox techniques and Rife technology.
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Dr. McGraw explains the dangers of aluminum to the body and the many ways it affects our health and environment. Aluminum occurs naturally in soil, water, and air. It can enter the body as we breath, through the digestive tract, and through our skin.
We are constantly being exposed to aluminum in products such as aluminum cooking utensils, beverage cans, sunscreen, antacids, and vaccines. Eleven sources of aluminum exposure are found in products we use every day.
While it may not be possible to avoid naturally occurring aluminum in the environment, there are steps we can take to avoid exposure to this toxic metal. Dr. McGraw shares the 11 common sources of aluminum exposure and encourages eating a healthy diet using organic foods. He also recommends drinking silicon-rich mineral waters to reduce the burden of aluminum in the body.
To learn more visit:
Website: newaquatechpanama.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Richard Allen White III is an Assistant Professor with the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Dr. White describes himself as a computational and molecular virologist working on the systems aspect of ecosystems. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of RAW Lab in Concord, North Carolina that is developing a repository of genetic data on the global virosphere.
Click on play to learn:
Cancer is many diseases with different causes. DNA and RNA viruses have the capability to cause some types of cancer in the human body. Dr. White is conducting studies of the links between viruses and cancer with a goal of finding possible targeted therapies for treating virus caused cancers.
Six viruses are currently being evaluated for the development of new types of cancer fighting therapies: Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, and human herpes virus-8 are DNA viruses that may cause the development of human cancers. Two RNA viruses may contribute to human cancers: human T lymphotrophic virus type 1 and hepatitis C viruses.
The RAW Lab is involved in the search for possible bacteriophage therapy for multi-drug resistant bacteria and produce universal antivirals for RNA viruses. The lab is using synthetic biology to overcome human viruses and other RNA viruses such as Influenza and Henipavirus.
To learn more visit:
cci.uncc.edu/directory/richard-allen-white-iii
@raw9371 (Twitter) Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“At first, it was like trying to drink from a firehose of knowledge…but I kept doing it, and getting better at it…” says Richard Jacobs, as he explains his experience in creating what’s now known as the Finding Genius Podcast.
Tune in for all of Jacobs’ insights, and discover:
Since 2016, Jacobs has interviewed nearly 3,000 genius-level researchers, practitioners, scientists, and entrepreneurs on various topics, ranging from cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence to sleep science and chronic diseases.
Through this process emerged Finding Genius: Understanding Viruses, a compilation of 100 unique insights about viruses from researchers and virologists who answer some of the toughest questions that can be asked.
One of Jacobs’ biggest takeaways from his work thus far is this:
“If you want to solve the big, incredibly difficult problems, at the very least you’ve got to get together a consortium of people in the field and really go interdisciplinary…science and knowledge in general…needs to utilize the great minds that are working on a given problem to really solve it.”
Learn more about Richard Jacobs and the Finding Genius Foundation here: https://www.findinggeniusfoundation.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
No one likes me. I’m going to fail this exam. I really shouldn’t have eaten all that lasagna.
Ever have these or similar thoughts?
If so, you’re not alone. Most of us are overrun by certain thinking patterns, which lead to certain feelings, which lead to certain behaviors. And often, the result is detrimental to our mental and physical health.
Tune in to discover:
A longstanding interest in psychology and the mind-body relationship led Liz Ross to become a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in the application of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Having spent over a decade in the field, she recounts how things have changed since her early days, like the advent of social media and its impact on mental health, the growing prevalence of virtual therapy, and expectations surrounding therapy.
Ross explains cognitive behavioral therapy, describing each component in detail, as well as her approach in treating people who present with certain issues.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://drlizross.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can GI health significantly determine the general health of the rest of the body? Since so many bodily systems utilize products produced along the gastrointestinal tract, minor issues can be increased throughout the body. Listen up to learn:
Executive vice president and chief medical officer at Seres Therapeutics, Dr. Lisa von Moltke, discusses her work developing therapeutic techniques to treat gastrointestinal conditions and microbiomes.
Through the study of how the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health affect the operation of the rest of the body, new therapies have been developed to combat GI-targeted infections. New therapies are also being produced to prevent infection with patients undergoing transplants and grafts.
Immunosuppressants are also a weak point regarding gut health since they open windows of vulnerability for infections to target your gut. Therefore, developing techniques to treat various diseases without affecting GI health and the gut microbiome may be the next most valuable step in developing pharmaceutical therapeutics.
For more information, visit serestherapeutics.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Brian Hooker is an Associate Professor of Biology at Simpson University. He specializes in microbiology and biotechnology and has a keen interest in the importance of inoculation and the safety of childhood inoculation. He has written numerous articles about childhood inoculation side effects including allergies, developmental delays, infections, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He is currently interested in the association between the cv1-9 inoculation and subsequent health issues such as the number of adverse events and deaths thought to be related to the inoculation.
Click on play to learn:
Childhood inoculations are meant to protect children from serious and potentially fatal diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, mumps, rubella, and others. Sometimes, a child has an adverse reaction after getting inoculate that may be linked to the inoculation itself. Some of those reactions include developmental delays, autism, allergies, ear infections, ADD, and ADHD. However, the medical community does not acknowledge any links between childhood inoculation and these types of reactions.
Dr. Hooker has an interest in medical epidemiology and adverse events and has been doing research on childhood inoculation and possible reactions. Using data retrieved through 2016 from the Inoculation Safety Datalink, his studies have found that uninoculated children seem to have fewer chronic disorders and appear to be healthier than children who received inoculations on schedule.
Some adverse reaction events surrounding the cv1-9 inoculation have lead to questions about the safety, testing, and effectiveness of the inoculation. The issue of mandated inoculation by corporations and educational institutions and the possibility of a inoculate passport have raised questions relating to the infringement of the civil rights of U.S. citizens. Dr. Horn discusses these issues, the power of big pharma companies, and inoculation pros and cons.
To learn more visit:
childrenshealthdefense.org childrenshealthdefense.org/defender Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Janet Hays, founder of Healing Minds NOLA, is a formidable advocate for those who suffer from severe mental illness in New Orleans and across the country. She works tirelessly to bring those afflicted with mental illness, their families, and other stakeholders together to find a path to more productive and humane treatments of mental illness.
Click on play to learn:
Janet Hays has been instrumental in New Orleans in shining a spotlight on the mismanaged mental health care system for more than six years. Having witnessed the inadequacies of mental health care in the United States, Hays has made it her life’s work to advocate for better ways to care for the mentally ill. Her vision includes residential treatment communities, assisted outpatient treatment, and even clubhouses to provide a venue for the mentally ill to reconnect to the community and make new friends.
One of the issues that impedes medical treatment is anosognosia, a medical condition that impairs the ability of the individual recognize that they suffer from mental illness. They are unaware of their mental health condition, or they do not understand it correctly. The perception of their mental health can shift back and forth over time which adds to the belief that the person is denying the condition to avoid seeking treatment.
One of the proposed plans for the treatment of mental illness is AOT, a community-based program of providing mental health treatment under civil court commitment. One of the objectives of the AOT program is to unite and encourage the mental health system in taking responsibility for collecting the necessary evidence of mental illness and prepare a petition for AOT to present to the court so the individual can receive the treatment they need.
To learn more visit:
https://treatmentadvocacycenter.org Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C @HealingMindsNO
Imagine feeling perfectly healthy and heading to your doctor for a simple cholesterol check, only to be told your blood work indicates that you may have an extremely rare, aggressive form of cancer. This is how most people are diagnosed with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL).
Dr. Marco Herling specializes in this type of cancer and shares his insights with listeners.
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Dr. Herling is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Hematopathology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center who was drawn to the study of T-PLL precisely because it is so rare and so understudied. In fact, he explains that most doctors struggle to diagnose it correctly and refer patients to the proper treatment. This lack of understanding exists even in large-volume academic centers and major university hospitals.
In Western and European countries, the incidence of T-PLL is low, at about one to two cases per one million each year. “International networking is of the essence in order to make progress in this disease,” says Dr. Herling.
He explains how T-PLL is generally diagnosed, the signs and symptoms of the disease, theories about why and how it develops, and possible ways to detect and eliminate it earlier on. He also talks about the current efforts being made to further the study and understanding of T-PLL, which hold promise for an eventual effective treatment.
Interested in learning more?
Tune in, and visit https://herlinglab.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is cancer its own separate organism? While we believe that it may not be most of the time, some instances of contagious cancer variants do not die with the host. Listen in to learn:
Courtenay C. and Lucy Patten Davis Endowed Chair in Lung Cancer Research, James DeGregori, shares his expertise on various forms of cancer and the theoretical questions of the future.
Many people think that random mutations may be the root cause of many forms of cancer. However, new research disputes this, and specialists have begun on a new research path of carcinogens and their effects on the body. While they may cause a higher rate of mutations in the area they affect, carcinogens seem to have many other impacts as well.
The critical component of the speculation surrounding cancer is the "why?" of the developing tumors in specific areas that may not be favorable for it. By determining the traits present in particular cells where the tumor began, the genetics can be deciphered, providing a complete image of cancer's development.
Visit degregori-lab for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
You may be familiar with cicadas but are you aware of the vast impact they have on the environment. A cicada emergence can leave lasting effects on the world around them. Press play to learn:
Samuel Ramsey, founder and director of the Ramsey Research Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss his research regarding parasitic insects and the wondrous world of cicadas.
While many refer to them as locusts, there is much that distinguishes cicadas, and they have a vast benefit on the world around them. Unlike what we may have previously believed, cicadas bring benefits that can have favorable effects on crops and the ecosystem they emerge in.
From having a boon on growth and providing vast energy sources for animals across the ecosystem, the 13 and 17-year broods can have an incredible impact. By studying emergence patterns and the lifespans of cicadas, information can be gleaned on many natural systems.
Search for Samuel Ramsey on Twitter at @drsammytweets Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. George Calin holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest, Romania. He completed cancer genomics training at the University of Ferrara in Italy and was a post-doctor fellow at the Kimmel Center in Pennsylvania. The focus of his work is exploring new RNA therapeutic options for cancer patients.
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Dr. Calin is the Principal Investigator at the Calin Laboratory at MD Anderson. He is currently working on all aspects of molecular biology and biomarkers with a focus on deadly cancers such as ovarian, gastric, colon, pancreatic, and cholangiocarcinoma.
It has become evident in recent cancer research that the genomic complexity of cancer cells is more significant than originally assumed. For more than 30 years, the focus was on the development and testing of new gene therapy strategies involving protein-coding genes. The research done by Dr. Calin and his colleagues has led to the concept that small non-coding RNAs knowns as microRNA genes (miRNAs) are involved in the production of human tumors. His research also showed that another family of ncRNAs, ultraconserved genes (UCGs) plays a role in cancer initiation, progression, and the mechanisms of a predisposition to cancer.
Looking to the future, the results of the studies of miRNAs and ncRNAs has led to the possibilities of combinatorial therapeutics that are customized for a specific cancer patient. Dr. Calin believes that there is a strong need to focus on the early diagnosis of cancer which has the potential to increase the survival of cancer patients significantly.
To learn more visit: mdanderson.org/research Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Eliot Peyster is a heart transplant surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania Cardiovascular Institute. He is a member of the primary cardiology treatment team that specializes in cardiovascular conditions. In addition to heart transplant as a tool for treating end stage heart disease, Dr. Peyster is interested in the possibilities of using tissue samples from heart biopsies to study the heart at a microscopic level.
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Dr. Peyster describes coronary vascular disease as a leading cause of death, a disease of aging. Ischemic myopathy is generally understood regarding what causes heart blockages and how they relate to heart failure. However, too little is known about the role genetic and environmental factors play in the development of heart disease.
Grading pathology slides from the biopsies of heart transplant patients has been somewhat problematic. A current concern is the grading criteria for tissue biopsies of the heart during the first year after a heart transplant. Rarely do the pathologists agree with each other when they assign a grade to this type of biopsy. The inconsistency of grading leads to confusion, making it more difficult to conduct multicenter research.
Dr. Peyster and his colleagues have found a way to digitize the pathology slides. They have programmed a Computer-Assisted Cardiac Histologic Evaluation Grader to read the slides of the tissue samples from transplant patients to further study CMD. The hope is that a preventative approach can be developed to prevent small vessel disease
To learn more visit: pennmedicine.org Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What dictates your decision to buy one type of cereal over the other? Cost? Nutritional content? Or is something else…like the colors of the packaging, or the nostalgic association you have with it from childhood?
The truth is, you might not even be consciously aware of why you make the product purchases you do. But rest assured…others are studying this topic very closely.
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Amit Gandhi is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and applied economist at Microsoft, where he specializes in industrial organization and econometrics. In simpler terms, he focuses on the use of data in economic models and decision-making processes, whether at the organization, industry, or individual level.
He explains the most common deep drivers of decision-making and their impact on behavioral outcomes, but draws special attention to the ‘random’ factors that impact decisions, but have no real connection to deep drivers like cost and utility. “Do you want to try to design choice architectures that make those things go away, or do you recognize them as part of the human condition and build your product strategy in such a way as to accommodate them?” asks Gandhi. Most of his current research is about answering this question.
Tune in for all the details, and learn more about Gandhi’s work by finding him on Google Scholar. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How does understanding molecular evolution hold the key to significant advances in technology and preserving life? By studying it, there may even be clues to how to survive on planets other than Earth. Press play to learn:
A distinguished fellow and part of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Steven Benner, discusses his research in molecular evolution and testing the viability of sustaining life on other planets.
By understanding the basis of molecular DNA and its four natural bases, researchers can begin expanding that number to eight or even 12. This opens the possibility that various lifeforms may not have the same basis for evolution and developed using different mechanisms.
By adapting to the world as the established systems were destroyed through phenomena like climate change, primates' DNA shifted and allowed the beings to evolve. This may be a similar trend to how humans will evolve to face future challenges.
Visit https://primordialscoop.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Nicholas (Nik) P. Money is a Professor and Director of the Western Program at Miami University. He has spent most of his professional career studying fungi and other microorganisms and has published several books on the topics. His new book, Nature Fast and Nature Slow, was released in the summer of 2021 and focuses on biology from a unique perspective, the timing of life.
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The subtitle of Nik Money’s new book is, “How Life Works, From Fractions of a Second to Billions of Years.” He captures the reader’s attention with thought provoking statements about how quickly time seems to pass, shares the concept of milliseconds, and discusses nature slow which stretches out over billions of years.
The book explores the timetable of the universe in ten chapters with each chapter focusing on a particular slice of time beginning with nature fast. In the first chapter, Money discusses the evolution of nematocysts and expands on the evolution of the branches of the tree of life including sea slugs, anemones, comb jellies, and flatworms.
Each chapter in the book opens a new world of information on evolutionary changes over time. The author discusses specific topics such as bowhead whales, bats, and bristlecones. He is already planting the seeds of a new book that focuses on nature big and small.
To learn more visit: https://themycologist.com Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Is someone pulling the wool over the country's eyes when it comes to the pros and cons of the inoculation? Informed consent is an important right to retain and may be the key to safely inoculating the population. Press play to learn:
Health freedom lawyer Greg Glaser shares his experience fighting for informed consent for a large population of civilians and doctors around the country, especially in the age of high-pressure inoculation.
Inoculation have been an integral part of American society since the latter decades of the 1900s, regardless of whether they actually make people healthier. Unfortunately, due to the social pressure cultivated by years of high-profit marketing from the inoculation industry, the truth may not correlate with the information widely pushed in the media.
The social constructs that have held inoculation status in paramount status for years now are also the same that cause the alienation and ridicule imposed by the inoculated population. However, this is reaching a fever pitch as mandatory inoculation have become increasingly popular among some political parties.
Visit informedconsentdefense.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Abdul Kadir Slocum is a co-founder of Chemothermia, an oncology center in Turkey that combines conventional cancer treatments with “out-of-the-box” therapies to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Dr. Slocum began the clinic in 2010 in Turkey with two partners, Professor Bulent Berkarda, M.D., and Professor Mehmet Salih İyikesici, M.D. to treat cancer patients from around the world.
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Dr. Slocum has been working with Dr. İyikesici and Dr. Berkarda on the development and application of conventional and unconventional cancer treatments such as oxygen therapy for cancer to support and balance the system. These supportive treatments give the patient more time to fight the disease.
Therapies include metabolically supported chemotherapy, hyperthermia (local and whole body) therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the ketogenic diet that all work synergistically with the standard conventional cancer treatments. Integrating the genetic and metabolic approaches with supportive strategies can maximise the efficacy of conventional treatments and reduce their side effects.
Chemothermia claims to have one of the highest success rates in the world with their unique approach on cancer treatment. The clinic publishes their results in leading peer reviewed journals. Patients with stage 3 and stage 4 cancers can be treated at the clinic. Doctors develop personalized protocols for each patient treated at the clinic with promising results.
To learn more visit: chemothermia.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“This is one of the biggest stories ever,” says T. Colin Campbell.
What story is he talking about?
The one that offers clear evidence of a safe, natural, and effective way to reverse cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
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T. Colin Campbell grew up on a farm, which meant growing up on dairy and animal meat. His doctoral dissertation was on the importance of animal protein consumption, and he even led a program in the Philippines aimed at helping malnourished children by providing them with quality animal proteins. His belief was firm, and in line with the rest of the nutritional science community: malnourishment results from inadequate amounts of quality protein from animal sources.
But in reality, he encountered evidence which completely challenged this position: the Filipino children who were consuming animal protein like those in the Western world were at a higher risk of developing liver cancer. Animal studies showed the same thing: animals who consumed animal protein were more susceptible to the rapid growth of liver cancer.
Campbell was faced with a dilemma: would he move forward with all the work he’d already promoted, or back up and carefully re-examine the evidence? He chose the latter, and received plenty of NIH funding to study whether animal protein really does cause cancer.
The answer? An emphatic “Yes,” says Campbell. He has since published extensively on the topic and even served on government policy boards.
“The further I got into this story and learned so much about it—not just about animal protein itself but also about the entire medical system and the way we actually tell the public the information we tell them—the more I realized there’s a serious problem here,” says Campbell.
Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are just a few of the diseases that can be treated and altogether reversed through a whole foods, plant-based diet.
Interested in learning more?
Press play, and visit https://nutritionstudies.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can early detection and regular monitoring of breast health play a significant role in the severity of breast cancer? The earlier cancer can be detected, a significant possibility emerges that an early understanding can benefit the patient when treatment begins. Listen in to learn:
Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Kornelia Polyak, shares her research on the monitoring and preventing breast cancer.
Through understanding why and when an individual gets breast cancer, better treatment techniques may become available, and prevention methods can be uncovered. In addition, through a deeper understanding of cause and early behavior, the next stages of treatment and prevention research can progress.
The location of tumors and the environment within the body can play a significant part in determining the heterogeneity of cancer. This level of heterogeneity is one of the defining characteristics of how to treat and prevent tumors.
For more information, visit polyaklab.dfci.harvard.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Finally, you can take a deep breath in and relax…knowing you’ve also taken the lowest efficacious dose of your medicine, with less worry over adverse events. And it’s all thanks to a company called TFF Pharmaceuticals.
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Glenn Mattes has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over forty years now, and for the past four years, has served as CEO of TFF Pharmaceuticals, a Thin Film Freezing technology platform that can improve the properties of drug formulation, delivery, and administration while maintaining efficacy and avoiding many adverse events associated with other drug therapies.
The Thin Film Freezing technology uses flash freezing to capture pharmaceutical drugs in a highly active state and convert them into highly concentrated powders. These powders can then be put into a capsule and inhaler device, allowing for administration directly into the lungs. Since the lung is an ideal organ for drug metabolism and distribution throughout the body, lower doses of the drug can be used to achieve the same or better efficacy with lower incidence of adverse events.
Other substances being formulated at TFF Pharmaceuticals can be inhaled through the nose, and in the works is a formulation that can be applied to the eyes or skin.
Mattes explains the science behind this technique, including the details of how and why it works, and the specific ways in which it can be applied.
Learn more at https://tffpharma.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
“When psychiatry became wedded with the drug companies, it became very little more than a sales department of the pharmaceutical industry,” says Dr. Peter Breggin.
He explains the pre-wedding state, post-wedding state, the future of psychiatry, and how it’s all related to the current virus situation.
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Dr. Breggin is a psychiatrist and author of over 20 books, with one of his most recent publications addressing the current virus situation and the influence of global predators.
He’s been involved with reform work his whole life, starting with giant volunteer projects in state mental hospitals over 60 years ago, to taking on almost all major lobotomy programs in the US since then, and to this very day, trying to tackle electroshock therapy, and what he calls “chemical lobotomies” through psychiatric drugs.
Dr. Breggin is the first psychiatrist to take various issues to the courtroom, and has been in trial over 100 times. Along the way, he’s been attacked and slandered by scientists, clinicians, fellow psychiatrists, and the medical-scientific establishment at large, but nonetheless remains firm in his stance against what he perceives to be unethical and even violent practices aimed at controlling humanity.
In today’s show, he reveals these practices in detail and explains how they are intimately tied to the current virus situation.
Tune in to hear the full conversation. Visit www.wearetheprey.com to check out his latest book and learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“All malignant diseases are derived from a normal cell in the body,” says Dr. Owen O’Connor, MD, PhD. But how different are the malignant cells from the normal ones, and how hard is it to differentiate one from the other?
This question is at the heart of the 'therapeutic window' problem in cancer treatment. But with new research in full swing, a solution may be within reach.
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Dr. O’Connor is an international authority on lymphoma and drug development with over 25 years of experience in academic medicine. He is also Chief Scientific Officer at TG Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that focuses on targeting diseases related to underlying B cell dysfunction, like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and some autoimmune diseases.
B cells are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies designed to rid the body of pathogens. In lymphoma and some autoimmune diseases, however, these normal B cells begin wildly misbehaving or proliferating rapidly. In the case of malignant disease, the goal is to inhibit the proliferation of and kill these B cells; in the case of autoimmune disease, the goal is to suppress their activity and interactions with other cells in the body.
How is this accomplished? And what’s wrong with most modern chemotherapies?
Answering these questions leads Dr. O’Connor to discuss the meaning of the therapeutic window and two drugs that have been acquired and studied extensively by the team at TG Therapeutics. One of these drugs is an immunotherapy, and the other is a precision targeted therapy. The idea is that working together, these drugs could provide an effective treatment without the serious downsides of chemotherapies.
Visit https://www.tgtherapeutics.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Kiana Aran, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of the Aran Lab at Keck Institute and is also the Chief Scientific Officer at Cardea Bio. She is an electrical engineer with a driving interest in biology that has led her to combining these two seemingly unconnected fields. Her research has led to the discovery that amplification is not required for targeted DNA and gene detection.
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Dr. Aran is interested in the integration electrical, mechanical, chemical, and bioengineering to develop new device solutions for use in clinical research. She thinks of the CRISPR chip as a microscopic robot that can be used as a genome typing tool, a kind of DNA search engine. This tool provides the ability to search through a complete genome in record time, among other things.
Currently, the sensitivity of the platform is being evaluated and improved to allow for more types of research. Work is currently being conducted to assess the accuracy and efficiency of CRISPR itself. Research continues on combining the power of CRISPR in its search capabilities and the power of biology as a technology to facilitate research and new discoveries.
To learn more visit: aranlab.org and cardeabio.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
A cure for cancer? Immunotherapy could be the key.
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Samantha Bucktrout is the senior director of research at Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, where she focuses on bringing curative immunotherapy for patients with cancer.
She begins by explaining the basics of immunotherapy, noting that all throughout each and every day, our immune systems are at work detecting and eliminating pre-cancerous cells in the body.
For patients who have developed metastasis and where the standard of care has failed, immunotherapy might provide promise. Research in immunology has led to an understanding of the ways in which cancer co-opts the body’s natural ability to regulate the immune system, and thereby actively blocks it from doing its job. Equipped with this knowledge, it’s possible to block the barriers put up by cancer through the use of antibodies.
Immunotherapy, in some cases, can be considered to ‘cure’ patients who otherwise have fatal metastatic processes.
Bucktrout discusses how chemotherapy affects the immune response, when it is used as the sole approach to cancer treatment as opposed to in conjunction with chemotherapy, how cancer cells may have evolved to evade the immune response, and much more.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more at https://www.parkerici.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“If you can’t sleep, so what?” asks Annie Miller.
Well, you may or may not agree, but the point she’s making is that it’s far better to not care about a lack of sleep than to panic about it.
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Annie Miller is a psychotherapist and the founder of DC Metro Sleep and Psychotherapy, a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. Her specialties include sleep and insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
In today’s show, she discusses how the current virus situation has been impacting people’s anxiety and sleep health, and also explains her approach to helping people through these issues. In the process, she provides several tips on establishing and maintaining good sleep hygiene.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://dcmetrotherapy.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can Diabetes treatment be made more accessible and easy to use? By encouraging the availability of products to be all under one roof and finding less invasive treatment methods, patients can find new ease of lifestyle. Listen in to learn:
Ali Dianaty, the vice president of product innovation for the Diabetes Business at Medtronic, shares his work developing products to ease the burden placed on diabetes patients.
In recent history, patients who have Diabetes were limited to very scarce, expensive, and painful treatment techniques. However, by innovating using machine learning, pumps, and similar therapeutic methods, the lifestyle surrounding Diabetes has changed and simplified treatment for many.
With data storage and algorithms working with smartphone apps, devices may even remember meals one has consumed in the past and automatically adjust treatment. This will allow patients to build a database of normal behavior, tailoring treatment specifically to their lifestyle.
To learn more, visit medtronicdiabetes.com/home. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can victims of cystic fibrosis and other degenerative lung diseases be treated and even reverse? Stem cells may hold the key to a new world of treatments. Press play to learn:
Barry Stripp, Ph.D. and professor of medicine and director of the lung stem cell program at Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, and John Mahoney, Ph.D., and head of the stem cell biology team at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Lab, join the podcast to share their work with lung regeneration and cystic fibrosis treatment.
Cystic fibrosis, while not inherently destroying the lung, it disrupts bodily systems that allow the lung to function correctly. Due to mucus buildup after not allowing lungs to be appropriately hydrated, asphyxiation is one of the most common causes of death among CF sufferers.
Since the repercussions and long-term maintenance requirements for lung transplants, they are not a viable solution for long periods. Due to this, the hope is to apply stem cell techniques and gene correction to aid in lung tissue regeneration.
Visit cff.org or cedars-sinai.org to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Christopher Logan is an avid health and nutrition reader who is continuously searching for the next best thing in the wide world of physical culture and herbalism. He is the co-founder and CEO of Lost Empire Herbs, an online store that offers herbal medicine for men’s health and herbal supplements for athletic performance. Logan has an interesting perspective on the history of snake oil in the United States and its impact on pharmaceuticals, supplements, and herbs.
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Christopher Logan discusses the philosophy of scientism as it relates to health and sickness. The United States is one of the most technologically advanced countries on the planet. In contrast, it has one of the worst birth outcomes. The long-term effects of the use of pesticides on crops grown in the United States serves as a reminder that less technology is better in terms of a healthy population.
Less technology and living a more natural lifestyle appears to have a healthier impact on society. Supplements and herbs are not considered medicine in spite of the fact that they reduce or eliminate deficiencies in the human body. On the other hand, the FDA conducts intensive studies on proposed drugs and approves them even though they do not necessarily work as intended.
To learn more visit: lostempireherbs.com
Email: logan@lostempireherbs.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Luke Burgis is an entrepreneur by experience who worked on Wall Street for a short time before moving to California to jump into the startup world in Silicon Valley. He established four companies and experienced many successes and failures while in California. From the outside, Burgis appeared to have everything. However, he felt he was on a never-ending journey to find “something” while not really understanding what that something was.
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As a successful entrepreneur, Burgis struggled with wanting one thing one day and wanting something else the next day. Dealing with conflicting wants on an ongoing basis led to Burgis stepping back to revaluate his life. As an avid reader, he studied various theories of want and the self and found a connection with René Girard’s ideas on the concept of mimetic desires and what drives them.
His research led him to spending three years in Italy in the quest to identify the driving forces of his life. As a student of psychology, classical philosophy, and theology, he learned to create distance to examine his true desires and distinguish the origins of his aspirations. Burgis learned how to identify various systems of desire and realized that people move in and out of those systems as their life changes over time. He wrote a book, Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life that explores why we want what we want.
This profound book shows readers how mimetic desire is present in their relationships. One of the chapters focuses on the rise of scapegoating and resulting violence that demonstrates how understanding the power of mimetic desire psychology can keep us from becoming involved in the negative behaviours of blaming others.
To learn more visit:
Twitter: @lukeburgis Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can CRISPR technology be viewed in perspective past regular lab use? By examining the bacteria left after genetic editing, the potential for new research emerges. Press play to learn:
Chase Beisel, a Group Leader (W2) at Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research in Würzburg (Germany), discusses his research using CRISPR bacteria beyond their typical scope of work.
While CRISPR is commonly used and known for manipulating DNA strings, there is actually a fascinating byproduct left behind. Using the bacteria responsible for the editing during the process, they are still viable for use after editing and can be seen as an extensive natural immune system.
By watching and studying how mRNA functions within the system, there may be possibilities for new technology. By recruiting mRNA and turning them into guide RNA, the nature of how this change occurs can be uncovered and applied to other areas of study.
Visit https://www.helmholtz-hiri.de/en/research/organisation/people/person/prof-chase-beisel/ to learn more.
Jianghong Min is a graduate student with the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School who is currently involved in genomics studies of the heritability of CRISPR-based gene drive cassettes to control specific functionalities in non-human species and their impact on genetic diseases. He is working on these projects at MIT with the Sculpting Evolution Group and Kevin Esvelt, Assistant Professor.
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Min is working on a study involving the genetic editing of heritable genes using gene drive cassettes in a non-human genus. The study is in the exploration phase at this time. Of particular interest is the evolution of a gene drive system once it is released into the wild. How much genetic information can be included in the gene drive cassettes? How much control of the heritability of the gene drives do scientists have once the are released into the wild?
Min is especially interested in discovering unintended consequences. Could these heritable changes spread into other nearby species? He believes in the precautionary principle that scientists should not intervene until all of the negative effects are known and should identify the greater impact of genetically modifying these organisms.
To learn more, visit:
MIT Media Lab: https://www.media.mit.edu
Sculpting Evolution Group: www.sculptingevolution.org Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"Nature, over millions of years, developed the immune system in vertebrate animals,” says Martin Steegmaier. And one of those developments is the antibody—a large protein that detects and neutralizes threats to the body, like viruses and bacteria.
Learn how one company is using this to tackle cancer, and discover:
Steegmaier is head of research at MorphoSys AG, a company that’s focused on antibody discovery and development, with an aim to become a leader in hematology-oncology and autoimmune disease treatment.
He discusses the benefits and observed effects of antibody-based treatment for various cancers, and the key differences between the use of antibodies (large molecules) and small molecules in the treatment of cancer. He also explains the function of the most notable antibody treatments on the MorphoSys drug discovery platform, one of which was launched last July for the treatment of an aggressive type of cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
For a deep dive into the science behind antibody development and how antibodies interact with cancer cells, press play.
Visit https://www.morphosys.com/ for more information.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the application of machine learning make CRISPR even more beneficial than it already is? By lowering bench time, researchers may free time to find even more beneficial advancements. Listen in to learn:
Hannah Spinner, a research specialist and Ph.D. candidate at Harvard, discusses her work in applying machine learning on CRISPR technologies and new CRISPR proteins.
Applying machine learning techniques that have been proven to advance technologies in other fields holds promising results in increasing the efficiency of CRISPR technology. Reducing the tedious lab work required by researchers will allow new advancements in how we interact during the research process.
New advancements and discoveries regarding proteins and their use in CRISPR have opened the possibilities of adding a function that was not previously available. By editing various bases on the genome, the function of CRISPR in that area has a wide array of possibilities.
To learn more, search for Hannah Spinner on Twitter at @bellespinner. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Ana Soto is a Professor of Immunology at Tufts University who by training is a physician with a deep interest in science. She began working in labs while attending the university and eventually discovered an interest in how estrogens and hormones control the proliferation of cells in the breast, uterus, etc. Dr. Soto is currently conducting research on a new theory of cell proliferation and carcinogenesis at The Ana Soto – Carlos Sonenshein Lab at Tufts University.
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Dr. Soto and Schonnenschein have been focusing their research on the origins of carcinogenesis known as the Tissue Organization Field Theory (TOFT). While their studies involve the biomechanics of morphogenesis, SMT theorizes that mutations are central to the development of cancer. The TOFT theory suggests that the mutations are an epiphenomenon.
According to Dr. Soto, all cells will proliferate and produce tissue architecture that is normal. When cancer is introduced by some mechanism, there is an alteration in the organization of cells and a tumor may begin to grow. One of the goals of their research is to identify the mechanism that results in the alteration of the organization of cells and the subsequent development of cancer tissues. Several influences may be at play in this situation: biochemical factors and their receptors; biochemical communication; the proliferation of mechanical forces, bioelectricity, and the formation of an extracelluar matrix.
To learn more visit: https://sites.tufts.edu/sotosonnlab/
https://gsbs.tufts.edu/facultyResearch/faculty/soto-ana/research Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
One of the most profound questions in life is how did cells first materialize on Earth? Joana C. Xavier, Ph.D. is a scientist at University College London, bioengineer, and author who has focused her life’s work on finding possible answers to that question. She has an interest in systems biology, specifically the origin, evolution, and diversity of prokaryotic cells, minimal cells and chassis cells. Examples of Dr. Xavier’s work in computational biology include the analyses of the evolution of genes, species, and communities. She is also involved in large scale and integrative studies of metabolism.
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Dr. Xavier has a keen interest in the origin and evolution of life and believes that hydrothermal vents may have been the site where the first cells appeared. The ocean floor is well protected from the ultraviolet light produced by the sun. Natural chimneys form around the hydrothermal vents that release heated fluids necessary for cell development and they create a dynamic environment that would be favourable for life to evolve.
Because the focus of Dr. Xavier’s research is on the possibility of the origins of life deep in the ocean, collecting samples to conduct research is extremely limited and expensive. As a computational biologist, she uses massive amounts of specific types of data collected by other scientists and researchers to conduct big data analysis to test her theories.
The Earth is believed to be 4.5 billion years old which adds to the complexity of finding the origin of the first cell. Dr. Xavier believes there must be some type of necessity at the origin of the first cells that is governed by laws we do not yet understand. While it is difficult to determine exactly when life first emerged on the planet, some believe that it took place shortly after the Earth was formed. Identifying which genes are the oldest is challenging and the search continues to establish the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) which may lead to answers to the question of how cells materialized on Earth.
To learn more visit:
Joana C. Xavier website at https://jcxavier.org
Twitter @jrcxavier Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the water you drink contribute to the formation or treatment of cancer? Deuterium present in the water may play a significant role. Press play to learn:
Functional medicine doctor Petra Davelaar joins the podcast to discuss her research on deuterated water and how it may be a critical factor in health and cancer.
Deuterium present in water and the food around us is often overlooked but plays a significant role in maintaining health and staving off potentially severe diseases. The lower the deuterium present in what is put into the body, the better it is.
Despite the evidence that deuterium plays such a significant role in many different processes within the body, the medical industry continues to overlook the benefits of manipulating the levels within the body. However, drinking deuterium-depleted water and honing one's diet may be effective strategies to combat certain diseases.
To learn more, visit https://drpetrad.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
When you’re out and about and stop for a bite to eat, what else are you putting in your body with those plastic utensils?
Well…plastic. Leaching from plasticware is real, and it could be causing damage to your body.
But there’s a healthier, less wasteful option available--and it comes with the perk of being intentional about the way you eat.
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Twenty-five years ago, Dawn Prokop picked up a book that would eventually define the trajectory of her career. It was about a Tibetan monk who was issued a single wooden bowl to use for each and every meal. He would rinse it in the river, scrub it with sand, and let it dry in the sun before tucking it away in a special place. It was more than a routine--it was a ritual.
Today, the way most people consume food couldn’t be further from this. We often do it mindlessly, choosing the most convenient options and not thinking twice about using plastic utensil after plastic utensil.
How can we change the way humans consume food?
That was the question on Prokop’s mind when she started brainstorming ideas that would eventually lead to a company called Fed. It’s a company that values conscious, mindful eating that’s good for people and the environment.
She explains all the details of what Fed believes in, strives for, and offers.
Press play to learn more, and check out https://fed.today/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Beverly Mok is a graduate student in Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University. She is currently working in the complex field of genes and genomics focusing on genome editing in the David Liu Lab. She is also involved in the development of programmable tools to perform detailed and accurate modifications on the human genome.
Current tools do a double-stranded break which the cell may try to resolve in a way that may not be ideal. Once the break happens, the cells resolve the break in two ways. They make repairs by insertions or deletions which is not ideal. Or they supply a template DNA that undergoes homogenous DNA repair back to the original sequence to precisely repair the DNA.
Base editing is a new way of targeting and repairing faulty genes. The new genome editing techniques do not use double-strand breaks. The benefits of the base editing approach is that it facilitates precise genome editing and minimizes undesired by-products and toxicity associated with the double-strand breaks in DNA.
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Mok is participating in studies to identify possible next generation biotherapeutics and genome editing techniques that have the potential to treat and possibly cure genetic diseases like Huntington’s disease, blood cancers, and cystic fibrosis. She applies chemical biology strategies to genome editing to advance the capabilities and safety of genome-engineering proteins.
To learn more visit: https://liugroup.us
David R. Liu @davidrliu
liugroup @liugroup Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Turn lead into gold?
Yes, it’s possible. But according to Denys Bondar, PhD, that’s beside the point. He’s asking this question: can any substance be made to look like any other one?
Press play to explore the meaning and implications of this and more:
Bondar is an assistant professor at the Tulane University School of Science & Engineering whose most recent work has been on nonlinear optics. It's a field of study that describes the behavior of bright light (high-intensity light, like that given off by lasers) in nonlinear substances. He contrasts an explanation of this with an explanation of linear optics, which is observed when everyday light—like that from the lightbulbs in your house—interacts with materials and reflects back to the eye.
Using analogies and metaphors, Bondar discusses these concepts in depth. He also dives into the history of optics, and provides three concrete ways in which nonlinear optics can be applied in the lab and commercially. These include the possibility of computation at the speed of light, and the induction of superconductivity into certain materials.
Tune in for the full conversation and check out https://sse.tulane.edu/pep/faculty/bondar to learn more about his work. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin as a treatment for diabetes. For the past several decades, innovation in the diabetes space has reached unprecedented levels. Dr. David Kendall has been a key player in this space, and shares the latest insights and developments.
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Dr. David Kendall is a senior global medical advisor at Zealand Pharma, a company that for decades has been committed to innovation in the peptide therapeutics space. By modifying naturally-occurring peptides—the tiny building blocks of proteins and enzymes—the team at Zealand is using them as treatments for human diseases.
The primary focus is on metabolic diseases, like diabetes and certain GI diseases. For example, Zealand has created dasiglucagon, a now FDA-approved analog of naturally-occurring glucagon designed to treat episodes of severely low blood sugar, commonly known as hypoglycemia.
Dr. Kendall explains the function and benefits of dasiglucagon, and when it can be used as a lifesaving measure in those with insulin-requiring diabetes and hypoglycemic events. He also discusses one of Zealand’s latest projects, a bihormonal artificial pancreas system that provides insulin and counteractive glucagon to help people with the long-term management of diabetes.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://www.zealandpharma.com/ to learn more.
What are the ethical limits of human genetic engineering? While there may never be a firm answer to this question, it is critically important to contemplate possible limitations. Listen in to learn:
Françoise Baylis, University Research Professor and author of Altered Inheritance, joins the podcast to discuss the bioethics of human genetic engineering. The focus is on heritable human genome editing where it is anticipated that genetic modifications will be passed on to future generations. This prospect raises a number of challenging ethical questions likely to become increasingly important over time.
Visit https://francoisebaylis.ca for more information.
How can cancer be treated differently than how many others have accepted as standard? Gene therapy may be the solution to change the course of cancer treatment. Listen in to learn:
CEO of Poseida Therapeutics, Eric Ostertag, discusses his work to develop safe, single-treatment cures for cancer and other diseases.
Since cancer has a genetic basis for operation, gene therapy can be even more effective than the previously used viruses or other therapeutic techniques. Immuno-oncology is the bleeding edge of cancer treatment and has shown the most promising results in solid tumors.
Due to the genetic limitations of viral technology, it does not have the capacity for efficacy found in non-viral therapeutics. The next generation of CAR-T will have higher chances of not being thwarted by mutations and solid tumors.
Visit poseida.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can plasmalogens lead researchers to discoveries in age-related disease? By giving clues of how various bodily functions work, they may be the missing piece of the puzzle. Press play to learn:
CEO and founder of Prodrome Sciences, discuss his work with plasmalogens and how their function in the body facilitates necessary tasks throughout.
As we age, our body begins to struggle to carry out processes that did not pose a challenge earlier in life. One of the keys to these functions is the presence of plasmalogens throughout the body to help facilitate proper pathways that are working as they should.
Age-related diseases may have been found to be caused, at least in part, by the absence or deficiency in plasmalogens. Rather than treating diseases and increasing average lifespan, Prodrome Sciences focuses on the conditions in the body that lead to disease susceptibility.
To learn more, visit prodromesciences.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can the healthcare experience be made more comfortable and humanized? Research may show that seeking more holistic care may make some treatments and experiences more beneficial. Press play to learn:
Author and paramedic-turned-physician, Dr. Summer Knight, shares her work to shift the field of healthcare to a more human-focused experience that puts comfort at the forefront.
The current focus of the healthcare industry is less on the comfort of the patient and more on the profitability and efficiency of the operations. While this may work from a business perspective, a more empathetic approach may be more beneficial for patients and families involved in ongoing treatment.
By coordinating services and various silos of the medical field, the patient will have a better understanding of their enduring process. By focusing more heavily on patient happiness alongside health, the healthcare industry can begin to focus on treating the person and not just the ailment.
To learn more, visit humanizing.healthcare. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
As a world traveller, Nykki Hardin has learned about time-tested and proven methods to heal the body mentally and emotionally. She used the knowledge gained from her travels working with experts in foreign lands to create a nontoxic, detox program that is easy to use and produces amazing results for weight loss, metabolism, and hormone balance.
Click on play to learn:
At the age of 15, Nykki Hardin was a three-sport athlete and straight A student and learned how food affects physical performance and mental health. As a world traveller visiting India, Australia, Thailand, and other countries, she learned about the bodily harm caused by toxins and heavy metals in the environment.
The knowledge Nykki obtained during her travels became the seeds of the creation of new products and the start of her current business, 21 Cleanse. Using exceptional entrepreneurship skills, she developed and delivers the highest quality, therapeutic grade herbal formulas and supplements for her clients. The 21 Cleanse program includes daily emails and a private session with Nikki at the end to ensure that the individual has a good foundation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hardin understands the harm caused in the body by toxic chemicals, the advantages of a plant-based diet, and the benefits of an herbal cleanse. Her education, life experiences, and enthusiasm are evident as she shares health and nutrition information. Nykki provides empowerment to those participating in 21 Cleanse and facilitates healing for depression and anxiety and the achievement of health goals.
To learn more visit: nykkihardin.com
therightwaytodetox.com Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the body's equilibrium impact your overall health and immune system's strength? By maintaining blood chemistry balance, your body may be able to fight off disease that to which it may have been previously prone. Press play to learn:
Dr. Sandy Bevacqua shares her insight into balancing blood chemistry and maintaining equilibrium within the body.
If the body is not in a state of equilibrium, it will continue to function while doing significant harm to various systems throughout. Outside toxicity is also a considerable contributor to throwing the system out of balance and can be a primary cause of sickness and chronic disease.
Since many of the systems rely on each other to function correctly, a shutdown or malfunction in one can cause widespread poor health in many parts of the body. As toxicity in our environments builds, it becomes increasingly important to be mindful of what we allow into our bodies.
To learn more, visit drsandybevacqua.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
With the help of an African Grey parrot named Alex, Irene Pepperberg, Ph.D. has conducted years of research that helped the world understand the unique and amazing communication abilities of Grey parrots. In this podcast, Dr. Pepperberg shares the results of more than four decades of her research into the cognitive and communitive capabilities of Grey parrots.
Press play to learn
Dr. Pepperberg completed her studies in chemistry at Harvard University in the 70s. While finishing her degree, Pepperberg became interested in the use of sign language and computer interfaces and studied the available data on interspecies communication. Her ultimate objective was to establish two-way communication with a Grey parrot that was similar to ongoing efforts with chimpanzees and dolphins.
An African Grey parrot named Alex joined Pepperberg in her research on animal cognition and communication skills. With training by Pepperberg, Alex developed the ability to express more than 100 vocal labels for objects, colors, and actions. He understood the concepts of materials, same and different, relative size, and absence/none. His decades of work and achievements with Dr. Pepperberg demonstrated that Grey parrots have an intellect much greater than what was originally perceived.
Dr. Pepperberg believes that Alex had the intelligence of a five-year-old child and the speech abilities of an 18-month to two-year-old child. She continued to train him using a modeling technique to demonstrate to Alex the things she wanted him to learn such as counting, colors, and shapes. One person would model the desired behavior with another individual and they would exchange roles as Alex observed their interactions. They would occasionally answer a question incorrectly to demonstrate to Alex that only the right answer was acceptable. Sadly, Alex passed away unexpectedly in 2007.
In the scientific world, the work done by Dr. Pepperberg has increased the awareness of bird intelligence. She continues to develop research possibilities in pitch perception and visual optic illusions. With the assistance of Griffin, an African Grey parrot who was hatched in 1995, Pepperberg plans to complete her studies on delayed gratification to add to existing data in the field of language learning of animals
To learn more visit: alexfoundation.org Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How do various CRISPR systems interact with the body in beneficial ways? Using different techniques, specific immunity systems may be targeted and cleaved. Listen up to learn:
Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell, Ailong Ke, shares his research working with CRISPR interference and RNA molecules.
By degrading and cleaving DNA in rounds, the molecule may be repaired, and the DNA can be made to function in the intended way. By editing DNA in this way, insertions and deletions can be accomplished, and DNA can be corrected to perform in its intended role.
This technique can be used to correct genetic diseases and other ailments caused by errors embedded in the DNA. As these tools and techniques advance, broader targeting abilities will become available, and deletion abilities may become more precise and effective.
Visit https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Dw2YCUcAAAAJ&hl=en for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The aftermath can be just as challenging and uncomfortable—the aftermath of major surgery, that is.
Tune in to learn about a revolutionary product that’s changing the post-op lives of thousands.
You’ll learn:
Allison Schickel is a mother, wife, mentor, speaker, and Creator/Founder/CEO of Brobe, a company that has helped tens of thousands of people feel more comfortable, secure, and independent while recovering from major operations.
The company began with a focus on the needs of breast cancer survivors in the post-op phase of recovery. The Brobe is a bra and robe combination designed specifically to hold JP drains, which are used in most major surgeries to reduce post-op swelling. Since Brobe’s launch in 2012, over 40,000 women have found comfort in the product after having a mastectomy.
But Brobe isn’t just helping women.
The product has proven useful for both men and women who’ve undergone virtually any type of surgery, whether open heart, organ transplant, cosmetic, etc.
And the most recent product is even helping children who battle cancer: the new Elliott Superhero Robe is gender-neutral, and comes with two superhero capes, an eye mask, and doctor hats. With “snap-on” pockets that can be placed in almost any location, it’s designed to fit almost any set of needs that a child might face—including, of course, the need for confidence, excitement, and fun.
The team at Brobe always has their ears open to customer feedback, which has been overwhelmingly positive. It has also led to a number of other products, including Jackson Pratt drain belts, comfort accessories, and cold therapy products.
Tune in and visit https://thebrobe.com/ for more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can historically misunderstood retinal neurodegenerative diseases be researched and treated? New discoveries may lead to continuing advancements in treatment for previously thought to be untreatable ailments. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Bernard Gilly, The CEO and Co-Founder of GenSight Biologics discusses his work trying to cure blinding diseases and the development of LUMEVOQ.
By studying genetic therapies and root causes of optical degenerative diseases, patients who have been blinded by their condition can seek treatment to regain partial vision. Though it is challenging to continue studying improving patients, the therapeutic techniques continue to be improved, and results remain promising.
Though treatments and further research have been delayed, the first patient has received treatment and has regained fundamental visual function. This is promising for the future of macular and retinal degeneration treatments.
To learn more, visit gensight-biologics.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can new cancer therapies and treatments emerge along with the understanding of cancer cell's behavior? By learning how cells communicate and proliferate, researchers may be able to find new solutions. Press play to learn:
Assistant Research Professor in the Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security, and Society, at ASU, Luis Cisneros, shares his research on cancer cells and their behavior.
Groups of cancer cells within the body may be able to work cooperatively and view the cluster as a single entity working to survive. Since the cells are present before they become cancerous, the original group will grow and spread to the tissue around the original site.
Studying the molecular mechanisms and cell signaling of groups of cancer cells, proper therapeutic techniques can be applied, and cancer can be adequately managed without crossing the threshold of harmful treatments. By pinpointing an effective treatment that does not exacerbate the condition, patient wellbeing can be maximized and held as the core value throughout treatment.
Visit biodesign.asu.edu/luis-cisneros for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Many of us will take a vaccine without thinking twice about it. But how are they developed, how do they even work, and how are they tested for safety?
Press play to learn:
Maria Elena Bottazzi is associate dean at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, and vaccine scientist who specializes in tropical, infectious, and emerging diseases.
She explains conventional versus new technologies for vaccine development, like RNA technology platforms, and where the vaccine for the current virus situation lands in this regard. She dives into the science behind vaccine engineering, giving listeners an inside look at this technical and extremely relevant area of research and development.
Bottazzi also discusses the testing and evaluation methods for safety, quality, and efficaciousness of various vaccines, including what are called controlled human challenge studies.
Tune in to learn more and visit https://www.bcm.edu/education/national-school-of-tropical-medicine and https://www.bcm.edu/departments/pediatrics/sections-divisions-centers/tropical-medicine. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How many parasitic worms do you have in your gut, and how long have they been there? The answer comes with some surprising implications.
Tune in to discover:
Andrea Graham is a professor at Princeton University in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology whose work revolves around a simple question, with a not-so-simple answer: Why do hosts vary so much in their susceptibility to infectious disease and autoimmune disease?
Most of her research is on the parasitic worms that live inside the guts of over a billion animals worldwide, including humans. What dictates whether a host will immediately or very slowly detect the presence of these worms? And once they do detect them, what dictates whether the host is able to mount a strong or weak immune response?
Graham aims to answer these questions primarily by looking to the ecological and evolutionary roots of heterogeneity in immune response and susceptibility to infectious disease.
She shares with listeners some of her research findings, such as those from “re-wilding” experiments using inbred lab mice, deworming treatments used to discover how parasites interact with one another in the same host, and more.
Press play for all the details and learn more at http://algraham.princeton.edu/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can zebrafish lead to new insight into how neurons within the brain function? Researchers may be able to determine how information is sent between the two by studying the specific relationships between their retinas and brains. Listen up to learn:
Tom Baden, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, shares his research into how the body sends input information for the brain to process.
By examining large numbers of nerve cells and how they respond to specific stimuli, researchers can determine how inputs cause the brain to react. From information from the retina and showing how different colors are sent, the information pathway can be tracked.
Tissue from the retina of humans is surprisingly very similar to the tissue found in non-human primates. From studying humans going forward in research, the determination that similar principles hold between the two. This is currently one of the driving factors behind new information is found.
For more information, visit https://badenlab.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What part do extracellular vesicles play a role in cancer development? Research shows that they may be the next step in discovering new cancer treatment techniques. Press play to learn:
Ph.D. student at Oxford University, Scott Bonner, shares his research on the relationship between extracellular vesicles and cancer.
Some extracellular vesicles may play a role in the body more effectively than others. By identifying and isolating certain types, new therapeutic EV technology may lead to new cancer treatments and research developments.
By learning more about receptors and how EV biogenesis occurs, the ability to pinpoint specific functions and advantages of the vesicles will emerge. Technologies being developed for the near future will only serve to enhance research and lead to discoveries regarding EV uptake within the body.
Visit Scott Bonner's profile on https://www.linkedin.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Nearly 200 million metric tons of production come from global aquaculture and fisheries combined.
Dr. Bill McGraw discusses the science, strategy, and logistics behind it all.
Tune in to learn:
Returning guest, Dr. Bill McGraw, joins the show to discuss an area of his expertise: zeo water exchange and disease free aquaculture systems. He explains how they work, what they produce, and the most recent global trends in the field.
He also discusses the billion-dollar US catfishing industry, GMO salmon, shrimp aquaculture and how it’s connected to vibrio bacteria, SPF (specific pathogen free) status and shrimp culture in places around the world, the importance of biosecurity in aquaculture, the problem of mislabeling seafood (and what you need to know if you’re a consumer), polyculture, and much more.
Press play and learn more about Dr. McGraw’s work by visiting https://www.newaquatechpanama.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can bacteria that have become resistant to treatment be overcome? Using genome engineering may be the technique that allows treatment to overcome the infection once again. Press play to learn:
Gaetan Burgio, a group leader of the Burgio Group as a part of Australia National University, shares his experience working with AMR bacteria.
Some bacteria may build resistance to any treatments or antibiotics over time through mutation or other genomic changes. However, CRISPR techniques have allowed researchers to pinpoint how a bacterium is resistant and alter it at a genomic level.
By evaluating how these bacteria have become resistant and how the microbiome changes, we can determine how various phages affect virulence. Evading the immune system is the primary mode of resistance, and by lowering virulence, it will remain undetected within the body, avoiding an immune reaction.
Search for @GaetanBurgio on Twitter for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there something in the water? Or are there many different types of things in the water, depending on the source and location of the water…?
Explore the answer, and learn:
“Water across the United States is different, and we believe at Hydroviv that the filter should actually match the water,” says CEO, Eric Roy. He elaborates on how significant these differences are, and why.
It’s a labor-intensive task, but Hydroviv is doing it: Every time a customer submits an order through their website, a team of scientists begins investigating the water that is consumed by that specific customer, and building point-of-use filters that are optimized for it.
Customers are pleased—almost universally so.
Visit https://www.hydroviv.com/ to get one of your own. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
A cure for cancer exists, says Dr. Bill McGraw, who also says he knows this to be true because he’s been curing it in countless patients for years, with a 95% success rate.
Tune in for his insights, and learn:
The first person to ever see a live virus using a microscope is also, quite possibly, the first person to have discovered a true cure for cancer and many other diseases. His name was Royal Raymond Rife, a bacteriologist who carried out groundbreaking work in the 1920s and onwards, but whose research has been largely suppressed, and sometimes even ridiculed.
Dr. Bill McGraw shares with listeners the details of Dr. Rife’s work—namely the incredible potential of frequencies in treating and curing disease. He explains what the Rife machine is, how it was developed, how it has been used historically, and how he uses it on himself and his patients.
Interested in learning more?
Press play; this isn’t one to miss.
Learn more at https://www.newaquatechpanama.com/ and https://www.spooky2-mall.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Where is that smell coming from?! It’s a question we’ve probably all exclaimed before tracking down the culprit…whether or not we want to. Scent detection is an important ability, but do we really understand how it even works?
Press play to discover:
Gerard McCaul is a postdoctoral research fellow at Tulane University who's taken on a side project on olfaction—the sense of smell.
He set out to determine what really enables scent tracking, and whether simple mathematical models, such as a pure diffusion model, can really account for it.
Unlike hearing and sight, the sense of smell is not well understood or described by mathematical modeling; diffusion simply can’t explain the ability to detect and track down the source of odors.
In fact, McCaul explains that, in order to find the source of an odor in a diffusive model, we’d basically have to be right on top of it. Clearly, this doesn’t match up with reality—with a dog’s ability to track scents located miles away, with a shark’s ability to detect a drop of blood in a great body of water, or with our own ability to, for example, follow the scent of freshly-baked cookies to the bakery a block or two away.
So, what gives?
McCaul sheds light on the absolutely necessary atmospheric and environmental pieces to the puzzle of scent tracking.
Tune in for all the details, and check out the paper on the topic, titled “Diffusion Fails to Make a Stink”. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can latent viruses in your body transform into cancer over time? Research shows that while many people have a virus known to cause cancer within them, only some individuals will ever be affected. Press play to learn:
Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and distinguished professor at PITT, shares his research on cancer-causing viruses and viral replication.
While there are only a small number of viruses with the potential to transform into cancer within the human body, the forms they cause constitute around 18% of cancer in the world. Some viruses are even present in close to 95% of the population.
Targeting specific pathways in cells that are also responsible for controlling tumor growth may make a previously healthy cell prone to developing cancer. While this poses a risk, it also may lead to new therapeutic techniques to slow the spread around the body.
To learn more, visit https://www.tumorvirology.pitt.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can theoretical physics give researchers new insight into cancer progression? By opening the zeitgeist of methodology, new understanding may be gained. Listen up to learn:
Herbert Levine, University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, shares his work applying the ideals from physics to cancer research.
Viewing the evolution of tumors as they grow with principles used in theoretical physics research, new analytics can be gained to hone and improve our understanding of cancer. By understanding how cell states function within various tumors, a unique view of metastasis can be achieved.
Cancer may arise as a forced adaptation from cells exposed to stressors over time, though most cancer may still arise from pure mutational events. Metastasis is the deadly part of cancer due to the infection of various other parts of the body and the increased resistance to existing treatments.
More information can be found at https://ctbp.rice.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The #1 killer in the world is heart disease—it doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, this killer doesn’t discriminate.
But does it have a code? And could it be cracked with the right technology?
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Kiran Musunuru is a cardiologist, professor of medicine, and director of the Genetic and Epigenetic Origins of Disease Program at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.
As the leading cause of death globally, he believes heart disease is the preeminent global health threat of the 21st century, and the greatest challenge facing the medical profession today. And this is driving him to take action.
Dr. Musunuru explains that, despite immense efforts put forth by some of the brightest scientists and doctors over the course of decades, treatment options for heart disease remain limited, mostly to cholesterol-lowering drugs. But he also explains how this is changing in light of the more recent revolution in genetics—namely, the completion of the Human Genome Project.
What’s the genetic difference between those who develop heart disease and those who don’t?
What genes influence heart health and disease, and could therapies based on this information prevent heart disease altogether?
These are the types of questions that Dr. Musunuru says can now be answered, and he’s doing just that.
Listeners will learn about the genetics behind heart disease and cholesterol levels, the details of Dr. Musunuru’s research and most recent findings, what the future of heart disease treatment and prevention might hold, and much more.
Learn more at https://www.med.upenn.edu/cvi/musunuru-laboratory.html. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
For most, PCR testing was a topic confined largely to the world of molecular biology textbooks before its widespread use during the ongoing virus situation.
Mention of the test can be heard almost everywhere at this point, but do we know how it actually works? Do we understand its intended use, and what it can actually tell us?
Press play to learn:
Professor of molecular medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, Stephen Bustin, has spent years trying to improve the quality of molecular testing for diagnostic and research purposes. This includes PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing, a method that’s become the topic of much conversation—even among general members of the public—since the early stages of the current virus situation.
Bustin explains the development of the PCR and RT-PCR testing method, the details of how it works via amplification of RNA, and what it can and can’t accomplish. He also discusses the necessary parameters for using the test to detect a particular virus, the discrepancy between clinical information and a positive or negative PCR test result, the risk of contamination, critical measures to take prior to and during the use of the PCR method (and whether they were taken during the early stages of the current virus situation), the interpretation of PCR test results, and more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is there an underlying cause of negative mental health symptoms and pain for women? Endometriosis may be the culprit for a wide range of adverse health impacts. Listen in to learn:
Author Jessica Murnane joins the conversation to discuss her work with endometriosis research and finding new solutions for the prevalent condition.
A lack of knowledge surrounding endometriosis has led to a deficiency in diagnosis and effective treatment for sufferers of the ailment. At the same time, the common misconception of simple, painful periods remains widespread.
While the cause of endometriosis is still unknown, it continues to plague women worldwide and has even barred women from police service in Spain. By spreading symptom awareness and general knowledge to new generations and researchers, the road to a solution has come into sight.
To learn more, visit knowyourendo.com or centerforendo.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The dragonfly is the fastest flying insect in existence—regularly breaking most residential speed limits. This is just one of the many fascinating details discussed by entomologist Jessica Ware.
Tune in to discover:
Jessica Ware is an assistant curator in invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History whose work centers around insect evolution—and that of dragonflies in particular.
She welcomes listeners into the world of dragonfly social behaviors, physiology, and development, discussing aerial hunting, eating, and mating styles, the unique stages of their life cycle, and more.
Ware also discusses her latest work, which involves genome sequencing on over 6,000 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and the collection of morphological, ecological, and other data to develop a complete picture of the evolutionary history of these insects. The hope is that this information will lead to a better understanding of how insects in general are responding to climate change, and the evolution of color, vision, dispersal, and migration.
For more, visit https://www.amnh.org/research/invertebrate-zoology/staff/curators/jessica-ware and follow her on Twitter @JessicaLWareLab. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Paul Sloane’s always been interested in lateral thinking puzzles and has written international best sellers on the subject. He shares how he’s translated those methods into solving problems in the business world. A professional who’s helped busy executives with creativity and innovation in their companies for over fifteen years, he describes some of his methods to raise the bar for leadership and problem solving. Listen and learn
Author, speaker, and innovator Paul Sloane explains his cutting-edge approach to business problems and solutions for listeners with concrete examples and the philosophy behind what he does. It all starts with countering the staid habit of vertical thinking. That’s where “you build block on block on block, and that's fine. But lateral means coming at the problem from the side. It means finding a new and fresh and different approach to the problem,” says Sloane. He says that’s how great leaps, like our modern grocery shopping system, have evolved.
Unfortunately, he says that corporate culture is often works against innovation, mostly at the middle level when goals are geared toward meeting one’s numbers rather than risk taking that might not pan out. Sloane has numerous methods to address these, from brainstorming groups to creativity training. “Everyone can be more creative than they think. Everyone started out as creative. Kids are terrifically creative,” he says and he discusses how he helps to revive that creativity within corporate walls. Listen in to find out more about his effective ideas.
Can examining the world of insects give humans insight into our state of being? Research may show that many fields of human health can be advanced through the study of insects. Listen up to learn:
Barrett Klein, professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, shares his research on the relationship between human and insect social biology.
Humans have a lot to learn from the intricacies of insect ecology, including the possibility to understand many aspects of our culture and bodies better. Through research into social insect biology and how they sleep, new elements of the ecological role of insects have been discovered.
Though bugs were not initially thought to sleep in the same way that other groups of animals do, discoveries into how and why they sleep have shed light on the impact it holds even beyond the insect kingdom. It even has the potential to profoundly affect bees in negative ways regarding colony communication and travel.
To learn more, visit http://pupating.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is studying cellular community ecology the next direction cancer research will take? By gaining insight into the behavior of cancer cells, new treatments may be uncovered. Press play to learn:
Evolutionary Biologist, William Miller Jr., shares his insight into the motivation of cancer cells and how it may shape the course of the disease and treatment.
By examining cancer through the lens of a separate and self-aware group of cells, we may finally be able to understand the motivation of cancer's spread throughout the body. Cancer cells even go as far as cooperating with various systems and tissues throughout the body to achieve homeostasis.
Since every cancer has a unique tumor microbiome, it has specific triggers that cause it to grow, spread, or adapt as its conditions change. By considering factors such as these, treatment can be focused less on interrupting the cell cycle and moving more toward finding alternative therapies.
Visit themicrocosmwithin.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“I went into oncology because I was fascinated by the human side of cancer,” says Dr. Eisenberg. This motivation gives him a unique focus while struggling alongside his patients searching for a cancer cure. He talks about not leaving his patients’ humanity out of the picture of cancer cells, and how that ultimately provides an effective medicine. Listen and learn
Oncologist Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg is the author of the new book Love is the Strongest Medicine. He shares the impetus behind the book, including stories of patient interactions and his own burnout and cancer diagnosis that propelled him to a healthier way to be with his patients. He emphasizes the importance of eye contact and dialogue, especially when patients are facing a diagnosis of cancer and negative emotions that accompany it. He says, “You've got to share your true self, your highest self with that human being that’s suffering in front of you. . . . You refuel your compassion stores, when you break down the wall between doctor and patient.”
He’s also treating and helping doctors with what he says is some of the worst burnout numbers we’ve seen. The pressures of success, the tangle of paperwork, and the fear-draining emotions combine to make it a hard atmosphere for doctors. He’s actually starting a support group called Doctors without Burnout to speak to this trend and help doctors find their motivation again. His approach is about finding the humanity in both the patient and doctor. When interacting with patients, he says, “Well, if I could make someone smile, if I could make them feel a little bit better, even 1% better than they did before they walked in that office that day,” then he’s practiced an important part of medicine. Listen in for more inspiration. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is a cell as complex as a major city? Or is it thousands of times more complex?
Tune in to explore the answer, and learn:
Dr. Jon Lieff is a nationally recognized neuropsychiatrist, expert on cellular communication, and author of The Secret Language of Cells, which is a synthesis of an impressive amount of science literature that culminates in a compelling and easy-to-understand look at cellular communication—how it works, and what it means for our bodies.
“It’s not that life is defined as a cell; it’s that life is defined as an intelligent cell who can talk with other cells and make decisions about the physiology of our bodies, about health and disease,” says Dr. Lieff.
The complexity of cells, the source of life, energy, and consciousness, the wired and wireless brain, cellular signaling, and cancer cell communities are just a few of the topics explored in today’s episode.
Tune in, and learn more at https://jonlieffmd.com/. Follow Dr. Lieff on Twitter @JonLieffMD. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Do doctors have the correct insight to treat common health issues effectively? Research shows that simple vitamins and minerals may play a much more significant role than you've been led to believe. Press play to learn:
Author and cardiologist Dr. Thomas Levy shares his experience and research into treating patients with more natural remedies the coverup by the industry at large.
Our bodies may respond more effectively through administering natural vitamins and minerals than when treated with standard pharmaceuticals. Since this path of treatment is actively shunned by most medical fields, the treatments that may drastically benefit many individuals worldwide are being stifled.
Hydrogen peroxide is often overlooked as a natural antibiotic even though the benefits are immense and can be easily administered through nebulization. The body produces it naturally with every breath, and it naturally protects the lungs from antibodies.
To learn more, visit rvr.medfoxpub.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“When something provokes in you a certain feeling that you can’t describe, you can recreate that feeling for the viewer in a painting,” says Jordan Henderson, an artist who has done just that with something few would consider subject matter for artwork: the current pandemic.
Tune in to learn:
For an interesting and unique look at the current situation, listen to Henderson share his insights on it, and how he is using his artistic talent to make powerful statements which are resonating with many. He shares feedback on his pieces, the meaning behind them, details of the piece he is in the process of painting, plans for future paintings, and more.
To check out his work and purchase something for yourself (like a mug, T-shirt, or even a yoga mat with an image of his paintings!) visit https://www.jordanhendersonfineart.com/ and https://jordan-henderson.pixels.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"Who eats first?" Richard asks Dr. Emeran Mayer as the researcher discusses his new book about the gut-immune connection. The answer is as complex as gut health and immune system interactions, but also just as fascinating. Listen and learn
Dr. Emeran Mayer's discusses his latest book, The Gut-Immune Connection: How Understanding the Connection Between Food and Immunity Can Help Us Regain Our Health. He digs deep on some of this timely book's topics, including the ties between our emotions and gut processes. The trillions of microbes producing their own chemicals, or metabolites make for quite a "bi-directional dialogue," he explains. Neurotransmitters throw another element into the mix and the food we bring in completes this intense conversation between our gut and brain.
Who does eat first? Well, it's not a one-answer question, explains Dr. Mayer, because different microbes eat different foods. "With a typical standard American diet," he says, "most of it would be absorbed in that very beginning of the small intestine, because everything is processed with very little fiber . . . but if you eat a diet like our ancestors used to eat . . . much higher in fiber . . . it has to travel down." And, it turns out, which microbes get fed the most affects how our body responds, and ultimately, our health. Listen in for more about this integral and fundamental connection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"Everything's a chemical interaction, isn't it?" says Brendon Coventry, as he describes how lymphocytes are affected by a chemical released from tumor cells that mutes their response. The challenge he and other researches face is how to work within these reactions towards effective cancer prevention and suppression strategies rather than irrelevant efforts. He addresses some exciting therapies, like immunotherapy, and what researchers understand about the nature of tumors. Listen and learn
Brendon Coventry is an associate professor of surgery in Adelaide, South Australia. He's spoken with Richard in previous interviews, and always brings a keen perspective to the latest research. In particular he addresses the "notion of immunotherapy" and the extensive studies trying to pinpoint optimum timing, such as pre-surgical oncology treatment versus post-surgery. He also brings listeners up to speed on a cytotoxic chemotherapy procedure called neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is a chemotherapy process delivered before other treatment to reduce the tumor size.
But obviously, any approach to cancer treatment is full of challenges, and he explains some of the reasons why. He says, "We're trying to sort out some keys to unlock how we might deliver treatment. And this is showing us some insights into the tumor microenvironment, how tumors are behaving, and what sort of ways the immune system might be able to be manipulated." He explains what the often-described heterogeneity of tumors means, and why, while researchers can show the lineage of how breast cancer may have spread to the lung, actual tumor cells are much more genetically different from other than, say, liver cells are compared to each other. That's a big part of the challenge for treatment. Listen in to hear how researchers hope to meet this challenge and others. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How does California and the US at large handle their water and prevent a crisis? Research and work on sustainable storage and flood prevention may lead us to the ultimate solution. Listen in and learn:
Retired Water Resources Engineer from the California Department of Water Resources, Ricardo S. Pineda, discusses his continuing lifetime of work researching water access, quality, and storage.
Water is a resource necessary for life everywhere, but due to specific hardships posed by locations around the country, it can be challenging to manage. Between pollution and flooding, finding a sustainable solution has remained elusive to engineers worldwide.
While the United States has a competent water management system, it still faces challenges like contamination and flooding regularly, especially in California. Other countries, like Honduras, have come up with creative solutions, but a permanent fix has yet to be discovered due to the unpredictability of weather from year to year.
For more information, visit water.ca.gov. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can diagnostic accuracy benefit both patient and physician alike? If breast cancer is diagnosed precisely and accurately the first time, treatment can be much more effective. Press play to learn:
Sandy Borowsky, Doctor and researcher at the UC Davis Center for Comparative Medicine, describe their work with diagnosing breast cancer and its accuracy.
By utilizing various categorization and detection techniques, specific breast cells can be determined as the culprit for breast cancer. Due to the highly variable nature of breast cancer, this diagnostic technique allows for a more targeted treatment and therapeutic path.
The level of variation may even warrant breast cancer being treated as a set of almost ten different diseases. Each form offers its own risk, with some slipping under the body's radar and others directly fighting the immune response.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can you be sure any medical treatments are safe and regulated? Organizations around the world are responsible for the information, but are they telling the truth? Listen up to learn:
The founder of ICAN, Del Bigtree, discusses medical risk assessment and informed consent revolving around the central issues facing society today.
A rush to develop a treatment for burgeoning diseases historically leads to botched trials and ultimately risks the health of individuals globally. Informed consent before treatment has become a movement being backed by millions of wary consumers through education and activism efforts.
Efforts to cover up negative repercussions of rushed treatments may cause even more significant harm than was initially necessary. Corruption throughout global leadership hampers efforts to reveal the truth, but many organizations continue to fight back.
To learn more, search for @delbigtree on Twitter or visit https://www.icandecide.org.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Do your circumstances dampen or enhance your ability to make a decision? Studies show that high-pressure decision-making can be much more difficult without certain factors put in place. Listen in to learn:
President of ShadowBox LLC, Gary Klein, Ph.D., discusses his research into decision making during strenuous situations and how to enhance your cognitive ability.
Making decisions can be difficult even under the most conducive situations, but it can be practiced and trained like many other skills through various techniques. For instance, the ShadowBox technique developed by Dr. Klein has been proven to enhance decision-making ability under duress.
Paying attention to specific cues in their body and the situation can lead to more effective and meaningful decisions. By training under challenging conditions early rather than focusing on the basics, evidence shows that an individual will retain the learned practices for an extended period.
Visit shadowboxtraining.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can artificial intelligence modify psychiatric treatment to benefit the patient? Analyzing large sets of data and the study of genomics can target specific doses of medications more effectively for each individual. Listen in the learn:
Maurice Chiang, the cofounder of Prairie Health, describes his work using machine learning and data analysis in psychiatric treatment.
By analyzing longitudinal data sets collected over decades, treatment in psychiatry can be tailored more effectively for each patient based upon their response to medication. By studying the data with artificial intelligence systems, genetic trends can be discovered, and analysis techniques can be refined and made more effective in the years to come.
For patients who have tried and found particular treatments ineffective, this research opens a new opportunity to investigate why their bodies may not have responded to medication. Through the continuing study, these patients will be able to fit treatment precisely for their genetic makeup.
Visit prairiehealth.co to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can Tasmanian Devils give cancer researchers a hint into the spread of tumors and how they interact with the body? The spread of facial tumors in the population may be an appropriate starting point. Press play to learn:
Camila Espejo, a researcher at the Tasmanian School of Medicine in the College of Health and Medicine, shares her work with Tasmanian Devils and oncology.
When Tasmanian devils bite each other, there is a chance that a tumor-laden devil can spread the cells into healthy devils through saliva. If the disease can be detected early before the tumor begins to form, treatment becomes an option and can extend the lifetime during the disease's incubation.
It is crucial to understand how the disease spreads and can be treated to prevent a possible extinction event. Without devils present as apex predators, the ecosystem may be thrown out of balance, and native species could be impacted.
To learn more, contact Camila Espejo on twitter at @CamilaEspejo19. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Where can quantum computing take the next step to continue improving and begin outperforming current computers. Theoretically, physical transformations may be the next stage of development. Listen up to learn:
A Research Fellow working in the Physics Department of the University of Oxford, Chiara Marletto, joins the conversation to discuss the quantum theory of computation.
While our current understanding of computers focuses mainly on speeding up and bolstering computing power, research leads quantum computational researchers in a new direction. Constructors theoretically have the capability to modify shape within the laws of physics and appear to be on the horizon for quantum computing.
Constructor theory relies on solving the problems from the current generation of computing machines, such as the noise, need for cold, and computational powers. What sets constructors apart from classical computers is the possibility of self-reproduction and a wide variety of other previously thought to be impossible tasks.
For more information, visit http://constructortheory.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"The evolution of the nucleus may have initially occurred . . . because of this coevolutionary dynamic with giant viruses," says Professor Frank Aylward. He shares several mysterious tidbits of giant virus evolution and how these particles may have caused evolutionary pressures that produced everything from the silica shell of diatoms to cellular metabolism. Listen and learn
Frank Aylward is an assistant professor of biological sciences, at Virginia Tech. He specializes in microbial diversity and is fascinated by the abundance of microbes "that play critical roles in human health, the evolution of life on Earth, biogeochemical cycling, and the biosphere." Lately, he's focuses on giant viruses. These viruses are distinct for their size and their propensity to only infect eukaryotes. This means, for example, that while giant viruses and bacteriophage have different domain hosts, they're just as abundant, present in waters alongside marine bacteria, in soil, and even in freshwater.
He shares numerous fascinating aspects of what these viruses tell us about our world. For example, they may have developed their size from an evolutionary effort of tricking amoeba into eating them. They practice biological mimicry, mimicking the look of the microbes that amoeba like to eat, so the amoeba will phagocytose it: the Mimi virus actually stands for mimicking microbe. Professor Aylward shares more about the natural history of these viruses, down to their connection with cellular nuclei and metabolism. Listen in for more about the magic in microbial diversity. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Are genetically modified food products the best option you have when shopping for food? Emerging research shows that there may be better choices both for your health and for the environment. Listen up to learn:
Expert in his field, Dr. Bill McGraw, lends his experience with GMO research and its implications on the long-term health of individuals around the world.
Originally thought to have no negative repercussions to consumer health, genetically modified products seemed to be the key to many logistic problems plaguing produce manufacturers. However, in the years since their introduction, GMO products have begun to show their true colors.
Without proper labeling required in supermarkets, it can be challenging to determine if a product is genetically modified or comes into contact with other GMO products. GMO salmon or salmon fed with GMO ingredients can leave lasting impacts on the environment by spreading plasmids throughout the area.
Visit www.newaquatechpanama.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is time what clocks measure, or is it the difference between the shape of two triangles?
Explore the answer, and discover:
Physicist and author of The Discovery of Dynamics and The Janus Point: A New Theory of Time, Julian Barbour, joins the show for an eye-opening and mind-probing deep dive into his ideas of time and space, and how they’ve been shaped by and differ from the ideas of other great thinkers in history, like Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Johannes Kepler.
“Science is always tentative, but my feeling is that people have lost some contact with the real foundation of things, of what reality is really like, and so I think it certainly doesn’t harm to go back and see what people like Kepler did,” he adds.
Barbour explains the development and details of his books, elaborating on this statement: “You cannot imagine finding your way if there’s nothing by which you can see your way.”
He also shares his most recent ideas with listeners, such as the idea that the complexity of the universe might literally be time itself, and the most important part of energy itself.
Interested in learning more?
Tune in and be sure to check out Barbour’s most recent book, The Janus Point: A New Theory of Time. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“I am not a conspiracy theorist, I am a fact investigator…I want to know facts as soon as I can possibly get them. Is there a way to do that? Yes, there is,” says David Getoff.
Tune in to learn how, and discover:
Getoff is a board-certified clinical nutritionist, traditional naturopath, author of Abundant Health in a Toxic World, and internationally recognized lecturer on a variety of topics surrounding nutrition and health.
“Almost every holistic professional that I’ve ever met has had something go on in their life where mainstream medicine was not able to help them or cure them or get them better…or save their life…but some other holistic professional was,” he says.
But unlike these holistic professionals, Getoff didn’t have this experience; he simply started reading books and magazines and newsletters written by holistic health professionals, which led him to dig deeper and discover why so much information that could transform our health and our lives is not easy to find, or altogether censored.
He discusses his work with people who come to him with a range of ailments, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Within months of changing their nutritional intake—often against the advice of their current doctor or nutritionist— and eliminating the many toxins we're exposed to in everyday life, most of the people Getoff works with find that they no longer need their prescription medications, and enjoy a revolutionary level of health and wellness.
Getoff explains what is missing from the vegan and vegetarian diets, the value in listening to experts whose perspectives differ from your own, toxic food preservatives and cleaners most of us use on a daily basis, the health impacts of wireless technology, and why there are no longer enough nutrients in our food, why we need more than we used to, and how to get them.
Learn more at https://naturopath4you.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“Tumors are kind of like deposits, where the body can store up excess amounts of phosphorus,” says Dr. Ronald Brown. In this continuation of the Finding Genius cancer disease series, he discusses his unconventional and exciting theory on what causes tumor cells to proliferate. Listen and learn
Ronald B. Brown’s PhD in industrial organizational psychology lends him a unique view of cancer research. In particular, he utilized grounded theory to note the significance of phosphate toxicity and cancer spread, and has continued this work with research partner Mohammed Razzaque. He explains that if we get too much phosphate, our kidneys can’t regulate it and it will start accumulating in our body. It’s acidic quality means that accumulation can cause what’s called phosphate toxicity, which in turn can affect every bodily organ.
He explains how this phosphate excess causes cancer cells by explaining the solid characteristics of tumor cells. He adds that tumors and phosphate form “a reciprocal relationship. The phosphorus stimulates the growth and the growth helps to sequester the phosphorus and keep it out of the circulation.” In other words, tumors are our bodies’ way of storing too much phosphorus. He ties this to possible cancer prevention and early detection programs that could help patients integrate low phosphorus diets and appropriate lifestyle changes that boost immune cells. Listen in for more about phosphate’s effects on organs, calcium, bone density, and cellular overgrowth. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can early-onset Alzheimer's detection play a part in treatment as the disease progresses. Early detection may hold a key in finding new and more effective treatments for Alzheimer's. Press play to find:
Lucas Driskell, an Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine, stops by to share their insight into neurodegenerative diseases and rehabilitation psychology.
By focusing on treatment or therapeutic techniques for early-onset neurodegenerative diseases, the threshold for detection may lower. By detecting the disease early and using medication from the onset, there is a much higher chance of making Alzheimer's a disease that can be lived with.
Many factors can bring on many cognitive difficulties, and there is no "magic bullet" to treat neurodegenerative diseases across the board. However, effective techniques can help stave off onset or help delay the effects of the disease.
For more information, visit https://scn40.org Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
There are natural alliances, when certain kinds of tumors end up in obvious places," says Steve Gullans, and because cancer cells know how to unlock entry into different types of cells and tissue, they naturally settle where their tools let them. This is how he answers Richard's question about communication and cancer cells. As coauthor of Richard's new cancer book, he shares years of insights and experience with listeners. Listen and learn
Steve Gullans has extensive experience in all aspects of the life sciences, from Chief Executive Officer of Gemphire Therapeutics to the co-founder and managing director of a life sciences venture capital firm. He's an academic scientist, speaker, and author and was been involved in cancer research and therapeutics for decades.
He gives listeners a cogent take on what we know about tumor sequencing. For example, while a few genes show up repeatedly because they are fundamental to the mutation that is part of a tumor, "a single mutation is generally not sufficient" for a tumor to take hold. The immune system is too powerful.
Instead, they have found sub mutations adapting to the environment. Furthermore, it’s the cells will to survive, to adapt to efforts like chemotherapy, which become the driver in cancer's progression.
He gets specific about other types of drugs and therapies, addressing attempts to "untangle the web" of drugs being used, but also about the advances in what may be soon on its way. He says that there is a global effort to develop better treatment, and scientists are thinking about "these multiple cocktails of therapeutics and marrying the true diagnostic markers, the diagnostics with different regimens." Listen in for more about this promising research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Over half of New Orleans is below sea level, and it used to be entirely above it. What is happening, how is it impacting the lives of those in Louisiana, and what can be done about it?
Tune in for the answers, and learn:
Michael Hopkins is Assistant Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC), a nonprofit organization whose aim is promote environmental sustainability and address serious environmental challenges in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, a 10,000 square mile watershed in Louisiana.
Over the past 100 years, more than 2,000 square miles of coastal Louisiana have disappeared, detrimentally impacting the lives of so many.
Hopkins is a geologist whose focus at PC has been on coastal monitoring and restoration. Much of his work centers around subsidence, which is the gradual sinking of land.
In this region of Louisiana, subsidence contributes significantly to various environmental issues. And while it is a natural process in a delta, the situation is this area is unique because it has been cut off from the Mississippi River, which means there is no source of new sediment to maintain land elevation.
Hopkins explains the details of his work and the restoration strategy at PC, which involves the science of bringing back ridges, marshes, and swamps, as well as a process called sediment diversion to combat land loss.
Press play for the full conversation and learn more at https://scienceforourcoast.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
John McDougall Bio:
John McDougall, MD is a board-certified internist, author of 13 national best-selling books, the international on-line “McDougall Newsletter,” and co-founder of the 10-day, live-in McDougall Program in Santa Rosa, CA. He is a clinical instructor for 4 schools training young physicians and licensed in 5 states in the US to practice. Other McDougall activities include seminars and health-oriented adventure vacations. Scientific results of the McDougall Program are published in the Nutrition Journal: (http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-13-99) and in MS and Related Disorders: http://www.msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(16)30100-6/pdf.
Website: www.drmcdougall.com
E-mail: drmcdougall@drmcdougall.com
Phone: (800) 941-7111
Previous National Best Selling McDougall Books:
How can eating a healthy diet impact your body's ability to fight disease and other ailments? Research shows that eating nutritionally rich food may stave off lasting health implications over time. Listen up to learn:
John McDougall, the founder, and director of the nationally renowned McDougall Program, discusses his mission to help change the way people struggling with health or weight view a healthy diet.
Even though starchy foods have gotten a bad reputation in recent decades, eating a starch-based diet may improve your overall health. Since rich foods have found their way into the popular menu of America, the lack of nutrition and the requirement for additives has become an issue that drives up the average percent of obesity yearly.
Using a combination of proven educational techniques and an introduction to new nutritional options, the success rate for making a lasting change in lifestyle remains incredibly high. Starches may be the dietary answer many people struggling with their health are looking for and establishing a high-starch diet can even affect your chances of contracting various cancers.
For more information, visit drmcdougall.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Controlling cancer depends on controlling tissue microenvironments, according to researcher James DeGregori. “There's going to be pressure on cells in the lungs of a smoker to adapt to that new environment,” he explains, “and by adapting to it, it can basically favor new phenotypes that could lead to a malignancy that could lead to the initiation of a cancer.” He and Richard discuss the initiation of cancer and cancer evolution, opening up an exciting path toward prevention. Listen and learn
James DeGregori is the Courtenay C. and Lucy Patten Davis Endowed Chair in Lung Cancer Research, which is part of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He explains that genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology work together to prepare the ground for cancer growth. While cancer diagnosis and therapeutics often begin further down the line followed by chemotherapy procedures, researchers like DeGregori are trying to reconfigure the conditions that allow its beginnings. He says it’s a matter of cells adapting to fit a changing tissue environment; therefore, staving off that change in environment looks to be essential. That means addressing chronic inflammation, inflammation that might come from smoking and lungs failure and other stressors.
But not all inflammation is created equal, and simply preventing it entirely can lead to the inability to fight off infections, for which inflammation is necessary. He adds that "there's two sides to every process, and while too much inflammation is bad, we do need inflammation to fight off infections, to repair our tissues, and other processes."He and colleagues are working on finding that balance as well as identifying which patients could benefit the most. Listen in for more about how researchers are arresting cancer growth through addressing cell stress, cell aging, and inflammation. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you consuming high amounts of deuterium without even knowing it? Could this predispose you to a higher likelihood of developing cancer?
Press play for the answers to these questions, and discover:
László G. Boros is a professor of pediatrics at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and a member of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at UCLA and The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation.
He takes a metabolic approach to the problem of cancer, focusing on the metabolic pathways of normal versus tumor cells, and trying to develop therapies that specifically target pathways unique to cancer cells.
Boros discusses a variety of interesting topics, including the role of mitochondrial breakdown in the cause of cancer, the function of ATP synthase nanomotors (and how they break, and what happens when they do), why it’s important to avoid high-deuterium foods, deuterium depletion therapies, and much more.
Check out https://www.laszlogboros.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
When does cancer in the body reach a threshold at which it becomes an entity, and what causes it? New research shows that cancer may be a latent part of us already and only becomes hazardous after proliferation. Press play to learn:
Adrienne Scheck, an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University, joins the conversation to share her insight into the field of cancer growth.
Each type of cell that comprises or benefits the growth of a tumor has differing preferences for its ideal microbiome. Whether they be slow or fast-growing, the different types of cells require different therapeutic techniques, even depending upon the area of the body.
The heterogeneity inherent in tumor cells is the culprit for making it so difficult to treat. Due to the fast-growing nature, the level of adaptability and refresh of cells makes an effective treatment hard to pin down.
To learn more, search for Adrienne C. Scheck, Ph.D., online or on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Ninety-eight percent of the human genome is non-coding. The majority of our DNA instructs and regulates the other two percent. Until recently, this ninety-eight percent was considered junk DNA and held a mystery of purpose akin to dark matter. George Calin opens the mystery for listeners and explains how researching non-coding RNAs will lead to better cancer treatments. Listen and learn
George Calin is a principal investigator with the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. He specializes in how non-coding RNAs impact disease and virus mechanisms, specifically the role of microRNAs in human cancers. He also looks at what they can tell us about how bad and aggressive a particular disease will be for a specific individual. He notes that “a specific type of cancer with a specific localization at a specific stage. . . can behave very differently in another patient” with the same profile. “One is surviving, let's say one month, and other is surviving three years,” he adds, and researchers want to know why.
He says that mRNAs may have the answers and could point doctors in the direction of how to help both patients. It could lead to more aggressive measures when the biomarkers point toward that necessity, for example. Because cancer is a genetic disease, understanding the complexities of genes and genomics is vital to its treatment. By studying how and why and when abnormalities are expressed and what these non-coding RNAs are instructing, researchers can open up an entirely new way to treat cancers. He says that some of this biomarker identification is already in use for some bladder cancers. Listen in for more on how advancement in studying the smallest parts of us may make the biggest difference. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"The wider view of nature is the more powerful one," says Andreas Mershin, a researcher who stays out of bounds. "Nature is not divided by a textbook," he continues, and this foundation sets the tone for his work. He's a physicist who's exploring the innovative discovery of diseases at their earliest stages, from a prostate cancer diagnosis to breast cancer, by harnessing the smelling acuity of dogs. Listen and learn
Andreas Mershin is a research scientist at the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms. While that department may not seem congruous with researching the latest treatment for prostate cancer, he explains that the physical world doesn’t limit itself to department titles, so why should research? That’s why when he stumbled across two seminal papers on dogs’ abilities to find out more than one different cancer diagnosis by scent, he knew he had a subject worth investigating.
But it’s not as straight forward as just smelling cancer, he explains. Rather, “think of the molecules of sense that are being produced by your metabolic pathways as being the sand, and cancer signatures like footsteps on the sand.” Further, the dogs are able to generalize to other types of cancer after learning one type. He says that they are sensing cancer imprints over other molecules almost as emotion moves through various molecules. They’re also teaching machines to do this as well, to recognize an “emergent scent character” of different conditions. Because addressing certain cancers early can be a matter of life and death, this research hopes to save lives by identifying someone with, for example, prostate cancer, and initiating prostate cancer treatment in the earliest stages. Listen in for more about this fascinating research. Visit the Links to know more about his Research: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0245530 https://www.wired.com/story/quest-to-make-robot-smell-cancer-dog/ https://news.mit.edu/2021/disease-detection-device-dogs-0217 Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What causes a primary tumor to form in the body? Metastatic dissemination explains how genetic damage in the cell can develop cancer and begin the spread. Press play to learn:
Robert Weinberg, a member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and professor of biology at MIT, discusses his research into the formation and spread of cancer.
The tissue in tumors resembles very closely the tissue found in wounds. The inflammatory state which assists in healing all wounds may be responsible for the aggression and proliferation of cancer cells and tumor growth.
As the tumor grows and continues to mutate, it begins to recruit several different types of cells to assist in growth and survival. Multiple mutations in a tumor may continue to increase the aggression and inflammatory nature of the tumor as it grows.
For more information, search for Robert Weinberg's laboratory in association with the Whitehead Institute on your preferred engine.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could better emotional and physical health be as simple as subtle movement? Anna Jacobsen says it is, but the art of her practice is not quite so simple.
Tune in to discover:
Jacobsen is an alternative practitioner who focuses on helping people reduce stress and fear in their life, improve their cognition and creativity, and foster physical health through movement—specifically by applying a deep understanding of the correlation between body systems and movement.
She’s a somatic movement educator and therapist, but her work with clients is really a hybrid of various techniques and approaches, each of which she tailors to the individual.
She dives into the details of her work, both on a personal and professional basis, touching on her experiences with people who have suffered traumas and sought healing through her practice. An understanding of and communication with cellular consciousness, she says, is an area ripe for exploration and potential, and one that she aims to learn more about in order to improve her life and the lives of others.
Press play to hear the full conversation, and learn more at https://www.annajacobsen.de/home-3. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could a vaccine for specific forms of cancer be a realistic prospect in the future? Based upon research into rhythms in the body, research shows that it may be a viable possibility. Press play to learn:
Brendon Coventry, Associate Professor of Surgery in Adelaide at the University of South Australia, discusses his work with rhythms in the body and how this can affect optimal treatment.
By treating patients at abnormal times throughout the day, new treatments may become more or less effective even if inconvenient for practitioners. This will afford researchers a unique perspective when it comes to treating cancer and may even unlock new therapeutic methods and treatments.
Cycles that involve CRP in the body can lead to certain forms of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Based on a seven-day process, many points of data point towards the body's reliance on cycles and how this reliance will interact with vaccines and treatments for cancer.
Search for Brendon Coventry on Google Scholar or https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov for more information.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“The anthropomorphic language has been frowned upon in biology for a hundred years…and I think it’s because it’s the only way to understand it,” says Perry Marshall.
Press play to learn more about his compelling view of cancer and discover:
While the idea that cancer is a genetic disease resulting from random DNA damage which triggers endless cell proliferation may be true, Perry Marshall doesn’t think it gets to the essence of what cancer really is.
According to him, cancer is when the cells of the body lose their identity and begin evolving or speciating out of control.
Marshall says that when the simple laws of physics and chemistry are insufficient to explain everything that happens in the biological world, it leaves a giant elephant in the room that no one knows how to deal with. And in part, this could be why so many scientists, researchers, and doctors still fail to consider anything other than a narrow and restricted definition of cancer, cellular life, and evolution.
“I think there are a lot of people who just don’t want to understand it, or if it raises questions that blow [their] mind, then [they] just don’t want to think about it,” says Marshall.
He discusses James Shapiro’s paper titled, “All Living Cells Are Cognitive”, in which Shapiro argues that, quite literally, ALL cells have cognition; they can also get stressed out, and then they do, they begin manifesting different behaviors until reaching a tipping point when they forget who they are.
And the result? Cancer.
“Whether you’re watching football players chase each other around the football field, or your dog chase a rabbit , or a YouTube video of white blood cells chasing germs, it all kind of looks the same…it is the same intentional behavior happening on radically different scales...” he says.
Press play for the details of all this and much more.
To contribute to the search for a cancer cure, visit https://evo2.org/cancer/, and if you’re interested in earning $10 million, visit https://www.herox.com/evolution2.0. Also, be sure to check out Marshall’s book, Evolution 2.0: Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What happens when a classically trained medical doctor develops chronic fatigue? When Jeanne Drisko struggled with her health, she discovered integrative medicine and nutrition. Now she’s running a clinic at the University of Kansas with Dr. Kay Chin utilizing translational medicine to unlock better care for cancer patients. Listen and learn
Jeanne Drisko is professor emeritus at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She tells her story of discovering intravenous vitamin C therapy to meet her own health struggles. She was impressed by its effect and, after working with internationally-renowned experts in nutritional medicine like Dr. Hugh Riordan, she started her own program in integrative medicine at the university. She knew she wanted intravenous vitamin C to part of that, and she’s spent years researching its effects on fighting viruses and cancers.
Unlike oral vitamin C, the intravenous introduction becomes a drug in the vein at very high levels. It'll go from the vein into what scientists call the extracellular space. At this point, she says, it becomes something called a pro-oxidant, or the opposite of an antioxidant, and forms hydrogen peroxide, a “promiscuous molecule.” When it’s in the extracellular space, hydrogen peroxide can kill viruses, bacteria, and other abnormal cells like cancer. She explains how this works alongside other treatments like chemotherapy and chelation therapy, and why it shows such promise. Listen in for more about this exciting research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How do doctors measure your liver function, kidney function, cholesterol levels, and heart disease? They use biomarkers, and David Wishart helps identify biomarkers with analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and other bioinformatics tools. He and his colleagues look at blood or urine and other biological fluids to help in the diagnosis and characterization of human diseases. He explains
David Wishart is a professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Computing Science at the University of Alberta. He works with bioinformatics software, nanobiology, and machine learning in healthcare to fine tune the use of biomarkers in diagnostics. He explains that historically, most biomarkers have been proteins. But developments in identifying cancer biomarkers, for example, have focused on metabolomics. “Cancer is very much a metabolic disorder,” he explains, “and some of the very first changes that happen in cancer are fundamental changes in metabolism.” Furthermore, tests can be combined, like a “gene test with a protein test with a chemical test,” and that improves sensitivity and the chances of catching a cancer earlier.
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a particular challenge, he explains. An Alzheimer’s biomarker is hard to identify because the consequences of the disease and causes are not always clear. Researchers are even pointing to microbiome connections and brain metabolism. Therefore, it may actually be a gut microbiome test that indicates Alzheimer’s. He adds, “we're finding, for instance, bile acids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.” He describes what other chemicals they’re finding and how this research might lead to better understandings of its pathogenesis and how earlier testing and prevention might be possible. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How should cancer be viewed while in the body. Research shows that it may be classified as a separate entity rather than a component of tissue. Listen in to learn:
Christos Chinopoulos, associate professor and project manager of the RPPA facility, joins us to discuss his work with finding metabolic pathways that differ in cancerous tissue when compared to healthy tissue.
Depending on the stage of development that cancer has reached, it is motivated by different factors within the body. Since the subject ultimately dies in the end, there must be other contributing factors along the path of growth and spreading.
Using promising new technologies like liquid biopsies, there may be a way to detect signs of cancer even earlier. From biomarkers like DNA, RNA, and lipids, early detection of afflicted tissue can be much simpler than previously thought possible.
For more information, visit rppa.hu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can the aging process actually be reversed or prevented? The answer to this age-old question is explored in today’s show.
Tune in to learn:
New research on the biological basis of tissue rejuvenation potential suggests that developing therapeutics for the restoration of old and damaged tissues is possible.
With the use of machine learning, hundreds of thousands of small molecules are being screened for activities which promote rejuvenation and youthfulness in cells and tissues. Once identified, those small molecules are converted into pill form and given to mice that are aging rapidly, or that are likely to develop an age-related disease.
Researchers then look at whether these drugs really do create the desired effect: the delay, reversal, or prevention of tissue aging and disease.
Press play for an in-depth discussion of all this and more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
One of the biggest challenges is identifying kidney disease in the early and middle stages, says Prabir Roy-Chaudhury. He works to emphasize the importance of simple blood and urine tests for high-risk populations for earlier diagnosis, but also strives for better treatment once kidney failure sets in. He discusses
Prabir Roy-Chaudhury is a professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and co-director of UNC Kidney Center and specializes in uremic vascular biology. He brings listeners online with the basics of kidney disease, who’s at risk, and what’s being done to make treatment better. We need our kidneys to rid our bodies of toxic byproducts and fluid, he says. If the kidneys can’t rid us of our byproducts, these uremic solutes accumulate in the blood and our systems suffer. That’s why doctors turn to other ways of filtrating these out of our bodies through dialysis.
That’s also where Dr. Roy-Chaudhury would like to see improvement. He explains both types of dialysis—hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis—describing their strengths and weaknesses. He adds that “my dream definitely would be for us to be in a slightly different place” with dialysis. He shares some good news towards that end: that the American Society of Nephrology has partnered with the FDA and Health and Human Services to produce public and private partnerships, such as the Kidney Health Initiative and the Kidney Innovation Accelerator, to improve these treatments. Listen in to learn about these exciting projects that hope to dramatically change the quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Are chemicals in your immediate environment the cause for specific adverse health implications of which you may have been previously unaware? Research shows that there may be a link between toxins common in objects in your home and ailments like cancer or other chronic diseases. Listen in to learn:
Associate Dean for Research at NC State University, Heather Patisaul, stops in for a conversation about her research into the chemicals surrounding you that you may not have known were even present.
Chemicals commonly found in treatments for furniture, textiles, and even present in dust in your house have been shown in animal models to cause extremely damaging reactions in your body. Like pesticides, flame retardant chemicals found in furniture and other possibly flammable items in your house have neurotoxic properties and may contain incredibly carcinogenic components.
For some of the chemical groups known to cause adverse effects, the half-life can be in the range of years and even decades. Using data collected from individuals and animals, convincing governments and individuals has become the focus of precautionary steps as we advance.
For more information, patisaullab.wordpress.ncsu.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"Our brain is designed to keep us safe, but a lot of our growth is outside of that comfort zone," says Jeremy Abramson. He uses this as a starting point for busy professionals on attaining positive high energy and peace. He shares several suggestions with listeners, and discusses
Podcast host Jeremy Abramson is chief energy officer and founder of Thrive University. He's a movement and mindset coach who helps executives and entrepreneurs unleash the potential that's been held back by the constraints of societal pressures. He takes listeners back to the beginning of his own self-awakening when he realized he needed to find a different kind of balance. Through a series of difficult events, he realized that, "it's a day-by-day journey of tapping in and always asking the question, what can I do today, to really facilitate more change, to facilitate more growth?" Now he helps others explore these same questions.
He works with clients who feel caught and might even be in physical pain from stress and dissatisfaction. He helps bring about "alignment in their life, like starting from the root cause." This comes through getting specific with their core values and what really matters to them. Then, he's able to show them the cost they're paying if they continue on the same path. He advises them on several levels, including working with micro dosing. He works with what medications they may already be taking, such as SSRIs, to either supplement or reduce those medications through micro dosing and other methods. He explains some specifics for his process and shares success stories. Listen in for an inspiring take on how to coach others towards a better life. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Heart palpitations, migraines, muscle pain, brain cancer, cognitive difficulties…The list of side effects from wireless technology radiation goes on and on.
Yet, unfortunately, 5G antennas continue to pop up all over the globe, and are already installed in almost every major city in the U.S.
Tune in to learn:
Returning guest, Dafna Tachover, tells listeners everything they need to know about how and why their health is at risk, and what’s being done about it.
She explains the science behind how wireless technology—and especially the rollout of 5G across the globe—is creating sickness at unprecedented speeds, with very few people even knowing it.
Tachover receives countless emails from families who suffer a range of detrimental and sometimes even debilitating symptoms within days of 5G antennas being installed and activated in their neighborhoods. With over 800,000 of these antennas slated for activation over the next 10 years, a major public health crisis is in our midst, and the worst part is that the truth is being actively hidden from the public, leaving people to wonder why they and their children are getting sick.
The allowed level of radiation you can be exposed to is now quintillions above the level of radiation that exists naturally in the environment, and has been increased millions of times over the last 30 years. As a result, our bodies are struggling to adapt, and failing to do so.
She explains the $30 million National Toxicology Program’s study funded by the FDA and the information since revealed and hidden from the public, the status of your right to file an ADA claim in response to falling ill as a result of this technology, the lawsuit filed just over a month ago against a draconian law commonly referred to as OTARD (Over the Air Receiving Devices), a report written by prominent scientist, Dr. Christopher Portier, which links radiation from wireless tech to brain cancer, why it’s particularly dangerous to live in apartment complexes, steps people can take to protect themselves as much as possible, and so much more.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the information in this podcast could be a matter of life and death for many.
Learn more at the following links:
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/?s=radiation&post_type=defender.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can Covid-19 be understood through the lens of data analysis? By using artificial intelligence, variables previously going unused could be seen in a new light. Press play to learn:
Sally Embrey, DataRobot’s Vice President of Public Health and Health Technologies, shares her experience using data modeling to better understand the Covid-19 pandemic.
By focusing on viral loads and the variables in the pandemic that may cause asymptomatic spread, hotspots could start being identified before they became a threat. By understanding the chain of events from initial infection to the first signs of symptoms, populations under threat could better understand how to combat the virus within their community.
Using data sources collected from publicly available databases from around the country and globally, the consistency and accuracy of the data could reach the level needed for useful predictions and analysis. Due to this new availability of quality research, the work from DataRobot has been able to be used on the federal level and beyond.
To learn more, visit datarobot.com/covid/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Dr. Lee Merritt Bio:
Dr. Lee Merritt experienced medicine first hand at age four accompanying her father on housecalls along the back roads of Iowa. She graduated in 1980 from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed an Orthopaedic Residency and served 10 years as a Physician and Surgeon in the United States Navy. After completing a Spinal Surgery fellowship she spent over 25 years in private practice. She served on the board of the Arizona Medical Association, and on the Naval Research Advisory Committee where she looked at medical defense issues for the military. She is past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and has devoted her professional career to patient centered ethical medicine. Was the Covid-19 virus upregulated in a lab? Whether it was manufactured or not, it may not be a natural virus and has implications far beyond the infection itself. Listen in to learn:
Dr. Lee Merritt, past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, joins the conversation to discuss ethical medicine and to uncover the truth about the stealth warfare of the pandemic.
Information that may have been capable of saving countless, like the efficacy of anti-microbial treatments and early action, seems to have been systematically suppressed. Since these methods were not relied on, less effective and even possibly more dangerous counteractions were implemented instead.
While mandatory vaccines may appear to be on the horizon, adverse reactions and thousands of deaths are still not fully understood. Without a complete picture of the long-lasting effects of vaccination, we may be rushing headlong into a much worse fate than the pandemic.
Visit drleemerritt.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
That scene of an alien invader exploding from another life form's chest might be happening in your backyard. Entomologist Michael Strand says that, "virtually every insect on the planet is parasitized by some parasitoid wasps." He explains how this ubiquitous wasp has been so successful for millions of years through its evolved insect anatomy and physiology. Listen and learn
Michael R Strand is the H.M. Pulliam Chair at the University of Georgia and professor in the Entomology Department. He specializes in insect physiology and tells listeners about the life cycle, variety, and research interests around parasitoid wasps. There's a basic pattern most of the wasps follow: the female lays eggs in another living organism, usually but not always an arthropod. The stage of the organism can vary from pupal to adult and the activity of the emerging wasps can differ by what part of that organism they eat, the behavior the wasp sting may induce, and when they emerge from their host.
Especially intriguing is the role of viral particle DNA in what these wasps can actually accomplish. Strand says that, "in effect, the parasitoid is using an ancestral virus to be able to successfully parasitize the host that it develops in." Through stings and vertical gene transfer, the wasp induces certain behaviors and conditions in its host, such as paralysis or even specific movement that benefits the wasp progeny. He explains how these polydnaviruses became associated with the wasps and what questions he and other scientists are still working on answering. Listen in for more about how these specialized wasps engage in a complex and fascinating life cycle and where applications from this knowledge might lead. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"These tumors actually becoming something that's very, very different in response to therapy. And this allows them then to survive and adapt," says David Goode, regarding current studies he's leading on cancer, specifically prostate. He adds that by changing cell type, these cancer cells evade treatment by altering what they need. He describes intricacies in cancer progression he's learned through computational biology work that could inform better treatment. Listen and learn
David Goode is group leader and faculty in the Computational Biology Program with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Australia. His work engages the importance of genetics and evolution in cancer through bioinformatics, genomics, molecular evolution, and population genetics. He and colleagues are trying to better understand the results of cancer evolution. They use mathematical models where they can stimulate tumor growth in simulations. This allows them to follow progressions and different mutations and clonal populations over changes in tumors at different points in time of therapy.
He gets specific about some of their cutting-edge techniques and research. While they use whole genome sequencing or exome sequencing, he adds that, "single cell technologies are really powerful, and that's something we are looking to move into where you can actually profile individual cells." For now, they also utilize tools and analyses in their computational work to understand how tumors become resistant to therapies. He adds, "if we know that, then perhaps we can come up with better ways to treat patients that will prevent the tumors from becoming resistant in the first place." Listen in for more about this promising research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can specific clusters of individuals in populations in certain parts of the world further dementia research worldwide? New research shows that mutations present in younger group members can help prevent the early onset of symptoms. Listen up to learn:
Pierre N. Tariot, director of Banner Alzheimer's Institute, and Yakeel Quiroz-Gaviria, associate professor of psychology at Harvard University, share their work with genetic mutations that affect the onset of dementia.
Due to a lack of understanding previously present in the communities where the genetic mutations have been present, research is only now uncovering the mysteries behind the cluster of high-density cases. Whether it be diet or other outside factors at play, the genetic mutations caused can shed light on the factors that may lead to Alzheimer's Disease or early-onset Dementia.
With a new understanding of family history, variants of genes can be tracked to determine the likelihood individuals will be at risk throughout their lives. If the genetic line is interrupted by introducing outside genes, the likelihood may go down, but the gene mutation will remain present.
Visit https://www.beingpatient.com, https://mapp.mgh.harvard.edu, or https://www.banneralz.org for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Why do cancers rearrange their genomes, and how do their chromosome evolutions shift their development? Research into theories of growth may shed some light on areas previously cloaked in mystery. Listen up to learn:
Kimberly Bussey, Assistant Professor of Precision Medicine at Midwestern University, shares her research into cancer genomes, their growth methods, and changes over evolutions.
Some genes that may be essential for multicellular organisms may not be so for unicellular organisms. New research into single cancer cells may yield the discovery that essentialism could hold a fundamental discovery into what genes are genuinely essential in the proliferation and functions of cancer cells.
Tumors appear to have a localized microbiome, making it more difficult for the body to fight the rogue cells, enhancing the environment for rapid proliferation and growth of the tumor. Creating these previously unfamiliar environments can fundamentally change the tumor and hamper the body's natural and usually effective immune response.
Visit https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/our-faculty/kimberly-j-bussey-phd.xml to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What governs the shape of organs and tissues in the human body and beyond. Research is being carried out to determine coordinating factors within the body. Press play to learn:
Group leader at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology at University College London, Yanlan Mao, shares their research into the formation and growth orientation of organisms.
Cell proliferation determines how organisms grow and divide, and the rate of proliferation can lead to the formation of specific shapes or disorders as development continues. If cells have traits that can orient the direction of the division, shapes can morph from spherical to oblong, and finally into recognizable figures.
Fruit flies are invaluable resources in discovering genetic predispositions in cell growth, showing predictable growth for research purposes, and modifiable traits to test independently. By slightly changing characteristics in specific tissue cells, tension can be altered, and regrowth traits in cells can be sped up.
To learn more, search for the name Yanlan Mao on your preferred engine. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"My knowledge outpaced the proliferation of the cancer," says Dr. Nasha Winters. After numerous, debilitating health challenges including an ovarian cancer diagnoses at nineteen, she collected information from around the world for healing methods beyond Western medicine. A doctor and cancer survivor, she tells her story, sharing
Physician and author Nasha Winters has faced a twenty-seven year journey alongside cancer. She calls it the "classic pain-to-purpose story," and it begins with her teen years, when she suffered from numerous debilitating conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and undiagnosed ovarian cancer. Everything hit a breaking point and she found herself in the hospital with a substantial bowel blockage. As doctors began to uncover illness upon illness in a time without early cancer detection options, she was about to face several months with nausea and pain so severe she couldn't eat.
But that's when she began to walk multiple roads toward healing. It turns out that by fasting, she later learned that she was relieving some of the cytotoxic burden. Through various experiences over the following years such as world travel and medical school, she accrued a wealth of avenues to answer not if can cancer be cured, but how can one live with cancer and change the narrative. She shares details of her story and amazing ways she's helped her patients, describing innovative imaging like Prenuvo that leaves out the damaging dyes. Her journey included a new understanding of childhood trauma and illness. She comments, "you cannot heal from the soil in which you got sick unless you pluck out all those weeds." She now trains other physicians around the world to approach cancer treatment in these fundamentally new ways. Listen in to hear about her new book and her amazing experiences. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Food poisoning, pollution, infection, radiation: cell damage is happening in our bodies on an almost continuous basis, from so many sources. If the damage doesn’t result in cell death, then the cell will adapt to the damage.
But what happens when, in the process of adapting, a cell creates its own insult, becoming a “victim of itself”?
Saverio Gentile, PhD, explains this and more, including:
Gentile is a research assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine who joins the show to offer insight on a number of compelling questions about cancer, and share his research findings on the manipulation of ion channels in treating different tumors.
According to Gentile, cancer is nothing more than a normal cell that has lost control of specific parameters, like the ability to stop proliferating when a normal cell would, and the controlled use of biochemical inputs and outputs.
He explains when and how an otherwise normal cell, while trying to adapt to an insult, can actually worsen the problem, leading to additional uncontrolled and improperly regulated cellular pathways.
Once there are enough of these cells, they may form a tumor, and begin creating an environment in which their growth is favored, such as by redirecting blood vessels toward the area of the tumor. The larger the tumor, the greater the signaling for the promotion of tumor growth.
Gentile discusses the heterogeneity of tumors, three primary categories of breast cancers and how they differ in appearance, behavior, and response to therapeutics, the difference between neoplasms and cancer tumors, speculation as to why some cancers re-localize in certain areas and not others (e.g. brain versus skin), the relationship between tumors and microbiomes, the connection between viruses and cancer, and his research on ion channel manipulation in the treatment of cancer.
Tune in for all the details, and visit https://cancer.uillinois.edu/member/saverio-gentile-phd/ to learn more.
Think you're a supinator? Well, you might be wrong. Dr. Dombroski says that people are actually poor at predicating the mechanics of their own gait and foot type. That's where he comes in. He shares
Foot Specialist Dr. Colin Dombroski is the author of The Foot Strength Plan and The Plantar Fasciitis Plan. He has a PhD in health and rehabilitation science and practices in London, Ontario. When he was young, a disorder called vascular necrosis led to hip replacement surgery, which in turn caused a two-inch leg length discrepancy and resulting back pain. But a design-trained pedorthist fitted him with a heightening orthotic that changed his life by eliminating the pain. The impact was so profound, he decided to spend his life bringing relief to others.
He shares his practicing philosophy with listeners, describing the vast array of causes, from foot shape and mechanics, to effects of wearing shoes to small, to sticking to only one pair of shoes. He works with patients on foot strengthening exercises to address some of these issues. Foot stability exercises can take the pressure of the injured tissue, helping the foot and leg work together more efficiently. "But I'm really a fan of being dynamic and seeing how someone's responding," he adds, describing his ability to keep front and center the custom needs of each patient. Listen in as he shares some of his secrets and resources for a better feeling foot.
Can the human species begin to unravel the cosmic mysteries our planet is surrounded by? Physics may give us a peek behind the curtain of the universe. Listen in to learn:
Associate Professor at The Australian National University, Charley Lineweaver, discusses the possibilities and implications of life outside of our universe.
To begin understanding the origin of life, we cannot keep the definition tethered to a human's understanding of our lives and history. Opening the constraints allows for an examination of time or life before our species was present.
By loosening the criteria for a specific trait, species-specific characteristics are removed, which can broaden the possibilities for life. This may open the path to trace all of life back to a single organism.
For more information, search for Charley Lineweaver on Google or your search engine of choice. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“…Science progresses one funeral at a time, and…in another 10 to 20 years, people will look back on this time…and say, what were they thinking?”
So, what ideas will be in the next coffin of science?
Tune in for a compelling answer, and to learn:
Dr. Pamela Lyon is a visiting research fellow at Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity in Adelaide, Australia. Her research into this topic began as a result of a cross-cultural comparison of philosophical propositions grounded in accounts of the mind.
Much to her surprise, she discovered that in western cognitive science, cognition has been relegated to the realm of the human brain and machinery (robots, missiles, etc.), without any attention given to the idea of cognition as integral to all biological function.
In order for a biological system to persist, it must accomplish so many tasks in terms of physics, chemistry, and its interactions with the environment; it must exchange matter and energy, sense, remember, learn, make decisions in the face of uncertainty and conflicting messages, and value experiences as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ All of these are cognitive functions.
“The view I came to is that you can’t stay alive and do what we do in being alive without cognition,” says Lyon, before explaining the history of this view since it emerged around the time of Darwin.
How did we get to the state we’re in today? What choices have been made about the characterization of cognition, and why?
Lyon explores her viewpoint with listeners, revitalizing an old yet very pragmatic understanding of all life on Earth.
Press play for the details of this and more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Mary T Newport, M.D.
Brief Biography and Links
Mary Newport, M.D. was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from Xavier University (humanities and pre-medicine) and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her training in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in neonatology at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, and is board certified in pediatrics and neonatology, the care of sick and premature newborns. She practiced neonatology for thirty years and was founding medical director for two newborn intensive care units in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. More recently, she has gained experience at the opposite end of the spectrum while making home visits to people with a variety of chronic illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other dementias and neurological conditions. In 2008, she implemented a ketogenic nutritional intervention with coconut and medium-chain triglyceride oil that dramatically helped her husband Steve Newport, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In 2010, she guided her husband through the first pilot study of the betahydroxybutyrate/butanediol ketone ester in a person with Alzheimer’s and co-authored a case report published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia in 2015 with Dr. Richard Veech and others. Her husband lost his battle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body dementia in 2016 and Dr. Newport carries on his legacy as an author of three books and international speaker on ketones as an alternative fuel for the brain. Her latest book is entitled The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements. Dr. Newport is a Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist through the American Society of Nutrition and is currently working on a new book focusing on ketogenic strategies and lifestyle modifications to help prevent or slow down progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.
Books:
The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements (2019)
Amazon Books: https://amzn.to/2AxBcLp
The Coconut Oil and Low Carb Solution for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Other Diseases (2015)
Amazon Books: https://amzn.to/2BaClJE
Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones. (2011, 2nd Edition 2013)
Amazon Books: https://amzn.to/3d4n0HP
Can oils found in household cabinets be used in the management of Alzheimer's Disease? Studies may suggest that notable improvements can be gained with consistent use. Press play to learn:
Author Mary T. Newport shares her story of success with treating the effects of early-onset Alzheimer's with MCT and coconut oil.
Ketones can significantly impact brain function and can be found in oils you may already have lying around your house. As similarly used in newborn baby formula, MCT oil, concentrated from coconut oil, can lead to a sustained improvement in brain function.
Through anti-inflammatory properties and many other benefits, MCT and coconut oil show promise in deciphering some of the mysteries surrounding dementia. New research is aimed at further delaying cognitive impairment or preventing it altogether.
For more information, visit coconutketones.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
That yawn could be telling you more about your health than you realize. Innovator Jeff Kahn believes lack of quality sleep may be the most underappreciated health concern in society, and his company is working to change that through sleep behavior modification. He tells listeners
Jeff Kahn is a cofounder and CEO of Rise Science, a company that harnesses technology for better sleep. He studied science, design, and engineering in graduate school and his own struggles with sleep brought him into the university's sleep department; that's where it all began. Since then, research has only increased on the side of the importance of sleep. He shares some of this research with listeners as well as better sleep tips and available resources for more information.
He explains how the two-factor model of sleep works in terms of our empathy, cognitive abilities, and other skills throughout our waking hours. These factors are known as "sleep debt," or how sleep deprived someone is, and circadian rhythm. The Rise Science app addresses both of these factors, measuring and suggesting modes of improvement. He explains how and addresses other sleep issues such as the "sleep hangover," the role of napping, different sleep stages, chemicals released in sleep like adenosine and what it does, and whether it's possible to get too much sleep. Feeling sleepy yet? Well, for some tips about how to address your sleep needs, listen in. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can you ensure the health of a baby before even considering conception? Saliva can hold many answers and insights into a child's future. Listen in to learn:
CEO and founder of Orchid Health, Noor Siddiqui, stops by to share her experience in preimplantation genetic testing.
Understanding genetic risk can drastically impact one's lifestyle or choices and may change the course of any possible ailments. Testing before a child is conceived gives the best chance of mitigating risk.
Many parents are motivated to help their children avoid suffering from similar conditions they have dealt with during their lives. By enabling parents to be more confident in limiting as many risk factors as possible, more couples can feel able to have their children with a renewed peace of mind.
To learn more, visit orchidhealth.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"A tumor grows out of what's, at default, a state of cooperation," says researcher Carlo Maley. His research interest centers on the intersection of cancer and evolution and ways to use that understanding to treat cancer. He shares fascinating studies and theories with listeners, exploring
Carlo Maley is an associate professor with the Biodesign Institute in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University and is the director of the Arizona Cancer and Evolution Center. He specializes in cancer, evolution, and computational biology. He explains that cancer and evolution intersect on two different levels. First, within our bodies, cells are evolving and competing, mutating and surviving or failing. These processes can lead to the beginnings of cancer. Second, when doctors treat cancer with methods like chemotherapy, selective pressures again determine evolutionary forces, leading to resistance.
Professor Maley explores both of these levels in imaginative detail, explaining for example how bone marrow cancer growth and lung cancer may have different pressures and mechanism to progress through natural selection and competition. It's this competition of cells that creates phenomena such as removing a tumor leading to increased metastases. He explains that, in "many of these mutations. . . that affect the biology of a cell, actually, are going to be advantageous for the cell, but ultimately bad for the body." Yet, cancer cells are able to coopt cellular machinery that leads to cooperation. He touches on numerous puzzles, including the role of bacteria and microbiomes in some cancers, and shares some exciting research into adaptive therapies. Listen in for an enlightening and hopeful view into cutting-edge cancer research. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
You can tell a lot by someone's cortisol rhythm," says chiropractor Stacey Smith. She noticed that some of her patients improved and some didn't despite the same treatment and wanted to understand why. The answer centered on adrenal fatigue and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). She discusses this and how to achieve stress recovery, explaining
Stacey Smith is the SOS Clinical Brand Manager of Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center and is a practicing chiropractor. After observing the variety of recovery efficacy among her patients, she started researching stress-related dysfunctions and our HPA axis. This brought her to functional medicine and a better understanding of the stress recovery adaptation cycle. She explains the roles cortisol plays in many facets of our physiology, from blood sugar control and our sleep patterns and immune system function to our baseline energy.
She says that patients need to "get into a routine of something that's going to activate their passion," and in turn, their parasympathetic nervous system. She describes their mostly saliva-based testing, what it indicates, and how they treat patients accordingly. Their recommendations include lifestyle management, diet, and nutrition support, and "adaptogens," which help the body return to a state of homeostasis and balance. She also explains why too much cortisol can be harmful, from tissue breakdown that weakens the immune system to excess blood sugar. While most of her work is local, she adds that they offer their training and program guide to other practitioners. Listen in to find out more about their program.
“It’s the best time in our lives to have breast cancer,” says Dr. Rabia Bhatti, which is good news for many, since the average woman’s risk of developing breast cancer in the U.S. is about 13 percent.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Dr. Bhatti is a breast surgeon at West Suburban Medical Center and Medical Director of the River Forest Breast Care Center. Her evolution as a general surgeon brought her to the breast cancer specialization, where she saw an opportunity to not only be a surgeon who focuses on isolated diseased organs, but a healer of the whole patient.
She discusses the many advancements in breast cancer treatment over the past 20 years, such as the replacement of radical mastectomies with minimally-invasive procedures, earlier detection and diagnosis, surgeries which leave the skin and nipple untouched and only remove the diseased breast tissue, as well as breast reconstruction. She also talks about the role of clinics which serve patients who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, depending on their family history, risk score, and lifestyle risk factors (exercise, diet, age at which a woman has children, how long a woman breastfeeds, etc.).
Dr. Bhatti’s current work centers around the role of lifestyle in the development, progression, and treatment of breast cancer—particularly exercise. “I believe this is a significant part of the treatment of breast cancer, and it has not really been emphasized traditionally up until now,” she says.
She also emphasizes the power of immunotherapy and genomics in the future of breast cancer treatment.
Tune in for the details of all this and more.
Learn more: https://www.westsuburbanmc.com/our-services/women-s-health/breast-care-center/
About 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines. Yet, migraine mechanisms are only just now understood. That's good news for better medicines, and Charlie Conway of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals discusses how his corner of pharma has developed a targeted therapy with great promise. Listen and learn
Charlie Conway is the Chief Scientific Officer at Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. His background includes a postdoc on neuroscience and pain sensing. He brings listeners up to speed on the latest research on brain cells and migraines, including how the physiology leads to overactive nerve cells and debilitating pain. It starts with a trigger of the trigeminal nerve, which sits on either side of the brain stem. The exaggerated trigeminal nerve activity then changes the response properties deeper in the brain, releasing a chemical called calcitonin gene-related peptide, or CGRP. In addition, because nerve cells are able to stretch, they're in key positions to absorb CGRP; in fact, a single cell in the brainstem can send up fibers that connect to the outer brain tissue.
When the CGRP is released, the proteins hit a few different areas of the brain, including this outer brain tissue called the dura. This leads to over-excited nerves and what's called neurogenic inflammation. He describes the additional biological events that lead to the pain migraine suffers experience. But Biohaven's anti-CGRP targeted therapies prevent this cascade. In fact, they've shown that the treatments are effective for both acute migraines, as well as prevention. That prevention is what makes their therapy unique and especially promising. Listen in for more about what they've developed, how it compares to other therapies, if there are possible risks, and how this can make a substantial difference. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What's a stinging tree? Hikers in Australia are familiar with this needle-covered plant that can cause hours of pain. Researcher Sam Robinson has been studying how this tree's sting causes pain, and found a connection to chemotherapy-associated pain that may help researchers find a solution. His work includes the study of numerous toxic plants and animals and the chemistry behind our painful biological reaction. He discusses
Dr. Sam Robinson is a research fellow at the Institute for Molecular Biological Science at the University of Queensland in Australia. It took a walk on the beach and a jellyfish sighting to get his curiosity in gear for researching how toxins cause pain. He's focused on exploring painful toxins in a systematic way, down to the proteins and genetics involved. He adds that venom, for example, is not the same across different animals. Rather, there's a "whole cocktail of different toxins" with different uses, from capturing prey to self-defense, and they can affect different parts of the organism they bite.
While their similar functions come down to convergent evolution, there are a host of different ingredients. He gives several specific examples and explains why he's especially focused on toxins that affect our cellular voltage-gated sodium channels. That's where the stinging tree comes in. He's found that the tree injects a toxin that keeps those channels open, causing hours of pain. Furthermore, after the pain is gone, it can be revived by exposure to cold in a phenomena called cold allodynia, a condition chemotherapy patients also experience. This is the kind of connection that makes his research potentially applicable to numerous pain-related diseases and treatment. Listen in for more examples of pain deconstructed.
How can companies make educated decisions on how and where to operate their business? Information data can steer them in the right direction. Listen up to learn:
CEO of Premise, Maury Blackman, shares his expertise in collecting data and using it to guide business decisions worldwide.
Collecting data from users and contributors around the world can be the first step in helping businesses operate more intelligently. By ensuring this data is accurate, directives can be established to guide smart decision-making.
Organizing data collectors allows data sets to be comprehensive and diverse. Since different people perceive the world around them in different ways, the most accurate sets of data can be gleaned from their experience.
To learn more, visit https://www.premise.com.
Does sodium chloride play a role in how and why our bodies contract viruses? Research may show that its presence can be a significant indicator. Listen up to learn:
Ronald B. Brown, Ph.D., joins the conversation to discuss his research into the Covid-19 virus and how it interacts with our bodies.
It can bring more harm than good by overreacting to early Covid-19 reports before understanding and defining statistics. By making hasty decisions on the advice of the World Health Organization, there may be lasting repercussions.
The human body has a "virome," similar to the gut microbiome, which plays a role in maintaining overall health in the body. By making viruses internally, our bodies produce certain products at different times in the year, affecting our health in different ways.
Search for Dr. Ronald B. Brown on Google Scholar for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Over 50 percent of people who are put on mechanical ventilation don’t survive. But for many, there is another option. Dr. Gutierrez explains.
Press play to learn:
Dr. Eddy Gutierrez is a critical care specialist at Baptist Medical Center in Florida who joins the show to share his firsthand experience in treating COVID-19 patients, and the benefits of replacing mechanical ventilation with high-flow nasal cannulas.
When COVID-19 first hit, Dr. Gutierrez and his colleagues were shocked by the high level of mortality and difficulty caring for those with the virus—especially since they always prioritized staying on the cutting edge of medicine and medical technology.
Initially, the conventional treatment for COVID-19 was to deliver oxygen to patients by putting them on mechanical ventilators. Dr. Gutierrez says it quickly became clear that there weren’t going to be enough ventilators, which led to the use of a life-saving technology called a high-flow nasal cannula.
And it really is life-saving, considering that the mortality rate of those who need to be intubated and put on a mechanical ventilator is so high, and the complications so numerous.
The high-flow nasal cannula is placed over the face of the patent and delivers a much higher flow of oxygen to the patient than conventional cannulas, but at the same time allows the patient to continue eating, communicating with loved ones on the phone or video chat, and even walking around in their hospital rooms.
Someone who is on a ventilator, in contrast, is unable to move, eat, or even breathe on their own, and may experience deadly consequences.
Find Dr. Gutierrez on Twitter and Instagram @eddyjoemd and check out his podcast, Saving Lives. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can cancer cells be understood through a lens other than strictly biological? Mechanical factors may serve a function in the genes never before understood. Press play to learn:
Xi Huang, assistant professor in the department of molecular genetics at the University of Toronto, discusses his research on the mechanical aspects of cancer cells.
Cancer tissue in an organ can alter the rigidity of the tissue around it. A more rigid environment can be conducive to forming new growths of cancer if the pathways in the area allow for it.
Different stiffnesses in tissue can give clues into the stem cells of that specific cancer. If tumors of the same kind vary in stiffness, they may behave differently or have different impacts on the surrounding area.
To learn more, visit http://www.moleculargenetics.utoronto.ca/faculty/2015/7/2/xi-huang. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“Cancer…should be defined as a different system, almost like a different animal…cancer as a new system or new cellular species…is very provocative and some people find it hard to accept,” says Professor Henry Heng.
Tune in to learn more and discover:
Professor Heng is part of the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine.
He joins the show to provide his knowledge and insight on a handful of challenging, compelling questions about cancer. These include whether cancer should be considered as a separate life form, how cancer cells differ genetically from host cells, how cancers and viruses behave in fundamentally different ways, how viruses can cause cancer, why the distinction between cancer stem cells and regular cancer cells is a significant one, and so many more.
Visit https://www.genetics.wayne.edu/faculty/henry-heng to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can you begin foraging for your own food? Many resources are available to help you take the first step. Listen in to learn:
Herbalist and anthropologist, Dr. Nicole Apelian drops in shares her vast experience of living by foraging from the land all over the world.
Cultures globally have been using the land surrounding them as their grocery stores and pharmacies throughout history. Necessities and holistic remedies can be found in abundance in many biomes and landscapes.
By collecting information from herbalists, insights into health and the environment can be gained worldwide. Plant medicines may be able to give hope to people with ailments never previously thought to be treatable.
Visit nicoleapelian.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can you smell disease? Believe it or not, you can, and pretty reliably at that. The problem is, you aren’t good at describing and quantifying what you smell, and definitely not at “diagnosing.” Aromyx is a company that’s doing something incredibly unique to circumvent this problem, while utilizing scent detection for all it’s worth.
Press play to learn:
Olfaction (the sense of smell) has been used for hundreds of years to detect disease—even the ancient Greeks practiced it. Josh Silverman is the CEO of Aromyx, a company that’s taking full advantage of this powerful sense.
So, how are they doing it?
By developing validated clinical assays for diagnosing disease states, using the same scent and taste receptors that are in your nose and tongue. By cloning those receptors and putting them in a format that be used in the lab to measure responses from individual receptors, Aromyx is effectively hijacking the same information that goes from your nose to your brain when you smell or taste something, and putting it in an objective, readable, and quantifiable format.
They’re taking a powerful “subjective” experience, and making it a powerful objective measurement of chemical metabolites which indicate the presence of certain diseases. And, the level of detection is orders of magnitude beyond any electronic sensors or other technology currently in existence.
So far, Aromyx has used this technology to detect prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and malaria, and they know that the potential for much wider diagnostic capabilities is well within reach.
Silverman dives into all the details of this and more.
Tune in, and check out https://www.aromyx.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Microbial sciences are experiencing a "gold rush of research," says Seed co-founder and co-CEO Raja Dhir. He discusses how Seed is a part of that work with a multi-technology approach to all aspects of the microbiome, from gut health to coral reef protection. Listen and learn
Raja Dhir is a life science entrepreneur who helped co-found Seed along with Ara Katz. The company is a venture-backed microbiome group that's pioneering the application of bacteria for both human and planetary health. Because he leads their R&D, academic collaborations, technology developments, and clinical trial design, he's able to give listeners a relevant and precise look at why their products work and how their research strives to help planetary health as well. He explains how they maintain their high scientific bar as they develop compounds for a variety of issues, including skin and gut treatments.
Unique among microbial science companies, Seed also researches environmental microbiome issues, including how to help coral reefs survive ocean acidification and ways to mitigate effects of neonicotinoids and pathogens on honey bees. Dhir also brings listeners on a deep dive into their techniques, explaining how they've achieved the 100% release of viable cells into the upper small intestines for their gut microbiome products, which allow the bacteria to be metabolically active. He also helps listeners get a more vivid picture of how their synergistic and complimentary synbiotics work by carefully pairing appropriate prebiotics with probiotics. Listen in for more about this company's fascinating approach to microbial science.
Researcher Terry Hrubec found startling evidence that a common chemical in disinfectants can cause birth defects in mice. She explains the science, describes the ubiquitous use of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and helps listeners understand the numerous concerns over this everyday disinfectant, especially with increased use as a COVID precaution. Listen and learn
Terry Hrubec is a professor of anatomy and embryology at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. In an experiment testing the effect of a pharmaceutical on development, she stumbled on increased neural tube defects on her control group of mice. After finding the lab had suddenly changed their cleaner, she realized the cause. She tells this story and how it has lead to an in-depth look at the common ingredient in household cleaners known as alkyl quaternary ammonias. She helps listeners understand how to find the ingredient on labels and how often this ingredient might be used in everyday spaces, from hospitals to food production equipment.
The overuse of these disinfectants due to COVID concerns is especially alarming. This along with the many unknowns of these compounds, such as how long they remain in the body, lend an urgency to her work. She describes some basics of embryological development, from the first cells dividing and differentiating, how these compounds effect that phase, and how our country assesses the safety of chemicals. She comments that "chemicals are assumed to be safe, unless proven otherwise." Furthermore, 4,000 new chemicals are registered every day. What does that mean for the approval process? Listen in to find out why she's worried and what she's doing about it.
How could countries worldwide have handled the economic policies during the pandemic more effectively? The implementation of different strategies could have prevented further financial hardship, research shows. Press play to learn:
Professor of economics at The University of New South Wales, Gigi Foster, discusses the detriments of lockdowns and the economic mishandling of the pandemic.
Targeted protection could have been implemented early in the pandemic to avoid later restrictions that were more detrimental to the economy. Lockdowns may not have been the best solution for protecting human welfare while keeping economic principles in mind.
While lockdowns feel safe and effective, they may do more harm than good. Public debate on rationality during this time may move approach towards a global agreement.
For more information, you can find Gigi Foster at gigi.foster@unsw.edu.au.
Is aquaponic agriculture the future of farming? Development in techniques shows the numerous advantages to soil agriculture. Tune in to learn:
Dr. Bill McGraw joins the conversation to discuss the many benefits and future implications of aquaponic agriculture.
Aquaponics are agricultural systems that have the potential to benefit both the animals and plants involved. By combining the farming of aquatic animals and plants with similar requirements, the system can significantly increase the potential for both.
While there are specific factors that must be maintained at certain levels, aquaponics offers many solutions for the future of farming. By staggering crop production, there is the opportunity for consistent production and harvest of food year-round.
To learn more, visit https://www.newaquatechpanama.com.
Can Clinical trials show what circumstances trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of Dementia? Research shows that more factors may be at play than previously thought. Listen in to learn:
Professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Giulio Pasinetti, shares his vast experience researching Alzheimer's disease and Dementia and what he has learned.
Even with the removal of plaque from the brain, patients still seem to suffer Dementia. Outside risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diet, and more have all been shown to factor into the onset and severity of Alzheimer's disease.
New techniques of targeting and identifying cells in the brain will revolutionize therapeutics treatment conditions. Genetic predisposition can give researched clues into the nature of Dementia, and proactive treatment can significantly benefit the patient if started early enough.
For more information, visit https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/molecular-neuroresilience.
Bees are socially sensitive, says researcher Clare Rittschof, and she's not referring to their pining away from rejection. Rather, honey bee social behavior includes an ability for a colony to band together in a sophisticated enough effort to fight off a hungry bear. Listen and learn
Clare Rittschof is an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky with an emphasis in behavioral ecology. She's fascinated by how animal behavior evolves: why animals behave in certain ways; how those behaviors developed as a function of their brain interfacing with their environment and DNA; and how those behaviors continue to evolve.
In other words, she studies the connection between behaviors and increased survivability and reproduction. But not just any animal: her early work focused on spider behavior and now she's fully focused on honey bees.
She takes listeners inside the colony and even the abdomens of bees, describing how a Queen's identify is determined by her developmental nutrition and what distinguishes her abdomen's morphology from worker bees. But she also explains the behavior and the level of "learning" bees internalize and how scientists can study and understand their sophisticated behaviors.
She describes "where learning or experience can modulate that 'instinct.'" For example, they are able to modulate their level of defensiveness around a flower they're feeding from as opposed to a nest. There's a complicated and fascinating evolution of such behavior, and Clare Rittschof has made studying that her life's work.
Bacteria can teach us how to clean our homes and other environments more eco-consciously and effectively.
Press play to learn how, and discover:
Today's guests are William Wuest, GRA Distinguished Investigator & Associate Professor at Emory University, and Kevin Minbiole, Professor and Chair at Villanova University. Their paths first crossed over a decade ago, when both were pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in a group that was largely focused on natural product total synthesis. When they both decided to move to Philadelphia, they decided to meet up and team together to work on an area of overlapping interest: creating new disinfectant compounds.
About 10 or 15 years ago, they’d both realized just how dependent the world is on quaternary ammonium compounds, like those found in Lysol wipes and other common household cleaning products.
The active ingredients in Lysol were determined in the 1930s, and while they are effective and not very toxic, the simple fact that nature has encountered these compounds for decades (via dumping in waste waters) means that some bacteria have developed resistance to these compounds. Wuest and Minbiole saw a lot of room for improvement, and got to work.
Currently, they develop compounds that mimic nature, as well as some strictly synthetic compounds, but all with an aim toward biological relevance.
Wuest and Minbiole discuss the similarities and differences between these compounds and common household cleaning compounds, including their mechanism of action and structure. One difference is that the compounds being developed by Wuest and Minbiole have two or three positive charges, as opposed to only one, like those found in Lysol and other common cleaners.
This enables the compounds to stick more tightly to negatively charged cell membranes and bacteria, which makes them less vulnerable to the resistance mechanisms of bacteria. They’re also effective against biofilms, which present an entirely different level of complication of pathogenic bacteria.
Wuest and Minbiole discuss their strategies in developing compounds and the testing process for determining the best compounds for killing pathogens and leaving eukaryotic (e.g., human) cells untouched.
They seek inspiration from nature by looking at whether bacteria that grow in soil have evolved ways to make compounds to kill other pathogenic compounds around them. Specifically, this approach has led them to try developing compounds which target Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in cystic fibrosis patients and wound injuries, as well as Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities and endocarditis.
To modify the compounds, they add iron atoms, which bacteria need to survive. This encourages the bacteria to actively uptake the compounds, resulting in bacterial lysis.
Wuest and Minbiole discuss the details of all this and more.
Tune in for the full conversation, and visit http://kminbiol.clasit.org/ and https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/wuestlab/.
How does the aging process lead to neurodegenerative diseases? Research shows that neuroinflammation may play a key role. Press play to learn:
Professor of neuroscience and anatomy Goran Šimić joins the conversation to discuss Alzheimer's disease and Dementia.
Research shows that amyloid present in the brain for a short time can be beneficial, but if present for too long, can cause neurodegeneration. This has been discovered through a shift in the understanding of Dementia and has re-worked the criteria for diagnosis.
Since Alzheimer's disease cannot be solved by evolution or natural selection, lifestyle can play a role until a certain age. However, past a certain point, genetic factors are the key in determining the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
To learn more, visit http://dementia.hiim.hr.
What can be done to promote global prosperity?
Press play for the answer, and to learn:
Associate professor of economics at Denison University and President of the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity, Fadhel Kaboub, has held research affiliations with Levy Economics Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School.
As an expert on modern monetary theory (MMT), which includes the Green New Deal and job guarantee, Kaboub’s work is centered around the use of public policy to enhance monetary and economic sovereignty in the Global South.
MMT is an approach that challenges the mainstream policy framework, which generally states that the government can only afford to pay for things that we can raise tax revenues from, or borrow from financial markets. Beyond that, the mainstream policy framework posits that anything the government pays for would be inflationary, eventually bankrupting the country.
This is where MMT comes in and says…Not necessarily...We have plenty of spending capacity, we just aren’t tapping into it.
Kaboub explains that different countries have different degrees of untapped spending capacity, such as the Green New Deal, inequality in healthcare, and climate change mitigation, all of which he says can be addressed without hitting inflation constraints.
He discusses many of the common strategies suggested for strengthening economies in developing countries, and why and how these strategies fail.
Long-term strategic views are critical for maintaining a sovereign monetary system and geopolitical influence, says Kaboub. He dives into the details of all this and so much more.
For more information, visit http://www.global-isp.org/ and https://denison.edu/people/fadhel-kaboub.
How can you find out if the products chemicals you use are safe? The Toxics Use Reduction Institute works to make production safer and inform manufacturers and the public on chemical toxicity. Listen in to learn:
Professor Joel A. Tickner and lab specialist Alicia M. McCarthy discuss reducing toxic chemicals in manufacturing and households around the country.
Rather than identifying and banning dangerous chemicals, finding safer alternatives can be more beneficial in the long run. Many production companies do not have the in-house resources to do this research on their own.
By examining manufacturing and measuring trends in data, you can find a reduction of toxic chemical use in each state. In most cases, companies that found safer alternatives to use in manufacturing ended up saving money compared to companies that did not.
Visit turi.org for more information.
Cancer might be a third category of cell type, thinks clinician Doru Paul. He discusses the continuous interaction and communication between tumor cells versus normal cells that make cancer a disease of the macro environment. Listen and learn
Doru Paul is an associate professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He brings a vivid understanding of the process of cancer cells in the human body as the disease grows and transforms. He adds that "the organism itself is giving, in a sense, birth to cancer," and compares the area of cancer growth as akin to placenta, altering to provide a suitable environment for cancer cells. But he sees it not just as a disease of the tissue, but rather a combination of factors at the cellular, genetic and epigenetic, and tissue levels.
Key to this combination and fundamental to cancer growth is the metabolic process. Metabolism is essential for cancer cell activity, for division, invasion, growth, and spread. "So, to me," he adds, "cancer is a disease of energy and a disease of communication." He also lets listeners in on what researchers know about why cancer progresses differently, as with lung cancer stages, and what he's witnessed about the unpredictable speed of growth under the chemotherapy process. Finally, he offers promising glimpses into the future of cancer treatment along the lines of immunotherapy combinations and ways to make, for example, the liver less conducive to cancer growth. In other words, researchers are finding ways to make our bodies less comfortable hosts.
Is cancer a living organism beyond the rogue cells that comprise it? Research shows that the cells may cooperate to benefit the group as a whole. Listen up to learn:
Professor Robert Gatenby of Moffitt Cancer Center drops by to share his research into adaptive cancer therapies and new theories in oncology.
Individual cancer cells may benefit each other through their self-fulfilling fitness function. The cells share signals that help them interact and adapt to the environment around them in the body.
Some tumors may be differentiated by the structures they form within the body. These structures and differentiating components can be targeted with multiple medications throughout treatment stages rather than targeting them all at once, which can lead to more effective therapeutics.
To learn more, visit pubmed.gov or moffitt.org.
What was the origin of modern humans, and where can the lines of our ancestors be traced? Archaeological discoveries and cultural anthropology give a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Press play to discover:
Research leader of human evolution at the Natural History Museum, Chris Stringer, shares his insight and gives a look into the process of human origins.
New archaeological discoveries show the possible intermingling of early human ancestors, previously thought not to be the case. Evidence of travel between South Asian areas and around the world gives clues into how our early ancestors lived.
The anatomical science of how specific traits were either left in the past or appear in modern humans is also significant in forming a roadmap of evolution. The human face shape may show divergence from Neanderthals and assimilation with a hybrid human group.
Visit @ChrisStringer65 on Twitter to learn more.
Why is it that physicians have failed in neurodegenerative disease treatment? That's what Dr. Dale Bredesen wants to understand and his research into brain fitness is showing signs of success. He's spent 30 years studying neurodegeneration at the molecular level and brings his findings to listeners. He discusses
Dr. Dale Bredesen started Apollo Health to bring new vigor into the research and treatment of Alzheimer's. He works with a holistic approach to bring precision medicine to patients in line with the complex mix of causes that can affect the health of brain cells. He's implemented findings of his research into his preCODE and reCODE programs, which he explains for listeners. He found that four areas of physiology showed insufficiencies that lead to neurodegeneration: energetic support, trophic support, pathogens, and toxins. He explains how these areas experience debilitation and how that affects brain health.
But he also has divided Alzheimer’s disease into five different types that result from different degrees and types of insufficiency. How did he come up with these distinctions? He takes listeners back to 2011, when he and his team proposed "the first trial in history in which, instead of trying one thing, you would look at a multivariable solution." This approach, he felt, was appropriate for a multivariable disease. But because it was different than the norm, he's spent years accumulating anecdotal studies and proof of concept work. Eventually a small trial lead to such success that he's moving on to a larger study. He discusses his protocol and how to access it as well as some of the most common indicators of neurodegeneration. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The challenge of fighting cancer lies in both stimulating and suppressing the immune system. That's why researcher Steven Fiering approaches immunotherapy cancer treatment by analyzing the signals and behaviors cancer cells initiate. Listen and learn
Steven N. Fiering is a professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. In this interview, he and Richard explore numerous aspects of cancer behavior, from the unique genetic behavior of colorectal cancer to the labyrinth of cell differentiation and stem cells as cancer begins to grow. He gives listeners a glimpse at the progression of cancer as a continuum of genetics and epigenetics alongside stress and inflammation. He addresses the turns that end in a benign tumor or continue into excessive divisions that form metastases and how he and other researchers understand these evolutions.
Ultimately, he helps define cancer by its interaction with the immune system and use of the body's natural signals and systems. For example, he comments that as cancer cells begin proliferating and growing, they ignore a normal regulatory signal that dissuades such growth. Yet, eventually, their accumulation "makes them more recognizable, potentially by the immune system, at which point a tumor may begin to develop resistance mechanisms against the immune system." In other words, cancer cells invade and use the body's own system to grow and evolve, but in a very particular way. But in understanding this peculiar way it engages only parts of the immune system, he hopes to find ways to trick the immune system into fighting back. Listen in to find out how. Epsiode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
Can specific diet and exercise help treat or even aid in preventing cancer? Research shows that many aspects of an individual's diet may play a key role. Listen in to learn:
Associate professor at Duke University in radiation and oncology, Colin Champ, stops by to share his research into cancer prevention and therapy and how they can be assisted by diet and exercise.
While challenging to study due to human behavior's inconsistencies, implementing rigorous exercise and a ketogenic diet may be a new treatment for certain kinds of cancer. While showing promising results in cancer prevention, they also offer benefits when used in concert with other cancer treatments.
While a healthy diet and exercise may not work in every individual's circumstances, they are incredibly beneficial whenever added to a treatment plan. Combines with new therapeutic techniques in radiation and the chemotherapy process, they have the potential to reduce the length of treatment times.
For more information, visit colinchamp.com or search for Colin Champ's research studies on pubmed.gov. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could a revolutionary level of health and wellness be as simple as unscrewing a small cap, and putting the bottle up to your nose?
Samantha Wright didn’t think so either, until she dug a little deeper and tried it for herself.
Press play to learn:
Samantha Wright is the founder of The Essential Oil Revolution and runs two podcasts: The Essential Oil Revolution Podcast, and a podcast on podcasts themselves, called Pineapple Podcasting.
She had been incorporating natural tools like herbalism into her life for as long as she could remember, but had never really gotten into the use of essential oils until a friend introduced her to them. From that point on, she began hearing one incredible story after the next about how they were revolutionizing people’s lives, and even eliminating lifelong issues like asthma and allergies, as well as alleviating anxiety and depression in many people.
Having been a lifelong sufferer of severe allergies herself, Wright was astounded by how quickly a mixture of water and a few drops of essential oils significantly reduced her symptoms.
“Essential oils are literally all around us; when you take a walk outside, you’ll be instantly surrounded by essential oils…They play such a vital role in a plant’s ability to grow and live and evolve. Without their essential oils, plants could not survive; you could almost liken it to the blood of a plant,” says Wright.
Since her discovery of the power of essential oils, Wright has started a podcast that aims to educate people on and promote the use of high-quality essential oils. In just over five years, The Essential Oil Revolution Podcast has gotten over four million downloads. Wright continues to interview experts on the various uses of essential oils, and despite having made so many episodes, there is still a seemingly endless number of topics to cover.
She shares her knowledge and insights with listeners, diving into the details of the health benefits and some of the most common ailments that can be alleviated with particular essential oils.
Want to learn more?
Tune in, and visit https://revolutionoilspodcast.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can ancient remains reveal what the world was like from when they were dated. DNA sequencing can give insight into how the environment and ecosystem looked and was shaped by the animals of the period. Press play to learn:
Research assistant in computational and RNA biology at the University of Copenhagen, Patrícia Chrzanová Pecnerová, shares her research on wooly mammoth molars and discusses what it reveals about the past.
Genetic sequencing of different ancient mammoths is instrumental in piecing together how the ecosystem and world looked when they were still alive. The mammoths were known as "keystone species" because of their significant impact on their environment and lasting influence on the world.
Mammals have always had a drastic impact on the world, and even more so regarding human ancestors and modern-day humans. Pecnerová plans to continue her research by expanding the view of these ancient animals' genomes to gain more insight into how they lived and what the world looked like.
To learn more about her work, find @PatriciaChrzan on Twitter. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
If our brains rely on thousands of different pathways to function, where do researchers even start for cognitive disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD)? It's as complicated as it sounds, but researcher Nikolaos Robakis is able to break the process down for listeners and offer insight on neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. Listen and learn
Nikolaos K. Robakis is a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. He's also the A.P. Slaner Professor for Alzheimer's Disease Research. Fine-tuning the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease relies on a clearer understanding of how the neurodegeneration develops, and that's where Dr. Robakis' work comes in. He explains that there are actually two forms of Alzheimer's disease: one is the genetic form, called familial Alzheimer's, and the other much more common type that has polymorphic causes is termed the sporadic familial form.
While previously it was thought plaques and tangles in the brain caused Alzheimer's, researchers like Robakis have found that's not necessarily true. By creating a model of familial Alzheimer's, which has a very simple one-gene mutation at its inception, he hopes to learn more about the cascade that leads to the neurodegeneration in both types. While they know about this amino acid mutation, they don't understand how it leads to neuronal death. He adds, "the central question is, what causes the acceleration in the neuronal death?" Listen in to find out what they think thus far and how this might contribute to better treatment for dementia patients. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could destructive, invasive, and often ineffective cancer treatments like surgery and chemotherapy be replaced with a vaccine?
Tune in for the answer, and to discover:
Brendon Coventry is an associate professor of surgery and medical researcher from Adelaide, South Australia. Splitting his time between the clinic and the lab, Coventry stresses the importance of true translational work, and encourages increased funding for it.
He explains how he became interested in studying immunology early on in his education, when he discovered phagocytosis and the immune surveillance hypothesis of cancer. He also discusses how all cancer therapies—surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy—interact with the immune system, revealing a new understanding of cancer and the therapies most commonly used to treat it.
This ties into Coventry’s more recent work on vaccines as a therapeutic for cancer. He refers to these vaccines as complex or “dirty” rather than pure. In fact, he says the purer the vaccine, the less effective at treating cancer.
Coventry shares a story of the effectiveness of a particular vaccine in treating a patient with multiple recurring melanomas, and a small study which showed very promising results in cancer patients who received vaccine therapy.
At this point, his efforts are focused on developing a better understanding of why and how vaccines might effectively treat cancer, hoping that this could potentially lead to the development of more selective, effective vaccines for this purpose.
Press play for the full conversation. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C Here are the links to some of the papers that Brendon Coventry mentioned in the Podcast: Coventry Vaccines August 2019 2515135519862234 Coventry VMCL JITC 2014 2051-1426-2-9 Coventry_CMAR-76163-long-term-survival-in-advanced-melanoma-patients-using-repea_042915-2 Immune Evolution & Cancer 2021 971412da-1bdd-48d3-b258-a1648862b96f_6718_-_brendon_coventry_v3
Can mental and physical ailments be treated naturally without the use of prescription medication? Studies may suggest that essential oils may have the potential to treat a wide variety of issues. Listen in to learn:
Jodi Cohen, author and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, shares her personal experience with the benefits of essential oils and discusses how they might help anyone with mental or physical ailments.
Essential Oils can impact five aspects of your health, including but not limited to stress, sleep, and detoxification. Cohen's recently released book takes a deep dive into each category and explains how certain oils may lend their benefits to different body parts and functions.
Inhaling or topically applying any of the oils can promote a healthy lifestyle, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Whether you want to do it yourself or prefer to find premixed oils with detailed instructions, there may be a solution waiting for you in the world of essential oils.
Visit vibrantblueoils.com/blog/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The invasion of 3D printing has even infiltrated the world of bacteria. Ravinahs Kumar discusses how this technology provides researchers with a new way to watch bacterial communities interact under a variety of conditions. Listen and learn
Ravinash Krishna Kumar is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oxford. He is working on 3D printing bacteria to both test the potential of this technology and investigate bacterial community interactions. They've been able to print different populations, strains, and species and explore how spatial positions affect their stability and productivity. In fact, by designating a variety of parameters, they can position clusters of bacteria in defined spatial patterns and make comparisons. For example, they can print out different clusters of E. coli and test how they interact under different conditions on a much smaller scale than previous agar-dependent studies.
This cutting-edge technology, scale, and material allows them to ask a host of new questions. In addition to observing different strains interacting, they can observe how those strains grow when segregated. He adds that they can observe them "consuming local nutrients or sending out diffusible molecules to each other, or touching each other literally, and sending things across to each other." In other words, his research explores a whole new way to understand bacterial competition and commensalism in spaces similar to natural spaces. This eventually will help researchers treat diseases caused by bacterial growth in biofilms and through mucosa in the human immune system. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What if viruses didn’t actually exist? What if bacteria and fungi didn’t actually cause disease? Most people dream of a world where this is the case, but it might already be.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Dr. Andrew Kaufman is a forensic psychiatrist and natural healing consultant, who even before COVID-19, was gearing up to begin publicly criticizing mainstream medicine.
When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO, Dr. Kaufman knew something serious was going on, and began putting his forensic training to work by examining the literature and evidence trail behind all the claims being made in mainstream media.
Through years of research, beginning long before COVID-19, Dr. Kaufman has discovered something that most people wouldn’t even believe: not a single scientific study on any known illness has ever actually purified a virus out of a sick person.
Papers that claim to have discovered viruses point to the particles put out by dying and diseased cells through a basic biological process called exocytosis. Based only on this finding, countless scientists have drawn the conclusion that viruses cause infection, when in fact, their experiments could not possibly show this. As a result, it can truly be said that viruses have not been proven to exist by scientific experiment.
Over the past century, billions of dollars have been spent researching germs and viruses as the causes of illness, with no success. “While all this frivolous research has been going on to support a devoid theory, there’s been almost no research looking for true causes of disease,” says Dr. Kaufman.
He shares a story of a microbiology professor who grew a pure culture of vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that is supposedly the cause of cholera, a deadly illness that kills a lot of people in developing countries. This professor, on a yearly basis, would swallow this bacterium in front of his classes to show that he would not get ill. And indeed, he never got ill. It has since been shown that cholera is caused by the waste products of vibrio cholerae, which are produced when the bacteria metabolize sewage. The toxic waste product—NOT the bacterium itself—is the cause of illness and death.
Dr. Kaufman also explains how the existence of microbiomes contradicts germ theory, why it is nearly impossible for scientists to research topics of their own choosing, what intentions he believes are driving the COVID-19 “pandemic” and response, and how the combined use of hypnosis through repeated false messaging in the media, psychological conditioning, and fear is successfully manipulating the way people are thinking and behaving in response to COVID-19.
He also talks about areas in the world where people are being incarcerated or detained for not wearing a mask or simply taking a walk outside (and whether this level of control will come to the U.S.), the implications of the recent CDC statement that those who are vaccinated can attend in-person gatherings, why so many people aren’t willing to accept the truth, and more.
Learn more at https://andrewkaufmanmd.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can genes be recoded to help treat cancer cells and tumors? New mRNA research shows that solid tumor treatment may benefit from forming gene circuits. Press play to learn:
CEO of Strand Therapeutics, Jake Becraft, stops by to discuss his research into genetic coding and how mRNA therapeutic techniques may be used to treat solid tumor cancers.
Using decision gates and other techniques present in early computers, the new therapy can differentiate between cells that need treatment and those that do not. This information is coded into the sequencing of the mRNA, which becomes its operating instructions.
New research is improving the resistance to cellular immune responses triggered by the mRNA's presence, improving therapeutic efficacy. Becraft plans on beginning human trials in 2022 and then moving on to other forms of solid-tumor cancers.
For more information, visit www.strandtx.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Even the smallest microbes work in cooperation. Researchers like Daniel Machado are recognizing the importance of microbes in the environment and combining the best of each for eco-friendly final products. He uses his computational biology skills to model possible microbial combinations for industrial and medical use. Listen and learn
Daniel Machado is an associate professor of Computational Biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Unlike most computational biologists, his interest started with computers and grew to include biology. He likes to think of the "cell as a complex computer and the DNA or the genome as a piece of software." While his PhD work focused on single organisms like yeast, his current work looks at microbial ecology and diversity. His research more specifically looks at ways to optimize traits of these microorganisms.
For example, he and his colleagues have found that a "synthetic consortium" of bacteria can run a fermentation process more efficiently than the traditional single organism. The consortium provides a beneficial division of labor with different bacteria doing different jobs. Furthermore, biologists can engineer the consortiums to get the best of each metabolic process, or use the best of the "competitive and comparative" strains. Often more efficient processes result with mixed species rather than a single species. He is studying a better use of substrates as well, such as a more sustainable substrate like lignocellulosic waste rather than sugar. Finally, he describes new research along these lines with plants and how this work will produce better biofuels, industrial products, and medicines. Listen in for more spectacular uses of microbial diversity. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What does COVID-19 have to do with a novel? It’s been formed by a collection of lies and exaggerations, all woven together in a way that makes it believable, and even compelling...but only to some.
Press play to learn:
John C. A. Manley is the founder of muchadoaboutcorona.ca, writer of a newsletter on all things COVID-19, and is finishing up a novel called Much Ado About Corona: A Dystopian Love Story. He also has over a decade of experience ghostwriting for medical doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, and Ayurvedic physicians.
His perspective on the COVID-19 situation is very different from the one you’ll find in mainstream media. He realized from the beginning how serious the implications on society would be, and was compelled to start writing a book on it.
“What struck me was that everything about it, at every level, appeared like a lie…Nothing made sense in every regard, from how they were handling the situation to what they were claiming the situation was,” says Manley.
“People accepted it so much…because it is such a big lie with so many parts that do fit well together, but…just because a lot of lies fit well together doesn’t mean that they’re true. I’m a novelist; a novel basically involves a whole bunch of chapters that are all lies, but you make them work together so they seem believable,” he adds.
The discussion touches on a number of subjects, from the COVID-19 response and statistics in Canada, to mask regulations and studies which show that the use of masks actually breeds disease rather than prevents it, the correlation between better health outcomes and higher carbon dioxide levels, the positives and negatives of the lockdowns, how the response to COVID-19 varies from one geographical area to the next, the possibility of forced vaccination, and much more.
Tune in, and learn more at https://muchadoaboutcorona.ca/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Whatever doesn't kill cancer makes it stronger, says Sui Huang. This finding informs his cutting-edge, transdisciplinary approach to cancer and genetics. Challenging more traditional oncology in therapeutics, he helps listeners understand why conceiving of cancer differently may lead to better treatment. Listen and learn
Sui Huang is a professor with the Institute for Systems Biology, a group founded in 2000 as a collaborative and cross-disciplinary nonprofit dedicated to taking on the biggest challenges of modern medicine with a systems biology approach. Dr. Huang gets specific about what that means for cancer prevention and early detection programs. He adds that only studying, for example, tumor cells versus normal cells in terms of genes and gene sequencing misses the forest for the trees. Rather, he keeps in view the complex systems of the human organism to get the true picture of how cancer functions.
He elucidates what that means for how he and colleagues research genealogies of tumor cells and cancer as an evolutionary mal adaptation machine. Professor Huang notes that cancer is less common in more primitive organisms and most common in mammals, signifying its ability to take advantage of complex systems for its growth. In addition, he summarizes some of the recent surprising findings such as how heterogeneity affects efforts to kill cancer cells, what the genealogy of a tumor shows regarding cell relatedness, and how cancer cells communicate. Listen in for more on how a nontraditional systems approach to cancer may lead to discoveries that have major impacts on clinical treatments. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can electrical currents play a part in cancer prevention and early detection? Research is beginning to reveal new ways to detect small clusters of cancer cells. Press play to learn:
Emeritus professor and natural sciences faculty member Mustafa Djamgoz shares his research into the relationship between cancer cells and electricity.
Active cancer cells have an electric current that runs a gradient through the membrane of the cell. As the voltage changes, structures within the cell will respond differently.
New medications can suppress the persistent current that runs through at-risk cells and correlates with a large amount of sodium. While this treatment has only been tested on animals, the results are promising, and human trials are on the horizon.
More information is available by searching for Mustafa Djamgoz on PubMed.gov, or you can find his studies by searching online. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can mad cow disease give researchers an insight into Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia? Studies point to proteins and amino acids playing a major role in the process. Listen in to learn:
Kenneth Kosik, Harriman Professor of Neuroscience at UC Santa Barbara, discusses his research into neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Amino acids can give clues to the next step in solving Alzheimer's. Finding the intermediary steps in Alzheimer's is very difficult, however, as only the end stage is realistically viewable.
New research on the Colombian population may show a higher concentration of pre-Alzheimer's mutations and may help researchers in the future. Professor Kosik is planning his future research on furthering knowledge in these mutations.
For more information, search the name Kenneth Kosik or feel free to email him personally.
Can the lifespan or health span of humans be extended? Many new findings from researchers and even Google suggest so. Press play to find out:
PH.D. Student in chemistry, Steven Robert Shuken, discusses his insights into aging and Alzheimer's, drawing from his chemistry background.
Aging is a complicated process to study because so many factors play simultaneous roles throughout one's lifespan. Each organ in the body also ages differently based upon the respective tissue, making the challenge even more significant.
To understand Alzheimer's disease, Steven Shuken shares his process of understanding neurodegeneration and how it affects individual brain cells. More research is needed, but early results in blood plasma benefits in Alzheimer's patients are promising.
For more information, visit stevenshuken.com.
What are new therapeutic oncology techniques? Recent studies show that a new frontier of T-cell therapy may be the future of the field. Listen in to find out:
Li Zhang and Jong Bok Lee join the conversation and share their recent discoveries about the efficacy of T-cells in fighting Leukemia.
T-cells have many beneficial properties to the human body but can also cause problems if they are not controlled. Among the promising traits are the anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, but they can also cause anti-immune disorders and grafted organ rejections.
The possibilities of future use in cancer detection and prevention alongside use in other forms are promising. Double negative T-cells' ability to target tumor cells vs. normal cells makes them ideal for both pre- and post-chemotherapy patients.
For more information and access to studies, search for double negative T-cells on your preferred search engine. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Where do you call home? Believe it or not, your answer could explain your health status.
Tune in to learn how, and discover:
Céline Gounder is CEO/President/Founder of Just Human Productions, a nonprofit media company aimed at addressing and educating on matters of health inequality in the U.S. and beyond. She's also a practicing HIV/infectious diseases specialist and internist, epidemiologist, and producer of two podcasts: one on health and social justice, and the other on COVID-19.
It was her interest in the intersection of science and the service of others—especially marginalized people—that led her to the field of infectious diseases, which tend to disproportionately impact certain communities, like those of color, LGBTQ, the homeless, and users of injectable drugs.
“Like COVID, it’s a test for how socially and economically vulnerable you are, and what your access to health looks like,” says Dr. Gounder.
She discusses the variability of environmental exposure to toxins and infectious diseases, the importance of jobs when it comes to health inequalities, risk factors for HIV, what people can do to have an impact on the health of communities, how the media landscape has changed in recent decades, why a vaccine for HIV has been so difficult to develop, how she sees the COVID-19 situation evolving over the next year or two, and more.
Press play for the full conversation, and learn more at https://www.justhumanproductions.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Curious about an effective keto diet plan? Then you might be one of the one billion Ben Azadi has been trying to reach. Listen in as he shares years of experience and the finer points of Ketogenic diet side effects and health benefits. He addresses
Ben Azadi is founder of Keto Kamp and an expert on the ketogenic diet meal plan. He's also a health coach and personal trainer. He brings these together to help clients focus on the best practice for integrating the ketogenic diet food list, intermittent fasting, and healthful choices along the way. His fascination with the approach started after his own struggles with weight that lead to a dramatic weight loss that left him as one of those "fit sick people" who only focused on weight loss. He spent every available minute researching and learned enough to transform his health through a well-balanced approach to the ketogenic life.
He now wants to help others get to the same place and shares several suggestions for listeners, including common mistakes that can sabotage success. For example, he talks about the importance of transitioning slowly to the diet rather than an extreme approach that often leads to failure. He addresses how to ease into intermittent fasting so it's not like trying to marathon without any training. He also explains some key considerations such as appropriate and helpful lab work, means of assessing how your body is doing, and the importance of understanding electrolytes and the roll of "bitter" foods in liver function. If you are curious about the ketogenic approach and want to get a fuller picture, this conversation fits the bill.
For more about his work and his Keto Kamp program, see benazadi.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
One night of poor sleep can ruin the week. Chronic poor sleep can disrupt short and long-term mental and physical health. And traditional sleep methods are misguided, which is why most of them don’t work.
Press play to discover:
Internationally renowned sleep expert and Co-Founder/Chief Clinical Officer at Sleep Easy, Richard Shane, has been featured in over 100 medical journals and publications.
Today, he shares his insights with listeners, and even leads them through a four-minute experience of the body sensations of sleep—a method he says triggers neurological switches for sleep. It’s not hypnosis, it’s not meditation; it’s simpler than both.
For years, Shane struggled with “horrific” insomnia…leading him into a state of terror and anger, until he realized that he could use his experience as a way to discover how sleep happens. Through this process, he captured what he calls “secrets from the depths of sleep itself,” recording these secrets, implementing them into his method, and now sharing them with people all over the world.
The Sleep Easy method is a 14-day program consisting of daily and nightly recordings aimed at bringing people from insomnia to progressively deeper levels of sleep. In the near future, a clinical study will not only measure how quickly people enjoy improved sleep using this method, but also how this results in lower healthcare costs.
Visit https://sleepeasymethod.com/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Manipulating ion channels may save lives. Researcher Saverio Gentile explains how. He tells listeners about exciting research on biochemical pathways in cancer cells in the human body. He and colleagues are looking at tumor cells versus normal cells regarding an understudied cell mechanism called voltage-gated ion channels. Listen and learn
Saverio Gentile, PhD, is a research assistant professor with the College of Medicine at Chicago Medicine with the University of Illinois and is a member of the Translational Oncology Program. He takes listeners on a deep dive in the latest on cancer treatment utilizing an understudied cellular mechanism as it relates to cancer causes: voltage-gated ion channels. As he shares facts about cancer cells, he describes these channels as interspersed on cell membranes and in cellular organs. They've been historically studied in terms of cardio myocyte function and the neuron—cancer cells are shifting front and center in Saverio Gentile's work.
These channels work throughout the body to maintain the appropriate gradient of ions. He adds, "the other wonderful thing about this class of proteins is that they don't really work alone . . . like a concert, basically they work together." Through research, they are finding out how to change the "action potential" of some of these channels in cancer cells. He gets specific with one project that manipulates the potassium channel in ovarian and breast cancers to "push it in a corner," and then hits it with another drug that kills the cancer cell. He describes other fascinating ways altering these channels may lead to effective therapies and discusses how students and other researchers can participate in the conversation around this work. Listen in for more hopeful news about cancer treatments. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What you eat and how you eat it impacts you in tremendous ways—so much so that Dr. George Yu says the term ‘nutrition’ is just a broad term for ‘metabolism,’ the very thing that’s intimately tied to cancer and other diseases.
Learn how, and discover:
George Yu is President of the George W. Yu Foundation for Nutrition and Health, a surgeon based out of Annapolis, Maryland and Washington DC, professor of urology at George Washington University Medical Center, and for the past 35 years, has been a partner at Aegis Medical and Research Associates.
The overarching goal of his research is to narrow the time gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, which is possible because of technological advances over the past 10 years. According to Dr. Yu, there is now an opportunity for people to access an unprecedented amount of empowering and useful information about nutrition and metabolic aspects of ageing and disease, the rejuvenation of tissues, and how to practically remove a lifetime accumulation of toxins from the body.
Underlying much of his work and research is something called mitochondrial metabolism. In discussing this, he explains the relationship between defective mitochondria and cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, the advantage of having a lot of muscle mass, fatty acids as fuel for the body, what effect the ketogenic diet can have on cancer, the scientific history and understanding of calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and more.
Tune in, and visit https://yufoundation.org/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is cancer truly the result and product of damaged cells? New research may suggest otherwise. Listen in to find out:
Author and professor at Arizona State University, Paul Davies, returns to share his new work and recent cancer research.
Paul Davies discusses the new ways of thinking about cancer and its progression within the human body. Cancer cells can be considered embryos that have gone wrong, which calls into question the relationship between cancer and genetics.
Cells have many methods of reacting to and fighting developing cancer. An equilibrium of cancerous to non-cancerous cells must be maintained in the tissue to avoid developing a tumor, but almost all cells have the potential to become cancerous.
For more information, cancer-insights@asu.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
While considered rare in the general population of cancers, glioblastoma is the most common primary cancer found in adults. That "primary" designation is important and Dr. Sunit Das explains why and how he works as a clinician and researcher to get some traction on fighting brain cancer. Listen and learn
Sunit Das is an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. His clinical work centers on removing tumors from the brain and his researcher focuses on the biology of brain stem cells, comparing normal and cancerous. Because brain surgery for cancer is usually far from curative, he's developed a keen interest in researching brain tissue function and how to make strides in treatment.
He discusses how the clinical and scientific sides of his work inform each other, from following a patient through surgery and brain cancer chemo to understanding how biopsies from multiple parts of a tumor translate to a challenging heterogeneity. He comments, "we can put the things that we learned from watching cells and the way they behave into the greater context of thinking of a tumor and how that manifests in the patient experience." He answers numerous questions, including how brain tumors grow, if there's a clear difference between tumor and normal brain tissue, and whether tumor cells are simply transformed normal cells. The final image he presents helps listeners understand the nature of this disease and what scientists hope to learn to find better treatments.
For more about his work and for contact information, see his web page at the University of Toronto. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How do ants maintain a colony while not letting foreign bacteria or harmful chemicals develop? A complex internal microbiome is at work protecting the individuals and colony. Tune in to learn:
Research scientist and part of the American Museum of Natural History, Michele Lanan, joins the podcast to discuss her research on ants and their complex microbiome.
Ants are a species that not only share food but regurgitate that food to spread it throughout the colony. This is an essential function of many of the colony's workers and crucial to the ant ecosystem alive and thriving.
The microbial community functioning inside of every ant lends itself to the delicate balance of the colony. It also gives a more extensive insight into the ecological role of insects as a whole. Michele Lanan continues to research entomology and forensics in ants.
To learn more, search online for the Southwestern Research Station at the American Museum of Natural History. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What difference does a matte chip bag make? What part of your brain pushed for that deodorant brand? Felix Cao says your primal brain most likely had a say. He describes how neuroscience and business marketing strategies have propelled ways to measure brain activity and affect our buying choices. Listen and learn
Felix Cao specializes in neuromarketing and is the founder of Happy Buying Brain. He brought a long-time fascination with how the visual affects our brain with the latest in neuroscience and technology into the founding of his company. Because he helps companies apply brain activity measurements to more effective selling campaigns, he has fascinating stories about why and how our brains react differently to seemingly innocuous details, like metallic versus matte packaging to the impact of aroma vapors on a soup can.
With artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality breakthroughs, advertising science is on the verge of a whole new set of methods. Meanwhile, Cao explains, because smartphone use has rapidly increased, neuromarketers have their hands full with studying effects of screen size and scrolling habits. It all starts with evolutionary biology, he says, and the human impulse to scan for the best opportunity is closely aligned with our survival instinct. That's where nueromarketers come in, finding ways to engage with that instinct so that it filters to the logical part of the brain. Listen in for ideas toward great marketing science and a better understanding of how our brains make these daily decisions.
For more about his work, see Happy Buying Brain. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
“A life of service to others is the only way to live properly” is now a basic scientific finding, not just a moral principle. How could this be?
Tune in for the answer, and to discover:
Radiologist turned evolutionary biologist, William B. Miller, Jr., discusses how modern science has reframed the way we look at cells, and explains what our cells can teach us about our own biology and existence, and society as a whole.
“We now know that our cells are responsive, problem-solving, and intelligent…they can provide us with insight into how we can conduct our lives, thoughts about how society should live together collectively, and offer through their engineering capacities…new ways of looking at our own health, and new pathways to enhancing our wellbeing and improving our lives,” says Miller.
He discusses the four “Cs” of cellular behavior, the inner workings of profound cellular connections and how cell-to-cell communication occurs, the principle of nonlocality and quantum-level communication between cells, and why biological entities are possible only because of the trillions of other living entities within them, each collaborating, cooperating, and competing at their own level in a mutualized way.
Miller elaborates on these topics and many more, including the connection between microbes, human beings, and space exploration.
Tune in, and learn more at https://www.ourbioverse.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Can the molecular biology of flies serve as an indicator for the health of the environment around them? Insects around the world can give insights into how the area around them operates. Press play to learn:
Claudia Husseneder, professor of urban entomology at LSU, drops by to share her experience working around the world studying population genetics and how it impacts the area around them.
Using the principles of epigenetics, traits passed down in horsefly populations can give hints about their surroundings. The population decrease of flies in affected areas of the oil spill leads to the conclusion that part of the ecosystem has been negatively impacted, causing it not to sustain as large of a population.
If genetic diversity in a population is reduced, new and rare genetic variants are taken out of the future's hereditary pool. Population genetics applications can explain not only this but why it can spell disaster for the area around them.
For more information, visit https://www.lsu.edu/entomology/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is cancer detectable by the receptors in the human nose? New research suggests that humans can detect minimal chemical changes using smell.
Listen in to learn:
CEO of Aromyx, Josh Silverman, joins the conversation and lends his insight into the future of human smell receptors and digital technology in healthcare.
As the head of a digital scent technology company, the secrets of human smell sensors and olfactory receptor neurons have been very useful in developing new medical technology and marketing strategies. Since smell is a more rudimentary sensory input than something like sight, it remains extremely sensitive but much harder to process and describe.
Scientists have found genetic predispositions to smells and sensory experiences, leading new studies to search for what populations prefer different scents. Aromyx is looking to the future and planning to conduct multiple disease detection studies after previous results have shown great promise.
Visit aromyx.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Have medical textbooks been mistaken when addressing the proliferation of cancer cells? Studies out of Tuft School of Medicine may present a new way of thinking about carcinogens. Tune in to learn:
Integrative physiologist and pathobiologist at Tufts School of Medicine, Carlos Sonnenschein, M.D., breaks down his recent insights about how cancer should be perceived and treated.
The established view of cancer as a cellular issue may be on its way out. Dr. Sonnenschein discusses the common error in thinking cell proliferation is inducible and how this relates to cancer cells. This leads to the conclusion that cancer is a tissue-based problem rather than being cellular-based, as is commonly taught.
Carcinogens affect cells and cause disorders to begin occurring. This leads to mutations of the tissue and will cause chaos in its development. Dr. Sonnenschein is on a mission to change the way people think about carcinogens and how we can make a difference in battling cancer development moving forward.
For more information, the Tufts School of Medicine research studies are available online, and Dr. Sonnenschein can be reached at his email address: carlos.sonnenschein@tufts.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
You can make lifestyle choices to increase your bone health, says chiropractor Dr. Frank Bodnar. He gives listeners the full picture of what bone density means and how our own daily habits along with medical interventions can make a difference. Listen and learn
Dr. Frank Bodnar is a licensed chiropractor in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois and works with the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center. While many chiropractors don't address bone density per se, his own experience of watching his father diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when nutrition therapy for diabetes was not normal protocol impacted him. He knew patients deserved better and this experience made him sensitive to how important it is to teach patients about what they could do for themselves. He brought his own passion for lifestyle interventions into addressing bone health and helps clinicians educate patients about lifestyle benefits as part of their plan. In this interview, he readily shares some of the same advice with listeners.
He begins by explaining some of the terminology of bone health, from a DEXA scan to the physiology behind bone growth and density loss, down to the effect of protein on blood sugars and why the Mediterranean diet leads to less inflammation. Additionally, he describes why supplementation is more than just adding calcium, and explains what considerations nutritionists advise in how to pair supplements for the most beneficial effects. Finally, he gives specific examples of patients and what made substantive differences for their bone health. Even stress, he adds, can lend a factor and in addition to the psychological benefits of exercise on stress, resistance training can have a marked effect on bone density, even for the elderly. Curious about how to put your bones on a healthy path? Listen in as Dr. Bodnar shares his knowledge. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Are you facing a thyroid cancer diagnosis or other thyroid condition? You're not alone. Thyroid issues touch a large percentage of the American population. This dialogue helps listeners understand thyroid cancers and other conditions, from the most common to least, and explains current trends and treatment improvements. Listen and learn
Dr. Bryan Haugen is a physician and endocrinologist with the University of Colorado. He and Richard discuss multiple thyroid diagnoses, and Richard shares his own experience with thyroid cancer. Dr. Haugen, in turn, explains many possibilities that patients face for treatment. This includes, for example, why some thyroid cancers require surgery and others require radioactive iodine or broad-spectrum chemotherapy or a combination. He goes into detail about the most common type, papillary thyroid cancer, and why doctors are seeing more of it in the last few years.
He also increases listener's comfort level with a lot of the jargon with thyroid conditions, explaining the difference between targeted and directed therapies, the difference between differentiated and undifferentiated cells in cancer, and the role of the parathyroid. Finally, he provides pros and cons for various treatments, addresses if there are concerns with radioactive iodine, as well as how he treats a patient that isn't responding effectively to basic synthroid medications. So, if you are ready for a helpful primer on thyroid function and complications, sit back and learn. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can the painful bites and stings of insects be objectively classified onto a spectrum of suffering? One entomologist has spent his life's work doing just that. Listen in to discover:
Entomologist and author of "The Sting of the Wild", Justin Schmidt shares his insight on honeybee behavioral adaptions and his experience creating a sting pain index from scratch.
Mr. Schmidt left his role as a laboratory chemist to combine that knowledge with his love of insects. Using his chemical expertise and applying it to the venom of insects, the Schmidt Sting Pain Index was created. On a scale from one to four, insects worldwide find their place from a mere annoyance on the low end of the scale to an electric shock topping out at four.
Contrary to intuition, a bug's size is not necessarily relative to the might of its sting. It has been found that regardless of the size, if an insect is not often threatened or challenged by large predators, it may not have as severe a sting. Due to honeybee behavioral adaptions, a single sting only falls as a two on the index, but the victim may be in for severe repercussions if attacked by a swarm.
To learn more, purchase "The Sting of the Wild" on Amazon.com or search the Schmidt Sting Pain Index online. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How have governments around the world differed in their responses to COVID-19? How have various countries been impacted by the lockdowns?
Tune in for the answers, and to learn:
Associate lecturer at the University of Adelaide and member of Politics and International Relations (POLIR), David Olney, returns to the show to discuss his perspective on the COVID-19 situation, from the beginning right up to the current day, and even what he thinks it looks like moving forward.
He shares his opinion of how, when, and where the virus came about, his experience living in Australia when the virus hit, the response to COVID-19 in China and the Hong Kong protests that preceded it, why the pandemic is just as much an image issue as a health concern for many governments, the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 and economies, the many ways of dealing with inflation (and the inflation that’s occurred with masks), and more.
For more info, visit https://davidolney.com.au/, and check out Olney’s podcast, Blind Insights. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can one person stand up against a government coverup? With the right support and strategy, a small stone cast can cause significant ripples. Press play to learn:
Author and activist in New Orleans, Sandy Rosenthal, shares her hard-fought battle to expose the plight against Louisiana's people in the wake of Hurricane Katrina damage.
Mrs. Rosenthal sheds light on the shoddy design of the levees, which caused catastrophic flooding in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. Though the common misconception was that local authorities were to blame for poor levee maintenance, the Army Core of Engineers was discovered to be the true culprits.
Pushing through local and government persecution, the truth was revealed, and the Army Core of Engineers now claims responsibility for the flawed design. There is no need to be an expert in the subject to exact change in your community. Rosenthal shares her story of overcoming pushback against her truth and instructs future activists on how to make their voices heard, even amid harassment.
For more information, visit levees.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
A handful of soil really is its own universe. In fact, the mathematical properties that make for galaxy clustering is similar to the physics and biology behind the clustering of soil. So is there a big bang theory for soil? Listen in as Professor John Crawford addresses these big questions for soil-plant-microbe interactions. This conversation explores
John Crawford is a professor in Strategy and Technology Management at the University of Glasgow. He's studied soil for over 30 years, but actually began his career in astrophysics, and it shows. He gives listeners a fascinating lesson in the organizational physics of galaxies and how he brought that expansive understanding to soil structure. Furthermore, he explains why this is worthy of close scrutiny, namely its ability to support terrestrial life. He comments that, "if soil is good at one thing . . . it's that it allows air and water to mix over a very broad range of environmental conditions." He gives a fascinating description for how it does so through a maximized interface of microbes, oxygen, carbon, and water with a biological glue to hold it together.
He gets even more specific for how fungi and bacteria practice a critical job share of interactions that benefit all organisms involved. In fact, he adds that "it's probably more accurate to think about soil, as an organism, as a composite organism." He gives specific ways readers can understand these interactions through relaying classic and current studies and describes the direction his research his heading, including toward understanding how soil retains and releases carbon in different situations, how soil-plant relationships work and can benefit from intervention, and how water management can be improved through soil structures. Listen in to hear more about the fascinating universe under our feet.
For more about his work, see his page at the University of Glasgow. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
What does it mean to treat the patient, not the disease? Dr. Gary Foresman helps listeners understand what this looks like in a day-to-day approach to cancer therapies, from new cancer treatments to integrative oncology. Listen and learn
Dr. Gary Foresman specializes in integrative cancer therapies and regenerative medicine. He's the founder of Middle Path Medicine and works entirely in the clinical field. He's able to paint a very clear picture for listeners of what it could mean to approach cancer treatment through an integrative path. This makes for a patient-oriented habit of practice, he explains. Each person makes their choice—sometimes that means more of a western approach with targeted chemo, and sometimes this means more of a natural approach. This patient-centered treatment, he adds, is really what integrative medicine should be. Ultimately, integrative practitioners are "providing tools for patients and allowing them to make better, informed decisions."
This means he takes a slightly different approach to counseling patients through diet and exercise choices and even meditation as ways to treat cancer. But, he's clear that nutrition treats people and not diseases: rather than ask which diet is best for cancer or heart disease, one should ask which diet is best for themselves, he explains. Often the first thing he talks about with a patient is their stress levels, an extremely important element in cancer treatment and healing. Therefore, he's sensitive to pushing them towards diets or changes that might engender more stress rather than increase health outcomes. But he's honest with patients about what food, exercise, and mindful practices could provide them with a healthful balance alongside western approaches to treatment. Listen in to hear more about what forms this advice takes.
For more about Dr. Gary Foresman, see Middle Path Medicine. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How have the mass hysteria and international lockdowns impacted the world economy and the daily lives of people worldwide? Principles of economics can be used to explain virtually every stage of the process. Tune in to learn:
Sanjeev Sabhlok, a former Indian Administrative Service member and government economist working in Melbourne, Australia, shares his experience with international economics and corruption and sheds light on the current state of the world amidst COVID-19.
Mr. Sabhlok discusses the sunk cost fallacy and how it perpetuates the current state of affairs in governments worldwide. This creates mass hysteria, which only proves to exacerbate the already out-of-hand situation. The principles of lockdown and quarantine are also called into question and the types of infectious diseases that are effectively quelled by these practices.
Principles of economics can help solve the mysteries of why the Coronavirus has been handled so inefficiently by the world governments and how it has affected international trade. The significant players of the pandemic are revealed, and the interactions between China, the World Health Organization, and the Imperial College are broken down to show how specific entities are benefiting from economic and societal shutdowns.
Visit Sanjeev Sabhlok's blog at https://www.sabhlokcity.com for more uncensored Coronavirus analysis. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Ants are perfect models for Manuela Ramalho's research interest in microbiome and host symbiosis. Ants have one of the widest global distribution and habitat diversity of any animal. She captures her enthusiasm and shares it with listeners as she discusses the ecological role of insects and her research on ants. Listen and learn
Ant scientist Manuela Ramalho grew up in Brazil, an ecosystem flush with insects. Her academic life brought her in touch with all the possibilities of ant research and she's turned that work into a specialization in their microbiome. Now a postdoc researcher at Cornell University, she opens up this research world to listeners, offering an understanding of what we may learn about the impact of the microbiome on the ants themselves as well as how ant ecology, behavior, development, diet, and phylogeny determines the microbes.
For example, after she and her colleagues studied the Neotropical species Daceton armigerum, they found that varying their diet had surprisingly no effect on their microbiome. She explains how little scientist understand about the roles of these microbes and how they are beginning to learn more. Some studies, for example, imply symbiotic roles such as microbes providing ants with nutritional benefits. Furthermore, as with most animal species, questions of coevolution may explain the function of microbe–ant symbiotic relationships. Ramhalho is heading in that direction with her latest study using ant phylogeny to map how the diversity of the ants combines with the phylogeny of bacteria, determining if bacteria are evolving together with their hosts. For more details and why these findings might be significant, listen in.
For more about Manuela Ramalho, see her web page: manuelaramalho.wordpress.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
"We don't treat breast cancer like one size fits all, so why are we screening that way?" asks Dr. Laura Esserman. This question directs much of her cancer genetics research and as well as a trial she's leading called the Wisdom Study. She addresses how her career has prepared her for this work and why cancer genetics and genomics data should be used for better screening. Listen and learn
Dr. Laura Esserman is a cofounder of Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative and is faculty at the University of California, San Francisco, as professor of surgery and radiology. She directs UCSF's Carol Frank Buck Breast Care Center and is a practicing surgeon and breast cancer oncologist specialist as well. She gives listeners an effective summation of how breast cancer treatments have left effective systemic data analysis and women's voices out of the picture. She describes the complicated risk factors and our current understanding of those risk factors through cancer genome sequencing and other technologies. Her work seeks to bring this knowledge in line to provide better screening timing and techniques.
Her own group, the Quantum Leap Healthcare Collective, addresses the needs of women at any stage of breast cancer, from a concern for risk, to a worry over a possible symptom, to a definitive diagnosis. She also is the Principal Investigator for the Wisdom Study, a project designed to achieve significant breast cancer research impact factors. "The only way to do better is to know better," adds Dr. Esserman, and this study seeks to do just that with a trial for, by, and about women. They currently have about 34,000 women enrolled but want to triple that number. They're seeking women between 40 and 74 to take part at wisdomstudy.org. Listen in to find out more about this study and what it hopes to accomplish. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Where and why the prevailing theory of biology has gone wrong might hold the very key we need in order to understand our failure to treat cancer—especially metastatic cancer.
Press play to discover:
Professor Denis Noble of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford has been studying physiology and evolutionary biology for decades, and has made many discoveries and published countless papers along the way. Despite this, it wasn't more than a year ago that he would have said, “I don’t know anything about cancer.” To his surprise, a mounting body of research and evidence is showing that he might know a whole lot more about cancer than he thinks.
And why is that? Because of the relationship between the evolution of species and cancer itself.
Noble dives into the details of this relationship, and so much more, including early detection methods for lung and other types of cancer, the role of the immune system in picking up cancer cells that are in our body at any point in time (but never develop into cancer as we know it), decentralized cellular control in the body, what can be learned by the exosomes put out by cancer cells, the failure of the standard of care prescribed for metastatic cancers, the importance of keeping our immune systems healthy, and the microenvironment of a primary tumor vs. metastasis.
Tune in for all the details.
What allows a cancer cell to proliferate and metastasize? Is cancer a product of evolutionary selection? How do the leading hypotheses in cancer research apply specifically to lung cancer?
Tune in for the answer, and discover:
Shervin Takyar is an associate professor at Yale School of Medicine and practicing pulmonologist who joins the show to discuss his experience with cancer, both in research and in the clinic. His work is focused primarily on endothelium, which is an important part of the tumor microenvironment, and also on what happens before cancer develops, rather than what to do once it has. What factors predispose a person to develop cancer? And which individuals are likely to develop recurrence or resistance to cancer therapies? Takyar answers a number of compelling questions, and in the process, explains what he believes to be the common denominator of all cancers, and how cancer might be viewed as the product of cycles of evolutionary selection. He also discusses how the seed-and-soil theory applies to lung cancer, cell-to-cell signaling, where primary lung tumors tend to spread and why, ongoing research looking at advanced lung tumor samples, field cancerization, what makes a tumor successful, whether there are epigenetic markers that can tell which patients have higher tolerance for tumor cells, and more.
Constant surveillance, an insidious disease-causing agent that we embrace without question, the largest biological experiment on human subjects, and lockdowns used to censor and strip us of our freedoms. Is this the future, or the present?
Press play to learn:
In 2008, Reinette Senum ran for Nevada City Council in California, and won more votes than anyone in the 150-year history of the city. She served until 2012, and again from 2016 to 2020. Among many things that she observed and acted on while on the city council, she fought to reject Senate Bill 649, which would line the streets of California with 5G antennas.
Despite having been an early adopter of Wi-Fi technology and cell phones, she was becoming increasingly aware of the major biological impacts of these technologies. She talked to experts around the world, and became further resolute in her position: 5G is a military application—“EMF warfare” even—that can cause instant death even from great distances, and as such, it doesn’t belong in the public sphere.
Even in the face of anti-5G petitions put forth by thousands of doctors, scientists, and experts around the world, the rollouts show no signs of slowing. As soon as the coronavirus lockdowns were put in place, so too were thousands of 5G antennas all over the country, including within school systems.
Senum explains the wide range of symptoms and diseases that can result from or be worsened by wireless technology.
“I have done everything in my power to reduce my exposure because I know that it was impacting my health; I was able to figure that out over time. A lot of people won’t know it, and when they realize it, they’re going to be dealing with some type of blood cancer, tumor, or really compromised health, and unfortunately, the medical world is not keyed into this yet. In fact, hospitals…are some of the hottest environments; they’re utilizing 5G everywhere,” says Senum.
This is just the very tip of the iceberg. Senum explains the agenda behind COVID-19 and tells listeners one eye-opening piece of information after another. She also shares her short and long-term plans, which include weekly meetings with doctors, scientists, and experts who are dedicated to revealing the truth about COVID-19, the “vaccine”, 5G, censorship, and more.
Tune in, visit https://vaxxter.com/ and https://www.thefoghornexpress.com/ to learn more, and find Senum on BitChute and YouTube. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can bacteria, viruses, and even cuts and burns lead to cancer? Could cancer one day become a manageable, livable disease akin to HIV?
For expert answers to these questions and more, tune in.
You’ll discover:
James Shapiro is a biologist working in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago, and he has decades of research under his belt. On today’s show, he pulls from years of research and accumulated knowledge to discuss various topics in the field of cancer and cancer research.
These include the mutagenic potential in DNA repair systems, types of chromosome rearrangement, epigenetic regulation, speculation about whether cancer cells see and behave as a “whole” or individually, what causes cancer cells to metastasize, differences between the immune response to primary tumors vs. metastases, the role of certain therapies in inducing damaging changes in cancers, and much more.
Visit https://shapiro.bsd.uchicago.edu/ to learn more about Shapiro’s work. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Starvation, suicide, and failure to thrive: these are the leading causes of death resulting from COVID-19 policies. In 2020 alone, these policies have killed more people than Hitler killed in the death camps throughout all of WWII. What is really going on here?
Press play to learn:
Pamela Popper is driven to educate the public about the truth of the U.S. medical system, and the reality behind what you’ve been told about COVID-19. To this end, she serves people through her company, Wellness Forum Health, and posts free informational newsletters and videos every week. She believes people deserve to make informed medical decisions, and knows that in the current climate, people simply aren’t doing that.
Popper gets into the details of the COVID-19 situation—what it is, who is behind it, and what the coming years will look like. She explains the information that you hear in the news, but that doesn’t quite make sense.
She also discusses the lawsuit that’s being filed in 45 states to challenge the "emergency" basis for the lockdowns and loss of freedoms.
Tune in for all the details.
Find free videos and newsletters at https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/, and learn more about Popper’s company at https://wellnessforumhealth.com/.
Send her an email at pampopper@msn.com, and find her new book titled, Covid Operation: What Happened, Why it Happened, and What’s Next. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Imagine a disease-free world. If it were easy enough to establish and maintain, most people on earth would choose it. Some species of ants and termites seem to have figured out a way to do just this.
Tune in to discover:
Michael Poulsen is a professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Copenhagen whose work is about understanding beneficial symbioses between various species. In particular, he focuses on fungus-farming ants in Central and South America, and fungus-farming termites in Africa and Asia. His goal is to understand how these fungi and ants or termites co-evolve and optimize the services they provide for one another, as well as how these complex communities are formed, how they remain stable, and how they defend against disease.
The termites that Poulsen is studying are especially effective at warding off disease. Complex bacterial communities have been found in the fungal gardens farmed by these termites, and in the gut of the termites themselves. Could these bacterial communities provide insight into the formation of a disease-free world? Poulsen wants to find out.
He discusses what he’s learned, what he’s currently studying, and where this research could eventually go.
Learn more at https://www.socialsymbioticevolution.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could a simple diet change make cancer therapies more effective, thereby helping people fight cancer and extend their lives? The evidence seems to suggest that it might.
Tune in to discover:
Adrienne Scheck is Senior Research Scientist at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Research Institute, and she's studying how the ketogenic diet impacts brain tumor therapies, namely radiation and chemotherapy.
Past studies have found that the ketogenic diet makes these therapies more effective, and that even when used alone, seems to reduce tumor cell growth. Based on experiments using mouse models and cells in culture, normal cells are not affected by the ketogenic diet in the same way that cancer cells are affected, meaning that normal cells aren’t at risk of being damaged or killed.
Why is this the case? The original thought was that this is because the ketogenic diet reduces the intake of glucose, therefore reducing the amount of “food” that cancer cells thrive off of. However, Scheck and many other researchers are learning that the ketogenic diet affects nearly every hallmark of cancer that exists.
Scheck and her team are trying to determine what is different about cancer cells that show resistance to cancer therapies, and cancer cells that are killed by cancer therapies.
In the process of discussing this work, Scheck talks about the heterogeneity of tumors, the challenges of studying and finding effective chemotherapies for glioblastoma, what makes brain tumors particularly dangerous, how normal brain cells versus cancer cells respond to the ketogenic diet, how individuals differ in terms of reaching a state of ketosis, the near-future role and benefit of metabologenomics in the cancer arena, and much more.
Tune in for all the details. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Still scrabbling with Excel? Consider Python language uses, says programmer and podcaster Michael Kennedy. A general programming language that is easy to use in multiple environments, Python programming is limitless and has numerous open source utilities. He shares how listeners can grab hold of the advantages of Python. Listen and learn
Programmer Michael Kennedy of the podcasts Talk Python to Me and Python Bytes helps listeners get a jump start on this useful tool for researchers. He gives a fascinating description of the spectrum of its uses, from most AI algorithms and machine learning to YouTube and Netflix's performance across different technologies. But it's also extremely approachable and applicable to the smallest research project. He adds that often missing from conversations about needing more programmers is how adaptable Python can be for researchers already steeped in their fields. He says that scientists and graduate students can easily learn Python and turn it into their "superpower."
How? Well for starters, there are numerous resources for learning the basic language, which he provides. But the beauty of Python is that while it is easy to learn quickly, it can be complex enough for projects at the highest level. That's why, he says, users often say you can learn it in a weekend and learn it for a lifetime. He also explains other benefits, like the 300,000 external libraries of Python, with prebuilt libraries for every discipline. But even beyond that, there are tools like loadable data structures to utilize to do the kind of analysis you may not be able to program. Finally, all these tools are free and open source. Intrigued? Listen in for more tips on how to get started with Python. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can you verify the efficacy and safety of the nutritional supplements you are taking? Functional medicine doctor and clinical consultant for Biotics Research shares his advice and experience. Tune in to learn about:
Dr. Arland Hill works as a clinical consultant at Biotics research and is an experienced functional medicine doctor. While many supplement companies offer GMP labels, it does not speak to the product's quality or efficacy. A consumer may, however, request FDA evaluation sheets by directly contacting the company. It is also revealed that clinical testing can be very beneficial to consumers when formulating a supplementation regimen. Interactions between combinations of supplements can lead to deficiencies and other issues if improperly dosed by the consumer without consulting a professional.
Consumers often carry misconceptions about what supplements they should be using and what others should be avoided. This can lead to nutrient-nutrient interactions, which can cause deficiencies in other necessary nutrient groups. These nutrient-nutrient interactions can vary based on the person, which is why consulting a medical professional is so crucial before beginning a supplement regime. Biotics remains focused on maintaining a high quality of manufacturing. As a company, they emphasize producing a smaller quantity of higher quality supplements rather than flooding their shop with a plethora of lesser grade offerings.
Visit https://www.bioticsresearch.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
How can cancer and cancer cells be understood through the lens of cellular metabolism, and what insights can be gained into various forms of treatment? Many studies suggest that metabolic changes and the environment in which the cells inhabit can significantly impact how they function. Listen in to learn:
Oncologist and cancer researcher at the Koch Institute at MIT, Dr. Matthew Vander Heiden, shares his research experience and some surprising cellular processes that can dramatically impact cancer cells.
Dr. Vander Heiden sheds light on the Warburg effect, which describes how cancer cells tend to uptake glucose and ferment it rather than burning it in respiration. The fermentation of glucose rather than respiration is revealed to be how FDG PET scans function by differentiating cancer cells that use more sugar and show up highlighted on the scan. The fermentation process ultimately produces ATP and lactate to fuel the cancer cell.
Alongside development pathways for the cells, oxygen is also a limiting factor on cancer cells, and the lack or surplus will encourage particular pathways to be used. Due to the availability of particular nutrients in different regions of the body, it is also thought that an individual's diet can impact the development of cancer cells. This is explained the clustering and absorption of those nutrients at different concentrations throughout the body.
For more information, visit https://ki.mit.edu. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
To take down an enemy, the wisest strategy is to identify their Achilles heel, and attack it. What’s the Achilles heel of many cancers? The PLK-1 enzyme, which allows cancer cells to divide despite having chemotherapy-induced DNA damage.
Press play to discover:
Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Oncology, Mark Erlander, discusses a new drug called Onvansertib, which is designed to inhibit PLK-1, the enzyme responsible for tumor cell division. Tumor cell DNA damage caused by chemotherapy is usually so significant that the tumor cell dies. But in some cases, tumor cells overexpress the PLK-1 enzyme, which allows those tumor cells to continue dividing rather than dying, even when extensive DNA damage has been done.
When used in combination, chemotherapy drugs and Onvansertib have a synergistic affect, and could provide an effective way of treating a number of cancers.
Cardiff Oncology has three ongoing clinical studies testing this approach: one for the treatment for leukemia, one for prostate cancer, and one for colorectal cancer. And, they just received FDA approval for a study on the use of this drug in treating pancreatic tumors.
Interested in learning more?
Tune in and visit https://cardiffoncology.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Could a multi-state blackout lasting months be in our near future? Could the experience of Texans become the experience of US citizens all over the country? And is that all it would take for the US to quickly revert to the status of a third world country?
Tune in to learn:
Physicist and environmental advocate, and largely self-taught expert in all things energy and environment, John Droz shines a light on the recent blackouts in Texas, telling listeners how they happened, why they happened, and how they could have been avoided.
This discussion leads to a deep dive into wind power: how it works, how it is being used, who is pushing for its widespread use, and why it is so problematic when it comes to the power grid safety margin.
Droz shares all the details.
Listen now and visit http://wiseenergy.org/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Have you ever been told you have high blood pressure? Were you surprised? Did you feel completely fine, and even doubt that the numbers were accurate? If so, you’re not alone. Most people have no idea that they’re hypertensive, because it can takes years if not decades for this disease to cause havoc in the body.
Press play to discover:
The vast majority of people who have high blood pressure have what’s called ‘primary’ or ‘essential’ hypertension, which is multifactorial. It could be due to any combination of genetics, age, lifestyle, etc. But there is a second type of hypertension that is due to specific causes, such as hormone-producing tumors, kidney issues, and blood vessel problems.
It’s this second category of hypertension that requires the real detective work in trying to determine causation. And it’s these patients that associate professor, Jeffrey Turner, works within the hypertension clinic at Yale School of Medicine. His goal is to detect hypertension and treat it before it develops into dangerous, life-threatening, and potentially irreversible problems.
Turner explains the basics of blood pressure, the role of inflammation in hypertension and other diseases, how to measure blood pressure in different areas of the body, what happens to blood vessels over time in a person who has hypertension, how people are commonly diagnosed with high blood pressure and why it’s considered the “silent killer,” and one of the biggest challenges to treating people who have hypertension, but who don’t feel unwell.
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at https://www.ynhh.org/services/hypertension-program.aspx. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Is it possible to prevent cancer with metabolic therapies used to increase mitochondrial health? Could it also be possible to treat even very aggressive cancers with the same approach?
Tune in for the answers, and to discover:
Dominic D'Agostino is Senior Research Scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, and Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
On today’s show, D’Agostino discusses the Warburg effect, which explains the way in which cancer cells produce energy. Rather than through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, cancer cells stay alive and proliferate using energy produced by the ancient fermentation pathway. This understanding points to a critical theory: cancer develops when there has been damage to the mitochondria in cells, limiting or altogether eliminating the production of energy through oxidative phosphorylation.
There are many causes of cancer, including viruses, inflammation, irradiation, the aging process, and carcinogens, but what could be the underlying culprit among all causes is mitochondrial damage, which causes inflammation which further damages mitochondria.
D’Agostino explains this process in depth, but also discusses a range of metabolic drugs being used to combat cancer, offering a less damaging form of cancer treatment than chemotherapy. In addition to discussing certain types of exercise and diets that can boost mitochondrial health, he talks about the combined use of radiation therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He explains that when hyperbaric oxygen and targeted radiation are used, only about five percent of the amount of radiation is necessary, which could provide huge benefits to patients and avoid the negative side effects of using radiation and/or chemotherapy alone.
Metabolic therapies may not only hold the key to treating aggressive cancers, but preventing them, to begin with.
Press play for all the details and learn more at https://ketonutrition.org/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
For the first time, chemistry can be observed in real-time. Turn a magnetic field off, watch cellular fluorescence dim; turn the magnetic field back on, and watch the cellular fluorescence get brighter.
Tune in to learn more from the lead researcher, including:
Jonathan R. Woodward is a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Tokyo, where he’s conducting experiments involving the use of light and magnetic fields for the observation of real-time intracellular chemistry.
When a light is shined on cells, the molecules in the cells undergo a photochemical reaction that proceeds through short-lives species called radical pairs, which Woodward says are at the heart of why cells become sensitive to magnetic fields.
In Woodward’s lab, the goal is to figure out what is happening inside cells, both mechanically and molecularly, during and after the magnetic response. Once a solid understanding has been formed, he and his team can begin asking questions like whether there are any downstream biological effects or health implications of the magnetic response, whether positive or negative.
Woodward dives deep into the details of his experiments, as well as how the science behind it is viewed from the background of quantum biology vs. chemistry vs. physics. He also explains the kinetic isotope effect, electron spin, how free radicals are formed, the two types of angular momentum of the Earth, the Pauli principle in quantum mechanics, evidence of bacterial and non-human animal uses of magnetic fields, and more.
Learn more at http://opes.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/spinchem/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
When it comes to radiation therapy for cancer, cellular resistance to it can be a death sentence. What is the genetic basis for this resistance in humans? And what on earth do zebrafish have to do with it?
Well…a lot.
Tune in to learn:
When Samuel Sidi attended a French geneticist’s lecture in the early 90s, he had no idea the impact it would have on him and his career trajectory. The lecture was on a new zebrafish model, which would allow for the first time ever, unbiased forward genetic screening on a vertebrate.
Since vertebrates are more genetically and pathophysiologically similar to humans than the invertebrates commonly used for this research approach (e.g. Drosophila, worms, yeast), the zebrafish model opened the door to unprecedented and exciting opportunities in research—research that’s no longer limited by cost, time, and spatial constraints that previously existed for this approach in vertebrates.
The zebrafish model also addresses a concern of Sidi’s and other researchers: invertebrates lack many pathways and mechanisms that are deregulated in disease, which means they are lacking as a research model for human disease.
Sidi is currently an associate professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he's directing research in the Sidi Lab. Unique among other researchers in the zebrafish model world, he is applying the unbiased approach to cancer drug discovery research.
During his post-doc, Sidi developed a zebrafish model that models the problem of resistance to radiation therapy in human cancer. And recently, his MD/PhD student used this model to run an unbiased drug screen, which led to the identification of a compound that can restore radiation sensitivity in mutant zebrafish.
The result?
“Totally unexpected,” says Sidi.
Tune in for all the details.
Learn more at these links:
https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/sidilab/meet-the-team/
https://youtu.be/LnyxoxvtcPo Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The latest in cancer therapeutics is just around the corner. Press play to learn from a true expert in the field and discover:
Dr. Doru Paul is Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, a practicing oncologist and hematologist who has treated more than 10,000 patients with various types of cancers over the years, and a clinical and translational researcher who has been involved with over 30 studies in oncology. He also works within the realm of theoretical biology, all with the goal of better understanding cancer and finding more effective, less toxic ways to treat it.
Dr. Paul has only been practicing at Cornell for the past three years, but he’s been at the cancer riddle for more than 33 years now. While at Cornell, he has focused on the treatment of head and neck cancers, some of the most common being throat, nasopharynx, and thyroid cancer.
In today’s show, he explains the recent success with immunotherapy, both by itself and in combination with chemotherapy, as well as some of the newest medications being used, like monoclonal antibody (MAB) immune checkpoint inhibitors. He discusses the use of FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography) to attack cancer vulnerabilities, dispels some of the misconceptions surrounding this approach, and explains why it’s actually effective and free of side effects.
He also discusses an idea that he’s been developing over the past six years, which requires zooming out from the microscopic level to the macroscopic level and focusing on the killer of 90 percent of patients: metastasis. Specifically, he talks about the communication that occurs between primary tumors, metastatic sites, and bone marrow, and targeted approaches that function at this level.
Tune in for details on these topics and more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Cancer has impacted almost every single person on the planet in one way or another. Maybe you’ve had it yourself, or know someone who has. Despite how long it’s plagued the human species, the opportunities for a deeper understanding of its causes and mechanisms are vast.
Tune in to discover:
Gάbor Balάzsi is Henry Laufer Endowed Professor of physical and quantitative biology, and professor of biomedical engineering at Stony Brook University in New York. He joins the show to answer a series of challenging and important questions about cancer.
How does cancer first start and why? What abilities do cancer cells have that other cells don’t? And why do certain types of cancers seem to prefer specific sites for metastasis?
There are just a few of the compelling questions that Balάzsi offers insight on, diving into the details of tumor heterogeneity, the positive feedback mechanism that can perpetuate cytoplasmic conditions, whether there’s a certain point at which a tumor establishes a sense of ‘self’ versus ‘other’, the impact of cell-to cell signaling disruption, tumor structure, the difference between primary tumors and metastasis, and the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Balάzsi discusses immunotherapy, the drawbacks of targeted drug therapies, gene therapy and RNA or DNA-based vaccines, and more innovative approaches to cancer treatment.
Learn more at https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/bme/people/g_balazsi.php. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Imagine being given two options: lose your license to practice medicine, or keep quiet about a substance that you know has revolutionary therapeutic applications.
You might think no doctor would ever find themselves in such a position. Think again.
And press play to learn:
Ken McCarthy, a pioneer in the movement to commercialize the internet, a wealth of knowledge on internet advertising and marketing, and former student of neuroscience at Princeton University, presents a compelling argument for the safe and effective use of chlorine dioxide as a therapeutic for a range of illnesses.
If he’s right, why don’t you know about it? Or maybe what you do know about it is that it's a dangerous toxin, not to be touched.
McCarthy begins with some indisputable facts:
1) Chlorine dioxide is an FDA-approved Class II food additive
2) The EPA has approved the use of chlorine dioxide as a water purifier
3) Chlorine dioxide was used during the 2001 anthrax attacks to clear the Capitol Building of any anthrax remnants
4) Chlorine dioxide is used as a sterilization substance in the treatment of Ebola
5) The administration of trace amounts of chlorine dioxide is part of some protocols for the treatment of children with autism
6) Chlorine dioxide can kill coronaviruses
McCarthy also offers an impressive and surprising amount of anecdotal evidence in support of the argument that chlorine dioxide is an effective therapy.
He names specific people who have written articles or news stories that contain misinformation or flat-out lies about chlorine dioxide, and explains what motivates the powers that be to conceal the truth from the public.
Could it have something to do with the fact that one therapeutic dose of chlorine dioxide costs less than a penny? And that, given its true potential as a treatment for a range of common ailments, Big Pharma might not like this?
McCarthy seems to think so, and by the end of the podcast, you probably will too.
Press play to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Does your brain function as a filtering device for your mind? It might sound strange, and you might think there’s no way. But consider that the eyes filter visual input and the ears filter auditory input, leaving us only with the stimuli we need for physical survival.
Couldn’t the brain also act as a filtering device, allowing only those thoughts which enable our survival in one way or another?
Press play to explore this idea and discover:
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Bruce Greyson, was raised in a scientific household void of any focus on things in the nonphysical, spiritual, or religious realm. As such, he journeyed through college and medical school with a materialistic mindset.
But it wasn’t long before he began encountering inexplicable stories of people who had come close to death, and recounted "near-death experiences." As a skeptic, Dr. Greyson wanted to test the phenomena with hypotheses that fit into his materialistic understanding of life and death.
Could near-death experiences be explained by oxygen deprivation or high levels of CO2? Could it be unusual activity in the brain? Or the drugs that are often administered to people on the verge of death? Could it be chemicals produced by the brain itself?
These hypotheses and more have been tested using data gathered over the last 20 to 30 years, and not one of them has held up in near-death situations.
“Most people find near-death experiences interesting because of what they may tell us about death and dying and what happens after death, but for me as a psychiatrist, what’s most interesting is what they tell us about life and living,” says Dr. Greyson. He continues this line of thought by sharing with listeners the profound impact that near-death experiences have on the people who experience them.
The overarching commonality is this: a near-death experience leaves the person with a new outlook on life and value, and a new desire to help people by living in accordance with the Golden Rule. Dr. Greyson has heard countless stories of people who worked in violent or competitive business professions, and following a near-death experience, could not possibly continue the same lifestyle. Instead, they entered a helping profession. In essence, the things these people had known their entire lives become foreign and nearly inconceivable to them.
Dr. Greyson has recently written a book on the topic called After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond, which is slated for release on March 2, 2021.
Tune in to explore this other-worldly topic in more depth, and keep an eye out for Dr. Greyson’s book. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
You could very well have cancer cells circulating in your body at this very moment. But don’t worry, because if you do, you’ll probably never know it. And you can thank your immune system for that.
So how does cancer develop at all? Why and when does the immune system fail to protect us from cancer? And how can this knowledge lead to an effective treatment?
Tune in for the answers to these questions and more, including:
At Dartmouth College, Steven Fiering is a professor of microbiology, immunology, and genetics, with a primary focus on immunotherapy for cancer.
While there are good treatments for cancers that have not metastasized, like surgery and radiation, outcomes for metastatic solid tumors are almost universally poor. According to Fiering and many others, immunotherapy might be the solution.
The bulk of Fiering’s work boils down to a rather simple understanding of the immune system: it is a constant balance between suppressive and stimulatory signals from other cells in the body. When it receives a certain level of stimulatory signals, the immune response kicks into gear; when it receives a certain level of suppressive signals, its function is reduced.
We also know that there are immunosuppressant characteristics of cancer that the immune system can’t destroy. “Any immunotherapy that works has to overcome the immunosuppression that’s manifested by the tumor,” explains Fiering.
In light of this understanding, Fiering is focused on using known immunostimulatory reagents to directly change the environment within a tumor, from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory. He is researching how to optimize the use of these reagents for the best immune response against tumors that are directly treated by them, as well as the best systemic response against metastatic disease.
In short, immunotherapy might hold the key to effective treatment of metastatic cancers without the detrimental side effects of chemotherapy. This would be an absolute breakthrough in the world of cancer.
Press play for an in-depth conversation about this work and so much more.
Learn more at https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/faculty/facultydb/view.php/?uid=126.
Check out https://www.mosaicie.com/ to learn about a new startup that Fiering is involved in. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
The US Federal Government continues to hide clear evidence resulting from a 10-year, $30 million study funded by the FDA: radiation from wireless technology causes cancer and breaks DNA.
In fact, the government not only has this knowledge, but uses it as a weapon.
Thousands of studies over past decades show clear evidence of biological harm caused by wireless technology radiation, yet most of us don’t think twice about our exposure to it.
Listeners will learn:
“We are electric beings, and this is electricity, millions and trillions of times higher than what our bodies can tolerate. There are clearly going to be effects, even if we want to believe otherwise,” says Dafna Tachover.
Tachover worked with and developed a passion for wireless technology for many years…until it made her so sick that she had to stop. This compelled her to find out why and how this technology has the ability to cause her and others so much sickness.
She has since become Director of the Stop 5G & Wireless Harms Project for Children’s Health Defense and Founder of We Are The Evidence, an advocacy organization which helps protect the rights of those who have been injured by wireless technology radiation.
And as an attorney, Tachover is tackling the issue from a legal perspective. She explains the details of her intensive and unprecedented case against the FCC.
She also explains the science behind the impacts of wireless technology radiation on our health, which often begin with tingling in the hands or fingers and can lead to severe headaches, ringing in the ears, heart palpitations, nose bleeds, noise sensitivities, visual impairments, cognitive and memory problems, and symptoms characteristic of ADHD.
It’s estimated that at least 10 percent of people already have symptoms of radiation sickness without knowing it, and the true percentage is probably much higher.
So, what can you do? Tachover lists practical, simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and those you love.
This isn’t one to miss.
Press play and check out these resources to learn more:
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/
https://www.americansforresponsibletech.org/
https://mdsafetech.org/ Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C
Royal jelly, honey, propolis, pollen…the list of bee products that many of use from day to day is long. But fewer people are aware that there’s something less tangible yet just as healing about bees: their energy.
Press play to step into the medicinal world of bees and learn:
Since entering the field of medicine 33 years ago, Cristina Aosan wanted to treat everything—including that which conventional medicine said was untreatable or uncurable. To this end, she began studying various topics on her own, which led her to apitherapy, a branch of medicine that uses honey bee products to treat people.
As a physician at Melidava Consulting in Romania, Aosan treats people with nearly every type of ailment you can imagine, including multiple sclerosis, tumors, liver viruses, and obstructive atherosclerosis. She takes an individualized approach with each patient, drawing from an extensive toolbox containing honey, propolis, royal jelly, drone larvae, pollen, and more.
In some places, patients can even stay in homes arranged near bee hives to take in the healing and harmonious energy of the bees themselves—a practice that is becoming increasingly well-known.
Aosan explains the applications of various bee products, the history of apitherapy and its use by the Egyptians and other ancient civilizations, how bees use propolis as an air-cleaning mechanism, and what she hopes is in store for the future of apitherapy.
Tune in for all the details. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Timothy Saunders, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore’s Mechanobiology Institute, shares his insights on the science of morphogenesis developmental biology, the study of tissue formation and organization in plant and animal species.
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How vital organs develop, particularly in human embryos, is considered a long standing mystery by much of humanity. How do our cells know how to organize and replicate in order to form correctly structured and functional organs? How do they know when to stop replicating and not to continue growing past the ideal size?
Timothy and his team aim to increase the understanding of developmental biology in both the medical community and the general public. Much of the research done in this area has centered around plants and fish, which can repair injury and regrow after amputation. What can be learned from these types of organisms?
What can be gained from the study of human tissue generation in utero? Large-scale, high-resolution imaging technology is enabling the study of precisely how tissues interact during organ formation in humans. This in combination with the use of organoids grown from organ tissue and stem cells could break open the case of how to apply morphogenesis embryology to possible heal damaged organs in the future.
For more information visit https://www.mbi.nus.edu.sg/timothy-saunders/saunders-lab/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Are customized cancer treatments a real possibility? Benjamin D. Hopkins, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor of Genomics and Genetic Sciences, Oncological Sciences, and the co-leader of the Functional Genomics Pipeline at The Tisch Cancer Institute. His cancer genetics research has developed an automated screening platform that can be used to identify tumor-specific drug sensitivities used for highly specialized cancer treatment.
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Dr. Hopkins focuses particularly on lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer, which is one of the 20% of cancers with no specific standard treatment plan. The Functional Genomics Pipeline as a whole screens cancer therapies to identify which types of patients with which types of tumors may be able to benefit from those therapies.
Using cancer genome sequencing, it has become possible to identify tumor-specific vulnerabilities, which can then be exploited for cancer treatment purposes. This includes using one medication to sensitize tumor cells to another medication, as a way to reduce the collateral damage done to healthy cells during cancer treatment.
Knowing exactly which mutational events are driving each specific tumor allows Dr. Hopkins and his team to target the specific mechanisms that tumor relies upon to thrive and multiply. This highly individualized approach in combination with public campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness month could lead to a future where cancer is considered a treatable disease across the board.
For more information visit https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/hopkinslab/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What is missing when it comes to Western medicine’s standard approach to treating chronic health problems? Dr. Will Cole, author of Intuitive Fasting: The Flexible Four-Week Intermittent Fasting Plan to Recharge Your Metabolism and Renew Your Health, grew up watching his loved ones battle autoimmune disorders. Now, he is leading a movement to change the way we treat chronic diseases using functional medicine.
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Cole looks beyond simple numbers and lab results in order to treat the whole patient and not just their current symptoms. His natural and holistic approach often utilizes functional medicine nutrition, intuitive eating intermittent fasting, and a hormonal imbalance diet. Understanding autoimmune thyroid disease, for example, and which foods can prompt the body to produce its own thyroid hormones can avoid unnecessary dependence on medications and highlight the importance of lifestyle in disease treatment.
Intuitively intermittent fasting combined with a mostly plant based high fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrate diet has been shown to support the metabolic process and protect against insulin resistance and digestive problems symptoms. Dr. Cole’s four-week plan makes the benefits of fasting and eating a plant based ketogenic diet accessible to beginners who may want to treat specific issues, improve their overall health, or both. Embracing functional medicine education can provide those suffering from chronic illness with a way to take their health and their personal power back into their own hands.
To learn more or book a consult visit https://drwillcole.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Is hustle and hope really enough to make it big in the modern world of online finance? Jeff Rose, Youtube’s Wealth Hacker and Founder of the finance blog Good Financial Cents shares how he went from cold calling and holding underwhelming local finance planning and analysis seminars to creating one of the most popular financial advice blogs on the internet.
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Jeff’s down to earth approach to finance and willingness to use his own mistakes as a teaching tool has made him a crowd favorite on YouTube. Wealth Hacker offers how-to videos on financial topics like how to create passive income streams, how to invest your first $100, and how to turn $500 into $520,367. His blog, Good Financial Cents, has been featured on Fox Business, ABC News, CNN Money, CNBC, and more.
Weighing in on the recent GameStop stock market debacle, modern investment management, and life as a financial planner, Jeff gives his honest opinion on what it really takes to get rich in today’s economy. After providing free content for years and finally taking part in an exclusive coaching program for entrepreneurs, Jeff has launched Good Financial Cent’s latest online finance course. This course is all about how to set (and actually reach) accelerated financial goals.
For more information or to sign up for Jeff’s new online course visit https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Eric Zielinski, author of the national bestseller, The Healing Power of Essential Oils, is back on the podcast with a new book available for preorder called The Essential Oils Apothecary. He shares his professional views on and personal experiences with essential oils as a key part of a healthy lifestyle.
Tune in to discover:
Perfume, laundry detergent, scented candles, fabric freshener, hand sanitizer, bleach, new car smell; how many chemicals do you inhale, ingest, or absorb each day? Studies have suggested that wealthy countries that can afford to practice over-sanitization with cleaning chemicals tend have higher rates of Alzheimer’s Disease. Why? A lack of bacteria in the environment creates poorly developed immune systems, which puts brains at higher risk of inflammation. How many other diseases could we be inadvertently inviting into our bodies?
What is the difference between the average American and people who live in a “Blue Zone”, or an area with low rates of chronic illness, where it is considered normal to live 100 years or more? How can we use essential oils to change our lives and bring us closer to optimum health? Eric reveals the beneficial properties of common and easy to obtain oils, like cinnamon bark, lime, orange, and grapefruit.
Dr. Zielinski’s healthy lifestyle motivation brand offers simple recipes for natural, nonchemical household cleaners, personal hygiene items, and immune boosters. His website is a substantial resource for essential oil news, basic education for beginners, and where to begin with natural remedies in your own home and life.
For more information visit https://naturallivingfamily.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Scott Young, former Finding Genius guest and author of Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, shares tips of how to use a more focused mind to live a more productive life.
Listen to discover:
Technology detoxes, sheer willpower, unyielding impulse control; these traditional approaches to increased productivity simply cannot be relied upon. A new system for focusing is required for the new age. Scott has created a series of courses, including Rapid Learner, Life of Focus, Top Performer, and Make It Happen, that offer people the opportunity to learn how to increase focus using unique concentration exercises.
Deep work is the concept of achieving a level of cognitive depth through periods of continuous distraction-free, interruption-free concentration. Scott’s books and courses provide guidance on how to enter the state necessary in order for deep work to occur, troubleshooting for when you get stuck on a task, and how you can track your productivity progress. The effects of guided consistency on your ability to focus can be staggering.
Is mental focus like physical exercise? Can the ability to enter a deep work or flow state become a matter of muscle memory for your brain? Is everyone even capable of blocking out environmental distractions? Scott explains the differences in approach to his productivity system that can become necessary based on age, working memory capacity, and other factors, and how it can be adjusted to work for anyone.
For more information or to grab a free copy of Scott’s e-book, 7 Must-know Strategies to Learn Anything faster! visit https://www.scotthyoung.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What if everything we have been told about breast cancer prevention is wrong? Dr. Susan Wadia-Ells, author of the new book, Busting Breast Cancer: Five Simple Steps to Keep Breast Cancer Out of Your Body, has combined decades of ignored statistical studies with the recently published metabolic theory of cancer, to help women learn how to block most breast cancer from taking form in their bodies.
Tune in to learn more about:
After losing three close friends to recurrent metastatic breast cancer, Dr Wadia-Ells decided to try and understand how to best protect herself and other women from developing breast cancer. In 2013 she discovered the newly published book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management and Prevention of Cancer, by Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried, the eminent Boston College biologist. Now understanding the exact biological steps that suffocate our cell’s power batteries or mitochondria to create that first cancer cell, as described in Dr Seyfried, textbook, Dr Wadia-Ells was now able to develop the Five Simple Steps for effective breast cancer prevention.
These steps include: losing all excess body fat; raising vitamin D3 blood levels above 60 ng/ml; avoiding all birth control drugs, IUDs and menopausal relief drugs that contain the man-made chemical progestin; keeping one’s body detoxified of hormone-like chemicals found in food, water, air, furniture and personal care products, and having an annual thermogram to monitor any pre-cancerous inflammation in breast tissue. Together, her five simple steps and the metabolic theory of cancer tell us why one woman develops breast cancer, while another woman never will.
To support the development of effective non-toxic metabolic protocols to treat early stage and metastatic cancer, Dr. Wadia-Ells has committed 20 percent of her book’s profits to the Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies.
For more information visit https://www.bustingbreastcancer.com/
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Can mathematics really be applied to brain cancer treatment? Dr. Kristin Swanson, Vasek, and Anna Maria Polak Professor in Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic, goes to work each day to create individualized predictive models using mathematics to more effectively treat patients diagnosed with brain cancer.
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Imagine an exact 3-D replica of your brain that you can hold in your hands. Using mathematical model predictions, it is now possible to print a 3-D MRI of an actual human brain with cancer. This model can predict and show both current and predicted cancer cell density bands, making it possible to choose more efficient cancer treatment methods sooner.
Mathematic models and the data they provide have also revealed differences in male versus female brain cancer survivors and their gene signatures, along with other differences in the typical brain cancer story in women compared to in men. After experiencing a personal loss due to cancer, Dr. Swanson set out to use new technology like artificial intelligence, mathematical mapping, and image localized biopsies to diagnose and treat the most aggressive type of brain cancer, Glioblastoma.
Kristin’s research lab is akin to a hurricane center, but instead of predicting storms, its advanced technology forecasts cancerous tumor development. When shared with cancer patients and their physicians, this type of detailed predictive model can offer a sense of education and control over treatment that traditional methods simply cannot offer.
For more information visit For more information visit https://mathematicalneurooncology.org/ Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C
How is the rest of the world responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and how is the virus itself changing over time? Jim Bijl, Finding Genius listener and Pulmonary Function Technician in The Netherlands, weighs in on the state of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Tune in to discover:
As a technician who administers pulmonary function tests and has access to the pulmonary function test results of patients with Covid-19 in comparison to those with other lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, SARS, Influenza, pulmonary fibrosis, and MERS, Jim has a unique perspective on the pandemic and the world’s response to its threats in both the short and the long term.
If most of the people who suffer severe consequences from Covid-19 have preexisting conditions, such as a cystic fibrosis diagnosis, does this mean that precautions should be relaxed for the rest of the population? If the rate of survival in those who are hospitalized in intensive care units for Covid-19 related complications is increasing, should the status of the pandemic as a whole be re-evaluated?
After working up close and personal with Covid-19 patients, Jim shares his experiences and opinions on the potential for longer term side effects of the virus, including reduced lung capacity, and how long they might last for most patients. From vaccines and masks to politics and the media, Jim offers insights from inside the medical community on how the world may look post Covid-19 pandemic. To contact Jim directly, send an email to jimbijl@protonmail.com Available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/2Os0myK
How do genes affect your health? Dr. Yael Joffe, Adjunct Professor of nutrigenomics at Rutgers University and Chief Scientific Officer at 3x4 Genetics, has dedicated her career to finding out exactly how much bearing a person’s genetics has on their weight, on their ability to manage it with diet and exercise, and on their heath as a whole.
Tune in to discover:
Every human being on the planet shares 99.9% of the same DNA. It is the remaining 0.1% that determines the ways in which we are all unique from each other. Yael explains how she has led the way in the emerging field of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition. The nutrigenetic testing she has developed can be used to analyze a person’s hunger cues, satiety response, fat burning abilities, behavioral responses to food, and more.
Genetic variants like the FTO and LEP genes can help to predict whether a particular person will struggle with binge eating, excessive grazing or snacking behaviors, or food addiction, and how much Leptin their body will produce. Leptin plays a major role in energy regulation and hunger signals. Depending on what is revealed by a person’s nutrigenetic testing, he or she may be given specific diet and exercise recommendations or referred to a behavioral therapist.
It may turn out that genetics play no real role in some men and women’s difficulty with body weight or weight loss. In some cases, other avenues may still need to be explored. For the time being, Dr. Joffe’s nutrigenetic DNA testing is available to physicians only.
If you are interested in being tested, visit https://www.3x4genetics.com/ to find a participating provider in your area. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What is Metabolic Syndrome and how is it related to obesity and Type 2 Diabetes? Vivian Tran, Ph.D. candidate in the Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology group at La Trobe University, shares what her studies on mice have revealed about Metabolic Syndrome, the cardiovascular complications of Diabetes, and the risk factors of obesity.
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Metabolic Syndrome is not one disease; it is a group of medical conditions that occur together in the same person. These conditions include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. Due to rising rates of obesity, it is estimated that nearly one third of the U.S. population suffers from Metabolic Syndrome.
Vivian has set out to find the answers to questions including why more men than women die from Metabolic Syndrome related cardiovascular events when more women than men are diagnosed with the disease. Could this be due to the difference in fat distribution and the presence of subcutaneous versus visceral fat cells in men and women?
Vivian explains the differences in the health risks associated with belly fat in comparison to fat on other areas of the body and the dangerous of visceral fat, which can attach itself to internal organs. Her research on the role of fat tissue surrounding blood vessels and how it affects vascular function in those with Metabolic Syndrome could lead to major advancements in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in those who suffer from it.
For more information follow Vivian on Twitter at https://twitter.com/vivianvtran Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Could female Kenyan sex workers be the key to preventing HIV spread on a much larger scale? Keith Fowke, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Professor at the University of Manitoba, explains the connection between these Kenyan sex workers and HIV resistance, plus what this could mean for the future of HIV prevention as a whole.
Tune in to discover:
HIV and AIDS have devastated parts of the world over the past five decades. Africa has been particularly affected by the epidemic. Now, specific populations of sex workers in Kenya have shown resistance to the HIV virus, despite repeated exposure for decades, thanks to their quiescent immune systems.
What information can be taken from these women and applied to other groups of people across the world to prevent more HIV infections? Keith and Fowke Lab has been studying alternative HIV prevention methods, including low dose aspirin therapy and genital topical antiviral agents, with promising results.
If certain genes increase HIV resistance in some people, can other genes contribute to faster and more aggressive disease progression in others? Can the human immune system be further manipulated by medication or other treatments to protect against HIV infection or progression? How important are the genetics of the person being potentially infected versus the genetics of the virus? Professor Fowke shares the answers to these questions and much more.
For more information on new methods of HIV treatment and ways to prevent infection visit https://www.fowkelab.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Who pays for scientific studies and what types of biases can the matter of this funding create? Professor Sheldon Krimsky, author of Conflicts of Interest In Science: How Corporate-Funded Academic Research Can Threaten Public Health, uses his more than 30 years of studying conflicts of interest in science to weigh in on the issue of corporate influence inside the world of science.
Listen to learn more about how corporate funding has impacted scientific research in the areas of:
Sheldon is a Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tufts University and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Tufts University School of Medicine. In this revealing interview, he shines a bright light upon the matters of ethics vs science, the importance of environmental ethics, and the role of genetics in society today.
What type of role should public health and government really play in scientific advancement, research, and truth telling? Where should the line be firmly drawn between ethics and public policy? These are the kinds of important questions Sheldon has set out to answer along with the Hastings Center, an independent bioethics research institution of which he is a fellow.
Professor Krimsky discusses the fallout of the Bayh-Dole Act, the highs and lows of the scientific peer review process, the pros and cons of the government funding of scientific research, and the role of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, in the United States’ fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information visit https://sites.tufts.edu/sheldonkrimsky/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“There may not be a cure for cancer, but there may be a strategy, a set of principles that can lead to the eradication of cancer,” says Dr. Robert A Gatenby of the Moffitt Cancer Center. He is working on a novel approach to the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer that could one day prove effective for many other types of cancers as well.
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Dr. Gatenby’s background in physics led him to a key insight: cancer is a complex dynamic system with nonlinear interactions, and to understand such systems, mathematical models are necessary. This insight underlies his most recent work, which involves a novel approach to the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
Unintuitively, this approach requires that chemotherapy be used to knock down the number of cancer cells a bit, but not with the goal of wiping all of them out completely. The tumor is then allowed to grow back within certain biomarker parameters before another cycle of therapy is delivered. This is continued indefinitely, driving the cancer system into a near steady state that is oscillating. In other words, the tumor is still there, but it doesn’t change significantly over the course of months or even years.
Why not just try to kill all of the cancer cells using massive doses of chemotherapy? Dr. Gatenby explains that this approach is only recommended when chemotherapy has a high likelihood of being curative, which is rarely the case when it comes to metastatic cancer. When treating metastatic cancer, the “try to kill as many cancer cells as possible” approach only leads to greater toxicity, higher costs, and lower quality of life for the patient. Perhaps even more importantly, this approach actually selects for chemo-resistant cells, allowing them to proliferate rapidly with no constraints, leading to a worsening state of metastasis.
Among many compelling topics, Dr. Gatenby explains the use of mathematical models and principles of evolutionary biology in taking this approach to the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, extinction therapy, induction therapy for pediatric leukemia, how and when to integrate immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer, and more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What can wildlife research teach us about the nature of life, death, and disease? Carolyn Hogg, Senior Research Manager for the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group, explains the importance of wildlife conservation and the preservation of our natural world for future generations.
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The Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group researches Koala, Tasmanian Devil, and other Australian animal genes to find ways to fight back against the endangerment and extinction of these unique creatures. Due to the effects of climate change, invasive species, human habitat destruction, and disease, the populations of many of Australia’s most loved and well-known wildlife animals are rapidly dwindling.
When animal populations shrink down to a certain size, the risk of inbreeding depression becomes a reality and a threat to the species. This lack of genetic diversity results in an increasingly biologically unfit population. Carolyn and the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group work closely with other conservation groups to move and integrate groups of animals, resulting in an expansion of genetic variants and higher levels of biological fitness.
Native Australian animals like the Koala are facing serious issues, including the Koala Retrovirus, an AIDS-like immunodeficiency disorder. Tasmanian Devils are being plagued by a contagious facial cancer. Invasive feral cats kill billions of indigenous animals each and every year. The importance of wildlife research and conservation cannot be overstated at this point in history. These animals need help and Carolyn is committed to saving them.
To learn more about the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group visit https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/our-research/research-areas/life-and-environmental-sciences/wildlife-genomics-group.html
For more information on the Threatened Species Initiative, visit https://threatenedspeciesinitiative.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Can recurring skin infections in dogs be effectively treated without the use of antibiotics? Stephanie Lynch, Ph.D. Researcher at La Trobe University in Melbourne, is working on a potentially groundbreaking treatment for canine pyoderma known as bacteriophage therapy.
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Canine pyoderma is one of the most common skin diseases in dogs. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most persistent. The standard treatment for pyoderma is a month-long course of systematic antibiotics, with or without the addition of routine bathing with a medicated shampoo. Unfortunately, some strains of the bacteria that cause pyoderma have become antibiotic resistant over the years, creating a big, red, itchy problem for some unlucky dogs and their owners.
Bacteriophages are viruses that can infect bacteria cells. Once they have infected their bacterial host, they take over those cells and prompt the bacteria to begin to produce viral components rather than bacterial components. The bacteriophages are then capable of forcing their way out of the bacterium, in a process known as lysis, through which they may retain some of the host’s DNA information.
Stephanie hopes to find an answer to the difficult question of how to treat dogs with antibiotic resistant skin infections somewhere in the bacteriophages life cycle. Her research on isolating bacteriophages could pave the way to treating more uncommon bacterial skin infections in dogs, other animals, and even humans without relying upon antibiotics.
For more information follow Stephanie on Twitter at https://twitter.com/stephh_lynch
The link between a keto diet and weight loss is very well known, but can this approach to nutrition really be used to heal chronic disease? Dr. David Jockers believes it can. David is functional nutrition counselor, popular guest on The Dr. Oz Show, and the author of Keto Metabolic Breakthrough and The Fasting Transformation. His natural health website receives over a million views per month from people curious about keto and natural health.
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After suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome to the point of becoming quite underweight for his height, David began to experiment with adhering to a ketogenic diet. After receiving a skin cancer diagnosis, he got even more serious about tackling the issue of nutrition. The results of these personal experiments not only changed his life; they continue to change the lives of the people he educates every day.
What do inexpensive cooking oils, pesticides, and factory farmed meat have in common? They all cause inflammation and inflammation causes chronic diseases, like cancer. According to Dr. Jockers, cancer cells thrive when they are feeding on glucose. When we eat carbohydrates, those carbs are converted into glucose, which feeds cancer cells. Removing carbohydrates and feeding our healthy cells with ketones means starvation for cancer.
Cancer is not the only ailment that may need to look out for the keto approach to nutrition. Stress is at an all-time high throughout the world today and it can take a major toll on a person’s digestive health. A ketogenic diet in combination with a healthy exercise routine and natural herbal supplementation can promote bile flow and a healthy environment within the stomach, without using commonly prescribed acid bocking medications.
For more information visit https://drjockers.com/
Why is there anything but cancer? If we are nothing but a collection of individual cells, and if individual cells are perfectly competent at fulfilling their own morphological, behavioral, and physiological needs, then how is it that multicellular organisms—and healthy, functioning ones at that—even exist?
Michael Levin explores these questions and more, including:
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor, Principal Investigator of the Levin Lab, and Director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, where he investigates how biological and non-biological systems underlie decision-making processes. How does memory storage, decision-making capabilities, and coherent, system-level behaviors emerge from biological and artificial artifacts?
According to Michael Levin, the answer lies in the cooperative behavior of individual cells—a type of swarm intelligence. Just like the individual ants in an ant colony behave collectively to reach a larger goal, so too do individual cells in the “colony” of an organism, like a human being. In order to repair and build a human body, individual cells must be connected to and behave in accordance with the collective, rather than operate at the individual level.
But it goes so much deeper than that. Consider, for instance, the regeneration of a salamander limb. Following amputation, a normal limb indistinguishable from the original is developed over the course of a few weeks. How does this regeneration stop precisely where it should? Why doesn’t the salamander end up with a limb that never stops getting longer?
Levin says that the stopping point of regeneration requires that the cellular collective compare the current anatomy of the organism to the layout of a correct salamander forelimb, and stop when the error rate is zero (or close to). In other words, the cellular collective can ascertain whether and when the anatomy is correct, and cease growth when appropriate.
Mechanisms of cellular communication are many, and it is this communication—this connectedness between individual cells—that allows for a cellular collective to have goal-directedness, which in turn, leads to salamanders with perfectly regenerated limbs (as just one of many examples).
Levin and his group are investigating what happens when an individual cell is unable to perceive the communication signals that normally keep it tightly harnessed to the greater system, like an entire human body. The ‘self’ of the cell shrinks from the level of an organ or organism to the level of a single cell, deaf to the sounds of its neighbors. In this place, the isolated cell does what it knows: proliferates as much as it can and exploits the resources as much as possible.
…And what do you get? Metastatic cancer.
Levin believes that when a cell loses its ability to communicate electrically with its neighbors, it converts to this state where its behavior leads to metastatic cancer. This is supported by the fact that when ion channel drugs are used to temporarily block cells from proper electrical connection to their neighbors, they convert to metastatic melanoma, even in the absence of mutation and carcinogens.
This understanding could one day lead to a commercial application that serves as an effective anti-cancer therapy. Levin discusses the details of all this and so much more.
It’s not one to miss—tune in now, and visit https://ase.tufts.edu/biology/labs/levin/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Is it possible to synchronize the biological clocks of immune cells and tumor cells to bypass cancer’s ability to avoid the human body’s defense system? Maria Casanova Acebes, Postdoctoral fellow at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, believes that it absolutely is.
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A circadian rhythm is an internal process that triggers behavioral changes in relation to light and dark cycles on a 24-hour schedule. Every living being, whether nocturnal or diurnal, is affected by these changes. Maria’s research group, the Cancer Immunity Group, studies the connection between circadian rhythms, the immune system, and the development of cancer cells and tumors. So far, studies have shown that animals whose circadian rhythms are disrupted become more susceptible to diseases, including viruses and cancers.
The innate immune system, which is the immune system humans are born with, features signaling cells known as neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. These cells are heavily influenced by circadian rhythms. Maria hypothesizes that cancer cells have their own internal clocks that are able to tune into and mimic the circadian rhythms of the tissues they infect. Is this how they evade the human immune system? By synchronizing the internal clocks of both cancer cells and immune system cells, can we teach our immune systems to eliminate cancer?
The Cancer Immunity Group’s approach to immunotherapy could lead to major breakthroughs in a number of the most common areas of cancer treatment and diagnosis, including lung adenocarcinoma pathology and lung adenocarcinoma staging, and management of more treatment resistant cancers such as esophagus cancer.
For more information visit https://www.cnio.es/en/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Can bee stings really treat common human medical ailments like pain, inflammation, or even cancer? Dr. Janos Zsolt Kormendy Racz, President of the Hungarian Apitherapy Association, explains the naturopathic practices of apitherapy and beekeeping.
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Apitherapy is the practice of applying bee farming products to humans for their health benefits. Honey, for instance, has been well-documented throughout recorded human history as a natural topical antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic. Its components are now even being researched as a possible COVID-19 treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and immune response enhancing properties.
Honey is far from the only bee therapy products that has been shown to have a dramatic effect on human health. Royal jelly, the sole food of queen bees, is so nutrient dense that it is considered an appropriate alternative to a multivitamin. Propolis can be used as an oral rinse to treat gingivitis and canker sores. The inhalation of beehive air is being prescribed in Germany as a treatment for immune disorders and allergies.
Natural healers have been using bee stings as therapies for thousands of years. Today, bee venom is being officially researched for its potential to treat major diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzeimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Bee venom therapy, of course, is not without its fair share of possible side effects. Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, can occur and associations have been made between bee sting therapy, Lupus, and liver toxicity. Are the risks worth the reward? In the cases of many patients who have been living with chronic pain, inflammation, or other illnesses, the answer is a resounding yes. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Are Type 1 Diabetes symptoms the same as Type 2 Diabetes symptoms? Can Type 1 Diabetes treatments be applied successfully to Type 2 Diabetes? Dr. Jody Stanislaw, whose Tedx Talk entitled Sugar is Not a Treat has surpassed one million views, breaks down the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.
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Jody is a naturopathic doctor and a Certified Diabetes Educator, who specializes in training Type 1 Diabetes patients to properly adjust and administer their insulin without fear or guesswork. She also suffers from the disease herself and has since her early childhood. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is an irreversible auto-immune disorder. There is currently no Type 1 Diabetes cure.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes is much more complex than simply monitoring sugar intake. Hormone levels, genetics, body mass index, activity levels, and dozens of other factors actively contribute to a person’s blood sugar range each day. Contrary to popular belief, obesity is not associated with Type 1 Diabetes causes. In fact, no specific causes have been identified to date.
Jody embraces a mostly plant based food diet and educates her patients on plant-based diet benefits as well. She also acknowledges that most people will not be capable of realistically adhering to a very strict diet 100% of the time. She offers specific advice to her patients and on her website for how a Type 1 Diabetes patient can adjust their insulin and blood sugar testing in order to indulge safely for special occasions.
To learn more about Jody’s personal Diabetes journey, sign up for her classes, or try out her one-on-one services visit https://www.drjodynd.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The biggest challenge in breeding honey bees? Keeping the right balance of desirable traits in colonies, from mite biting to pollinating behaviors, requires a complex process. Krispn Given discusses some of the subtleties and important considerations in apiculture. Listen and learn
Krispn Given is an apiculture specialist at Purdue University and focuses on selecting for behavioral traits to reduce the impact of varroa mites and the bee diseases they cause. He gives listeners an appreciation for the complexities of beekeeping while keeping the fascinating aspects of the activity front and center. For example, researchers like Given are actually able to select for mite-biting behavior, which is a recessive, heritable trait. He explains how they examine mites for evidence of chewing marks, selecting and breeding bees that were able to effectively chew the mites enough to kill them. But there’s a catch: they can’t forget about other desirable traits like honey production and effective pollinating. He talks about the efforts to maintain a healthy mix for a balanced colony.
He also gives listeners a glimpse into the future of his research, such as crossing some of these mite-biting bees to make them available for the commercial industry. In addition, they plan on incorporating MAS, or marker-assisted selection. In the past, they’ve focused on phenotypic traits but technology has enabled them to start genotyping their colonies. Of course, these behaviors take place at epigenetic and genetic levels and Given addresses this additional balance, explaining how they tease out various traits through the the years. Listen in for some terrific honey bee research stories. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“We’re wired to change the world,” remarks Dr. Topher Fox as he discusses best practices for reversing and preventing type 2 diabetes. Like many doctors who work in endocrinology and diabetes care, considering his patients’ daily routines and habits is significant to their outcomes. He includes more than just traditional medical frameworks, adding in research-based behavior-changing measures. Listen and learn
Christopher (Topher) R. Fox is an endocrinologist, diabetes and obesity specialist practicing in Superior, Colorado, at the Alpine Center. He spends the whole of his practice as a clinician with an extremely patient-focused approach, which is clear as he discusses traditional medicine’s faults and successes as it addresses the human endocrine system. He mentions some of the toughest issues in thyroid treatments, especially the subset of patients who get their numbers in line yet still struggle with unexplained symptoms. He reviews his reasoning for trying medicinal combinations, such as a T3-T4 combination, or why he might turn to further tests to find an alternate cause.
He also directs the conversation where he’s put a lot of his energy: it struck him how often patients answer that they “don’t eat as well or exercise as much as they should.” Instead of ignoring this, he’s brought his full attention to motivational issues as an endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism impact factor. “In general, willpower always falls short,” he says. He’s done something about this in his practice and developed coaching programs and a closely-monitored twelve-week approach for patients. These methods integrate activities like their “be a hero” framework and “intention setting,” which are proven practices to increase certain behaviors. Listen in for more about these methods, researchers he suggests reviewing, and successful stories of past patients.
For more about his practice, see thealpinecenter.com and drtopherfox.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Could the study of cancer epigenetics lead to new, specific, and more effective drug therapies for cancer? Manel Esteller, MD, PhD seems to think it could.
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Director of the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Dr. Manel Esteller, and his team are tackling the study of cancer epigenetics from a number of angles, such as by looking at the epigenomic changes of cancer cells, examining the interactions between epigenetic modification and non-coding RNAs, and developing new epigenetic drug therapies for cancer.
Dr. Esteller starts with the basics: how epigenetic marks occur, and which types are the most well-understood. Then he dives a bit deeper, explaining the features and significance of different types of epigenetic modifications, and how they manifest in primary tumors and metastasis. For instance, while cancer cells exhibit an overall decrease in DNA methylation, there is simultaneous hypermethylation at specific sites—namely, where there are anticancer genes. This is an epigenetic change which leads to metastasis, the cause of most cancer-related deaths.
He also explains how an imbalance of proteins that regulate epigenetic settings can lead to the development of cancer, and just how such an imbalance arises. He explores the differences between cancer epigenetics of tumors in children vs. adults, how primary tumors adapt to different conditions and change their DNA methylation profile in order to successfully metastasize, what is known about the epigenetics of otherwise healthy tissues that surround tumors, the mechanism of tumor transdifferentiation for evading cancer drug therapies, how drugs targeting particular DNA modifications could slow the ageing process and serve as an effective treatment for cancer, and so much more.
For all the details on these exciting new research insights, tune in now. To learn more about Dr. Esteller’s work, visit https://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/cancer-epigenetics_124284. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Can we ever truly prepare ourselves for the next war? How can new technological advancements be effectively countered when the next technology is always just around the bend? David Olney, Defence and Security Studies Expert and Associate Lecturer of Politics and International Relations (POLIR) at the University of Adelaide sheds light on the stakes and the everchanging nature of modern warfare.
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Post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan changed the definition of modern war across the entire world. Can a professional, ethical modern military ever prevail in counter terrorism measures when faced with the opposition of lawless terrorist organizations? How does the growing prevalence of ultra-violence in conventional warfare affect the already crippling rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and moral injury in today’s soldiers?
World powers like China and Russia continue to abandon direct physical conflict in favor of heavily investing in cyber warfare, intelligence tactics, economic warfare, and operations other than war. Private security companies are now fulfilling traditional military roles across the globe, creating a system of violence for hire and inviting the dodging of accountability. Is this bound to become the way of the future?
We are living on a planet where vital resources become more limited each and every day. War over the remaining resources is inevitable, but that war will not necessarily look the way war has ever looked in the past. Strategy and applied critical thinking now prevail over brute force. Can the world’s main military forces adjust accordingly? David shares his knowledgeable insights on the past, present, and future of war and its effects on military members, civilians, and civil-military relations.
For more information visit https://davidolney.com.au/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Are we alone in the universe? Society’s popular view on the possibility of life existing on other planets has completely reversed over the past few decades, but is there any real evidence of extraterrestrial life out there? Paul Davies, author of the upcoming book What’s Eating the Universe and Other Cosmic Mysteries along with 30 other titles, shares his exciting research.
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Paul is a professor at Arizona State University and a theoretical cosmologist. As Director of the BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, the Center for the Convergence of Physical Sciences and Cancer Biology, and Co-Director of the ASU Cosmology Initiative, his work in the field of cosmology physics is expansive.
From cancer treatment to alien life forms and black holes facts, the study of physics reigns supreme. In combination with Immunotherapy and Information Theory, physics could be the missing element in modern cancer research and treatment development. What if it were possible to develop a treatment for cancer that prevented spread and provided a route to healthy management of the disease?
Emerging science suggests that a future in which cancer can managed as part of a happy, healthy lifestyle, the same way Diabetes can, could be right around the corner. Professor Davies, along with his colleagues and students, leads the way in changing the world through dedication to the development and advancement of science.
To learn more about the world of physical science and cancer biology visit http://cosmos.asu.edu/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Should ants be considered unsightly pests or ecological saviors? Before you decide to eradicate the ant hills from your backyard, take the time to learn about the ecological role of insects in their local ecosystems and the benefits of keeping ants in yours.
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Professor and Ant Scientist, Andrew Suarez specializes in ant biology and psychology. His research on ants sheds light upon this commonly misunderstood and even villainized insect. Andrew’s lab focuses on bio-inspired design, which boils down to observing organisms in nature and adapting their approaches to work, survival, and life for potential human use. Exploring the ants habitat and turning their intricate design processes into human innovations could lead to countless breakthroughs in an unforeseen number of industries.
Entomology and forensics working together can create small connections that add up to the big picture of human survival and advancement. The variations seen in different types of ants offer a unique perspective on the evolution of social interactions and physical adaptations that can apply to larger organisms and even to human beings.
The future of ant research is an exciting prospect. How do ants recognize and communicate with one another? How does an ant instinctively know what its job is within its colony and how to perform it? What if ants are the secret to decoding the future of human evolution? Professor Suarez leads the way in recognizing the questions and finding the answers to how these ecologically flexible insects can both inspire and educate us.
To learn more about the study of ants visit https://sib.illinois.edu/suarez/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Out with the old, in with the new COVID-19 virus detection method? A faster, more cost-effective, and more sensitive test may soon replace the status quo. Press play to discover:
Brian T. Cunningham is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and for the past several months, he’s been working on a novel detection method for the COVID-19 virus that’s faster and more sensitive than the PCR test. How does it work? The method uses engineered nucleic acid molecules that can bind to the spike proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus, and capture the virus on a nanostructured surface called a photonic crystal. When light is shined on this surface, the scattering between the light and virus particles is amplified, which then allows for a special microscope to immediately count the number of virus particles present. The COVID-19 virus is detected by virtue of the unique shadow it casts when light is scattered off its surface.
Initially, this method had actually been published for the detection of the Zika virus, and when COVID-19 hit, Cunningham and his team began adapting the method to detect the COVID-19 virus. The same method is also being used for HIV viral load monitoring, which is a proposal that’s recently been funded by the NIH.
A paper submitted to Nature Communications detailing the method was just accepted, which means it will soon be published and available to the public.
Press play for all the details and visit http://nano.illinois.edu/ to learn more.
Could artificial intelligence be used in clinical drug trials? Is AI really capable of making the overall process easier and allowing the advancement of medical science, bringing cutting-edge treatment options to patients? AI in healthcare may sound like science fiction, but thanks to Charles Fisher, Ph.D., and his company, Unlearn.ai, it is now quickly becoming a reality.
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Unlearn.ai was founded as a way to invest in developing agenda-free and accessible machine learning and artificial intelligence in medical field applications. This primarily takes place in the form of intelligent clinical trials utilizing what is called a “digital twin”, which allows a personalized glimpse into the future for patients to assist them with choosing between multiple treatment options. The more data that is entered into these digital models over time, the more accurate and accessible the approaches to intelligent trials will become.
Recruiting people to participate in all clinical trials phases has always been incredibly difficult. Now, the restrictions of the pandemic have made it nearly impossible. Using artificial intelligence technology in clinical trials can reduce the number of participants required to acquire the same amount of accurate data about a drug’s safety, success rate, and side effects. In fact, entire control groups can be eliminated and replaced by simulations, improving efficiency across the board.
The accelerated clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine drugs raise many questions from the medical community and the public alike about the efficiency of the current practices around drug trials and approvals. Charles and Unlearn.ai are ready to move into the next phase of medical technological advancement and change the way clinical trials are performed now and well into the future.
To learn more, visit https://www.unlearn.ai/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What if it were possible to use the science behind evolution and cancer to develop highly personalized cancer medications capable of targeting cancerous tissue while leaving healthy tissue unaffected? Steve Gullans, former Chief Executive Officer of Gemphire Therapeutics and co-author of Evolving Ourselves: Redesigning the Future of Humanity- One Gene at a Time, tells us that not only is it possible, it is happening right now.
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Steve, a one-time Harvard Scientist, now uses his knowledge of both cancer evolution and immune system science to advise biotech companies on the medical science needed to advance cancer therapy treatment options from toxic to targeted. One major roadblock to these new immune therapy cancer drugs is the high price of manufacturing them and distributing them to pharmacies and cancer patients.
The living cells that are required to create effective anti-bodies are difficult to transport and to store and require constant below-freezing temperatures to survive. Once the manufacturing, storage, and use of these technologies is finally scaled to a mainstream level, will they go on to be used to treat other devastating medical conditions in addition to cancer?
Cancer and evolutionary biology must go hand in hand in order to make a real impact on standard treatments and survival rates. Over the past two years, 50 new cancer drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Steve expects to see that number reach 100 per year within the next decade and shares how these rapid advances tie in with the current worldwide pandemic and the controversial COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information, follow Steve Gullan on TED: https://www.ted.com/profiles/250736 Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"Here you have to look for ants, but in the rainforest, they find you," says Professor McGlynn, as he describes his efforts to make it to a Costa Rican field house for research on ants. He tells listeners about some of the fascinating ant behaviors he discovers there as Finding Genius continues investigating the ecological roles of insects. Listen and learn
Ecologist, entomologist, and science policy communicator Terry McGlynn is a professor of biology and the director of undergraduate research at California State University—Dominguez Hills. As a colleague once described, he studies the "experimental natural history" of ant species. Listeners are treated to delightful details such as the leafcutter's agricultural efforts and the curious case of the rotating nests of one species. He also describes the predatory habits of army ants and the sting of the bullet ants.
Most of his research takes place at a field house in Costa Rica that has been in place since the '60s. We are able to get a tour of how such field houses function and cater to different scientists from all over the world. It happens to be prime ant location, and one researcher has identified at least 427 different ant species in the surrounding rainforest. In fact, ants play a role in almost every ecological system in the forest, from eating and protecting plants, to turning over and cycling the soil and dispersing seeds. They have several tricks of their own, including the ability to fixate nitrogen sources for their own use. These essential roles are one reason Professor McGlynn is turning solid attention toward understanding how climate change may affect ants, and desert species in particular.
For more about his work, see leaflitter.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"A tumor is certainly smarter than humans," says researcher Jyotsna Batra, discussing the ability of some tumors to change behaviors and progress through mutations. But she and other researchers are doing their best to utilize genome-wide associated studies to understand the genetic basis of stages of carcinogenesis. Listen and learn
Jyotsna Batra is an associate professor with the Faculty of Health and School of Biomedical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She works in genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology and is currently focusing on prostate cancer research. Her lab has recently joined a large prostate cancer consortium known as the Practical Consortium led by the Institute of Cancer Research in London. This teaming up offers the world a major cooperative workforce undertaking genome-wide association studies to understand the genetic basis of cancer.
She describes one of her major projects: a germ-line study involving chip technology that has allowed her to identify 150 risk variants associated with prostate cancer risk. As Richard asks about possible directions prostate cancer research could take, she illustrates the challenges and breakthroughs, from the role of heterogeneity as research progresses to what liquid biopsies can offer.Her work with biomarkers is directed at identifying aggressiveness as she looks at plasma and blood for secretory tumor cells and microRNAs. She is able to give a succinct reason for why prostate cancer might evade treatment, namely the possibilities of multiple origins for a tumor as well as developed resistance to drugs. Finally she shares an important finding from her lab involving what diagnostic tests should be combined. Listen in for more about this exciting and life-saving work. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Most cancer therapies focus on killing cells, but researcher Gabor Balazsi is trying a different approach: he's creating gene circuits to change cancer cell behavior. He takes listeners through this imaginative approach for altering the direction of cancer progression. Listen and learn
Gabor Balazsi is the Henry Laufer Professor and a physical and quantitative biology professor within the Biomechanical Engineering Department at Stony Brook University. Cancer researchers meet that resounding question—can cancer be cured—from multiple disciplines, and he applies a biomechanical approach. He's working on a method to control cancer cells by inserting them with human-built artificial gene circuits. The circuits are designed to control the cells and make them "better behaved."
Here's how it works: these gene circuits consists of two simple genes, a commander and actuator, and their usual products such as mRNA. The circuit hooks onto a cancer cell and a scientist "talks" to the commander through chemical means. The commander then gives directions to the actuator, which changes the cell's behavior.
Professor Balazsi answers Richard's questions about controlling the circuits so they don't cause harmful effects, addresses issues of extracellular vesicles, and describes how and where exactly the gene circuit hooks in to the cancer cell. Ideally, these circuits would play a role in a cancer prevention and early detection program or with early cancer symptoms and diagnosis to prevent cells from mestasizing. Listen in for more details about this intriguing research into a new method for battling cancer. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What do zebra mussels and cancer cells have in common? Researchers consider each invasive forces. About ten years ago, oncologists recast cancer in evolutionary terms to reimagine how to treat it. Oncologists Kenneth Pienta explains why that's made a difference. Listen and learn
Ten million people die worldwide from cancer every year and Dr. Kenneth Pienta and his team are working to change that. Kenneth Pienta is a professor at John Hopkins School of Medicine in Urology, Oncology, Pharmacology, and Molecular Sciences. His research interests include novel therapeutics and the "ecology of cancer," and he helps listeners understand how both these concepts will hopefully save lives. His specific focus is prostate cancer treatment and prostate cancer diagnosis, but many of his findings apply to the ecology of all cancers.
He describes one particularly exciting find: they discovered special cancer cells called poly‐aneuploid cancer cells (PACCs): the cells enter a hibernating-like state when they are stressed, such as when treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy only kills dividing cells and these cells have stopped dividing, effectively evading death. Once the stress discontinues, they begin dividing again and spreading. Peinta and his colleagues think this explains cancer treatment resistance.
He helps listeners understand how this might inform new treatments and outlines three specific approaches they are taking. Along the way, he describes how the body's response—the release of growth factors and substances that lead to conditions like wasting syndrome and other metastatic prostate cancer symptoms—are what make cancer so deadly. Therefore some of the approaches examine meeting the body's response.
For more, see his web page: https://www.kennethjpienta.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What separates us from a mouse? It may be our large load of long non-coding RNA. Barak Rotblat and his team research what was previously thought of as "junk RNA." Technology and careful study indicate they may have significant roles as functional RNA types through regulation. Listen and learn
Barak Rotblat is a senior lecturer at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. He entered academic research just when the talk of the field were these mysterious RNA sequences that didn't code for proteins. The intriguing question around their purpose led his research from that point on and now he runs a lab researching non-coding RNA cancer molecules. He helps fill in some of the pieces of the puzzle for listeners, offering a description of the mechanics of the genome and what possibilities these molecules present.
They "look like a normal gene and behave like a normal gene," but the function of non-coding RNA is defined in the RNA molecule itself rather than the protein that is being translated from the RNA. But he really broadens the picture when he explains what they might have to do with evolution. For example, 90% of our coding genome is identical to that of mice. What differentiates us is the large amount of non-coding RNA. Mice have some, but not nearly as much and that might be why we are more complex organisms. That's because scientist think they are regulators, turning functions on and off and regulating metabolism and structure. If he and his team can understand what key non-coding RNA cancer molecules do, they may find indicators for effective therapeutics.
For more about his work, see barakrotblat.wixsite.com/rotblatlab. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
After years of stubborn insomnia that left doctors stumped, Bill McGraw started his own search. He learned about metal poisoning and a test revealed mercury poisoning: he'd been suffering from mercury side effects. He gives listeners a run-down of this story and details how to understand heavy metal poisoning and mineral deficiencies. Listen and learn
Dr. Bill McGraw is the author of Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease and has a PhD in aqua culture. He takes listeners along on his own search for relief from symptoms he eventually learned stemmed from a high mercury toxicity level. He cites mercury-heavy vaccines in preparation for a South African trip and growing up in a coal-powered house as two dominate sources for his own high levels. He began intensive research, producing his book, and he now advises others on reducing mercury toxicity in their own lives.
His evidence is compelling as he lays down the multiple sources contributing to mercury toxicity in humans in present day life, from industrialized and processed foods to glyphosates. He explains how heavy metals need help from minerals to leave our bodies, and their presence can lead to deficiencies in elements like zinc. He started his own efforts by taking magnesium and potassium supplements, for example. He tells listeners about three general methods for ridding the body of metals and discusses the chronic conditions resulting from the inflammation caused by mercury toxicity, such as Alzheimer's and chronic fatigue.
For more about his book and his work, see https://www.newaquatechpanama.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What makes science so difficult for people of all ages to grasp? Why do so many of us feel so intimidated by the subject? Melanie Peffer, Ph.d, has cracked the code behind enabling men, women, and children to actively engage with science without fear or anxiety.
Tune into discover:
Melanie holds a B.S. in biology and a doctoral degree in molecular biology from the University of Pittsburgh, after graduating cum laude. Now an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, she is turning everything we once knew about both teaching and learning science on its head. From her free Coursera course to her educational book, Melanie has dedicated herself to making biology and other sciences more approachable, interesting, and accessible to as many people as possible.
The scientific process is more than performing simple biology experiments in a laboratory or a classroom. We can observe biological principles everywhere we go, if we choose to look for them. This is the sentiment of Melanie’s book, Biology is Everywhere: How the Science of Life Matters to Life. The importance of biology to human society cannot be overstated, so how did so many of us end up dreading science class? Why do intelligent adults shy away from reading and analyzing scientific research?
Observing biology in daily life and understanding science simply, without any pretense, may just be the key to changing the minds of the masses. First-hand and cognitive biases can wreak a surprising amount of havoc on a person’s ability to learn and retain scientific information. By viewing biology through the lenses of psychology, business, and even art, science can be appreciated in new ways, and we can begin to eliminate the stereotype of the cold lab and the droning professor. Biology is, truly, everywhere.
For more information on the science of everyday life, visit https://www.biologyeverywhere.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What do tumor cells use for food? Researcher Christos Chinopoulos discusses a brand new technology called Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) that quantifies protein expressions and determines what pathways are important for cancer metabolism. By viewing cancer as a metabolic disease, it may provide tools to inhibit those pathways. This conversation covers
Christos Chinopoulos is an associate professor with Semmelweis University and the project manager of their RPPA facility. He gives listeners a glimpse of this exciting technique, likening it to “western blotting on steroids.” Thus far they have been able to semi quantify the expression of several hundreds of proteins from thousands of samples. These samples include solid tumor tissue and healthy tissue as a control. Several proteins on a pathway can be examined at the same time. This gives researchers an idea if that particular pathway is important in cancer metabolism.
This precise technology is along the lines of searches for new cancer treatments like a mitochondria cancer cure and caloric restriction and cancer, but at the pathway level. Chinopoulos believes that by investigating these metabolic pathways, which are a small part of the glutamine metabolism pathway, they can identify what is critical for tumor survival. They aim to quantify the expression of proteins participating in that particular pathway of glutamine metabolism, which could lead to ways to inhibit those pathways and starve the cancer cells. He hopes to present concrete data over the next year.
For more, see rppa.hu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Place a fist in front of your eyes: that’s what someone with macular degeneration sees. But Mike Freeman and his brother have created a new medical technology to bring the center to the periphery through an augmented reality headset. Even better, this technology can serve surgeons when microscopic vision takes priority. Listen and learn
Mike Freeman is CEO of Ocutrx Technologies. As Richard says, he’s a true visionary, creating brilliant augmented reality projects for medical use, from visionary issues to surgical accuracy. He gives listeners a clear explanation of augmented reality versus virtual reality and how their technology takes advantage of virtual reality techniques to aid the development of the other. He and his family were already award-winners in video technology, but when their father developed macular degeneration, they turned their skills towards a way to help him and others.
Basically, their technology adjusts the pixels so they appear in the area that the wearer can see. They’ve tested people who had given up reading for years because it was just too slow going. But with this technology, they are able to “show them the real world” at 60 frames a second. They buffer the images and move all the pixels out to the periphery. The wearer sees a compressed image of all that’s in front of them. In fact, the technology’s eye-tracking moves the buffer according their vision loss, so if the wearer tries to read, they have a much better experience. Listen in to find out how to get access to this technology and for more information about how it works.
For more, see ocutrxtech.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
If lifestyle has a major impact on your health, shouldn't doctors address it in meaningful ways? Arti Thangudu believes partnering with patients to treat lifestyle habits is important and she has the data to show it makes a difference. Listen and learn
Arti Thangudu, MD, is a triple board-certified physician and a thyroid, endocrinology, and diabetes specialist. While most of her work is clinical, she tracks her own outcomes and assesses her own data. She shares with listeners several key factors at work in the human endocrine system that lead to disease and what pathways are involved. She explains the connection between endocrinology diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease and how those with autoimmune-caused type 1 diabetes are at greater risk for other autoimmune endocrinology issues like hypothyroidism, specifically Hashimoto's disease.
She tells Richard that most of her patients have exhausted all their resources and haven't been able to improve their numbers. She has a particular cohort of retired police officers and firefighters who've faced a career of stress and long hours and, as she's board-certified in lifestyle medicine as well, she works with these patients on diet, nutrition, sleep, and stress. These elements have proven health connections yet physicians often aren't able to spend the time and energy addressing them. The diabetes and metabolism impact factors seen from this close attention was remarkable. She shares how and why and what she thinks makes the biggest difference. "We can move the mountains of diabetes," she adds. Listen in to find out how.
For more about her work, see her clinic website: sacomplete.com.
What exactly is plant medicine? Can Psilocybin and other psychedelic medicinal plants really help treat mental health issues? Nadia Doe’s plant medicine meditation practice and other shamanic programs could provide much-needed answers.
Tune in to dive into:
Nadia Doe is the founder of Sacred Heart Medicine Sanctuary, a mobile religious institution for those who seek a non-traditional approach to spirituality. Her many titles include Ordained Minister, Reiki Master, Shadow Work Practitioner, and Spiritual Healer, along with holding a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a massage therapy license. Nadia began her journey into shamanism, spiritual healing, and plant medicine while pursuing a goal of personal spiritual enlightenment after struggling with addiction and mental illness for many years. Today, she offers the same healing modalities she used to overcome her own traumas to lovingly hold space for others as a Shaman, or spiritual consultant.
Despite their former reputation as a dangerous street drug, Psilocybin mushrooms are now being studied by prestigious Johns Hopkins University and multiple plant-based medicine companies. So far, a small study has indicated that these “magic” mushrooms can rapidly reduce major depressive symptoms in adults in just two doses. For half of the study’s participants, relief lasted for a minimum of four weeks.
Trauma takes many different shapes and we all suffer due to its covert effects. Nadia’s shamanistic practice focuses on utilizing Psilocybin and her own intuitive gifts in a ceremonial setting to facilitate the healing of trauma and the reclamation of personal power. She and her husband are currently in the process of purchasing land for the purpose of opening a permanent location for Sacred Heart to offer their spiritual services to the public on a much larger scale.
Learn more about plant medicine, shamanism, spiritual healing, or mentorship at https://www.sacredheartmedicine.us/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“The lack of knowledge in the oncology field is profound, which contributes to tremendous suffering and death…Our research at Boston College is developing the very diet-drug combinations that will eventually lead to the resolution of cancer.” Those are bold statements, and Thomas Seyfried offers no apology; just evidence. Press play to discover:
Thomas Seyfried is a professor in the biology department at Boston College and author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications, as well as the book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer. In the world of cancer research, Seyfried's is revolutionary, but it’s not getting the attention it deserves.
The underlying message is clear, backed by evidence, and surprisingly simple: all cancers—whether brain, breast, colon, or any others—are unable to grow without glucose and glutamine, which means any therapy that disrupts the availability of these molecules to cancer cells will result in the death of those cancer cells.
Why are glucose and glutamine necessary components of cancer cell growth? It’s because cancers cannot use oxygen to generate energy, which means they cannot use the oxidative phosphorylation pathway used by other cells in the body. Instead, they rely on an ancient metabolic pathway for energy production: fermentation. And what drives fermentation? That’s right: glucose and glutamine. Without these molecules, fermentation cannot be carried out, leaving cancer cells without the ability to generate energy, which causes cancer cell death.
Taking this to be true, every known major cancer should be potentially manageable at least, and entirely resolvable at most, so long as glucose and glutamine can be targeted and restricted. This is why Siegfried’s efforts have been focused on developing a non-toxic diet and drug cocktail that does exactly this.
He is skipping the clinical trials because the diet and drug cocktail strategy is not consistent with the double-blind crossover study design used by pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, no pharmaceutical company is going to jump on the opportunity to fund a study that tests the efficacy of diet and non-patentable drugs, because there is simply no financial incentive to do so.
Instead, Seyfried treats individual patients with these diet and drug therapies and publishes his results in the existing scientific literature. He is currently working on a paper on longitudinal studies showing the impact of diet and drug therapies on tumors, backed by MRI and PET scan images.
Seyfried dives into the details of this research and more. Tune in—it’s not an episode you want to miss.
Visit https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/departments/biology/people/faculty-directory/thomas-seyfried.html and https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/bcnews/science-tech-and-health/biology-and-genetics/targeting-cancer.html to learn more and find out how you can help these research efforts. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Is it possible to breed a species of bee with total viral immunity? Maybe, and the research being done in Michelle Flenniken’s lab could pave the way for it to happen.
Tune in to discover:
Michelle Flenniken is Assistant Professor in the Plant Sciences Department and Co-Director of the Pollinator Health Center at Montana State University whose primary research is focused not only on understanding the impact of viruses on honeybees, but on the molecular mechanisms that bees have evolved to combat viral infections.
Longitudinal monitoring projects looking at the prevalence and abundance of 16 pathogens across several bee colonies over time have led to interesting and useful findings. For instance, Flenniken’s lab has shown that bees that are infected with viruses have perturbation in the genes that are important for metabolic processes, and that even in so-called asymptomatic bees, there are more than a billion copies of RNA viruses per bee. The hypothesis that follows this finding is that this viral load could be energetically taxing on bees—even if the bees appear phenotypically normal.
More recent research in Flenniken’s lab has shown that a bee’s immune response is stimulated by double-stranded RNA, which is a molecule that viruses produce when replicating; this molecule stimulates RNA interference in bees—an antiviral mechanism. This has shown to be true also in bumblebees, but is not the case in the fruit fly, which is the go-to model for studying insect immunity. This has opened the door to more exciting and new research that Flenniken and her lab are gearing up to conduct.
If antiviral mechanisms in bees can be fully understood, then it may be possible to identify the genes associated with fighting off viral infection, which would make it possible to breed honeybees that are resistant or immune to viral infections.
Flenniken discusses the details of all this and more, including viral transmission in bees and across species, whether different castes of bees are differentially impacted by viruses, host-pathogen interaction studies, and which viruses most commonly impact bees.
Check out https://plantsciences.montana.edu/directory/faculty/1524085/michelle-flenniken to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bees are not alone in their fight to survive. While the backyard beekeeper might start with a pollinator garden, researchers are also busy strengthening and shoring up these vulnerable organisms that are an essential part of our food ecosystem. Jay Evans explains some promising efforts, telling listeners
Jay Evans is with the USDA ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Maryland. He and his colleagues are approaching bee health from every angle, assessing direct and indirect factors that increase bee health and lessening those that cause habitat harm. The list is long, from increasing nutrition to mitigating pesticide effects, parasites, and the spread of viruses. Often the best solutions provide a path for the bees to help themselves.
Evans and his group in particular work on bolstering the honey bee immune system. Just as humans find their health affected by stress, so do bees, from temperature changes to chemical stress to nest disturbances. These stresses makes the bees more vulnerable to direct threats like parasites and pathogens. Their close living quarters in the beekeeping industry make for further vulnerabilities. Once a colony in an apiary is infected with a pathogen, it spreads fairly quickly through the apiary. Researchers like Evans are helping them tolerate those invasions and push the pathogens out over time. He describes some of the most promising efforts, from breeding for "varroa-sensitive hygiene" to developing disease-fighting medicines from botanical sources.
For more, see the USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It just takes one sting to make sure your eyes are on the ground in fire-ant country. Walking across a field in the southern United States often includes a quick scan for any telltale nest mounds. More than memorable, fire ants also are problematic for agriculture. Guest David H. Oi fills in the background and tells listeners
Research entomologist David H. Oi opens up the world of the fire ant for listeners, taking us along their "small and sneaky" paths. These ants are not native to North America, but made their way here in the '30s via imported goods arriving in Mobile from South America. They spread rapidly and easily, which is part of the reason they're considered invasive: the ability to out-compete native species and lack of any formidable predator, resulting in a negative impact. They USDA therefore gave them this special designation because of public health and agricultural concerns.
Fire ants are omnivorous, so their food choices are plenty, and range from young quail to baby sea turtles to agricultural crops. Dr. Oi describes the USDA mitigation history, from early pesticides found to be harmful to mammals to current methods available at any local garden store. He also shares biological measures, including a range of insect pathogens. He describes a particular microsporidium scientists spread through colonies, which slowed the queen's reproductive capabilities with some measureable impacts. But Dr. Oi says it's no "silver bullet," so listen in as he describes other creative ventures he and his colleagues are developing to stop the sting and save the crops.
For more about their work, see the USDA's Imported Fire Ants webpage. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Most of us dread the sight of an ant in the kitchen, and might squash it without pause. But what if we knew that a single ant is just one part of an ‘individual’, that individual being the ant colony as a whole? What if we truly understood the social complexity, diversity, and evolutionary success of ants? What if we knew that an ant queen can live up to 29 years?
Tune in to enter the life of an ant, and discover:
Tom Rhys Bishop is an ecologist and Extraordinary Lecturer at University of Pretoria, South Africa, whose research is focused on trying to understand the factors that drive the distribution and diversity of different ant species, both on a small and large scale. His primary field site is in the Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains of Southern Africa, where he samples ants up and down the mountain range to determine how and why different types and quantities of ant species live in different locations and habitats along the mountain.
The second component of his research is larger in scale, aimed at uncovering patterns of ant diversity globally—which includes the potential study of all 15,000 species of ant that have been described to date. With a dataset containing incredible details—including leg length, size of mandible, and broadness of shoulders—on about 4,000 of these ant species sampled from every continent, Bishop and other researchers are trying to better understand evolutionary and ecological convergence.
In describing the scope of this research and more, Bishop touches on a number of interesting topics, such as the different caste systems within an ant colony, how colony lifespan differs between species, environmental factors that impact the distribution of ant species, how ants stay warm without much hair, the ecological role of ants, ant colony structure, techniques for trapping ants from their natural environment for study, surprising ant abilities, and more.
For more information about Bishop’s research, visit https://www.tomrhysbishop.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Astronauts in microgravity environments lose 2-3% of their bone mass per month. To put that in perspective, adults over the age of about 35 lose 2-3% of their bone mass per decade. Why is bone loss so accelerated in space? It all boils down to mechanical signals that are perceived and responded to by bone cells. Tune in to discover:
SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University, Clinton Rubin, researches how mechanical signals or the lack thereof influence the musculoskeletal system, and how skeletal sensitivity to mechanical signals can be harnessed in the development of a non-drug therapeutic for bone wasting, obesity, and osteoporosis.
The understanding is that cells are mechanoreceptors, and that by delivering mechanical signals of one type or another, cells perceive those signals and respond in specific ways. For example, when you go for a run or play a sport, your bones resist the compressive force of your body weight, your bone cells pick up those stress signals, and in turn they signal other cells to produce more bone mass.
In the absence of these stress signals, such as in the case of a lack of exercise, whether from an illness, injury, or just plain laziness, your bone cells send signals to other cells for bone resorption—the opposite of bone building. This explains why astronauts in space lose bone mass as such a rapid rate: there is the complete absence of the compressive forces of weight, and therefore an absence of mechanical signals. All of this is the result of your bones tuning into the environment and trying to strike a balance between having too much bone mass and too little bone mass.
At the Center for Biotechnology Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Rubin and his team are trying to develop a mechanical regimen that would produce the benefits of exercise on the skeleton, without requiring actual exercise—thereby benefiting those with injuries, illnesses, or other conditions which preclude them from exercising.
How are they doing it? Rather than slamming the body with mechanical signals similar to those generated during exercise, which are at two cycles per second, they’re mimicking what the muscles do at a higher frequency of 30-50 cycles per second. Clinical studies have shown that by delivering these higher frequency signals to a person who is standing, it’s possible to stop bone loss and increase bone growth in those with osteoporosis. In effect, they’ve found a surrogate for exercise, at least in terms of the beneficial effects it has on the skeletal system.
For the details on all this and more, tune in, and visit http://www.bme.stonybrook.edu/labs/crubin/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Imagine having a grand mal seizure while whitewater kayaking on a frigid river; you wake up and manage your way toward the shore, but you’re dazed and confused, freezing cold, and you don’t know where you are. Now imagine that a critical care registered nurse and wilderness medicine instructor comes to your rescue and brings you to safety. For a young man in his twenties, this story was real, and that nurse’s name was Jon Lowrance.
In today’s episode, we hear from Lowrance about his past and current experiences in the medical world. Tune in to learn:
Lowrance got his start in the medical world as an outdoor guide and EMT who taught wilderness emergency medicine and risk management to other outdoor guides through Landmark Learning and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He has since become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and currently works at a level one trauma center in Portland, Maine. He’s also the producer of an educational podcast for other anesthesia providers called Anesthesia Guidebook.
If you’ve ever had work done at the dentist, chances are you were under general anesthesia; you closed your eyes and opened them a second later—or at least that’s how it felt. Lowrance compares general anesthesia to other forms of anesthesia and gives examples of when and how they are used. He discusses anesthesia side effects, monitoring parameters, invasive lab results, invasive blood pressures and central lines to monitor specific pressures within the heart, cerebral oximetry, and the use of ECG. He also talks about the modulation of a patient’s physiology or immune response during anesthesia, sedation vs. anesthesia vs. analgesia vs. paralytics, the use of ketamine in patients with psychiatric conditions or chronic pain, and more.
To learn more, check out https://anesthesiaguidebook.com/.
It’s been nearly 100 years since insulin was first used in the treatment of diabetes—a life-changing medical advancement for those who have diabetes or know someone who does. However, too much insulin can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, taking someone from a state of hyperglycemia and putting them into a state of hypoglycemia. Press play to learn more about hypoglycemia, and to discover:
Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield in the UK and consultant diabetologist, Peter Novodvorsky, PhD, studies the effect of hypoglycemia on cardiovascular health. About twenty years ago, the focus sat pretty narrowly on the detrimental and unpleasant autonomic symptoms caused by hypoglycemia, like shakiness, sweatiness, confusion, and hunger. “Since then, we’ve moved on, and we know that hypoglycemia has much wider negative impacts on the human body, in particular on the cardiovascular system,” says Novodvorsky.
Why? Novodvorsky explains the three natural defenses against hypoglycemia, one of which is activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system. This increases the level of blood glucose, but also causes changes in heart rate and puts a lot of stress on the body.
Part of Novodvorsky’s work focuses on dead in bed (DIB) syndrome, which is when an otherwise young and healthy individual with type 1 diabetes goes to bed feeling fine, only to be found dead in their bed the next morning. This was first described in the early 1990s in the UK; since then, other reports from other areas of the world have followed.
The possible mechanism, explains Novodvorsky, could be a hypoglycemia-induced cardiac arrhythmia. As part of a study designed to look at the effects of clinical hypoglycemia on the cardiovascular system, subjects wore a continuous glucose monitor and Holter monitor to record heart activity. This study resulted in several interesting findings, including that hypoglycemic episodes are far more frequent than expected, and the majority of hypoglycemic events during the night—and even many during the day—go entirely unnoticed by the person. The study also confirmed that hypoglycemia leads to QT prolongation, an electrical disturbance of the heart that can be fatal.
Novodvorsky shares information about the physiology of hypoglycemia, the types of sugar responses in different people with type 1 diabetes versus type 2 diabetes, the conditions under which heart rate might decrease rather than increase during a hypoglycemic event, interventions for detecting hypoglycemic events during the day or night—especially in individuals who can’t always tell when they are hypoglycemic, how well the pancreas controls glucose levels, and more.
Imagine being told as a young adult that you're suffering from osteoporosis so advanced that your bones are that of an 80-year-old. That's what happened to Mira Calton while living what she thought was a healthy life in New York City. She tells listeners what happened next and how she recovered. She and husband Dr. Jayson Calton discuss
Mira and Jayson Calton are authors and founders of Calton Nutrition. They are experts in weight management strategies and micronutrient therapies. Their latest book, Rebuild your Bones, specifically addresses bone health tips and effective ways to pair bone health vitamins and other micronutrients. Their past book addresses micronutrient deficiency effects overall. Mira and Jayson met each other after her advanced osteoporosis diagnosis. While researching her condition, which doctors said was irreversible, she received a recommendation to see nutritionist Dr. Calton. Together, they delved into the world of micronutrients, an under-discussed topic in the supplement community. Dr. Calton was able to navigate the science behind what Mira had started to learn.
For example, he explains how calcium and magnesium, both bone-building nutrients, share a similar receptor site and actually compete when introduced together. "They're like two screaming kids in a car," adds Mira, preventing each other from progressing. If they're separated, however, they can give their best. He began separating such natural competitors for her and this was the beginning of their micronutrient therapy. They've spent years researching every micronutrient competition that can take place and how to formulate them to prevent this competition. In fact, their formulation is the first and only multivitamin granted a U.S. patent for formulation. Eventually, micronutrient therapy worked to heal Mira's osteoporosis and they've helped numerous clients since. They also discuss ways medications hurt nutrient absorption and how diet effects these issues, such as suggestions for micronutrient rich foods and how each diet has micronutrient weaknesses and strengths.
For more about their work, see caltonnutrition.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Pop quiz: what’s seven trillion dollars times zero? The current amount of economic stimulus in the American economy. Despite printing four trillion dollars and seven trillion dollars in deficit spending since this time last year, economic growth is still below what it should be, hence talk of the new great depression. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Jim Rickards is an American lawyer, economist, investment banker, speaker, media commentator, and New York Times bestselling author of multiple books on matters of finance and precious metals. His most recent book, titled The New Great Depression: Winners and Losers in a Post-Pandemic World was released just this month, and presents an uplifting message: no matter how bad things get economically, there are ways for individuals to not only preserve wealth, but make money and prosper.
Rickards shares his expertise on a range of topics, including the current state of disinflation and where it will lead, why the velocity of money is the real cause of inflation and what happens when there is no velocity, reasons for the 22-year downward trend in velocity and the even more significant drop during COVID-19, ways for individuals to protect themselves financially—regardless of the economic situation, nominal versus real interest rates, why cryptocurrency will not play a role in the international monetary system, the new strain of SARS-CoV-2 and why it is evidence that the lockdowns don’t work, and more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“If you imagine the mind as a piece of unshaped clay, and if I’m the first person to get in there on a particular topic and mold the clay, I am so far ahead of anyone who comes after me, because they have to try to unmold it,” says Ken McCarthy. This statement pulls together and illustrates how public perception is manipulated, and why it’s so difficult to undo once it’s been done.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Ken McCarthy is a pioneer in the world of internet marketing and was one of the foremost visionaries on how the internet would unfold. Time Magazine credited him as the person who first understood how click-through rates would be a key metric in the commercialization of the internet, and in 1994, McCarthy commissioned the first published article on video on the internet.
During his time in the business world, McCarthy studied the persuasion and influence of the media on the public mind. How do you get people to show up in large numbers and pay money, go places, or even change their career? How do you change people’s perception through the media? How are psychological impressions and ideas formed? Having studied social psychology and neuroscience at Princeton University, McCarthy is well-equipped to not only answer these questions, but utilize strategy in order to implement in the real world what he learned in the classroom.
To understand the COVID-19 situation, you first have to understand the context within which it has developed. McCarthy explains this context through a conversation that touches on so many subjects, including the JFK assassination, the CIA’s Operation Paperclip, the likely connection between Rockefeller, prohibition, and gasoline, the motivation behind WWI, the historical use of parades in swaying public perception, what exactly emergency use authorization is, how local politicians become corrupted, how a curated link between public health and defense kept the CDC alive, the role of the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) in influencing press and public health officers, the crime of death certificate falsification during the Nuremberg trials and how this relates to COVID-19, the adulteration of foods in the US, Kristallnacht and Edward Bernays’s book, Crystallizing Public Opinion, the history of war, how the small rural island of England rose to power, and so much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“The reason we can get away with these outrageous lies we tell is that the average person can’t imagine lying on that scale because it’s just completely out of their experience…they just can’t imagine making up something completely outrageous,” says Ken McCarthy, explaining the big lie theory in the context of history and the present day.
Press play to learn:
Ken McCarthy is a pioneer in the world of internet marketing and was one of the foremost visionaries on how the internet would unfold. Time Magazine credited him as the person who first understood how click-through rates would be a key metric in the commercialization of the internet, and in 1994, McCarthy commissioned the first published article on video on the internet.
“My success flows from my understanding of history,” says McCarthy. “The more history you know, the easier it is to see the dynamics and logistics behind how things actually happen.” During his time in the business world, McCarthy studied the persuasion and influence of the media on the public mind. How do you get people to show up in large numbers and pay money, go places, or even change their career? How do you change people’s perception through the media? How are psychological impressions and ideas formed? Having studied social psychology and neuroscience at Princeton University, McCarthy is well-equipped to not only answer these questions, but utilize strategy in order to implement in the real world what he learned in the classroom.
“When I see somebody else engaged in a persuasion campaign, I can see all the wires and how it’s put together,” he says. This has proven especially relevant to the current COVID-19 situation, and McCarthy provides a thorough, in-depth, and illuminating explanation of how. This involves a wide-ranging but ultimately interconnected list of topics, including medical fundraising, political corruption, Big Pharma, the connection between Dr. Anthony Fauci and George H.W. Bush, AIDS research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) bioweapons countermeasures research, the standard of care “cookbook,” the Louisiana floods, sponsorship for mainstream news media, primary sources of funding for health and medical reporting, Operation Warp Speed (and who is running it), Koch’s postulates and the CDC’s definition of SARS-CoV-2, and so much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Fascinating and frustrating: two words that Dr. Haller uses to describe researching how type 1 diabetes evolves within the human endocrine system. Type 1 diabetes stands at the top of pediatric endocrinology diseases, and Dr. Haller tells listeners about exciting developments in delaying, modifying, and preventing type 1 progression. Listen and learn
Michael J. Haller, MD, is a professor and Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Florida. He specializes in type 1 diabetes mellitus research and clinical work. What causes type 1? Well, that's part of the challenge. Triggers range from genetic to environmental to some mix of both, and Dr. Haller's research grapples with these complex pathways to disease onset. Because it has so many potential combinations of causes, using general approaches and treatments for everyone who is at risk for or has type 1 just doesn't cut it. Various treatments through immunotherapy is his current passion, and he tells listeners of its tremendous potential. For example, he and his colleagues have been looking at drugs that are already out in the market used to treat other diseases like lupus, seeing if they can be applied to affecting the metamorphosis of type 1.
Immunotherapy offers a wide spectrum, from suppression to more immune-modulatory effects. In fact, his lab has developed the first drug to delay and prevent type 1 in high risk patients—and it's on course to be the first therapy to get an FDA label for changing the progression of type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, research continues into how causes come into play, and he describes various approaches, from examining pancreases through a type 1 organ donation program to imaging pancreases in living patients. There's a lot to parse in this research and the work has only just begun, but so far the size of the pancreas seems to be a significant factor: they are still working on determining if that's an outcome or cause, but pancreases that come from type 1 patients tend to be about 50% smaller than average. They're also looking at the exocrine region to see if it has a role. Listen in for exciting ways researchers are making progress in treating this complex disease.
For more about these projects, see diabetes.ufl.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It’s a universal truth: one of the first words a baby speaks is “Mine!” Ownership governs everything in our lives. Hundreds of times each day, we encounter rules that determine who gets what, and when they get it. Tune in for a deep dive into this compelling topic that flies under most people’s radar. You’ll discover:
Two guests join the show today: James Salzman, the Donald Bren Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law with joint appointments at UCLA School of Law and at the Bren School of the Environment at UC Santa Barbara and author of Drinking Water: A History; and Michael Heller, Lawrence A. Wien Professor of Real Estate Law at Columbia Law School and author of The Gridlock Economy: How Too Much Ownership Wrecks Markets, Stops Innovation, and Costs Lives.
They’ve joined forces to write a book on ownership, which upon close examination, is something that reaches far beyond holding something tangible that you paid for. Ownership is a form of social engineering, an evolving technology just like any other technology. What does this mean in a world where the ownership of tangible things is becoming increasingly uncommon, and online platforms dominate? What does the future of ownership look like, and how will it affect our lives as free individuals? These are just a few of the questions at the crux of the book co-authored by Salzman and Heller, titled Mine!: How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives, which isslated to be released on March 2nd of this year.
“The place where freedom is born and dies is around ownership, around our access to resources. When governments want to destroy freedom, what they often do first is limit people’s ability to own things…there is really nothing more fundamental to freedom than what you can make yours,” says Heller. So, what can you make yours, and by what rules could you do that?
Heller and Salzman discuss the six claims to ownership used by everyone, everywhere. They also discuss what it means to decide ownership, and how doing so unavoidably decides our fundamental values. They give eye-opening examples of how the rules of ownership play out in all facets of everyday life, from what we watch on TV to which lane we drive in.
The overarching message that Heller and Salzman aim to get across in their book is this: deciding ownership isn’t a force of nature, but a choice, and there can and SHOULD be a debate about it.
To learn more, visit https://www.minethebook.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“I felt I had to stand up and be heard at least by the local council; it was never my intention that the video clip would go viral internationally….I gave my opinion, which seems to have struck a chord for many people internationally,” says Dr. Roger Hodkinson.
He’s not an anti-vaxxer, he’s not a so-called conspiracy theorist: he’s a well-recognized and accomplished physician who isn’t willing to compromise his ethics and integrity by corroborating the mainstream media message simply because he’s being intimidated and threatened into doing so.
Press play to hear him expound on the opinion that drew international attention, and to discover:
Dr. Roger Hodkinson completed a pathology residency in the 1970s at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and has since practiced as a general pathologist with a special interest in molecular diagnostics and hematopathology. Among other accomplishments, he is a serial entrepreneur who has established a number of startup medical businesses, he has dealt in several international medical diagnostic markets, and previously served as a member of the committee on laboratory accreditation and as chairman of a test committee in general pathology at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which sets the annual pathology board examination for Royal College.
According to Dr. Hodkinson, the COVID-19 situation we’re in today is being amplified by two primary drivers: (1) the testing of the asymptomatic population with an enormous number of false positives, which feeds public paranoia; and (2) the lack of any counter-narrative because of systematic intimidation at all levels.
“Physicians are being intimidated with the threat of losing their license to practice, like myself. There is intimidation at a political level…there is a concerted attempt at all levels to suppress any counter-narrative to the idiocy that is currently going on,” says Dr. Hodkinson.
He continues by going back to the beginning and exploring how all this began. Fast-forward to the current day, he discusses details about the vaccine, which was rushed to the market with completely new technology, and is being given first to some of the most vulnerable members of the population. With grave consequences, it’s “politics playing medicine,” says Dr. Hodkinson. He discusses censorship by big tech companies, shares his opinion on what could happen in the near and long-term future, and shares practical, safe, and simple practices for proactively protecting our health. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“One of my mottos is ‘no brain left behind’, and I love the most complex cases,” says Kristen Willeumier. Surprisingly, some of those complex cases can be solved through natural, simple means. Tune in to learn:
Neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain: How to Boost Cognitive Health, Performance & Power, Kristen Willeumier, spent nearly a decade in academic science before taking a job at Amen Clinics, an outpatient psychiatric clinic focused on treating complex psychiatric disorders using neuroimaging. She was hired to fulfill two roles: director of research for the clinical imaging department, where she focused on the transformational impact of neuroimaging on psychiatric practice, and director of nutrition and nutraceuticals, where her goal was to determine how nutritional supplements can change brain function. During her time at Amen Clinics, she also assumed a brain health educator role, helping patients understand brain health and how to keep it in tip-top shape.
Willeumier works with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain fog, tremors, obesity, and glioblastoma. She takes an individualized approach to each case, which begins with baseline labs, an analysis of the person’s diet, a determination of how nutraceuticals can help address the specific issues at hand, and possibly neurocognitive testing, neuropsychiatric assessments, and/or neuroimaging to get an idea of how the brain is functioning, and whether certain parts of the brain are working too hard or not enough.
In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, a number of tools are at Willeumier’s disposal, including neurofeedback therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV therapy, and genetic testing.
Along with sharing her personal practices for maintaining a sharp mind and low stress levels, Willeumier gives brain health tips, lists some of the best foods for a healthy brain and good hydration, explains how to go about choosing between diets like ketogenic and vegan, and recommends one diet in particular for slowing cognitive decline.
Find her book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and HarperCollins, and learn more about her work or reach out for a consult by visiting https://www.drwilleumier.com/.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Digital stethoscopes, otoscopes, home hemodialysis programs, video conferencing, electronic consults…you name it: digital healthcare technologies are being delivered to patients who would otherwise face significant challenges accessing the care they need for managing chronic conditions. Press play to discover:
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine and Clinical Director of Telehealth Services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Dr. Archana Bandi, is an endocrinologist who cares for patients with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, chronic obesity, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease—conditions she says lend themselves very well to telehealth. She discusses the importance of telehealth, emerging healthcare technology trends, and her experience with patients—one of whom (David) joins her on today’s show.
“…Telehealth and video conferencing works for folks like myself who are distant from the medical centers for the VA…it affords us the opportunity to be one on one with our physician, as if we were sitting in the office right there with them,” says David.
Electronic consultations (e-consults) took off in 2011 for Veteran Health Affairs, and is now an integral part of the care they provide. Beyond e-consults, they provide video clinics to patient homes, and video teleconferencing to patients in remote areas. These patients can go to their primary care office to be triaged by local nurses before being electronically connected to physicians located states away.
Technology in healthcare is closing the gap for veterans who need to access the right type of care at the right time, regardless of where they live.
Tune in for the details of all this and more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
How many stars in the sky? Gaia astronomer Timo Prusti is more qualified than most to posit an answer. He helps manage the project undertaken by the ESA mission space lab called Gaia—to measure the position of almost 2 million stars—and talks about the far-reaching implications and space exploration benefits. Listen and learn
Timo Prusti is a project scientist with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Gaia team and takes listeners on a ride through the stars in the universe. The Gaia satellite is positioned about 1.5 million kilometers away from the earth, collecting data to help Prusti and his colleagues measure star positions. The distance is tricky to calculate, but they use parallaxes: think of putting your finger in front of your eye and closing and opening the other eye such that your finger seems to jump. Gaia measures the star location from one side of the sun and then half a year later from the other side of the sun; this “jump” measurement is plugged in to their equation. These data points are collected 24 hours a day and sent to their labs on earth.
What’s been useful about this information? Well, Prusti explains how other scientists can use this for fundamental research in numerous fields. For example, scientists were able to determine the atmosphere of Triton, a moon of Neptune, based on the shadow that hit the earth when it passed between the earth and a star they had measured. Gaia has completed what’s called the “nominal mission,” but is continuing with further work and measurements. They’re hoping to keep it going until early 2025 and use the motions of stars to open up a totally new area of investigation—to understand our own Milky Way galaxy: its structure, how it was born, and what is its future.
For more, see cosmos.esa.int. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Daniel Geschwind Bio: Dr. Geschwind is the Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, Neurology and Psychiatry at UCLA. In his capacity as Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice Chancellor of Precision Health, he leads the Institute for Precision Health (IPH) at UCLA, where he oversees campus precision health initiatives. In his laboratory, his group has pioneered the application of systems biology methods in neurologic and psychiatric disease, with a focus on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Geschwind is a pioneer in the transcriptomic and functional genomic analyses of the nervous system. His laboratory showed that gene co-expression has a reproducible network structure that can be used to understand neurobiological mechanisms in health and disease. He led the first studies to define the molecular pathology of autism and several other major psychiatric disorders, and has made major contributions to defining the genetic basis of autism. He demonstrated the utility of using gene network approaches to discover new pathways involved in neurodegeneration and new approaches to facilitate neural regeneration. More recently, his laboratory demonstrated how knowledge of 3-dimensional chromatin structure can be used to understand the functional impact of human genetic variation. Dr. Geschwind has trained over 70 graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows, and is among the highest cited scientists in neurology, neuroscience and genetics (H index > 140). In addition to serving on several scientific advisory boards, including the Faculty of 1000 Medicine, the Scientific Advisory Board for the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the NIMH Advisory Council and the NIH Council of Councils, he currently serves on the editorial boards of the journals Cell, Neuron and Science. He has received several awards for his laboratory’s work is an elected Member of the American Association of Physicians and the National Academy of Medicine.
What can big data and genomics offer the individual regarding medical treatment? Dr. Daniel Geschwind is here to explain exome sequencing data analysis as well as how this field might expand and progress. Listen and learn
Dr. Daniel Geschwind is the Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor in Neurology, Psychiatry, and Human Genetics; the Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice Chancellor for Precision Health at UCLA; and the director of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the Semel Institute at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He opens up the world of genomics for listeners, explaining why an exome sequencing test is the center of precision medicine currently. He explains how the exome is composed of the 3% of your genome that actually codes for protein sequences. What's the rest of the genome up to? Well, scientists believe that remainder of your genome is busy regulating those sequences, determining levels and turning gene expressions on and off.
He explains how scientists use the exome sequencing process. In fact, the majority of people who say they've been sequenced mean, in fact, that their exome has been sequenced. Whole genome sequencing costs about three times as much but offers scientists the same information at this point. However, he thinks this will soon change. As the exome sequencing project continues and our knowledge accumulates, the benefits will increase from whole genome sequencing. The costs are likely to drop as well. Once it gets inexpensive enough and we have sequenced hundreds of millions of patients with a variety of disorders, we will have much better predictive power.
For more information, he suggests UCLA's Precision Health website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Do you think that intense, beneficial states of flow are only for extreme athletes? Not true, says Steven Kotler. In fact, we all have the tools for this process that leads to human performance optimization. He discusses his new book about human performance impact factors, offering key steps in this conversation. Listen and learn
Noted author and speaker Steven Kotler has written thirteen books, nine of which are best sellers. Two of his books have been nominated for the Pulitzer prize. He’s the executive director of the Flow Research Collective and, along with his wife, is cofounder of a hospice and special-needs center for dogs. He’s written a new book called The Art of Impossible, and shares its inspiration and seminal ideas with listeners. He’s quite a storyteller and the journey that led to his human performance improvement research is quite a story. It all started with a friend forcing him to surf after suffering months from Lyme disease. Despite extreme hardship and debilitation, he went with her that day and it changed his life: he experienced the phenomena of a “flow state.” He tells listeners, how, why, and what happened next.
He also emphasizes that flow states are achievable and have concreate access points. It’s all about getting our biology to work for us, he says. In fact, flow states have 22 triggers, and he describes some of these human performance improvement steps. But the major idea to understand, he emphasizes, is that “flow follows focus.” The ability to carve out that atmosphere and time to focus is central to human performance and limitation. He discusses methods to schedule your day to achieve this focus and describes mindsets that might hinder flow states, such as an expert mindset that might disallow open thinking. Finally, he adds that he’s trained people and groups on these techniques. His new book focuses on “turbo-boosting the equation.”
For more about these trainings, see flowresearchcollective.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Diagnosed just a few weeks past her eight birthday, it wasn't until she was an adult that she realized how isolated she had always felt as a result of being a diabetic. She and another type 1 had befriended each other, and after talking about diabetes type 1 diet and exercise types, they realized that combing forces and sharing information might help others. Listen and learn
After several decades with type 1 diabetes, Amber Clour is more than an expert in self-management. But her knowledge has even more depth because of the research and interviews she's done for her podcast and blog. She says that while a lot of people with type 1 are able to be discrete about management, many don't understand that it is a 24-hour, 7-day a week, 365-days-a-year effort. Furthermore, because the metabolism process of the human body is so different for everyone and varies under conditions like stress, there's no one-size-fits-all care guide. This constant focus on insulin action mechanisms takes concentrated energy. Further, it's important not to over treat with insulin, a potentially deadly outcome. This constant stress can also lead to mental health issues.
"You can feel like you are alone on an island," she says, but sharing with other people who know what it is like has made a big difference in her life, and she hopes her blog and podcast do the same for others. In addition, she has concerns that minimal direction is passed on to patients facing type 2 diabetes treatment as well. She hopes to help educate and inform others about available resources and technology, and is starting a new series called Just the Facts, Please, which will focus on straight information sharing from an expert.
For more about her work, see diabetesdailygrind.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"This is the worse superbug you can get," said her husband's doctors when diagnosing him with a life-threatening multidrug resistant bacterial infection. But Steffanie Strathdee put her research skills to work and eventually was able to convince doctors to treat him with an experimental phage therapy that ended up saving his life. Listen and learn
Steffanie A. Strathdee is the Associate Dean of Global Health Sciences and the Harold Simon Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. She helped found and co-directs UCSD’s new center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) and also works with the Global Health Institute and the International Core of UCSD’s Center for AIDS Research. An infectious disease epidemiologist, she's also the author of The Perfect Predator, which tells the story of her husband's struggle with a superbug and the successful effort to help him recover with phage viruses. Phages are viruses that infect bacteria, and are emerging as a potential winner as scientists struggle with how to prevent superbugs from causing deadly infections.
She gives listeners a fascinating history of how politics and war kept phage therapy out of American medicine for decades. First discovered by a French Canadian microbiologist, their adoption by Russians pre-World War II marked them as off-the-table for the American medical field. But they are emerging again as having great potential, and Steffanie Strathdee helps enlighten listeners by describing the process and why they can be effective. First, scientists are able to pick and choose their phages, testing to make sure what bacteria the phages will infect. They can get specific, killing only the bacteria they want to target. Ideally, they'll collect a couple of different phages for the best chances of success, then make isolates of them. The most difficult stage is the purification, she says. Scientists are moving ahead, designing clinical studies. Listen in for more exciting news about this life-saving treatment.
For more, see the Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Imaging a heart is both crucial and challenging, but Caption Health has fine-tuned artificial intelligence healthcare to make ultrasound imaging more precise, more accessible, and more efficient. Listen in as their CTO describes
Research scientist Kilian Koepsell cofounded Caption Health and serves as their Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He's spent his career focusing on the potential of deep learning to solve healthcare issues. He tells Richard about exciting new advances from Caption Health for artificial intelligence in ultrasound imaging. While ultrasounds are extremely valuable diagnostic tools, the procedures require highly-skilled personnel to work the ultrasound machine. Imaging something like the heart, which requires a simultaneous apical four-chamber view to gather relevant information, is especially difficult.
That's why Caption Health started with cardiac imaging as they developed their FDA-approved AI-guided ultrasound system. They created an AI algorithm that works like an expert, guiding the user to the right spot to get that four-chamber image while automatically recording the image as well. Koepsell says that Caption Health's mission is to "democratize medical imaging and get it out to many more people, especially novices of ultrasounds," even if they are specialists in other healthcare segments. He explains how the ultrasound and its application works, down to the quality meter that guides the user and other prescriptive guidance tools.
For more about this technology, see the company's website: captionhealth.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
How many podcasters does it take to evaluate the modern science field? Well, this conversation presents an intriguing attempt by two to do just that. Richard and Dr. Kat Arney touch on everything from the tangle of the publication field to the ecology of the cell. Listen and learn
Dr. Kat Arney is an award-winning science writer, public speaker, and broadcaster. Her PhD in developmental genetics informs her latest podcast, Genetics Unzipped, and she's just published a new book called Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life. She offers listeners a plethora of interesting biomedical science tidbits, from the story behind the myth of the invention of PCR testing to why Rosalyn Franklin was left behind in the accolades for the discovery of DNA's double helix. She also describes the challenges in biomedical science in understanding COVID and our genes, and describes a study involving twins to see if the differing COVID responses stem from genetics or environment.
She and Richard also discuss their concerns with how science is tested once if hits the airwaves and internet, from the best and worst of peer review processes to the difficulty of wading through preprints. "Anyone can publish a PDF," she remarks, which ultimately is all a preprint website offers. Ultimately, the physical and natural sciences' publish-or-perish pressure has led to predatory journals, which have caused even more problems. Finally, she describes the impetus behind her latest book on cancer as a culmination of years of interest and research on the genetics and evolution of cancer. Because of advances in genomics and DNA testing, she says that we are closer to understanding cancer and she shares her hope for better treatment.
To learn more about her podcast, see geneticsunzipped.com. For information on her new book, see rebelcellbook.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Over the past century, one virus has been responsible for the death of over 100 million trees in the world, posing an agricultural problem particularly in regions of Asia, South America, and South Africa; this virus is called Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Press play to learn about it, and discover the following:
In the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Florida, Associate Professor Svetlana Y. Folimonova, PhD, has been working with CTV for several years now, which is a virus that primarily affects citrus plants and trees. In some plant varieties, it causes no disease (or mild disease), while in others it causes severe disease, to such a degree that infection by the virus spreads throughout the entire plant and causes death.
In addition to the significant agricultural impact of this virus, Dr. Folimonova explains that the virus is fundamentally interesting in that it is among the largest of all RNA viruses, with a non-segmented genome comparable to the size of the virus causing COVID-19. At about 20,000 nucleotides, its genome is about twice as large as the average size of RNA viruses. It also has a unique shape, which can be described as filamentous—very long and narrow, with a “rattlesnake” structure.
Dr. Folimonova discusses how the virus enters plant cells, what happens once the virus is inside plant cells, the two main types of disease caused by CTV, how the virus alters many organelles within plant cells, as well as the structure of plasmodesmata—microscopic channels that pass through the walls of adjacent plant cells—to facilitate movement of the virus within the plant.
The primary practical goal of Dr. Folimonova’s work is to determine how diseases caused by CTV can be controlled. She discusses possible solutions, which leads to a conversation about cross-protection in plants, superinfection exclusion, and more.
Learn more by searching for Dr. Folimonova on Google Scholar, and by visiting https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty-pages/svetlana-folimonova/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Honey bees are one of the most fascinating and complex social organisms on our planet. Scientists like Gene Robinson research how their genomics play a central role in this behavior and how their environment in turn affects their genes. Listen and learn
Gene Robinson is the director of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, an institute that practices team science within a multi-disciplinary scheme. He's been studying entomology and different species of bees for over 45 years. In this conversation, he shares some fascinating notes about honey bee behavior with listeners. His group in the institute in particular looks at their social behavior mechanisms and evolution from a genomics perspective. Interestingly, he says that studies indicate layers of individuality and adaptability in bee society—not only are they not all "marching to the same orders," they can change behavior depending on what is happening with the colony.
In one study, his lab monitored the entry and exit of the hive and found that a minority of the hive worked as foragers. In addition, a small group within the foragers took on a significant 50% of the work. However, when they removed those power-house foragers, the colony did not collapse. Rather, the other bees "upped their foraging game" and made up for the loss. "So while labor is apportioned, it's not fixed and there's flexibility," adds Robinson. He describes other remarkable modes of flexibility, from pheromone releasing and withholding to determine maturity rates to how a hive survives a queen loss. Along the way he explains how the history of genomics has rearranged how biologists look at bee behavior and development from transcriptomic studies. In fact, dramatic changes are evident in bee brain gene activity depending on their rearing conditions. Based on these studies, their genome is very sensitive to the environment.
For more, see the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Gene Robinson's lab website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Find what you’re capable of doing, and double down on it until you do it well…and also, always try to get along with other people. These were the two primary lessons David Olney learned during his early childhood. These lessons could probably benefit any typical person, but Olney certainly learned them in an atypical way. Born with only five percent vision which was gone by the end of high school, Olney has led a unique and successful life and career.
Press play to discover:
Olney is Associate Lecturer at Politics and International Relations (POLIR) at the University of Adelaide, whose blindness has led him to insights and understandings not always easily ascertained by sighted people.
For instance, he credits his blindness for his ability to process and find patterns in huge amounts of disparate data, which has proved useful in a number of ways, especially in terms of understanding security matters and modern war. As an example, it gave him the ability to develop a theory for making sense of Al-Qaeda—a group of people no one really knew anything about in the wake of 9/11—within just a few days, and applying this to what was in the media. Within a couple of months, he was providing lectures on the subject.
Among other topics, Olney discusses the particulars of his experience as a blind person—what he sees, what he feels, how he senses his environment, how he frames his interactions with his students and others in his life, and more.
Tune in for all the details, and check out Olney’s podcast, Blind Insights. Useful Links to Explore:
An Insight to Blindness: https://omny.fm/shows/blind-insights/blind-insights-with-david-episode-9-an-insight-to
Bonus Insights - David's Journey into the Void Adelaide's CBD): https://omny.fm/shows/blind-insights/bonus-insights-davids-journey-into-the-void-adelai Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Even in the wind-swept, mountainous regions of Himalaya, ants move forward in their rugged life cycles. Dr. Himender Bharti shares how these ants survive in such areas, including the molecular phylogeny and the chemical ecology of ants that must reproduce in very short warm seasons.
Listen and learn
Dr. Himender Bharti holds a position with the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences and runs the Ants Systematics and Molecular Biology Lab at Punjabi University. Ants have always been his passion, and though he started his academic research on saw flies, he acquired funding to focus fully on ant research and hasn't looked back.
In fact, in the past 20 years he has described about 100 formerly-unknown ant species from India and other Southeast Asian countries. He paints a picture for why ants have always fascinated him, and sees their place in insect life as analogous to where humans sit in relation to other mammals. From their social organization to how they interact with each other, from their developmental patterns to their life history and division of labor, their inspiring factors are numerous.
Dr. Bharti was also able to open up the understudied ant life and evolutionary history of species in regions in India and surrounding areas. He shares details about one of his favorite species of genus Myrmica, one endemic to Himalaya and central Asia. Such high altitudes lead to a very different life history than what is more common in tropical regions. Their response to the environmental interruptions of scarcity of resources and higher elevation make for interesting behaviors and gene regulation. He describes some of these behaviors, including workers eating some of the brood stages in order to make it through winter.
Listen in for more intriguing and little known ant facts.
For more about his work, see his website: antdiversityindia.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
That grey fuzz you find on your strawberries after a day or two in the fridge has researchers busy in the lab. White and grey molds often harm crops and Shinyi Marzano is working to inhibit these pathogens that often strike greenhouse crops like lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries. Listen and learn
Shinyi Marzano is a molecular biologist and recently started working with USDA's Agricultural Research Service. She focuses on green house and high tunnel production, both of which are used for crops highly susceptible to these white and grey molds. Plants are especially susceptible during flowering to white mold, when sexually-produced spores germinate after they've attached to flower petals. The fungi's mycelium forms and grows, causing a systemic infection that leads to stem rot. Grey mold is particularly a problem for fruit crops, spreading rapidly and ruining the fruit production.
Shinyi and her colleagues are studying both the RNA silencing process the fungi initiates as well as the mycoviruses that infect the fungi. RNA silencing in plants is really a function of the fungi. When they sense the double-stranded RNA that's produced by many mycoviruses, they attempt to silence or inhibit the RNA by releasing proteins that cut up the RNA strands, creating small pieces of what's called virus-derived small RNA. Shinyi is looking at mechanisms to disarm the pathogen host of those essential proteins that are part of the RNA silencing pathway. The fungal pathogen would then be susceptible to those mycoviruses. She explains other interesting avenues, including delivery means of these mycoviruses.
For more about her work, she recommends searching Google Scholar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Twelve infrared cameras lining the perimeter of the ceiling, treadmills equipped with force plates, and high-speed video cameras: this is what you’d find upon walking into the Biomechanics Lab within the Sweere Clinic at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Today, we hear from the Clinical Coordinator of the lab, Dr. Gregory DeNunzio.
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Dr. DeNunzio has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in exercise science, and a doctorate in chiropractic, and he’s found a way to merge these passions into one, perfect role. As Clinical Coordinator of the Biomechanics Lab in the Sweere Clinic, he measures what can’t be seen, helping people not only develop a better understanding of their body and movement, but prevent injuries, and recover or improve from those that have already occurred.
He explains the process of 3D motion analysis, which includes looking at the angles of nearly every joint in the body (a process he says can almost be considered a ‘digitizing’ of the entire human body), the force being generated through different joints in the body, the effect of stress and breathing patterns of the engagement of certain muscles, and how to distinguish between different health and fitness conditions that wouldn’t be detected without the technology and design offered in the lab. He also discusses injury prevention strategies, injury recovery, and how to pin down the root of an individual person’s issue. “I’ve been in practice for over 25 years, and what excites me is that I am still learning different ways to help people either get better or prevent injuries,” says Dr. DeNunzio. Tune in for all of his insights.
To learn more, visit https://www.nwhealth.edu/clinics/sweere-clinic/biomechanics/.
Author Carl Johan Calleman talks about his most recent book, Quantum Science of Psychedelics: The Pineal Gland, Multidimensional Reality, and Mayan Cosmology. He explains
Holding a Ph.D. in physical biology, Carl Johan Calleman is also a lifelong scholar of macrocosmic quantum theory and has written several books about it. He talks about his latest in this podcast, explaining its basics and explanations for how civilization has progressed through a series of cosmic shifts or waves. While some link psychedelics and depression, Calleman explores the ability of psychedelics to change one's mental state to a different geometry, more open to the movement from one wave to the next.
He explains that this is an all-encompassing theory about the evolution of the universe and all its aspects, not just physical. The theory holds that we're all part of a cosmic plan with a quantum field that underlies everything. He describes Mayan connections such as the wave pattern discovered by the Mayans and how this pattern reveals itself in the evolution of civilizations.
He connects this with microscopic phenomena like centromere organelles in our cells to the nine levels of Mayan pyramids. Finally, he goes through the mechanics of this theory in more detail and adds that we are in the ninth and final wave and what that means.
For more, find his latest book, Quantum Science of Psychedelics: The Pineal Gland, Multidimensional Reality, and Mayan Cosmology, for sale through most venues, and see his website: calleman.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Every continent on the planet has now been touched by the COVID-19 virus, launching the world into an unprecedented state of lockdowns and the many negative consequences that follow from it. Orders to wear masks, socially distance, and limit large gatherings have not only brought to the table a whole layer of global and public health law, but illuminated health and racial inequalities.
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Lawrence Gostin is University Professor at Georgetown University and Founding O'Neill Chair in Global Health Law. Since the beginning of the pandemic, his focus has been almost exclusively on the COVID-19 response in the US and globally. In addition to discussing the sheer unequalness illuminated by COVID-19, he talks about the hope he sees in human ingenuity and science, and the vaccines that are being administered in the US and Europe.
He explains what a “global health law” is, and discusses international law in the form of international health regulations, such as the WHO treaty by which 196 states are bound, including the US. This treaty deals with matters such as how to detect, report, and response to novel infectious disease.
Gostin also shares his opinion about what might lay ahead of us in the coming months, what he sees as the light at the end of the tunnel, his conviction that another pandemic will inevitably emerge, why he believes the WHO should be granted additional powers, and more.
Tune in for all the details.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What if we could produce an energy-dense carbon-neutral fuel that suits uses of fossil fuels? Researchers like Amanda Morris are working with different types of solar energy conversion to produce such a fuel, and the potential is promising, exiting, and challenging.
Listen in to this conversation about solar energy and its applications and learn
Amanda J. Morris is a professor and associate chair of the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech. She's spent her career addressing environmental issues like climate change through scientific solutions. Currently her lab is trying to imitate the photosynthesis process to produce a fuel that could replace fossil fuels. As plants convert sun energy and carbon dioxide to make sugar, solar energy conversion technology hopes to turn the same products into something we can use to fill up our cars.
She gets more specific, explaining how this differs from solar panel energy conversion. Rather than send those electrons and positively charged holes into circuits, she wants to put them on carbon dioxide and water molecules, producing methane after reduction and oxidation.
But there are a couple of interesting puzzles along the way that can be summarized by two main goals: first, they need to refine the process of harnessing the sun energy closer to that of plants. Plants are green because of the chlorophyll that's responsible for capturing solar energy. She and her colleagues are trying to imitate and manipulate that chlorophyll process, reenacting the chemical environment in a way to produce this fuel. Second, water oxidation possess a tremendous challenge.
Getting electrons from water is incredibly difficult to do without producing highly reactive oxidizing species. They are trying to make something stable, but with the right geometry to drive the chemistry energy. The potential that comes from solving these challenges are exciting, offering numerous solutions for environmental problems and climate-friendly technologies.
For more about her work, see ajmorrisgroup.chem.vt.edu.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Like a lot of health practitioners, Dr. J. Dunn's quest to heal from her own lifelong conditions of depression and chronic fatigue brought her to a foundational response to genetic testing.
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Dr. J. Dunn is the founder of My Happy Genes, a company that facilitates genetic testing for eight biochemical processes and pathways including brain chemistry, energy production, inflammation, detox, the immune system, and histamines. She's a chiropractor who has been practicing for over 32 years in natural and functional medicine. She has had a lot of success in her work, but still had some questions around issues that seemed unreachable, such as her own depression.
After researching genetic and epigenetic testing and the roles of epigenetics versus genetics, she went full throttle on a better understanding of methylation, which is how genes affect our biochemistry at the cellular level. Gene expression determines how we make energy among other processes and depends on our genes and genetic code, but there's something we can do to alter the expression.
That's where she focuses, that step between what the genes code for and how the processes are carried out. She says that, "if we can get precise on genes affecting our biochemistry, we can adjust cofactors and coenzymes to help get balanced with these pathways." For example, she learned she doesn't make the vitamin D receptor.
Low vitamin D leads to low dopamine levels and affects brain chemistry. She finally had a specific answer on why she struggled with depression and got to work. Once she supplemented with specific cofactors, she was able to improve her vitamin D levels and her brain chemistry: she'd made epigenetic changes, clearing the path for her happy genes. She tells listeners about the testing process and the algorithm they've created as well as the individual nature of the solutions. She also gives listeners a code for a nice break on the price of the initial test.
For more, see the company's website: myhappygenes.com. Use Code Genius1 to get $50 off your purchase of the DNA kit.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Did you know that ants actually keep and "milk" livestock? Evolutionary ecologist Aniek Ivens shares this tidbit and more alluring ant facts in this episode. Listen and learn
Researcher and evolutionary ecologist Aniek Ivens runs projects both in The Netherlands and New York. Her work centers on the evolution and ecology of cooperation, and, as she explains to listeners, ants are therefore the perfect animal to study. The ant colony structure works as a superorganism: "ants are like cells in the body of the colony," she says, with the ant queen as vital organ. As a kid she was fascinated by ants and she brings that childlike fascination alongside her rigorous research. She offers listeners amazing time-lapse images of an ant's life that are startlingly sophisticated, from the well-known leaf cutter species that raises a special fungus to other ant species that work with aphids in a type of exchange for services.
We know aphids as pests, but some ant and aphid species depend on each other for life. Aphids actually live inside some ant nests, feeding off of the sap of tree roots. These aphids excrete a sort of "honeydew" or sugar water and the ants eat this excretion, but not as an afterthought. The ants actually tap the aphid's abdomen when they are ready to eat, almost like humans milking a cow. In turn, the ants protect the aphids from other pests and clean them—those sugary substances can get moldy quickly, which could kill the aphid. The ants keep the aphids and their area clean and mold-free. What's really fascinating is this is just the tip of the ant-aphid specialization. Aniek continues explaining how the microbiomes of both insects play a role, how the microbiome of an ant species in Japan is similar to the same in New York state, and how she's working to finish a study using ant and aphids as a model species for microbiome research. Listen in for more astounding ant facts.
For more about her work and for contact information, see her website: aniek.nyc. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The snapping of the trap-jaw ant’s jaw is one of the fastest animal movements known to man—approximately three times as fast as the fastest cheetah. This mechanism is not only used for catching prey, but for moving away from potential predators. How? Tune in for answers to this question and more, including:
It wasn’t until Magdalena Sorger had nearly completed business school that she discovered her true passion: biology and the study of evolution—particularly of insects, and even more particularly, of ants. As an adjunct researcher with North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences & North Carolina State University, currently stationed in Vienna, Austria, Sorger focuses her efforts on two general areas within the field of ants: research on speciation (i.e., what differentiates one ant species from another), and working with students and teachers to promote citizen science, especially with regard to ants.
She shares his expertise on all things ants, discussing topics such as the ant mating process and reproduction, RFID and other tracking methods for studying ant colonies, the ant life cycle and social behavior of ants, the ecological role of ants, and the direction of future research.
Interested in learning more? Check out https://theantlife.com/ and https://discoverants.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Stupid, brutish, and primitive: that’s the “caveman” stereotype that’s been applied to Neanderthals time after time. But it’s the same stereotype that a growing body of evidence is showing to be flat-out wrong. In fact, there’s an ongoing debate about the extent and significance of the known genetic (and other) differences between Neanderthals and early modern humans like us.
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For the past 25 years, Professor and Chair at the University of Louisville, Dr. Jonathan Haws, has been investigating early modern human ancestors. For the last 10 to 15 years, he’s been excavating a cave in Portugal that provides something few others do: a very long, fairly continuous sequence in time, without giant gaps caused by localized erosion. This provides a unique look into longstanding questions about our evolutionary past, such as how modern humans dispersed from Africa into Southeast and Western Europe, to Spain and Portugal, and what happened to Neanderthals who were living in those regions.
The cave’s sequence goes from about 10,000 years ago to between 70,000 and 80,000 years ago. Particular interest lies in the time period between 45,000 and 35,000 years ago, when Neanderthals went extinct and early modern humans migrated into Portugal. Experts, including Dr. Haws, are still unable to say with certainty whether there was direct interaction between early modern humans and Neanderthals in this region, but new genetic evidence demonstrates that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals in many places over several thousand years around the edge of Southeast Europe and into the Near East.
With the use of total station technology and LiDAR technology (light detecting and ranging), a detailed, 3D mapping of all artifacts and the vertical and horizontal layout of the cave is being captured and examined. Dr. Haws shares the details of what they’re finding, illustrating his firsthand experience of the cave for listeners, and explaining the processes and stages of archaeological fieldwork in the process.
Visit https://louisville.edu/anthropology/about-us/dr-jonathan-haws to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What does an ant have in common with a human? Probably a whole lot more than you would expect. Tune in for a compelling conversation with David Richard Nash, a professor of ecology & evolution at the University of Copenhagen who’s been working with social insects—particularly ants—for over four decades.
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Nash shares the details of the many interactions between ants and other organisms, especially myrmecophiles, which are species which love ants. For instance, in exchange for protecting lycaenid caterpillars or aphids against predators or parasites, ants acquire an ongoing food source from those insects.
He talks about the parallels between ant colonies and behavior and humans, and the ability of ants to self-organize work teams to go out and obtain specific nutrients from other organisms when necessary. He also discusses the day-to-day activities of ants and the division of labor within a colony, the ecological role of ants, ant colony structure, the ant life cycle and habitat, parasitism versus mutualism of ants with other organisms, how ants adapt their behavior in response to environmental stimuli, whether ants have some level of what we generally understand as ‘intelligence,’ insect vision, sympatric speciation of ants, and so much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The kidney may be one of the most underestimated organs: it’s incredibly complex, and responsible for five to seven key functions in the body. In addition to producing urine and removing toxins from the blood, it regulates blood pressure, produces hormones, protects the body’s immune system, and controls blood pH levels. When kidneys fail, all of these functions are lost.
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Shuvo Roy is a professor of bioengineering at UCSF whose work is centered around the development of a surgically implantable bioartificial kidney capable of providing constant treatment to patients who are currently on dialysis, and eventually performing all of the functions of a natural kidney. Roy’s work is part of The Kidney Project, which is a national effort to improve the lives of those with kidney failure.
While dialysis can act as a proxy for the kidney in filtering the blood, it does not provide the other functions nearly as well as a natural kidney. To date, no one has been able to replicate a human kidney capable of performing all of the functions of a natural kidney, but that’s the goal of Roy’s work.
First, the artificial kidney will combine a mechanical filter made from silicon wafers, and cadaver kidney cells to provide mechanical filtration, produce important hormones, and perform other key functions of the proximal tubule, such as salt and water reabsorption. This will liberate people from the necessity of going to a dialysis center multiple times a week, allow them to eat and drink freely, and enhance the overall quality of their lives. As the device enters the clinical realm, the technology will be further refined to eventually capture all of the functions of a natural kidney.
Roy dives into the details of all this and more, including the specific benefits of artificial organs, microfabrication technology and applications, and the manufacturing and engineering processes of medical devices like the artificial kidney.
Learn more at https://pharm.ucsf.edu/kidney. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Struggling to sleep? Want more energy? Want to focus for longer periods of time? Interested in natural ways of improving your life, but unsure where to begin? This is the episode for you. Press play to learn:
Logan Christopher was never naturally strong or necessarily athletic, but he started getting into bodyweight training around age 18. Inspired by strongman entertainment (people pulling off amazing feats of strength), and fueled by a desire to find a ‘secret weapon’ to pursue his aims, he began exploring a variety of alternative health topics, including herbalism.
The cordyceps mushroom was one of the first herbs he took, and the results were undeniable: he had a marked increase in energy during his workouts, and he was hooked. He took an even deeper dive into herbalism, Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, Western herbalism, and even alchemy. This research led him to establish Lost Empire of Herbs, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer.
Christopher’s reason for getting into herbalism was for physical performance, but herbs can benefit those who seek to enhance mental performance, and even sleep or sexual performance. Anyone who is looking for an herb to fulfill some type of functionality is likely to find it, says Christopher.
At Lost Empire Herbs, the focus is on finding herbs that have tangible benefits from the very beginning. Christopher talks about natural testosterone boosters, herbal medicine for men’s health, herbal supplements for athletic performance and stress relief, the science of herbs, guidelines to follow when looking for the right types of herbs for you, and how to positively affect various aspects of your life, naturally.
Interested in learning more? Check out https://lostempireherbs.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bees as ant trackers? Turning off a species’ immune or motor neuron system? Drones used for precision delivery of products? These are just a couple of the topics explored by ant specialist and researcher Dr. Ben Hoffman.
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Dr. Ben Hoffman is Principal Research Scientist at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia. He specializes in the study of ants—specifically how ants become invasive, what parts of biology contribute to their success in becoming invasive, and how they can be better managed.
Dr. Hoffman focuses his efforts on ongoing research in this regard, and on helping people understand and control invasive ant species. He explains that an ‘invasive species’ is one that is known to have impacts on people, environments and ecological systems, or agriculture.
One of the primary challenges in removing invasive ant species is doing so without contaminating or destroying the environment from which they’re being removed. In part, this is challenging because general insecticides are used to kill invasive ant species, and these insecticides can produce unavoidable negative impacts on the surrounding area.
An even greater challenge, Dr. Hoffman explains, is simply detecting the presence of an invasive ant species. He explores ways of overcoming these challenges, and touches on many other topics along the way, including the ecological role of insects, ant colony structure and communication, the invasion process, and more.
For more information, visit https://people.csiro.au/H/B/Ben-Hoffmann. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Can the immune response to viral infection be strengthened to the point that the impact of the infection is greatly reduced, and later or latent infection is prevented? This is the question at the crux of Ebony Monson’s research in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology at Latrobe University in Australia.
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Monson's work focuses primarily on viruses that infect humans—flaviviruses specifically, such as Zika, dengue, and hepatitis C. She studies the innate immune response that’s produced immediately after an infection, with the goal of better understanding how this innate immune response can be enhanced or augmented.
Monson recently finished her PhD, which demonstrated that during early viral infection, there is an accumulation of new lipid droplets within the cytoplasm of cells, and an increase in the size of existing lipid droplets. Furthermore, Monson demonstrated that these lipid droplets are necessary for an effective interferon response during viral infection, and that without them, there would be a much more exaggerated immune response.
Prior to this research, no one thought much of lipid droplets, as they were largely assumed to be unimportant in the development or progression of the immune response. Monson explains how these lipids can be broken down and can actually become toxic to the host, how they move around in the cell, how they grow and become depleted, and a number of other topics which are the subject of ongoing research.
Tune in for all the details. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“…Their society and community is so complicated, that in fact you cannot really have a straight answer for why something is happening. You need to see it from a global perspective, and look at it from different angles…it’s the complexity that makes it fascinating for me,” says Dr. Fani Hatjina of bees, which have been the subject of her work for her entire professional life. She focuses specifically on social honey bees, and joins the show to discuss her current research goals and insights.
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Dr. Hatjina is Director of the Institute of Animal Science & Department of Apiculture in Greece. After completing her PhD on the pollination behavior of bees, she went on to pursue additional research.
Currently, her focus is on finding ways of increasing the resistance of local honey bee populations against a primary pest (the varroa mite), searching for alternative methods of controlling disease without chemicals, improving and preserving the local population of honey bees in Greece for the benefit of the species and for beekeepers, and studying the effects of pesticides and other environmental stressors on bees, such as the presence of heavy metals, and even chemicals that are used by beekeepers inside bee colonies.
Dr. Hatjina explains ‘pollination behavior,’ which includes the way bees move inside the colony and on flowers or crops, how efficiently they transport pollen, and when they transport pollen. The idea is that by gaining a deeper understanding of this behavior, pollination efficiency can be increased.
She also comments on the “many gaps in knowledge” when it comes to understanding what triggers the increase of pathogens and bee mortality in winter. Sensors inside or underneath bee colonies are being implemented in order to gain a better idea of the possible variables contributing to it, as well as generate some sort of image of what is going on within a bee hive during winter months. Infrared light can also be used to gather valuable information about the heat generated by the bees, the size of the swarm inside a colony, the position of bees inside a colony, and how these things can change according to the external temperature.
Interested in learning more? Tune in for the full conversation and check out Dr. Hatjina’s publications at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fani_Hatjina. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The world’s first human bionic eye is here, which means several conditions leading to blindness might (eventually) not be. What does it look like? How does a bionic eye work? What will the patient experience? Press play for the answers to these questions and more.
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Arthur Lowery is a professor at Monash University and a fellow at ARC Laureate Fellow Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, and for the past several years, he’s been developing the world’s first human bionic eye.
Most people think of some sort of glass eyeball when they think of a bionic eye, but that’s not what this is. Instead, it is a pair of sunglasses equipped with a camera and processing system, along with a coil on the back of the head which transmits power and data through the skull until it reaches a series of tiles, each about the size of half a fingernail. On the base of each tile, there is an electrode which goes into the brain and injects currents, leading to voltages. These voltages make the brain think that it is seeing what is being projected by the system.
Whether someone lost an eye in an accident or injury, has age-related or genetic macular degeneration, or one of many conditions affecting the optic nerve, such as cancer, this technology holds promise.
So, how long until it’s ready to be implanted in a human, and what does the procedure entail? There is already a prototype, but still a number of regulatory components to navigate. Lowery anticipates that within a couple of years, it could be ready for use in humans. He also explains what exactly the procedure entails.
To find out more, tune in and visit https://www.monash.edu/industry/success-stories/bionic-eye.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It's easy to overlook an ant, but look again. As one not-so-small part of the ecological role of insects, ants have a profound impact, from their mutualistic relationship with plants to their ability to farm and grow fungus for food. Ecologist Tom Fayle shares many of these fascinating ant facts. Listen and learn
Tom Fayle is an ecologist and research scientist at the Czech Academy of Sciences. As an ecologist, he researches nature's networks, examining how species interact and impact each other alongside abiotic factors like elevation and human-generated impacts from deforestation to climate change. He has specified his research to ant ecology and shares some jaw-dropping stories of ant behavior. While ants don't eat plants for the most part, they do live inside plants. In fact, many plant and ant species have a mutualistic relationship, where each provides a benefit to the other towards a healthier life and reproductive cycle.
He shares some of these examples, including ants protecting plants by attacking caterpillars that are trying to eat the plant. Ants can even weed, cleaning plants of encroaching vines and clarifying the surface of leaves from small epiphytes and lichens. In return, ants have a place to live. Structures plants produce call donatia can house ants, or they might use hollow stem structures. Plants can even feed ants through liquid sugar production from nectar. Ecological relationships can also be parasitic, as is the case with a fungus that infects an ant, even controlling its behavior to locate itself in a spot that's prime for fungal growth. He also discusses his future plans researching topics that include exciting PhD and postdoc opportunities. Listen in for more details.
For more information, see antscience.com. For information specific to his work, see tomfayle.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bees can generate five pounds of honey a day under prime nectar-gathering conditions. Numerous factors make that possible and researchers like William Meikle work on modeling honey bee populations, keeping track of how different stressors might affect honey bee colony health. Listen and learn
Willliam G. Meikle is a research entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture. He studies the colony-level behavior of bees through placing sensors on colonies and monitoring them over long periods of time. This can gather evidence for how they might respond to sub lethal pesticides and other stressors. He's therefore constantly measuring things like hive weight, temperature, CO2, and internal humidity. These measures are akin to numbers from a monitor your doctor might have used to check your health. Various measures might indicate your activity, from sleeping to eating to drinking a cup of coffee.
No, bees don't drink coffee, but they do get exposed to neonicotinoids, which are a common type of agriculture insecticide affecting bees. Even at low amounts, he says he can see some sort of impact. Higher levels seem to cause bees to stop foraging, for example. Temperature is another abiotic factor he monitors. Bees have an amazing ability to keep the center area, the brood area, quite warm and constant. Bee social behavior is more than just an inclination. Rather, they work as a superorganism, teaming up and taking turns to use their thoracic muscle movement to warm the center of the hive one by one. A healthy brood is dependent on this constant warmth, and bee population increase can only happen with successful brood rearing. Listen in for more indications of bee colony health.
For more about his work, see the USDA Honey Bee web page. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Pesticides, poor nutrition, pests, and parasites: these are the four factors influencing bee health around the world, and the amount of information we have about each—how exactly they impact bees, whether each relates to the others, and what can be done about them—is constantly growing.
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Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu is a postdoctoral research associate at Oregon State University Honey Bee Lab, and for over a decade now, she’s been studying environmental impacts on bee populations.
Basu’s current work focuses on two specific areas within this field of research: pesticides and poor nutrition. She’s not only investigating each individually, but exploring the ways in which they may be interconnected.
When it comes to nutrition, she explains that most research to date has looked into the macronutrients required by bees, which are primarily carbohydrates and proteins. Only recently have a couple of research groups—including hers—put their focus on the importance of micronutrients required by bees.
Phytosterols are a group of molecules similar to cholesterol that are a required micronutrient for bees, as they fulfill several functions, including the production of important hormones and the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Bees source phytosterols naturally from plant pollens, so Basu and the OSU Honey Bee Lab team is trying to collect as many types of pollen as possible in order to look at the phytosterol spectrum available to bees, and determine how they might be able to add this critical micronutrient to the diet of bees that are lacking it.
Basu is also involved in a project which is being carried out in collaboration with growers and beekeepers with the goal of following hives across multiple cropping systems in order to evaluate colony health and growth, as well as assess individual bee physiology.
The ins and outs of the research being done at the OSU Honey Bee Lab are brought to light in today’s episode, along with many other informative and interesting aspects of bee health, types of apiculture (beekeeping), commercial crop production, methods of pollination (including cross-pollination and self-pollination), and more.
Tune in and visit https://honeybeelab.oregonstate.edu/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The rabies virus kills at least 60,000 people a year, worldwide. Because it is far more prevalent in lower economic status countries, it doesn't receive adequate funding for better vaccines or treatment. Researchers like Yves Gaudin are trying to change this. He works on understanding the mechanisms of rhabdovirus transmission. Listen and learn
Yves Gaudin is a researcher with CNRS and the Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule. CNRS is France's National Center for Scientific Research. He's a virologist studying the rhabdovirus family, which includes the rabies virus, Chandipura virus (CHAV), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). He describes two central mechanisms that characterize this family. First the rhabdovirus causes a particular entry process and requires a polymerase for infection: the glycoprotein, which makes a spike around the virion, recognizes the cell receptor and attaches. This triggers endocytoses and an eventual fusion event allows the viral genome and polymerase is to be released into the cytoplasm. The polymerase immediately copies that genome into an mRNA, which then hijacks the cellular machinery. The polymerase presence is vital to infection—without it, the viral particle would be inert, so targeting that polymerase offers one attack possiblity.
Second, his lab has characterized the chemical nature of viral factory itself. It is distinguished by liquid phase separation—it is housed inside a compartment that separates it, like oil in water, from the cell cytoplasm. The interaction between this factory and our innate immune system spreads the infection, using the pathway to the synthesis of interferon, and so on. This liquid phase separation helps the virus keep its identity in the cell and provides another focus for fighting these viruses. They hope to find small molecules that could destabilize this liquid phase separation or utilize some other weakness such as their sensitivity to temperature. Here is the website where Yves Gaudin article is freely available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00102-9 In the section entitled additional information, listeners can find the movies: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00102-9#additional-information Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The queen bee has to get it right when she mates, because she only has one intense mating session for the duration of her life. The queen bee's anatomy and basic honey bee biology work together for success and Julian Rangel Posada tells listeners how. Listen and learn
Juliana Rangel Posada is an associate professor of apiculture in the Department of Entomology and leads the Texas A&M University Honey Bee Research Program. She studies biotic and abiotic factors affecting bee health. The number one problem for honey bees is the varroa mite, and she starts the conversation addressing how her lab showed that the chemicals used to treat the mites actually affects both the mites and bees. The wax that makes up the honey comb absorbs the chemicals like a sponge, and bees grow and develop within this wax home, absorbing the chemicals. The chemical buildup causes queens to develop lower reproductive capacity and also affects drone sperm and viability. She shares various ways they advise beekeepers to mitigate this affect, including clearing out the wax every few years.
She also describes for listeners a detailed and fascinating description of honey bee matting, one of several honey bee behavioral adaptations evolved to increase genetic diversity and reproductive success. She explains the harsh life of the drone, reared for mating and killed off quickly after they've done their job. She also describes the drone's endophallus and how a queen manages multiple mates and their sperm by taking in this organ. The next mate removes the endophallus of the previous one and so on, until she has sperm from multiple mates to continue producing eggs for years. In addition to reproductive studies, her lab is researching foraging behavior and nutrition to see if honey bees are using certain pollens with various ratios of lipid-to-proteins that affect their survivability.
For more, see her lab's Facebook page, facebook.com/TAMUhoneybeelab, which includes a "stay-at-home beekeeping series." Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
From smelly footprints and dances to furry coats and long tongues, Professor Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex talks about it all. We often refer to “bees” as though there’s only one kind, but in fact, over 20,000 species of bee have been identified. Goulson shares fascinating data and insights primarily on two: the bumblebee and the honeybee.
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Goulson’s lifelong captivation by insects led to a fascination of bees in his adult life, and for the past 25 years, he’s been studying them. Initially, the focus of his research was on the foraging strategies of different species of bee, but it’s since shifted to an investigation of why bee populations are declining, and what can be done about it.
As a specialist in the ecology and conservation of bumblebees, Goulson discusses what he believes to be the primary driving force behind the declining numbers: habitat loss, such as hay meadows in the UK and prairie fields in North America. But he’s careful to note that other factors are likely at play too, including the heavy use of pesticides, and the fact that bumblebees suffer from a range of parasites and diseases.
What do bumblebees eat, and which nutrients are provided by pollen versus nectar? How can seemingly strange bumblebee behaviors actually make a whole lot of evolutionary sense? How can you differentiate between a male and female bee? What exactly happens when a bee pollinates a flower? What types of technology are used for tracking and gathering data on bees? You’ll get a compelling and thorough answer to all of these questions and more.
Tune in and check out https://www.thebuzzclub.uk/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Disinfectant compounds are touted as virus killing but what else can they do to our health? Are disinfectants and COVID-19 both cause for concern? An exposure scientist helps listeners untangle some of these issues. Listen and learn
A Chemical Exposure scientist discusses EPA's List N, which is a list of over 400 compounds that meet the EPA's criteria for use to kill SARS-CoV-2 particles. Two hundred of those listed are actually harmful "quats," or quaternary ammonium compounds. She helps listeners understand what this means and brings her big-picture thinking to our current reactive climate of applying disinfectants uniformly. Her work includes researching chemicals in consumer products we come in contact with in our daily lives, including personal care products, disinfectants, and pesticides. She tells listeners that the disinfectants that are being used for COVID are actually considered pesticides, which is a cause for concern for our environment and health.
She says the only requirement for a compound to be on List N is the ability to kill the virus. There are no considerations for the safety of repeated use of such disinfectants. She is especially concerned that such products are being applied to school settings when there are safer alternatives like using soap and water on hands and wearing masks. She adds that modes of exposure can be from non dietary ingestion like hand-to-mouth, but the main route of exposure is airborne, from fogging or spraying. Good ventilation can be key, but schools are often older buildings with bad ventilation systems. Listen in for what to consider in how we keep our communities safe, both short and long-term. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
One in every three bites you take are made possible by honey bee pollination. Keeping bees healthy and productive is essential. Honey bee reproduction depends on a queen's ability to have one mating session, store sperm for years, and lay about 1,000 eggs a day during the warmer months: an amazing honey bee characteristic among many. Brandon Hopkins shares fascinating honey bee behavioral adaptations in this discussion. Listen and learn
Brandon Hopkins is an assistant research professor and the apiary and laboratory manager with the Washington State University Apiary Program. Studying reproductive biology across different animals led him to a honey bee obsession. "They're fascinating creatures and present lots of room for improvement in assisted reproductive techniques in honey bee breeding," he says. He gives listeners a primer on honey bee social behavior and reproduction, describing the sperm, the queen's spermatheca organ, which stores the sperm in a quiescence state over years, and the complex ability of the queen to continue laying eggs by releasing the sperm through a tube.
He also gives us a glimpse into how this works over our geography. While he's worked on methods of cryopreservation of honey bee semen, he's now mainly focusing on practical aspects of beekeeping management. Over two million honey bee colonies have to be moved to California in January for February almond pollination, so the storage and transport of bees is a vital topic for research. Many beekeepers store their bees that will go to California in large warehouse-like buildings for the winter. He explains why this is an advantage, from saving their energy production to keeping mites and bee interaction at a lower state, and for a better quality of life for the keepers themselves. Listen in to understand more about the ways researchers like Brandon Hopkins are keeping bees healthy.
For more about his work, see entomology.wsu.edu/directory/faculty/brandon-hopkins. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Better diabetes care includes more than nutrition and fitness facts or discussions on the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. "If we empower people with their own data, how do they take and use it?" asks Dr. Sandra Indacochea Sobel. Her primary goal is to enable an individual to understand the disease process and what the numbers and variables mean. Listeners will get a helpful lesson in the numbers and technology in modern type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatments. Tune in and learn
Sandra Indacochea Sobel is an endocrinologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She works in her clinical work to better explain the numbers and mechanics of diabetes to help individuals regulate their blood sugar within a certain range. It's complicated: there are so many factors that might affect these numbers, but Dr. Sobel carefully explains the major considerations in an accessible way. She also describes how doctors understand type 2 diabetes causes from a testing standing point, explaining what role C-peptide tests and antibody indications might explain.
The Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) has taken many patients beyond finger-stick pictures as the best way to determine their type 2 diabetes diet or pump settings for type 1s. But Dr. Sobel says that we're getting closer to another huge leap, a closed-off loop which will give the patient a pump-like artificial pancreas. While not a type 1 or type 2 diabetes cure, it would mean a much improved hands-off lifestyle and care introducing insulin and glucagon independent of the patient needing to provide data. She describes the technology and work going in to such a move as well as an exciting proof-of-concept study involving aggressive early intervention for prediabetics and early type 2 patients. Listen in to better understand the variable behind diabetes and metabolism and for hopeful news in the medical community about treatment.
For more about her work, see her page at the university: profiles.dom.pitt.edu/faculty_info.aspx/Sobel6136. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bee keeping is an ancient practice: even prehistoric cave paintings in Spain depict a keeper reaching for a hive to collect honey while holding a smoker to calm the bees. Cameron Jack shares some of the more interesting details of this ancient art with lucky listeners. Tune in and hear
Cameron Jack holds the unusual position of one-hundred percent lecturer at the University of Florida. He's still involved in research and extension work, but his full lecturer designation means his beekeeping course list at the University of Florida is probably the most extensive college-level beekeeping instruction out there. He teaches seven different beekeeping courses, covering everything from evolution, biology, the annual cycle involved in beekeeping, and more. The courses are complete enough to turn out people who can actively be beekeepers. In this interview, he describes everything from why 3/8 inches is a magic number to how bees find and maintain hives in the wild.
Honey bee behavioral adaptations of course take center stage. For hive building, beekeepers who want to maximize honey production must learn such behaviors to know why they might, for example, sequester the queen in the lower level. Bees build their combs vertically and are considered a superorganism—"the whole animal is the whole colony," he adds. They are able to determine their hive sizing in multiple ways and if it gets too big, they swarm—one colony becomes two. Furthermore, the queen designation doesn't mean ruler. She's a producer, laying as many eggs as she can in a systematic spiral through her level of the comb. Cameron Jack's primary interest is the management of pests and diseases bees face like types of mites, beetles, and even wax-eating moths. While the interaction of mites and bees is the most concerning, diseases even involve microorganisms in honey bees' guts. Listen in to hear more about this amazing superorganism.
For more see the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab page. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
We think about heart disease prevention, but what about bone health? Margie Bissinger brings listeners numerous bone health boosters and facts, keeping listeners flexible and stronger. Listen and learn
Margie Bissinger is the host of the Happy Bones, Happy Life podcast. She's a physical therapist, author, nutritionist, and health coach with an expertise in orthopedic physical therapy. Years ago, a group of doctors asked her to focus on struggling osteoporosis patients and the experience opened her eyes to how patients didn't even know where to start. She started working on a state level in New Jersey with osteoporosis outreach programs and wrote a book to reach a nationwide audience. As she continued researching, adding more knowledge about bone health nutrition, she realized the degree to which our actions can have an impact.
Bone health actually starts in childhood, she says, by exercising, jumping, and getting forces through our bones with any type of resistance. This extends to exercise at all ages, especially moves that "load the bones." When we're older, it's important to seek bone health exercise guidance, however, as some studies show difference in flexion versus extension of the spine and fracture correlations. Margie also provides very helpful information about the kinds of testing and tools available to determine bone density and what questions to ask your doctor. She emphasizes finding out any root cause to bone loss and osteoporosis and describes how functional medicine can address such causes.
For more, see margiebissinger.com.
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Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
He set out to prove his wife wrong. That's what lead Physician Assistant Kevin Davis to first research keto diet plans and efficacy. But the more he researched, the more he found she might be on to something. Listen and learn
Kevin Davis is the host of Our Ketogenic Life podcast and works with clients to craft an appropriate ketogenic diet meal plan to fit their needs through different life stages. He's worked as a Physician Assistant since 1994, and after his wife suffered unexplained inflammation and pain, he researched the ketogenic life style based on her own findings that it might help her issues. The more he researched it, the more the ketogenic diet food list and process made sense with how foods interact with our body, especially through hormone balance.
After he and his wife both took on the ketogenic life style and he started helping patients do the same, he's continued studying it. The more research he does on chronic diseases like heart disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and diabetes development, the more he sees how the ketogenic diet addresses these long term conditions. So while clients find him for weight loss, he knows these potential underlying problems will also be addressed. "If I see they have joint pain or a family history of insulin resistance, I know this will also help those things," he says. He emphasizes that practicing the diet should not lead someone to feeling nonfunctional or too hungry to work: this should not be part of ketogenic side effects. Rather, through guidance, the diet will ultimately lead to more energy, less inflammation, and better overall health and wellbeing.
For more, see ourketogeniclife.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
They're everywhere, even the trees. Petr Klimes researches the ecological roles of insects, especially ants in Papa New Guinea, where many species are less accessible for research. He shares interesting ant facts and tales along with questions he's pursing. Listen and learn
Petr Klimes is the laboratory head of the Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Social Insects with the University of South Bohemia Biology Centre CAS. He's interested in ants that live in tropical trees and spread across the islands in the pacific, specifically their evolution and interaction with plants and other animals. One remarkable aspect of ants' life cycles and habits is the vast diversity among different species. Unlike bees, which are exclusively pollinators, or wasps, which are predators, ant interactions vary widely. Some are predators, some are omnivores. Some ant colony structures include more than one ant queen and some don't. Some are highly specialized in food and nest choice and some are opportunistic, eating whatever and living where ever is available.
Petr Klimes spent time in Papa New Guinea comparing ground and arboreal ants. Ground ants are mostly predators, but tree ants tend to work with other insects like aphids. He shares many fascinating examples of ant interactions, from parasitism to symbiotic relationships with plants or other insects like aphids. Unlike ant species in the U.S., which look fairly similar to each other, the morphology in the tropics is extreme. One species, for example, lives in leaf litter and is about 1 millimeter long, has triangle-shaped "hats" and predates with sharp mandibles, eating tiny, fast-moving insects. In Borneo, another large species lives in trees and are dimorphic, with large soldiers and small foragers. He hopes to embark on a new project soon to study species interaction and biology in terms of how climate change and forest change is influencing ant communities.
For more, see his lab's website: antscience.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
All light is not the same, and Eran Ben-Shmuel has produced a technology that will make that clearer than ever. They've remade how light is produced, resulting in a high-quality, high-functioning, and versatile smart light. Listen and learn
Eran Ben-Shmuel is the CEO and Founder of Juganu, which brings new light technology to multiple applications. They are transforming the infrastructure of light to a digitized area—marking multiple points and making that area "smart." They transform the colors with a different technology, taking a silicon chip and immersing it inside a light guide, causing total reflections to catch surfaces of light. This process allows them to highlight almost every aspect of light, from efficiency to quality.
They can then control the different parameters of light such as the spectrum or gamut of light as their needs demand, modulating that light from daylight to sunset colors and more. An essential elements is their ability to maintain the "perfect" white—changing the colors while in what's called the "blackbody curve." This produces a very high quality of light by controlling almost every slice of the spectrum. They can use this technology for multiple applications, from street lighting projects to horticulture to medical needs. By choosing the right spectrum and controlling it, they can even stop the spread of viruses and other pathogens like bacteria.
For more, see juganu.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Those tiny ants are actually heavy weights. In terms of biomass, ants make up about 10% of all animal weight on earth. That means if humans are on one side of the scale, ants can balance us out on the other. The ant life cycle is as interesting as this weight implies. Listen and learn
Laurent Keller is a professor at the University of UNIL in Switzerland with the Department of Ecology and Evolution. He researches the social behavior of ants and describes some amazing elements of ant behavior. His lab has identified a supergene in two fire ant species. Found in cooperation with a colleague from the University of Georgia, this genetic difference between the species determines their different social organization structures. This supergene designates dispersal habits as well—the queen in one species is large and fat, and can travel far and start a new colony on her own. The other smaller ants can't travel as far because of their size and the queen begins her work in an already-established colony close by.
Keller shares some amazing traits of an ant's life. Because they reproduce through parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction, the males are short-timers and only live long enough to mate. Meanwhile, the queen usually mates only once, but is able to store sperm and use it over 20 years in a special organ called a spermathecal. These two reproduction methods offer double benefits: both diversity and clonal reproduction. He offers several more interesting ant facts, including their nest types and the methods researchers use to painstakingly attach tags to each ant for tracking and observation purposes.
For more, see the Keller Group, their lab's website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It's estimated that 20% of our food is dependent on honey bee pollination. Meanwhile, recent news has highlighted concerns like viral diseases of the honey bee to mites to invading "killer" bees. It's hard to keep straight where honey bee diseases and treatments stand. This conversation does the trick, leaving listeners with a clear and fascinating vision of what's up with the honey bee.
Listen and learn
Jamie Ellis is the Gahan Endowed Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Fascinated with bees since childhood, he took care of his first honey bee hive at age 12 and hasn't looked back since. He's not alone: humans have been interacting with honey bees for thousands of years.
While there are 20,000 of bee species worldwide, only 9 of those species are honey bees. Even more daunting, 8 of those 9 are specific to Asia. That remaining species is the one we're familiar with and it inhabits Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Honey bees are actually not native to North America; rather, Europeans brought them over hundreds of years ago.
Are the populations of this one honey bee species that inhabits such disparate regions the same? Well, while it is the same species, entomologists divide it into about 30 subspecies or races, such as the African bee, which the press has misnamed the "killer bee." North American honey bees have been facing population struggles lately because of a mite, and Ellis describes various pest control and pest management plans, including nature's own adaptation through honey bee evolution.
He also helps listeners with the big picture of the many reasons to raise honey bees. While many are familiar with bee hives used for honey, pollination services are also a tremendous business. Others raise colonies to sell and some keepers specialize in raising queens.
For more information, including resources on your own bee keeping, see the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab page.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Cancer prevention and early detection programs hold a major place in today's research, and one company is releasing an assay that takes a major step forward with an early cancer detection test for multiple cancers. Listen and learn
Dr. Josh Ofman is GRAIL's Chief Medical Officer. In addition to time in academia, he's worked in the biotech field for several years. He brings good news to listeners as he describes a cancer detection machine-learning system they've developed that detects multiple cancer types with one test. At this point, numerous cancers are only found when they're advanced and deadly. He says that we only have the capability to screen for 5 cancers in this country, and most deaths occur in cancer types with no available screening such as ovarian, pancreas, stomach, head and neck, and liver cancer. This is why GRAIL was started: to investigate how to find signatures of cancer in blood and detect them early.
He explains what finding signatures means: as cancer grows in the body and the cells die, they shed DNA bits in the blood. GRAIL did a foundational study and found the best way to look at those DNA bits and identify where in the genome to look. They found that epigenetic changes, or methylation changes, provided the best signals. They then utilized machine learning to recognize the patterns of cancer signals in hyper and hypo methylation regions. In addition, the methyl groups indicate where in the body those epigenetic directions are sending the cancer cells. He adds that their test should be commercially available by mid-2021. Listen in for some promising news in cancer research.
For more, see their website: grail.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
We know how artificial intelligence "remembers," utilizing data encoding techniques to translate information into a complex pattern of 1s and 0s. But human memory storage continues to pose many fascinating mysteries. Researchers like Jason Shepherd are tackling these neuroscience puzzles on a molecular level. His lab investigates how our neural network is able to store information and retain a lifetime of memories despite the short life of proteins within cells.
Listen and learn
Jason Shepherd is an associate professor of neurobiology and anatomy and an adjunct associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He works at the molecular level to understand how the cells in our brain are able to store information and experiences over a lifetime.
He reminds listeners that when we learn, there's a specific set of cells that are active and encoding that experience. What is data encoding for the brain? Well, there's a consolidation period when those active neurons become connected to each other through synaptic connections. Scientists call this synaptic plasticity, when the connections between cells that've retained the experience are wired together. That specific circuit is activated when we recall the memory and they think that plasticity process stores the memory.
That's where the master regulator gene called Arc comes in. If the gene is removed from mice, they cannot remember anything for long periods of time. The short to long-term memory conversion requires this gene, and based on its appearance, they think it evolved from an ancient viral element that infected an ancestor. It's retained a lot of the viral biology, such as utilizing a capsid.
Because scientists have learned so much about retroviruses like HIV, Shepherd and his team are able to use that knowledge in how they approach Arc research. The gene enables signaling from one cell to another through this capsid, which viruses usually use to transfer their own genetic material. He's taking a focused look at what exactly the capsid enables.
For more, see his lab's website at shepherdlab.org and find him on Twitter as @JasonSynaptic.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The Behavioral Diabetes Institute brings clinicians, researchers, and resources together to address diabetes. President William Polonsky drops the listener in the midst of this informative team, providing a helpful image of what it means to manage type 2 diabetes. Listen and learn
William Polonsky is the president of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute and an associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego. While the institute offers resources educating patients on the mechanisms of type 1 & 2 diabetes, considerations for insulin pumps versus injections for type 1 diabetics, and nutrition intervention for obesity, their primary focus is emotional and behavioral care for diabetic patients and family. He and Richard discuss type 2 management in this conversation, from the challenges to the numerous reasons to have hope. He reminds listeners that what makes managing it so difficult, and what those of us without it don’t realize, is that having it is like working another job without vacation. Furthermore, there's a lot of misunderstanding about the causes and, while obesity intervention strategies may sometimes be a component of care, there are variety of reasons for developing the disease, including genetic.
He tells listeners of many opportunities for high-quality management of type 2, from new medications to supportive techniques. But he also discusses the mix of information out there. On the one hand, the general public is much more aware of the meaning of terms like A1C, and diet and prevention of type 2 diabetes advice columns are prevalent. On the other hand, a lot of diagnosed people never get formal education about how to care for themselves and "wing it." He reminds listeners that numerous professionals, from endocrinologists to institutes like his, are out there and eager to guide and support type 2 diabetics. "It’s really important to have hope and know it's not by any means a death sentence: your efforts can make a difference," he says. Listen in for more encouraging words and ways to take care of diabetes.
For more see behavioraldiabetes.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It's hard to mimic the pancreas, despite the stellar treatment technology available to type 1 diabetics. Researchers like Juan Domínguez-Bendala are working hard on a cure for type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and, simultaneously, for even more hands-off treatment options. Listen and learn
Juan Domínguez-Bendala is Director of Stem Cell Development Research and an associate professor of surgery at the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. The primary goal of his researcher is to cure type 1 diabetes, and he addresses these efforts as well as exciting steps forward in a transplant therapy. The auto-immune cause of the disease means a cure must address two issues: immune modulation and regeneration of beta cells, which produce insulin. Therefore, advanced therapies also must address these two issues, but in a less permanent way. He describes some roads different researchers have taken to get as close as possible to curative hypotheses and how the therapies takes advantage of those findings.
Unlike beta cells in type 2 diabetes, type 1 patients have had their beta cells attacked and killed by their immune system. His lab is using induced pluripotent stems cells, where they are taken from skin, reprogrammed to go back in time, and then redifferentiated into, in this case, beta cells. They then put these cells into a protective case about the size of a credit card and implant just below the skin. Patients would ideally only need to return every 6 months for a new implantation. They are also working on a way to induce cell growth inside a patient's body by introducing a medicine that would cause beta cell regeneration naturally. They've identified a protein in our blood that makes beta stem cells proliferate, giving rise to new beta cells. Listen in for exciting leaps ahead for better type 1 diabetes treatment and the careful approach toward a final cure.
For more, see the Diabetes Research Institute. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What a week! You hit your best times for each run. But the following week, it's as if you are jogging with weights tied to your ankles. What's going on? Well, hormones and functions can have an impact in your physiology down to cell hydration. Dr. Beth Westie explains more in this discussion on hormone balance and health and fitness tie-ins. Listen and learn
Dr. Beth Westie is a chiropractor, author, and speaker and hosts the Female Health Solution Podcast. Years ago, she suffered painful ovarian cysts that would burst monthly and reform. When she sought help in an emergency room from pain, the prescription of birth control and Vicodin didn't sit well with her. She got to work, researching and calling on her own training to figure out what she could do for a your-hormones-are-off diagnosis. Her background in eastern medicine helped and she eventually understood that women experience several different body types over their lives. She says she started "eating for my hormones," and that made all the difference.
She explains that her hormone levels were too high and her body wasn't processing them out of her system in a healthy way. Different monthly hormonal phases effect physiology and metabolism, even causing basal body temp change. Both estrogen and progesterone have very different effects. For example, one's basal body temperature is higher when progesterone levels increase post-ovulation. It helps to match the tone of one's food to one's basal body temp. During the estrogen phase, when the basal temp is lower, it works well to eat cooling foods. For the progesterone phase, it's beneficial to eat warming foods like beef, ginger, or cinnamon. But this is just the type of the iceberg. She goes through numerous other effects and how to work with and support the body's efforts. She even addresses the propensity of the medical field to leave women out of research, sequestering ailments to female-only labels that didn't receive proper investigation.
For more about her, see her website: drbethwestie.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Nerve injury types have multiple causes, from physical trauma to diseases like multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders. Nerve damage repair has been an elusive science, but Dr. Silver shares an exciting therapy on the verge of phase one clinical trials. Listen and learn
Dr. Jerry Silver is a co-inventor and scientific advisor at NervGen Pharma as well as professor of neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. He's won numerous awards, including the Christopher Reeve-Irvine Research Medal. Currently, he's performing a focused group of experiments with NervGen's regenerative peptide as a means toward spinal cord injury treatment. Much of his current work stems from a long-ago research question: how do nerves make decisions to grow in some places but not others? In turns out that the presence of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan is in abundance at those stopping points. Significantly, developing scare tissue in injured nerve tissue is also full of proteoglycans: it was confirmed that those molecules block nerve regeneration.
Dr. Silver catches listeners up with facts about neurodegenerative diseases well as other classical nerve injury repair experiments. He describes flaws in different approaches to inhibit the presence of those proteoglycans, such as injecting directly in the spinal cord. As Dr. Silver says, "wouldn't it be better if you didn't have to touch the spinal cord at all?" This question lead to his peptide work at NervGen. In 2009, his lab and John Flanagan's group in Harvard discovered the first receptor that nerves make that allows them to interact with proteoglycans and stick them in place. This sigma receptor became the target of his work, and they've developed a peptide that blocks that receptor, allowing for "sprouting" to take place in a robust way. His lab continues to work with this exciting step forward in nerve damage repair.
See nervgen.com for more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The excitement of space travel can obscure the dangers, and radiation exposure is one such forgotten factor. Sarah Baatout is a radiobiologist who helps protect astronauts in space and minimize space radiation effects on the human body. Listen and learn
Sarah Baatout is the head of the radiobiology unit at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN). She investigates the impact of ionizing radiation on health through radiobiology and radiation protection. She works to maximize benefits that radiation can offer in cancer treatments and improve radiotherapy safety. In addition, she does research to better predict the risks of exposure for space travel and to astronauts in the space station.
As we go about our daily activities on earth, our atmosphere and magnetic field protects us from radiation exposure. But Sarah Baatout focuses on the cases where that changes, from those needing radiation treatments to space station inhabitants. Furthermore, there are several different types of radiation in space that must be accounted for. Conversely, there are several different ways to protect the body, or radiation protectors, to stop the damage induced by cosmic radiation. Her work includes boosting the way cells repair DNA damage as well as understanding how sensitivity to damage varies across different people. She's also developing pharmaceuticals to make radiation exposure much less dangerous by protecting healthy cells and improving the radiation to target cancer more specifically.
For more about her work, see the SCK•CEN website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Fareeha Al Siddiq shares exciting advancements in remote cardiac monitoring in this episode on cardiac health care. Listen and learn
Dr. Fareeha Al Siddiq is a top medical expert at Biotricity and explains how their technology works and improves treatment for the number one health concern in the U.S., heart disease. Its near real-time monitoring component means that if a wearer has a cardiac event or has something life-threatening occur, their physician is notified immediately. Their medical team can then get a head start on treatment for the patient and can reach out if there's an immediate concern that needs addressing.
The pandemic has helped them see gaps in the system as far as accessibility—less populated areas have been underserved regarding cardiac health assessments. They make sure any location with cell phone receptivity can receive and use their product. In fact, the blue tooth device is about the size of a cell phone and backs up the data through multiple connections to the cloud. Physicians say the biggest benefit for them is getting a jump start on diagnosis and treatment. They can recall the patient sooner, change their dosage and medication sooner, and seek other needed treatments in better time.
For more about this technology, see biotricity.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A must-listen for anyone touched by thyroid cancer, this conversation offers not only accessible information, it takes an interesting turn. We learn that the endocrinologist Ruchi Gaba and Richard both have experienced papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnoses and treatment. This lends the discussion a clinical and personal perspective that makes the information delivery even more helpful.
Listen and learn
Ruchi Gaba is an assistant professor of medicine in the endocrinology division at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She's also the medical director for their Thyroid and Parathyroid Center, which addresses thyroid cancers and multiple endocrinal neoplasia. They're a world class medical center that develops very individualized plans for every patient;
Dr. Gaba's inspiration for the center came after her own experience with a thyroid cancer diagnosis left her keenly aware of the need for specialists who know exactly what to look for. She gives listeners a stellar line up of the basics, from discussing the four types of cancer and special issues and treatments for each.
"Surgery is the main modality for any type of thyroid cancer," she says. For the most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary, radioactive iodine is usually a follow up treatment, designed to kill microscopic cancer cells left behind after thyroid cancer surgery. She explains that some patients become iodine avid, which means the thyroid has less tendency to pick up the iodine. However, clinicians are now able to treat these patients with a new therapy that addresses this, enabling the thyroid to pick up the iodine again. Another "game changer" treatment she describes involves gene therapy, where they can now target cells with the particular gene mutation driving the cancer and kill those cells.
She and Richard each discuss their own personal experiences and address reoccurrence rates for thyroid papillary cancer as well as its growth habit. Listen in for a meaningful conversation about this growing health concern.
For more, see her web page at Baylor: bcm.edu/people-search/ruchi-gaba-21640.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What do cancer cells want? That's one of Perry Marshall's central questions as he takes listeners through how our traditional view of cancer might hinder advancements in treatment. Listen and learn
Perry Marshall is a well-known top marketing consultant for online systems. The author of Evolution 2.0, he and Richard have shared an interest in a new understanding of evolution as well as how we think about cancer. This interview is first in a series on cancer that will become a part of Richard's upcoming book on the subject. Through his extensive research and past interviews, Richard's identified three players in the medical field: the researcher, the clinician, and the individual who's been affected on a personal level and does their own intensive research with that perspective. Perry stands in this last position and has spent years researching and creating symposiums about evolution and cancer.
He shares his particular view on how cancer starts and by what ecology it spreads through cancer evolution and the immune system response. Cancer begins when a cell or group of cells or tissue gets overly stressed and hits a primal evolutionary reset button. It wakes up in a primitive state and is no longer aware of its identity as part of the human host. Rather it proceeds for its own protection and survival. This means it functions in a flight-or-fight mode, and Perry feels that much of our current cancer therapy treatment only exacerbates that mode. Instead, perhaps researchers should approach cancer by asking how to get these cells out that emergency survival mode. It's also important to consider how we stop the reset button being hit in the first place. Listen in to this interesting treatise on how we can improve our very conception of cancer therapy treatment.
For more, see cancerevolution.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A metabolic pathway study on an ocean floor compound led marine scientist Veronika Kivenson straight to our gut. When she found evidence that a genetic code expansion utilized for metabolism in an ocean sediment compound also appears in the human gut, she knew she needed to understand this pathway better. Listen and learn
Veronika Kivenson recently received her Ph.D. in Marine Science from UC Santa Barbara and is now working on a post doc at Oregon State University. She studies microorganism and how they react with their surroundings, especially their metabolism, and what they consume and produce. While studying marine sediment, she came across an interesting connection with gut metabolism. An amino acid that converts from a stop codon in order to metabolize trimethylamine appears in both places. Furthermore, trimethylamine is listed in the negative column in animal-based diet pros and cons.
Animal-based foods are a major source of trimethylamine. In our liver, it becomes trimethylamine-N-oxide, or TMAO, which causes plaque, an element of cardiovascular disease symptoms. But if a pathway in the gut can prevent that formation of TMAO, that's significant. Veronika Kivenson is looking at the potential beneficial role in the genetic code expansion pathway that consumes and prevents TMA from becoming TMAO, or part of plaque formation. What's really interesting is that this consuming bacteria is also associated with meat consumption. The Bilophila genus bacteria, through genetic code expansion, prevents the formation of the harmful TMAO. Studies on these pathways could lead to probiotic therapies to address cardiovascular disease. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The tangle of online social media sights provided one researcher with a new direction for studying the physics of systems. He and multi-disciplinary colleagues have applied complex systems and data science to the dynamics of online group trends, trying to uncover better ways for engaging with information.
Listen and learn
Neil Johnson is a professor of physics at George Washington University. He's spent his career studying the surprising things that happen when you combine objects. For example, he describes all the ways water molecules can have huge impacts under different conditions just by putting them together: ice skating, the titanic wreck, bubbles emitting from boiling. "When something is collected," he says, "things happen that you would never predict."
While his early studies involved excitons, which are collections of positive and negative particles, he migrated to other collections and eventually to data science real-world applications. He researched the formation of online extremism as seen by Isis communities combining and separating, like gears and wheels, impacting each other in various ways, which became a type of crime network analysis.
But he and his colleagues are working on possibly the most complex and hard-to-pin-down collection yet: social media groupings that form opinions on platforms like Facebook. They're taking on these data science real-time projects from a physicist's perspective of force and reaction. What are the tipping forces? How do sudden shifts evolve?
The competition between three essential forces interests them: each individual's internal compass, some external field like news sources, and local interactions with other objects within one's community such as neighbors. "You can't win any misinformation battle without a map of the battlefield," he adds. By understanding how forces exert pressures and having a map with the dynamics better evaluated, our information sharing methods and means can hopefully improve.
For more information, see physics.columbian.gwu.edu/neil-johnson.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"Necessity is the birthplace of all creativity," says Ashok Gupta. He describes how his own chronic fatigue experience lead to the life-changing practices he now teaches others. He's dedicated his time to supporting people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and similar issues like fibromyalgia treatment.
Listen in as he explains
Speaker, filmmaker, and health practitioner Ashok Gupta is Program Clinic Director with The Gupta Program. As an undergraduate at Cambridge University, he suffered a stomach bug that spiraled him into ME/CFS. It was "like a brick wall in front of him," he says, surrounded by professionals telling him there was nothing he could do to feel better and improve.
After some research, he understood that there is an array of modern chronic conditions that are misunderstood, and mainstream medicine doesn't offer reliable solutions. He brought his research together and formed his own treatment program. Twenty years later and healthy, he's made it his work to effectively help others with ME/CFS and other similar issues like fibromyalgia exercises, chemical and mold sensitives, and MCAS.
His program addresses what they call NICS: Neuro (has its birthplace in nervous system), Immune (aspects of immune system over-triggered), Conditioned (learnt action in brain as defensive response), and Syndrome (each patient has unique collection of symptoms). He likens the brain conditioning response in these modern illnesses to PTSD. An initial illness causes an over-reaction of the amygdala and this over-reaction is then triggered in other circumstances, activating the nervous and immune system.
Their therapy involves teaching the brain that the body is no longer threatened, breaking the vicious cycle of the physiological response and reinforcements. Their main brain training technique is a seven-step technique with additional supporting methods. Lucky listeners can get a glimpse of his method as he takes listeners through a sample exercise called the "4S Technique." Listen in for peaceful and encouraging chronic illness motivation.
For more about his program, see guptaprogram.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Picture it: Ian McKellan in a wizard hat surrounded by a green screen. Is that what artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry looks like? It certainly is a step toward incorporating the powerful modeling tools computers can use to generate scenery like the Mines of Moria. But how much further might AI move beyond today's standard movie-making video vfx? Alexis Kirke and Richard take listeners on a tour of the possibilities. Listen and learn
Alexis Kirke is a senior research fellow at the School of Humanities and Performing Arts and with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Plymouth, England. He's a screenwriter and quantum/AI programmer and shares intriguing AI ideas with listeners. Examples of AI most familiar to listeners include the blending of artificial and natural scenes in Marvel franchise movies or recreations of film stars no longer with us like Princes Leia in a recent Star Wars film. Alexis Kirke sees the blending of artificial and human intelligence as much more than automation in the film industry. Rather, he sees creative potential in how humans and machines collaborate, making each other more powerful and inspiring.
In addition to contemplating possibilities, he helps listeners understand the practical uses. For example, adapting a TV program for someone with hearing difficulties in a meaningful way is more possible than ever. Creators have broken down all the sound elements in a piece and rated each one with narrative importance—someone could have an intelligent volume control and turn down the sounds in inverse relative importance, emphasizing only the most essential noises for the story. The job of the production team is only to break these elements down. The individualization is up to the device of the viewer. But of course, it goes far beyond this and he and Richard talk about the extent to which a story might be alterable as well as scenery and actors. Listen in for an entertaining discussion about the movies.
For more about his work, see his website at alexiskirke.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Political and international relations expert David Olney tackles where we've been and where we're heading in this fascinating conversation on the past and present of civil-military relations theory, counter-terrorism strategies, and economic revolution. Listen and learn
David Olney is an associate lecturer with the Politics and International Relations (POLIR) department at the University of Adelaide in Australia. His background offers a unique combination of academic knowledge with the perspective of the "person on the ground' in military engagement. He shares some of the tools in his academic arsenal as he covers foundational defense and security studies theory and more. He offers concrete examples, such as the difference in warfare practices in World War 2 between western cultures and Japanese battle techniques, and describes the catch-up counter-terrorism strategies the west had to make when faced with Iraq and Afghanistan counter-insurgents.
He also takes us to the rippling tension of the present and shares how the future may evolve. Government efforts toward COVID mandates "suits the paranoia" of a lot of terrorist organizations, he says. Such insurgent organizations easily believe that COVID measures could be the perfect cover for hidden means of control. He adds that in actuality, most states don't have enough adequate resources or time to battle the virus and have to make difficult decisions. He also tackles the polarization issues, and sees a light at the end of the tunnel. When conditions get bad, he says, collective action is one of the first movements to take hold, and in today's climate, environmental justice groups may join with economic efforts to bring about a substantial way forward. He discusses much more in this rich conversation, so listen in for a helpful perspective on our times.
For more, he points listeners to his own podcast called Blind Insights with David Olney. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
There are 42 biological factors that affect our blood sugar levels, but clinicians and researchers like Dana Roseman are here to help. From choosing an insulin pump versus injections to better nutrition intervention for obesity, she coaches clients with a wide range of needs. Listen in as she helps listeners learn more about reaching healthy goals. She explains
Dana B. Roseman is Director of Technology and Applied Research with Integrative Diabetes Services. She is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and a Registered Dietitian. While she does both research and clinical work, the pandemic has pushed most of her current work into the clinical sphere. She starts by giving listeners the basics on the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and explains why that means she has a variety of patient profiles. For example, while she might focus on diabetes and obesity relationships with type 2 patients, because type 1 is an autoimmune disease, there's less emphasis on diet and prevention of type 1 diabetes; therefore, her time with these patients revolves more around the technology of care.
She shares solid information with listeners at all health levels, however. For example, listeners may be surprised to learn that a ketogenic diet could actually lead to insulin resistance. Why? Well, a high amount of fat, which means a high amount of triglycerides, increases insulin resistance. This is why blood sugar levels often remain elevated after high fat meals. So if someone already has a tendency toward developing insulin resistance, over the long term, a higher fat ketogenic approach could be an issue. She provides plenty of healthy advice, such as the role of the microbiome and ways to eat for a healthy gut. Finally, she has some exciting information about up-and-coming technology and beta cell research that speaks of an encouraging future for type 1 diabetics and their caregivers.
For more about her work and for contact information, see integrateddiabetes.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
How is wind energy technically, economically, and environmentally superior to other forms of energy? It isn’t. In fact, countless studies have shown it to be a liability in all three regards. Press play to discover:
Physicist, environmental advocate, and creator of wiseenergy.com and a newsletter that covers many environmental topics, John Droz, shares surprising—if not shocking—information about alternative forms of energy, particularly wind power.
He begins by describing the path that led him to retire from General Electric at age 34, and where he’s taken his career since then. From state regulation of commercial water extraction, to a deep dive into research on what goes into wind energy production, to the primary pillars upholding the sentiment of climate change as an extremely urgent matter, Doz shares his insight on it all.
The commonly-held belief is that the advantages of wind energy are many, and unquestionable. But Droz pushes for a closer, more critical look at the issue. He also shares his thoughts on climate change—what it means, to what degree it may be occurring, and what ideas may be more politically driven than anything.
Learn more at http://wiseenergy.org/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It's hard to imagine a world without honey, much less all the fruits they pollinate. That's one reason Zachary Huang's research into honey bee stressors is so important. Listen in as he teaches listeners about
Zachary Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. He's also an avid photographer of all-things-honey bee, including the plants they pollinate. Honey bees face many stressors and are on the decline. Researchers across the country are trying to figure out why. Dr. Huang tells listeners about the Varroa destructor mite, which hitchhiked from Brazil or Asia on bees into North America. These purplish-red mites are about the size of a pinhead and feed on the fat body of the bee. They are an obligate parasite, meaning they are dependent on the bee for their life cycle. However, their bite transmits several viruses, which weaken and affect the bee anatomy and eventually lead to the death of the bee and increased hive vulnerability.
These types of mites are actually responsible for the death of 35% of honey bees a year. Honey bee social behavior increases mite transmission likelihood. They can be transmitted from drifting, if a bee goes to the wrong nest and brings a mite back, or if a new colony takes over another colony's site. Researchers have tried several methods to combat these mites, from chemical methods to Dr. Huang's own method of "zapping" the drones and mites, killing them with heat so that infected drones and mites die and the colony is free to recover. Other research explores utilizing honey bee behavioral adaptations like grooming behaviors and hygiene, working on breeding bees with increased habits that will decrease the mite population in their hives.
For more about his work and to see some of his photography, see bees.msu.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
By the time a person presents with clinical diabetes, about 80 percent of their beta cells—the cells that produce insulin—have been destroyed. Could a better understanding of these cells lead to earlier intervention and more effective treatment for diabetes? Tune in to learn:
Physician-scientist, Emily Sims, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University who focuses on the study of endocrinology and clinical and translational research on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, her lab is researching how pancreatic beta cells contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, and whether there is a way to cure rather than just treat the disease.
Sims provides insight on the disparities between what she sees in the clinic versus the research lab. She shares what’s been discovered through research using the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) depository, for instance, how type 1 diabetes pathology differs in young children versus adults. She also discusses what beta cell dedifferentiation means, and how it could be considered a new form of beta cell failure in type 1 diabetes.
Visit https://www.trialnet.org/ to learn more about current developments and discoveries in the world of diabetes research. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Ready for Web 3.0? Skynet may be the solution. Sia, one of the main decentralized internet companies that provides an open market for data storage, released a new technology called Skynet. Engineering Manager Matt Sevey tells listeners how Skynet rises above other cloud storage providers. Listen and learn
Matt Sevey is an Engineering Manager and Core Developer with Skynet, which is part of the Sia network. Sia is a well-established group that utilizes decentralized internet blockchain technology to create an open marketplace for data storage. In March 2020, they launched Skynet, a technology that allows nodes, called portals, to run from a personal laptop, as well as web portals that are publicly discoverable. This means it offers a "global data layer," where any content uploaded is available to any other Skynet portal. From an application standpoint, this is huge. Matt says that it "breaks down the silos of data that we have on today's centralized internet," opening up numerous ways for building applications. From a user's standpoint, it allows for a single account for all one's interactions on the web and a revolutionary way to share data. Finally, from a content creator's standpoint, it allows for "recursive content monetization," which means advertisers no longer need interrupt the flow of content.
An example of this usability? In a recent "hackathon," their term for coding competitions for students, one of the finalists was someone new to web development and had never heard of Skynet. Nonetheless, they were able to create an award-level application. In addition, this combined with the transferability of information is a game changer. If someone were to create a twitter-like application and it became problematic, a whole new application could be created and all participants and their past posts would transfer seamlessly. He and Richard discuss the nuances of information sharing, censorship, and dangerous content control in the Skynet system. And don't worry: he says that Sia still offers encrypted, private data storage for those who want that service. For more information to get started, see siasky.net. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Curious about one of the newest discoveries in the nature of viruses? This discussion explores an exciting find in virus behavior and their ability to communicate: quorum sensing by bacteriophages. Listen and learn
Charles Bernard is a PhD student at Sorbonne Université in Paris, working on microbiome communication. He says that quorum sensing means the "minimal number of bacteria or viruses to be present for a collective behavior to be efficient and therefore triggered." But what is viral communication? An important discovery was made in Israel in 2017 when a lab found that a temperate bacteriophage communicates by taking over the cellular machinery of their host bacteria. It signals to other viral particles in a way that determines the host-to-bacteriophage density. In other words, the virus must decide whether to replicate quickly via a lytic cycle or slow down and keep its host alive through a lysogenic cycle, which protects the host. That decision is determined by the ratio of bacteria to bacteriophage: the more bacteria, the better the lytic tradeoff works. The less bacteria, the more host the virus needs to preserve to be able to survive.
The genome of the bacteriophage contains genes that produce a signal and a receptor. They use this back-and-forth from within the bacteria to discover the ratio. In other words, they're assessing their odds to determine which replication cycle they should enter. Charles has continued looking at other bacteriophage communications and has been the first to find a bacteriophage with two different communication signals. These findings can translate to therapies by using bacteriophages to control bacteria. For example, if phages can signal in such a way to prevent bacteria from producing spores, scientists could control certain bacterial infection rates. As Charles says, "who gets to decide when it is time to sporulate? We used to think it was the bacteria, but, in fact, maybe it is the phages manipulating its host's biology . . . like a puppet master. "
For more, see his lab's website: Team AIRE. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
HIV's effect on the gut immune cells appears significant. This implies that gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) stands as a possible viral replication reservoir. Virologist Guido Van Marle is researching how and why this happens and how gut infection affects systemic infection.
Listen in as he and Richard explore every step of HIV infection. They discuss
Guido Van Marle is an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary. He focuses on viruses, specifically molecular virology techniques of West Nile Virus and the HIV-1 life cycle. He offers listeners numerous molecular mechanism examples of HIV.
He takes special care to designate the different stages of viral infection, explaining how in the early stage, called the acute or primary infection phase, the virus replicates and destroys some of the immune system cells. When it moves into the dormant stage, this activity dies down and the immune system is able to rebound. Significantly, the gut immune cells don't rebound the way other systems do.
In fact, his research has found that there is high load of infection going on in these gastrointestinal tract cells in that early acute phase post-HIV transmission, which means the area experiences a lot of cell death and inflammation: this allows pathogens to enter the tract and exit into the blood stream.
He explains the molecular mechanisms of biology that lead to leaky gut in this process. Furthermore, when doctors deliver antiviral therapy, and the patient's immune cells increase in number, they don't increase as much in the gut. He has focused on this area of infection for his research with the hopes of understanding disease progression as a whole.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Tuberculosis is the world's longest-running pandemic and kills about two million world citizens a year. While often it is the immune response to bacterial infection that's so dangerous, tuberculosis adds a complexity that is especially challenging. Anna Coussens zeros in on several of these complexities in her research.
Listen in and learn
Anna Coussens is a Laboratory Head in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immune Defense with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Her work in infectious diseases microbiology focuses specifically on tuberculosis as an immunologist. Because TB is a dominant problem in lower socioeconomic countries, it is often forgotten about in other areas. This has pushed treatment down on the list of common infectious diseases, but Dr. Coussens is working to change this.
She helps listeners understand why Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still the cause of so much illness, explaining the interplay of immunity and infection. It can trick T-cells into not recognizing its presence in infected cells through an extra-cellular vesicle sleight of hand. Furthermore, it has a very slow growth pattern, which makes it both hard to treat and hard to study in lab conditions. Many infected persons can exhibit a strong response and inflammation for years before doctors can detect bacteria in their sputum.
Dr. Coussens is trying to understand why different cells can react in such varied ways to the bacteria. Her research aims to find a way to treat the individual and the immune dysfunction of that individual through "host-directed therapy." She hopes to help resolve inflammation that might lead to better outcomes for treatment. People who have had TB are actually at a high risk for getting it again, which perpetuates the disease in high-burden areas.
Listen as one researcher describes her hard work to bring better treatment to these communities.
For more about her work, follow her on Twitter as @AnnaCoussens and see her web page at WEHI. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Could a saliva swab detect cancer presence? Researchers are closer than ever to using such noninvasive biomarker tests as diagnostic tools. Why? Well, it's all about balance, even at the smallest level. Researcher Mahmoud Ghannoum joins Richard to discuss the interactions of the human microbiome.
Listen and learn
Mahmoud Ghannoum is a professor in the Department of Pathology and Dermatology with the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He also started a company called Biohm Health, which uses microbiology to develop therapeutics for human microbiome health based on gut microbiome research. Microbiome communities live all over us and inside of us, he says, and he researches how they impact our health.
He explains that the microbiome is made up of bacterial and fungal communities. The balance between pathogenic and healthy species and the interactions between each community has dynamic health implications, which is why scientist are connecting healthy microbiomes and cancer prevention. When these communities are out of balance, scientist call this dysbiosis.
His extensive studies on tongue cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma showed a connection between cancer and the microbiota. The species diversity and richness of bacteria and fungi both decreased in tumor groups. In the case of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, he was also able to look at metabolites and found high levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate, which means this chemical can serve as a biomarker of disease, enabling noninvasive diagnosis.
In 2016, he also published a well-known study showing how pathogenic bacteria and fungi in microbiomes interact and secrete polysaccharides that form biofilms in the guts of Crohn's disease patients. He's developing a therapy to remove these biofilms by inhibiting the hyphae growth of a candida species. He continues to research effective ways to bring health through microbiome balance.
For more information, see biohmhealth.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Managing diabetes as a type 1 through diet and exercise is a constant balancing act, but Eoin Costello feels he is healthier for the efforts he takes. Listen in as he discusses how he's taken this challenging diagnosis head on and helps others understand and manage their own diabetes. He discusses
It was Christmas time, after all, so maybe all the celebrating was causing his symptoms, and the lack of sleep and increased celebratory drinking had led to his fatigue and excessive thirst. But a doctor's call woke him up from that illusion and at age 19, Eion Costelloe learned he had incurable type 1 diabetes. "I was old enough to understand how serious to take this, but young enough to not be set in my ways," he says, showing his general positive outlook that has helped him manage his type 1 diabetes treatment with vigor and care. He already had a healthy lifestyle, heavily involved in sport, but he had to relearn how he went about his activities with this new challenge.
After posting what he learned to an Instagram page for a few years, he found he needed to enlarge the format: there was so much to engage with, that he started his own podcast called The Insuleion Podcast: Redefining Diabetes. On this podcast he shares own insights but also brings on guests from around the world with diabetes and lessons to offer. He says that because it's a well-known yet not well-understood disease, the podcast works well to dispel myths but also inspire. He helps listeners with diabetes redefine for themselves what it means to live as a type 1, enlarging their outlook on what they can accomplish. He shares some of the lessons he's learned from some memorable guests and ends this conversation on a positive note on what being a diabetic means to him at this point in life.
For more about him, see his web page, insuleoin.com, and find him on Instagram. His podcast is available through most podcast-streaming sites. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
First, it’s just picking up the prescriptions, then it’s helping out a little bit around the house, then it’s accompanying them to doctor's appointments, and then, suddenly, the words “Oh, so you’re the caregiver” come out of the doctor’s mouth. Often, the first time someone hears that, it comes as a surprise, followed by a slow realization that it’s true. But what does it mean to be a caregiver, and how to prepare for such a role? Tune in to learn:
Pamela Wilson is a podcast host, national caregiving expert, author, radio host, and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience as a court-appointed guardian, power of attorney, and care manager. She has made it her mission to help caregivers through one of the first hurdles they often face: becoming aware of the fact that they’re even a caregiver. In addition, she provides ongoing support and advice to caregivers worldwide, and works with companies and groups that want to increase caregiver education and awareness.
Wilson describes the duties and responsibilities of caregivers, examples of problems caregivers face and how best to deal with them, self-care for caregivers, the importance of taking preventative measures (which can sometimes be as simple as having some conversations—albeit some hard ones), and more. Press play for all the details, and learn more by visiting her website at https://pameladwilson.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Finding a cure for type 1 diabetes includes two essential goals: growing insulin-producing beta cells and introducing them into patients successfully. Those two achievements appear fast-approaching yet also seem elusive. This podcast takes a closer look at these goals, interviewing one researcher studying how beta cells grow and mature. Listen and learn
Diana Elena Stanescu is an assistant professor of pediatrics with the Department of Pediatrics at the Perlman School of Medicine with the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a physician scientist, treating patients and researching how beta cells develop, grow, and mature. “As a pediatrician,” she says, “everything is about growing, developing, maturing: I keep that perspective across my work.” She adds that scientists think an initial cure for type 1 diabetes will center on cell replacement therapy: they’re finding ways to make embryonic cells become beta cells that make insulin. By looking at how beta cells develop and mature, she hopes to advise stem cell biologists on making better beta cells. While scientists have been able to make these cells, they are still too inefficient. Her work aims to change that.
Developmental biologists like her are therefore informing these stem cell biologists how these cells need to mimic what happens in normal development to a closer degree. They also need to produce an envelope in which to deliver these cells, protecting them from the body’s immune system. “We are able to do this in the lab but the problem is taking it from the lab and scaling up to a lot of people,” she says. Furthermore, the cells don’t make enough insulin to meet the body’s demands. She’s directing her research towards making higher quality cells, so that the few cells that they are able to include in this envelope are of the best possible quality and efficiency. This means researching how cells determine their glucose threshold before insulin secretion and other issues like hyperinsulin condition, when babies actually make too much insulin. This work will hopefully lead scientists closer to a cure.
For more about her work, she welcomes getting in touch via email. See her information page at the University of Pennsylvania for more information. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
One of the most exciting recent discoveries in microbiology involves an immunological mechanism of a single-celled organism. CRISPR-Cas technology is a technique bacteria use for fighting infection with phages. This podcast dives into the wild world of CRISPR and bacteriophage interplay. Listen and learn
Joseph Bondy-Denomy is an associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology at UCSF. His lab focuses on understanding how bacteria deal with their predators like bacteriophages, which are bacteria-infecting viruses. While they don't infect humans, they cover us and inhabit our bodies, looking for prey. CRISPR is one way bacteria protect themselves from phages, and scientists learned how to utilize the CRISPR for their own purposes, enabling foundational techniques for gene editing in the last decade. CRISPR-Cas9 and bacteriophage interaction in particular has made the news because of the usability of the Cas9 protein.
Dr. Bondy-Denomy offers listeners effective analogies for understanding how this process works, comparing this to taking a mugshot of a criminal, giving that bacteria information to retain and work from when the same type of phage tries to invade and infect again. He explains exactly how the bacteria do so, storing the DNA snip in a region that lends CRISPR its name, turns it into RNA, and then guides the CRISPR proteins, like Cas9, to the same phage type if it returns, preventing infection. He explains how understanding this mechanism led to two techniques: putting these systems into mammalian cells and showing how they could cut DNA and change a sequence intentionally and turning the mechanism into a programmable binding system. He discusses his own research as well, including continuing to understand how phages avoid CRISPR-Cas immunity and exploring new bacterial immune systems that have been discovered in the last few years.
For more about his work, follow him on Twitter as @joeBondyDenomy and see his lab's website: bondydenomylab.ucsf.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While many health programs might seek spousal support, rarely is the spouse's health considered on the same level as the patient. Jannie Nielsen seeks to center these surrounding relationships in how doctors address diet, prevention, and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Listen and learn
Jannie Nielsen is an assistant professor with the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center. Her research focuses on a new angle: she wants to study how people who are socially or biologically related resemble and affect each other regarding diabetes development and health consequences. In other words, she'd like to quantify in more solid terms how relationships, whether spousal or social, determine behavioral risk factors of diabetes. She mentions a study in England that showed the higher BMI of a spouse, the higher chance that person has diabetes. This certainly has a logic to it, and she therefore asks, "Why don't we then include the spouses when we try to make people healthier?" Her research may help to do just that.
She also discusses fascinating differences across cultures and societies reflected in our health, from a cross-sectional study in Uganda to a look at sample populations on islands off of New Zealand. She says that type 2 diabetes and related pancreas function differ across the world. For example, one man in Uganda they worked with who had type 2 diabetes was 55 and never had weight issues. Yet he has severe complications from type 2 diabetes derived from one of the common causes like malfunctioning pancreatic beta cells. For him, she says the challenges to improve his health centered on accessing a more diverse diet, which, without resources, is especially challenging. She's now working on gaining funding for a "complex interventions" study that touches on many variables.
For more about this issue, she suggests checking out the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The fundamental goal of Juan Alvarez's research? "In a nutshell," he says, "I'm trying to cure diabetes." This podcast discusses the exciting potential of his goal by exploring the specific elements of pancreas function and metabolic misfires that lead to diabetes. Listen and learn
Recently awarded an NIH Diabetes Grant, Juan R. Alvarez is an HHMI LSRF Research Fellow with Melton Laboratory at Harvard University. His research investigates causes of diabetes such as the connection between nonfunctioning pancreatic beta cells and diabetes and the impaired uptake of insulin in adipose and muscle tissue. These describe two common causes of type 2 diabetes. In the first case, his group hypothesizes that the pancreas's beta cells are over worked—an overwhelming demand for insulin exhausts the cells and many begin to lose their mature function or phenotype. They believe these cells protect themselves and prevent cell death by returning to this progenitor state.
The other common cause of type 2 diabetes is often termed "insulin resistance." It's the job of insulin to encourage muscle and adipose tissues to take up glucose from the blood and use it as fuel. These tissues have insulin receptors to do just that, but in some cases, these receptors become less efficient due to genetics or other metabolic issues or a combination of the two. Dr. Alvarez discusses some promising ways to address these causes, including a focus on the effects eating and fasting rhythms may have on the insulin-producing cells and how a jarring of that rhythm could lead to the beta cells losing their mature state. If they understand this, they might find a protein to reactivate or a molecule to inhibit to bring the beta cells back to their mature phenotype. He and Richard discuss other health connections between diabetes and disease such as cancer and chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. Listen in for how one top researcher is working on a cure for diabetes.
For links to Dr. Alvarez's published research, see his page at Harvard: hscrb.harvard.edu/people/juan-alvarez. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
As medical technology advances, the "should we" questions take on even more complexity. This episode takes a fascinating look at the principles of bioethics through numerous illustrative bioethics examples with noted bioethicist Margaret Somerville. Listen and learn
Margaret Somerville is a professor of bioethics in the School of Medicine in Sydney. She received her doctorate in the field in the '70s just as major advancements in genomics and genetics heightened the complexity for bioethics in medical technology. She lends listeners the language and schemata for how people in her profession consider the most difficult medical questions. She lists the four levels of decision making, from the micro or individual level up to the global level. She and Richard then discuss specific examples, including the response to COVID-19. While Richard feels they've been too restrictive and caused other kinds of suffering, she points out that the hard lockdown Australia implemented, briefer but even stricter than the U.S., led to much less infections and deaths. She feels that if Fauci's recommendations had been uniformly followed immediately, the U.S. may have found itself in a better position now.
She points out that there is harm caused even while implementing policies for good. Bioethicists help decisions makers consider what to do when there is conflict between the four decision-making levels, and calls it the "world of competing sorrows." She says that sometimes in bioethics in medicine, the decision is "who will you harm?" She adds, "Often, there is harm in the good that we do—we need to be aware of that," and justify the decisions made by facing this. She also talks about up-and-coming issues including alteration of the human germ line, ectogenesism, and creating artificial sperm or ovum. She discusses how she has handled controversy regarding her own opinions and her overall world view.
For more about her, see examples of her work at mercatornet.com/author/margaret-somerville. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast explores how one researcher is working to keep babies safer without turning to antibiotics. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) presence in the mother is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Doctors often treat mothers with antibiotics to curb the infection, which presents its own complications. Richard interviews a microbiologist working on alternatives. Listen and learn
In this episode, Richard speaks with a researcher specializing in perinatal microbiology and infections of the perinatal period. She examines how these infections can modify the outcome for mothers and babies. By looking at the epidemiology and how GBS strains change regarding capsule type and other factors in different regions, she hopes to learn more about the bacteria to utilize a bacteriophage for infecting the bacteria. What's a bacteriophage versus a virus? One way to understand the difference is to consider the host: bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. The bacteriophage life cycle is intertwined with the host bacteria, and many researchers are looking at bacteriophages in the human body as a treatment alternative to antibiotics.
Because antibiotics are used to treat bacterial versus viral infections and can kill beneficial organisms inhabiting the baby, phage therapy may benefit babies in multiple ways. GBS transmission occurs during the vaginal birth process if the mother has the bacteria. While some babies can remain healthy despite this, others are infected with harmful results including death. Therefore, widespread screening is in place, testing the mother. Generally a mother is given antibiotics a few hour before labor. This microbiologist is researching candidate phages for therapy and also trying to understand more about natural exposure to phages during pregnancy. Listen in for more about this dynamic and potentially life-saving work. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Suffering from the pain of headaches and migraines? This podcast offers vital information for those who experience migraine symptoms. Dr. Lucas helps listeners both understand what we know about these conditions and explains different therapeutics and what they do. Listen and learn
Dr. Sylvia Lucas is a Clinical Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Washington Medical Center. She brings an approachable, clear delivery of information for all-things-migraine in this episode. Her overview includes an explanation of why research has been less than optimal until recently. Research wasn't there in the early part of modern medicine in part because it was considered a "women's condition." Because stress is one of the most common triggers, sufferers were told to "buck up." But now scientists have a biological model and resources such as imaging to invest in careful study.
For the most part, migraines are thought to be a genetic process. There are about 40 major and hundreds of minor genes linked to migraines. A major class of drugs to treat migraines called triptans were developed in the '80s and then advancement in therapeutics stalled. Recently, however, CGRP drugs were introduced, which are small molecule drugs. They block receptors very specific to migraine pain. In spring of 2020, one such drug called Nurtec was released, which can be taken without water and brings relief within an hour. She explains in detail how and also discusses daily habits that might help. She emphasizes the help a regular routine can offer migraine sufferers as well as other stress-relieving habits. She also talks about her current research into concussions and headache-related symptoms from this injury. Listen in for more about strategies for relief.
For more information, see the National Headache Foundation and the American Headache Society. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A Canadian physician has taken an historical approach to examining surgery, from ancient Greece to modern medicine and surgery. He started a podcast called Legends of Surgery and talks about some of the most interesting tidbits in this episode. He discusses
Tyler Rouse specializes in anatomical pathology as a physician but has always been a history buff, especially regarding surgery. He spends his free time researching the specific histories behind surgery and has made an entertaining and enlightening podcast about his more significant finds. For example, he's examined the horrors of J. Marion Sims, long considered the father of modern gynecology, who performed cruel experiments on slaves. He discusses big leaps in surgery such as an important connection one doctor made about hand washing: Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that women were developing infections at a high rate after delivering their babies. He found out that medical students delivered babies right after working in the morgue, giving the women terrible infections. While the medical community shunned him, his findings eventually led to the vital practice of hand washing.
He also discusses modern surgery techniques, such as impediments to improvement, risky types of surgery, and how the hardest decision a surgeon makes is typically when to operate. He and Richard talk about how to assess whether a surgeon is capable or not and other ways to navigate the system. He examines the attitudes toward the classification of surgery and medicine, how ancient medicine precluded any questioning and therefore any forward movement. He notes that while we now are better about not being limited by the "dogma" of tradition, we still could use a more open approach toward adopting advancements. Listen in for more interesting stories about the history of surgery.
Legends of Surgery is available through most podcast sites and is on Facebook and Twitter. Available on Avpple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast shares an amazing story of overcoming the hardship of severe chronic kidney disease management. Nathanael lost his kidneys as a young child and suffered years of ups and downs from treatment. He shares his thoughts on chronic illness motivation that has helped many across the world. Listen and hear
Most who suffer from kidney conditions pass through the chronic kidney disease stages and have some time to adjust. But Nathanael Zurbruegg lost his kidneys as a one-year-old boy due to a chronic disease and went through years of kidney transplants and dialysis when each kidney failed. This up and down cycle broke him and as a young adolescent, after another transplant failed, he felt that he wanted to end his own life. From that day on, he received spiritual, emotional, and physical support. He came to a realization that he had to accept that "this is my life." At age 13, when another transplant failed and doctors told him he couldn't receive another one, he realized he could seek his dreams in other ways, such as through his imagination.
Eventually, despite dialysis, he was thrilled to be able to go to Australia. He tells listeners that even though our bodies may be broken, we can ease our mindset and set our expectations for a better future. He says that there are ways to reach for hope and imagine good things about one's future, and discusses some of the ways he does this. Eventually, he began public speaking, traveling globally to reach out to different people around the world. He started his own website and works to inspire others to not let one's past and limitations define their future.
For more about him, see his personal website, nathanaelzurbruegg.com, and his business site, unlimitedyou.co. Available on Avpple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In addition to HIV prevention, one of the biggest topics for HIV research is finding a cure. While antivirals are able to control and suppress the virus, it’s still able to keep its foothold in infected subjects. This podcast talks to one researcher who's helped scientists understand that persistence. Listen and learn
Matt Gartner is a research officer with Subbarao Group, researching common infectious diseases. His PhD work focused on infectious diseases microbiology, most specifically HIV. Like many infectious viruses, after the transmission of HIV, the virus usually undergoes a latent period. However, the latent period has a couple of mysterious characteristics. Dr. Gartner studied the ability of HIV to establish a strong latent reservoir, which allows the virus to persist in people even if they're on antivirals. He explored two questions in his work: how does HIV establish this reservoir and how is this reservoir being maintained even under antiviral retro therapy.
His research found very little signs of virus evolution, suggesting the antiviral drugs are good at blocking replication. But they found a large percentage of sequences in the patient that were identical, which has important implications: this points to a proliferation of immune cells copying the same strain. Dr. Gartner thinks that a patient's immune response helps the reservoir expand when it responds and replicates to attack a specific pathogen. As it replicates, it produces clones of the HIV retrovirus. While this means "any particular cure strategy will be very difficult to carry out," he discusses one that has potential called the "shock and kill" strategy. Listen in for more about this theory and other details on HIV infection mechanisms.
For more about his work, he suggests searching PubMed and ResearchGate. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It's all in the translation, especially for plant viruses. This podcast takes an interesting look at virus expressions in plants and their ability to coopt cellular machinery for their own purposes. Listen and learn
Aurelie Rakotondrafara is an associate professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She brings an infectious awe to all things viral as she discusses the ways plant viruses work in this episode, from viral gene transfer to viral resistance in plants. Her particular focus is on viral gene expression—how viruses manage to outcompete other cell molecules to make proteins. The primary goal for any virus, whether animal or plant, is to enter their obligate host cell and replicate. But plant cells have an impenetrable cell wall; unlike with animal viruses, there's no endocytosis or similar entry method. They often use a vector to put them inside the cell—the majority of plant viruses are transmitted by insects, who are able to penetrate the cell wall and secrete the virus.
Aurelie Rakotondrafara's research focuses on what the viruses do once they are inside that cell as they work to coopt the cell's ribosomes. The plant uses ribosomes to make their own proteins and the virus needs to work a complex strategy to trick the ribosomes into making their proteins instead. The majority of plant viruses are RNA viruses, and they are competing with a million of the plant's mRNA that are already floating in the cytoplasm. Dr. Rakotondrafara studies the unique strategies that the viruses use to do this. She discusses some of these tricky strategies and mentions one particular wheat virus she studies in detail. That virus has such a tremendous ability to translate that researchers may see if it can be used to speed the production of vaccines.
For more about her work, see her lab's web page: rakotondrafaralab.russell.wisc.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
There are still no disease-modifying therapeutics for dementia patients, but James Moe thinks that will change soon. This podcast discusses research on a particular drug that's showing promise, but also helps with understanding Alzheimer's disease progression. On a hopeful note, James Moe emphasizes how close the neurodegeneration research community is to developing significant breakthroughs. Listen and learn
Oligomerix, Inc. focuses on neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, such as the management of Alzheimer's disease. James Moe says that when they started the company, they decided to focus on the tau protein despite a contemporaneous emphasis on amyloid. Among other reasons, their thought was to focus upstream in the pathway by blocking the tau protein from binding to itself. Their research showed that neurodegeneration is connected to the neuron damage resulting from tangles the protein accumulations caused. This began their quest to develop self-association assays for tau.
Almost 6 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease symptoms and it poses a significant burden on health care costs of our country in addition to the pain of patients and families. But developing preventions of Alzheimer's dementia and effective treatment is no small task. However, because there's been so much investment by the medical community, James Moe feels that the field is developing a "mass amount of knowledge . . . and is on the cusp for major therapeutics." Their own research has shown in vivo data where phosphorylation was diminished in three different regions throughout the molecule. This should prevent the misfolding that leads to neuron-damaging tangles. Listen in for more about the exciting potential of this therapeutic.
For more about the company, see their web site: oligomerix.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Are you a mystery fan who also loves science? This podcast is for you! Considered the founder of modern forensic genealogy, Colleen Fitzpatrick shares how genetic genealogy works. Listen and learn
Real genetic genealogy crime mysteries aren't solved after the next commercial, says Colleen Fitzpatrick. "It's hard," she adds. "It's not a couple-of-hours deal." Based in Southern California, Identifinders International helps find people, alive or deceased. They might help solve issues around unclaimed property or fraud cases as well as identifying victims and perpetrators in violent crimes. Colleen Fitzpatrick actually has a doctorate in nuclear physics, so is no stranger to the hard sciences. In 2011, it occurred to her that the markers people used in genetic genealogy were the same markers forensic science was using to get crime scene Y chromosome DNA profiles. She realized she could take a forensic Y DNA profile and compare it to genetic genealogy databases and identify the last name of a criminal.
In 2015, the Phoenix Police Department hired her to apply genetic genealogy to cold cases and her work helped solve the Phoenix Canal Murders. She tells listeners some of the intricacies of this case, including how she helped narrow the suspect list from thousands to a list of five, and then, after a little more police work, helped correctly identify the killer. She shares more examples of genetic genealogy solved cases and discusses how those interested in the field might start practicing the kind of work she does. She also explains upcoming advancements in the field, including knowing "more and more with less and less," integration of mapping and facial reconstruction, and better technology over all.
For more about her work and company, see their website: identifinders.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Scientists all over the world are working on the same question facing Paul Titchenell's lab: what are the pathways that lead to metabolic diseases? This podcast explores what happens between the liver, pancreas, and blood stream during the metabolism process of the human body. Listen and learn
Paul M. Titchenell is an assistant professor of physiology at the University of Pennsylvania. His lab is trying to understand the basic mechanism of insulin action. He describes their process as a diverse approach through studying cells through the mechanism of insulin action in vivo and in animal models. Their goal is to understand the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases associated with aberrant insulin action, like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Like many disease mysteries, he explains that to understand what goes wrong, scientists need to understand what goes right in normal physiology by mapping the signal transduction pathways that insulin uses to coordinate metabolism.
They are focused on the liver in particular because the liver makes glucose to provide our bodies with energy while we are fasting and/or sleeping. Hormones involved in metabolism include insulin, which tells the liver to stop that glucose production. However, insulin "resistance" can trigger the body to try make even more insulin to maintain that part of the pathway. At this point, the overproduction of insulin causes problems scientists are trying to understand. The mystery includes the varying levels of metabolic capability at this point. The Titchenell Lab, as well as many other scientists, are trying to understand why insulin continues to promote lipid synthesis in the liver during conditions of insulin resistance while failing to control blood sugar.
For more, see his lab's webpage, www.med.upenn.edu/titchenelllab, and find him on Twitter. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Despite the type 1 and 2 labeling, there are more than two groups of diabetes. Researchers like Toni Pollin are accelerating their work on these lesser known groups. This podcast presents a monogenic diabetes review, interviewing a specialist and a patient who, along with her two daughters, has this heritable disease. Listen and learn
When Emily Moore was sixteen, she underwent a screening for a routine procedure and tests found unusually high blood glucose levels. She happened to have a doctor a little ahead of the game and, rather than just call it type 1 diabetes, he gave her a monogenic diabetes diagnosis, sometimes called MODY: Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young. Through treatments less extreme than what type1 diabetics usually face, she was able to control her numbers. But when she had her own kids, she wanted to learn more. Enter Professor Toni I. Pollin of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was running a study that Emily enrolled in.
Professor Pollin explains that in the '70s, an astute group of scientists noted that some kids had a type of diabetes that seemed milder than other type 1s, and even responded successfully to pills rather than insulin. Unlike other types of diabetes that develop from genetic and environmental factors, this monogenic diabetes is inherited through an autosomal dominate manner. Such patients might control it with a CGM sensor or diabetes monitor and make diabetes lifestyle changes accordingly. Medication can help and in some cases, insulin may be indicated. The blood sugar patterns of Emily and her teenage daughters, who have been diagnosed, along with Richard, who has experienced prediabetes blood sugar levels, gives Dr. Pollin an opportunity to evidence how complex and individualized all types of diabetes are, even within the same group. It's that much more important to start with the "low-hanging fruit" of a correct diagnosis, adds Dr. Pollin.
For more, look to the web page for the new consortium they've started, MDRAC, which includes links to helpful resources. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Anxious about the future? You're not alone. Rapid change plus overflow of information has pushed many to adapt a dystopian outlook on the future. This podcast shares a conversation with two authors who are challenging that mindset. Po Bronson and Arvind Gupta discuss their new book, Decoding the World. Listeners will hear
Arvind Gupta is founder and venture advisor at Indie Bio and co-leads Mayfield’s engineering biology practice. Po Bronson is a journalist, author, and managing director and partner at Indie Bio. Together they've written Decoding the World: A Roadmap for the Questioner (The Convergence Trilogy). Po opens up the premise of the book by talking about the work of Indie Bio, which took biotech out the limits of the health care sector and applied it to food, materials, and energy. This book wants to do the same with the reader's mindset, and take the domain of genetics out into the real world. Arvind adds, "we have a lot to look forward to . . . we can use the tools that we have to make a better future." Both authors emphasize getting out of a deterministic mindset; rather, nothing is inevitable, even climate change. We can do something.
They give some enlightening examples from the book, including a chapter on cancer and how they address cancer causes and prevention through a personal story alongside facts about cancer cells, which serves to elucidate the present and future in a unique way. They also take on the idea of bitcoin as the currency of the future, explaining why, in particular, venture industries use cryptocurrency. This chapter opens up the subject in a way that uses bitcoin future predictions to make the process understandable and free from deterministic economics. Finally, the authors even discuss a chapter based on the Jason Borne story. Listen in to find out how that theme fits with an exciting way to determine our futures.
For more about Indie Bio, see their website: indiebio.co. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Pathogens easily grow on plastics, and plastics travel far and wide in the ocean. That has marine biologists like Joleah Lamb looking for solutions. This podcast dives deep into the complex world of aquatic ecology and biodiversity and how our actions impact it. Listen and learn
Joleah Lamb is an assistant professor in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences with the University of California, Irvine. She runs their Oceans and Human Health Laboratory, which focuses on solutions in a research-driven program at the interface of public health and ecosystem function. She gives listeners a wakeup call: the global population is expected to surpass 9.7 billion people by 2050, and more than half will live within 80 kilometers of a coastline. We know about the ocean's impact on humans, but most also consider the reverse. From microorganism on coral reefs to biofilms that might be introduced through tiny pieces of plastic in the ocean, scientists like Dr. Lamb are thinking carefully about how these systems may clash.
Only two years ago, she says that scientists didn't even have a number about the amount of plastics going in and settling on sea floor and corals. Through careful surveys, they have found that corals with plastics touching them had a 20 fold increase of contracting a disease. This was the first study to show that plastics that were in contact with animals could cause a disease outbreak. She also shares some remarkable findings about sea grasses and environmental microbiology. Seagrasses are the rainforest of the marine environment and capture even more carbon than trees. They've found that seagrasses can actually kill human pathogens, and areas with seagrasses show a healthier water column. Listen in for more ways scientists like Joleah Lamb are working for a better ecology.
For more about her work, see her lab's website: oceanhealth.bio. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The mortgage space spits out a seemingly insurmountable level of complex numbers. Accessing clean data from interest rates and housing markets alongside numerous other elements in the mortgage space is no small feat. This podcast presents the CEO of one company that says they can do just that. Listen to hear how big data and its importance meets data democratization. Listeners will learn
Li Chang is the Chief Executive Officer of Recursion Co. After achieving a graduate degree in computer science, she returned to get her PhD in mathematics while working full time at Morningstar. She worked for a hedge fund soon after graduating as a financial engineer and has been working in the mortgage space ever since. She started Recursion Co. in 2015 when she needed a new challenge and saw a clear need for such a company in the industry. Mortgage data is so immense, she says, that is too big for most companies to handle. Plus, because she knew the capabilities of computer science and data science, she felt Wall Street was not taking advantage of Silicon Valley advancements. Analyzation systems in the mortgage space were very clumsy and "messy."
Li Chang realized that she had the ability, tools, and know-how to put these very complicated numbers together and address the mortgage space data issues in a much more efficient way. She also knew she could make it affordable for a broader audience, calling this effort "data democratization." What exactly does this look like? They rearrange and normalize the chaotic data, bringing it together from many sources in a way that tells the whole story. Currently, they are looking for smaller companies in the mortgage space as customers. They can help companies who don’t have a lot of human resources or technology in-house by providing them with the equivalent resources as if they have a big company behind them.
For more about their work, see their web page, recursionco.com and follow their blog on LinkedIn. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Weight loss and stress management seem to top everyone's list. But our attempts at achieving all types of fitness may be overwhelming. We strive for physical fitness motivation while understanding the importance of mental fitness—it's a lot. But JJ Flizanes stands out with a unique and inspiring science-based approach that simplifies and calms these claims on our attention. This podcast explores her approach to the laws of attraction.
Listeners will hear
Flizanes is a podcast host, author, speaker, trainer, and Director of Invisible Fitness. Her work to become a trainer opened up her understanding of scientific principals and as she researched even more, she came to understand how we literally have our own operating frequency. She says that "the law of attraction is actually physics: when you apply physics and realize that, it's a game changer." Listeners will have an opportunity to hear more about this game-changing approach as the conversation continues.
She says that the frequencies we live with everyday are the same frequencies in our bodies, and these are reflected in our emotions. In other words, how we experience the world is a reflection of where we are, not what we want. She adds that eighty-eight percent of our mind is at a subconscious level, so simply thinking positive thoughts isn't going to lead to change. Rather, the law of attraction is about adjusting that feedback loop and takes a lot of practice beyond a list of mental fitness tips. However, she provides inspiration to start down that path.
For more about her work, see her website, which links to her podcasts and other programs: jjflizanes.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Scientists have come to visualize cancer as species in itself, with its own evolutionary patterns and characteristics. Furthermore, researchers like Henry Heng are realigning how we think about evolution. This podcast presents a fascinating conversation about both and how each informs the other. Listen and learn
Author and Professor Henry Heng is with the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His research centers on how cancer evolution occurs, what is the unique pattern of cancer evolution, and how to develop tangible tools for a cancer biomarker and treatment leading to a greater molecular medicine impact factor. Author of numerous books, including Genome Chaos: Rethinking Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Medicine, he also presents an intriguing realignment in how many scientists think about evolution. In fact, he uses the nature of cancer evolution as a model to understand how evolution works overall.
Think about it: cancer is always under attack by our system; it's always evolving and fighting back and presents an interesting model to understand how competition occurs. For a long time people thought of cancer as a problem of over growth, he says, and tried to find genetic reasons for this overgrowth. But scientists like Heng understand that this was the wrong emphasis. Rather than overgrowth, he says, cancer is just another evolutionary system with its own signature. The question is then, rather, what is the overall trend. This leads to an interesting explanation of how nonsexual reproduction, or fission, opens cells up to the kinds of changes that lead to cancer. Cancer is a type of punctuated evolution, a reshuffling resulting from the dynamic mechanism our cells use for successful adaptation: cancer is simply too much change. Listen in for the implication of how this may affect genetics biology and cancer treatments in the future.
For more about Henry Heng's work, he suggests his recent books, including Genome Chaos: Rethinking Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Medicine and Debating Cancer: The Paradox in Cancer Research. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Curious about how to make a two-headed flatworm? Michael Levin's lab has done just that. This podcast explores exciting regenerative medicine achievable in our lifetime. Listen in to hear how Professor Michael Levin has found a way to manipulate biological molecules, altering electrical triggers in cells to direct different anatomical constructions. He discusses
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor at Tufts University as well as the Vannevar Bush Professor, the Director of Allen Discovery Center, and Director of the Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology. His lab addresses regenerative medicine through the intersection of three areas: developmental biology, computer science, and cognitive science. He establishes his approach to cognitive biology: "It's not a question of philosophy but a very practical empirical engineering question. You have a system and you are trying to reverse engineer it," he explains. His investigations of molecular mechanisms in cell biology that determine pattern building strives to present achievable actions toward limb regeneration and altering molecular mechanisms of diseases like cancer.
His work doesn't engage with the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication or genetics, but rather cellular gap junctions, or "voltage-gated current conductance," which hold the property of memory. His lab is not changing the structure or state of the circuit, but eliciting an electrical trigger. He makes this analogous to hardware versus software: this is not a hardware-level change, but one on a software level. By identifying the bioelectric circuit that holds spatial distribution for certain state in planarian (flatworms), they've found a way to rewrite the electrical pattern that determines what cells are going to build after they are injured. Thus far they've used this to grow flatworms with two heads, for example, and produced limb regeneration in frogs. They also are working on redirecting cancer cells to move to a healthy state.
To find out more about this work, see his lab's website: www.drmichaellevin.org Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
After Matt Shields experienced a heart attack during his daily run in 2016, he decided to change the world as much as that morning changed him. This podcast explores his inspiring effort to improve the process of stent manufacturing and deliverability. Listeners will hear
Matthew Shields works for CSRIO, Australia's national research science agency. He'd spent years supporting telescope systems by creating an efficient tracking system for telescope parts. But after his heart attack in 2016 during a winter morning run, he recalibrated his job focus toward making a difference for patients and doctors working on heart health. His long recovery gave him time to think, and this combined with the realization of the importance of the timing of the stent implant he received helped point to this new path. He understood that to make a difference on a global scale, he could energize and streamline the stent manufacturing process, which was filled with missing links and inefficient trends.
His software tracks stents through the supply chain and utilizes metrics like delivery time from the factory, where parts are made, and how the supply chain of raw materials functions. As they "cascade down this waterfall," he says that by the time they end up in Australia, the stents might have been damaged and there's no way to really return them or even trace their origin. From his personal experience, he knows how important a stent's availability is and how vital is it is for various stakeholders to be aware of correct supply location and amount. By creating a dialog around the parts transfer at a granular level as well as the deliveries, he hopes to correct inconsistences, inefficiencies, and redundancies. In addition to this work, he is involved in exercise and sports cardiology, reaching out to those who are both heart patients and sports enthusiasts.
For more about his sports cardiology work, see his website: epichearts.com.au. For more about the software he's working on, see the CSRIO web page. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Listening has always been instrumental to diagnoses, but have listening instruments changed over time? This podcast touches on this interesting history and spotlights a healthcare innovation making the most of wireless stethoscopes when safe distances are even more important. Listen and learn
Clive Smith started Thinklabs in the early '90s after graduate work at Cal Tech in electrical engineering. He focused on electronic and signal processing and was eager to start a company specializing in the innovation and application of electronics and technology. The name says it all—he went with Thinklabs to signal a company that would handle and solve interesting problems with hands-on lab work. When he encountered the lag of stethoscope advancement in the mid '90s, he knew he'd found an important project. But he soon found that it was a "very nontrivial problem" to extract sound from the human body, and it took eight years to come up with this innovation in digital healthcare technologies.
While the product has been on the market for about 17 years now and sees wide use in normal clinical medicine and telemedicine, the COVID crisis has made its remote abilities especially useful. Furthermore, now that AI technology has caught up a bit, numerous studies can take place to recognize its true potential. At the most basic level, doctors are able to hear things much more clearly and enable earlier diagnoses of conditions. But it's expected that data collecting and analyzing will reveal patterns and correlations with even more implications.
To find out more, see the website for Thinklabs. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Diabetes complications are well known, but how exactly does high blood sugar affect one's eyes or kidneys? Professor Median explains that vascular complications of diabetes start with blood vessel damage. Therefore, his research has zeroed in on a way to heal the damage that blood vessels face from high glucose. Listen and learn
Reinhold Medina is a professor in the School of Medicine at Queen's University in Belfast. He specializes in diabetes and vascular disease with an emphasis on diabetic vasculopathy. His research is centered on blood vessel damage because, "that's what impacts the quality of life." He adds that the complications in heart health, increased risk of stroke, and damage to the eyes and kidneys all result from what happens to blood vessels when they handle high glucose levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The endothelial cells, which line the inner layer of blood vessels, are damaged and die. Blood perfusion then decreases in those damaged areas, and tissue physiology is hampered.
That's where his research comes in: utilizing stem cells for diabetes. He says that there a couple of ways scientists think endothelium can repair, and one such way is with progenitor or stem cells. They're trying to develop a cell therapy by isolating stem cells or progenitors in the lab from tissues like umbilical cords. They are showing that by injecting these cells into damaged tissues of mouse models, they can form new blood vessels where needed as well as repair damaged vessels. This will translate as a therapy for lots of other diseases—any, in fact, that cause this kind of tissue damage. There are challenges to this process, but they are working on each. For example, he explains the importance of injecting the cells in the penumbra area and addresses how the cells must engraft and join the vascular network through immunosuppression measures.
For more about his work, he suggests following him on Twitter at ReinholdMedinaLab@Belfast. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
BIO:
Colin Hill has a Ph.D in molecular microbiology and is a Professor in the School of Microbiology at University College Cork, Ireland. He is also a founding Principal Investigator in APC Microbiome Ireland in Cork, a large research centre devoted to the study of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease. His main interests lie in the role of the microbiome in human and animal health. He is particularly interested in the effects of probiotics, bacteriocins, and bacteriophage. In 2005 Prof. Hill was awarded a D.Sc by the National University of Ireland in recognition of his contributions to research. In 2009 he was elected to the Royal Irish Academy and in 2010 he received the Metchnikoff Prize in Microbiology and was elected to the American Academy of Microbiology. He has published more than 550 papers and holds 25 patents. He was president of ISAPP from 2012-2015. More than 80 PhD students have been trained in his laboratory.
We might think of our microbiomes as inconsequential, but scientists are showing that’s not the case. Colin Hill says that our microbiomes are as important to our health as major organs, and he is studying how doctors might engage with this microbial community to better serve our health. Listen and learn
Colin Hill is a professor in the School of Microbiology at University College Cork in Ireland. He works in the molecular microbiology field and focuses on how bacteria behave in different situations, such as alongside the bacteriophage life cycle. A bacterium like E. Coli has literally thousands if not millions of different phages that infect them, for example, and these interactions make for evolutionary adaptations. Most microbiome discussions in the media center on antibiotic resistance, but Professor Hill explains how intricate and impactful this world is. Research can not only help understand issues like bacteria that are resistant to all antibiotics, but point to a diverse community of microbes and relationships that affect the whole of human health.
A lot of bacterial behavior stems from evading or dealing with bacteriophages, and he discusses the evolutionary impact. In clarifying bacteriophage versus viruses, consider them a type of virus that infect bacteria. Bacteria have two main goals, says Dr. Hill: finding food to replicate and reproduce and avoiding bacteriophages. And the balance of predator and prey in our guts is as important as the balance of lion and antelope on the Serengeti. He adds that we need these predators: if prey is left unchecked, there’s a problem for both organisms. Furthermore, scientists believe that the microbiome community plays a very significant role in our health, like an additional organ. Unlike our organs, though, we don’t have them when we are born. We start acquiring them the moment we take in our first meal. “It’s a part of you,” he says, “and everyone’s is different.” Even more significant, researchers like Dr. Hill think our microbiomes can be manipulated. Listen in to find out how.
For more about his work, see apc.ucc.ie/colin_hill. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6c5OkeIAAAAJ&hl=en Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
BIO: Veronica Parks is a Soul Healer, Wellness Coach, and founder of VP Exclusive. She teaches people to bio hack their mind and body to live healthier, happier lives. Using a holistic approach, VP Exclusive uses proprietary methodologies and proven systems to increase emotional wellbeing and dramatically improve people’s lives. Growing up on a small farm In Moldova, Veronica Parks has brought with her a culture of Health, Nutrition and Soul Healing. She has deep expertise in Integrative Nutrition, Neurolinguistic Programming, Timeline Therapy, Energy Healing and many other modalities using it to help people heal from the inside out. When she first came to America from Romania, one of the hardest things for Veronica Parks to adjust to was the food. Her healthy foundation from childhood helped her persevere and she shares lessons on health and wellness in this episode. Listeners will learn
Wellness coach Veronica Parks helps listeners understand differences between Eastern European diets versus U.S. diets. The relationship between food and culture differs in the U.S. with our large amounts of processed and fast food. Furthermore, she grew up on a farm and experienced homegrown produce and home-raised meats from day one. Her mother also paid attention to the what she bought and didn’t bring home processed foods. This gave Veronica a solid base to analyze the American diet and she turned to additional research when she noticed the effects of processed foods on her own health.
She offers several valuable insights to listeners, from food culture around the world to nutrition and green smoothie recipes. She even addresses the emotional impact on diet, reminding us that we want something that makes us think of childhood when we face “emotional hits,” and if that’s processed food, the cycle is harmful. She also tells listeners about confusing labels like “natural flavors,” which often hides harmful toxins. Finally, she explains her own coaching process with specific examples of how she’s helped past clients overcome obstacles and internalize the importance of wellness.
For more about Veronica Parks and her different programs, see her website: vpexclusive.com.
“Living Green Smoothie” recipes- https://bit.ly/vpgreen “Ultimate Sleep System” course- https://bit.ly/vpsleep
“Healthy Hacks” 8 week health transformation- https://bit.ly/vpimmune Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This episode offers listeners an expert view on diabetes and kidney damage treatments. Richard interviews researcher David J. Leehey, who has focused on diabetic kidney disease for the last 30 years. Listeners will learn
Diabetes' prevalence has made it the most common cause of kidney disease. How does diabetes affect the kidneys? Professor David Leehey has the answers and catches listeners up with the latest in effective medications and discusses the lagging technology of dialysis. He's a nephrologist, professor, and Medical Director of Acute Dialysis at Loyola University. He's also the Associate Chief of Staff of Clinical Affairs of Hines VA in Illinois. Dr. Leehey presents various pathways to kidney disease that necessitate dialysis and kidney transplantation with an emphasis on the primary cause of diabetes.
He explains exactly how high blood sugar creates the complications that lead to disease. He tells listeners to think of it like caramel formation—glucose molecules becomes large glycated molecules that get incorporated into base membranes of glomeruli, which are important to the filtering process. A characteristic pathology is therefore thickening of these membranes from the glycated proteins that accumulate. He discusses some other causes and then heads into effective medications and dialysis treatment, which he notes begs for sorely needed innovation. While dialysis treatment proved revolutionary when it first emerged, the technology has shown no improvement over the years and the profitability of the process may be one inhibitor.
For more about Dr. Leehey, see his information on Loyola's web page: loyolamedicine.org/doctor/david-leehey. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Society often treats obesity as a character flaw rather than a disease, says researcher Michelle Cardel, and that needs to change. This podcast explores productive treatments and effective therapies for obesity with a focus on adolescents. Listen and learn
Michelle Cardel is an assistant professor with the University of Florida Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics and has a background in nutrition, obesity, and health. She discusses her current focus on adolescents, a program that explores the social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors of obesity in order to develop healthy lifestyle interventions for adolescents. One unique element in their approach is the degree to which they investigated what they teens themselves wanted from the program. Focus groups offered clear information about the degree of parental intervention, for example, and helped the researchers understand that obligatory parental involvement can open the door to voices of shame and guilt.
Professor Cardel also explains their therapy approach. Acceptance-based therapy focuses on elements like self-regulation skills, mindfulness, and acceptance of uncomfortable internal experiences. She adds that they emphasize a willingness to be open to how experiences feel, focusing on accepting the discomfort of, for example, a diet to reduce obesity or a long walk versus a Netflix session. They then emphasize choosing to have these uncomfortable or difficult behaviors despite these feelings. Recognizing that discomfort makes for a more successful experience when one chooses to engage in behaviors that help reach goals, she adds.
For more about her work, find her on major social media outlets, which she uses to stay active in science communication. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"Your mom was right," says Maria Geisinger, our mouths really can be bacteria factories. This podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive discussion about how periodontitis progresses and why there's a feedback loop between diabetes and dental health. Listeners will learn
Maria Geisinger is a professor and director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She helps listeners understand how periodontal disease relates to overall wellness as well as why regular dental management of a diabetic patient is important. As with numerous other health concerns, inflammation is a central factor. Professor Geisinger explains that not only does an inflammatory burden result from the effect of diabetes on periodontium, the resulting inflammation can in turn affect glycemic control.
It's pretty simple to identify basic periodontitis symptoms, she adds. The number one indicator is gum bleeding with brushing or flossing. Determining the depth of disease progression takes a visit to the periodontist, who will determine if there's accompanying bone loss and other issues. How does the disease initiate? When bacteria are allowed to accumulate along the gum line, your body senses these toxins and responds by retreating: gum tissue starts to "unzip" from the tooth root. Preventions include regular dental cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing teeth. She makes a helpful analogy between flossing teeth benefits and gym visits and provides other incentives for effective dental care, especially for diabetic patients.
To learn more about her work, she suggests finding her on ResearchGate. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
People diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes depend on insulin to stay alive. This podcast investigates what that means on a global level for low and middle-income communities. Listen in for how researchers like David Beran work to increase access to these tools necessary for life. He explains
David Beran is a researcher and lecturer at the Geneva University Hospitals and has join forces with Health Action International to better serve global citizens with type 1 diabetes mellitus who lack adequate health care access and means to pay for supplies. His three areas of focus include researching and improving access to insulin on a world-wide level, assessing health systems and their delivery of diabetes care, and how this care works on a daily, individual level. He explains that most of the management of this disease is outside the clinic, with around-the-clock care and attention. A type 1's daily routine requires them to find the right balance between what they eat and how physically active they are, and how much insulin to deliver with both in mind: it's a challenging balance that requires constant management.
He's focused specifically on low and middle-income countries, where many people don't have access to insulin. He's working with his colleagues on getting these people the basics of survival, namely insulin, a means of injection, and a blood glucose monitor. He explains how varied this can be from country to country. For example, Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Americas after Haiti, provides insulin to its people for free. However, access to care and the monitoring equipment still pose challenges. On the other extreme, in sub-Saharan Africa everything is paid for out of pocket. People have to buy their insulin and supplies and pay doctor costs. He explains how various initiatives and NGOs are trying to address these problems and what challenges lay ahead. Listen in to hear about substantial and exciting work to help those that suffer from this disease.
For more information, email him with questions at david.beran@unige.ch and see Health Action International. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast explores how one doctor is working toward better health for diabetics. Effects of high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is well-studied in diabetic patients, often considered the dominant endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism impact factor to control. But Dr. Ahmed Iqbal is examining the role low blood sugar may play in heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. Listen and learn
Ahmed Iqbal is a NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University of Sheffield and studies endocrinology diseases. He specializes in the effects of hypoglycemia on type 1 and 2 diabetics. He offers listeners a baseline of how both diseases work biochemically in the human endocrine system and what role hormones like adrenaline play. Because glucose is an obligate fuel for the brain, its dips and rises can have an impact on how the body works. He lays out the role of liver and counter regulations of glycogen, explaining the mismatch between amount of carbohydrates taken in and amount of insulin delivery that leads to hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetics and a slightly different issue in type 2 regulation, which serves as a diminished or blunted response.
He explains the basis of his study, which involves subjects with both continuous glucose monitors and heart monitors, looking at the effect of hypoglycemia on the heart. He explains that scientists know that a key defense of the body against hypoglycemia is the release of catecholamines, like adrenaline and noradrenaline, to correct blood values. However, high adrenaline is not necessarily good for the heart: such hormones can increase heart rate and the resistance against which the heart has to pump. This increases the demand on the heart, which can be problematic for those with existing heart issues. These hormones also lower potassium, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm values. Finally, they can make platelets stickier and release immune cells, which may travel to the heart and release plaque already in the coronary arteries. His goal is to come up with mitigating strategies for these hypoglycemic effects on the heart.
For more, see his web page and contact him through twitter at @Ahmed742Iqbal. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A winner of an episode, this is the last in a series of interviews for Richard's upcoming Understanding Viruses book. Professor James A. Shapiro treats listeners to his thoughts on virus behaviors and characteristics gleaned from researching virus-host relationships and virus-cell interactions. Listen and learn
James Shapiro is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago. In addition to numerous publications, he's a part of the website The Third Way of Evolution, which considers evolution in the era of genomics and epigenomics. As Richard holds this final interview to investigate how viruses persist, James Shapiro offers his own fascinating answers to questions such as are viruses alive, do they participate in quorum-sensing, and why so many differing incubation periods. For example, not only are endogenous retroviruses responsible for mammal placenta formation, these retroviral proteins are unique for each order of mammal. This diverges from the classic view of evolution that starts with a characteristic branching out into other organisms. It's as if "the placenta was invented over and over again," he adds.
As he addresses the huge variety in viral behavior, he says that many factors determine this variety—viruses can recombine with each other, for example, and produce recombinant viruses. The holobiont model exemplifies this: a large organism like a human isn't just human cells but also microbial cells living on and in us. We can think of viruses in our genome as holobiont elements: we should take a systemic view of entity development, with mosaics and amalgams determining multiple aspects of life. He adds, "we can't reduce what happens in life to some simple formula that is good for every from of life, because variety is an inherent aspect of the living world." Listen in for more rich conversation about the stuff of life.
For more about James A. Shapiro, see his website: shapiro.bsd.uchicago.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This special episode highlights a new way to understand the evolution of life on earth. Willian B Miller, Jr., takes Darwinism's theory of evolution as a jumping point for this evolved theory based on cellular intelligence. Listen in for an enriching and moving conversation about the origin and evolution of life. Richard and Bill Miller discuss
William B. Miller, Jr., left a career in radiology to become an evolutionary biologist. His ideas have helped Richard, who's interviewed thousands of scientists, understand evolution in a fundamentally different way—a step beyond Darwinism theory. Miller has a publication in Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology called "Cellular senomic measurements in Cognition-Based Evolution," which establishes this evolutionary concept. This podcast explains in clear and understandable language the gist of the article and where these ideas stands in the era of biological evolution. "It's not your father's evolution," jokes Miller. Richard replies with the opening line of the abstract: "all living entities are cognitive," and this is the center of Miller's article.
Miller asserts that scientific examinations have proven that all cells are intelligent: a cell can take in information, process it, and make decisions: in other words, it can adapt. As Stephen Hawking said, intelligence is the ability to adapt. Furthermore, it can communicate to other cells purposefully what it has measured and why. Cellular intelligence may differ than human intelligence, but it is complex, able to solve a maze, retain memory, and collectively work together with other entities. He emphasizes that cells work together, and not just haphazardly, to get better information; in fact, he says that "each cell is in service to other cells," and this is central to cognition-based evolution. Their conversation takes a deep dive into the essentials of this concept with concrete examples, from our immune system to breast feeding to biofilm construction. Listen in for a fascinating exploration of one of the most revolutionary scientific theories of our time. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Almost 500,000 Americans utilize the dialysis process to stay alive and even more face a disease of the kidney, yet rarely can we get a close look at how this dialysis process works. This podcast provides just such an opportunity as Dr. Stephen Gluck takes us through the methods and goals. Listen and learn
Stephen Gluck is a professor in the Division of Nephrology at UCSF. He shares his expertise with listeners, providing a helpful overview as well as a detailed look at how dialysis works and happens during those hours by the machine. He offers a general comparison of acute and chronic kidney disease differences and says that the number one cause for dialysis is diabetic kidney disease. However, he adds that there are exciting new drugs on the horizon that may change this over the next few years.
Dialysis is indicated when the kidney struggles to filter and control extracellular fluid composition, often through reduced nephron function. Most patients who do out-patient dialysis come in three times a week for several hours. The dialysis machine cycles the patient's blood, passing it through a filter and treating it with cleansing fluid. This allows waste products to pass across a membrane, using negative pressure to draw out excess fluid. The clean blood goes back to the patient. Dr. Gluck explains exactly what the machine cleans from the blood and why, but also describes peritoneal dialysis, which is a more common at-home system and usually is used overnight. He explains the differences and applicability for each. Listen in for a helpful perspective on what these processes look like and ways kidney disease cures are progressing.
For more about him, see his website at UCSF: profiles.ucsf.edu/stephen.gluck. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Joseph R. Masci began his time at Mt. Sinai when doctors were first confronted with HIV patients who had developed AIDs. He brings his intimate knowledge of this treatment and its evolving history to listeners in this episode. Listeners will learn
Joseph R Masci is a clinical professor in the Infectious Diseases, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Global Health divisions at Mount Sinai. He started his training at Mount Sinai in 1980 when experts in infectious diseases were first confronted with a rapidly expanding population of AIDs patients. Imagine facing large numbers of HIV patients with no antiretroviral drugs available and no effective treatment for at least 10 years down the road. He and his colleagues offered emotional support in addition to soothing the opportunistic infections that the virus enabled. They created a special area, a "living room" in their hospital for these patients who were isolated from their families and became their second families. They put on concerts and memorial services for them. He says that the epidemic was "sudden, tragic and not treatable like today."
Because Dr. Masci was in it for the long haul, he's able to explain to listeners each stage of advancing treatment and an eventual measure for preventing the transmission of HIV. Along the way he explains the mechanics of infectious viruses, how HIV has especially insidious traits through its ability to become part of infected person's DNA and its long latency period. As with other common infectious diseases like Epstein Barr, once a person has it, they can't get rid of it. He talks listeners through treatments like AZT, nucleosides, and the effective protease inhibitor drugs. He makes the vital point that much of the world doesn't have access to these very effective drugs and that many still die from AIDs in low income countries. He then is able to take the basics he's established through the podcast and establish some comparisons with COVID-19 and its treatment. Listen in for some of the most important medical history of our time.
For more about his work, find his publications in PubMed and ResearchGate. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast addresses a new tool in the arsenal for thyroid cancer treatment through precision medicine. It also indicates exciting possibilities in the treatment for other forms of cancer. Eli Lilly has a treatment called Retevmo that has shown remarkable success. Listen and learn
Maura Dickler is Vice President of Oncology, Late Phase Development, at Eli Lilly. Richard has invited her to today's show because he is one of many who've been diagnosed with and successfully treated for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Maura Dickler, a medical oncologist, describes in particular two types of thyroid cancer that their new medication treats: advanced medullary thyroid cancer and metastatic papillary thyroid cancer. The medication is a selective RET kinase inhibitor. Over-proliferation of RET in either of these cancers causes metastases and is caused by a mutation. She gives listeners specific ways to ask their doctor about testing for this mutation. The most efficient way, she explains, is through next-generation sequencing on a biopsy, or pathology sample when the thyroid is removed, to detect this RET mutation. She adds that it can be detected through other methods if next-generation sequencing is not available.
This genomic sequencing would indicate RET gene fusions in papillary thyroid cancer or RET point mutations in medullary thyroid cancer, and this patient would be eligible for Retevmo. Furthermore, this medication provides exciting news for the treatment of multiple cancers. As we better understand the drivers of cancer, she explains, the medical community will be better able to design medications that can shut off these proteins that are on overdrive, causing tumors. This is why Retevmo is so successful for papillary thyroid cancer treatment when it has metastasized, for example. Scientists often refer to these genomic alterations and tumors as oncogene-addicted and these new specialized medications inhibit the proteins that are driving these tumors. Listen in to learn an especially hopeful story about a young man named Tanner who faced stage 4 medullary thyroid cancer.
For more information, she suggests talking to your doctor about Retevmo. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While the symptoms and treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes may overlap, the origins of each significantly diverge. Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis is an autoimmune-driven story, and in this podcast, Todd Brusko offers listeners a clear and precise description of the latest understanding of the disease and how scientists are working for a type 1 diabetes cure. Listen and learn
Todd M. Brusko is an associate professor within the Diabetes Institute at the University of Florida. He and Richard have an enriching and lively conversation in this podcast about Dr. Brusko's field of study: the genes and biomarkers involved in type 1 diabetes and how the immune system responds in people with higher risk. He says that the most apparent biomarkers are antibodies, but they’re not the end of the story. As a T-cell–driven autoimmune disease, it’s vital to assess how T-cells develop and understand the part they play. So, like most diseases that have stayed with us, researchers must grapple with these complex and different paths to disease diagnosis.
The variability of when one can develop these autoimmune type 1 diabetes symptoms is immense—from early childhood to old age. Typically, doctors see a peak in diagnosis right before puberty. But it’s complicated: the biomarkers are usually present well before the disease exhibits symptoms and there’s usually a triggering event that causes the disease to fully present itself. He says researchers have followed a long-standing interest in viral infections as a triggering factor, acting to break the autoimmune tolerance. Something occurs, he adds, whether an underlying genetic susceptibility or an environmental event that triggers this autoimmune attack. Studies show that at inception, the insulin-producing beta cells have their "flags up," and the immune system reacts. He also describes promising research into type 1 diabetes treatments, from delaying the disease to prevention and cures.
For more, see his lab’s website: bruskolab.diabetes.ufl.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast comes at type 2 diabetes from all angles, and Venkate Narayan hopes global health policy will do the same. He and Richard discuss a newer understanding of the nuances of type 2 diabetes causes as well as the need to address it in low and middle-income countries. Listen and learn
K. M. Venkat Narayan is a professor in epidemiology at Emory University and director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center. Before Emory, he worked at the NIH and CDC. The center focuses on understanding the epidemiology of diabetes and its care for those diagnosed on a global scale. He emphasizes that type 2 diabetes is a global pandemic, affecting 435 million people world-wide, particularly in low to middle-income countries. While he says that type 2 diabetes was explained until recently as simply a disease of insulin resistance stemming from obesity and low activity, a newer understanding has emerged: type 2 diabetes symptoms really have multiple diseases under their umbrella, with different primary causes such as low insulin secretion.
In fact, researchers assert that there are at least five different types of type 2 diabetes and he explains some interesting studies along these lines. Most notably, they've shifted to emphasizing the role of poor insulin secretion and deposition of fat in specific places like the liver and how diet and physical activity affect that process. This research is exciting news for type 2 diabetics as this work makes precision medicine more likely for these patients. Dr. Narayan also addresses policy change. He says that while 90% of diabetes cases occur in low to middle-income countries, only 3 to 4% of research is happening in these countries. Because there are excellent treatments available for diabetics, he feels strongly that these treatments must be made available on a global scale. He describes how such global policy might be implemented to bring better diagnosis rates and treatment to these patients and curb the global effects of type 2 diabetes on health.
For more, see the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center site and find Dr. Narayan's work on PubMed. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast zeros in on an exciting therapy to address nerve damage caused by either trauma or disease. Paul Brennan, NervGen Pharma's CEO, tells how researchers identified this compound as a potential game changer by inhibiting factors contributing to nerve damage. Listen and learn
Paul Brennan is the president, CEO, and director of NervGen Pharma, a biotech company focused on therapies for patients who suffer from different nerve injury classifications. Their research on these different types, whether from trauma or neurodegenerative disorders, pointed out a common factor: scar tissue, which prevents nerve repair. There are chemicals in scar tissue called CSPGs, or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, and these chemicals are the focus of NervGen's new compound. Dr. Jerry Silver at Case Western discovered how CSPGs inhibit nerve growth through an interacting receptor that impedes the neuronal response. He was able to synthesize a peptide that works by "inhibiting the inhibition," and allowed growth, remyelination, and increased plasticity.
Paul Brennan explains how this works in clear and interesting terms, helping listeners understand facts about neurodegenerative diseases and nerve trauma along the way. Basically, CSPGs get "tuned up" in the body as a response to trauma and disease. They decrease inflammation and provide a structural element for protection. NervGen is designing their therapy to first let the CSPGs do what needs to be done and then have doctors utilize the compound, which is a synthesized peptide that disrupts and diminishes the receptor activity. He adds that this compound has the potential to address everything from Alzheimer's therapy to spinal cord injury treatment.
To follow the progress of their work, see their website: nervgen.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast explores an exciting discovery with implications for all neurodegenerative diseases and it centers on inflammation prevention. While inflammation is a known player in autoimmune diseases, researchers like Seth Masters have identified an inflammatory element in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Listen and learn
Seth Masters is an associate professor with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne. His lab work centered on auto inflammatory syndromes and diseases from the context of autoimmunity—when the body is fighting against itself. Then, as with many significant moments in science, they took a step back and looked at the larger picture: they examined all the knowledge they'd acquired and asked if there were any other diseases in which this might play a role. Neurodegenerative diseases of the brain stood front and center as a strong possibility.
ALS is a particular form of neurodegenerative disease that's struck well-known figures like Stephen Hawking. These patients' muscles are not working because of damage impeding motor neuron function. Dr. Masters' group found that these motor neurons are sensitive to inflammation and caused them to die. Therefore, if doctors can prevent or slow down this inflammation, it will have a significant effect in slowing down the disease progression. He says that they are in safety phase 1 trials for drugs that will block that inflammation. He explains methodology for testing these drugs as well as an interesting description of how they hope to eventually identify the inflammation trigger. He tells listeners that may suffer from these diseases that there is "great hope" in what they've discovered and will make significant therapeutic strides. Listen in for more of this exciting news!
For more about his work, see his page on the institute's website: wehi.edu.au/people/seth-master Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast offers a close up of the beginnings of type 1 diabetes and how one researcher is identifying pathways toward prevention. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent or juvenile onset diabetes, is not associated with causes like obesity as is type 2; rather, it's considered an autoimmune disease. Listen and learn
Ivan C. Gerling is a professor of medicine in endocrinology at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He explains that scientists have little understanding for why the immune system attacks the pancreas's beta cells, and thereby insulin production, which is the cause of type 1 diabetes. Because there's no safe way to biopsy a pancreas for living-tissue studies, it's been very difficult to get a close look at the mechanisms causing autoimmune diabetes symptoms. Furthermore, because there's no way for beta cell regeneration to naturally occur, preventing their destruction is key to preventing type 1 diabetes. However, a new organ-donation program has made a difference in allowing scientist like Dr. Gerling to study the pancreas tissue of type 1 diabetics.
His lab is researching whether certain viruses stress beta cells' function and trigger their eventual destruction. By comparing the beta cells and islets of Langerhans in type 1 diabetics with those who didn't suffer from the disease, they are finding some answers. Though they still have more work to do, they have found indications of stress and footprints of viral infections in the type 1 tissues. He adds that they're identifying the stress pathways that seem to be activated when these beta cells start going downhill. This will help them identify drugs to help the stressed cells, and, if it turns that the first causes are the viral infections, they hope to identify these viruses specifically and create vaccines for them. Listen in to learn more about these steps forward in medical research. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Nearly one hundred years ago, the lives of people with type I diabetes were forever changed, for the better: insulin was discovered. Since then, people with type I diabetes have been treated with insulin, and the disease itself has been regarded as a manifestation of an autoimmune response. But is the immune system the only thing that triggers type I diabetes, or is there something else which signals the immune response? Press play to learn:
Dr. Raghu Mirmira is Professor of Medicine in the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at the University of Chicago, where his research revolves primarily around the signals that cause the immune response which leads to type I diabetes. Contrary to the predominant belief for over 90 years, Dr. Mirmira and his colleagues are learning that pancreatic beta cells send a signal which activates the immune system to respond in a way that ultimately causes the manifestation of type I diabetes. This understanding shifts the focus from being solely on the immune system, to being in large part on these beta cells.
According to Dr. Mirmira, preventing this disease is about figuring out how beta cells turn on these signals, and how to prevent them from doing so. A complicating factor in this type of research is the inability to harvest human beta cells. Instead, two methods of studying the cell are being utilized: one that harvests these cells from mice and fish, and one that involves induced human pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells.
From research with mice and fish beta cells, Dr. Mirmira and his team have learned that there is a stress cascade in the beta cell. Essentially, this cascade is triggered when something in the environment sends a negative signal to the beta cell, causing the beta cell to produce emergency proteins in the cell. So many proteins are produced that they become disorganized and misfolded, and have nowhere to go; as a result, some leave the beta cell and end up on its surface, exposed to the body’s immune system. Recognizing these misfolded proteins as foreign, the immune system attacks them, killing the beta cells to which they are attached. When enough beta cells have been destroyed, the symptoms of type I diabetes manifest.
Dr. Mirmira discusses the ins and outs of all this and more, including the pathophysiology of diabetes type I in general, the role and function of islet cells in diabetes, an ongoing national birth cohort study on type I diabetes, how the microbiome may (or may not) be connected to type I diabetes, what it means to say there are endotypes of people who have diabetes, antigen spreading, misfolded insulin and what this triggers in the body, and where Dr. Mirmira hopes his research will lead.
For access to Dr. Mirmira’s original research, search his name on PubMed or Google Scholar. Stay up to date on the latest by visiting https://voices.uchicago.edu/mirmiralab/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Over the past 60 years, the incidence of type I diabetes in parts of the word has increased sixfold, and we don’t know why. In the Eizirik Lab at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Dr. Decio Eizirik and his team research type 1 diabetes in a way that not many others do. Press play to discover:
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system begins recognizing pancreatic beta cells as foreign, and attacks and destroys them as a result. As the disease progresses, the type 1 diabetes patient will lose most of their pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for the production of insulin. Consequently, these patients become dependent upon insulin for the rest of their lives, often requiring continuous glucose monitoring and multiple insulin injections per day.
Most research on this disease has focused primarily on the immune system, but in the Eizirik Lab, the focus is more on the pancreatic beta cells, and the dialogue between these cells and the body’s immune system. It is Dr. Eizirik’s goal to qualify the words that comprise this dialogue, to understand why and when it goes wrong, and to determine whether there’s a way to make this dialogue more ‘polite.’
Dr. Eizirik discusses the details of his research and more, including the specific functions of beta cells, therapies that target the T cells of the immune system, attempts at combining therapies and reeducating the immune system, the role of extracellular vesicles, chemokines, and cytokines in the dialogue between beta cells and the immune system, and the possibility of natural beta cell regeneration.
https://www.indianabiosciences.org/eizirik/research Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
An implantable bioartificial kidney system that does what dialysis can’t do; this is what’s being developed as part of The Kidney Project at University of California, San Francisco and Vanderbilt University. Press play to learn:
Lynda Frassetto is Professor Emeritus of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of California, San Francisco. She spends some of her time taking care of nephrology patients, and some of her time working with William Fissell, MD and Shuvo Roy, PhD, who lead The Kidney Project. Dialysis can keep patients alive by filtering toxins out of the blood, which is what healthy kidneys do. But what happens to the fluid after it’s been filtered?
In healthy bodies, the fluid goes through kidney tubules, where it responds to chemical signals which might dictate that more water or salt be resorbed, and/or that more creatinine, phosphorus, urea, or other acids be removed. After the toxins have been filtered, the fluid is subjected to the feedback systems of the body, which is essential to keeping the body’s water and chemical levels where they should be. This is something that dialysis simply cannot accomplish, but it’s not too great a task for the artificial system being created; this system has renal tubular cells, so it can keep the body’s water and chemistry levels in check, which translates to better quality of life for patients.
Press play for the details of all this and more, including where in the body it is placed, how it stacks up against transplanted kidneys in terms of normal kidney function, when it might receive FDA approval for testing in humans, and what the first clinical trials will look like.
Visit https://pharm.ucsf.edu/kidney to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Not all body fat is the same. Scientists have identified the presence and significance of brown fat in adult humans. Shing Kajimura researches brown fat and how its presence curbs obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as other metabolic diseases. Listen and learn
Shingo Kajimura is with Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and works in the endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism division. He's interested in molecular bases by which we adapt to different environmental stresses like nutritional changes, dietary changes, and even temperature changes. Enter brown fat. Adult humans have brown fat around their neck, almost like an internal scarf, and in a few other areas. When we got cold and shivering can no longer do the trick to warm us, brown fat's thermogenesis steps in. He explains exactly how it undergoes a molecular process similar to how a light bulb emits energy, which in turns eats up glucose and lipids. Enter type 2 diabetes causes.
This brown fat activity has associations with improved lipid and glucose handling. Because it eats up glucose and lipids, it is a significant "metabolic sink" for these molecules. It literally takes up glucose and combusts it in cells. Unfortunately, we can't just deposit brown fat in people as a type 2 diabetes cure. He explains how climate, which also implicates seasonality, and age connect to brown fat presence. There's a significant decrease in brown fat when we hit our forties and fifties. Cold adaptation is also a factor, and the body starts making brown fat fairly quickly after cold exposure. All these factors make the issue a little more complicated and Dr. Kajimura explains how in very clear terms. There is hope that this research may benefit those of us that could benefit from more brown fat. He comments that researchers are looking at bio medics to make our fat cells feel cold without our brain actually thinking the same.
For more about his work, see his lab's web page: kajimuralab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Working on COVID-19? This podcast is for you. This episode offers a valuable conversation with a comprehensive yet detailed understanding of SARS CoV-2 pathogenicity. Listen in as a front-line researcher discusses the computational biology of COVID-19 from three directions: the viral action, the human response, and environmental influences on both. Listen and hear
Daniel A. Jacobson is a computational systems biologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Oak Ridge is part of the national laboratory system in the U.S., and has access to world-wide data and top researchers. His lab is tracking all the SARS CoV-2 sequence data from around the world and finding significant patterns that may impact pathogenicity and looking at evolutionary patterns that may give insights. He shares an invaluable level and type of information with listeners in this conversation, explaining exactly how COVID-19 infects cells and what pathways it disrupts. For example, he explains how after looking at the "dynamic tension" points in normal systemic pathways, they were able to identify how this virus disrupts specific aspects of the RAS pathway, kallikrein system, and vitamin D reception in infected patients. The resulting bradykinin storm and increased hyaluronic acid leads to the symptoms doctors find so difficult to overcome such as hydrogel in the lungs.
But there's good news too: they've identified a number of pharmaceuticals that can help in these metabolic pathways, even down to vitamin D regulation. Currently, researchers have identified three different drugs that do what the lab's mechanistic models predicted and help patients suffering from the virus. He adds that they are expanding their list, hoping to identify a larger battery of drugs that will also help. He says there's a significant push to join forces with clinical colleagues and explore multiple common therapies. He also discusses the mutation patterns. They are identifying how the virus changes over the course of the pandemic and trying to infer how those changes will impact pathogenicity. Then they can observe how those changes are promulgating in the human population. Finally, they are also plugging in environmental components.
Find their papers in eLife, Molecular Biology and Evolution, and bioRxiv and google them for more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Exercise: will it make your blood sugar go high, or low…and what can be done about it? The answer depends on a number of factors. For over 25 years, Michael C. Riddell has focused his research on the area where kinesiology and diabetes meet. Press play to learn:
Riddell is Full Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, where his research program is aimed at examining the mechanisms that underlie exercise in people with pre-diabetes or type I or type II diabetes. Why is exercise beneficial, and what are the challenges that come along with it in terms of fluctuating blood glucose levels? What type of technology can be employed to decrease the chances of glucose levels dipping too low or shooting too high during exercise? These questions are being explored by Riddell and his team, and he discusses the details of what they’ve discovered so far.
He also discusses the impressive amount of valuable information hat has been gained from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), why doctors and scientists are pushing for ambulatory glucose profiles using CGM as opposed to A1C tests, in what way the addition of glucagon to insulin pumps can act as the “brakes” when blood sugar levels get too high, and more.
For access to Riddell’s lectures and papers on these topics and more, visit https://mriddell.lab.yorku.ca/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
With one of the most complex life cycles around, schistosomes are a fascinating subject for scientists. However, they also cause a tremendous amount of death and illness among the poor as a neglected tropical disease. Therefore, James Collins brings a full set of motivations to his research on the schistosome life cycle. Listen and learn
James Collins is an associate professor with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He specializes in the shistosome parasite, researching significant elements of its basic biology. Originally from a geneticist and developmental biologist background, he became fascinated with flatworms and the schistosome stood out to him as both fascinating and also in desperate need of study: he realized how common and devastating their infections are among the world's poorest communities. About 200 million people have a schistosomiasis diagnosis and a quarter of a million people die every year from its effects. This neglected tropical disease affects so many yet only a small amount of labs are focusing on it.
James Collins runs of these labs and hopefully his research will promote more effective schistosomiasis treatment. He explains their wild reproduction cycle that involves both snail and human hosts and a mysterious mating ritual that depends on a "hug" for the female to reach sexual maturity. Further, they have some significant attributes that make it hard to develop effective therapeutics. While there is one drug that can successful kill them called praziquantel, it is only effective in two of their life phases. In addition, studies show that because the parasite is so plentiful, reinfection is highly likely. Therefore, while infected members of a village may be treated with this drug, when doctors return a year later, the parasite infection rate is just as high. He explains that it is the high rate of egg production that causes the illnesses, with eggs finding their way to organs like the liver and causing massive inflammation and scaring that can lead to illness and death. Dr. Collins is studying both their ability to live for decades in human hosts as well as their ability to produce so many eggs in the hopes that such findings may lead to better schistosomiasis treatment.
For more about his work, see his lab's website: collinslab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere brought her lifelong love of dogs to college and found her niche through decoding dog behavior and cognition. She continued these studies in graduate school and she shares her love and knowledge with lucky listeners in today's podcast. Listen and learn
Dr. Byosiere is the director of the Thinking Dog Center at CUNY Hunter College. She brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to this podcast, sharing a variety of findings sure to interest dog lovers and listeners interested in animal behavior. Her initial research centered on dog social behavior as she explored the dog-play bow and what it might indicate. This classic dog pose is one of several familiar dog behavior signs thought to indicate play, but her work found it also indicates a pause or transition of activity.
She discusses other fascinating dog traits and understandings of dog body language. Listeners may not realize that dog cognition and behavior studies really only started booming in the last 20 years, she adds, so there's much to learn. For example, dogs are really proficient at reading human cues that we might think are simple but require a complexity. This complexity is manifested in their ability to figure out context-specific cues, which even young children aren't able to do. They've evolved to be highly attentive to our human body language, not just to other dog signals and dog facial expressions. She and Richard explore numerous behaviors observed in their own dogs, comparing them to what research indicates, covering topics like the flehmen response, their neophilic tendencies, their scent capabilities and vapor wakes, and their vision. She discusses current projects as well, such as improving the lives of shelter dogs—they're investigating easy and inexpensive methods to implement in shelters to improve the dog's experience.
For more, follow her on Twitter as @sebyosiere and see the website for the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College. The center is also active on Instagram and Twitter. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While they are treasured companions, can dogs also teach us more about learning and adaptions? Graduate student Sophie Barton says yes. Listen in to learn how to understand your dog better but also to find out what they're brains might tell us about how our own learning develops. Listen and learn
Sophie Barton studies how brains evolve adaptations to learn specific behaviors and skills. She explains that she uses domestic dogs because they are a great vehicle for study: dogs have been bred for a variety of behaviors that are relevant to humans, especially dog social behavior. They have been bred based on aggression, sociality, and other human traits that are analogous to and significant for our own behavior. While we might think most breeds have been around for a long time, they have only been around a few hundred years. She explains how the Victorian era really took breeding up a notch by using practices to advance dog work even more and show their dogs off as commodities.
She explains that her main study involves neuroimaging research: she studies pairs of dogs that are siblings. These pairs have one that is actively a work dog, like a border collie who herds, and the other who has lived life more as a companion. She compares their brain through imaging, identifies what neural circuits are involved in a behavior such as herding, and evaluates how the circuit changes according to experience. She also shares with listeners her vast knowledge of fascinating quirks and trends in dog behavior, from dog facial expressions to their response to our own neutral expressions. She describes interesting possible neural differences in breeds who need to work alone, like hunting dogs, versus dogs who work more on verbal and whistle commands, like herding dogs. So listen in for surprising findings as dog behaviors are explained.
For more about her work and some lovely dog photos, see caninebrains.org. You can also find her on Instagram and Twitter. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Light is addictive, according to Dr. Kruse. And if one of the types of late we're getting all day is harmful, we have a problem. Listen to this podcast to find out more about blue light damage. Listen to hear
Dr. Jack Kruse and Lucia Eyes CEO Daniel Huber talk about blue light's effect on sleep and additional health concerns. Dan Huber tells his troubling story of experiencing several health pitfalls after moving into his new house. After numerous tests and doctors, he finally figured out that he was having a strong reaction to mold in his house. After more research, he found that constant exposure to blue light was making him extremely sensitive to this mold. This started a journey that led him to start Lucia Eyes, where they create high quality eye protection in the form of blue light filter glasses that are suitable for the whole family.
Dr. Kruse explains the science behind these effects. He tells listeners that blue light by itself is present in the sun, but sunlight balances it out with other colors that are its antidote, like red light. Unfortunately, our screens are dominated by this blue light and have a set color temperature equivalent to solar noon. Constant exposure to this disturbs our circadian rhythm. How? Well, this light exposure can affect dopamine and other hormones and can even cause psychological problems. In fact, the hormone melatonin controls our mitochondrial energy production. Blue light disrupts melatonin production and we breathe less, sleep less, and suffer effects on our basic metabolic rate from overexposure. Some research even shows effects in memory. Together, Dr. Kruse and Dan Huber explain how Lucia Eyes has made glasses to combat this blue light exposure with both daylight and evening options. They explain the numbers and levels behind different blue light filters and Dan explains how their blue light glasses have worked to improve the health of his entire family.
For more about Lucia Eyes, see luciaeyes.com, and for more about Dr. Jack Kruse, see jackkruse.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK Here is a 10% off on the entire order!! Use the code: GENIUS10
Do dogs really love us? Are they really feeling guilty when they give us that unmistakably guilty look? Can dogs outsmart children when put to the test? Tune in to explore these questions and more, including:
Angie Johnston is an assistant professor at Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences whose work revolves primarily around two simple, yet very compelling questions: what can dogs tell us about dogs, and what can they tell us about humans? Johnston is studying dogs closely in an attempt to grasp what’s really going on in their minds, and to better understand which parts of our psychology are uniquely human, and which are shared with our furry best friends. She does this by conducting studies which compare dog behavior and problem-solving with that of human toddlers around the age of four or five.
Some of the most surprising results came from a study looking at over-imitation, which is the tendency to imitate silly, unnecessary steps in a procedure, even when knowing they are silly or unnecessary. The findings would suggest that dogs are smarter than children, at least in this regard. And while that may be the case, Johnston explains why the findings actually make sense when viewed through a social and cultural lens.
She also explains the dog’s propensity to learn new words, the quantitative measures of their “love” for us and how they differ between domesticated dogs and wolves, the facial coding system in dogs and the evolution of that “puppy dog eyes” expression, and how the COVID-19 lockdowns have actually prompted Johnston and others to conduct virtual studies, which capture more purely the dog’s behavior in their home environment.
Tune in for the details and check out https://sites.bc.edu/doglab/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Cancerous tumors have their own microbiome, a unique method of energy production, strategies for evading host immune systems, specialized extracellular vesicles, and one real goal: to expand and replicate at the expense of the environment. Press play to discover:
Returning guest, Jo Bhakdi, is the founder of Quantgene, the world’s leader in liquid biopsy technologies when it comes to precision. It’s a technology that uses next-generation genome sequencing in combination with AI and cloud systems to detect cancer in the early stages in the blood. The team at Quantgene has pioneered the ability to have single-molecule precision across a very high number of locations on DNA. This core sequencing technology is being embedded in advanced AI cloud systems that also have whole exome sequencing data. Together with genetics, medical records, and family history data, these technologies render a 360-degree precision profile for each patient. In essence, it’s a giant, sensitive detection tool for cancer, and it holds promise for fulfilling the same role for other diseases.
Bhakdi discusses all aspects of cancer, including how it spreads, how it’s acted upon epigenetically, and the potential of certain therapies. In particular, he says, “One of the greatest breakthroughs in my opinion, that is not fully exploited yet, is immunotherapy, because every time you have something very complex…you need another system that’s equally complex and capable to indirectly handle it.”
He talks about the indirect screening trade-offs of liquid biopsies, the general problem of over-diagnosing, the relationship between the heterogeneity of tumors and mutation profiles, and more.
Learn more at https://www.quantgene.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Amanda K. Gibson an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia. Dr. Gibson joins the show to dissect the relationship between parasitism and evolution. In this episode you’ll learn:
Dr. Gibson’s lab focuses on the genetic change driven by parasitism on both the parasites and hosts. This evolutionary relationship is challenging to unravel given the complex biotic interactions a parasitic organism encounters. As an example, parasites in humans need to successfully compete with the both the thousands of human microbiome bacteria and viruses as well as the human immune system.
First, Dr. Gibson asked the question how do parasites reproduce, and then linked this idea to the evolution of parasites over time. If fit parasites or hosts were genetically well equipped to produce progeny why would they not reproduce asexually transferring that fitness to their progeny? Why would either engage in sexual reproduction which would change the genetic makeup of their offspring?
Explaining this paradox Dr. Gibson highlights the fact that greater genetic diversity in parasites yields a higher likelihood that some of the parasites are able to infect the hosts available, whereas for the host genetic diversity means a higher chance of being resistant to new versions of parasites. Parasites reproduction may be affected in the opposite way as well, with monoculture crops perhaps encouraging asexual reproduction among parasites.
Supporting this idea Dr. Gibson points out that more monoculture crop fields tend to be destroyed by parasites than fields with multiple genotypes. This effect could be seen with as little as two different genetic backgrounds. Finally, Dr. Gibson extends her research to humans explaining a tantalizing yet poorly studied theory that humans might be drawn to mate with people who have different major histocompatibility complexes than themselves in order to give their children a broader defense against potential parasites.
To hear about more examples of coevolution between parasites and hosts see Dr. Gibson’s work at coevolving.org . Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
As the cell employs its machinery to shut down the virus that’s inside it, the virus makes proteins to shut down the cell’s efforts. The scene is set, but how will this arms race end? The answer depends on many, many factors.
Listeners can tune in to explore the following:
Since 2004, Matthew Frieman, PhD has been researching coronaviruses. In 2009, he established his own research lab at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he is an associate professor in the area of microbiology and immunology. First it was SARS-CoV, then MERS-CoV, and now SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. With each new coronavirus, he learns a little bit more about the tricks they use to enter and infect cells. He also learns more and more about therapeutics which could potentially combat the current virus and viruses to come.
A focal point of the research in Frieman’s lab is on the role of comorbidity in disease progression, and how an understanding of this in lab mice might be reflected in humans. For instance, why do those with underlying conditions appear significantly more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, and more likely to suffer severe symptoms? His research is also focused on developing a broadly antiviral drug not only for SARS-CoV-2, but for viruses that emerge in the future.
The conversation covers the similarities and differences between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, two primary entry methods of SARS-CoV-2, the role of the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 protease, why more virions per cell means fewer ACE2 receptors, which means decreased capacity for lung tissue repair, how cells detect the presence of a virus and respond accordingly, characteristics of viral spread, structure, and function, virus-host interactions, research aimed at combining antibodies to create a dual antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2, and so much more.
Visit https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/Frieman-Matthew/ and follow Frieman on Twitter @MattFrieman. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
That neck pain and foot twinge might be more connected than you realize. Doug Bertram takes time to carefully explain why as he describes his company's approach to common orthopedic conditions. This podcast provides a new appreciation for how important structural balance is to pain-free activity. Listen and learn
Doug Bertram, the CEO of Structural Elements, says they originally started as an educational company. His enthusiasm for and ability to explain how our bodies work makes that evident. He gives valuable lessons to listeners for how our movement, from the fall of our foot to our posture at the computer, determines a lot of the misalignments and stresses that cause pain. "People think we're an engineering company," he says, and "that's the approach we take to the human body. We look at quantified mechanical vulnerability to stay ahead of joints wearing out prematurely."
He talks a little bit about the kinds of clients that come to them and explains that while they promote that they treat an active population, they mean this in a relative sense. So while they might treat intense athletes, they also consider someone just wanting to spend pain-free time with their grandkids as an active client. He adds that they also want to establish an active goal instead of just mitigating the pain—what would a client want to actively do if that pain were gone? He gets specific about how their treatments help regulate the autonomic nervous system by addressing the stress response, which is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. So while patients may come with orthopedic symptoms, addressing the nervous system is an important part of treatment. "We look at the body as a complete system," he adds, and this informs their whole-body approach. So listen in for an education on this integrative approach.
For more about their work, see structuralelements.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While Vinod Scaria specializes in computational biology regarding non-coding RNAs, he's lab has diverted their energies to focus most of their data analysis specifically on the genomics of COVID-19. He gives listeners a global picture of the data and also explains the significance of small non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs as well as categorizing functional RNA types. Listeners will learn
Vinod Scaria is a principal scientist at the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB). His lab works with clinicians across India to help them with difficult diagnoses that often end up being rare genetic conditions. However, the pandemic has caused them to repurpose their labs and into the space of virology. First, he gives the audience a nice refresher on what computational biologists do. Computational biologists, he says, look at genomes and the proteomes of organisms but with a computer instead of a microscope. They work on algorithms and sequences to develop hypotheses that can later be validated in labs.
He gives a really interesting glimpse into their COVID research, explaining that they look at the genome of the virus and try to understand its genetic epidemiology. The virus mutates at a very constant rate, he explains, and therefore they can use information in a specific way to trace the epidemic spread. These computations tell them about how the virus spreads, if there have been undocumented outbreaks, and the origin of outbreaks. All this together helps inform policies for better containment such as helpful social measures and where lockdowns might be most effective. Basically, he says, they use computational biology to make far more effective interventions to prevent spread.
For more about his work, see his lab's website: vinodscaria.rnabiology.org/home. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Friction, forces, shears: the game changes when robots get tiny. Marc Miskin brings you to scale on these up-and-coming microrobots and nanorobots for biotechnology. Listen and learn
Marc Miskin is an assistant professor of Electrical and Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and works in a robotic systems lab. He's working on nano machines that may one day soon explore our bodies for medical purposes. The robots are so small that they aren't visible to the eye—think approximately hair width. This field has taken the advances in small computers to small robots, around 70 to 100 microns in size. The forces at this scale are different, of course, and bring in some interesting challenges. When they get tinier, friction, adhesion, and viscosity become the dominant effects and mass takes second stage. Those dominant traits become more important as the area-to-volume ratio becomes large. "It's like everything in your universe is flypaper," he says. What's really interesting is that the electrical aspects remain constant. The voltages and currents are still fixed and electrical interference isn't an issue.
The way they move, to swim or propel, also becomes very different than larger human-sized organisms—they can't rely on mass to keep the momentum going. They use silicon, wires, and metal so that, unlike with biological organisms, they can play around with such materials to address these challenges. However, he assures listeners, these materials fall under "generally recognized as safe," and are low toxicity. Elasticity is also an issue these materials hope to address. They need to create enough movement over a small size that can also be controlled by a signal with a specific voltage size, about 1. They came up with something they call "circuit electric chemical actuators," which basically chemically bonds through electron rearranging to create a force. He explains more interesting challenges in this tiny production model and addresses applications for these microbots in real life, though they are still in proof of concept. They imagine utilizing them when single-cell precision is desired, as with nerve work.
For more about this work, see his lab's website: seas.upenn.edu/~mmiskin. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0my
Another in the Finding Genius Podcast series on viruses, this captivating conversation with Yale University's Dr. Takyar explores interesting avenues of the virus-host relationship, offering listeners a glimpse into a top researcher's understandings of viral characteristics and behavior. Listeners will hear
Seyedtaghi “Shervin” Takyar, MD, PhD, is a Yale Medicine pulmonologist and an associate professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. His work on disease research his given him an interesting perspective on virus-cell interaction and Richard brings him into this continuing look at viral behaviors. They begin by addressing if viruses are living or nonliving and this gives Dr. Takyar a chance to provide a rich answer in which he says, on the one hand, they are akin to a program in a computer if a computer were consider "life." On the other hand, he adds, nature doesn't have rigid lines, and he would say viruses are at the very least a footprint of life. He explains each of these analogies in more depth and ends his answer with, "it is more interesting to find their place in life," rather than label them as one or the other. The rest of the podcast examines this place.
The origin and evolution of viruses follows the pattern of life: virus evolution over time just means they've found those places that fit best. He explains various behavior with similar language. For example, a virus incubation period depends on their environment. They may not express parts of their genome until the right time comes. The right time inside the cell is dictated by a lot of actors—like aging, for example—the increased mortality in older folks with SARS CoV-2 is because those states are codes for the virus: certain parts of the process that it needs to grow are available and this triggers replication. He shares a brand new behavior confirmed by researchers next, that viruses use the factory inside cells to talk to each other. Scientists have shown that bacteriophages use the translation machinery inside the bacteria to translate their message to other viral particles. Dr. Takyar shares more of his thoughts with listeners on topics from quasi-species to speculations on viral epigenetics.
For more about Dr. Takyar and his research, start with his lab website: medicine.yale.edu/lab/takyar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
An exciting step closer to a cure for diabetes starts with a bit of gastric tissue. Joe Zhou's lab works on tissue regeneration and repair and organ regeneration. In this podcast, he discusses a life-changing possibility alongside Richard's thoughtful questions. They take listeners across a new frontier of research, covering
Joe Zhou is a Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Cornell University. While the broad interest of his lab is tissue and organ regeneration in humans, he discusses an advancement in a specific cell generation, a cell important to the diabetes and insulin connection. Many important organs, he explains, don't have a robust ability to regenerate, including the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells have been attacked as if they were foreign invaders. Injecting insulin doesn't give these patients the fine tuning a working pancreas offers, and complications can be problematic and even severe. Dr. Zhou gives listeners a well-organized and listener-friendly review of different ways scientists have tried to reintroduce these cells in patients and sets up a helpful backdrop to his own research. He explains how his work may provide hope for both types of diabetes, addressing insulin resistance as well through introducing these healthy beta cells.
His lab has been regenerating islet beta cells from human gastric tissue. The goal is to reintroduce those cells into the same patient, precluding rejection issues other transplant plans have caused. Basically, they are able to take adult gastric cells and treat them in a way to convert them directly to beta cells without having to return them to a pluripotent stage and all the complications that causes. They use powerful genes called master regulators to do this. "If we start with a select set of these master regulator beta cells," he says, "and put in a different tissue, we can directly convert them from one tissue to another tissue." He continues by explaining why this is especially true for gastric cells, how they grow the cells with an ex-vivo approach and introduce the genes, and which processes they hope to refine in the future. He addresses other challenges and successes as well. So listen in for some good news in the field of diabetes research.
For more, see his lab's website: zhoulab.weill.cornell.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Independent consultant and researcher Marciel Maffini has made it her mission to change woefully outdated laws and scientific processes for assessing food safety. This podcast is an essential listen before you take another product off the grocery shelf. She describes
Maricel Maffini is an experienced researcher committed to public health advocacy through regulation and oversight of chemical exposure. She now works as an independent consultant and has a doctorate in the biological sciences. She has over 25-years research experience in the fields of carcinogenesis, reproduction biology, and endocrine disruption. The full focus of her current work involves food safety and chemical exposures, specifically on the manufacturing and packaging side. She tells listeners that many chemicals are added to foods by the manufacturer to make them last longer and be more palatable as well as to add more striking colors. In addition, part of the processing can expose food to chemicals that won't appear in the ingredients list. She adds that exposure to numerous chemicals and preservatives during pregnancy can be especially risky. In other words, a much better food safety regulation process is in order.
To help listeners understand what needs changing, she provides a helpful and clear explanation of how FDA regulations work, where the loopholes are, and what she is doing about it. For example, because of an allowance in the 1958 law allowing items "generally recognized as safe" to be exempt from detailed ingredient listings, numerous harmful items are able to sneak into food. She also explains the approval process companies have to use when putting a product on the market, and how a surprising amount of information and approval is voluntary. Furthermore, because many ingredients are harmful after cumulative exposure, certain harmful chemicals slip in as a series of small amounts while our comprehensive diet could potentially include harmful levels. Maricel Maffini is admirably tackling all these issues and is able to explain them in a way to help listeners do the same. Finally she gives some advice for home preparation to help against some of the potential manufacturing missteps.
For more about her work, follow her on twitter as @mvmaffini and search for her on PubMed. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Imagine scientists designing technology based on the double-helix DNA structure in our cells: well, it's happened and this podcast takes you on a futuristic journey into an exciting technology. Richard talks with a researcher working on this technology and the two speculate on exciting possibilities. So hold on tight, and learn about
Great leaps often come from an inventor's effort to imitate nature and this is one such move. A researcher shares his exciting work on creating double-helix antennas with different sizes and capabilities. He explains the basics of antennas, but also opens up listener's appreciation for how many natural antennas exist in our bodies and world. He reminds us that antennae have always been inspired by nature, and, for example, are on the head of insects to detect chemical and mechanical signals in their environment. Therefore he and his colleagues looked inward and designed antenna inspired by DNA structure—a design structure modeling the double helix with base pairs that determine the antenna function. Because they've made these base pairs easy to switch, the function can be adjusted very easily and this makes them useful for the multiple applications that exist in today's multi-tech environment. He says that the three kinds of base pairs they use include those that work by capacitor, resistor, or conductor capabilities. He and Richard are able to explore numerous exciting potentials that different sizes, frequencies, and wavelengths make possible, from the importance of medical imaging to the convenience of wearable technology use. They even discuss how our own cells could be used as antenna, and explore how DNA's copy mechanisms might inform further developments. Modern materials such as the uses of photonic crystals and coherent optics keep those possibilities wide open. So listen in for more about cutting edge antenna technology. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This is a story about how studying a buried city in the jungle led to an urgent call to utilize a new technology to map our earth. Archaeologist Christopher Fisher was astounded by LiDAR technology when he used it to map an ancient city covered by sense forest canopy in Honduras. This podcast explores what happened next. Listen and learn
Christopher Fisher is an archaeologist and professor of anthropology at the Colorado State University. He's also the director of The Earth Archive, a group working for our future human society and environment by scanning and curating LiDAR data of planet Earth. After seeing its potential in archaeological discoveries, he says it "really opened my eyes to see how we could use this to map our earth, to create a 3D digital twin of the planet that we can study today and curate for future generations." It has several other applications scientists can now use, from cultural anthropology to biology and geography, but he's looking to the future. His enthusiasm lead him to create a nonprofit to engineer just that, and tells listeners about his efforts to move forward.
He describes how helpful archeologists have found it, but his long-term perspective into the past gives him a similar long-term perspective towards mapping information for future generations. Because of climate change, future human societies and environments may benefit from views of what our earth looks like right now. He says there's a limited time we have to scan the earth and map what it looks like to pass this information to our grandchildren, to help them reconstruct the earth and address the changes. He explains how the technology itself works: basically, from some sort of airborne platform, they fire down a very dense grid of infrared beams. When one strikes an object, it returns to the aircraft and provides a measure of distance. A cloud of points provides a 3D map. He says their first goal is to map the entire amazon basin starting in the spring of 2021. Interested listeners can sign up for their newsletter and find more information on their website: The Earth Archive. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Ready to explore energy sources and supercapacitor applications you can build with? The time is now for energy storage advances and this podcast explores an exciting structural possibility. To learn more about this advancement in energy, listen and hear
Julio D'Arcy is an assistant professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. He brings listeners along in the search for supercapacitors as energy storage system. He discovered that rust—which is iron corrosion—is a fascinating material, abundant in both nature and in synthetic conditions like construction. He started working with rust in his lab, demonstrating how they could change its properties at a chemical level and make it serve as an oxidant of chemical energy, which is a means to store energy. Under careful syntheses, they turned bricks blue and changed their structure and coated them with special nanofibers. These nanofibers move like a sponge throughout all the pores, covering every surface, yet allowing the fusion of gases and ions through the still-open pores.
He explains how these nanofibers are semiconductors made from PEDOT, which is a conducting polymer. This plastic can conduct electricity, store energy, and grow from the hematite in the bricks. The vision for these bricks is to eventually produce supercapacitors to replace batteries and be used as a dependable load-bearing energy source. The trick, he says, is to make sure the structure and chemical properties don't change over time and this has nanofiber alignment implications. He tells listeners about their work with magnetic nanofibers toward that end. He also talks about the limits from the much lower energy density these bricks have than batteries and how they are working on that limitation. This progresses into an exciting conversation about possible solutions and ways this technology can only improve. He adds that while they are about five years from load-bearing commercial applications, current uses include smaller-scale applications like power emergency lighting in the house or powering small electronics embedded in the house. This polymer has exciting potential for other applications like its ability to sense changes in PH, humidity, and temperature: the sensor capability for at-home use is boundless.
For more, see his lab's website: sites.wustl.edu/darcylab/.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Derek Abbott opens up a decades-long mystery for listeners in this exploration of biomedical engineering technology applied to an unidentified dead man found on a beach in 1948.
Listen and learn
Derek Abbott is a professor at the University of Adelaide in Australia. He has a physics and electrical engineering background and explains his field as bridging electrical engineering, medicine, and biology. Therefore, he can tackle tricky problems by utilizing biology and engineering.
He believes in the importance of his academic role: "We work on difficult problems in a multidisciplinary manner," he says. "The problem isn't the goal," he adds; rather, "the tools and techniques we pick up on the way will serve society as a whole." This podcast takes an in-depth look at some of these techniques and tools regarding a curious mystery of our time.
Professor Abbot has been working on human identification, and particularly on the curious case of the Somerton Man. He tells listeners how his field informs this work by taking us through the most interesting puzzles and solutions. A mysterious figure was found dead on a beach in Australia in 1948. There wasn't a scratch on him and no one knows how he died. This complete mystery has engaged the world and Derek Abbott is on the case. He describes some biomedical engineering techniques he has used as well as plain old detective work to decipher the significance of the note in the man's pocket, how his tie fabric was cut, and what could the women's phone number on the back of his copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
He describes some amazing bioinspired engineering techniques including their attempts at mitochondrial work and other DNA workarounds, and explains the significance of the "graceful degradation of information." Listen in for a fascinating mystery and one man's dedication to following it to its end.
For more about his work see his website: adelaide.edu.au/directory/derek.abbott
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK and find Derek on Twitter at @derek_abbott60.
Upgrading isn't just for phone systems. Quantum information science tackles the upgrade of old existing technologies, which run by classical physics laws, to those that function in the quantum realm. It's as easy as it sounds: Vlatko Vederal tells listeners what this entails and what possibilities researchers like him are working toward. Listen and learn
Vlatko Vedral is a professor at University of Oxford in Quantum Information Science. He explains his field in helpful terms, comparing classical technologies with quantum technologies like quantum computing applications. His useful analogies give listeners a comprehensive picture of what this will look like and he provides a specific timeline. First, he says, quantum cryptography will take more of a center stage because it's the simplest one to begin with. Then there will be a shift towards implementing quantum memory, and finally, in the next ten years or so, we will see upgrades to large scale quantum computers.
His explanation about how quantum cryptography helps elucidate the challenges for all quantum applications. Basically, if two people are trying to communicate using quantum bits, anyone eavesdropping is forced to a take measurement and collapse the communication to classical properties. This makes their listening-in detectable because that action will emit a lower fidelity, giving them away. He and Richard then discuss more fascinating potentials and the challenges they present, which tend to center on the error rate and physical necessities. For example, they must cool an atom to an extremely low temperature. As more cubits are added, the system gets hotter and noisier. Their only current solution is to do error correction, but researchers like Vedral are working towards better techniques. So listen in for these exciting possibilities.
For more, see his website: quantumlah.org/research/group/vlatko. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Valkyrie has brought together some of the best minds to utilize artificial intelligence in operations management. This podcast presents a fascinating conversation on the latest ways artificial intelligence can impact decision making. Plug in, listen, and hear
Charlie Burgoyne, Valkyrie’s CEO, educates listeners on the phenomenal potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, financial services, government applications, and even the entertainment and transportation space. He tells listeners to think of his firm as a modern-day Bell Labs, basically a research institute turned industrial team. Valkyrie employs biologists, chemists, and physicists to work on different verticals, deploying algorithms and machine learning techniques to dramatically improve operational efficiencies and customer retention. He adds that while they do a degree of consulting, they're predominately scientists solving industrial problems.
He shares some of these challenges that AI easily meets, such as helping the largest ambulance company in the world develop COVID modeling predication tools and resource allocation plans. For example, they can predict what counties are likely to have an outbreak of disease and why, and inform them how to best provide and allocate PPE accordingly. He adds that their most impactful projects live in the defense sector, identifying different types of behavior that help complex data systems adjust new data and develop supporting algorithms. But a nice vacation is also on their list of services, and they've recently helped a large cruise line identify which systems are creating failures, what can be optimized, and how they can develop operational capabilities to keep the ocean clean and still expand their operation. He finishes with an interesting discussion of their approach to financial services and where they go against the grain by embracing quantum-driven hedge fund models. Listen in to learn more about how Valkyrie deploys AI for a better future.
For information about the company, see their website at valkyrie.ai. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While chronic kidney disease diagnosis is rare in children, its effects are profound. Furthermore, there's so much scientists don't know about kidney function. Keia Sanderson is hoping to change that. She specializes in chronic kidney disease treatment in pediatric patients and discusses avenues to advance treatment and prevention. This podcast gives her the perfect platform to explain
Keia Sanderson, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Her job is a mix of teaching, clinical work, and research. In her clinical work, she takes care of children with kidney disease at all stages, including kids who receive transplants. Her current research is focused on kidney outcomes in children with complex medical histories, in particular children who've been born prematurely. She says that the challenge is oftentimes the asymptomatic nature of kidney disease in children. Therefore, she and other clinicians are often meeting kids with disease states that are irreversible and are turning toward dialysis treatment and transplantation.
Dr. Sanderson gives listeners a special focus on the risks from preterm birth. Because preterm babies tend to have less nephron development, the nephrons that are present have to work overtime and are subject to hyper filtration. But because doctors have been able to identify this as a critical time, they are looking at ways to better manage preterm infant treatment. For example, what medications are they receiving that could affect kidney development? How are we feeding infants in this active development stage? How are we handling their oxygenation? While a clear pathway is not yet evident, she is hopeful she and other researches will find one. Currently, she's hoping to develop mathematical models to make better predications about the risk levels for different babies.
For more information, see the UNC Kidney Center, the National Kidney Foundation, and talk to your primary doctor. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
"As a flu researcher," says Stacey Schultz-Cherry, "it's frustrating to hear 'it's just flu.'" This podcast helps listeners gain a much better understanding about the constant effort to pin down strains for vaccines and the need for better spillover maintenance. She explains
Stacey Schultz-Cherry is a member of St. Jude Faculty and specializes in flu research. Her lab just received funding to make flu vaccines more effective for at-risk populations, populations who experience much less efficacy with the vaccine. But she takes this podcast opportunity to educate listeners about the vaccine itself and influenza causes and the microbiology of viruses. She clears up several misunderstandings. For example, she says the reason scientists can't just give one shot with 20 different strains is because of the interactions between the strains. One strain can outgrow another, for example, or your body might mount a higher response to one component over another. But scientists are researching how to make this possible.
She also teaches listeners about the yearly process of sequencing strains that are out there and taking data from around the world to make the best predictions possible and choose the four strains it seems best to include. Why is it so complicated? Well, she says, influenza is an RNA virus that is segmented. So each gene has its own segment. That means in can recombine it unpredictable ways. Furthermore, there's something called "virus drift," with an error-prone polymerase. This equates to a genetic drift. The endless possible combinations are mostly not a problem for humans, but those that do spillover cause the bird flus that are so deadly. She also explains the nomenclature of the different strains, why the flu vaccine can help keep you out of the hospital, and more.
For more good influenza resources, she suggests the CDC section on flu, the WHO pages that address the data, and Trevor Bedford's site at Fred Hutch. Her lab's website also provides information. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Early in his studies, Nils Pilotte realized he wanted to pursue research with direct human applications and neglected tropical diseases fit that bill. This podcast explores this sorely-needed research and ways scientists like Nils Pilotte are making a difference. Listen and learn
Nils Pilotte is a postdoctoral researcher with the Williams' Lab at Smith College. He works primarily in diagnostic methods in parasitology and focuses on filarial worms and soil-transmitted helminths diagnosis in particular. These worms cause devastating health issues in underserved communities and he works not only to eradicate infestations now but also prevent future resurgences. He gives the podcast audience a solid background on how both soil-transmitted helminths and filarial worms, which are transmitted by insect vectors, progress through life cycles via complex host relationships. Filarial worms, for example, must utilize two animal hosts to realize their adult reproduction stage. He treats listeners with his enthusiasm for studying this coevolution, speculating on the amazing science behind their adaptations.
But this coevolution is more than just interesting. Researching the signaling between pathogen and host is key to developing methods for diagnosis of parasitic infections. "Cross-talk" is a phrase scientists use for this exchange. Because parasites developed clever ways to disguise themselves, understanding this cross-talk is at the forefront of understanding pathogenicity. Dr. Pilotte addresses various ways they are looking at this signaling that might aid better diagnostics. He also addresses ways he and others work to make diagnostics less expensive and more accessible. For example, he's working on a method to increase their testing of mosquito infection by testing their excreta, or feces, for the presence of pathogen material. It's much easier and simpler to collect the mosquito feces than the mosquitoes themselves. Listen in for more smart advances scientists are using to make the world healthier.
For more about Nils Pilotte, see his researchgate page or search for him in Google scholar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Parasites are a neglected area of medicine and Rick Maizels is working to change that. But his research also lends surprising findings in the human immune response to parasites: allergy relief. With Professor Maizels' accessible language and explanations, this podcast explores an exciting step forward in both parasitology and allergy research. Listen and learn
Rick Maizels is a professor of parasitology at the University of Glasgow and gives listeners a clear lesson in the latest science of parasite research. He leads listeners into the complex interchanges of cellular and molecular immunology to explain how parasites have the ability to dampen our immune system in ways that are sometimes beneficial for us. He explains that parasites are a neglected area of medicine because they tend to infect the poorest parts of the world. Unfortunately, past research money and efforts have gone to the needs of wealthier world communities. But parasitologists are working hard to change that. As they increased this research, they noticed a reciprocal relationship between the prevalence of helminths and allergies. In other words, helminths presence is inversely related to the presence of allergies, as if parasites dampen "diseases of modernity."
Professor Maizels explains this in more detail and says there's a common theme: it involves the "good cop" of the immune cell—the regulatory T-cell. The regulatory T-cell makes sure that the immune response doesn't go into overdrive or start attacking innocuous materials like the dust mite. It turns out that the parasite can affect the host gene expression in human body with products it releases. For example, the hookworm release a protein that binds to the T-cell, instructing it to make more. The overall effect is to dampen the immune system. He discusses more studies along these lines and the effect on conditions like ulcerative colitis and celiac disease. They've also found some parasites have wound healing properties, healing and preventing infections in their entry point into the host. Harnessing these findings can address parasitic infections in poorer communities and offer therapeutics like vaccines to work for immunity against helminths. Listen in to learn about additional exciting discoveries.
For more see, Professor Maizels' lab website: maizelslab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0my
Can researchers better utilize our cellular powerhouses to fight infection? Yes, according to this podcast, but it's all about timing and balance. James Phelan's research into when cells utilize glycolysis and what that might achieve for infectious diseases has turned the cancer field on its head. Listen in to learn about metabolic pathway research that has therapeutic-changing potential. He addresses
James J. Phelan is a postdoctoral research fellow at Trinity College in Dublin. He spent most of his PhD work developing an expertise in cellular metabolism, specifically in the context of esophageal cancer. He explains how he carefully examined the metabolic pathways accompanying the progression from Barrett's esophagus to cancer of the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus, or intestinal metaplasia, indicates a distortion of cells and is the biggest risk factor for esophageal cancer. He found that as patients progress from this inflammatory esophageal condition to cancer, their cells use an aggressive form of metabolism called glycolysis, which involves a higher flux of cytokines and chemokines, both damaging to tissue. In other words, glycolysis is a cancer-specific form of metabolism.
He brought this findings into the infectious disease and immunology field and found that glycolysis has a contrasting role in an infectious disease context. However, it started with a similarity: as with cancer patients, infectious disease patients are burdened with high inflammation. The goal of therapeutics is to reduce inflammation, particularly with TB, one of his specialties. Here's where it gets tricky and innovative: if glycolysis as the main metabolic pathway is turned on early for TB, it will help eradicate the infection. They've found an iron binder in clinical trials for COVID-19 that can turn on glycolysis in macrophages infected with TB and clear the infection. By using this compound, they can switch on glycolysis and turn on cytokines, which are actually very harmful in the late stage of TB. But in the early stage, they are curative. He explains this surprising finding in more detail as well as therapeutic possibilities such as in vaccinations and other ways this research may help inform vaccines and the immune response.
For more, see his website at Trinity College. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Curious about the pandemic's impact on the housing finance system? This podcast has the answers. Richard Koss takes listeners through every element, translating the global housing watch into an understandable format. Listeners will learn
Richard Koss is the Chief Research Officer at Recursion, a company in the big data mortgage finance field. They take enormous data sets related to the mortgage market and place that data in the cloud. Then, as part of what they call "data democratization," they provide digital tools that allow interested users to access that data to supplement policy or inform trading practices or research strategies. He says the lack of transparency before 2008 was part of the problem that lead to the global financial crisis. The importance of housing finance transparency was not lost on Recursion's founders.
As a data expert, he's also in a great position to help listeners get a handle on today's housing market and better understand the economics of global housing solutions. He explains in clear and accessible language what the market has looked like since March in structural and cyclical terms, addressing the labor and housing struggles. He explains that housing trends look a little like the 60s—we're seeing flight out of the city into the suburbs and exurbs. The big question is how long this will persist. He tells listeners what predictions the banks, big companies, and financial lenders are betting on but gives enough information to help listeners come to their own conclusions. Listen in for some great insights into current directions of housing markets.
For more about his company and their take on housing markets, see recursionco.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
“Nothing replicates with nucleic acid and evolves through natural selection and is not alive, so I think it’s time for viruses to join the pantheon of life,” says Dr. White, bringing a fresh perspective to the topic of whether viruses should be considered living or nonliving. Press play to learn why he says viruses are “perfect” parasites, and to explore the following:
Dr. Richard Allen White III is a virologist and the owner of Raw Molecular Systems (RMS), LLC. His current work is focused on diagnostics and biotherapeutics to combat COVID-19, as well as repurposing bacteriophage to tackle multidrug resistance. He provides unique insight on a handful of compelling questions about viruses, which leads to a discussion of how viruses take over the host’s macrophages and trigger cell-to-cell infection, a phage Vibrio that’s triggered by a quorum-sensing molecule, viral modification and what it means, virus and host cell interactions, viral evolution and how a virus changes over time, viral tropism, current treatments for the rabies virus, how viruses hold the key to wiping out the growing threat of multidrug-resistant organisms, and more.
Tune in, and learn about Dr. White’s company by visiting https://www.rawmolecularsystems.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Tiny microbes make a huge difference in our health. These internal ecological systems utilize communication or signaling to maintain this health, effecting immune system function. This podcast shares an important discovery in this communication that influences receptivity to cancer treatment. Listen and learn
Dr. Kathy McCoy is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary and the director of the International Microbiome Centre. Her research is focused on interactions between the microbiome and immune system and she shares an exciting just-published study that presents a key finding in cancer treatment. Specifically, her research asked how gut microbes play a rule in influencing or regulating the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy or cancer immunotherapy. She says that scientists have known for a few years that our microbiome is associated with immunotherapy success or lack thereof, but needed more information to make a difference in treatment.
Here's the big idea behind her findings: while researchers have known there's a microbial immune conversation, they now know that it's a three-way conversation rather than a two-way conversation. In addition to the microbes and immune system players, metabolites sent out by microbes have a say; furthermore, this conversation gets enhanced by cancer immunotherapy. More specifically, they found that one of these metabolites, inosine, binds to a receptor present on T-cells and causes a signal transduction cascade that makes that T-cell turn on an anti-tumor response—it makes the cytokines necessary to attack cancer cells. If a patient doesn't have this metabolite, the immunotherapy may not work as well. The hope is researchers can figure out how to encourage this metabolite in patients. Listen in for more details about this study and about its life-changing implications.
For more, see her lab website: kathymccoylab.ca. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Curious about science's latest effort to reverse aging? This podcast describes attainable treatments and the science behind theses gene therapy processes: Elizabeth Parrish discusses BioViva's anti-aging gene therapy products and research. Even better, she brings a different perspective—she has had viral vector gene therapy herself. Listen and learn
Elizabeth Parrish is a returning guest and CEO of BioViva, a leader in health regenerative gene therapy. She takes listeners on a tour of anti-aging science, offering interesting and intelligent descriptions of available therapies and exciting future treatments in the works. She begins by describing four specific therapies BioViva offers through Integrated Health Systems: telomerase gene-inducement, myostatin inhibitors, mitochondrial improvement, and klotho gene therapy. Respectively, these address anti-aging, muscle growth, energy production, and organ systems and dementia issues.
The process for how they accomplish these therapies is better than science fiction. Essentially, they use a viral vector that has had its pathogenesis removed. They fill this vector with the gene therapy and a promotor, which regulates the amount of gene delivered. These therapies are introduced into the body through various ways, but most frequently through an IV drip. She adds that clients will need to take an immune suppressant before and after this therapy, though usually it is on the milder side and tends to be prednisone or something similar. What really makes this interview interesting is Elizabeth's ability to explain how the biology behind this therapy works, why telomere length makes a difference, and how this turns on health-inducing genes without actually changing a person's DNA. In other words, it's not genetic engineering for extending life spans, it's gene therapy for enhancing and strengthening what the body already has.
For more about the company, see bioviva-science.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast offers insight into how scientists keep our best animal friends safe, and in turn, their human companions. Because humans can get parasites from dogs and other animals, we are part of this equation. Italian scientist Domico Otranto teaches listeners
Domenico Otranto (DVM, PhD, Diplomate EVPC, FRES) is a full professor of Animal Parasitic Diseases in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari in southern Italy. While he mainly works on parasites of zoonotic concern, he also concentrates on when these become human parasitic diseases. This means he studies vector-born diseases that transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Such vectors include flies, ticks, and other bugs and worms that feed on the host and transmit these pathogenic parasites. They often have primary and secondary hosts. Such parasites present a particular problem in Mediterranean regions because of the climate.
He has a special focus on leashmania, which is transmitted through sand flies. Dogs are the main host for leishmania, but it can also infect cats, rodents, and humans. He explains the challenges to fighting this parasite and explains why prevention of sand fly biting is actually the best approach. Furthermore, controlling it in dogs is an important step in preventing it in humans. Finally, he places these concerns in a socio economic context. Parasitic diseases are more typically problematic in the poorest countries. Therefore, his work is inspired by a social commitment to improve the quality of life and health in these areas. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
It all starts with an explosion. Imaging tech's latest advancement involves nanodiamond particles created from a shockwave's pressure and temperature. Scientists are finding ways to put these tiny formations to use as sensors inside cells. Listen to Dr. Takuya Segawa describe this exciting new step in particles physics and learn
Dr. Takuya F. Segawa is the Branco Weiss Fellow of the Society in Science in the ETH Zurich Laboratory for Solid State Physics. He is charged with finding better ways to investigate biomolecules inside cells. This led him to connect with a group in Japan that works with nanodiamonds. Why do scientists need a different way into cells? Dr. Segawa answers with a cogent explanation of the limits of magnetic resonance spectroscopy physics and how MRI machines work. The gist is that they lack sensitivity to give scientists the best information. He explains that this new nanodiamond won't necessarily replace clinical MRI diagnostics, but it has tremendous potential to make a difference in lab work.
Here's how it works: about 25 years ago, a German scientist discovered that a crystal structure with a specific defect, a missing carbon atom, causes an electron spin and produces fluorescent light. Further study showed that manipulating the spin enables different light frequency emissions and leads to a fine-tuned sensitivity. Scientists then put this same defect in a nanodiamond, enabling a nanoparticle that can be used like an MRI system but with increased sensitivity. In addition, the magnetic resonance signal changes if it's met with a magnetic field. Therefore, two signals can split and provide information on temperature and position by using the orientation of this magnetic field in relation to the nanodiamond. He explains how scientists might use this amazing technique in lab work and how close the industry is to gaining larger production needs. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Life or death is a false dichotomy—at least when it comes to viruses. Robert Siegel posits that viruses exist somewhere on the hazy border between things that are and aren’t alive. He sums it up uniquely in a short stanza:
“A virus has a structure giving it properties that lie between Inanimate and truly living Less than cell, but more than gene.”
Press play to discover:
Siegel is a professor in the Stanford University Microbiology and Immunology Department, and has an extensive background as a teacher and researcher. He entered the field of virology and biological studies during an exciting time, just after viruses were sequenced. Since 1981, he’s been teaching a course on human viruses, which makes him a great resource for Richard Jacobs’s book on viruses. The many topics explored include the three primary ways of defining life (plus a bonus definition), why the incubation period differs from virus to virus, for what reason viruses might use quorum sensing or coordinate action, treatments that are aimed at viral proteins, such as those of hepatitis C, viruses as therapeutics and tools for diagnosis, and more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Phyllis Zee has studied circadian rhythm sleep disorders and symptoms for decades and shares key findings in this podcast. Listen and learn your way to better circadian habits. She explains
Phyllis C. Zee is the Chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. This podcast offers listeners an enlightening conversation about how our circadian clocks work and what happens when they don't. She is able to combine years of research with practical advice for listeners to address sleep issues. She explains that our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake schedules set the stage for all our other timing; therefore, disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs at night might fall under these larger issues.
She hits at the heart of sleep issues for many listeners: whether you are a night owl or morning lark, as long as you are able to keep to your ideal cycle, you might be ok; but problems arise when work and society dictate different hours. Therefore, your internal clock timing needs to be aligned with your social, physical, and work activities. She also addresses disorders outside of this tension such as the non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. These patients have an intrinsic rhythm that is 26 or 27 hours, so they will drift an hour every day and have no predictability for their sleep habits. She gives advice on how we can align our rhythm, from making sure we are exposed to daylight first thing in the morning to not eating within a few hours of bedtime. For similar suggestions and other glimpses into the mystery of sleep, listen in and enjoy.
For more about her work, see the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Coral reefs struggle with the herpes virus just like we do. In fact, this virus runs all through the animal tree of life. How has it managed to become so successful? By effectively hiding from immune systems. Press play to explore the following:
Forest Rohwer is a microbial ecologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University who focuses primarily on two ecosystems: coral reefs, and the human body. He says that the former is a good analog of the latter, especially human mucosal surfaces. The ecology of cystic fibrosis, SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, and coral reef restoration are three areas of active research for Rohwer. With experience in a wide range of topics and research projects in biology, he contributes his knowledge and opinions on a series of compelling questions about viruses.
He explains the difference between viral and cellular replication, what governs when and why a virus will re-enter the lytic phase after a latency period and how this is associated with the health state of the host, whether viruses can be considered a quasi-species in their coordination to enter and infect cells, and so much more.
Visit https://coralandphage.org/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Paul Turner gives listeners a gift in this podcast with his clear yet complex exploration of viruses and immune system interactions. As he addresses Richard's questions in this continuation of Finding Genius's virus series, he allows for speculation yet also provides what evidence tells scientists. This perfect combination makes for an entertaining and enriching conversation. Listeners will hear
Paul Turner is the Rachel Carson Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in how viruses evolutionarily adapt as infectious diseases and also focuses on the potential of phage therapy as one of several public health intervention strategies. As he answers Richard's questions, listeners are in for a treat as his professorial skill at explaining combines with his own enthusiasm for the mechanisms viruses engage. He offers interesting examples to illustrate every answer, such as a bacteriophage that acts more like an animal virus with an envelope that fuses to a bacterial cell as its pili contract.
As he addresses the question of viruses working together, he describes the ability of viral mechanisms to overwhelm the system; while a division of labor in viruses would be impressive, their capacity to overwhelm may be derived more from their variety and survival mechanisms. While division of labor is a part of cellular evolution, he says, and that's why multi cellularity is successful, do you viruses need that capability to be successful? He comments that we tend to valuate success as humans in limited ways and viruses are one of the most successful things on the planet. He also discusses his belief that viruses are alive, why long-term latency works in a virus like HIV, and the mechanism in viral spread that resets the configuration, constraining mutations between organisms more than we think. Listen in for many more examples of the vast viral world.
For more about his work, see his website: medicine.yale.edu/profile/paul_turner. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Scarlet Ravin tells listeners a fascinating story that changed her views of evolution, growth and change, an experience that began after she took a substance called psilocybin derived from psychedelic mushrooms. This dramatic psilocybin experience inspired her to spread the word of love and how psilocybin can help achieve these higher consciousness benefits. Listeners will hear
Scarlet Ravin is an author and founder of White Fox Medicinals, a company that uses tinctures and other substances to address higher level consciousness psychology. She brings her story to listeners and tells where she's headed next to achieve the goals from her trip that brought her in communication with the spirit of psilocybin. She explains that while we humans normally see three-dimensional objects as hard, everything is actually radiating energy. All living beings have spirit beings. She says that psilocybin expands our consciousness, and she shows how by describing her wild experience in which the spirt expanded her own consciousness and directed her on to next steps.
Essential to her vision is to get this mind-expanding solution to mainstream people—to people outside of the community that already accepts these psychedelic experiences. She also talks about her book and says it's about love. She adds that love raises us above the three-dimensional realm of contrast, division, and waring forces that enable hate—in her vision she experienced the fifth dimension above these divisions. It says to choose love over war and hate; instead of thinking on levels of who's right and wrong, this dimension equals an emotionally mature state that is spiritually evolved. She was directed to write a book about this in her vision and to bring psilocybin to the mainstream. She is using her psilocybin chocolates, which don't have the substance in them so can be sold everywhere, to raise awareness of the substance.
For more, see the company's website: psilocybinchocolate.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Michael McDonnel knew he was different than the average person. But it was in learning how to navigate his own life around his cystic fibrosis treatment and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes that give him the upper hand in organizing and prioritizing healthy habits. Listeners will find inspiration for a healthier life from this podcast, learning
Michael McDonnell is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He was born with cystic fibrosis and eventually developed a diabetes similar to type 2 from the mucus that cystic fibrosis causes acting like fat. His physical struggles, however, pushed him to work harder and longer than his peers at sports and fitness goals. He explains that he needed to think differently than other people to find his place in the world, both physically and in terms of work. Eventually, he used his expertise on developing physical fitness to become a personal trainer. But he had a realization: You can help people get healthy and fit by telling them to eat and exercise better, but the rest of their week is out of the gym. Maybe there a daily factors working against these goals.
This realization along with his own hard-won lifestyle choices and skills sent him towards a lifestyle design profession. He studied and researched stress relief and organizational skills to help clients create time all week to be healthy. He now helps his clients put lifestyle design first so that health and fitness develops as a result. You can tell someone to eat better, he says, but their lifestyle needs to enable that. Therefore, he expanded his work into the self-improvement and self-development route, utilizing skills in prioritizing health and organizing one's day around fitness goals that he had been developing his whole life. He shares some great examples with listeners about ways he's helped others to reshape their daily life towards these goals. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The connection between alcohol and gut health is established in scientific literature: alcohol is an inflammatory agent. But as researchers like Vincent Maffei work to improve the quality of life for HIV patients, every bit of information of how that inflammation develops makes a difference, especially in how alcohol and bowel problems connect. Listeners will learn
Vincent J. Maffei is with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology at LSU. As a graduate student, he became involved in LSU's Comprehensive Alcohol Research Center (CARC) and studied how dysbiosis accompanies biological aging. He combined this with studying how alcohol affects the intestines, and now studies this specifically with HIV patients. More specifically, he works to find associations between alcohol use and advancing aging in HIV patients and their guts. He explains to listeners about several players in this complex mix of cause and effect: alcohol and gut health as well as alcohol and HIV patients. He establishes that any amount of alcohol can be harmful to someone suffering from HIV. Combine that with an already-established connection with alcohol and dysbiosis in the gut, and researchers are faced with a very real problem to solve for these patients.
He does a careful job explaining the background to listeners, bringing in other studies more general to alcohol use and explaining its effect on T-cell senescence, which basically means they lack the ability to copy themselves—limiting their ability to fight infection. Senescence is also a characteristic of biological aging. He explains that the administration of alcohol breaks down the gut barrier, allowing microbes to migrate from the lumen of gut into tissue, which causes inflammation. He also explains their worthy end goal: to identify some sort of microbiota intervention to relieve this component of inflammation in HIV patients, improving their life span and quality of life. Hopefully their findings will lead to more precise mechanisms that can be leveraged in therapeutic modality.
For more, see the CARC website: medschool.lsuhsc.edu/alcoholresearch. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher and physician Yoshifumi Saisho is on a mission to change diabetes treatment in his country. His research on the physiology of type 2 diabetes in Japan versus the U.S.A. makes an exciting case for his argument. Listeners will be treated with an explanation of his model-shifting findings and learn
Yoshifumi Saisho is a researcher and physician with the Department of Internal Medicine at Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo. When he began his career, he decided he wanted to be a doctor that would treat the entire patient rather than just one part. He also was focused on preventative aspects of disease. These two motivators still dominate his work and he shares compelling evidence about diabetes manifestation that centers on beta cells. He says that pancreas tissue samples have shown that beta-cell mass is reduced by around 50 percent in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also significant, patients in Japan who develop type 2 diabetes are not as obese as American diabetics but both share this reduction in beta cells.
How does this happen and why does it matter? Well, it's our beta cells that make insulin. He explains his theory for why this lower beta-cell number happens. When we eat excess carbs, he says, beta cells release insulin to take care of it. Humans don't increase beta-cell numbers under excess sugar, so each beta cell works harder to release more insulin. Therefore, he thinks that these beta cells die off from exhaustion and overwork. Preservation of beta cells must be important and this is why he'd like to change how the Japanese view diabetes. Japanese treatment for diabetes views it as a glucose-centered problem but he argues that if health professionals shift to seeing it as a beta-cell disease, treatment and prevention will be more successful. He hopes to appeal to the concept of avoiding wastefulness. We need to apply conservation language to our physical body's resources as well, he adds, and utilize nutrition and fitness facts as tools for reducing beta-cell workload. In other words, beta cells are a limited and precious resource in our body.
For more about Yoshifumi Saisho's work, he suggests googling his name. Here are Yoshifumi Saisho's recent two papers and the website for ResearchGate for more information. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14656566.2020.1776262 https://www.emjreviews.com/diabetes/article/editors-pick-how-can-we-develop-more-effective-strategies-for-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-prevention-a-paradigm-shift-from-a-glucose-centric-to-a-beta-cell-centric-concept-of-diabetes/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yoshifumi_Saisho Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Sarah Hallberg was charged with setting up a clinic to treat obesity and researched her way into a remarkable finding: the low-fat emphasis engrained in medical school as preventative of obesity had no real backing in actual outcomes. This started her journey that led to type 2 diabetes treatments centered on a low-carb intervention. Listeners will hear about
Dr. Sarah Hallberg is the Medical Director at Virta Health; previously, she founded Indiana University Arnett's Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program and still serves as their Medical Director. Even before medical school, she focused on physiology, exercise, and nutrition and fitness facts. Her research into obesity before the clinic opened aligned with type 2 diabetes causes. She gives listeners an intriguing story about the dramatic effect the low-carb diet had on her patients at the Indiana University Clinic. In fact, the plan quickly morphed into a type 2 diabetes diet. Her work with the clinic and Virta Health on low-carb plans is reversing type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise in numerous patients.
Dr. Hallberg gives listeners a helpful picture of how this plan works as she defines what low carb means in her clinic. Generally, if under 25% of daily calories come from carbs, or if one consumes under 125 grams of carbs per day, it's considered a low-carb diet by professionals. But she utilizes an even lower number, with less than 10% of calories from carbs a day, or less than 50 grams per day. She's careful listeners understand that this is NOT a no-carb approach and some carbs are good providers of micro nutrients and such. A small amount of those carbs will come from dairy and the biggest amount comes from non-starchy vegetables and seeds. She gives an interesting description of the physiology for these interactions as well as how adding whole-food fats make a difference. Finally she describes how the Virta Health plan and application works. It's a direct-to-consumer product and provides users with frequent personalized contact with a health coach.
For more about the program, see virtahealth.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This podcast brings cutting edge theory to standard, everyday cancer treatment, calling for a new approach. Professor and author James Shapiro is speaking about evolution and cancer at the Cancer & Evolution Symposium in October. Lucky listeners get a preview of his revolutionary ideas in this podcast where he connects lessons from cancer biology to evolutionary biology. He applies those ideas to a push for better cancer therapy treatment through an effective combination of big idea shifts with specific examples. Listeners will finish this enlightening podcast with a better understanding of
James Shapiro is a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago and author of Evolution: A View from the 21st Century. Cancer is an evolutionary disease, he says. Think about it: each stage follows evolutionary steps, from a benign cancer cell, to a malignant cancer cell, then a metastasizing cell, and eventually to cellular diversification and resistance to all kinds of agents. This tremendous ability to diversify so rapidly caught his attention and it seemed worthy to look at what cancer's ability for rapid change implied about evolution. He then sets the stage for listeners by describing the connection between cell damage and "insults" to the beginnings of cancer. He discusses the role of events like chromothripsis (chromosome shattering) and polyploidy in cancer development and connects them with earth-shattering events like asteroid collusions that resulted in mass extinctions. These events on earth were followed by rapid evolution and new organism development. Similarly, cancer leaps ahead into tremendous heterogeneity and diversification as it progresses.
He then makes these ideas applicable: cancer treatment needs to stop this rapid evolution capability. This is the main goal of the symposium—to address cancer in a different way because it adapts and rapidly evolves as it reacts to present treatments. He gives examples of how some oncologists are attempting this already, using "adaptive" therapy where they tone chemotherapy down to try to avoid triggering the evolution. He also emphasizes that cancer can help evolutionary biologists better understand evolution. Cancer, he says, is a demonstration of the inherent potential for evolutionary change; furthermore, it can show evolutionary biologists that organisms have the ability to change themselves and increasingly so. Cancer shows us how much potential and capability exists in cells to change their heredity and acquire new characteristics. Listen in for more of this rapid evolutionary change happening in cancer and evolutionary biology disciplines.
For more about the symposium, see cancerevolution.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
There are ten million viruses in one single drop of seawater, and many more viruses than stars in the universe. How does this understanding shape how we perceive them, us, and life in general? Press play to discover:
Viruses have affected every organism on the planet since the start of life. Most of them infect their host in a persistent way, which means they don’t kill the host, but try to invade the genome of the host where they will remain. But are they alive? According to Guenther Witzany, they absolutely are. His reasoning is based on the fact that viruses depend on the genetic code. Furthermore, they cooperate, compete, and communicate with one another, which means they exhibit biotic behavior.
Witzany is an accomplished author and philosopher of science, language and communication, and biology. In the late 1980s, he proposed a concept of life as a communicative structure. His work revolves largely around understanding the association between language and communication and the genetic code, and how the cells of an organism and viruses coordinate their behavior and interactions to reach a common goal. He discusses his view on the dividing line between living and nonliving entities, provides examples of specific forms of communication used by plants, the idea of communication as a prerequisite to coordination between cells, toxin-antitoxin systems in biology, what might dictate whether a virus is lytic, lysogenic, or endogenizing, and more.
Check out Witzany’s authoritative books and research on the topics of communication and coordination in cellular organisms, and the abundance and significance of the role of viruses on the planet. Follow the link here: http://www.biocommunication.at/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor François Fuks researches epigenetics in human diseases. Along with our immune response process, scientists know that genetic alterations have a say in cancer progression. Professor Fuks researches how this interacts with epigenetic alterations and his work has led to a much sharper distinction between different types of cancers. Listeners will learn
François Fuks is a professor of epigenetics at the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. He's the director of the Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and the Cancer Research Center and founded a company that seeks to address the epigenetic field called Epics Therapeutics. He explains the gist of his research in terms of the careful and ground-breaking work his team has down with epigenomics and epigenetics in cancer. If cancer were a book series, he says, one volume is known but he and others are discovering another volume: this volume shows epigenetic chances and effects that have implications for diagnosis and therapeutics.
He describes these implications in careful detail, describing a tight interplay that can lead to alterations in cancer progression. Genetic and epigenetic events are very tightly connected. These dynamic modifications can switch back and forth, adding marks but also removing. He explains this crosstalk in detail, how the different "lations" from demethylation to phosphorylation work in epigenetics and genetic forces, and how imprinting plays a role. He then addresses an exciting discovery. Scientists had asked if epigenetics could present a more complete picture than the subgroups we already divide cancer into. The answer is yes, epigenetics has enabled a better picture, adding subgroups and better classification for cancer treatment. Listen in to learn more about this as well as what "epidrugs" might offer future patients. For more about his work, see his lab's web page: http://fukslab.ulb.be/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Efforts to stop SARS-CoV-2 in its tracks have been ongoing for months, and now there might be something tangible that makes it happen. Press play to learn:
Fueled by a long-standing fascination with infectious diseases and pandemics like the Black Death, Dr. Armand Balboni earned a dual MD/PhD degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Having spent 17 years in the US military as an officer working on a number of infectious diseases including Ebola, dengue fever, and malaria, he discovered unmet needs in the marketplace, and wanted to design a socially-conscious company to meet those needs. In 2014, this goal manifested as Appili Therapeutics, a pure play anti-infectives company.
Today, the team at Appili Therapeutics is working on phase II and phase III clinical trials for the most advanced product that is an oral tablet for COVID-19: an antiviral medication called favipiravir. This medication has already undergone three phase III clinical trials in the US and been approved for pandemic flu in Japan and China. The expectation is that the current phase II and phase III clinical trials will show that favipiravir is safe and effective specifically for the treatment of COVID-19. Dr. Balboni anticipates that this medication will be available for use against COVID-19 by early next year.
Dr. Balboni explains the importance of each stage in the US clinical trial process, the specific mechanism of action by which favipiravir works against viral replication, Operation Warp Speed as it applies to both vaccines and therapeutic drugs, possible side effects of favipiravir, and more.
Visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ and https://www.appilitherapeutics.com/ for more information. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A Tyrannosaurus rex prompted a successful radiologist of over 30 years to redirect his focus on something completely different: evolutionary biology. Press play for a fascinating look into the mind of William B. Miller, Jr., where medicine, evolution, and virology intersect. Press play to explore:
As a radiologist, Dr. Miller noticed recurring patterns of overlap between infectious diseases and cancer. At the time, scientific evidence provided Dr. Miller with no explanation as to why he was noticing these reiterative patterns. Then he met Sue, one of the world’s best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex specimens. He noticed several features of the skeleton that were shared by the human skeleton, and his interest was piqued like never before. He dove into a new understanding of evolution of life on earth: evolution based on cognition. Rather than subvert Darwinism, it explains it in an arguably better way, and according to Dr. Miller, leads directly to the question of how to place viruses in the correct evolutionary schema.
This conversation leads to so many compelling topics, including how infectious disease and evolution mirror each other, the concept of the virocell, forms of communication between viruses, a new science called sociovirology which involves the ideas of cooperation, codependence, and collaboration between viruses, why a virus is either lytic, lysogenic, or endogenizing, philosophical implications of the virome, what Dr. Miller means when he refers to viral “personalities,” in what way the principle of parsimony seems violated by the sheer number of incomplete virions in certain viral infections, how the idea of quasi-species has been used as one of the origin of life theories, where he believes the field of virology needs to go, and so much more.
Check out Dr. Miller’s book, The Microcosm Within: Evolution and Extinction in the Hologenome, and visit his website at http://www.themicrocosmwithin.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Returning guest Nils G. Walter examines RNA molecules from every possible angle, literally and metaphorically. His lab at the University of Michigan brings multidisciplinary minds together to discover what RNA research may offer the medical community. Listeners are in for expert assessments on
Nils G. Walter is a professor of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan. Early in his career he mentored with Nobel Laureate Manfred Eigen, who developed the quasispecies theory, a way to understand how molecules in the precellular RNA world evolved into more complex life forms. This experience underpins much of his present work as well as how he answers Richard's questions. For example, when Richard asks about the viral-like qualities of ribosomes and plasmids, Dr. Walter describes his work with the ARC protein, which his lab is studying. He describes its action sequence and adds that it is highly related to retroviral packaging proteins and carries information in our neurons. ARC, he says, has a way to communicate information between cells and reprogram the recipient cell just like a virus does. In other words, the relatedness of these particles is evident.
Relatedness, in fact, is the name of the game. He comments that his lifetime of research reveals all of biology as connected—and this is why he is such a fan of Avatar. A dominate reason for this connection is this exchange of genetic material endemic to viruses, bacteria, and other infectious diseases and basic biological processes. For example, as extracellular vesicles transfer genetic information from one to another, so are there similar means of communication between compounds and molecules as well as environmental impacts (think epigenetics) that all come together to change genotypes. He shows this in concrete ways as he answers questions about viral agency or cellular "choice" by describing how many factors and interactions lead to different results. Rather than "choice," he asserts that the molecular environment changes the balance systems to go in new directions.
For more about his work, see his lab's web page: sites.lsa.umich.edu/walter-lab. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Robert Steneck started researching lobsters in 1983 and was one of the first people to explore the ecosystems of lobsters in their natural habitat, which, given lobsters' solitary and cautious nature, is no easy task. He gives listeners the opportunity to see this hidden world up close, discussing
Robert Steneck is a professor in the School of Marine Sciences at The University of Maine. He studies marine ecology as well as the importance of marine ecosystems to those who depend on them for their livelihood. While his studies include many aspects of ocean life and nature, he has an especially long history studying the Maine lobster population. He first gives the audience a helpful picture for how lobster fisheries and scientists have viewed the Maine populations the last several decades. In fact, when he begin observing and recording data in the 80s, popular thought held that lobsters numbers were declining. He showed that the population actually was increasing from 1985 until 2016.
Now, climate change is changing lobster habits, and he and his students are involved in assessing this more carefully. He describes the effects warmer water seems to have on mating ages of lobsters as well as the lower oxygen numbers in the water from these same higher temperatures and rotting invasive seaweed. Along the way, however, he gives listeners an interesting glimpse into these ancient creatures' habits and activities, from the capacity to live about a hundred years to their ability to excise a claw for protection. He adds interesting details about their mating life, including the facility of a female to hold onto part of a sperm packet and fertilize a second batch of eggs a year or two after mating. He also describes what it is like to observe these creatures while SCUBA diving, how they use submersibles and recording devices, and what they've studied this past summer regarding lobsters no longer using their hiding nooks and crannies in underwater rock formations. Listen in to hear about this timely study and more amazing details about a day in the life of a lobster.
For more about Robert Steneck's work, he suggests searching for him in Google scholar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Despite a US moratorium on gain-of-function research on the basis of it being simply too dangerous, Dr. Anthony Fauci continued funding it. If you don’t even know what gain-of-function research is, you’re not alone. In fact, there may even be a reason you don’t know. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the information offered up by returning guest, Pamela Popper. Press play to discover:
A Pennsylvania judge recently ruled that the coronavirus-related lockdown provisions are unconstitutional. Will this spur more people in power to take a similar stance? Not long ago, a top virologist and whistleblower who worked in the WHO reference lab told FOX News that the COVID-19 virus was not mutated from bats and did not originate in the wet market, but was engineered and deliberately released from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Will this compel more people to think critically about the narrative they’re being told?
There were three general groups of people when this whole thing started, says Popper, President of Wellness Forum Health:
(1) The people who were immediately frightened and convinced to believe everything they were told by mainstream news outlets; (2) The people who immediately detected that something was amiss; (3) And the people who were just simply trying to survive while their governments chose to pull the rug out from beneath them.
And now? Now, exhaustion is setting in—exhaustion over the arbitrary rules that aren’t justified by the data, exhaustion over being robbed of our civil liberties, and exhaustion over the double standards that aren’t hard to find. And now, the only groups gaining in numbers are the second and third. Tune in for all the details.
For access to Popper’s videos and newsletters, email her at pampopper@msn.com. Visit https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/ to learn more and stay up-to-date on the Ohio coronavirus-related lawsuits. Check out https://wellnessforumhealth.com/ for more information about Popper’s company. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Michael Betts articulates the dramatic directions our human immune system can take responding to viral pathogenesis. He studies how humans combat viral pathogens and diseases through adaptive immune responses like T and B cell activity. He shares his perspective on virus capabilities with lively and clear language as Richard asks questions for his upcoming virus book project. Listeners will learn
Michael Betts is a professor of microbiology with the Penn Institute for Immunology Studies in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He researches the human immune response against viruses in relation to HIV infection and SARS-CoV-2 by focusing on T cell function. He is able to use his expertise to add interesting perspective to the pathogenesis or protective human immune response. He is able to use examples for his extensive HIV studies to elaborate on how our immune system reacts to all that viruses can send our way.
As they move into Richard's questions to get at virus characteristics, Dr. Betts gives his take on whether viruses are alive and why they have evolved to have such a variety of interesting shapes. He describes some of his favorites and adds that while the shapes differ, the strategy is the same. They've evolved to protect and deliver genetic material into the cell. He adds that these different machines act like spring-loaded mechanisms, and once they get the proper trigger and deliver the genetic payload, we see consequential downstream effects. Even eukaryotic infections, he adds, that are even more complex have this goal—HIV has a wrapper that induces protein confirmation change and shoots the genetic material into the cell. He describes other fascinating examples of viral pathogens in humans as he answers Richard's questions, filling in more details about the vast world of viruses.
For more about his work, see his lab's website: bettslab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Managing member of Norred Law, PLLC, Warren V. Norred, discusses several suits his firm has filed on behalf of plaintiffs in Texas who have faced unfair COVID shutdown infractions. This podcast shares details of these cases but also the bigger picture of how Norred hopes to chip away at the top-down nonsensical enforcements. He explains
Warren V. Norred practices bankruptcy law, business litigation, and intellectual property law, which includes patent law and all things associated with it. About ten percent of his work is what he calls "white hat law," where he files suits due to matters of injustice. He talks about how Texas has moved into top-down mandates regarding COVID business procedures, often resulting in scenarios that make little sense and have hurt businesses. Furthermore, the governor and local bureaucracies are entangled in a way where no one is taking responsibility for these bad policies.
Norred says his firm is "adding spice to the recipe of the public discussion." He then talks about specific cases like that of Shelly Luther who was put in jail for contempt by continuing to operate her business after the court told her to stop. He describes the governor's retrograde statement about such jail time and then he gives a convincing description of how the Disaster Act of 1975 along with the 2005 amendment gave local leaders too much control in these situations. In addition, the act was written for major disasters, not disease management. He gives powerful descriptions of how unevenly the laws have been applied, which leads him to explain the most effective strategy: filing cases that show the Disaster Act is unconstitutional as applied.
Norred gives an impassioned explanation about filing these COVID lawsuits: it's not about the economy, but about people being able to live their lives. He's happy to take emailed questions from attorneys about how to join in on these kinds of battles. See the Norred Law website and send him an email, warren@norredlaw.com. He advises attorneys to look for over-the-top enforcements and think outside the box. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Another in a series focusing on viral characteristics, returning guest Luis Villarreal graces listeners with an in-depth and elegant collection of thoughts on how viruses behave. He shares a lifetime of knowledge, discussing
Luis Villarreal is a professor emeritus in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the University of California, Irvine, and is the founding director of The Center for Virus Research. He's spent the bulk of his career on virology. His fascination began when he came across an image of a crystalline array of an RNA virus in the cytoplasm of an infected cell. He was intrigued by the interface of life and chemistry and it struck him that all viruses existed in that interface. Therefore, when Richard asks if "viruses are living or nonliving," he verbalizes the answer in terms of this interface, emphasizing that viruses have always provided one of the more important or crucial aspects of communication into all living entities. This communication is essential in virus-host cell interaction.
The conversation continues in this same tenor, characterizing viruses as existing in dynamic relationships that determine virus evolution over time. He offers HIV as an example of addressing the seat of control with the host cell versus the virus. After HIV infection, other viruses in human cells started to reactivate because of this give-and-take control dynamic: there's no one controlling factor or outcome. Rather, it's all about biological strategies clashing. Stories about these clashes continue through the discussion, and he address the origin and evolution of viruses and how viruses persist with answers that take all elements of these dynamic relationships into account, including one example from a graduate school undiluted viral passage study. He found that the eventual defective virus that evolved, which was what might be termed "unfit," exerted tremendous control over the infective virus. Perhaps, he adds, we need to reimage how we apply evolutionary biology to viruses.
For examples of his work, find numerous listing in ResearchGate. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Gareth Brady specializes in how viruses and immune systems play hide and seek, evading or triggering various responses like inflammation. In this discussion, he adds precise and evocative information to Richard's virus investigation. He answers with an intriguing intensity, offering listeners key insights into the following:
Gareth Brady is the Ussher Assistant Professor in Clinical Medicine at Trinity College in Dublin. His current work is in the Translational Inflammation Research Group investigating viral structure and functions for inhibiting pathways to the immune response. He touches on multiple complex topics with ease, from viral entry mechanisms to viral spread and virus adaptation. He begins with an intriguing description of a particular virus he studies, which is a virus in the pox family tree called, Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV). It's only able to infect humans and doesn't cause disease—this indicates it is very good at getting around the immune system. If he can understand how it evades the immune system, it may lead to valuable understandings of how to inhibit damaging inflammation.
He also explains virus behavior in such a way that listeners will gain solid insight into innate and adaptive immunity processes and the long chain of events that trigger symptoms we eventually experience from inflammation to fever. He then applies this explanation to how different viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), cause lung swelling that is so detrimental. He is able to take this lesson and expand listeners' understanding of how this process applies to virus latency, incubation periods, and coinfection. He describes the virus and immune response process as a cold war in an arms race. He comments that it's evolved to be complex because viruses have evolved to be more and more successful. In turn, viruses have forced humans to evolve multiple sensors to detect them. Furthermore, viruses have evolved multiple ways to get around these sensors and so one. Sit back and listen to this incredible journey through virus and human coevolution.
For more about his work see his working group page at Trinity: tcd.ie/medicine/thkc/research/inflammation.php. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Viral diseases in plants offer advantageous platforms for virology work, which is why returning guest Marilyn J. Roossinck pushed her research focus in their direction. Her knowledge of virus, plant, and fungus interactions adds depth to Richard's continued collection of expert views on virus functions and habits in preparation for his book. She discusses
Because plants are inexpensive, abundant, and easy to fit in a blender, they provide an excellent subject for virologists. Therefore, plant pathologist Marilyn J. Roossinck enlightens any attempt to understand virus behaviors. She's a professor of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at the Huck Institute of Life Sciences at Penn State University. After introducing her motivation for embracing this field, she helps Richard along his quest for a bigger picture of virus capabilities. Through examples of symptoms of viral diseases in plants and animals, she discusses topics like the percentage of our genome that was converted from retrovirus RNA; these genes insure mammalian survival, making placental development possible.
As she discusses human organisms as holobionts, listeners can get a much better understanding of the intricate beings we and all living organisms really are. For example, some fungal diseases in plants work with viruses for evolutionary adaptations such as the ability to survive heat. She mentions a virus discovered at Yellowstone that, if a fungus is present along with the virus, lends heat tolerance to certain plants. Similarly, the cholera bacteria in humans is only pathogenic when accompanied by a phage. In the midst of these interesting examples, she discusses her thoughts on virus mechanisms for entry and infection, viruses' ability to communicate or signal across cells, and the existence of "helper" viruses with different roles.
For more about her work, see The Roossinck Lab website and search her name in Google. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Paul Offit has been working in vaccine research for about forty years and listeners are lucky to hear a sampling of his knowledge of infectious viruses in this podcast. He offers another unique perspective of virus interactions from his vaccine research history. With humor and clarity, he discusses
Author, researcher, and pediatrician Paul Offit is the director of The Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician with the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's hospital of Philadelphia. Most recently, he authored Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far. He's currently working on a biography of vaccinology specialist Maurice Hilleman and an article on the process for COVID-19 vaccine pros and cons and the prospects for a path to a safe vaccination. He offers answers to Richard's questions on virology from a different vantage point, often emphasizing the role the immune response process plays in determining virus behavior. Yet he still is intrigued by virus activity, noting the fascination he has with bacteriophages and their therapeutic potential.
His take on latency in different viruses is especially enlightening, and he discusses how herpes simplex is latent until some sort of stress weakens the immune system. He comments that its latent phase is fascinating as it has the ability to express some but not all proteins during the latent phase. He adds that it comes out of latency because of the host's immunological surveillance condition: the immune system keeps it from activating until the host's immunity decreases or is weak and the virus is able to cause symptom expression. He also explains virus behavior by articulating how the immunodeficiency virus evolved, mutating enough in the first infection to transmit to someone else and so on, all the while learning how to bind to that certain receptor and suppress the immune system and evade it by constantly changing the code protein, Therefore, HIV infection can mimic infection by a several different viruses at once, and in some ways exhibits the "perfect virus" process for survival. He also shares great insights into vaccination research, viral entry methods, and virulence factors in virus evolution. Listen in for an entertaining description of how our immune system handles viruses.
For more about Dr. Offit, see his website: paul-offit.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Laura Mydlarz was fascinated with ocean life from a young age and now runs a marine biology lab at a university. After studying tropical ecosystems and coral reefs in college, she never looked back. She brings her explorations across the Caribbean to listeners and explains
Dr. Laura D. Mydlarz is a professor of biology and an associate dean of the College of Science at the University of Texas in Arlington. She shares her passion for ocean life with listeners and discusses the intricate and ancient immunity of coral reefs and their importance to ocean ecology. She notes that scientists often focus on the pathogen when consider coral disease treatment, but she focuses more on understanding what the host is doing to fight disease and studies coral immunity systems. She looks mainly at reactions to coral infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungus and even some pathogenic viruses; corals face such pathogens just like humans.
However, she explains, corals are a much more ancient life form and they work with one type of immunity—innate—whereas humans can use innate and acquired immunity. However, their immunity is still much more complex than scientists thought. She describes this intricate immunity, one that must allow this other living organism, the symbiont algae, inside it without fighting it. Furthermore, the healthy algae is contributing a lot of resources and food to the coral and pathogens can affect both life forms, leading to coral reefs dying. They need all the energy they can get to mount an immune defense, and suffer when, for example, the symbiont is no longer able to photosynthesize because of the color changes from disease. She explains coral ecology in further detail and how issues like climate change play a role. Finally, she describes her more immediate goals, which include understanding the proper or healthy immune response of coral. Thus far, they've found interesting implications regarding mitochondrial defense systems and melanin presence.
To find out more, see her lab's website: themydlarzlab.com Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Author, athlete, and nutritionist Wade Lightheart joins the show to educate listeners on the best process for nutrient supplementation. He explains
Wade Lightheart is a three-time Canadian Natural Bodybuilding champion, author of numerous books on health, and president of BiOptimizer. He begins the show with a moving story relaying key events that led him to where he is today. After the death of his older sister, he became interested in offerings beyond the "medical model" he'd witnessed as his sister suffered through intense cancer treatments. That alongside his bodybuilding hobby led him to study nutrition and exercise science in university. But it wasn't until his own health dropped off a bit that he understood he'd been more focused on the aesthetics of bodybuilding than the importance of true health that stemmed from a focus on internal care.
He took this knowledge and after some intense study in nutritional supplement therapy, he and his partner started BiOptimizer, which evolved from a body building to a human optimization company. He describes for listeners the main premise of company, which addresses three aspects of biological optimization: aesthetics, performance, and health. They strive to end physical suffering and activate biologically optimized health by leveraging nutritional supplements, technology, and other elements to fully express each client's unique physical capacity and quality of life. He explains how the mode of production for a health supplement leads to a quality end product and what measures his company takes to insure this. He also explains the company's philosophy and inner workings in more detail. Listen in for more of this inspiring story about fitness and health.
For the best way to follow up and learn more, go to their website and find a special discount code for podcast listeners: bioptimizers.com/findinggenius/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Nathalie Gontier is a philosopher of science who specializes in evolutionary theory with a focus on viruses and immune system coevolution. This podcast adds a new angle to Richard's special series exploring viral spread and behavior in preparation for his book. She explores
Nathalie Gontier is the founder and director of the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab at the University of Lisbon in Portugal. She's a returning guest and spends this discussion digging deeper into virus types, evolution, and behavior. She's very interested in viruses because they are one of most common parasites that every life form has to cope with. She studies how that interaction occurs and does this work alongside scientists to conceptualize this form of interaction with the hope of increasing our understanding. She establishes from the beginning that viruses do not exclude any form of life from their activity and live inside the cells of archaea, bacteria, and all eukaryotes.
She addresses COVID-19 directly, noting that it is way up in the food chain of the virus domain. She comments that it is amazing how one virus can spread and effect so many people quickly as we approach about one million dead from COVID-19 worldwide. Then she tackles some of Richard's tough questions regarding viruses, but gives answers quite different from previous guests with her science philosophy perspective. She has solid details to back up her answers, such as a study in Israel that proved quorum sensing and viruses' ability to communicate about whether to attack their biological host. She ends with an elegant description of their place in our human bio system. Listen in for some sharp discussion and commentary about viruses.
For more about her work, see the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab page and find her YouTube channel. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0my
Lili Wang, Ph.D., has worked with viruses for 14 years and her latest focus is HIV. She's studying the amazing mechanics of the virological synapses of HIV, which allow the virus to transfer from infected to uninfected cell. But for this podcast, her job is to help Richard with his virus project, providing in-depth, enlightening answers to his questions. She discusses
Lili Wang, Ph.D. is a scientific researcher and instructor in the Department of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. A member of the Benjamin Chen Laboratory, she's made solid progress in HIV research and continues her work in infectious disease microbiology. In this discussion, her virology background helps Richard grapple with his research questions with precise details of viral mechanics. She describes the coordinated manner with which viral cascades may work after cell entry and describes how evolution has continually refined these processes.
She provides substantive explanations for the trigger systems and how receptors work for these different forms of entry viruses take. Especially interesting is her description of the "not deliberate, but still not random" nature of viral actions, a key moment in this interview and why researchers grapple with how to categorize viruses in the alive/not alive debate. She adds information about how viruses might use sensing mechanisms and then pivots to more categories, comparing the actions and coevolution of bacteria and viruses and how plasmids and extracellular vesicles fit in this picture of microorganisms. Finally, she gives an overview of the tight combined forces of our own microbiomes and viruses, bacteria, and phages, how the balance of these organisms keep us healthy and can be considered part of our very life: if they are disturbed or out of balance, we become ill. Listen in for more about how viruses work to make us who we are.
For more information about her work, see her lab page and search for her in research aggregate sites. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
How do viruses hijack your body’s cells? Why do they cause infectious disease in some people and not others, and what can they teach us about human biology? The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented, but the research questions it’s triggered aren’t the first of their kind. Tune in to discover:
With over 25 years’ worth of research experience on the molecular biology of influenza viruses, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre is both a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Director of the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. For Garcia-Sastre, studying viruses is a way of simplifying the study of more complex organisms, including humans.
“Most people think that…viruses are smart, and that they come with very smart mechanisms…I am one of the few scientists that believe the opposite; I think that viruses are extremely dumb…they are just what they are because that’s what they’ve evolved to,” he says. He continues by explaining why he’s developed this uncommon understanding of viruses, hitting on a number of compelling topics along the way, including viral latency, virus virulence and the balance between infecting a host and keeping it alive, the transfer of genetic information in the evolution and adaptation of infectious viruses, and why he views the question, “Are viruses alive?” to be one of mere semantics. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Biologist Jeremy Bar studies the tri-partite symbioses formed between the bacteriophage, the bacterial hosts (prokaryotes), and the eukaryotic human cells. The human microbiota interact in all types of interdependencies from beneficial to harmful to somewhere in between. Dr. Barr offers a lively telling of what we've learned about bacteria and viruses as they make their way in the human microbiome.
He discusses
Jeremy Barr is the head of the Bacteriophage Biology Research Group and a lecturer at Monash University in Australia. This podcast continues the series of interviews with contributors to Richard's book on virus behaviors.
Dr. Barr begins with describing the beginnings of his biology interest as a kid obsessed with insects. When he studied biology in university, bacteriophages seemed to him as the insects of the microbiology world and he was hooked. His unique insight and fascination with lifecycle of bacteriophage lends an entertaining perspective to their discussion, such as a description of his favorite virus, the T4, using its threads to tap on a cell to perhaps sense its fitness for infection.
He also has been involved with numerous recent studies that speak directly to virus characteristics and will broaden listener's concept of what viruses are capable of. He discusses viruses ability to sense how dense the bacteria population is outside its host cell to maximize their reproductive success and know whether it is better to stay in the cell or lyse.
He addresses whether he thinks viruses should be considered alive, adding that they are arguably the most successful life forms on the planet and work at the most basal level of life. But, he comments, the argument whether they are or not really doesn't matter. They are everywhere, he says, transporting genetic material through space and time. Listen in to this dynamic conversation to hear more key moments in the bacteriophage life cycle.
Find out more about his work by visiting his lab website.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Returning guest Shiraz Shah specializes in bioinformatics. He uses microbial data analysis to uncover the complex and fascinating relationships between viruses, bacteria, and chronic conditions like childhood asthma. This conversation serves as part of a series in preparation for Richard's upcoming book on viruses, and Shiraz Shah shares his unique and valuable perspective on viral structure and functions gleaned from years of cutting-edge analysis. Topics include
Shiraz Shah is a senior researcher at the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC). Much of his graduate work focused on CRISPR-Cas9 bioinformatics. His current work involves analysis of data regarding bacteria hosts and viruses in the gut microbiome in particular. He explains how this analysis works at the level of genomics; for example, a virome sequencing might be compared to numerous other protein sequences in a search for significant patterns. COPSAC plans to take this collection of virus and bacteria data and follow the cohort of children for any corresponding organisms that might indicate causes or preventions of childhood asthma.
This opens up into an enlightening conversation about the complex role of phages, which are viruses that use bacteria as their host cell. Viruses are everywhere, Dr. Shah asserts, and he believes our old view that viruses are predominantly dangerous, mostly causing sickness, is outdated. Most of us and the kids COPSAC studies are full of viruses without any sickness. So, what are those viruses up to? Replicating. And that effort makes for a sometimes commensal or mutualistic host relationship. Dr. Shah explains that scientists see a lot of prophages that are maintained over several generations and kept by bacteria because they help the host bacteria. He and Richard bring up examples involving cancer and cholera, where a phage's presence changes the bacterial response in a human body in numerous ways, sometimes beneficial or commensal, and sometimes towards more virulent behaviors. Dr. Shah and Richard also debate the level of intent, signaling, and quorum-sensing abilities of viruses. Near the end of their conversation, Dr. Shah explains that his present work, called viromics, may have as a significant impact as metagenomics. In a few years, scientists may therefore have a completely different and exciting view of viruses. Listen in for an expert's view of this new type of foundational research.
For more about Shiraz Shah, see his page at COPSAC: copsac.com/home/about/staff/shiraz-shah/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In this podcast, returning guest and computational biologist and author Eugene V. Koonin and Richard examine intriguing angles of virus behavior. Dr. Koonin is a contributor to Richard's upcoming book on viruses, and Richard sees him as a cornerstone of his own biological knowledge. An expert on the origin and evolution of life, Dr. Koonin graces listeners with fascinating ideas, such as
Eugene V. Koonin is a senior investigator at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the National Library of Medicine, and the National Institute of Health. He's the author of several books, including Logic of Chance: The Nature and Origin of Biological Evolution. One of a series where Richard interviews contributors to an upcoming book, this conversation explores Dr. Koonin's early days of studying virology and how far science has since come in understanding the machinations involved. It was, in fact, his first studies on virus genomes and trying to decipher those codes that lead him into his present focus on computational biology.
Richard steers him towards several important questions on the nature of viruses and this gives Dr. Koonin opportunities to speak on some of their most surprising characteristics. He asserts that viruses are an intrinsic part of the biological realm and have their own evolutionary fate or trajectory; in other words, they experience their own selective factors that in turn shape their evolution. In this sense, he adds, they are substantially independent from their host; however, they are also completely dependent on their host for energy production. Therefore, they have same characteristics of life and yet are missing others. It is the tension in this mix of evolutionary force and obligate nature that makes them worthy of such discussions. Listen in to enjoy this intelligent entry into virus behaviors.
For more about his work, search his name in science publication aggregates and see his website at NCBI: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/groups/koonin/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Without glycogen, we couldn't go very far. Dr. Sullivan is a specialist in the glycogen molecule, which stores glucose, our energy source. In this podcast, he describes exciting discoveries and future research centered on glycogen presence that might help explain the connection between diabetes and kidney disease. Listen and hear answers to these questions and more:
Mitchell Sullivan is pursuing a postdoc at the University of Queensland in a group that investigates glycation, diabetes, and how diabetic bodily systems handle extra glucose. Dr. Sullivan in particular follows glycogen formation in the organs. He's just setting out on a new study connecting diabetes and kidney health by focusing on glycogen presence in the kidneys of diabetics. Normally, glycogen is in the liver and muscle tissue, waiting to supply us with different kinds of energy needs. But microscopy shows glycogen in the kidneys of diabetic patients that likely leads to damage and inflammation. The findings may lead to better therapeutics and prevention measures, from a more effective diabetes and kidney disease diet to medical interventions.
Listeners will have the privilege of hearing straight from Dr. Mitchell the hypothesis for this study that's just begun. He explains with clarity why the structure of this glycogen in diabetic kidneys differs from its normal form and is significantly insoluble in this form. Furthermore, it sticks together in clumps of starch-like granules in the thick ascending limb of the nephron. He's investigating if these cells that aren't accustomated to glycogen become overwhelmed and the glycogen gets stuck, leading to damage and inflammation that make for one of the common kidney failure causes. What's most interesting is that his PhD work on glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue of diabetics makes this hypothesis seem more likely. Listen in to hear why that's the case and more about this study that might bring scientists that much closer to improving diabetes and kidney health.
To find out more about Dr. Mitchell's work, search his name in research aggregates, see his information page with Queensland University, and feel free to email him: mitchell.sullivan@mater.uq.edu.au. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Reid specializes in host pathogen interactions studies such as investigating the chikungunya virus infection and Ebola virus microbiology. A returning guest, he and Richard discuss all things virus in this episode as Dr. Reid will contribute to Richard's upcoming book on viruses. Their conversation covers
St. Patrick Reid is an assistant professor in the Pathology and Microbiology Department in the University Of Nebraska Medical Center College Of Medicine. In a previous podcast, he and Richard discuss chikungunya diagnosis and pathology and Ebola virus symptoms and behavior. He begins this discussion explaining his journey into the field, which includes exciting postdoc work in France on Ebola. Now his researcher involves host pathogen interactions and he's particularly interested in different host proteins a virus has to recruit to replicate.
The conversation takes a turn into exploring what scientists have assumed about viruses compared to recent discoveries that may take that knowledge in new directions. For example, he talks about ancient phage discoveries in glacial bacteria and phage-bacteria coevolution. He describes an interest in how viruses that infect bacteria allow those bacteria to live in a community of other bacterium. The viruses actually play a role in enabling those bacteria to survive. He discusses numerous other virus characteristics and implications, from DNA versus RNA viruses and what that dictates regarding habits like latency. He also addresses when that understanding changes with new discoveries, such as finding Ebola virus in chimps months after infection. They also talk a little virus philosophy and cover topics like what enables virus entry into cells and how tropism works.
For more about Dr. Reid and his work, see his website at the university, unmc.edu/pathology/faculty/bios/reid.html, and follow him on Twitter as @StPatrickReid3. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While Dr. Jospeh Masci could speak on numerous specific issues in the realm of infectious diseases microbiology, today's discussion centers on a general exploration of virus behaviors and characteristics. In this podcast, he addresses
Joseph R. Masci is a clinical professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Global Health at Mount Sinai. His expertise includes HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment, general infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and emergency preparedness. He's currently coauthoring a book with Richard about viruses. He begins by describing how he was inspired by the infectious disease faculty in medical school and went on to work in the area, meeting the AIDS crisis and bioterrorism concerns post 9/11, and now is heavily focused on investigating COVID-19. The conversation turns into speculations about whether viruses should be considered alive and if that designation ultimately maters. This opens up a deep dive into virus behaviors.
One particular characteristic that varies by virus and therefore effects infectious disease treatment is latency or the dormant stage. He discusses how such a period is quite common in many viruses, commenting that HIV can have long latency while cold viruses might hold dormancy for only a day or two. He connects this with how the virus takes hold in human cells and why this timing differs according to the virus mechanisms. They also discuss what factors dictate virulence and when passage from human to human increases or decreases the virulent attributes with specific examples. He adds that it's important to consider what the host contributes to the interaction as well as other organisms and compounds. The discussion also delves into virus origins, the nature of bacteria and virus coevolution, signaling between viruses, and the possibility of viruses working together with job-specific attributes.
For more, see his NIH work and his website at Mount Sinai: mountsinai.org/profiles/joseph-r-masci. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The COVID-19 situation isn’t the first of its kind—not entirely, at least. For as many times as you’ve heard voices claiming it’s triggered the “new normal,” you should have also heard the voices of reason and evidence and logic, which assert that it’s really more like an old normal, yet one that is causing unprecedented levels of damage to the underpinnings of society. Why haven’t you heard these voices? Because they’ve been censored and suppressed by those who stand to gain by spreading fear and lies. Press play to learn the following:
Ken McCarthy, a pioneer in the movement to commercialize the internet, an expert on internet advertising and marketing, and former student of neuroscience at Princeton University, presents an eye-opening look at COVID-19 in the context of global history. It’s one you won’t hear on the news, and for good reason, which McCarthy explains in depth. This explanation leads to so many others, such as how to develop and inseminate brilliant propaganda, what it takes to actually implement a war, what it means to put a human being on a ventilator, how to understand the Nuremberg Code in the current context of COVID-19, the truth about Bill Gates’ record as a businessman, the surprising role in and influence on bioethics wielded by Christine Grady, Anthony Fauci’s wife, the very real prospect of digital IDs as vaccine schedule verification, the important distinction between central and commercial banks, and more.
Visit kenmccarthy.com for more information. Some Important Links to Explore: Fauci's First Fraud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy3frBacd2k&feature=emb_logo The New York Problem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXD1UR2dmZ0&feature=emb_title Ken McCarthy's top CoVid videos: https://www.brasscheck.com/video/the-covid-con-dismantled/ Ken McCarthy's top Brasscheck videos: https://www.brasscheck.com/video/the-hiv-aids-fraud-dismantled/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
This is a unique show in the Finding Genius series. Podcast founder and host Richard Jacobs sites Perry Marshall’s ideas as the impetus for starting the Finding Genius podcast. In this discussion listeners can learn more about why and hear about an upcoming symposium Marshall has helped construct on cancer and evolutionary biology. He explains
Perry Marshall is an author and highly influential business consultant with an electrical engineering background. In this discussion, he connects the foundational ideas in Evolution 2.0 with cutting-edge cancer science. Marshall lost his father to cancer at age 17 and has followed theories behind its treatment ever since. He reminds listeners that common cancer therapy treatment only works routinely with early stage cancer. Alternatively, he says that when cancer reaches stages 3 and 4, survival chances are not that much better than they were in 1930. Therefore, there must be a lag in how we are addressing serious cancer diagnoses. This lag is connected with a traditional view of passive evolutionary theory rather than theories like that of Professor Henry Heng, who claims evolution is actively engineered by organisms themselves; in addition, they are able to pass those engineered traits to their offspring.
Henry Heng is one of the speakers at the upcoming Cancer and Evolution Symposium along with Columbia University Medical Center's Azra Raza and evolutionary theorist James Shapiro from the University of Chicago. Dr. Heng connects this theory of evolution and cancer, noting that treatments like chemo destroy about 98% of the cancer cells while the few remaining develop massive wholesale restructuring of their DNA and are then more equipped to spread and survive. Importantly, this restructuring is active rather than a random accident of mutations. Marshall explains these ideas in more detail and discusses other topics covered by the speakers. He describes the symposium as a world-class collection of cancer and evolutionary theorists coming together to address cancer evolution and disable the cancer treatment lag. The symposium will work via Zoom and takes place October 14th through 16th.
To sign up and learn more, see the symposium website: cancerevolution.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Anderson' research focuses on the interaction between genetics, evolutionary biology, and tropical diseases. He works with the two most dominant parasites that infect humans and cause particularly high mortality in children: those species that cause malaria and schistosomiasis. In this podcast, he discusses
Tim Anderson is a professor and co-leads the Disease Intervention and Prevention Program at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. He helps listeners understand the basics of how genome sequencing techniques are used to determine relatedness and other factors in parasites that can then help scientists understand their life cycle, population genetics evolution, and how drug resistance develops and might be combatted. He works specifically in the Myanmar border region but discusses the differences in infection rates between areas to explain parasite infection characteristics. For example, they've found that people who get bit very rarely tend to get extremely sick whereas there seems to be some immunity in areas of higher infection bit rates. However, ultimately, this translates to a U-shaped mortality between these two extremes and he explains why.
Dr. Anderson also discusses some important work by colleagues and how these different areas of research come together to create a greater understanding of parasite activity. He describes what drug resistance looks like and gives several examples as the resistance mechanics varies with the action of the drug. After explaining the basics in more detail and some exciting finds, he describes his end goal as to better understand the evolution of drug resistance alongside the fitness cost of drug resistant genes. This has progressed to following how parasites eventually get around those fitness costs.
For more, see his information page, txbiomed.org/scientists/timothy-j-c-anderson/, and search his name in PubMed for publications. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In one line of research, Professor Levi Morran observes the coevolution of C. elegans strains and microbial pathogens through population level biology to ask how and why sex evolved and why it is maintained. This is part of his overall research into how genetics and evolution affect the interaction of hosts and microbes. In this podcast, he explores
Levi Morran is an assistant professor of biology at Emory University and is interested in factors affecting adaptive evolution. His lab utilizes experimental evolution, which means they perform evolution experiments in real time with genetics biology and evolution biology. They mostly use particular strains of C. elegans, which go through several generations quite rapidly. He explains this with a concrete example: when his lab explored the antagonistic interactions between a host and microbes and the influence of the evolution of sex, they set up populations of C. elegans that would produce sexually and through self-fertilization. They found that the self-fertilizing populations did not adapt to the pathogens and mostly died out. He explains why he thinks this happened and how they may explore this further.
He also explores general benefits of experimental evolution and the advantages it offers researchers such as the ability to control and spin factors that can address very specific questions in certain conditions. He adds that conditions in nature are quite different, yet these experimental studies can point evolution theory in helpful directions. In addition, he explains the level of considerations an experimental evolution study must undertake, from seeking and using specific strains of nematodes fitting what the experimental questions ask, to unlocking characteristics in those nematodes to produce populations that will undergo, for example, sexual reproduction. He also addresses issues of microbiomes in nature versus the lab and questions regarding epigenetics.
For more, see his lab's website: wormlab.wordpress.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Oliver Schacht says that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious pandemic that needs as much attention as COVID-19. In fact, 700,000 people now die annually across the globe from AMR infections. In this podcast, he addresses
Oliver Schacht, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer for both OpGen and Curetis and is an expert in the molecular diagnostics industry. He addresses causes of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, but spends the majority of the podcast explaining why it is a world-wide issue and what solutions are available now and in the near future. At the center of these solutions lies the need to identify the species of antibiotic resistant bacteria and its resistance factor quickly. This means better, faster testing to insure more accurate treatment and less over prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics.
He adds that using broad spectrum antibiotics aggressively to fight undiagnosed infections leads to effective and rapid evolution of bacteria towards resistant adaptations. He says that if we keep using these broad spectrum antibiotics, some projections predict that by the year 2050 we may have 10 million deaths a year from these infections globally. He details the history of testing and explains why the technology has lagged. In a nutshell, we're still doing what we have been doing for 150 years, which requires significant time for cultures to grow and test.
He then explains how OpGen and other companies are developing rapid PCR tests as well as faster and better next generation sequence testing. He predicts the cost and timing for these will continue to decline and that will only improve the quality and helpfulness of the testing. Finally, he carries a global theme throw this discussion, explaining that this issue is analogous to climate change alleviation: there's not a simple fix and the issue can't just be handled locally—this requires a global approach to be effective. Listen in for more details and discussion about these issues.
For more, see the company's website at opgen.com. In addition, they are active in all social media outlets. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
After Dr. Myles Spar noticed that women far outnumbered men as integrative medicine patients, he worked to reframe the messaging. In this podcast, he discusses
Dr. Myles Spar is the Chief Medical Officer of Vault Health and specializes in men's health and wellness. He serves as a clinical faculty member at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Arizona Schools of Medicine. His volunteer time with Doctors Without Borders encouraged him to pursue integrative medicine fully on his return. He starts by explaining how earlier experiences led him to question the messaging men receive to not seek help. This along with his own observations of the scarcity of men as patients seeking health and wellness information from various types of integrative medicine practices encouraged him to provide messaging more adaptive to men's needs.
He tells listeners about health considerations and centers this discussion on hormones. He explains that testosterone is the main one listeners may be familiar with but adds that there are many more male hormones to consider like DHEA and estradiol. Dr. Spar also describes his initial approach with patients, how he starts by developing an understanding of what's important to that patient in terms of health goals and motivations. In other words, he learns what patients want their health to achieve for them, or alternatively, what is their ill health getting in the way of. He divides these issues by sex, body, or brain and proceeds to evaluate based on those goals. He also discusses levels of testosterone and the nuances behind the numbers as well as different types of testosterone treatments from pellets to pills to other means and advantages and disadvantages for each.
For more, see Vault Health's website at vaulthealth.com and click on "Get Started" for a telehealth appointment. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Renowned for his knowledge and expertise in biology, University of Oxford Professor Denis Noble once again returns to the show to share his insight. Today’s episode deals with the topic of viruses, and it is the first in what will be a thorough and compelling series on virology. Throughout the course of this series, Richard Jacobs will interview approximately 30 scientists and researchers, each with something unique and meaningful to contribute to the conversation. In this episode, you will learn:
The COVID-19 situation has created an unprecedented global stir of questions about viruses: Why would one type of virus have such a different structure and function than another type of virus? How do viruses spread, and why do they seem to trigger different immune responses in different people? Why can it be so challenging to find an effective way to eliminate them? Noble provides a great deal of compelling information on these topics and more, including the possible connection between exosomes and the origin of viruses, the ways in which the microbiome might change around a cell once the cell is infected by a virus, how viruses find their targets, and the role of viruses in evolution and speciation.
Learn more about Denis Noble’s work and publications at https://www.thethirdwayofevolution.com/people/view/denis-noble. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Returning guest and founder of Quantgene, Jo Bhakdi, discusses his work at Quantgene in the COVID-19 testing arena. Press play to learn:
Quantgene’s genomic and liquid biopsy technologies have played a significant role in advancing the speed and accuracy of cancer identification. Now, they’re focusing their efforts on COVID-19 testing methods. “We are all about real-time medical intelligence,” says Bhakdi, as he explains that medicine is mostly a data problem, with the COVID-19 situation being no exception. According to Bhakdi, the COVID-19 testing crisis is not a molecular diagnostic problem, but a time problem: it’s simply taking far too long for people to get their results.
Bhakdi explains what PCR testing is and how it works. This includes an explanation of how the amount of genomic material doubles with each amplification cycle in the PCR procedure, in what way the test involves DNA sequencing, and the role of the protein polymerase in synthesizing strands of DNA. He also explains what Quantgene’s COVID-19 test provides that others don’t, and the enormous demand for a reliable test that delivers fast results.
Visit https://www.quantgene.com/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Courtney Sexton is a PhD student researching what we can learn from other species about our own and how to better interact with animals that share our habitat, like dogs. She's especially interested in the evolution of nonverbal communication. In this podcast, she discusses
Courtney Sexton is a PhD student with the Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology at The George Washington University. She describes for listeners the different forms of communication throughout the animal kingdom, including among human animals. She adds that an interesting aspect of this involves human-dog coevolution, and studying the relationship may lead to some dog behaviors explained. In fact, dogs are unique in that they've adapted to communicate with people almost as well as among themselves. Humans and dogs have been cohabitating for roughly 30,000 years and dog social behavior has some similar patterns with humans; she points to paired mating systems exhibited by dogs and wolves in the paleo hunter-gatherer era as one example.
Interestingly, dogs have gotten better at interpreting our signals than vice-versa. There are many examples of humans simplifying the understanding of dog body language when something such as tail wagging can signify a gamut of emotions. Courtney also explains that dogs pick up a great deal of information from our own facial expressions. She describes her current research comparing fascial muscle development in dogs with and without hair coloring markings that exaggerate certain expressions. This stems from a similar study done on primates. She adds that researchers are struggling to find dogs to observe because of the pandemic shut downs and points listeners to resources, including her own Primate Genomics Lab, if they are interested in participating in video studies with their dogs.
For more, see her lab site, cashp.columbian.gwu.edu/primate-genomics, and her department's website, cashp.columbian.gwu.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Jeff Chilton has been involved one way or another in organic mushroom cultivation and mushroom health benefits since the 1970s. In this podcast, he tells listeners
After many years spent in organic mushroom farming, Jeff Chilton started Nammex in 1989 to sell mushrooms to the herbal supplement industry. He explains that it took a while to educate North Americans to how essential mushrooms had been in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. His company produces extracts of quality mushrooms that these supplement companies integrate and sell for functional or medicinal purposes.
Jeff gives listeners a broader picture of the value of various fungi in the diet, and says that there are at least 270 different medicinal mushrooms with supporting research showing benefits. His company works consistently with about 10 to 12 species that have an overlap between established scientifically-proven benefits and a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. He explains that mushroom supplements benefit our immune system modulation. He describes the process they use to produce the powdered extract as well as some of the qualities of popular species like the shitake and the reishi mushroom. He also tells listeners about their biology and growing process and lists some compound benefits, such as for beta glucans and ergosterol. He finishes by describing some newer products, such as cordyceps, a fungus harvested from caterpillars.
Find more on their website, nammex.com, and for a division of the company that sells directly to consumers, see realmushrooms.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Wood specializes in the roles of soil microbial communities and is currently studying the importance of microbial diversity impacting plant diversity in rainforests. In this podcast, she explores
Dr. Jen Wood is an associate lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology at La Trobe University in Australia. She's just begun co-heading a laboratory that centers on understanding the role of microbes in ecosystems so that scientists might better manage these systems, whether in an agricultural, rainforest, or human-gut setting. She describes a particular study near Queensland examining why rainforests are so botanically diverse. They've observed that something happens when the plants move from the seedling to sapling stage that manages and sets up this effective balance. The evidence points to microbes killing off dominate species, maintaining a degree of balance.
She discusses many findings, challenges, and procedures that spin from this study. For example, when they try and compare soil patches, the microbial turnover is too great and the rhizosphere is so interconnected that separating out by species is too complicated. Therefore, rather than compare three seedling patches taxonomically, they compare them by microbial traits. A trait is any physical or morphological attribute that helps an organism compete. Examples include motility, presence of efflux pumps, ability to produce antibiotics, and ability to undergo chemotaxis. She notes that when comparing three patches by microbial traits, they've found patterns in the data. She also addresses fire in rainforests and studying recovery and ways to understand competition in these environments.
For more, see her information page on La Trobe's website, scholars.latrobe.edu.au/display/j5wood; her personal website, jenwoodmicro.wordpress.com; and follow her on Twitter, @JW_ilikedirt. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In the early part of her career, Melanie Weller saw mostly patients who'd gone through several other treatment systems without symptom relief. Treating this population put her in a position to consider vagus nerve symptoms as a means for addressing a road block of sorts in their body. In this podcast, she discusses
Melanie Weller has been a physical therapist for about 25 years. She tells listeners about her gradual discovery of vagus nerve importance and how it even lends itself to stress management. When she began her career treating people who had not had success elsewhere, there was so much to address that she would start with one or two things she could do that would clear a large segment of issues, such as range of motion. She found her work with the vagus nerve produced dramatic results.
She explains that the vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve, coming out of the brain stem and progressing all the way down the spinal cord. It enervates our vocal cord, heart, digestive system, and sweat glands. She adds that it is our "grace under pressure" system as well and is dialed down when we experience "fight and flight" reactions. Therefore, she discusses the emotional crossover with this system. Treating the vagus nerve effectively can therefore lend itself to elevated stress management techniques. These days, she is mainly seeing clients through online formats and is still able to offer effective treatment. She says that there's nothing better than helping someone get rid of pain and limitations they've been dealing with a long time. She's currently looking for research partners and working on a book.
See her website for more: melanieweller.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In the world of diabetes, Khambatta and Barbaro are teaching something that no one else is, and it’s working. In this episode, you will learn:
“Am I a freak of nature?” That was the one question Khambatta had for his professors while in graduate school for nutritional biochemistry. He’d been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 22, put on insulin, and told to adhere to a low-carb diet. Over time, his blood glucose levels rose, he needed an increasing amount of insulin, and the symptoms of type 1 diabetes hadn’t subsided; he knew something wasn’t right with the prescribed treatment.
After conducting his own research on his condition and trying to determine why the recommended treatment didn’t seem to be working, he came upon a nutrition professional who advised him to transition to a low-fat, plant-based, whole-foods diet. The result? After one week, Khambatta cut his insulin use by 40% while at the same time consuming six times the amount of carbs that the doctor recommended.
Determined to figure out how this was possible—and whether other people with diabetes could benefit in the same way—Khambatta dove deeper into the research on diabetes and discovered a whole collection of papers that described precisely what he was experiencing.
Since then, he and Barbaro (who had a very similar experience with type 1 diabetes) have taught thousands of people how to follow in their footsteps by transitioning to a low-fat, whole-foods, plant-based diet. Together, Khambatta and Barbaro have founded Mastering Diabetes, a program that aims to translate the true science of insulin resistance for the people who need it most.
“This carbohydrate-insulin model that the diabetes world operates off of—that the more carbohydrates you eat the more insulin you need, and/or the more carbohydrates you eat the fatter you get and the harder your pancreas has to work—that whole story is convoluted and is correct only in very specific situations,” explains Khambatta.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and check out the book, Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes. Learn more at https://www.masteringdiabetes.org/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Leigh Rothschild has been inventing and filing for new patents since his teenage years and now has at least 130 patents to his name, mostly technology patents, with about 200 more pending approval. In this podcast he discusses his own entrepreneurship development and today's patent process. He discusses
In addition to putting his entrepreneurship skills to use through inventions like the technology at the center of Qmage, Inc., Leigh Rothschild also founded a firm called Patent Asset Management. He discusses his years as an inventor and the vast accumulation of patent knowledge he has accumulated in the meantime. He offers listeners solid information about the process of patent applications and how to make the most of your patents. For example, he explains the three ways he's been able to monetize patents: by selling patents to companies around the world, like Apple; by starting businesses that utilize his patents; and by looking for potential licensees for his current patents—in other words, finding people using and/or infringing on them—and getting them to license and pay for them.
This last effort extended into him setting up an organization with lawyers and staff to monitor his patents and their uses and licenses and to advise others on making their entrepreneurship ideas a patented reality. He explains the logistics of patent filing for listeners as well as various legislation that has made it easier for others to target and challenge patents. He feels that the U.S. is in fact one of the most patent-unfriendly countries in the world due to legislation in the past few years as well as a Supreme Court case that allowed federal circuit courts to void patents if they think they were given unfairly. He describes ways to work with these challenges and how congress needs legislation to reframe these provisions in a more suitable way.
For more, see his company's website at patentmgmt.com and email him at leigh@patentmngmt.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Nick West, Chief Medical Officer and Divisional Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Abbott Vascular at Abbot joins the show to discuss his research on coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). In this episode, you’ll discover:
About 90% of the heart’s blood supply is delivered by the coronary microvasculature, which is composed of tiny vessels 10 to 50 microns in diameter. This leaves just 10% of the blood supply to the three main, large arteries of the heart. Surprisingly, much of the focus in the field of research on coronary health and disease has revolved around the large arteries, and overlooked the importance of the heart’s microvasculature.
The vessels that make up the coronary microvasculature are too small to be detected on coronary angiogram. Dr West explains how this could account for the fact that about 50% of the patients who end up in a cardiac catheter lab with a presumptive diagnosis of angina don’t walk away with a surgical recommendation. In other words, if the typical narrowing of the larger coronary vessels can’t be identified, then a patient will be told not to worry, and that a surgical procedure (such as a stent or bypass) isn’t necessary.
In reality, it’s possible that many of these patients suffer from microvascular dysfunction. With the real problem flying under the radar, these patients are left with no way to get better. As a result, they suffer poor quality of life, present recurrently to ERs and specialists, undergo extensive testing to no avail, and are at higher risk of heart attack and death.
Dr. West wants to know how microvascular dysfunction can be diagnosed, and whether a treatment can be developed. Essential to diagnosing it is a tool called a pressure wire, which is used to measure the pressure gradient across the coronary artery. There are several on the market, but none like the one Dr. West has helped develop; it has a temperature sensor, which allows for thermodilution tests to be performed. This test measures the time it takes for a room-temperature bolus of saline to reach the temperature sensor on the pressure wire from the top of the coronary artery. The tighter the microvascular circulation, the longer it will take for the bolus to reach the sensor.
Tune in to hear Dr. West explain all of this and more. Find further information and read the white paper at https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/campaigns/beyond-intervention.html. Dr. West's blog: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ugcPost-6683355388731027456-BgEu/ that announces the launch of Coroventis. The full report and announcement of the recently launched "Beyond Intervention" global research.
New Research Finds Physicians and Patients Point to Emerging Technology and Data as Central to Closing Treatment Gaps and Improving Vascular Health
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Amy Waterman directs the Transplant Research and Education Center at UCLA. She works with patients navigating any disease of the kidney and helps educate them on corresponding choices, from dialysis treatment to getting on a transplant list. She discusses
In addition to directing the Transplant Center, Amy D. Waterman is a Professor in Residence at the University of California in Los Angeles in the division of nephrology. She's a psychologist with an expertise on managing patient behavior toward healthy goals. At the center, she works alongside nephrologists and other professionals to guide patents through choices and the complicated process of facing kidney disease. She researches and tests methods that might help educate and engage patients and evaluates how to work more effectively with providers.
She describes for listeners the process a patient moves through, from typical questions they have to choices they can make, and for those that need a transplant, how to enter into searches for a donation from family members to strangers to someone who has passed away. She adds that there is a donor contingent called non-directed donors. These are strangers who step forward and offer a kidney as a living donor. In fact, over 6,000 living people donate a kidney each year. Dr. Waterman also describes the physical process of donation, what might be in the works for kidney disease cures, and how she became involved with this important work in the first place.
Find out more about her work at exploretransplant.org or explorelivingdonation.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Pamela Smith is Director of Medical Education at the American Academy of Anti-Aging. She shares insight on her areas of expertise: thyroid disease, and female hormones. Tune in to learn:
Many women hear the word ‘estrogen’ and immediately associate it with negative health consequences. The truth is that estrogen has over 400 important functions in a woman’s body, affecting everything from hearing and blood sugar levels, to blood pressure and memory. Dr. Smith explains the three types of estrogen in the body, what sort of symptoms can arise when there is a hormonal imbalance between progesterone and estrogen, the best way to measure most hormones in the body, and what to test for in order to get the entire picture of a patient’s thyroid health.
She also shares her personal experience with low progesterone, tells anecdotal stories of patients she’s been able to help, and discusses more broadly the importance and role of hormones in the body—whether female or male. “We want people to live to be 100, but more importantly, we want people to live to be a healthy 100 years of age.” She explains that by running the right tests to get to the root of a problem, anti-aging medicine can lead people to the treatment they need. In addition, preventative medicine through good lifestyle choices and the right balance of all hormones in the body can slow aging, reverse or slow the progression of diseases, and ultimately enhance our quality and length of life.
For more information on these topics, check out the following books authored by Dr. Smith:
-What You Must Know About Thyroid Disease
-What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones.
Feel free to email your questions to faafm63@yahoo.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Academic gastrologist Professor Stefan Schreiber is both a clinician and researcher exploring inflammatory bowel disease treatment. In this podcast, he discusses
Stefan Schreiber is professor of medicine and a director of the Clinic for Internal Medicine at Kiel Campus of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. He also leads the Translational Inflammation Research group in the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology at the university. He helps listeners understand the two main phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease pathology, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Early indications that an individual may suffer from a form of IBD are lacking, and he along with many other researchers are trying to change this. Understanding both what causes IBD along with who is most likely to get it are key in battling a disease that has major day-to-day implications.
He describes challenges to these studies. For example, while 30% of the population have the variant that indicates risk, only 0.5% suffer a lifetime prevalence of bowel disease. So the genetics and genomics impact factor doesn't present helpful odds for predicative purposes. However, many longitudinal studies are underway to get better information, and he describes the basics of their approach and agenda. He says that if they can follow enough patients traveling from health to a manifestation of disease to find new early indicators, that would help a great deal, but these studies have to progress much further along still. He advises listeners on how doctors understand the disease differently now, as less autoimmune and more a defense problem, which indicates microbiome and barrier development. He also discusses how relatively new IBD is and why this makes identifying environmental correlations difficult.
For more, see his informational page at the university, ikmb.uni-kiel.de/people/scientists/stefan-schreiber, as well as the page for the Translational Inflammation Research group, ikmb.uni-kiel.de/research/translational-inflammation-research-0 . Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate professor and researcher at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, Bethanie Almroth, joins the show to discuss her research and expertise in ecotoxicology and microplastics pollution. In this episode, you will learn:
For the past nine years or so, Almroth’s work has revolved around microplastics and the effects of plastic pollution on animal and environmental health. She describes her research as having two main tracks:
#1 What happens when fish are exposed to microplastics? How do the chemicals in these materials affect their health?
#2 Where and how are microplastics released into the environment and how do they travel through food chains? How do we approach the problem of plastic in the environment from a broad, social perspective?
“Plastic is not one thing; plastic is many things,” says Almroth. The market is dominated by a number of different types of polymers, which are the same polymers found in the environment. According to a report published early this year from China, 350,000 chemicals are registered for sale on the global market. In her own work, Almroth has helped show that there are approximately 1,000 toxic chemicals contained in plastic packaging materials that most of us interact with on a daily basis.
Almroth shares what she believes are the most compelling unanswered questions in the field of microplastics pollution and research. Tune in for all the details, and learn more by visiting https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/hitta-person/bethaniecarney-almroth. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Postdoctoral researcher and medical bioinformatician, Irina Chelysheva, is a member of the Oxford Vaccine Group. Today, she discusses her work and knowledge regarding vaccine research and development. Press play to discover:
Chelysheva begins by shedding light on what it means to be a bioinformatician and the important role of bioinformatics in science and research. She also explains how next-generation sequencing can be applied to the area of vaccine research and development. For example, a person’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system could play a role in how effectively a vaccine works for them. Sequencing allows you to see the mutations, HLA, and gene expression by performing RNA/ transcriptome sequencing. It also allows you to distinguish between groups of people who have specific genes or pathways activated and groups of people who do not, which can have implications for how a person will react to a vaccine.
Chelysheva also talks about the normal immune response to vaccination and overreactions by the immune system in response to vaccination, and shares the details and findings of her work on vaccines and genetic sequencing. One of the main questions she aims to answer is why T cells might be produced by one organism but not another organism after vaccination. In addition, she discusses why some vaccines fail to work, why they are challenging to develop, her take on a COVID-19 vaccine, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and more. Check out https://www.ovg.ox.ac.uk/team/irina-chelysheva for more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Rickettsia characteristics include parasitic behaviors but they are not worms or protozoa. Rather, they are bacteria and are therefore prokaryotes. The rickettsia family consists of obligatory intracellular bacteria that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. In other words, they need to be inside living cells to stay alive. Dr. Walker explains to listeners
David H. Walker, MD, is a professor in the Department of Pathology and is the Carmage and Martha Walls Distinguished University Chair in Tropical Diseases and Executive Director of the University of Texas MB Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease. He describes various rickettsia causes and symptoms, from the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria transmitted by chiggers to others transmitted by lice and ticks. He explains the means by which scientists determined their inability to live outside of cells and how they are able to observe their invasion and infection with light microscopy.
Their pathogenic effect is widespread, and Dr. Walker describes their effects on World War II and the Vietnam War through the lice vector and typhus spread. Rickettsia symptoms and attacks on the immune system vary greatly and he describes several examples in the two main groups of typhus and spotted fever rickettsia. For example, Rocky Mountain spotted fever bacteria are secreted from the saliva of the tick when it bites. The bacteria is then taken into the skin through phagocytic cells, spreads to the lymphatic cells, and drains into the blood stream and infects the endothelium cells all over the body. Dr. Walker has worked with rickettsia for 47 years and his particular focus now is on vaccine research and effective rickettsia treatment.
For more, see his web page at the University of Texas Medical Branch, utmb.edu/pathology/faculty-directory/david-h-walker-md, and search his name in research systems for publications. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Fong Mun Yik has spent the past 10 years working on a malarial parasite that has started infecting humans—the monkey malarial parasite Plasmodium knowlesi. He explains
Dr. Fong Mun Yik is a professor in the Department of Parasitology under the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya. He's been working with this parasite that was previously only prevalent in a few species of monkeys as its reservoir host; however, occasions where humans have been infected have been on the rise in the last decade or so. Still transmitted by mosquito, as is the case with all malarial types of parasitic diseases, this cross-infection with monkeys is most likely due to the increased proximity of humans and the long-tailed macaque monkey species in Malaysia.
He explains that this monkey malaria, for the past 100 years, has been considered to only infect three monkey species, including the long-tailed macaque. It was therefore not on the list of concerns for human parasitic diseases until recently. Human malaria infections from P. malariae had been eliminated in Malaysia due to programs from the government that controlled the environment. However, he explains that it is all but impossible to eliminate these monkey populations. He explains efforts to control the mosquito population instead as well as efforts to develop a vaccine based on genetic sequencing efforts.
For more, see research gate and pub med for his journal articles. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Richard Bradbury specializes in parasitic diseases in humans, particularly zoonotic parasites, which indicates they were transmitted through other animals. He shares his vast knowledge of parasitology with listeners by discussing
Richard Bradbury is a senior lecturer in the Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Department at Federation University in Australia. His major focuses are on parasitology diagnostics and epidemiology; therefore, world health and prevention falls into his purview. He's especially done a lot of work on the Pacific Islands with soil-transmitted helminths. He adds that because parasites are usually a problem with underserved populations, locating where parasites tend to congregate before infecting humans is important to his work.
He offers listeners several examples of parasites and their habits to show their reach. In Australia, for example, they have a really big problem with the Strongyloides stercoralis worm. Human hosts can have infections decades later and they are still having trouble with Vietnam vets suffering from these infections from their time in Southeast Asia. The immune suppressed are especially vulnerable and may die from infection.
He also discusses his efforts with communities who are isolated and have less access to medical care and prevention measures. These include groups from aboriginal communities in Australia to rural Mississippi populations. He addresses common testing techniques and relays his own involvement with developing a single universal parasite test that uses next-generation sequencing. He also discusses a variety of parasitic infection symptoms and global efforts towards prevention.
Find out more by searching his name in google scholar and research gate and see his website at Federation University: federation.edu.au/schools/school-of-science-psychology-and-sport/staff-profiles/staff-directory/bradbury. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In evaluating COVID-19 and the financial crisis, Ronald Leven speaks both to the unprecedented nature that make predictions regarding world finances difficult to the economic principles that help us parse out what we do know. He addresses
Ronald Leven is the W.R. Huff Professor of the Practice in the Department of Economics at Duke University and author of the monthly Market Voice newsletter. Before coming to Duke, he worked as an international economist with the New York Federal Reserve and with a variety of financial intuitions before spending several years with Thompson Reuters. In this podcast, he speaks to the U.S. economy as well as international markets and how emerging economies might look in the coming years.
He emphasizes his concern that we will see a second wave of layoffs. Furthermore, he's worried that this layoff round will not be met with much government support and fears the potential for an increase in our homeless population. In addition, he discusses the effects of stimulus efforts and possibilities of inflation. In fact, he feels this is the first time in 30 years that we have a real risk of inflation because of this mismatch of artificial demand levels with supply constraints. He explains why this is a problem in more detail and gives his thoughts on how the Federal Reserve might respond regarding interest rates.
He also addresses how our economy may suffer for a while from the "zombie company" effect, which means that companies which shouldn't be able to survive are able to because of stimulus efforts. Meanwhile these companies take resources, such as bank loans, but really aren't a contributing force. He explains how this makes for a weaker economy with less force and vigor. He also addresses how he evaluates the stock market numbers, what real estate seems to be doing, and what long-term impacts may exist in planning based on preparing for future COVID-like emergencies.
You can access his newsletter Market Voice through his LinkedIn sight after requesting access. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Toeno van der Sar is an assistant professor at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, where he runs his own research group of five PhD students and a post-doc student. He joins the show today to discuss their work in the field of nanoscience and quantum nanotechnology. Tune in to discover:
The focus of research in the Van der Sar Lab is on understanding the behavior of electrons on the nanoscale. More specifically, they are studying the collective behavior of electrons and atoms in magnets, which are used in many devices, including hard drives and MRI scanners. It is Dr. Van der Sar’s belief that a better understanding of magnetism could be used to develop new ways of computing.
He explains how and why magnets work the way they do, how the electrons within a magnet interact with one another in a way that creates a magnetic field, even far away from the material, and why the spin and position of electrons can never both be the same according to the Pauli exclusion principle of quantum mechanics.
Dr. Van der Sar’s main interest is in the dynamics of spins in magnetic materials. He explains what a spin wave is, how one can be created, and how spin changes depending on the temperature to which a magnet is subjected, or the material within which it exists. He also discusses spin waves as a way to transport information through magnetic materials and how this could be applied to computer processing. He shares the details of the projects he’s currently working on in the lab with spin wave conductors, and the new technique he’s using in order to detect the magnetic fields generated by spin waves in magnets.
Press play to hear the full conversation and visit https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences/about-faculty/departments/quantum-nanoscience/van-der-sar-lab/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor of parasitology at Calgary University, John Gilleard, joins the show to discuss his work and research on parasites and how they become resistant to drugs. In this episode, you will learn:
As a model for studying antiparasitic drug resistance, Gilleard uses Haemonchus contortus, a sheep parasite known as the “king” of drug resistance. He discusses what makes this such a good model for studying various parasites, and details its life cycle, how transmission occurs, what triggers inhibited development of the parasite, what types of drugs have been developed and how Haemonchus contortus becomes resistant to them, whether there is a tradeoff for the parasite to becoming resistant to an antiparasitic drug, recent research on understanding the genetics of C. elegans, the value that could be gained from taking a wider approach to the study of antiparasitic drug resistance (e.g. metabolomics, proteomics), the challenges posed by the genetic variability of worms, and what’s on the horizon in terms of further research in the field.
Tune in and learn more at https://vet.ucalgary.ca/contact-us/john-gilleard. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Senior Research Fellow at Duke-NUS Medical School, Dr. Anthony Tanoto Tan, discusses his work in the field of immunopathology as it relates to both hepatitis B and the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, you will learn:
For the past 10 to 15 years, Dr. Tan has been trying to understand the immune system response to disease, and its role in clearing infectious diseases. With a special focus on hepatitis B, which causes an infection and can proceed to liver cancer, he ended up researching adaptive T-cell therapy for liver cancer.
With expertise in the analysis of virus-specific T cells, Dr. Tan and his team began researching the T cell response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the goal of determining whether there are differences in the immune response in people who are asymptomatic or have a mild case of the virus, and people who develop severe symptoms. They are also trying to understand how the T cell response changes over time, from the acute phase of the infection through to resolution of the infection.
Dr. Tan discusses the details of his recent publication on this research, which shows that people who were infected with SARS-CoV-1 17 years ago still have SARS-CoV-1-specific T cells. Not surprisingly, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were found in individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of particular interest is the finding that people who have NOT been exposed to either virus were shown to have SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. This suggests that a proportion of unexposed individuals have a preexisting immune response to the virus that’s causing COVID-19. Whether the function of this immune response is protective is the question that remains.
In addition to these topics, Dr. Tan talks about the processes in innate and adaptive immunity, how T cells behave during pathogenesis, what causes T cells to have a faster response to infected cells, which proteins to target with a vaccination, and much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
GreenTech Environmental has been producing healthy air systems for at least ten years. Kristen Lawson explains their air purification system in this podcast, describing
GreenTech Environmental's Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce, Kristen Lawson, starts by describing how their ARC system imitates the effect of lightening's charged oxygen molecules. She mentions that the chemistry of air purification they utilize is similar to what NASA has done for decades. Her company has made it work in plug-in portable units that people can use in their homes as well as larger systems for commercial grade applications. Basically, this active system works in part by "hunting" down pathogens and deactivating them through oxygen-bonding.
She mentions the versatility of their products and scalability, with their largest home unit covering up to 3000 sq. ft. She uses them in her own home and notices differences in eliminating odors and allergens. They even have refrigerator models and wearable units for people with allergies to keep their own area clear. While they haven't been able to test it on coronavirus reduction directly, she notes the air purifying system has been tested on a known surrogate virus with success. She notes that schools, airlines, and other travel industries have been ordering their commercial grade systems.
For more, including available products, specifications, and educational videos, see their website: www.greentechenv.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Emily Fletcher joins the show to share her journey from New York City high-performance circles, to Rishikesh, India for a three-year meditation training program, back to the US to establish Ziva Meditation and the world’s first online meditation training platform, Ziva Online. Tune in to discover:
Do you perform better when you’re less stressed? Is it true that anxiety is making us stupid, sick, and slow? A lot of people would say “Yes,” but a lot of those same people are also hesitant to try something that humans have been doing for thousands of years: meditation.
It wasn’t until Fletcher could no longer ignore the mental and physical consequences of prolonged stress that she tried it out herself. To her surprise, it quickly transformed her, improving everything from her insomnia to her graying hair. Even more to her surprise was the fact that more people don’t practice meditation. She enrolled in a three-year meditation program in India, and upon return, she started Ziva Meditation and Ziva Online. Since then, she has taken a practical approach to meditation and taught 25,000 people to do the same.
“The magic really happens when you’re going in and getting rid of that stress from the past, that’s what increases your IQ by up to 12 points, that’s what reverses your body age by up to 15 years, that’s what decreases your chance of being hospitalized; it’s that eradication of the backlog of stress from ourselves,” says Fletcher. She goes on to explain the three “Ms” of Ziva: mindfulness, meditation, and manifestation. To manifest, she says, is to consciously create a life you love. It’s that simple. Fletcher talks in depth about all of this and so much more. Tune in for the full conversation and some inspiration. Learn more by visiting https://zivameditation.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Prof. Igor Cestari works with two parasites for the most part: Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi, which respectively cause sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. He explains for listeners
Igor Cestari is an assistant professor in the Institute of Parasitology at McGill University in Montreal. He gives listeners a solid image of parasitic life cycles and host-parasite interactions as well as why they're such successful life forms. For example, initial parasitic infection symptoms often mimic a cold or flu and then disappear. Therefore, it's hard to know that one is infected until more damaging symptoms reveal themselves. He discusses the parasitic diseases known as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease most specifically and gives some reasons why the parasites that cause these diseases are so successful. Their ability to fool the immune system is one such reason, and while scientists understand some of these mechanisms, there's still much they don't know.
He teaches listeners about two interesting parasitic tricks, namely their ability to coat themselves in some sugars from the host cell that then hides them from the immune system. Another parasite is able to change its coating to one that the immune system lets by its defenses. Some of these techniques make it challenging to create a vaccine to stop the parasites. However, Professor Cestari says that new genome sequencing platforms have really helped in these efforts. He believes that the future is promising because of utilizing combinations of genomics and proteomics that seem to be making headway in stopping these infections.
To learn more, see his website at McGill University: mcgill.ca/parasitology/faculty/igor-cestari. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Co-Founder and CEO Sebastian Weidt tells listeners about exceptional advances his company has made and challenges still to be met. He covers
Universal Quantum aims to build a new kind of quantum computer, says CEO Sebastian Weidt. Quantum computing's impact on society stems from the ability to solve problems contemporary computers could never tackle. In this podcast, he explains how they've developed a number of technologies to get closer to this goal of using the advanced capabilities and applications of quantum computers. For example, he explains how they use trapped ions to form cubits, which are more lenient with temperature. This also enables longer coherence time. He adds that they use microwave radiation to manipulate the atom states and ions and explains the advantages of microwave radiation over other techniques like lasers. He describes more of how this technology works and how they've addressed some of the general problems quantum computing presents.
Universal Quantum is tied to a program at the University of Sussex, where a number of prototypes exist, and the company is able to integrate their research. Currently, they are working on engineering challenges that have made scaling to larger systems difficult. He says they've gotten a handle on some good innovations that will allow their first machines to utilize numbers of cubits not seen before. A significant additional challenge involves integration. Therefore they're developing custom chips that can be connected. He discusses algorithm work as well and says one of the impacts he's most excited about involves quantum computing applications for the pharmaceutical space, thereby allowing tremendous progress in chemical reaction problem-solving.
For more, see their website: universalquantum.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Classically-trained concert pianist and film composer, Matthew Zachary, was about to graduate from college and attend film school when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Twenty-five years later, he joins the podcast today to share his story as a brain cancer survivor, discuss what he’s learned along his journey, and explain how his podcast and nonprofit organization, Stupid Cancer, helps others who face a cancer diagnosis. Tune in to learn:
“It didn’t really sink in that I was going to die, and I think that was just a good, natural thing to feel…I never really thought it was going to be anything, out of that invincibility complex…until I was cured…the scariest day, when I finally felt mortal, was when everything was over…then I was terrified,” says Zachary. He continues by explaining why he thinks he felt this way and what may have led him to enter remission.
After spending years in advertising and marketing, he discovered patient advocacy and people in their twenties, who just like him, had received a cancer diagnosis. Around the same time, he noticed a void in the space of cancer patient advocacy that he filled with what he wished he’d had when he was sick. “I built the brand and I built the community that I wish I’d had that really did resonate…and that serves a real niche purpose at the right time,” he says.
The mission of Stupid Cancer is to give a community to and be the voice of young adults facing cancer, and provide advocacy, research and support to advance a cure. He explains the unique needs and challenges of those who are in their twenties and facing a cancer diagnosis, and how Stupid Cancer addresses these needs and challenges. In particular, he discusses how fertility rights are intimately tied to cancer and the conventional treatments for it.
He also talks about what it means to change the conversation about cancer, so that it more directly and authentically addresses what goes on for the individual who experiences cancer—not what the doctors and academic and experts say about it.
If you’re looking for your community or just want to talk to someone about your condition or experience, Zachary recommends visiting https://themighty.com/ and https://www.talkspace.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Connel Fullenkamp is a professor of economics at Duke University who conducts research on financial markets, including their development, failure, and the regulations put on them. Tune in to discover:
How and why do financial markets around the world develop or fail to develop? How are financial markets impacted by regulations, and are there ways to design better regulations that will foster financial market growth and overall economic development? These are a few of the questions at the center of Fullenkamp’s research. He shares his insight on these topics and more, including what governments around the world can do to develop stock and bond markets, problems with investing in bonds, and under what circumstances stock markets fail to actually improve economies by failing to fund new companies.
Fullenkamp also discusses what has happened to money markets around the world as an indirect consequence of COVID-19, what sort of financial crisis may be triggered by the recent tremendous loss of small businesses, the equity market in Japan and the US, how the commercial real estate market has been impacted by COVID-19, the recent stock splits at Apple and Tesla, and so much more.
Check out https://econ.duke.edu/people/connel-fullenkamp to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Author Dr. Thomas Cowan followed his own approach in understanding the importance of medicine that fit what he observed in the human body. In this podcast he discusses
Dr. Thomas Cowan went into the Peace Corp as a young college graduate to teach gardening and was given books that opened his thinking and expanded how he might be able to practice medicine. These books were by philosopher Rudolph Steiner and nutritionist Weston Price and they helped him understand that there was a path to be the kind of doctor he wanted to be. He then explains how mainstream medicine approaches issues like autoimmune disease and disease prevention with treatments like vaccination. He discusses his own view of vaccines and the immune response and gives a very different perspective of our body's mechanisms.
For example, he explains how medical school teaches that something like puss is bad and part of the disease when pus helps our body get rid of dangerous substances and is part of the healing. He elaborates with other examples like the lung-clearing ways of bronchitis and talks about the harmful over-prescription of antibiotics and side effects of vaccines. He believes people get sick because they are starved or poisoned in some way and traditional medicine labels detoxification efforts as part of the disease when they are our body's efforts to heal. He gives examples of how he has treated past patients and discusses an extract he helped develop that addresses causes of heart disease.
For more, see his website: drtomcowan.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Graham Hatfull studies bacteriophages in the human body; these are viruses that infect bacteria. Interested in both "the exploration and exploitation of these" bacteriophages infecting bacteria, he explains
Graham Hatfull is the Eberly Family Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and an HHMI Professor. He tells listeners about the basics and the complexities of phages and potential therapies that might utilize them. He explains that his lab has focused mainly on the mycobacterium group because it contains important human pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is responsible for the symptoms and spread of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis causes around 1.7 billion deaths a year.
Studying the phages that infect this group of mycobacterium helps understand such pathogens as well as potential treatments. In order to study these phages, his lab uses bacterium related to these more dangerous bacteria as safer surrogates. This work puts us them a good position to figure out which phages infect TB and which ones don't. He also describes phage biology and coevolution with bacteria, which has led to a complex relationship. For example, he discusses phages that are "temperate," and what that means in relationship to bacteria development. Finally, he talks about a successful case study in which they were able to use a cocktail of phages to successfully kill a particular strain of Mycobacterium abscessus in a Cystic Fibrosis patient.
For more, see his lab's website at hatfull.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Di Vizio studies extracellular vesicles and their role in cancer. In this podcast, she explains what we know about the mechanism of extracellular vesicles and what challenges still stand in fully understanding their roles. She discusses
Dr. Dolores Di Vizio is a professor of Surgery, Biomedical Sciences and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. She explains for listeners the fundamentals of extracellular vesicles, also known as EVs. They're small pockets of cellular material covered by a lipid layer released by all cells in the body. They become important mechanisms for intercellular communication because they can reach the blood. Scientists find them very appealing targets for biomarkers in liquid biopsies. She explains that most EV studies have occurred with a large concentration of these vesicles, so the effects often reveal as significant. Now as scientists look at animal models without an excess of the EVs, the results are a lot harder to verify and understand.
She describes the variety and types of EVs, like exosomes, and delves into her own research into exosomes and cancer. She's working on studies to see how a large EV from prostate cancer cells, known as oncosomes, plays a role in prostate cancer with gene alterations and transcription factors that seem to facilitate tumor progression. Her lab is also working with bone marrow stem cells, as bone marrow is a major site for metastases. They're trying to understand these interaction better so researchers can prepare natural vesicles for therapeutics and make them go to a specific organ for treatment rather than another location. Her lab is also working on clinical tests for cancer treatment, identifying cancer-specific biomarkers enclosed in EVs to be applied to a clinical setting. This could identify signs of cancer, stages of disease, the potential for cancer to became metastatic, and reveal results of therapy.
For more, see her lab's website: cedars-sinai.org/research/labs/di-vizio. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Clinical Professor of Surgery and Director of the UCSF Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Dr. Rajalingam Raja, joins the show to discuss his work. Tune in to discover:
Dr. Raja’s job is to select and match the very best organ donor with the very best recipient in order to minimize the possibility of organ rejection and limit the amount of immunosuppressant drugs necessary after transplantation. Maintaining the balance between immunosuppression that allows the patient to keep the organ, and a strong immune system that allows the patient to fight against invading pathogens is a difficult and tricky task.
Genetic and serological testing to match HLA molecules, which play an important role in defending against foreign invaders in the body, is critical in the process of determining which organ matches provide the highest likelihood of a successful transplantation for the maximum possible number of years. This is an area of ongoing research, as is the relationship between the microbiome and the immune response during transplantation. Dr. Raja discusses these topics and others, including general information about human immunology and transplant immunology, what types of rejection can occur (and when or under what circumstances they can occur), immunogenetics and histocompatibility, special considerations that must be made for pediatric transplants, and more.
Learn more at https://transplantsurgery.ucsf.edu/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Juan Quintana is a postdoctoral research associate at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow. He joins the show to talk about the research he’s doing in the field of parasitology and host-parasite relationships. In this episode, you will learn:
In the MacLeod Lab at the University of Glasgow, Dr. Quintana’s work is centered around Trypanosoma brucei, which is the parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis (commonly called African sleeping sickness). This human pathogen has plagued many people in Africa and has had a significant socioeconomic impact.
During the first stages of infection, the parasite resides in the host’s bloodstream, but eventually reaches the brain. Once it reaches the brain, circadian rhythm disturbances manifest (i.e. sleep during the day and insomnia at night). Left untreated, the disease is lethal. Dr. Quintana’s goal is to better understand the mechanisms underlying infection, host-parasite interactions in the brain, and migration of the parasite from the blood to the brain tissues.
Ultimately, the hope is that a better understanding will lead to more effective diagnostic tests, treatment, and eventually eradication of the disease. He shares his expertise in the area where medical microbiology and parasitology intersect. He explains how transmission occurs through the bite of the tsetse fly, the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei, the human immune response to infection, the ability of the parasite to hide in certain tissues and repopulate the blood, recent findings with regard to the metabolism of the parasite, and more.
Follow Dr. Quintana on Twitter and explore his work at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kTSEeV8AAAAJ&hl=en. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
A nephrologist for over 35 years, Vivek Jha discusses kidney function and disease treatments like dialysis and kidney transplantation. He helps listeners understand
Vivekanand Jha is Executive Director at The George Institute for Global Health, India; Chair of Global Kidney Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of London; and President of the International Society of Nephrology. In this podcast he covers the basics of kidney function, kidney disease, and late-stage efforts like dialysis treatment. He accompanies all these issues with an eye to the global inequalities in effective treatment and discusses ways to educate populations and bring better medicine to all. In fact, he tells listeners that he became a nephrologist partly because of these inequalities. He also describes why the biology intrigued him: kidney function presents a "microcosm of internalized medicine." In other words, the kidney affects all other organs and, as a doctor, one utilizes every element of internalized medicine to address kidney issues.
He describes the complex and essential nature of kidney functions, from filtration, adaptability to different solutes, hormone production, and the biology behind these jobs such as nephrons function. He teaches listeners about the back and forth between kidneys and blood pressure control and talks about how early stage kidney disease is usually symptomless. He advises listeners on which tests to seek out regularly for those at risk and touches on the goal of dialysis treatment. Finally, he talks more about the necessity for policy changes by governments in addressing health disparities in a holistic manner.
For more about global kidney health, see the International Society of Nephrology website, theisn.org, and for more about his team's research, see his page at The George Institute for Global Health: georgeinstitute.org/people/vivekanand-jha. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Because studies predict one in nine Americans will face some level of disease of the kidney, understanding kidney development and nephron function is key. Professor Lori O'Brien discusses her research into kidney processes, describing
Lori O'Brien is a principal investigator and assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina Kidney Center. In this podcast, she discusses the focus of her work, namely to understand the development of a kidney to better understand what goes wrong in kidney disease. This work informs efforts to eventually manufacture a renal replacement, and she explains that scientists need to understand its basic biology as much as possible to do so.
She also explains the damage of kidney disease as well as the mistaken notion that dialysis treatment is somehow a cure. Rather, on average, most dialysis patients will only survive about five years because dialysis treatment only mimics about 10% of what a kidney actually does for the body. She then describes her work more specifically around pluripotent stem cells that lead to the two different cell populations in the kidney: cells that eventually make nephrons and those that make up the connecting duct system. She describes challenges to each cell type, the complex specialization of the cell types, and how they work in the body along with the vascular and nerve network in a way that's hard to reproduce with organoids. She describes some advances therein and various ways they hope to problem solve.
For more, see her UNC website at med.unc.edu/cellbiophysio/directory/lori-obrien-phd/, and her lab's website at obrienlab.web.unc.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Author Carl John Calleman talks about his most recent book, Quantum Science of Psychedelics: The Pineal Gland, Multidimensional Reality, and Mayan Cosmology. He explains
Holding a PhD in physical biology, Carl Johan Calleman is also a lifelong scholar of macrocosmic quantum theory and has written several books about it. He talks about his latest in this podcast, explaining its basics and explanations for how civilization has progressed through a series of cosmic shifts or waves. While some link psychedelics and depression, Calleman explores the ability of psychedelics to change one's mental state to a different geometry, more open to the movement from one wave to the next.
He explains that this is an all-encompassing theory about the evolution of the universe and all its aspects, not just physical. The theory holds that we're all part of a cosmic plan with a quantum field that underlies everything. He describes Mayan connections such as the wave pattern discovered by the Mayans and how this pattern reveals itself in the evolution of civilizations. He connects this with microscopic phenomena like centromere organelles in our cells to the nine levels of Mayan pyramids. Finally, he goes through the mechanics of this theory in more detail and adds that we are in the ninth and final wave and what that means.
For more, find his latest book, Quantum Science of Psychedelics: The Pineal Gland, Multidimensional Reality, and Mayan Cosmology, for sale through most venues, and see his website: calleman.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Mark E. Hay is Co-Director & Regents Professor, OSE & Harry and Linda Teasley Chair at Georgia Tech’s School of Biological Sciences, and specializes in marine ecosystems, marine ecology, coral reefs, and marine conservation. He joins the show to discuss his work and insight on these topics, especially as it relates to coral reef conservation. Press play to discover:
Coral reefs are not only of the most diverse ecosystems in the ocean, but on earth itself. However, the presence and health of corals has changed dramatically in recent decades. Since Hay began studying coral reefs in the Caribbean during the mid-70s, about 80 to 90 percent of those corals have died.
Up until this point, most of the management efforts to conserve coral reefs have been herculean and have failed to produce the intended outcomes. With this is mind, Hay is focused on how small changes can cause large, positive effects on marine ecology. In part, this involves trying to better understand the chemical signaling that contributes to coral reef health or lack thereof.
Off the coast of Fiji, Hay’s work revealed that almost all juvenile fishes and most coral babies can smell and are attracted to marine-protected areas; they can also smell and are repelled by overfished areas. Additionally, corals smell nearby organisms that are similar to them, as well as the type of seaweed that commonly grows on damaged reefs. Depending on what they sense, they will either move toward or away from an area. This sheds light on how corals have evolved to be extremely selective about where they settle—after all, it’s a decision that can’t be undone. It also sheds light on how we might be able to enhance the probability of juvenile fish returning to certain areas and growing into populations that will keep the reef healthy. In turn, this could lead to greater overall health of ocean life and marine ecosystems.
Hay explains the difference between coral reef recovery in the Caribbean after coral bleaching, and coral reef recovery in the Pacific Ocean after coral bleaching. Hay is investigating why it is that some coral reefs recover well, while others don’t seem to recover much at all. This question is becoming increasingly pressing, since major bleaching events are occurring more and more frequently.
Tune in to learn about all of this and more, including some of the innovative ways people are trying to counter the negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Gary Steele works with quantum circuits and the compatibility of quantum mechanics with gravity through vibration and oscillation. In this podcast he explores
Gary Steele is a professor in the Department of Quantum Nanoscience with the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Delft University of Technology. This podcast discussion explores both the importance of quantum mechanics in nanotechnology and ground-breaking use of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Professor Steele first discusses his lab's work with quantum circuits. He explains how these circuits are on chips, and while classic circuits can only process current flow in one direction at a time, quantum circuits can enable the current to flow in both directions at the same time: that's the advantage of quantum mechanics. These circuits can be used to make quantum computers, which have a supercharged ability for complex computations because of the ability to maintain 0 and 1 at the same time.
He's also working on groundbreaking steps in quantum mechanics, trying to make a mechanical element maintain a super position, or basically, work in two places at the same time. He explains this complex project as trying to cause one oscillating object to take on the appearance of two objects that would have a force of gravity on each other. In other words, this object would be exerting a force and not exerting a force at the same time. He explains that this takes on the question regarding the compatibility of quantum mechanics and gravity. He thinks they are and explains what challenges and parameters need to be overcome that will get them closer to what they want to achieve.
For more, see his lab's website: steelelab.tudelft.nl/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Aquatic ecologist Timothy Hoellein studies the impact of trash on aquatic ecology and biodiversity. He tells listeners
Timothy Hoellein is an associate professor of biology at Loyola University in Chicago. In this podcast, he focuses on the impact and ecology of solid waste in our streams and rivers and how these findings may impact waste management policy. He works on measuring the sources, movement, and biological interactions of trash when it enters our waterways. He explains that not only must aquatic ecologists focus on what's in the water, they also must measure the way trash moves. For example, some materials like metal, construction debris, and fabrics are pretty stable. But lighter materials and buoyant trash can travel pretty far—even as far as the ocean. Finally, many materials can be retained in the rivers and integrated into its ecology.
He also explains how litter breaks down in different ways. He adds that aquatic ecologists are less concerned about glass because it's more of an inert material and animals don't try and eat it. Plastic, on the other hand, breaks down over time and can be ingested, which is more concerning. It can harm animals in different ways, including making them feel full when they aren't. Professor Hoellein touches on numerous other topics, from concerns over sewage overflow to methods and tools for measuring and collecting samples.
For more, see his page on Loyola's website: luc.edu/biology/hoellein. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Spanish nephrologist Mari Jose Soler studies diabetic kidney disease and diabetic neuropathy of the kidney, which is the primary cause of renal disease. She explains
Maria Jose Soler is in the nephrology department at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitario at the Barcelona campus and is also in the Nephrology Research Group. She gives listeners some background on the discovery of the ACE2 enzyme in 2000 and explains how it functions in cells, especially in kidney cells. A form of ACE2 is in the news lately because it is the receptor of the coronavirus. In other words, it provides the mechanism that allows the virus to attach to and enter the cell. ACE2 catalyzes peptides in cells throughout the body and is especially prevalent in kidney cells.
She then explains the various stages of diabetic kidney disease, from the glomerular filtration being affected to lesions, hyper filtration, risk of stroke, and eventually dialysis treatment. She explains her study on diabetic mice that established ACE2's role in preventing lesions in the early stage of kidney disease. But she also explains nuances between the role of ACE and ACE2, and how too much ACE can be a problem. Finally, because the body's mechanisms for ACE2 amplification do not last long, she establishes the need for further therapies to prevent progression of these diseases of the kidney.
For more, search her name in Google Scholar for publications. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Two guests join the show today: Dr. Clive Svendsen, Director of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Arun Sharma. In this episode, you will discover:
Dr. Clive Svendsen chairs the task force for COVID-19 at Cedars-Sinai. In the early patients with the viral infection responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of heart problems were detected, which gave rise to the question of whether these symptoms were secondary to the infection, or indicated that the heart cells themselves were infected by the virus. At the time, Dr. Svendsen and Dr. Sharma were studying the use of stem cells to model and treat disease. In the unique position of being able to mass produce human heart cells by the billions in the lab, they set out to determine whether heart cells are susceptible to the SARS-coV-2 virus.
The verdict? They found that heart cells are indeed susceptible to infection by SARS-coV-2. They discuss what they’re learning from additional analyses of genetic profile and function, such as the finding that in patients with heart failure, the expression of the ACE2 receptor (the same receptor associated with the COVID-19 virus) is upregulated. This could explain why some people with some form of heart failure may be more susceptible to the virus that's responsible for COVID-19. In addition, it explains tissue-specific differences to susceptibility to the virus.
Dr. Svendsen and Dr. Sharma dive into the details of all of this and more, including the activation of the innate immune response by cardiomyocytes that are infected, the different responses to this infectious virus, the type of research they’re doing to determine how well the virus is proliferating on cardiomyocytes, where their research is headed, and much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College and head of the Yael David Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Yael David, joins the podcast for a second time. In this episode, you will learn:
The topic of discussion is centered around the relationship between epigenetics and cancer. In simple terms, epigenetic regulation of gene expression explains why--despite every cell in the body containing the same genetic information--some cells carry out unique functions. This gene regulation and expression sheds light on how phenotypic characteristics vary from individual to individual, whether in humans or other species.
The research in David’s lab is focused on the modification of histones, which are the proteins responsible for DNA packing in the nucleus. She explains that long-term changes in response to various extracellular signals can lead to changes in DNA histone structure, which can affect cell division, daughter cells, and whole sets of cells in a certain environment. She discusses how colorectal cancer is epigenetically-driven, the quest to determine what causes the epigenetic change responsible for it, and how that epigenetic change drives the development of this type of cancer.
In addition to these topics, David discusses various types and layers of epigenetic regulation, the importance of regions of DNA that were once (not too long ago) considered “junk DNA,” epigenetic regulation with respect to an organism’s health, what strategies are employed by cancer cells for their own survival, what type of research would allow for an epigenetic timeline of a tumor, what types of suppression and activation mechanisms occur in cancer, how the discovery of oncohistones has led to a better understanding of the induction of cancer and flexible capacity of histones to undergo modification, how the environment communicates with histones, RNA modification, and more.
Visit https://www.mskcc.org/research/ski/labs/yael-david to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Bio:
Professor Leachman is interested in studying the subjects of international trade, exchange rates, fiscal policy, and international macroeconomics. In conducting her research, she often incorporates intertemporal models, multicointegration and sustainability. Her current research project explores the political economy of intertemporal budgeting. She recently collaborated with G Rosas, A Bester, and P. Lange to complete a study on, “The Political Economy of Budget Deficits,” and worked with the same team on the project entitled, “Multicointegration and Sustainability of Fiscal Practices.” She has also teamed up with Bill Francis to publish the works, “Twin Deficits: Apparition or Reality?” and “Multicointegration Analysis and the Sustainability of Foreign Debt.” One of her earlier works, executed with Michael Thorpe, was a study on, “External Balance in the Small Open Economy of Australia.” She has also published on such subjects as capital market integration, optimum corporate capital structure, and Ricardian equivalence.
More recently, Dr. Leachman has turned her attention to creative writing. Specifically, she has written a memoir about growing up in the South, football, and her father's death from CTE. The book titled, "The King of Halloween and Miss Firecracker Queen," will be released in May of 2018. As a result of these efforts, Dr. Leachman is currently working on framing the legal and ethical issues surrounding football and the issue of informed consent. Lori Leachman is also the author of memoir about growing up in the South, in a football family, and her father’s death from CTE. Her, father, Lamar Leachman, coached in the NFL for 14 years and won a Super Bowl coaching for the NY Giants. However, at the end of his life he suffered a long decline form CTE. This book tells that story as well as her family’s love of the sport, and quirkiness of the South.
The book titled “The King of Halloween and Miss Firecracker Queen” is available on Amazon and at Barnesandnobel.com.
You can check out the book at her web site : www.lorileachman.net
Professor Lori Leachman brings her career's focus on international economics and her understanding of international trade importance and macro-fiscal budgeting to explain how the global community is navigating these times. She explains
Lori Leachman is an author and a professor of economics at Duke University. She began her career looking at the openness of economies and the degree of integration in financial markets. She then moved to currency and exchange markets and advantages of international trade. She studied how exchange rates evolved together and whether currency exchange actually worked—such as when the central back is buying or selling currency. She also studied the anticipatory nature of financial markets and international trade importance and imbalance of payments.
Most recently, she's focused on macro-fiscal processes and budgeting, namely which countries ran persistent large deficits and accumulated large volumes of debt and which countries did not. She talks about her findings and world finances more generally such as the importance of creating hierarchy in the budget process. She specifically talks about the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio, what's problematic, and how the U.S. uses the privilege of the dollar. She discusses all this in terms of how COVID is affecting systems and what we might expect in the future.
For more, see her website at Duke, econ.duke.edu/people/lori-leachman, and email her with leachman@econ.duke.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
The phylum of cnidarians includes corals, anemone and jellyfish and these species' symbiotic relationship with algae is a classic example of relationships in nature ecology and evolution. Professor Munoz studies their coevolution in her broader field of biology and the evolution of marine life. She discusses
Monica Medina Munoz is a professor of biology at Penn State and a Principal Investigator. She studies this symbiosis between cnidarians and algal and bacterial symbionts. She explains how the cnidarian host and dinoflagellate algae microorganisms, which are unicellular and photosynthetic, exemplify the coevolution of marine life. The algae are endosymbiotic, living inside the host tissue. They transfer their photosynthetic by products to their host and in turn have a place to live and photosynthesize. This interaction gives a species like coral the energy to build the reef where they life and the algae also gives the coral their colors
She explains more of this marine ecosystem, how the host can't life without the symbiont for very long, which explains the phenomenon knowns as coral bleaching. When the water temperature gets too hot, the symbiosis breaks down. This is a facultative symbiosis from the algal perspective but an obligate symbiosis from the host perspective. She also explains how the dinoflagellate make their way into their host and the physiology of the two together. She explains some cutting edge studies into whether there are microbial symbionts as important as the algae.
The best way to find out more is to check out her lab website, medinalab.org/new/, and follow her on twitter with the handle @momedinamunoz. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Science journalist and author of a revolutionary book on psychobiotics shares compelling insight on the latest research in microbiome and gut-brain connection research.
Tune in to discover:
Psychobiotics are a class of microbes that help improve mood. In 2003, research on germ-free mice resulted in a shocking finding: there is a causal connection between bacteria and behavior. Anderson explains all the details of this research and how it has served as a launching pad for additional research in the field. He discusses the production and function of serotonin in the body and as an antidepressant, and the questions that still remain as to why and how serotonin seems to improve mood in the brain.
One of the leading theories of the impact of psychobiotics in the brain is that they have the effect of lowering systemic inflammation, which is caused by bacterial dysbiosis in the gut, which in turn can lead to nearly every systemic disease that exists, including Alzheimer’s, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Anderson discusses the connection between depression and anxiety and obesity, the research that’s been done on the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in thin versus overweight individuals, how some people may be able to keep the brain healthy naturally with the use of probiotics or prebiotics, the advent of metabolomics and why it is so important to the study of the gut-brain microbiome axis, and shares a personal story about gut health and how he was able to correct it overnight.
Visit http://psychobiotic-revolution.com/ to learn more, and find his book, The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection on Amazon.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Sakari Vanharanta is a principal investigator at MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, where he studies cancer metastasis.
In this episode, you will learn:
How does cancer spread to other parts of the body? What’s required in order for the cells of a primary tumor to travel to and grow in another location? These are just a couple of the questions answered by Dr. Vanharanta in today's podcast.
His research is focused on understanding how genes and mutations in cancer function, and how mutations in cancer interact with other cellular pathways to drive metastasis. This is important, because metastasis is the cause of the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. If more information can be gathered, prevention of cancer or a cancer treatment might be possible.
Metastases are still poorly understood, but there is a significant drive to better understand it, since doing so has implications for personalized and targeted cancer therapeutics. Dr. Vanharanta believes that further research on the role of genomics in cancer could lead to findings which have a huge impact in the field of cancer research, and he shares his insight on the matter.
Press play to hear the full conversation.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Abbott Divisional Vice President of Vascular Clinical Development, Dr. Richard Rapoza, tells listeners about a newer technology for vascular health: optical coherence tomography (OCT). He discusses the advantages of this approach, explaining
Abbott is a medical technology company dedicated to producing life-saving and quality-of-life technologies and Dr. Rapoza is working to raise awareness of what optical coherence tomography can offer the health field. He describes it as an instrument that shoots infrared lasers into a patient's arterial system and takes spiral pictures of the arterial wall. It provides great detail of the arterial composition and takes measurements. Finally, it offers a good picture of how to treat the patient.
He provides a few examples, explaining how a doctor can use it to see what the cost of a heart attack is—and can also clear and see behind the clot as well as find the spot that ruptured and caused the clot and repair it. The more common way of treating vessels through a heart angiography is where technicians use an x-ray with injectable dye: this only provides a two-dimensional view. So physicians take a guess at the diameter and length before they introduce an angiography stent, for example. Dr. Rapoza explains this along with other angiography risks and describes how OTC can work alongside a traditional stent to produce better results. He also describes additional advancements in this technology such as ways to address problems of blood flow in the feet from diabetic damage as well as other promising uses.
For more, see Abbott's website as well as a press release describing their findings. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Cancer cells disrupt the body's circadian clock. Researcher Brian Altman works to understand why and how this happens and what therapeutic findings may result. He tells listeners
Brian Altman is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Genetics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He's always been interested in the metabolism of cancer and did a post-doc that involved the circadian clock and rhythms. He describes his lab's basic interest as centered on this disruption of normal circadian rhythms by cancer, which gives the tumor cells an advantage over normal cells by allowing them to outcompete the normal cells. This, they hope, is something that can be taken advantage of and manipulated.
He makes the connection for listeners between our circadian clock and metabolism and explains that cancer wants to engage in maximal metabolism all the time; therefore, this trend may break the circadian clock. Studies on mice allowed them to ask which genes are mutated in cancer that might impact the clock and they've focused on a cancer gene called MYC. This gene cranks up the biosynthesis of some cancers. He explains that the two main focuses of the lab's work includes identifying which tumors disrupt the circadian clock and how they can use this to inform therapeutic choices. Finally, he adds that they're getting close to showing that slowing the circadian clock can slow the growth of tumor cells. They are investigating the best way to restart the circadian clock in patients who've been disrupted by cancer to slow this cell growth.
See his lab's website to find out more: urmc.rochester.edu/labs/altman.aspx. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Aditi Uday Gurkar asks why the aging process produces such disparate results under the same chronology for different people. Her research investigates
Aditi Uday Gurkar is a principal investigator and an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Growing up with her grandparents gave her an early view of the aging process, but the difference between each grandparent's health and strength struck her most of all. This question of why people age so differently drives her research. She explains the causes of DNA damage and mechanisms of DNA repairing, and adds that her lab's focus is on how cells respond to the damage. They believe they've found those responses are integral to different levels of health as one ages.
It's estimated that one cell will undergo 70,000 lesions or damage on any particular day. She explains to listeners that there are many causes of DNA damage, such as sun exposure and resulting UV radiation. The DNA repairing signals kick in after the polymerase finds a lesion too big for its pocket as it reads the DNA during copying and drops off. She explains the different types of repairs in detail and that an over-activation of repairs can lead to a cell responding as if it is in constant stress, which drives aging. The goal of her research is to understand how to intervene and modulate how the cell responds, especially in reference to its metabolism. She describes how their work with model organisms has shown promise with such modulations and also tells listeners about other studies, future goals, and next steps.
For more, follow her on twitter with @healthspan_AUG and see her lab's website: agresearchlab.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Richard J. Martin works predominantly on filarial parasites and how to develop drugs with the best parasite cleanse ability that can evade resistance. He explains
Richard J. Martin is the Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor and the Dr. E.A. Benbrook Endowed Chair in Pathology and Parasitology at Iowa State University. He specializes in filarial parasitology and tells listeners about their impact on human health as well as describes their physiology and ecology. For example, he describes the life stages and habits of the worms that cause river blindness and elephantiasis and how these diseases result from the worm number and activity. He explains challenges to eradicating parasites completely by discussing the heartworm parasite existing in the U.S. despite effective sanitation. Therefore, in struggling countries with bad sanitation, effective anti parasitic medication for humans is a key part of the battle.
He also ties this battle to social and political forces that make this anti parasitic effort especially challenging. For example, better governance and a different motivation for medication funding could make differences in a country’s ability to clean and sanitize these areas as well as motivate drug companies to relieve the suffering of those with these parasites. In the effort to find the best parasite cleanse that is not prone to resistance, the ideal looks like a drug that can be take once a year to treat and prevent all the filarial parasites. Dr. Martin describes one drug that is moving to phase 3 trials, and says that if it gets through, it will be a big breakthrough.
To find out more, google him and find his research on research gate or send him an email. His university website is genetics.iastate.edu/people/richard-martin. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Gavin Douglas and colleagues published a paper assessing microbiome research and assertions that the human microbiome explains missing heritability in nature. He discusses this issue and explains
Gavin Douglas is a PhD Candidate in the Langille Lab in the Deptartment of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University. His background is in human genetics and he has just published an intriguing paper called “Re-evaluating the relationship between missing heritability and the microbiome” in the journal Microbiome. He helps listeners understand the basics regarding the issue by explaining heritability as the proportion of variation in a phenotype in a given population explained by genetic variance. He offers more background to this standard and then explains the “case of the missing heritability,” which basically indicates the variation that isn’t explained.
Several hypotheses have emerged to explain this missing heritability, several of which are tied to the human microbiome. He describes how, for example, a holobiont model of a human organism puts forward a hologenome—a combined genome that includes the microbiome and might capture the missing heritability. The article discusses this theory and points out ways it doesn’t quite fit. For example, the holobiont doesn’t present a combined evolutionary unit that transmits over generations. But he does think the microbiome plays a role in this mystery. He explains how and why and different ways scientists use these ideas.
For more, follow him on twitter as @gavin_m_douglas and read the open-access paper here: Re-evaluating the relationship between missing heritability and the microbiome. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Computational biologist and evolutionary genomics researcher Eugene Koonin touches on several timely topics about biology, evolution, and what computational biology can teach us. In this podcast, he discusses
Eugene V. Koonin is a Senior Investigator at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and an NIH Distinguished Investigator and works in evolutionary systems biology. This includes genomic comparative analysis of everything from the human genome to coronaviruses. He shares his vast knowledge with listeners and explains how the molecular clock functions in a computational role. He gives concrete ways this can be understood, such as comparing the same gene in an animal and a human genome.
He explains the basics of comparative genomics, a key advancement of our era of biological evolution study, and how it allows for an alignment for scientists to maximize similarity comparisons. They can then compare nucleotide sequences directly with similar life forms and make conclusions about their relationships and functional predictions. He explains how this works using coronaviruses as an example: anything shared between highly virulent strains but is not present in milder strains gives researchers vital information.
He also discusses various elements of evolution like punctuated evolution and the math of speciation. He also describes theories of the beginnings of life and Darwin’s Last Universal Common Ancestor, or LUCA, as well as how the first genomes might have evolved from RNA and ribosomes that catalyzed various reactions including nucleotide polymerization. Finally, he addresses advancements in his field on the near horizon.
For more, search for him in Google Scholar and see his NCBI web page: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/groups/koonin/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Tying the importance of economics to technological innovation is key to advancing developing countries. Eric Verhoogen’s research asks why firms in industrial countries aren’t adopting technologies already developed by richer countries. He tells listeners about some microeconomics concepts his research explores. For example, he explains
Eric Verhoogen is a professor in the Department of Economics and School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He researches the importance of economics in adopting new technologies by examining organizational barriers to these technologies. He explains this research by telling listeners about a specific example involving the introduction of a less wasteful technology into soccer ball production in several Pakistani firms. He describes his particular research experiment that resulted in pinpointing the barrier to implementing this technology on workers who would lose money in their per-piece system. He discusses why this was the case and what was different about one firm that chose to take on this technology and why that was significant.
His example relays other barriers to taking on new technology such as owners unwilling to undergo too much organizational reworking as well as the mysteries behind the lack of much “knowledge spill over.” Such research opens up keys to ways government could effectively intervene in terms of tariff reduction and trade organizations. He also discusses his other research projects such as incentivizing surgical goods innovation through a contest and a project in Tunisia on pay-for-performance export production and subsidies.
To find out more, see his Columbia website, columbia.edu/~ev2124/, and find him on Twitter as @EricVerhoogen. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Ian Birrell is a contributing editor of The Mail on Sunday, has a weekly column in the i newspaper, and has written for a number of publications, including The Times, The Washington Post, the Daily Mail, and the Guardian. Over the course of his career, he has reported for more than 60 countries worldwide. In this episode, he shares what he knows about the origins of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 situation in general. Press play to learn:
Like most of us, Birrell began hearing about COVID-19 around February when stories began breaking in the media about a potential Chinese cover-up regarding the virus. Considering it a “potential” pandemic at the time, Birrell focused his investigative research on these allegations, including one which placed the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with China in cover-up efforts. He wrote a couple of pieces covering evidence which suggests that the infectious virus broke out earlier than claimed, and that the wet market theory of origin might not be true.
Birrell explains what’s wrong with the wet market theory of origin, citing the original Lancet paper on the wet market which showed that the very first cases identified were not linked to the wet market, a report in the South China Morning Post showing cases going back to mid-November which were not linked to the market, and several early investigative journalists who published articles which have since been censored and removed from most social media websites.
In particular, Birrell discusses evidence which suggests that Chinese officials knew by mid-December that human-to-human transmission was possible, and that the entire genetic code of the virus had been sequenced by January 2nd. That genetic sequencing data—data that would have allowed for earlier research on an effective treatment or a vaccine—was not shared until more than a week later, when it was posted on a public access site by an Australian scientist on behalf of a Shanghai professor, who had his lab shut down just two days later.
Birrell also discusses the potential of a laboratory leak of the virus, unusual characteristics of the virus, how different nations have responded to the virus, and the need to be wary of vested interests in journalism and science pushing particular narratives about what’s going on.
Learn more at http://www.ianbirrell.com/about-me/ and find Birrell on Twitter at @ianbirrell. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Returning guest Jo Bhadi discusses using new platforms and technologies to predict cancer probability as well as what he’s learned about how cancer evolves. He also discusses how Quantgene seeks to serve its customers. He addresses
Jo Bhakdi started Quantgene in 2015 at a UC Berkeley Lab with a goal of early disease detection. The company uses quantitative science for a new level of precision. They started in cancer detection spaces using cell-free DNA sequencing with what is known about the human genome sequence. They saw a tremendous opportunity opening up based on new technology platforms, sequencing, and AI recognition algorithms. In a nutshell, they pursued how to look at cell-free DNA shed by cancer in the bloodstream and recognition patterns to identify the 15 most deadly cancers. They sell their services directly to patients but include physicians and genetic counselors in the process.
He explains their business model in further detail but also covers the complications of detecting and understanding cancer progression, from the heterogeneity of tumors to advantages of cell-free DNA sequencing compared to tumor biopsies. He explains the systemic insight into cancer a liquid biopsy offers. He describes other limitations of tumor biopsies and how the question of heterogeneity of a tumor is surprisingly complex. In fact, he adds that the whole concept of quantifying tumor heterogeneity is a very new concept. He describes many characteristics of cancer and its evolution in more detail and then addresses how Quantgene layers many degrees of information, including medical and genetic history, to produce a highly precise probabilistic model.
For more about the company, see quantgene.com. To find out about the direct-to-consumer service, see chooseserenity.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Jean-Frederic Colombel has studied Inflammatory Bowel Disease treatment (IBD) for about forty years. He explains for listeners
Jean-frederic Colombel is a professor of medicine and gastroenterology with the Feinstein IBD Clinical Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He came to Mount Sinai about 10 years ago and had been researching in Lille, France. He tells listeners how treatment of this autoimmune disease has progressed over 40 years and what scientists are still trying to understand. He explains that even though doctors are able to bring patients into deep remission with current inflammatory bowel disease treatment where they have no symptoms and show a perfect colonoscopy, there is not a real cure. As soon as they stop taking the medications, the disease makes headway. Since coming to Mount Sinai, he's worked on better predication and prevention measures.
He tells listeners that Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis overlap and differ. For example, medications that work for one also often work for the other. Differences include how much of the digestive tract and layers of the bowel are being affected. Crohn's disease, for example, can result in a fistula—basically a "communication" or opening and track across the perennial area. They can result in painful abscesses and difficult day-to-day symptoms. He then addresses known causes and describes how much is unknown. IBD is a young person's disease, often showing up around age 25, and early diagnosis is key to preventing complications. He describes studies to better understand the disease, such as a large scale serum sample collection of the U.S. Army to look at biomarkers, as well as treatment efforts beyond drugs such as fecal transplants to microbiome alterations.
For more see his page at Mount Sinai: mountsinai.org/profiles/jean-frederic-colombel. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
As an associate professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Virginia, Anton Korinek studies macroeconomics and international financial stability. He shares details of his work and his input on the COVID-19 situation. Press play to discover:
The study of economics rests on the premise that the market economy is a very powerful force in society—one that has enabled much progress, but has also been known to lead society astray from the greater good. The force referred to here is called an externality.
Korinek explains that externalities arise when people who engage in economic activity do so in a way that affects others without their consent. Consider, for example, a company that dumps waste in a river which runs through your property. Or anyone who produces greenhouse gasses which contribute to global warming. These are externalities, or forces which produce a negative impact on individuals and society at large.
Most recently, Korinek has been asking what kind of externalities have arisen from the COVID-19 situation. Mask mandates, social gathering restrictions, economic limitations…these are just a few topics that have become a serious issue of debate in recent months. Many people believe that these mandates infringe upon our civil liberties, but even more are disturbed by a seeming lack of evidence to support the idea that these restrictions are indeed helping the situation. As an economist, Korinek weighs in on these matters.
He talks about the ways in which his opinions and viewpoints have changed over the course and development of the COVID-19 situation, the economic cost and effect of social distancing mandates, and what he thinks is likely to happen in the near and long-term future.
Tune in, and check out www.korinek.com for more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate professor in molecular biosciences at Northwestern University, Erik Andersen, discusses his research in quantitative and molecular genetics. Tune in to learn:
“If we could sequence a genome and then read it like a book, could we predict or understand the phenotype of an organism…how long we would live, the types of drugs we could take that would be most efficacious towards treating certain types of diseases, whether we’re predisposed to other diseases?”
In Andersen's lab, the focus is on answering this question by using roundworm nematodes to study the connection between the genome and different traits of the organism. He explains that there are many examples—not just in nematodes, but in flies and yeast and humans—of correlation between genetic sequence changes from organism to organism and trait differences. In humans, two of the most well-known are for type II diabetes risk and height.
Andersen is looking at how differences in DNA can explain phenotypic differences such as responses to chemotherapeutics and toxins. This type of work is particularly challenging because there could be millions of variants in a particular region of the genome that may correlate with the trait of interest. This is where quantitative genetics tends to stop, and Andersen’s research picks up.
He explains that by using a genetic system like the nematode, large populations of individuals can be grown, their genomes can be mixed using genetic crosses, and the correlations can be broken down and further refined. This allows for the narrowing down of millions of variants to just a few hundred variants; additional crosses at this point can eventually break down those hundreds of variants to just one.
Andersen dives into the details of this research and so much more, including what his research has shown about genetic polymorphism, what technologies have made this research possible, and the many benefits of using roundworms for this research.
For more, visit https://www.molbiosci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/erik-andersen.html. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Space historian, author, and founder of the website Behind the Black, Bob Zimmerman, shares compelling insight into the world of his expertise on space information and the latest space technology. In this episode, you will discover:
“You cannot separate space exploration from the politics…and the culture of its time,” says Zimmerman. He discusses the Apollo program—the individual missions and the overall purpose and outcome of it. He also discusses the Space Shuttle program and why it largely failed to meet its supposedly intended goal.
So, what is the aim of most projects focused on the moon? Zimmerman says it's to explore the potential of permanently shadowed craters on the moon where the sun never shines. Some data suggest that ice might be located in these areas, which means there would be oxygen and hydrogen, and therefore a source of fuel. He goes on to explain the efforts of various characters to explore these potentialities.
In the last decade, Zimmerman says that the US has been transitioning away from the Soviet model to the US model within which private enterprise operates, and that NASA is no longer the leader of everything done in this field. He dives into the details of what this means, what SpaceX has accomplished since entering this market, the purpose and design of what’s called the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV), and so much more.
Press play for an in-depth conversation covering all things space and space tech with a true expert on the matter. To learn more, check out https://behindtheblack.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Carvalho researches parasitic diseases in humans. In this podcast, she focuses on causes of malaria and tells listeners
Teresa Carvalho is a senior lecturer of physiology, anatomy, and microbiology at La Trobe University in Australia. She explains the basic elements of parasitic diseases in humans and how parasites that cause malaria enter the blood stream from the salivary glands of mosquitos. After they go to the liver, they return to the red blood cells, feed on hemoglobin, expand, and divide. One parasite can divide until as many as 32 leave one blood cell. They destroy red blood cells along the way, which leads to fever and other detrimental results. Disease progression includes severe anemia and debilitating cerebral malaria, which can result in blood clots and coma.
Dr. Carvalho takes this information and explains key moments for therapeutic intervention, the crux of her research. Because their time in the red blood cells cause malaria symptoms and disease, scientists think this is when to focus treatment and research. She adds that it’s a more accessible moment for research because they can culture these parasites in the lab in red blood cells. She also describes some of the mystery causes of malaria. For example, even the red blood cells that are not infected by the parasite die—she and her lab are trying to understand why. One theory involves extracellular vesicles these parasites use to communicate with each other. She also describes challenges to these studies, the hope of repurposing drugs that are used for other disease, as well as the urgency: children under five are the largest group that die from malaria.
For more about her work and to contact her with questions, see her page on the La Trobe University website: scholars.latrobe.edu.au/display/tcarvalho. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Brenda McManus is leading a microbiology study to better understand periodontal disease and foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. She explains her microbial research by discussing
Dr. Brenda McManus is an Experimental Officer in Microbiology in the School of Dental Science at Trinity College in Dublin. She talks about her microbiology study involving dental health, foot ulcers, and diabetes with a focus on Staphylococci species. They’ve found bacteria in foot ulcers that “shouldn’t be there,” and these same bacteria are present in periodontal disease. She establishes why patients who suffer from diabetes struggle with foot ulcers and periodontal disease, from such reasons as poor circulation or nerve damage from excess glucose. This means they can’t feel an injury to the foot or can’t feel pain when a wound is developing.
In addition, bacteria in periodontal disease can cause pockets in the gums and swelling and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. It is twice as common and more severe in people who have diabetes. She mentions additional research showing links between periodontal disease and other diseases throughout the body including heart and kidney disease. She describes her current research and says her team is comparing genomic sequences of different staph samples from the mouth, fingers, toes, and more, identifying which species are in each site. She adds that if they identify the same species in all the different sites, they will compare the isolate genomes. If they are the same, that would be very strong evidence that there is a link between these sites. She describes next steps, therapeutic goals, and the importance of awareness of periodontal health and disease prevention.
For more, see her information on the Trinity College website, tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=bmcmanu, and find her on Research Gate and LinkedIn. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Mark Denison has studied infectious diseases and specifically coronaviruses for decades and he explains some unique elements of their daunting mechanisms. He discusses
Mark Denison is Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University. He’s spent much of his career working with coronaviruses and was concerned about a scenario like our current one long before March. He backs up and explains some general findings about coronaviruses including their unique capacity for rapid evolution and adaptation, entry, recruitment of cellular machinery, and so on. He tells listeners that they have significantly more base pairs than other RNA viruses. In fact, this is one of the largest RNA replicating genomes known. Its mechanisms are responsible for symptoms like recurrent fever causes and vulnerability for immunodeficiency sufferers.
In 2007, Dr Denison and his team made a significant discovery about this type of virus after years of mystification surrounding its ability to regulate itself, as if it were not error prone, unlike other RNA viruses. They found that coronaviruses are the only known organisms that encode an RNA-dependent, RNA-proofreading system. Many organisms have a proofreading system for copying, but most RNA viruses, like dengue for example, lack the ability to fix mistakes. They create a crowd of mutants around them. Denison explains how this determines the ecology of most RNA viruses and how the enzyme that proofreads for coronaviruses makes for a very different ecology and virulence quality. He also explains the experiments his lab has made on the SARS-CoV-2 “wild-type” virus they’ve worked with to either decrease or increase its mutation rates as well as connections with therapy possibilities. He addresses concerns about flu season and the difficulty in diagnosing recurrent fever causes when both are an issue. Finally, he offers a reality check on what we can predict about SARS-CoV-2’s future in the general population and those with immunodeficiency.
For more, google his name and see his lab website: www.vumc.org/denison-lab. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Rebecca Traub discusses the most prevalent and damaging types of parasites in Australia and Southeast Asia. She describes
Rebecca Traub is a professor in veterinary parasitology at the University of Melbourne. She's had a prolific career, with over 130 publications and several book chapters on the veterinary parasitology impact factors in Australia and Southeast Asia. Her work expands beyond cats and dogs and includes any animal impacted by parasites and their life cycles, including human mammals and resulting public health issues. She explains that parasites use a number of different hosts to stay alive. Therefore, her work can involve wildlife and conservation medicine. As an example, she recounts some work she did to help repopulate an island with the eastern barred bandicoot after an infestation by parasites carried by feral dogs hurt their population.
The majority of her work now is with zoonoses, or parasites transmitted between animals and humans through various means, but her main focus is on soil-transmitted helminths and tick-borne and flea-borne parasites. She describes one of the most dangerous parasites in the world, a soil-borne parasite called Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which is dropped in the soil from dog feces. It's the second most common hookworm in Australia and Southeast Asia and therefore has a tremendous veterinary parasitology impact factor. She explains why it is still a massive problem despite a large-scale effort on WHO's part to decrease its morbidity. She goes into detail about how these worms harm the human body and possible next steps to decrease its negative impact.
For more, see her university website at pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/individuals/professor-rebecca-traub and search her name in Google Scholar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of South Alabama, Kevin Macaluso, joins the show to discuss something you might not have even heard of: rickettsiology.
Tune in to discover:
Rickettsiology is the study of obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria that was described over 100 years ago by Howard Taylor Ricketts, a physician who set out to study the then-unknown source of a lethal disease often referred to as black measles or spotted fever.
Through a series of studies, Ricketts and other researchers figured out that the bacteria causing the disease could be transmitted through tick bites. Over 40 species of rickettsia have been identified worldwide. Ultimately, it is Macaluso’s goal to figure out what drives rickettsial diseases and rickettsial infection in order to potentially intervene in the transmission cycle or find a treatment.
Macaluso’s research is centered around the disease transmission cycle of rickettsia. “Because you’re dealing with bacteria that are transmitted by arthropods to vertebrate hosts, they form a triad of vector-borne diseases, and there are a lot of variables associated with that…it’s a complex interaction between these three organisms, and we study all aspects of it,” explains Macaluso.
He goes on to explain the mechanisms of the bacteria once in the body, including how and where they replicate in the body, how they disseminate in the body, how certain rickettsial pathogens affect the ticks through which transmission occurs, and more.
Visit https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/com/departments/microbiology/ for more info.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Paul Offit, MD is Director of the Vaccine Education Center, professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He joins the show to share his perspective on COVID-19 and discuss COVID-19 vaccine updates.
Press play to learn:
“The fact that two-thirds of the population would get a theoretical, unknown vaccine for which they have no data against a virus which has been, at best, elusive…is pretty amazing…I think I would have answered ‘No’ to that question; I want to see the data first,” says Dr. Offit.
The COVID-19 vaccine development program is receiving unprecedented international interest, much of which is in the form of billions of dollars poured in by the WHO, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and about 80 other companies worldwide.
Dr. Offit expresses concern over the less extensive licensure process and safety issues that may be associated with the emergency-use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine. On this note, he discusses the importance of phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involving a cohort of 30,000 people, 20,000 of which would receive the experimental vaccine and 10,000 of which would receive a placebo.
Dr. Offit also discusses the efforts behind Operation Warp Speed, COVID-19 vaccine progress, what it would mean to have a vaccine provide short-lived and incomplete protection, novel mechanisms of vaccine development such as those that rely upon messenger RNA, information about the potential of the COVID-19 virus to mutate away from potential vaccines, and much more.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Purnima Bhanot, joins the show to discuss all things malaria. In this episode, you will discover:
Malaria has plagued the human species for as long as we have known agriculture. With about 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths per year, it has a staggering toll on human life, but only half of the toll it had about a decade ago.
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. The disease affects primarily children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa, and leads to a number of malaria symptoms, including high fever, chills, anemia, coma, and death.
Bhanot explains the malaria life cycle and exactly how it interacts with the body during subclinical and clinical phases of the disease. She also discusses which populations of individuals are most vulnerable to the disease and why, what sort of control methods have been implemented, how the immune response to the parasite works, whether malaria infects non-human animals, the increasing resistance to antimalarial drugs and how this is being studied, possible malaria treatments, and so much more.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Research Fellow at Imperial College London, Dr. Stephanie Wright, shares the expertise she’s gained over the course of nearly a decade researching the biological and environmental impacts of microplastic pollution. Press play to learn:
Where does that plastic soda bottle you’re drinking from end up? How does the mere friction produced by your movement release synthetic clothing fibers into the environment, and where do those end up? What are “microplastic sinks” and where are they found? These are just a few of the questions explored by Dr. Wright, who’s been fascinated by marine biology since the early days of undergraduate school. At the time, she was doing lab-based research on the impact of microplastic ingestion by marine worms. The findings showed negative effects, including less feeding and a compromised ability to store energy. What might this suggest about the impact of microplastic pollution in the marine environment and on other species?
Her current area of research is on human exposure to and human health effects of airborne microplastic pollution, which she says requires a strong focus on analytical techniques since the particles of interest are on the micron scale. These particles can enter the central airway and lower lung, and part of her research aims to identify evidence of this internal exposure and better understand how microplastics affect human cells of the airway. Are microplastics even toxic, and if so, what exactly makes them toxic? What are some potential microplastics pollution solutions and reduction strategies?
Tune in for all the details on these important topics, and learn more at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/s.wright19https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/s.wright19. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Virologist Jonathan Latham explains his view of living organisms in opposition to genetic or biological determinism. He shares a wide range of thoughts, including
Jonathan Latham, PhD, is the executive director and cofounder of the Bioscience Resource Project. He's the editor of Independent Science News and director of the Poison Papers project, which publishes documents on the chemical industry. In this podcast, he begins by engaging with ideas presented in a previous podcast when Richard spoke with famed biologist Denis Noble. Noble said that there's no privileged level of causation in biology and Latham continues to address this issue, offering his own commentary over the course of the show. He explains that he became interested in the kind of prominence that scientists give to genes and DNA and eventually came to the realization that there are a lot of flaws in how we think about organisms that stem from adherence to genetics facts and emphasizing the importance of genetics.
He asserts that the only agency that exists in an organism is the one that derives from the organism itself and explains what this means in more concrete terms. He also touches on current projects such as a paper he and Allison Wilson wrote about their theory on the origin of SARS-CoV-2, which he believes was through a group of miners who experienced a mysterious disease in 2012. After explaining in more detail, he returns to the ideas of genetic determinism and talks about a book he's authoring on the topic.
To find out more, he suggests getting on the mailing list of Independent Science News. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In 2014, physician Diva Nagula was surprised to face a startling diagnosis. His medical and personal journey is now a part of non hodgkin's lymphoma stage 4 survival stories and he shares some of what he's learned post cancer treatment.
He shares with listeners
Dr. Diva Nagula is an author, physician, and stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. He began his career as a board-certified osteopathic physician and has extensive knowledge and training in Integrative and Functional Medicine. He adds his particular experience as a physician encountering symptoms of non hodgkin's lymphoma.
He tells listeners the different phases of his diagnosis, from his first doctor visit to his waiting period before undergoing chemotherapy and his non hodgkin's lymphoma treatment. He describes spiraling into a fight-or-flight mode at this time as well as an angry phase that left him alone and without social support. His research led him into examining non hodgkin's lymphoma survival rate by age and basic non hodgkin's lymphoma survival rate for stage 4.
As a physician, he was able to understand non hodgkin's lymphoma medicosis and non hodgkin's lymphoma histopathology in a way that other patients couldn’t but he still struggled with the unknown. He discusses his cancer treatment and eventually remission. But he adds that he then landed in a phase of depression. Though he was happy the cancer was in remission, it had been his only relationship and such a sharp point of focus for so long.
After the treatments he found himself basically alone and asking "what's next?" He talks about how the "spark" eventually came back to him through a chance encounter with a previous trainer. He then describes his own lifestyle changes, from eating choices to exercise to mindfulness and spiritual practices. He's written a book about the experience and offers consultations for patients through his website.
For more, see his website at fromdoctortopatient.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
ER doctor Jeff Gusky presents a strong case for key prevention measures of COVID-19 transmission and is eager to spread the word. He tells listeners about
In addition to being an ER doctor, Jeff Gusky is a National Geographic photographer and an explorer. In this podcast he addresses urgent concerns he has about COVID-19 in light of the approaching flu season as well as for folks with vitamin D deficiencies. His concern for flu season actually centers on the low humidity levels in cooler months. Therefore, he's launching two grassroots initiatives to spread his concerns: 1. Don't Go In and 2. Get started, Get Tested, Get Right.
The first initiative emphasizes the dangers of low humidity and urges people to get a hydrometer and not enter spaces below 50% absolute humidity. He asserts that COVID-19 infection only happens indoors in dangerously dry air and is completely tied to weather conditions. He's concerned that as fall approaches and the air gets dryer, the virus will infect more easily. He mentions findings and studies to support this trend and describes different climates that have seen different infection rates. His second initiative connects vitamin D and coronavirus infections. Studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and trouble with COVID-19; therefore, he urges listeners to get their vitamin D levels assessed and supplement if low. He provides more detailed numbers and findings in the podcast as well and discusses his free webinar to promote these issues. Jeff Gusky just completed this 16-minute webinar about GOING ON OFFENCE AGAINST THE VIRUS.
For more information, watch his webinar. He's also happy to take questions by email: jeffgusky@gmail.com Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Microbes perform functions from digesting our food to cycling elements in the environment. Aindrila Mukhopadhyay works to unpack some of their huge potential in her work. She explains to listeners
Aindrila Mukhopadhyay is a Biological Engineer Senior Scientist at Berkeley Lab. She studies types of membrane transport and stress response in microbiology, specifically bacterial stress response. She helps listeners understand her field by describing the capability of microbes, including their ability to make compounds and products that are valuable and can address some of the biggest challenges facing us. She offers some fascinating examples such as Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which can eat carbon sources that other microbes have difficulty eating.
She also explains how she works with these organisms in a lab setting, describing plasmid transport and utilizing stress responses in microbiology to allow cells to take in media. She also discusses how her work implements engineering strategies and how that dictates which organisms she may use. For example, she stays away from organisms with a bacterial stress response of spore production because manufacturing necessitates predictable and stable organism. Finally, she gives examples of current projects as part of her work with the Bioenergy Research Center funded by the Department of Energy. She leads a group that studies organisms that produce biofuels and other bio products.
For examples of her work, google her name for a list of publications and see her institution web site: biosciences.lbl.gov/profiles/aindrila-mukhopadhyay. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
What exactly does a virus do to invade our bodies? Scientist St. Patrick Reid addresses the mechanics through specific virus pathologies. He addresses
St Patrick Reid is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Nebraska. He focuses on the virology of proteins encoded by highly pathogenic viruses like the chikungunya virus infection. He explains what this means by describing his graduate and early career studies on Ebola and other host-pathogen interaction examples. Ebola is able to invade an organisms by encoding for proteins that block the immune system from responding. This gives the virus enough time to amplify itself and replicate. When the body is finally able to react, the virus is so pervasive it over reacts, often unleashing a dangerous over-response; in fact, this is what happens with COVID-19.
Dr. Reid than describes the history of the chikungunya virus infection and how it has made its way from one part of the world to another, including South America and the southern United States. Transmitted by mosquitoes, it often results in a debilitating arthritis that can last for years and scientists don't understand how or why. In fact, that's one of his areas of research, to understand its pathology. As an RNA virus, it does not invade the nucleus and change the genome. He explains some possible theories and his own approach to solving this mystery. He also discusses his thoughts on COVID-19 from his protein-focused research and describes the magnanimous ways researchers are working together across the world to find ways to combat its effects.
The best way to keep an eye on his work and learn more include following him on Twitter as @StPatrickReid3 as well as reviewing his university lab web page at unmc.edu/pathology-research/microbiology/virology/reidlab. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
In Kathy Louise Ruddy’s lab at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are used to study the brain, improve aspects of human behavior, and generate evidence of the efficacy of a new technique in stroke rehabilitation. Tune in to learn:
For people who are recovering from stroke, there’s a new therapeutic technique being researched that could hold great promise: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a type of BCI that magnetically stimulates the brain to cause a response (i.e. movement) in the muscle. These responses are recorded and used as feedback for the BCI, which enables the user to see and control those responses using various strategies. For example, if the user wants to increase the intensity of the muscle response in a finger, they might imagine forcibly pushing an object with that hand; if the user wants to decrease the intensity of the muscle response, they might imagine that their hand is cold or detached from the body. The hope is that when this is applied to the affected limb of a stroke patient, it will build and strengthen the neural pathways that were used to trigger movement in the muscle prior to the stroke, thereby increasing function and use of the affected limb.
Ruddy discusses all the details of this technique and more, including past and upcoming research, results and feedback from research subjects, the use of electroencephalography to train users to control their brainwaves/neural oscillations, and what the near and long-term goals look like for Ruddy’s team.
Learn more by visiting http://translationalbrainhealth.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Victoria Orphan implements environmental microbiology to understand the ecology of organisms in deep sea spaces unsuitable for human life. Her research has broad implications: these life forms process methane, a compound involved in global warming. In this podcast, she discusses
Victoria Orphan is the James Irvine Professor of Environmental Science and Geobiology and the director of the Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions at Caltech. She studies the ecology of microbes and the minerals and elements that they cycle. This means utilizing tools of microbiology to understand how these microorganism function. Because she focuses on deep ocean systems, these interactions are often between undomesticated organisms that exist in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents. She's trying to learn how they influence the cycling of geological systems and elements like carbon and methane.
She discusses some of her ventures into the ocean, describing the curious yeti crabs she observed—crabs that have a symbiosis with oxidizing bacteria and wave their arms over sulfur-rich vents to feed these bacteria that coats their arms and that they then eat. A lot of her focus, however, is on the microscale ecology of what is happening in these spaces. This includes microorganisms that are involved in the transfer of methane. She describes her study of a microbial symbiosis that is occurring between an archaea and a bacteria that use sulfates from seawater, removing methane. She expounds on the challenges of such a study and how this may help understand what exactly ends up in the atmosphere and causes warming.
To find out more, see her lab's website: orphanlab.caltech.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher Marc Vermulst and his team have discovered how years of prion-like proteins cause neurodegenerative disorders. He explains
Marc Vermulst is an assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California. He has had a lifelong interest in the human aging process and signs of aging and studies how our genome changes. He measures that change and works to understand how this impacts our health. Early in his career while studying premature aging syndromes, he noted that most were characterized by an instable genome—in other words, these early signs of aging were accompanied by a genome that faced changes at a faster pace than most normal genomes. This pushed him to his current interest in genome change and aging.
He's been trying to link the natural aging process in a mechanistic way to age-related diseases. He comments that while we see those disease occur as a result of the aging process, what exactly is happening to cause those diseases has not been clear; however, his work has identified what they think may be a key cause, namely misfolded proteins that lead to prion-like proteins, which result from transcription errors. These proteins take on a life of their own and force other proteins to conform to their shape, a shape that seems to be toxic to cells. He explains this process in more detail and suggest long term goals these findings may address such as medically relevant therapies.
For more, see his website: https://gero.usc.edu/faculty/marc-vermulst-phd/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate Scientist in Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Amy Apprill, joins the show to share insight on her area of expertise: the microbes of the animals in the ocean and the marine ecosystem in general. Tune in to discover:
A coral reef is an entire ecosystem with its own rocks, animals, and plants in the most biodiverse environment in the ocean. Apprill’s work is centered around research on the microbiome of corals.
She and her team have found that different microbes inhabit three primary regions of the coral: the mucous layer, the tissues, and the skeleton. She explains how the use of microscopy has helped shed light on the role of different bacterial communities within the coral depending on where they live. The team has also been looking at the composition of microbes and cells that can live as symbionts with the corals in the water within the 30 centimeters surrounding corals. She shares what they've learned so far from this research, and what's to come.
Apprill also describes some of the signs which indicate unhealthy coral, and the research they're doing to determine what factors help healthy corals stay that way. She talks about the importance and sensitivities of ocean ecology, and the impact of human activities on coral reef microbial communities.
To learn more about Apprill's work, visit https://www2.whoi.edu/site/amy-apprill/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Biodiversity and protected area specialist, Julian Bayliss, shares the details of his interesting work in conservation biology, ecology, and area management over the years, with a special emphasis on his discovery of a lost forest. Tune in to learn:
Over 15 years of biodiversity research and surveys in Africa eventually led to the discovery of a lost rainforest atop Mount Lico in Northern Mozambique. The expeditions that led to this are a part of a larger conservation program that aims to bring attention and focus to the importance of protecting the high-altitude mountains and biodiversity in this region. Ultimately, it is about providing the necessary evidence to justify the funds for protecting and managing this region of Africa.
According to the locals surrounding the base of the mountain, no one had ever been up there…up the steep circle of rock cradling a rainforest about one kilometer in diameter. With this information, Bayliss and his team set out to explore the secret forest he’d identified through satellite imagery, with the expectation that they would be the first humans to ever step foot there. However, they were in for quite a surprise when they discovered three upturned clay pots arranged in a triangular shape beside a stream. How did they get there? When were they put there? And by whom…and why?
These are a few of the questions Bayliss talks about on today’s show. He also explains what types of new species were found in the rainforest, the DNA sequencing they’re doing to learn more about the animals found, and what he’s planning for the future.
To watch a National Geographic special on the lost forest, click on the link here: https://youtu.be/aDoanNM7O_s. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Pamela Popper is the president of Wellness Forum Health, a company that’s been offering a number of health and wellness services for the past 25 years. In this episode, critically important questions about COVID-19—the ones you won’t hear in mainstream media—are asked and answered. You’ll learn:
At first, we were told by health officials that masks couldn’t stop the spread of the virus, and even worse, that they might increase the likelihood of contracting it, but now we can’t buy food in most parts of the country without wearing one. Conflicting information has been coming at us through mainstream media outlets since day one, yet at the same time, popular platforms like Twitter and YouTube are actively censoring anyone who shares information that doesn’t align with a very specific narrative—the same narrative that’s touted in 24-hour news cycles, commercials, social media platforms, billboards, and even by many of our friends, family members, and neighbors.
There is no end in sight. Will there be a second wave? Or are we already in the second wave, and waiting for the third? Is this really the “new normal” that we all just need to accept, one in which our children can return to school only if they wear a mask and stay far apart from their peers and teachers at all times, or else risk death? In this landscape, honest and credible medical doctors are being barred from documenting their clinical stats and perspectives on the handling of this virus. We must ask why.
What about the doctors who admit that they’re being pressured and monetarily incentivized to write COVID-19 on death certificates? What about the conflicting results from multiple COVID-19 tests on one person, or the fact that the PCR test used isn’t a diagnostic tool at all, but a laboratory technique?
How do we make sense of all of this? Dr. Popper provides a compelling answer that she can back of with extensive research and evidence, explaining “That’s how you destabilize a population, and that’s what this is really all about…If you want to completely take control of people, you make arbitrary rules and change them often, you make sure that people are separated and they can’t assemble…you turn the people against one another, and then you can take over a population of people…Hitler...Stalin…Castro did it…What we’re watching is how you can take over the world using the same strategies…”
Dr. Popper provides a concise list of the four things that were necessary in order to bring about this pandemic, and what the powers that be—namely the CDC and WHO in conjunction with other powerful actors—didn’t count on. To learn more about making sense of the state of the world, and to unite with like-minded Americans, visit https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/. To find information on Dr. Popper and Wellness Forum Health, visit https://wellnessforumhealth.com/. To check out Dr. Popper's informative and eye-opening videos on COVID-19, search for her channel on YouTube. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
David Berger is an associate professor of economics at Duke University who joins the show the discuss his expertise on the current and future economic climate in the U.S. Press play to learn:
As an empirical macroeconomist, Berger researches a variety of topics having to do with the interactions between government policy and the housing markets, as well as issues around imperfect competition in the labor market (i.e. the economic effects of firms that have the power to set wages).
In this episode, Berger talks about the current housing market and how mortgage interest rates have trended over the past 30 years, state-level implementation of unemployment insurance administration amid the coronavirus pandemic, what Berger thinks should happen if cases of foreclosure increase, the increasing rate of permanent job loss each month, and the economic importance of reopening elementary schools.
He also discusses reasons why the current recession is different from other recessions, such as the fact that wealthier households are not spending money, perhaps because they’ve cut back on eating out and travelling due to the pandemic. This is having a devastating effect on a lot of retailers, and Berger doesn’t think it will improve until the public health problems improve.
Press play for all the details, and learn more about Berger’s work at https://sites.google.com/site/davidwberger. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Robert Siegel is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University and commentator on coronavirus for several news outlets. He joins the podcast today to share his expertise. Tune in to discover:
Siegel started teaching about viruses over four decades ago during a course on the biology and causes of cancer. He teaches in public education, and works for a number of non-governmental organizations doing prevention work on HIV in regions of Africa, and malaria in Papua New Guinea.
Most recently, he’s been working with students on a review of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the current coronavirus. He explains where the gaps in our knowledge lie with regard to the current pandemic, for example knowing what percentage of people who are positive for the virus yet asymptomatic will become symptomatic. He discusses mutation rates and replication of coronaviruses more generally, and the speed with which the molecular biology of COVID-19 has been understood.
“It’s possible that we may have a vaccine in six months, or a year, or two years, or five years, but we can’t be sure; it’s possible we may have some very effective therapeutics by the end of the year, or in two years, or five years, but don’t know for sure; the only thing we know for sure is that behavioral interventions are capable of stopping this virus,” says Siegel. He goes on to explain the things that get in the way of behavioral intervention, which include psychological, economic, and political impacts. He advocates for a long-term perspective when it comes to thinking about this virus, and shares what he believes needs to happen right now in order to start getting rid of it. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Senior program officer at The Kresge Foundation, Jalonne White-Newsome, joins the show to discuss equitable climate resilience and urban flooding and health. Tune in to discover:
The Kresge Foundation mission is to expand opportunities in low-income American communities through grant making, where the focus is to help build climate-resilient communities in ways that are grounded in equity. This environmental program is where White-Newsome carries out most of her work at The Kresge Foundation. She explains that climate resilience is about reducing sources of pollution that drive climate change and helping people adapt to the new normal because of climate change. It’s also about making sure that those who are impacted the most are a part of the solution.
White-Newsome has been an integral part of The Kresge Foundation’s Climate Resilience and Equitable Water Systems (CREWS) initiative, which aims to address climate-driven urban flooding—the kind of flooding that doesn’t always make the headlines like the flooding that occurs during major national disasters. However, White-Newsome explains that the same level of anxiety and disaster can come from the flooding that occurs in urban environments, especially when it causes significant property damage, requires people in low-income communities to relocate, and leads to mental and physical health effects for those impacted.
“What has been underappreciated is the way we solve the problem; it’s not just…throwing up a levee or creating some type of physical infrastructure to…contain the water…the other critical piece is making sure that…we’re addressing the social infrastructure problem,” says White-Newsome.
Press play for all the details of this important conversation, and learn more by searching for the CREWS initiative at https://kresge.org/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Chelsea Rochman is an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Toronto and scientific advisor to the Ocean Conservancy. On today’s episode, she shares important insight from her research on anthropogenic contaminants in the environment and the organisms within it. Press play to learn:
Rochman’s research revolves around anthropogenic contaminants—what happens when they are added to the environment, how they interact with animals and plants, how they impact species and aquatic ecosystems, where they most frequently enter the environment, and what types of effects different contaminants have on different aspects of the environment.
For over ten years, Rochman has focused on plastic contamination. By taking samples from various environmental sources and the guts of organisms, she quantifies and characterizes the plastics found, which allows her to not only conduct further research on how specific contaminants impact organisms, but also propose to industry and municipalities more sustainable ways of utilizing and managing plastics. Much of the research in this field has shown that the smaller the plastic, the more likely it is to have an impact on organisms, and those impacts range from changes in growth patterns to low offspring viability.
In addition to discussing these topics in depth, Rochman touches on types of ecotoxicology research, trophic transfer of microplastics, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics, and the chemistry of the environment.
For more information on Rochman’s work, visit https://rochmanlab.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Frankie Wood-Black has a PhD in physics and is on the faculty at Northern Oklahoma College. She explains how she found herself in the field of chemical health and safety and shares her expertise on these matters. Tune in to learn:
Chemicals are everywhere; walk through a grocery store and you’re likely to pass by hundreds or more. Who regulates all of these chemicals? Who identifies health hazards and responds to environmental exposures? Who keeps the drinking water safe for drinking? Wood-Black answers all of these questions and more. She discusses the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Clean Air Act, how chemical regulation has changed over the past few decades and years, what the TSCA “reboot” accomplished, the role of the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency in the establishment of laws and regulations, how chemicals are categorized into “classes,” what types of hazards and challenges are encountered in the field of chemical health and safety, and so much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Political Science at Duke University, Michael C. Munger, joins the show to discuss what he believes is the way forward for addressing poverty and more efficiently using resources. Tune in to learn:
Interested in woodworking but nowhere near financially prepared to purchase everything you’d need for a workshop? Wishing you could put your money toward a particular project in your community? Wondering what you’d do with your time if you just…didn’t have to work anymore?
These questions may seem entirely unrelated to each other, but according to Munger and many others, they’re not. In fact, each one of these questions is raised and discussed in this episode on what it would mean to have a “platform” economy—a voluntary, private space where people use smart contracts and apps to coordinate the sharing of resources rather than the purchasing and owning of resources.
“Until fairly recently, most of us thought that we needed jobs because we needed money so that we could go buy stuff and own it and pay to store it; platforms allow us to share things in a way that reduces our footprint on the environment...and make much more efficient use of the stuff we have," says Munger. He explains all the details of how this system would work, how it would solve the problem of triangulation, and the main challenges that must be overcome. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Andrea Gambotto is working on potential vaccine candidates for COVID-19. In 2003, his group was the first to develop a vaccine for a coronavirus. He discusses developing the COVID-19 vaccine based on its epidemiology. He explains
Dr. Andrea Gambotto is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He's worked on vaccines for MERs and SARs in the past decades and now his group is developing a prototype for COVID-19. Thus far, they have tested it on animal models and hope to move to testing on people soon. He explains the attributes necessary for the vaccine based on its epidemiology.
Along the way he describes basic vaccine elements such as the difference between a protein and virus platform and the challenges of meeting yield requirements. He notes that the first group they will test is a subunit protein. Protein platforms are safer, he notes, because they are easier to manufacture large scale and to administer. Their prototype could be stable at room temperature, which is important because it needs to be used and stored all over the world. He comments that they are looking at delivery through microneedle patches and explains this process in more detail.
He also tells listeners how the spike proteins in the vaccine induce antibodies that bind with the real virus and block it from entering the cell, which is called neutralizing a virus. He elaborates on this, explaining that ultimately the vaccine would have hundreds of different protein antibodies. He describes additional challenges of achieving the perfect balance in vaccine development particular to COVID-19.
To find out more, see the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine website coverage, and keep an ear open for media updates. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Trent Northen studies the chemistry of microbiomes. More specifically, he studies how exogenous metabolites structure a microbial community, and, in turn, how those microbes change the metabolite pool and grow the microbial population. Because his work is primarily funded by the Department of Energy, he's focused on the microbial community in soil and on plant roots. He describes
Trent Northen is the Interim Deputy of the EGSB Division and a Chemist Senior Scientist at the Berkeley Lab of Biosciences. He begins the podcast describing the rich and complex cycles of plant, metabolites, and microbes, noting how plants feed microbes that live in and around their roots and how those microbial populations in turn help the plants with nitrogen-fixing, excluding pathogens, and transporting phosphorous, among other processes.
His work mostly focuses on bacteria that live in close proximity to the roots, but he describes how fungi can interact with plant roots over very large distances. For example, biological soil crusts use fungal hyphae in extraordinary ways. He explains this process and ecology in more detail and then he describes his research into the microbial community attached to the roots of the plants—the rhizosphere. He also explains the mechanism of soil depletion in big agriculture, how the compost and organic carbon cycle of decaying plant materials is absent from larger farming systems. Furthermore, he elaborates on ways the work of his lab can and might address such problems as well as studying which plants might grow in low nutrient environments and heal the soil as well as practices for soil carbon restoration and other advances.
For more information, see his lab's website, northenlab.org, and eco-fab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Is wifi radiation harmful? Dafna Tachover asked this after experiencing extreme symptoms that began with a laptop purchase. She shares her research and efforts since then with podcast listeners. In this episode, she addresses
Dafna Tachover is the director of Stop 5G & Wireless Harms Project, a part of Children's Health Defense, and an attorney in New York and Israel. She begins by relaying her own experience in 2009 while living in Princeton, New Jersey, and starting her own law practice. After buying a new laptop, she noticed disturbing symptoms while in proximity with the computer that continued despite returning and trying other laptops. These symptoms included tingling in her fingers and feet, headaches, and heart palpitations. She explains that she doesn't like the term "sensitivity" for this condition—rather, the word "injury" is a more accurate word for this. She had worked with wireless for years before and it had taken its toll, injuring her system.
She describes why our biology is affected and why we need EMF protection from this pulsation modulation. She also explains the pushback to this claim and notes that there is a huge amount of studies that answer "is wifi radiation harmful?" with a definitive "yes." She notes the extreme financial incentive for wireless companies to cast this in the light of conspiracy theory and then explains what 5G is and how it will increase this radiation. Finally, she offers several ways listeners can fight back and make decisions to hardwire their own homes and eliminate radiation in their surroundings.
For resources on how to hardwire to the internet within your home along with other information, see childrenshealthdefense.org. Other resources include saferemr.com , mdsafetech.org, and buildingbiology.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Zhiyong Fan is a Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and head of the Functional and Advanced Nanostructures (FAN) Laboratory at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and he joins the show to discuss the development of a new bionic eye that would enable robots and people with blindness to see. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Fan’s initial inspiration for his current work stemmed from something that’s a source of inspiration for many: sci-fi films. In particular, he was amazed by the idea of creating a sophisticated artificial eye structure that could function like the human eye.
He explains that all of the current technology utilizing light sensing materials are restricted by flat rather than spherical substrates…that is, until about 2016 when Fan had the idea to use a porous hemispherical template to host light sensing material to form an artificial retina. This template is filled with semi-conductive nanowires which form a 3D array in a way that allows them to stand vertically inside the template and point toward the center of the sphere. The result? A structure very similar to that of the human retina.
Fan goes on to explain the next step in the creation of this aptly named “bionic eye,” the details of the processes which have led to the current product, how a bionic eye of this sort would work, the potential ways in which this technology could be further developed, and the feasibility of developing a bionic eye that can be fully implanted into a human eye socket.
Interested in learning more? Tune in and check out https://eezfan.home.ece.ust.hk/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Simon Roux is a member of the metagenome project at the Joint Genome Institute, which is a part of the Berkeley Lab. In this episode, he discusses his research on viruses that affect microbial life. Tune in to discover:
These days, it seems all the world has its focus on one virus, but Roux reminds us that there are likely billions of viruses in the universe, with at least one for every species on Earth. Over the course of the last five years or so, we’ve gone from having discovered just a few thousand virus genomes to now two million virus genomes. This is a massive amount of growth in data, and according to Roux, viruses will just continue to be discovered for the foreseeable future.
As part of the metagenome project, Roux uses a number of ‘omics’ to study the genetic composition and function of viruses, including metatranscriptomics and metabolomics. He focuses exclusively on viruses of microbes, whether bacteria, archaea, or protists. He explains that contrary to what many people think, viruses don’t just kill their host cells, but carry out an array of activities and may choose between a lytic infection and a chronic infection.
Roux discusses a number of topics involving phage, the viruses of bacteria. With over ten years’ worth of data at their fingertips, Roux is one of many researchers asking questions about the nature of the interactions between host cells of different types of microbes and viruses across microbial species.
To learn more about the work being done at Berkeley Lab and the Joint Genome Institute, visit https://www.lbl.gov/ and https://jgi.doe.gov/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Christian Frezza focuses on tissue-specific carcinogenesis and specifically metabolic pathways in an attempt to achieve the prevention of cancer progression. In this podcast he addresses
Christian Frezza works at the Medical Research Council (MRC) as a program leader in the MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, a unit that investigates carcinogens, other cancer causes, differentiations between functionality of cancer types, and the prevention of cancer. His lab focuses specifically on metabolic determinants of cancerous transformation, which means understanding how cancer cells find their nutrients to grow and proliferate. He explains that this area of research is very exciting because they are revealing new aspects of cancer biology that can address therapies for different cancer types as well as a way to understand carcinogens.
He explains how tumors and metastases have very different the nutrient needs. For example, a metastasis has a metabolism need closer to the nutrient needs of tissue around it. Furthermore, while they know that all cancer causes increased glucose consumption, there are many differences between how cancer types metabolize.
He describes two important questions of his research: first, whether they can restrict some specific nutrients to affect growth; and second, if they can find that by using specific nutrients, they can identify certain markers of cancer transformation through identifying metabolites. Finally, overall this research will help understand the pathophysiology of cancer and mechanistic aspects of it. He also explains complications of the research and their findings as well as important steps and discoveries in the field.
To learn more, see his lab's website at mrc-cu.cam.ac.uk/research/Christian-frezza-folder and follow him on twitter as @FrezzaLab. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Researcher P'ng Loke investigates how our microbiome and immune system interacts with parasitic worm infections. He relays key points in his research, including
P'ng Loke is a senior investigator at the NIH and Chief of the Type 2 Immunity Section of the NIH's Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases. He explains to listeners that parasitic worms are really good at manipulating their hosts' immune response, particularly in how they affect a type of immune cell called the macrophage. In fact, they are able to remain in hosts for years if not decades undetected. This has huge potential in multiple therapeutic avenues, from organ transplants to overactive immune responses such as inflammatory and other bowel diseases.
Loke explains the beginnings of his studies, including a fascinating case of a man suffering from IBD who infected himself with whipworms on purpose after reading some studies and found his disease went in remission. Loke then describes various reasons for this as well as how our efforts toward modern sanitation may have altered our immune system in some ways.
He explains that parasitic worms, like helminths, have figured out how to mask themselves from hosts' immune responses, making them akin to a successful organ transplant. If scientists can understand how they are manipulating the immune response to downregulate or suppress its immunity, they may uncover many therapeutic treatments. He adds that most scientists think it is a spillover response—and the ways they affect the type 2 immune cells such as a type of macrophage cell—can lead to a protective barrier of mucus that prohibits bowel inflammation and disease in some cases. He explains this and other theories in more depth, so listen in.
For more, see his lab's website: niaid.nih.gov/research/png-loke-phd Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Today’s episode features Graciela Chichilnisky, CEO & Co-founder of Global Thermostat and Professor of Economics and Statistics at Columbia University. Tune in to discover:
In 1997, US Congress passed the Byrd-Hagel law, which states that there shall be no limitations on greenhouse gas emissions in the US if those limitations would have a negative impact on the economy. This law was passed under the assumption that economic development and a cleaner environment are incompatible goals, and as a result, emissions have gone unchecked and led to dire consequences.
Global Thermostat is a company that’s turning this assumption on its head; the premise and mission of the company is that it is very much possible to lower emissions and remove CO2 from the atmosphere while at the same time spurring economic development and the creation of jobs. They have created and implemented technology that removes CO2 from the atmosphere in a profitable way by selling it to companies that use it for CO2-desalination processes and the creation of clean gasoline.
“CO2 is a very valuable gas that can replace petroleum to produce a lot of goods and services, including clean polymers, biofertilizers…beverages and food…and synthetic fuels,” Chichilnisky explains. She continues by describing how the technology works to remove factory-produced CO2 and CO2 directly from the atmosphere via direct air capture.
Currently, Global Thermostat is working with ExxonMobil and several other large companies to determine the best way of scaling up and removing 40 gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere every year, which is what the United Nations and US National Academy of Sciences computes is necessary in order to avoid devastating consequences of climate change.
Press play for the full conversation and visit https://globalthermostat.com/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Ritchie has studied corals and associated microbes for over 25 years and currently is focused on marine bacteria that live within corals. She explains for listeners
Kim B. Ritchie is an associate professor of genetics and prokaryotic cell biology at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She tells listeners how her interest in marine bacteria and microbes in the ocean began as an undergrad studying corals and continues in her current research. She explains that corals are animals that have an obligate symbiosis with a single-celled photosynthetic organism called a dinoflagellate. These algae live inside the cells of the corals and give the reefs their colors. Temperature increases cause the corals to expel this algae, leading to what is called coral bleaching and eventually death.
She is studying the symbiosis of bacteria and coral and the protective nature of this microbiome. She began by studying the microbial shifts by looking at what type of bacteria are present under normal non-stressful conditions and how that shifts as temperature increases, when more of a pathogenic ecosystem develops. She goes into more detail of why this happens, namely that these beneficial bacteria produce antibiotics that deter the harmful marine bacteria and microbes in the ocean. She noticed in warmer months the corals lose that antibiotic bacteria and gain pathogenic bacteria. She explains her study methods in more detail as well as the implications, and describes other studies she's working on regarding ancient marine microbes such as the healing properties of sharks and rays.
For more, see her website at www.uscb.edu/academics/academic_departments/school-of-science-and-mathematics/natural_sciences/research/kim-ritchie.html. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Lewandowski studies effects of pregnancy complications like preterm birth on heart development and other bodily systems and organs. In this podcast, he discusses preterm cardiology and possibilities of heart disease. He explains
Adam Lewandowski is a university research lecturer and British Heart Foundation Intermediate Research Fellow at the University of Oxford in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine. As neonatal clinical care has advancement to increase survival rates of preterm babies, more focus is on long-term connections between preterm development and heart disease. Professor Lewandowski explains that babies born as early as 22 weeks survive, with a 60 to 70% survival rate within that cohort. He describes preterm development with a cardiology lens, explaining how changes in pressure effect functioning pulmonary resistance. It's common to see an increase in hypertrophic cells and thickening ventricular walls with smaller cavities leading to reduced myocardial functional reserve.
Dr. Lewandowski also touches on causes of preterm birth like genetic factors, preeclampsia, infections, obesity, and smoking. He addresses the challenges of preterm care such as monitoring and maintaining lung function, providing nutrition and food, and keeping them infection free. Finally, he discusses chances of adult heart disease and other issues regarding cardiovascular health as well as studies to assess interventions like exercise and nutrition. He explains the importance of monitoring these patients as they grow into adulthood to catch any issues like hypertension early. He reminds listeners that long-term concerns often take a back seat at the neonatal stage because all efforts go to keeping these preterm babies alive.
For more about Dr. Lewandowski, see his lab's website at www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/about/our-divisions/division-of-cardiovascular-medicine/division-of-cardiovascular-medicine-research/lewandowski-group.
For other resources on these issues, look for good charity websites like the March of Dimes. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Robbie Elbertse is a researcher at Delft University who co-published an article with David Coffey on the creation of a sensor that is only 11 atoms in size, and he dives into all the details on today’s show. By tuning in, you’ll discover:
You may be familiar with “stadium waves” or “doing the wave” at sporting events. It’s accomplished when successive groups of spectators raise and almost immediately lower their arms, creating the perception of a wave rolling across the entire audience. Now, imagine what this would look like if instead of individual people contributing to the wave, individual atoms contributed to the wave. This is one way to imagine what’s called a magnetic wave, and it was David Coffey’s desire to measure this atomic-level wave that inspired him to create a sensor composed of just 11 atoms.
Elbertse explains the science behind this sensor, describes why uncoupled electrons orbiting an atom’s nucleus cause an atom to have “spin” or magnetic moments, and illustrates how the orientation of certain atoms in a chain can lead to a magnetic wave. Coffey wanted to figure out how far these waves would travel. For example, could a magnetic wave reach the end of a 100-atom chain? In an effort to answer this, Coffey’s sensor was created and put to the test. In addition to discussing the results, Elbertse provides an in-depth explanation of the physics behind the sensor, how they conduct their experiments, the benefits and new opportunities provided by the use of this sensor, and much more.
Watch the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isdDEIxuN64 and visit https://ottelab.tudelft.nl/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Scott Carver is a lecturer in wildlife ecology at the University of Tasmania who joins the show to discuss his research in the field of ecology and infectious diseases in wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In this episode, you will learn:
Carver has a long-standing interest in connecting an understanding of ecosystem health with the health of animals and humans. Over the course of his education and career, he’s conducted research on mosquito-borne diseases, viral transmission in bobcats, mountain lions, and domestic cats, and even chlamydia in koalas.
These days, Carver’s research revolves largely around sarcoptic mange in wombats. It’s a disease that affects over 100 different species, including humans (when it affects humans, it is called scabies), and creates both conservation and animal wellness issues. His research is geared around trying to find disease management solutions for this disease in wombats and other affected species.
Carver explains that wombats suffer from a version of mange called crusted mange, which is a particularly severe form of the disease that ultimately results in death. He discusses the ways in which the low metabolic rate of wombats could contribute to the severity of sarcoptic mange, why he has chosen to focus on the wombat as a research subject for better understanding the disease, and much more.
Press play for the full conversation and check out https://www.utas.edu.au/profiles/staff/zoology/scott-carver to learn more about Carver’s research. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Susan Richardson specializes in water treatment and drinking water standards. In this podcast, she explores
Water treatment is important in ridding our supply of pathogens and water borne diseases. However, these disinfection by-products combine with organic materials and minerals in the environment when they are released to form DBPs. Susan Richardson explains how she first learned about this issue and where we are today in facing it. She has been the Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Standards at the University of South Carolina for the last six years, and previously was a research chemist at the U.S. EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory for 25 years.
She tells listeners that when DBPs were linked to bladder and other cancers in humans, scientists sought her expertise in drinking water standards and these by-products in particular. She provides more details about which DBPs are the most toxic and explains that unfortunately the ones the U.S. doesn't regulate are much more toxic than ones it does. Richardson addresses some of the complications such as environmental variability across regions affecting iodine and bromates, for example. She describes ways to address DBPs that will still prevent water borne diseases and uphold drinking water standards. For example, she describes utilizing granular activated carbon as a sort of water filter right after chloramine is introduced to remove the precursors.
To find out more, google EPS regulations. To learn about your local DBP levels, google water quality reports and the name of your city. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Returning guest and computational chemist known as Dr. Coffee, Christopher Hendon explores all that's behind our morning cup, from differences in water for coffee and methods of brewing coffee. Listeners will learn
Christopher Hendon utilizes scientific inquiry and chemistry to assess coffee production. He's an assistant professor of computational materials in chemistry at the University of Oregon and he's made coffee his specialty. Currently, he's addressing sustainability and coffee in his research, noting that the largest waste in the U.S. is roast coffee that's never used—rather, after it goes stale, we throw it away. A lot of energy has gone into producing and roasting each bean. Therefore, his goal is to explore how we can make each cup equally good but with less coffee in the first place to reduce the amount of coffee roasted. He then explains the transport chain of events and complications, such as water loss, and other issues to consider.
He also addresses what goes on in our kitchens from brewing coffee to choosing water for coffee. Listeners will hear an interesting lesson in water chemistry and how soft and hard water affect acidity. Because what each person wants from a cup tends to vary, there's no hard rule for what to use, so he provides methods to test your own preferences at home. He also touches on how different countries and climates produce different flavors, how brew methods are categorized, and finally shares his favorite coffee and his own daily method.
For more, see the curated coffee literature list he provides on his website and see the American Chemical Society's coffee information. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dermatologist and immunologist Louis Falo has created an innovative delivery method for vaccines that also has cancer treatment applications in the form of a skin patch with a microneedle array. He describes for listeners
Dr. Falo received his PhD from Harvard in immunology and is Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. He specializes in both clinical and scientific work on the immunology of the skin. He explains that delivering vaccines to skin to address viruses in humans is not a new idea but very rarely used. While most vaccines are now from needle injection, the first vaccine was the small pox vaccine developed in the late 1700s. It was delivered through scratches in the skin and was very successful in protecting people. Because it was not easily reproducible, the practice of using it to protect against viruses in humans dropped off and clinics have depended on muscular delivery.
However, he explains that technology has enabled a more easily reproducible method to enable a return to skin delivery. Furthermore, his lab is working on a vaccine for COVID-19 that will work with this skin patch. He describes why skin is a great entry point and is very efficient at mounting immune responses. His goal to create a delivery method to the skin that is reproducible, safe, and convenient for global deliveries led to the microneedle array. He explains the sugar composite of the needles and why they don't penetrate very far; rather, they stop at the dermis layer. As the needles absorb moisture in the skin, they dissolve and release the vaccine. He explains why this technology is safe, how it is easily shipped and applied, and also describes a cancer treatment this delivery system enables. For more, see his lab page: dermatology.pitt.edu/Falo%20Lab Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Yael David utilizes chemistry and biology in her approach to understanding the impact of environmental factors on epigenetic structures and mechanism and how they in turn affect our DNA. In this podcast, she explains
Yael Davids is lab head and assistant member in the Yael David Lab in the Chemical Biology Program at Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center. She is also an assistant professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She explores multiple questions of how epigenetic regulation of transcription functions alongside histone packaging and DNA and various determinates. She explains different schools of scientific thought in what effects the epigenetics of humans along with her own understanding that environmental cues effect and determine epigenetics. She describes how the environmental model explains things such as disease initiation like diabetes, which isn't explained in other models.
In this conversation, she discusses how epigenetics change gene function from the changes in DNA itself from protein recruitment to histones, structures that help compact the DNA. She tells listeners how histones, which had been viewed as only structural, also contain messaging that recruit proteins. She then describes modification systems that combine for a gradient mechanism, ultimately more of a dial than an on/off switch. Dr. David also discusses her research, from developing better chemical tools for study to researching how damaged chromatin can drive cancer and how certain enzymatic mechanisms can rewrite this damage, a study that works towards therapeutic development.
For more, see her lab web page at www.mskcc.org/research/ski/labs/yael-david and follow her on Twitter: @David_Lab_MSK. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Kenneth & Blaire Mossman Professor of Microbiology, Steven W. Wilhelm, joins the show to talk about cyanobacteria, the problems presented by blue-green algae blooms, and the research he’s conducting in the lab. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Cyanobacteria is responsible for carrying out more than 25% of the photosynthesis on the planet, which means that about one out of every four breaths of oxygen you take is thanks to these single-celled bacteria that can be found in abundance in every aquatic system in the world. But what happens when there’s too much growth of cyanobacteria, and what causes overgrowth?
Wilhelm explains that concerning algal blooms are driven primarily by human activity—specifically those activities which result in high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus being pumped into the environment and contributing to rapid population increases in cyanobacteria. When this happens, the algal blooms that form fundamentally change the water systems they are in by pushing out algae that may be better fish food, and producing toxins called microcystin and other compounds which can be harmful to other species, including humans. When these blooms die, they become food for heterotrophic bacteria that consume oxygen. As a result of this, “dead zones” form, which have significant impacts on fish habitat and other forms of aquatic life.
So, what can be done about this problem? Wilhelm and the team at his lab spend a lot of time sequencing RNA and DNA in order to investigate why different organisms emerge under different circumstances. The hope is that with a better understanding of why cyanotoxins do so well under certain conditions (as opposed to more beneficial algae), it will be possible to intervene with a treatment or other method and prevent or limit further growth.
Tune in for all the details and visit http://wilhelmlab.utk.edu/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Chief Scientific Officer at Distributed Bio, Sawsan Youssef, joins the show to discuss her work at this unique company, and why it might hold promise for treating the COVID-19 virus and other medical conditions. In this episode, you will learn:
Distributed Bio is a small, self-funded biotechnology company that’s creating new technologies for therapeutics in a variety of medical fields by using immunology as the platform. There are two type of therapeutics in their current portfolio: one that relies on antibody generation, and one that is vaccine-based. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Distributed Bio is developing a therapeutic which is based on the use of antibodies.
Youssef explains the science and biology behind how antibody therapy works and why the use of antibodies to combat viruses is not only effective, but less likely to cause dangerous side effects. Generally speaking, antibodies are a good type of therapeutic because they are well-tolerated by the body and target precisely what you’re aiming for. In contrast, the use of other small molecules in therapeutics might target what you’re aiming for, but they may also target multiple other pathways in the body along the way, leading to adverse effects.
Youssef discusses a number of other important topics, including how this technology could treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, the role of antibody therapeutics in the field of oncology, in what ways some viruses are able to render binding antibodies ineffective, and the timeframe on the COVID-19 therapeutic that’s in the works.
Press play for all the details, and learn more about these technologies at https://www.distributedbio.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate Professor Michelle Power discusses her expertise in the study of host-parasite associations in wildlife, with particular emphasis on protozoan parasites. Tune in to discover:
The flying fox (i.e. fruit bat) is one of the world’s largest bats, and in Sydney, Australia, thousands of them can be found hanging from the trees in even the most urbanized parts of the city. Most of us are familiar with the idea that viruses can be transferred from these and other animals to humans, but what can be said about how the process might work in the opposite direction? In other words, what types of parasites and bacteria may be picked up by bats and other wildlife as the result of humans in their environment?
These questions involve the concept of reverse zoonosis, which comprises one of Power’s primary research interests. She and the research team in the biology department at Macquarie University work on a suite of different organisms, most of which are associated with the gut, such as cryptosporidium and giardia. Both of these parasites are transmissible through the water and can therefore travel through the environment. As a result, they can be picked up by wildlife through drinking water or through interactions during rehabilitation and/or long-term captivity. Power is also researching malarial parasites and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a global health concern for humans that may or may not be making its way into wildlife.
Check out https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/michelle-power to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Carla McGuire Davis, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine; and Chief, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, as well as Director, Food Allergy Program at Texas Children's Hospital discusses her work, touching on topics, such as autoimmune diseases, immunology, and allergies.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Davis talks about her background, and how early in her career as a pediatrician she came to realize that many children were highly impacted by allergic skin disease and food allergies. As she dug deeper, she found that while there was some research going on in these areas, the amount of research was small.
She discusses particular cases that pushed her towards her current field, touching on anaphylactic shock, and severe allergic reactions, especially related to foods.
The allergy and immunology expert provides details on some of the tests they have done regarding peanut allergies. As she states, it becomes a huge problem when someone with a peanut allergy ‘thinks’ they are eating a safe food, but then later ends up in the hospital.
She discusses her studies, and immunotherapy protocols, such as oral immunotherapy which can increase an allergic person’s tolerance for the substance by introducing low levels into the body.
Dr. Davis goes on to discuss medications that are being used to treat eczema, atopic dermatitis, and asthma that can stop the immune system in process, in order to help prevent reactions.
Continuing, the research doctor discusses further studies that have been effective in treatment of allergy issues, including a discussion of appropriate dosing and issues related to the various effective options, such as peanut patches and other types of oral immunotherapy.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Atomistic Simulation & Energy Group at MIT, Asegun Henry, discusses his research and how it may hold the key to moving the needle on climate change. In this episode, you will learn:
When you heat a pot of water, what’s actually happening? What’s behind those boiling bubbles…what processes and principles lead to your observations? It may sound like a rather simple question, but there’s probably more to it than you think. In fact, this was one of the questions that led Professor Asegun Henry into the field of research involving heat transfer, high temperatures, and energy. For Henry, it took awhile for him to get a straight answer to these questions, but today’s show begins with exactly that.
Also discussed are the two projects Henry and his group are currently working on, which include an energy storage technology that involves storing heat rather than electricity in order to achieve extremely low costs, and a CO2-free technological approach to hydrogen production. He provides an in-depth explanation of the physics and chemistry involved, and the solar energy and other commercial applications of this research.
Learn more by visiting https://ase.mit.edu/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Author and researcher Asher Yaron talks about his process of discovering the elements of what it takes to bring in a satisfying pot of coffee. He tells listeners
Author and speaker Asher Yaron has been working with coffee for over 15 years. He begins the conversation with his own discovery of some of the truths of coffee and coffee machines and then describes the evolution of coffee discovery by the industry starting in the 1990s. He makes his way to the first time he drank a cup of fresh roasted coffee and how that flavor was eye opening enough to pursue a fuller exploration of all things coffee.
He explains to listeners what happens in a fresh roast that makes the difference and how a fresh grind prevents the oxidation that enables a flavor loss of an older grind. He also talks about how we are trained to think bitter means strong whereas it's actually the opposite—the bitter flavor develops from age post-roasting. A fresh roast and grind can produce a strong, non -bitter flavor. Further, chemicals beyond the caffeine that lend positive feelings to the drinker are still part of the bean soon after a fresh roast.
He also addresses much of the harm and misleading information that's been perpetuated by the big coffee industry such as the effort to make Nespresso coffee machines have their coffee appear to have crema to match the look of good coffee. He then turns to the ways individuals can roast their own coffee and how to grind and brew for the perfect cup. He describes the current products he's designed and sells such as a specialized coffee machine called the Power Roaster that's been on Kickstarter and addresses different grinding techniques. Listen for more interesting science behind a good cup.
For more, see his YouTube channel, Coffee University, and his web site, coffeetruther.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Jakob Begun is a professor at the University of Queensland School of Medicine where he runs a research lab, as well as a practicing gastroenterologist at the Mater Hospital where he runs an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic. In this episode, you will learn:
You have approximately 10 pounds of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract at this very moment. What is the role and function of these bacteria? How many species exist, and how do they interact with one another? How does the immune system come to tolerate these bacteria…or do they? These are just a few of the questions discussed by Dr. Begun on today’s show.
Dr. Begun has a particular interest in understanding the interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system, and specifically how the bacteria in our gut can influence inflammation in our body. He points to the rising incidence of IBD alongside industrialization as a motivating factor for understanding what’s really at play. He argues that in order to develop a better understanding, it is necessary to understand the function of individual bacteria within the gut, rather than an overview of the types and quantity of species present.
This approach will allow for the determination of which chemicals are being produced by which bacteria in the gut, which may lead to an understanding of whether those chemicals promote or suppress inflammatory responses. He describes the technique employed in his lab for studying this, and how he believes this research could shape the future of clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and many other immune-mediated diseases, which are also increasing at unprecedented rates around the world.
Visit https://www.materresearch.org.au/Our-research/Research-programs/Research-Group?group=124 to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Clair Brown is Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley. Clair has published research on many aspects of inequality and sustainability. Her book Buddhist Economics: An enlightened approach to the dismal science (Bloomsbury Press) provides an economic framework that integrates global sustainability, shared prosperity and care for the human spirit.
This holistic approach is based on actual national policies that reduce inequality, protect the environment, and support all people living a dignified, meaningful life. Her research team created the Sustainable, Share-Prosperity Index (SSPI) for 50 countries. Clair is a volunteer with 350 Bay Area Action, where she co-chairs the Legislative Committee to work on passing key climate justice bills in California.
Read about Clair in Eminent Economists II: Their Life and Work Philosophies (Cambridge).
You can listen to podcasts with Clair: https://buddhisteconomics.net/podcasts/
Book trailer (2 min): https://youtu.be/88RX5A2iezs Professor in the Department of Economics at Berkeley and author of Buddhist Economics: An Enlightened Approach to the Dismal Science, Clair Brown, joins the show to discuss the role and importance of economics in our lives. Tune in to discover:
“Most people go into economics because they want to change the way the world works. Most people really do care about…how well people are living…inequality…the climate crisis, the health emergency, and racial justice, but economists tend to think that all of those things are interdependent in economic systems, and that how the economy works can make a difference in all of those areas,” says Brown, as she explains why she’s an economist. To her, economics is about figuring out how to take the resources we have and work with them to provide what people need in order to have happy and meaningful lives.
She discusses her book, Buddhist Economics: An Enlightened Approach to the Dismal Science, which addresses ways in which to think about the worldview of how the economy functions and the assumptions derived from this worldview. For instance, are people selfish or altruistic? Independent from or interdependent with one another and the planet? What differentiates the rational from the irrational? Brown argues that the way an economist answers these questions necessarily impacts the way they think about the way the economy functions.
She provides insight on her view of the effects of the coronavirus, which include a reevaluation of what we find meaningful in our lives, a greater awareness of the climate change emergency (noticed through the significant improvements in air and water quality during the lockdown), and a realization that we really can implement change quickly.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://buddhisteconomics.net/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Kallol Gupta's research into natural peptides and receptors, specifically neurotoxins, lead him on a path towards the deep sea cone snail, which release neurotoxins particularly helpful in studying how our cellular membranes work. He explains
Kallol Gupta is an assistant professor of Cell Biology at Yale University and runs the Gupta Lab. He started his academic studies in chemistry and developed an interest in biology after studying the venom library of cone snails of the coast of India. Often called poisonous snails, they are actually venomous because they inject their prey with neurotoxins through a harpoon-like structure that houses a proboscis that's able to shoot out, sting, and inject. He became interested in how these toxins had fine-tuned their actions and were able to hijack animal physiology.
He explains to listeners how mass spectrometry has opened the door to a much more thorough glimpse of this action on a cellular level. He describes how these toxins bind to membranes. Like a bomb, the toxins throw a large number of compounds at the cell and a small number hit the target. But it's enough to effect the neurons of their prey. He adds that he wants to study what is special about the few that are able to bind with the membrane. If scientists like him want to target specific proteins, they can figure out how other organisms are already doing this in nature and learn from them. Dr. Gupta tells listeners about the challenging environment of the lipid cell membrane and how they have figured out how to study it inside the mass spectrometer itself before it degrades and loses its nature. He adds why these studies are so important, from developing a fundamental understanding of biological functions to developing drugs that can appropriately bind to their target. Listen in for interesting details.
For more, see his lab's web site: medicine.yale.edu/lab/gupta/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Andrea Ferrero studies monetary economics and international macroeconomics. In this podcast he discusses what has and may happen to the economy under government-imposed shutdowns. He shares with listeners his thoughts on
Andrea Ferrero is an associate professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford and the Levine Fellow of Economics at Trinity College, Oxford. He begins the podcast summarizing how he fell into the academic sector of macroeconomics and monetary policy. His first job after his Ph.D. was actually with the Federal Reserve Bank in New York in their research department after the economic collapse of 2007. In addition to his teaching and research, he serves as an academic consultant to the Bank of England.
He connects today's situation with the financial crisis of 2007 and distinguishes how we face a whole new set of questions as economics and policy makers under the COVID-19 pandemic. He points out governments have been extremely aggressive with fiscal policy as determinants of monetary policy didn't have a lot of room to respond; interest rates were already low and several places didn't have room to lower them. He discusses complications of current and future responses, the shocks of supply and demand, and other elements of baseline responses to the economic effects of a second wave of COVID-19. He notes that the quick rebound of the stock market has been a surprise though speaks to a cautious view of the future. He also addresses the ways health policies and political processes effect this future in macroeconomics and to what extent governments should be planning now for long-term objectives. Listen in for more details on his expert opinion. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Mark Lurie is an associate professor of epidemiology at Brown University who joins the show to discuss his work from the early 90s until the present day. Tune in to discover:
Lurie has been involved in epidemiology since the early 90s, when he came across a fascinating study that looked at the early spread of TB in Africa. Since then, he’s studied the spread of HIV and various other infectious diseases. He talks about how treatment for HIV has developed remarkably over the years despite there still not being a vaccine, and where the largest reduction in new cases of HIV have been seen. He reminds us that it wasn’t more than three or four generations ago that our geographical footprint was very small… reaching not more than five or 10 miles from home. Clearly, this has changed significantly and impacted patterns of infectious disease.
He discusses the coronavirus pandemic, when he thinks a vaccine may be available, the public health interventions surrounding it, evidence that the coronavirus-related lockdowns helped slow the spread, the less-talked-about consequences of the coronavirus outbreak (some of them positive), the purpose and importance of testing for the virus, the pros and cons of a treatment versus a vaccine for the virus, and what he thinks will happen in the near and long-term future. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Co-lead of the meteorology team on the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Extreme Expedition and professor in the Department of Geography at Appalachian State University, Baker Perry, joins the show to discuss his fascinating and truly unique work. Tune in to discover:
On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 10pm ET on National Geographic, you can watch the television premier of Expedition Everest, an unprecedented journey that resulted in the installation of the world’s highest weather stations and the collection of the highest ice core known to man.
Baker Perry shares firsthand experience as co-lead of this incredible mission, offering you a glimpse of what it would be like to make the climb yourself. By virtue of Perry and the rest of the expedition team, real-time weather data from the mountain and past and future projections of glacier change is now possible. This not only changes the game for climbing safety, but paves the way for significant improvements to forecast and glacier change models, as well as a better understanding of how the climate is changing.
Perry explains the reasoning behind the placements of the weather stations, the challenges encountered as they gained elevation, what types of equipment and instrumentation were used, and so much more.
Learn more and access real-time data links to these weather stations by visiting https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/perpetual-planet/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Author, screenwriter, and storyteller Edward Savio joins the show to discuss his works and the perspectives that inspired them. In this episode, you’ll discover:
“You have to have a kind of determination and a belief that is almost beyond reality,” says Savio, commenting on how he dealt with everyone in his life who, at one point in time, told him he needed a “real” job and shouldn’t pursue a career as a writer.
He shares with listeners the sources of motivation that have led him to become the great writer he is today, and provides insight into some of his main characters. He also discusses some practical differences between the considerations that must be made while writing a novel versus a screenplay, how he’s been able to write a series about time travel without there actually being any time travel involved, human adaptation and evolution, how and why the future will "reveal us to be ignorant," and so much more. Tune in for a compelling and unique conversation with a brilliant mind and some new ideas for good reading.
For more, visit http://edwardsavio.com/ and http://battleforforever.com/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK Edward Savio BFF Volume 3: The first two installments in Savio's Battle For Forever action adventure sci-fi series were just #1 and #9 Best Sellers with Wil Wheaton narrating the audiobooks. Those two titles are ALEXANDER X and ANCIENT AMONG US. Edward is working on Volume 3 of BFF now, LEAGUE OF AULD, and the goal is to have another Wil Wheaton narration dropped before the end of this year. Get yourself ready for Volume 3, and get access to a free novella in the BFF universe when signing up at www.battleforforever.com
In her research, Dr. Caroline Ng addresses how to effectively treat malaria as scientists face possible drug resistance. She explains for listeners
Caroline L. Ng, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She specializes in the pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum and the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance. She begins by explaining the life cycle of the parasites that cause malaria. Plasmodium spp. have evolved to require two hosts in their life cycle, mosquito and animal, and she specializes in the species that use human hosts in addition to the mosquito. She explains how the parasites move from mosquito saliva and make their way to the human liver. She describes their entry into red blood cells, how they divide asexually at an exponential rate, when they evolve into different sexes, and how a debris release causes the common malaria symptoms of fever and chills.
She then builds on this explanation to describe the issues facing researches in how to treat malaria as symptoms of drug resistance seem to be showing up. In particular, the parasite Plasmodium falciparum is of concern as it is the most virulent and causes the most deaths. Artemisinin is a potent drug that's short-lived that must be partnered with another drug to make sure parasites are being cleared. But scientist in Southeast Asia have seen a decrease in the ability of this drug family to clear parasites. They worry this indicates artemisinin resistance. If they can understand this, they can designs drugs that synergize or identify a pathway to build up the efficacy of this drug. Along the way, she explains mechanisms of how these drugs work and how these poorer countries that face malaria need inexpensive treatments.
To learn more, see her information on her institution's web site: www.unmc.edu/pathology/faculty/bios/Ng.html Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Vythilingam started working with parasitic diseases in the early 1980s and now studies the recent upsurge in Plasmodium knowlesi in humans, which is a malaria originating in monkey hosts. In this podcast, she discusses
Indra Vythilingam is a professor of parasitology at the University of Malaya. Malaria is not a virus; rather, it's a disease caused by a parasite of the Plasmodium species that follows a host and vector life cycle. She started working on malaria the early 80s. In the early 1990s, she worked on a study with insecticide-treated mosquito nets, proving their efficacy. However, in the years since, malaria-infected mosquitoes have adapted their behaviors and evolved in Malaysia to bite earlier in the evening and outdoors.
Furthermore, she explains that malaria is traveling from monkeys to mosquitos to people in Malaysia, a discovery made in 2004. Previously it was thought that humans could only catch malaria from a few specific species thought of as the human malaria parasites. However, a 2004 paper showed the simian parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi, had been transmitted to humans. Professor Vythilingam explains that the human malaria has been almost eradicated from the area, but they now have this difficult development to face. She discusses what measures she and her colleagues are hoping to take after the COVID-19 virus pandemic slows enough to allow them to return to the field.
For more information, search for Indra Vythilingam in Google Scholar and other such research-accruing sites. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Andrew Thompson is a Professor of Parasitology at Murdoch University who joins the show to discuss the ins and outs of his research on parasites. In this episode, you will learn:
Thompson’s work on parasitic diseases began many years ago, when taking a class on invertebrate zoology. One project in particular struck his interest: the role of the dwarf tapeworm in mice. Since then, his research has gone far beyond tapeworms.
In recent years, the focus has been on parasites of wildlife—particularly those that may have conservation effects. In other words, parasites that normally don’t cause much of a problem without the impact of human involvement and man-made domestic cycles. He gives a number of fascinating examples, and discusses the studies which led to these findings. He discusses the progression of hydatid disease in humans and domestic animals, surgical removal as an intervention, what can be done to prevent it, and much more.
http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Research-capabilities/Research-stories/Andrew-Thompson/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Cheri Ackerman and Cameron Myhrvold explain their innovative new system to test for multiple viruses in one test. They explain
Dr. Cheri Ackerman is the cofounder and CEO of Concerto Biosciences and Dr. Cameron Myhrvold is a post doc fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. In this podcast they discuss their project to develop a new virus diagnostic method that involves cripr. While there are several standout attributes to this new diagnostic, an integral element is that it tests for multiple viruses at once. They explain that they wanted to answer what is making a person sick by testing for different viruses at the same time.
The technology can by summarized as using crispr cas-13 diagnostics in a microwell array. This allows different detection reactions for multiple viruses and multiple patients at the same time. As with common COVID virus PCR tests, it starts with a nasal swab. After taking the swab and performing sample preparation as with a PCR test, the process starts to differ, specifically in two ways: the detection is conducted with a small volume, which allows them to do many tests on the same sample; second, the test allows for all of these reactions to set themselves up on their own. Detection regents and samples self-organize in a way that gets a robust result that crispr cas-13, as an RNA target, allows. They explain the method in more detail as well as goals for improvement, including reducing the turnaround time from 7 to 3 hours. Listen for more details about this exciting technology.
To keep tabs on this and related work, visit www.broadinstitute.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Most listeners are familiar with circadian rhythms, but Professor Zhu is working on less-studied 12-hour cycles and how they affect our well-being. He talks about his research, explaining
Bokai Zhu is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Aging Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. He's working on biological rhythms, also known as oscillations, and specifically narrowed his study to research ultradian rhythms, which signifies 12-hour cycles, rather than the more commonly-studied circadian rhythms.
Thus far he's found evidence that 12-hour rhythms originated to adapt to the 12-hour tidal rhythms, which we see in crustaceans. Furthermore, Zhu believes as we've evolved from the sea, humans and other animals have kept this 12-hour rhythm. In other words, this same tidal pattern followed by our evolutionary ancient ancestors is ingrained in our body clock. He discusses how he is conducting studies in mice to better understand this cycle and how it might regulate our systems. He makes an interesting analogy to morning and evening rush hour, how these 12-hour switches of increased activity present more risk for bodily damage like misfolded proteins. He's also found potential connections to memory issues because the hippocampus is especially engaged in the 12-hour cycle. Listen to learn about these issues and more.
For more information, see his web site at the university and search for recent news articles covering his research: www.isb.pitt.edu/people/faculty/bokai-zhu-phd Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Girguis studies microorganism in the ocean and their contributions that make our planet habitable. In this conversation, he explores
Peter R. Girguis is a professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He works in a field of molecular biology that studies microbes and animals that live in the ocean, especially microbial organisms that interact with metals like iron and magnesium, which he describes as akin to the multivitamins of the ocean. His microbiology study focuses especially on bacteria and archaea.
These microbes inhabit environments, like hydrothermal vents and methane seeps, to feed off the released metals, which are toxic to most animals. Professor Girguis utilizes molecular biology to understand how these microbes play a role in moving energy from the abiotic world, or nonliving structures like rocks, to the biotic world. Significantly, this microbiology study connects to the food chain. He mentions one study that shows how plankton feed on these microbes which in turn feed small fish that are eaten by the larger fish off the coast of Chile, which are integral to the fishing industry there.
He describes other elements to this underwater architecture, from methane ice to giant sulfide structures, and how some fish use these extreme environments to rid themselves of parasites. He also posits a new view of ocean science that is much more outward looking and should engage people from all over the world.
To find our more, see his lab’s website: girguislab.oeb.harvard.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Karl Hassan researches antimicrobial resistance specific to hospital-associated pathogens. He talks about his work towards developing compounds that can overcome this resistance. He explains
Karl Hassan is an ARC Future Fellow at the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle in Australia. He studies antimicrobial resistance of pathogens common to hospital settings. He explains that these pathogens adapted to the hospital niche and have become superbugs. Because big pharmaceutical companies experience low profits from antibiotic development, the research has been taken up by university scholars like Hassan.
He talks more about the inner workings of the bacteria, especially the gram-negative bacteria, which present more of a challenge because they have two membranes and are intrinsically resistant. He explains more about the mechanics and cell architecture and then shares an exciting find: they were able to identify a gene that was unknown and verified that when expressed, it offered resistance to the bacteria. They believe, based on tests, it may code for the efflux pump protein. Understanding how different families of efflux pumps work will help develop compounds that can infiltrate the bacteria cells. He finishes by explaining the process for how something like this find can lead to eventual compound production.
For more, see his page at the University of Newcastle: www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/karl-hassan#career Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Jen-Tsan Ashley Chi:
I was born and grew up in Taiwan. I obtained my MD from National Taiwan University and PhD from Stanford University. From my post-doctoral training with Dr. Patrick Brown at Stanford, I have been using genomic analysis and gene expression to dissect the influences of various tumor microenvironmental stresses in human cancer and tumor heterogeneity. Since arriving at Duke University, we discovered the presence of abundant and diverse species of RNAs in mature erythrocyte, a cell type long thought to lack any DNA or RNA. Since then we have pioneered the efforts to apply the genomic analysis of erythrocyte microRNAs to dissect the phenotypic variations among sickle cell diseases and blood storage. From the investigation of erythrocytes, we have been interested in the role of erythrocyte RNA in the malaria parasites, including the recent adoption of single cell RNA-Seq technology of malaria parasite pioneered by Dr. Katie Walzer during her thesis work in my lab.
Katelyn Walzer:
For over ten years, Dr. Katelyn Walzer has studied the genetics and genomics of multiple apicomplexan parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium falciparum, and now Cryptosporidium parvum. She completed her PhD in 2018 under the guidance of Dr. Jen-Tsan Ashley Chi at Duke University, where she studied the malaria-causing parasite P. falciparum using high-throughput genomic technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work, published in multiple journals including mSphere and PLoS Genetics, identified distinct gene expression differences between male and female parasites during the transmissible sexual stage and uncovered unexpected transcription of genes during multiple times in the P. falciparum life cycle. These findings imply that significant transcriptional diversity allows the P. falciparum parasite to survive its dynamic host environment. Now a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Boris Striepen’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Walzer studies the transcriptional regulators of the C. parvum life cycle and has used single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the genes expressed during the asexual and sexual stages. Further work will focus on functionally characterizing stage-specific regulators and determining single-cell gene expression of the host immune response.
Walzer KA, Fradin H, Emerson LY, Corcoran DL, Chi JT (2019) Latent transcriptional variations of individual Plasmodium falciparum uncovered by single-cell RNA-seq and fluorescence imaging. PLOS Genetics 15(12): e1008506. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1008506
Walzer KA, Kubicki DM, Tang X, Chi JT. Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Distinct Gene Expression and Heterogeneity in Male and Female Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes. mSphere. 2018;3(2):e00130-18. Published 2018 Apr 11. doi:10.1128/mSphere.00130-18
Researcher Katelyn Walzer and her Ph.D. mentor Dr. Jen-Tsan Ashley Chi used single-cell analysis to study the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium. Dr. Walzer is now studying another parasite called Cryptosporidium. In this podcast, they discuss
Jen-Tsan Ashley Chi, MD, PhD, is an associate professor at the Center for Genomic and Computational Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. His former microbiology student, Katelyn Ann Walzer, PhD, is currently working on her post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania with single-cell analysis. They tell listeners about their specific findings on Plasmodium and Dr. Walzer's current focus on Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes a diarrheal disease, and what else she hopes to study regarding the parasite.
She gives some background on the parasite, describing how detrimental it can be for children in some countries of Africa who've already suffered from other diseases. Cryptosporidium can actually reactivate and cause chronic infection in these children, affecting their general health and quality of life. Dr. Walzer explains how single-cell genomics analysis has allowed her to identify which genes are expressed in the two different matting types (sexual and asexual). Dr. Chi explains how this technique also helped in Plasmodium research because mating is the only way to achieve intrapersonal human transmission, and identifying males and understanding the stages of development in both parasites may offer ways to block their development. Dr. Walzer explains additional findings, plans for upcoming research, and her goals to discover information that will help develop better treatments for infection by Cryptosporidium.
For more information, search these researchers in Google Scholar. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Assistant Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Augusto Rodriguez, talks about the scope of his work and research on different aspects of liver oncology. In this episode, you will learn:
Dr. Rodriguez’s work centers around the goal of incorporating molecular information from tumors into tools that can be applied in the clinical setting to improve prognosis predictions, and developing novel methods for early detection of liver cancer. The current gold standard for early detection of liver cancer is a combination of abdominal ultrasonography to look for evidence of small tumor formation, and blood tests to identify the levels of a certain protein known to be elevated in patients with liver cancer.
So, what’s wrong with the current gold standard? Dr. Rodriguez explains that in addition to operator error with regard to the ultrasound procedure, it requires patients to travel to an imaging center every six months, which is difficult to manage for many people. Due to the inconvenience and difficulty presented by compliance with the gold standard protocol, many people end up developing liver cancer that goes undetected for far too long.
A potential solution that Dr. Rodriguez has his eyes on is a technology called liquid biopsy. In essence, it entails an analysis of tumor components within the bloodstream, such as fragments of DNA from tumors or extracellular vesicles released from tumors. The detection of such components in a blood sample taken at the point of care can detect liver tumors when they are very small, leading to better overall prognosis. In addition, liquid biopsy may address another complication in the area of liver cancer treatment, which is the determination of how best to sequence the many therapies that have become available in recent years.
Dr. Rodriguez discusses a number of fascinating topics. Tune in for all the details. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Ray Kaplan is a professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at University of Georgia. He joins the show to discuss the details of his research on parasitism and drug-resistant parasites. Tune in to discover:
Dr. Kaplan’s interest in parasites was sparked after he found himself working in a parasitology lab as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech. He continued conducting research on parasitology while in veterinary school, and eventually entered academia to become a professor and focus more exclusively on his research. He studies primarily parasites of livestock and dogs, and aims to better understand and solve the problems posed by increasing numbers of drug-resistant parasites.
Dr. Kaplan discusses the life cycle of common parasites in dogs, what happens when a human being is infected by hookworms, the coevolution of the gut microbiome and intestinal worms, evidence which suggests that some parasites may be critical to the human immune response and protection against autoimmune diseases, what mechanisms are used by parasites that enable them to complete their life cycles, challenges and roadblocks to progress in parasitology, drug resistance of roundworms infecting turkeys, and so much more.
For information on these and related topics, check out the following:
https://vet.uga.edu/person/ray_m-_kaplan/
https://www.wormx.info/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Robert Poulin’s interests center around how and in what ways parasites manipulate the behavior of their hosts. He joins the show to discuss his fascinating research. In this episode, you will learn:
Over the course of millions of years, parasitism has been gradually shaped and enhanced by evolution, resulting in parasites that have the amazing ability to induce behavioral and physical modifications in their hosts in ways that ultimately benefit the parasite. Consider, for instance, the hairworm, which is a parasite that grows inside a terrestrial insect in coil-like fashion until it becomes two to three feet in length, at which point it induces the insect to essentially commit suicide for its survival; the hairworm causes the insect to search for and jump into a body of water, where the hairworm can then emerge from the parasite (killing it in the process), find a mate, and reproduce.
This is just one example of a parasitic relationship that Poulin hopes to better understand. In part, his research involves an examination of gene expression within the genome of the brain cells of infected host insects. Poulin is also interested in other mechanisms by which parasites manipulate hosts, such as those that may involve the microbes that parasites carry with them, or the presence of symbiotic viruses that manipulate host behavior. Among other topics, Poulin discusses how parasites are so effective at evading host immune systems, counter-adaptations to host defenses, examples of how parasites can form part of a larger ecosystem, which tissues are preferential for parasites to reside in and why, and so much more.
Tune in for all the details and learn more about Poulin’s research by visiting https://www.otago.ac.nz/parasitegroup/home.html. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Ponni Perumalswami treats patients who have advanced liver diseases. She also is working to reach communities at risk for viral hepatitis B and C to connect them to testing, education, and healthcare. She explains
Ponni Perumalswami is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Liver Diseases at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. She tells listeners that there’s an at-risk population for hepatitis B and C that she and her colleagues are targeting. In the U.S., while the diseases are less common in the general population, at-risk groups who immigrate from areas with higher rates, specifically Asian and African-born communities, are hard to reach. Because they may not have insurance and are not English speakers, they aren’t in touch with primary care doctors who might normally screen for these diseases and they can be asymptomatic for years. Her outreach efforts include testing within the communities and awareness-raising efforts.
Dr. Perumalswami explains how these diseases work. She explains that hepatitis B is a DNA virus that largely infects foreign-born populations because the U.S. has had the means to vaccinate and test for this disease. It spreads by a vertical transmission from mother to child. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood exposures, so through intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, and organ donations done before 1992 when testing became available. Even though each can exist in the body silently for years, they can still do tremendous damage in the liver, and increase one’s risk for cirrhosis, cancer, and other disease of the liver that may need liver transplantation.
For more, see the Mt. Sinai Liver Diseases Division website https://www.mountsinai.org/care/liver-diseases/research Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Nicolas Vabret has had an almost lifelong interest in viruses, and has been studying them since obtaining his PhD in 2011. He joins the show to discuss a number of interesting topics, including the following:
What happens as soon as a virus enters the body? What allows the body to recognize non-self cells and to respond accordingly? Some cells have the ability to detect the presence of viruses and bacteria that enter the body, and activate the first step in the innate immune response, which eventually leads to the activation of the second phase of the immune response. Vabret is particularly interested in understanding the early molecular mechanisms that make this possible.
He describes the differences between the innate immune response and adaptive immune response, the role and function of pattern recognition receptors, RNA production, the importance of cytokines in the response to virally-infected hosts—in particular those infected with COVID-19, viral strategies for counteracting immune responses, characteristics of the HIV virus and chimpanzee versus human immune responses to it, current research in the field of immunology, and so much more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Vivek Mutalik is a synthetic biologist who studies biochemical energy and uses tools to understand how bacteria survive in their environment. He’s currently focused on bacteriophages. He discusses
Vivek Mutalik is a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division as well as the Biological Systems and Engineering Division. He works with two key questions: how do phages and bacteria interact and how can scientists engineer phages. The goals connecting these foundational and engineering aspects include using phages for microbiome work and for eliminating pathogens. He explains his work studying the genes and mechanistics of bacteriophages by first giving an overview of the vast diversity and huge number of phages. He remarks that scientists know that they are virtually everywhere on earth, yet hardly know anything about their impact.
He explains that there are different types of phages, some that infect specific bacteria and some that are broad spectrum, able to target lots of different bacteria. He says that while we don’t understand how this specificity happens and what their design rule is—the key of phage biology—his research hopes to change this and better understand the engineering of these phages. His research studies the phages’ genes to understand which genes encode which function. He explains some techniques and findings in more detail and says we need to understand this foundation to manipulate the microbiome so practitioners can get rid of specific microbes, not healthy ones, with precision.
To find out more, find him on twitter as @vivek_mutalik and see his lab web site: biosciences.lbl.gov/profiles/vivek-mutalik/ Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
As a research fellow in clinical medicine, Sharee Basdeo focuses primarily on tuberculosis (TB), which has co-evolved with the human immune system for thousands of years. By tuning in, you’ll discover:
There are roughly three categories of responses to TB: a person can be exposed to TB but mount no immune response and show no signs of having been exposed, a person can be exposed and their immune system can mount an effective response which contains the TB infection and puts it in a dormant state, or a person can be exposed and develop active TB disease.
So, what determines which course of action will occur? This is a question that has yet to be answered, and one that many people are actively researching. Basdeo discusses this topic, along with many other fascinating subjects, including how those who harbor latent TB can develop active TB as they age, innate immunity, what happens when the wrong drug or wrong dose of drug is taken for TB, how the lung and gut microbiome might be related to the immune response for TB, the mutagenesis of TB and why it is difficult to kill TB, how TB finds ways to tune down the immune response to allow itself to exist undetected, and the importance of Th17 cells.
Visit https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=sbasdeo to learn more about Basdeo’s work. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Filipe Cabrerio researches how a host’s microbiome and physiology interact in the context of different conditions such as aging and metabolic syndrome while taking various medications. He shares some his lab’s research with listeners, explaining
Filipe Cabreiro holds a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship in the London Institute of Medical Sciences at the Imperial College of London. His lab works to understand how the microbiome interacts with a host’s physiology—how the microbes that one produces interact with others, especially when both are challenged by daily medications taken to deal with disease and in the conditions of aging. The lab recently made an important discovery in the context of cancer drugs: they found that classic drugs for colorectal cancer were modified by microbial metabolism that reduced or amplified the action of the drugs. Further, they found that certain components of food could change that response.
He also discusses a study on metformin, a drug taken for type 2 diabetes, and its interaction with the microbiome. They found that nutrients, the host’s microbiome, and the drug interact in an important way. Metformin makes selective pressures on certain gut microbes, which translates into longer lasting change associated with positive effects. They think metformin pushes for certain conditions that allow some healthful microbes to survive and also pushes strong metabolic change. The consequences of that change is the production of molecules such as fatty acids and others that can actively regulate the host’s physiology and metabolism. He explains the nature of this interaction and the significance in more detail along with challenges to these kinds of studies, further hypotheses, and future research he hopes to take on.
For more, see his lab’s web page: cabreirolab.org. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Clive Shiff is an entomologist who shares fascinating insight into his work. Tune in to discover:
For two years, Shiff lived in the African bush, where he encountered elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, hippopotamuses, and many other animals face-to-face. He shares his experiences, what he learned during this time, and what he did to avoid deadly parasites and diseases like malaria and sleeping sickness.
Shiff discusses the efforts to eradicate malaria in the 1950s, parasitic diseases such as sleeping sickness and schistosomiasis, what therapies and sanitations efforts have been implemented in response to schistosomiasis and why it has been so difficult to combat, and how he is trying to improve diagnostics for parasitic diseases. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor John Hogenesch studies circadian rhythms and the genome. He talks about
Dr. John Hogenesch is Professor of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Human Genetics and Immunobiology at the University of Cincinnati Department of Pediatrics. He specializes in genome biology with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms in mammals. He explains to listeners the basics of circadian rhythm as a daily rhythm of behavior and physiology that persists in the absence of external cues. He discusses how healthcare and specifically hospital design and schedules are often at odds with most patients’ rhythms. In fact, he mentions one study in which NICU patients under a cycled light schedule went home two weeks earlier than babies under constant dimmed light conditions. He discusses his hospital’s design of two new areas for NICU and PICU patients under the advisement of his lab that will integrate beds with circadian natural-light systems. He adds ways in which medication delivery and procedure timing could also be better paired with circadian rhythms and efforts to do so.
Dr. Hogenesch also talks about Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). Richard has such a sleep pattern and the two discuss how it manifests itself, as well as other sleep patterns, and how they affect those who experience them. He also addresses how cortisol’s peak has an effect as well as how external cues interfere or work with our sleep patterns. For example, he mentions our eating timing, light exposure, and light temperature and type. He discusses how the pandemic is pushing many of us to later sleep schedules and possible hypothesizes for why. Along the way he offers some suggestions for eliminating excessive blue and green light and other similar measures.
For more, see his lab page at cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/h/genetics/labs/hogenesch and the Society for Research in Biological Rhythms, which publishes helpful blog posts and articles. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Alex Richardson is an expert in nutrition and health and uses a multidisciplinary approach to epidemiology. In this podcast, she connects food health and physiology, explaining to listeners
Dr. Alex Richardson is the founding director of Food and Behavior (FAB) Research and is a Research Associate with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at the University of Oxford. She has been a part of several seminal studies that involve connections between nutrition and brain health. In this podcast, she focuses specifically on the epidemiology of cognitive decline diseases and nutrition. She begins by describing the very limited approach historical studies have take thus far, commenting that the accepted model of research is incapable of taking into account how our body and nutrition work together. Specially, she identifies how the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials only handle one nutrient or medication at a time and tells listeners why this is so inadequate.
She also entails several ways this study pattern has harmed our understanding of what medications can do and provides some recent findings of how proton pump inhibitors have a multi-pronged means of harming cognitive strength. In addition, she describes studies that show what’s actually good for us, enumerating a study on the British Victorian Era’s lifestyle and diet and resulting health and lack of disease. She then moves into a discussion about the harm in our modern-day diet and talks about how harmful sugar is, the importance of B vitamins and in what form, fatty acids, and other healthful choices and why.
For more about Dr. Richardson, see her profile at https://www.fabresearch.org/viewItem.php?id=7412 Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dario Simões Zamboni is a professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, and he joins the show to discuss the ins and outs of his important and fascinating research. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Zamboni’s research focuses on the interactions between host cells in the human body and microbial pathogens. According to Zamboni, understanding the processes that occur in relation to these interactions is key to understanding the outcome of certain diseases. When a pathogen is able to replicate in the host’s body, severe illness and even death can result, but under certain circumstances, the body can fight a pathogen and regain homeostasis. So, what dictates what will happen? This is one of the questions Zamboni spends his days investigating.
Of particular interest to Zamboni are the intracellular parasites Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, and the intracellular bacteria Legionella and Coxiella burnetii. These pathogens are considered virulent, which means they are adapted to subvert the function of certain cells, such as macrophages which are integral to the immune response. In the presence of these pathogens, macrophages are rendered unable to kill the pathogen or recruit other cells to kill the pathogen. Zamboni's goal is to better understand how exactly this process of modification by the pathogen works, and what exactly dictates whether the host or pathogen wins.
Among other topics, Zamboni talks in detail about the process of phagocytosis, pathogenesis, innate immune memory, the many receptors we have that are ready to sense the most abundant components of bacteria, and bacterial secretion systems for modulating immune cells.
Tune in and check out https://lpm.fmrp.usp.br/en/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Epidemiologist Syed Ahsan Raza has been looking at several different epidemics and associated cancer viruses in multiple countries. He explains
Syed Ahsan Raza is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and a Cancer Prevention Research Institute (CPRIT) fellow. At the outset he explains some misconceptions about epidemiology and then describes what he and fellow epidemiologists do and how their work helps medical workers fight pandemics. He says it is all about studying epidemics—not treating the diseases, but studying the spread and looking for insights and predications that people who are treating can use for more effective methods.
He then describes some of his research. He started looking at neonatal tetanus in graduate school, which significantly affects infant and maternal mortality. He explains that the umbilical stump acts as a vehicle of delivery of the bacteria because of the unhygienic delivery practices in some areas. The spores that cause it are widespread so it can't be eradicated, but rather eliminated. He describes some of the measures to achieve this elimination like vaccines and even inexpensive clean birth kits. He tells listeners how much more needs to be done. He also talks about his work with cancer viruses like the human papillomavirus and hepatitis B and C, describing the population studies he's done across the globe, patterns he's identified, and how this will help medical personal target certain areas.
For more about him, see his profile at bcm.edu/people-search/syed-raza-29119. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Dr. Steve Luby is a communicable disease epidemiologist who joins the show to discuss his work over the years, as well as provide insight on the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, you will discover:
Unlike many communicable disease epidemiologists, Dr. Luby spent a long time living in low-income countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh with the goal of seeing problems firsthand before trying to sort out how to address them, and identifying opportunities to make a difference.
Through this experience, Dr. Luby gained unique insight into the patterns of infectious diseases and transmission in different areas of the world. He uses the current COVID-19 pandemic as an example of such patterns, explaining that the high population density in areas like Bangladesh make social distancing measures impossible, and encourage the efficiency of infectious diseases like COVID-19. The result?
It’s tragic in the short term, he explains, but in the long-term it will result in fewer people in the area remaining susceptible to the virus. By virtue of the virus moving through these areas so quickly, these areas are likely to normalize a lot sooner than the US and other high-income countries where better medical infrastructure exists and social distancing measures are possible.
In addition to a number of other important and interesting topics, Dr. Luby explains why it can be so problematic for governments to make ill-informed decisions out of a desire to simply “take action” amid a pandemic, and the importance of sound scientific support for political leadership worldwide.
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more about Dr. Luby’s work by visiting https://woods.stanford.edu/people/stephen-luby. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
While many think of epidemiology as indicative of infectious disease, it actually designates the study of patterns of disease. Amanda Phipps explains this and her research into colorectal cancer. She discusses
Amanda Phipps is Associate Professor of Epidemiology and the Associate Chair of Epidemiology at the University of Washington. She explains that cancer epidemiology entails asking what puts some people at risk, why do some people develop certain kinds of cancer like breast cancer while others don't develop any or develop different kinds. Further, among those who do develop cancer, what predicts a good prognoses versus bad?
She remarks that researchers try and get very specific about their subsets of study. Even with the same type of cancer like breast or colorectal cancer, each cancer is very different. There are different sets of genetic changes, risk factors, and courses of treatment. She discusses her research into colorectal cancer and the effort to gather as much data about their subjects as possible to identify certain patterns. She is also looking at the microbiomes from the tissue samples of these patients, comparing cancerous and noncancerous tissues.
She explains their methodology and tests they perform, including the DDR PCR test, as well as a bacterium they've identified that seems to show a significant pattern in relation to colorectal cancer. She also touches on some other studies and future interests including immunotherapy responses and investigating associations between sleep apnea and certain cancers.
To find out more, see her faculty web page: https://epi.washington.edu/faculty/phipps-amanda Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
Professor Benayoun grew interested in studying aging and becoming a gerontologist as an undergraduate working with a key study. Now an assistant professor of gerontology, she explains her current work to listeners.
When you listen, you'll hear her talk about
Berenice A. Benayoun is Assistant Professor of Gerontology at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She tells listeners about how she became interested in the field and why it asks such complicated and engaging questions applicable to us all.
She gives some background first on how scientists had to reframe their view on aging after a seminal study by biologist Cynthia Kenyon that found a mutation in a roundworm doubled its life. Benayoun explains that previously aging was thought only in terms of decay, but Kenyon's finding changed this view.
Benayoun started her own lab at USC about three years ago. She's researching two main concepts, which she explains in more detail: first, her lab is looking at sex differences on aging. She says that some aging interventions have completely different effects on eah sex.
Further, the majority of past studies have steered toward male subjects. Her lab is also looking at transposons, which are endogenous viruses in our genomes, and how they regulate aging. People had thought of them as part of junk DNA in the past, but because they become active when we age, they are likely significant.
She explains other elements of aging that involve epigenetics, methods that show promise for delaying aging such as modulating the insulin cell-signaling pathway, and future steps in her field.
For more see her lab page at gero.usc.edu/labs/benayounlab and find her on twitter as @BBParis1984.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myKhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1169016854
Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Immunology Faculty Member of the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Kate Jeffrey, joins the show to discuss her work in the field of virology and immunology. In this episode, you will learn:
Microorganisms: trillions of them live in or on us, many of which we need just as much as they need us. But how exactly do they shape and educate our immune systems? And how might the answer differ if we were asking about viruses instead of microbes? These are just a couple of the questions that Dr. Jeffrey explores in her work, along with a close look at the influence of epigenetics on the function of our immune cells.
In her lab, a brand-new field of study is under the spotlight: the virome. Dr. Jeffrey says that of the trillions of viruses on earth, we can only identify about 6,000. Although we certainly don’t know the extent to which it occurs, we do know that there is evidence that viruses have an impact on the function of immune cells. Dr. Jeffrey explains the process of studying this, which involves extracting viruses from resected sections of inflamed colons from patients with IBD, and testing those viruses in the lab to see how they interact with immune cells such as macrophages, which act as the first line of defense in the immune system.
Through this research, they have found that viruses from a healthy gut essentially lead macrophages to be in an anti-inflammatory state, which means all the genes that define a macrophage as being anti-inflammatory are triggered by a virus coming from a healthy gut. To the contrary, viruses from an IBD individual trigger all of the classic inflammatory genes. Dr. Jeffrey expounds on a number of other fascinating topics, so tune in and check out https://jeffreylab.mgh.harvard.edu/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK
As a clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Stanford University, Dr. Jake Scott spends his days diagnosing and treating a variety of infectious diseases. He joins the show to discuss the details of this interesting work. Tune in to discover:
When Dr. Scott tells people what he does for a living, most people think his work pertains only to exotic, rare contagious diseases, such as Ebola or COVID-19. In reality, he also deals with very common infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and appendicitis. He also focuses on the diagnosis and management of patients with HIV.
In light of the increasing and deadly threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria, one of the most important aspects of his job has to do with “antimicrobial stewardship,” which is to protect the antibiotics we currently have by prescribing them as carefully as possible. This means prescribing the right dose of the right type of antibiotic for the right duration. Accomplishing this relies upon the ability to quickly identify the specific pathogen at hand using advanced technology.
Dr. Scott explains new types of antibiotics that could hold promise in the fight against drug resistance, and the major challenge in getting these drugs to market and keeping them there. He stresses the importance of raising more awareness about drug resistance and incentivizing companies and research institutions to focus on the development of novel and effective antimicrobial drugs. He also reminds us that the organisms we’re trying to fight with antibiotics have been ready to be resistant for millions of years; the mechanism of resistance is quite literally built into these organisms, and they outweigh us by a billion-fold or more. If nothing else, this fact should compel us to do more. Available on Apple podcast: apple.co/2Os0myK
A microbiologist by training, Sam Minot now works as a computational biologist helping other scientists understand the data between of human microbiome and health connections. In this podcast, he explains
Samuel Minot is a Staff Scientist with the Microbiome Research Initiative in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center. He begins this conversation with a foundational question in microbiology: how do the microbes on us impact our health? He then discusses the complexity of the interaction of bacteria and the viruses that infect them, also called phages. He offers examples of new discoveries constantly upending our picture of what viruses and bacteria can do and ways infectious viruses impact some bacteria and cause disease. As an example, he discusses cholera, which is harmful because of a satellite virus that infects a bacterium: the two together make the disease.
He then lays the ground for why it is important to prioritize a gene-level study of our microbiome by describing the impossibility of culturing every bacterium. He describes what functional annotation is and how that concept allows him to identify genes that affect human health and work to understand data at this level. He talks about the big impacts in his field, namely newer findings on how the microbiome influences the treatment of cancer. Studies show that the kinds of microbes in our gut relate to our immune response's handling of different treatments to fight the cancer. In other words, the immune system is poised to respond to cancer treatment based on the microbiome. This is leading to hopeful microbiome-based therapeutic treatments for cancer.
For more, see https://www.fredhutch.org/en/research/divisions/vaccine-infectious-disease-division.html and Sam Minot's blog at minot.bio. Available on Apple podcast: apple.co/2Os0myK
As an assistant professor at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Emily Largent focuses primarily on research ethics and issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode, you will discover:
Over 5.5 million Americans have dementia, and there is still no disease-modifying therapy and no way to reverse or slow the progression of the disease. It is one of the most feared conditions of old age because it affects people’s personal identity, sense of self, and personal relationships in a way no other disease can.
Largent discusses the key premise of her research, which is that our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is changing in ways that will have a fundamental impact on the lived experiences of those who receive the diagnosis, as well as their family members. Largent is interested in exploring the social, legal, and ethical implications of Alzheimer’s disease research and how to translate this research into high-quality bedside care.
In addition, she is interested in better understanding how people receive the news that they are (or are not) at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the future. She expounds on the details of a particular study which aimed to identify the emotional impact of receiving this type of news, and shares some interesting findings. She also discusses the ways in which people respond practically to receiving such news, and explores how it might affect the relationships they have with other people.
Tune in to hear the full conversation. To learn more, visit https://www.alz.org/, https://www.nia.nih.gov/, and https://pennmemorycenter.org/. Available on Apple podcast: apple.co/2Os0myK
CEO of Lantos Technologies John Bojanowski, and Chief Audiology Officer at Lantos Technologies Dr. Brian Fligor, join the podcast to discuss 3D ear scanning. In this episode, you will learn:
Lantos Technologies is a company that spun out of MIT about 10 years ago with the goal of improving the standard of care for creating custom-fit devices for the ear. Up until that point, the technology being used was quite literally about 130 years old. Despite encountering unexpected complications in the creation of digital technology for the ear, the technology at Lantos was brought to market and commercialized in 2019.
The old technology for custom-fit ear devices relied on making ear molds, which quite literally required pouring a substance into the ear of the customer and waiting until it dried. This was not only inefficient and ineffective, but uncomfortable for the client. At Lantos Technologies, custom-fit devices are made based on a simple 60 to 90-second 3D scan of the ear, which is then uploaded via the cloud and sent to the manufacturer. This allows for personalized solutions for a range of products, including hearing aids, hearing protection, professional audio, and consumer audio.
Bojanowski and Fligor discuss the uniqueness of ears—in fact, they even say that an ear print could serve as an excellent biomarker for individual identification. They’ve scanned over 18,000 ears and have yet to find any two alike—including the left and right ears on one individual. That’s right, your right and left ear are not symmetrical, but don't worry, Lantos accounts for this. Among other topics, Bojanowski and Fligor discuss the anatomy of the ear and how it relates to the creation of their technology, some of the most in-demand and interesting applications of their technology, and so much more.
Tune in, and visit https://www.lantostechnologies.com/us/. Available on Apple podcast: apple.co/2Os0myK
Kimothy Smith, DVM, PhD, VP of Pathogen Detection Systems at Nephros, Inc, discusses water-borne diseases, water filters, and more. Dr. Smith earned a BS in biochemistry and earned his Doctorate in veterinary medicine from Oklahoma State University. He holds a PhD in molecular epidemiology from Louisiana State University.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Smith talks about the core technology of Nephros, and how they got their start in filtration systems that provide barriers to many water-borne pathogens, such as Legionella, and others. He goes on to explain some of the newer technologies developed by the company and his personal role in their pathogen-detection systems—to help with mitigation, and to clear potential problems. He explains that certain plumbing and pipes, and the age of buildings, etc., can contribute to bacteria and pathogen growth. Dr. Smith gives an overview of just how important it is for workers to take care and exercise caution when opening up plumbing systems, because there is always an opportunity for bacteria to find a way in, and potentially multiply.
Continuing, the pathogen expert discusses heavy metals, and environments that are ideal for bacteria and pathogenic growth. Expanding on his thoughts and knowledge, Dr. Smith discusses the specifics of buildings, and pathogen entry potential. He explains the importance of testing, and mitigation practices—from chemical to thermal treatments, as well as filtration. Dr. Smith goes on to explain seasonal changes and weather/flooding events that could also play a role in bacteria growth and the risks to human health.
Shawn Patrick O’Brien, chief executive officer of Genomind (genomind.com), discusses anxiety, mental health, and genetic connections.
Before his work began at Genomind, O’Brien founded Key BioPharma Partners, LLC, a private consulting firm focused on biopharma, and he served as president and CEO of multiple influential pharmaceutical and bioscience companies.
Podcast Points:
O’Brien discusses the background of Genomind, and why the company was created. He talks about the company’s founder, Dr. Ronald Dozoretz, MD, who sadly passed away recently due to Covid-19. Dr. Dozoretz’s career as a psychiatrist focused on building mental health centers, working to improve patient outcomes, and decrease costs.
O’Brien states that according to the CDC, by the end of the decade, depression will be the largest healthcare cost. Genomind seeks to bring real solutions to mental health care. As O’Brien explains, as many as 50% of the total population will need mental health services at some point in their lives. Genomind has developed a system of testing that can eliminate the trial and error of care, by providing genetic testing of 24 different genes which can elucidate which drugs are suitable for the individual and which will be ineffective, how they will metabolize a type of drug, and how that drug will be distributed throughout their body, etc. This valuable information can assist health care practitioners to prescribe medications that will work for their patients, and eliminate the long journey of trial and error that many patients go through en route to finding a successful path to treatment through medication.
The Genomind CEO talks about the ways they have adapted their company’s models to facilitate the current Covid-19 period. He discusses particular drugs and drug profiles, detailing therapy and treatment. O’Brien explains that many patients may be currently taking drugs that will simply never work for them, but genetic testing will help correct this. Wrapping up, O’Brien provides an overview of new emerging data in his field, and how drugs are incorporated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), etc., and he talks about his personal story with his son that motivated him to work with Genomind helping others improve their lives.
Professor and virologist Marilyn J. Roossinck describes her work and interesting elements of virus behavior. She tells listeners
Marilyn J. Roossinck, Ph.D. is a professor in plant pathology and environmental microbiology and biology. She’s at the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at the Huck Institute of Life Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. She describes for listeners how she first became interested in the field of virology and where that interest took her. Because viruses evolve rapidly, they can be a helpful vehicle for observing evolutionary processes. One of her early studies involved watching virus mutations of RNA viruses, noting the diversity of their populations.
She then describes the work she’s done with the cucumber mosaic virus. Because the virus infects about 1,200 different species, they could compare virus evolution by starting with clones of the cucumber mosaic virus and see how the exact same virus progressed differently among host plants. Contrary to general thought, they found the virus behavior and diversity was dependent on the host plant.
She discusses some other studies including on a virus that has coevolved with the jalapeno and other pepper plants and what that plant virus accomplishes for that plant. She also talks about her work on a virus found in fungi that inhabit geothermal soil and viruses in Costa Rican plants. She explains how this work has caused her to think of viruses differently, as beneficial for the most part. In fact, she says pathogenic viruses are actually quite rare.
For more about her work, see roossincklab.com.
Rita Austin looks at human remains from all over the world to try and understand past human experiences and disease processes, particularly for tuberculosis and syphilis. In this podcast, she shares with listeners
Dr. Rita Austin is a Predoctoral Research Fellow at the Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Natural History, where she works to evaluate their human biological anthropology collections to better inform destructive sampling decisions made by the museum. She recently obtained her PhD from the University of Oklahoma. She talks about her work in this podcast, explaining the way researchers use methods like DNA ancestry, skeletal studies, and teeth calculus to reconstruct the impact of pathogens in the near and distant past.
Her studies have focused specifically on tuberculosis and syphilis and she explains that TB is ancient—we have been evolving with it for millennia. Syphilis on the other hand is much more recent and was first documented in the 1400s; however, there are subspecies that are more ancient and non-venereal. She adds that these diseases still exist today and explains how TB invades the body in more detail. Her work helps scientists better understand these pathogens in the past and how they have changed over time: a better understanding can help us target them now and be prepared for how they may continue to evolve.
She also explains one of her overarching interests, namely how cultural practices inform and affect health care. She adds some examples and reminders listeners that one’s socioeconomic status affected one’s health. People were touched by the plague, for example, due to different socioeconomic situations. She comments that being able to protect one’s self from sickness is a privilege. Finally, she shares some interesting examples of how researchers have reconstructed end-of-life circumstances by looking at human remains, including a story about what some nun’s teeth told about the ink they used.
To find out more about her work, see the University of Oklahoma’s Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research page at https://lmamr.org/.
Jessica Young, PhD is a biostatistician in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School who joins the show to discuss the ins and outs of her interesting and important work. Tune in to learn the following:
Dr. Young’s job is two-fold: she works on both the applications of statistical methods for public health and clinical medicine, and also on the development of methods in these areas. She focuses on causal inference, which is the formal process of understanding how to estimate causal effect from data collected in real-world studies. Through examples including a longitudinal study on nurses starting in the 1970s to present day studies revolving around the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Young discusses confounding factors in studies and the effect they have on interpretations of findings, the importance of randomization, the presence of bias regardless of how statistically significant a finding is, meta-analyses, where she sees the field of biostatistics heading in the near future, and more.
To learn about the basics of causal inference, Dr. Young recommends reading The Book of Why: The New Science of Cause and Effect. Visit https://www.populationmedicine.org/JYoung to learn more about her work and publications.
Michael Betts and his lab have focused on recoverable viruses like influenza and those that never leave human bodies like HIV. He explains different mechanisms of responses as well as what’s been unusual about our immune system and COVID-19. He describes
Michael Betts is a professor of microbiology at the Penn Institute for Immunology. His lab studies human-specific responses to viruses. He begins by explaining the immune system in general from a microbiologist perspective. He comments that our initial response to most viruses of lethargy and fever is pretty similar. This is an active phase to eliminate the virus if possible. He adds that with viruses like HIV, your body is not able to eliminate the virus. He explains in what ways the virus replication is always a step ahead and how its high replication rate is an advantage for the virus. He provides other examples, like the ability of CMV to encode an MHC complex decoy to evade detection by the CD8+ T cells.
He also describes what the field of immunology has observed with COVID-19 and describes his lab work specifically. He says that the initial response is not different from other infections, but the continuing outcomes and manifestations of those outcomes run the gamut. They’ve focused on reactions of T-cells and the innate immune system, which is mediated by several types of cells like monocytes. They are noticing that severe COVID-19 has an impact on the innate lymphocyte population. They are seeing very dramatic changes in cell surface protein expression and in the population of cells called neutrophils, namely an extreme elevation of these in the blood. The cell surface protein effect is most pronounced in people with severe disease, not mild or moderate, which means it may help gauge reactions and treatments.
To learn more, see his lab’s website, bettslab.org, or look him up and contact him. His Twitter account is @BettsLab.
Dr. John H. Rex, MD, has worked in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) field his entire career. In this podcast, he explains key elements in antimicrobial drug development. He describes
Dr. Rex has several roles, including Chief Medical Officer of F2G, Ltd, which is an antifungal biotech company; Operating Partner for Advent Life Sciences; and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at McGovern Medical School. He began his career as an academic medic focusing on new drugs for fungal infections. He then became head of Anti-Infection Development at AstraZeneca for several years before leaving to take on freelance roles and his work at F2G, Ltd.
He explains the difficulty of drug development for fighting bacteria by describing the three challenges of antibiotic development: antibiotics are hard to discover, hard to develop, and nobody pays for them. He offers an analogy to explain these challenges: antibiotics are the fire extinguishers of medicine. We need to be willing to pay for their very existence though we may not use them. He describes the push and pull maneuvers in the drug development industry and what must happen for both efforts.
He also tells listeners about the nature of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and how their different functions mean different efficacies and ease of drug developments to treat resulting infections. A fungus and bacterium, for example, though challenging, don’t equal what developers face when trying to fight a virus. Therefore, while the development of drugs for a fungal infection are difficult as are the outlooks for new antibiotics, viral infections present the greatest challenge. Yet, he says, the path forward is not bleak, just tough.
For more, sign up for his newsletter and see his blog at his website: https://amr.solutions/
Rick DeLano Bio: Rick DeLano has worked as an executive producer, and financial consultant in the music and film industries for more than 20 years. A writer and filmmaker, DeLano is best known for producing the controversial movie, THE PRINCIPLE, an endeavor that has rocked the scientific establishment by using its own discoveries to prove that the Earth is centrally located in the universe and sits in a favored position. His newest production is the film, THE END OF QUANTUM REALITY, a work based on the discoveries of former MIT mathematics professor, Dr. Wolfgang Smith. The movie details how it is that Dr. Smith has solved the legendary “quantum enigma” - the paradox whereby Schrodinger's cat is both alive and dead or one particle can be at two places at once, something that Albert Einstein futilely spent the last 30 years of his life trying to understand. THE END OF QUANTUM REALITY, releases to theaters on January 10, 2020.
Writer and producer of the film The End of Quantum Reality, Rick DeLano, discusses a number of fascinating topics, including the following:
When Rick DeLano set out to write the independent film The Principle, which deals with matters in cosmology, he didn’t know that it would ultimately be the key to not only a great friendship with Wolfgang Smith, but also all of the intriguing and compelling information required for what would become his second film, The End of Quantum Reality, in which the genius Wolfgang Smith—who entered Cornell University at age 14 and was teaching mathematics at MIT by age 25—examines quantum theory.
DeLano discusses what he says is perhaps the most widespread belief among humanity today, which is that the world is composed of fundamental particles—what many people call atoms. However, it might not be that simple. How so? DeLano tackles this question by exploring the inconsistencies between Newtonian mechanics and quantum mechanics, the clouds of probability associated with atoms which disallow us from identifying where or how fast or what direction a particle is moving at any particular time...that is, until the very moment that particle is measured, Wolfgang's criticism of Heisenberg’s equation, and the profound and fundamental difference between the pre-measured and post-measured system of a particle.
He also explains the many-worlds interpretation (MWI), the Boltzmann constant, what Wolfgang means when he refers to the “physical universe” and in what ways it is a very different place than the world we live in, Heisenberg’s take on Aristotle’s notion of potentia and how it might help solve the problem of wave-particle duality, what he sees in the near future of particle physics, and so much more.
To watch The End Of Quantum Reality, visit www.theendofquantumreality.com.
Dr. Corry's Bio: David B. Corry is Professor of Pathology & Immunology and Medicine; Vice Chair for Immunology, Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Corry further holds the Fulbright Endowed Chair in Pathology. He received his M.D. degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and after residency training in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, he completed his clinical training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. In 1992, he joined the immunology laboratory of Dr. Richard Locksley to study mechanisms of T cell differentiation and immune injury. He then joined the faculty at San Francisco General Hospital as Adjunct Assistant Professor and in 1999 joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine.
The primary objectives of Dr. Corry’s research are to discover the fundamental immune and environmental causes of chronic human inflammatory diseases to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of these often profoundly disabling conditions. Dr. Corry’s laboratory discovered the seminal importance of the of the IL-4/IL-13 signaling pathway in asthma; the fundamental role that environmental and endogenous proteinases play in the pathogenesis of TH2-dependent allergic inflammation; the fibrinogen-Toll like receptor 4 interaction in the control of antifungal immunity and allergic inflammation; and the fungal infectious basis of allergic airway disease of humans, including chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. In collaboration with Dr. Farrah Kheradmand, the Corry laboratory discovered the critical role that matrix metalloproteinases play in orchestrating allergic inflammation; first demonstrated the autoimmune TH1/TH17 basis of human emphysema; the critical roles that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-g) and osteopontin play in emphysema; and that the primary disease-causing factor in tobacco smoke-related emphysema is nanoparticulate carbon black. Dr. Corry’s laboratory further pioneered the study of microRNAs (miRs) in pulmonary disease and discovered the pro-inflammatory role of let-7 miRs in experimental asthma and the critical role that miR-22 and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) play in organizing pathologic TH17 responses in experimental emphysema. Most recently, Dr. Corry’s laboratory has discovered that low-grade fungal sepsis due to the yeast Candida albicans produces a durable cerebritis with features resembling Alzheimer’s Disease. Current research in the Corry laboratory is directed at translating these discoveries into improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for human allergic, smoking-related, and degenerative central nervous system diseases.
Dr. David Corry is a physician and professor at Baylor College of Medicine who joins the show to discuss allergies, fungal infections, immunology, and so much more. In this episode, you will discover:
Ever since the early days of his training as a physician, Dr. David Corry gravitated toward a strong clinical interest in diseases of the lungs, and discovered one of the major problems facing pulmonologists today: textbook and even the most advanced treatments don’t always work on some of the most common illnesses, including chronic sinusitis and asthma. Further, the more severe the disease, the less likely it is that treatment will work. This sparked Dr. Corry’s interest and compelled him to examine what is really going on with these conditions and how diagnoses and treatments for them might be improved.
Dr. Corry’s clinic focuses on treating advanced, potentially life-threatening inflammatory airway diseases, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema that are complicated by sensitization to pollens or molds, which in turn leads to a particular pattern of inflammation called eosinophilic bronchitis. By using techniques that have been developed over the course of ten years’ worth of research using mouse models, Dr. Corry and his team have been targeting the core problem that underlies these different conditions.
What might that problem be? This question leads him to explain one of the most important discoveries uncovered through his research, which is that in addition to continual exposure to an allergen such as pollen or cedar or mold, there is a factor that drives these allergies: airway mycosis, or the growth of mold in the airway.
Dr. Corry explains what is really meant by the broad term “allergies” and the many different forms it can take in different people, how airway mycosis not only worsens but can also cause the symptoms of allergies, and how he treats his patients having been equipped with this knowledge. He also discusses the difficulty in prescribing antifungal medication, the presence of mycobiomes in the human body, and some of the most common sources of mold growth that you might not think of (and what to do about them).
He shares the specifics of the research he and his team are currently conducting, which aims to determine why only a small percentage of people develop serious disorders related to airway mycosis. He explains his two-fold hypothesis and when they expect to have sufficient data on the matter.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://www.bcm.edu/people-search/david-corry-19841 to learn more.
Integrative medical doctor Dana Cohen talks about the importance of hydration as well as some surprising nuances as discussed in her book Quench, which she coauthored with Gina Bria. She describes for listeners
Dr. Dana Cohan is a nationally-renowned integrative medical doctor with a multidisciplinary approach to her practice. She trained under Dr. Atkins and has been practicing for more than twenty years. She begins the podcast by recounting how few of her patients come in to her office feeling as if they hydrate enough. She feels that proper hydration is the single most important thing one can do to treat and prevent chronic illness. This along with Dr. Gerald Pollock's findings of a "fourth phase of water," were the impetus behind writing the book.
She describes some of the ways just focusing on drinking lots of water leaves an individual behind in hydration, and believes many of us function in a place of low-grade dehydration. She says that one of first signs to look for is fatigue because hydration is a source of energy in the body. Hydration provides electrical energy and helps us store our energy better. But if we only focus on water, we can dilute our electrolytes and minerals. She explains ways to avoid this, including a daily regime that includes front-loading our water intake first thing as well as filling ourselves with water from foods like vegetables and fruit. She gets into more detail about what this looks like and other handy ways to hydrate, including certain movements.
For more, her book Quench is available from multiple retailers.
Dr. Shepherd has worked in key areas like Botswana to address infectious diseases. He shares with listeners
Dr. James Shepherd is an infectious disease physician at Yale, New Haven hospital. For the past 20 years, he has advised and worked in TB and HIV global treatment programs. For example, he worked in Nigeria to roll out HIV treatment programs through the US-funded President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. He also ran the CDC's TB and HIV research program in Botswana to address HIV symptoms and curtail TB spread, which has one of the most severe TB and HIV co-epidemics in the world, and worked with the CDC WHO contingent in India, advising on their national TB program.
He describes his work with governments and health issues in smaller countries, which have a lot more challenges. He comments that one has to get creative, adapt, and work around issues and prioritize because there isn't the luxury of picking and choosing. He adds that there's a lot of pragmatism: these parts of the world are limited by funds so they have to make very hard choices for their people.
He also tells listeners about the covid-19 shutdown's effects on some of these programs, how the lack of PPE, resources, and the "cold chain" supply of vaccines and medicines are no longer reaching places like Botswana. He adds how they handled the covid-19 precautions very well from the start and have very limited cases, but are suffering from this lack of other needs met. Therefore, Dr. Shepherd expresses his concern for the near future of TB and HIV symptoms relief, prevention, and treatments as well as the lack of vaccines like measles.
For more information on infectious diseases from a global perspective, he suggests seeing web pages from philanthropic organizations like the global health section of the Gates Foundation and the UK's Wellcome Foundation.
Dr. Mya Breitbart, Professor of Biological Oceanography at the University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, discusses marine microbes—microbes in the ocean, wastewater treatment, viruses, and her lab’s current and past work. Breitbart earned her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at San Diego State University and a BS in Biological Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Breitbart discusses her lab’s focus and objectives. As she explains, they use sequencing techniques to explore the diversity of viruses and bacteria. Specifically, Dr. Breitbart’s lab’s molecular techniques can be utilized to study the distribution, and ecological roles, of viruses and bacteria in a diverse range of varied environments. Her studies cover seawater, plants, animals, insects, coral reefs, zooplankton, stromatolites, reclaimed water, and more. While there is certainly a lot of interest in the larger species, etc. that inhabit our oceans, Dr. Breitbart and her team are keenly interested in the smaller things. As she explains, in every milliliter of sea water there are about one million bacteria and ten million viruses, so there’s a lot to examine and study. She discusses bacteria and viruses’ important roles in the carbon and nutrient cycles in the oceans, and explains that there is so much more to learn still, on top of what they already know.
Dr. Breitbart discusses how bacteria adapt to different habitats. And she provides an overview of sampling procedures that oceanographers utilize, discussing the processes in detail. She explains how they can get specific with depths, capturing water samples at precisely the depth they want to study. She explains why viruses are harder to look at, one reason being is that they have such different types of genomes. And she expands upon how they can look at viruses in regard to pollution in the marine environment.
Continuing, Dr. Breitbart discusses how their studies can provide insight into diseases that affect sea animals as well. And in regard to sequencing, she talks about single-stranded DNA viruses versus double-stranded, and the methods they’ve used to discover similarities and differences.
John M. Newsam, author, and CEO of Tioga Research, discusses skin in general, care for skin, and his work at Tioga Research.
Podcast Points:
Newsam has provided his expertise in scientific and strategic consulting to multiple US Fortune500 companies, as well as early-phase biotech and materials companies around the globe, including the US, UK, and Korea. He has worked with notable government institutions such as IFP Energies Nouvelles, and he has been a respected member of many academic advisory committees.
Newsam provides an overview of Tioga Research, their objectives in research, and overall mission. As he states, they are heavily involved in research and early development of formulations applied to the skin, including pharmaceutical (primary) as well as the beauty/skin care area as well. Newsam explains how ‘active’ ingredients are diffused into the skin in order to achieve the desired therapeutic benefit, and he talks about transdermal delivery of drugs, and why this method can be particularly useful.
The research CEO provides an overview of active and inactive ingredients, and FDA-approved products. As he states, cocktails of molecules tend to work best for delivering the benefits to users. Newsam explains how they have worked to assemble a long list of safe compounds and mixtures, and databases of useful excipients (inactive substances). Continuing, Newsam delivers an overview of what manufacturers can claim regarding their products and the benefits they may provide. As he states, in theory, any claim of benefit should be supported by a scientific study, but the cosmetic industry is so large, with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to police every product that exists.
Additionally, Newsam talks about other drugs, permeability, and how enzymes can degrade proteins. Newsam is a materials chemist by training, and he has authored in excess of 170 scientific publications.
Visit these links to find out more about John M. Newsam:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnewsam/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John_Newsam
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1fk9pdIAAAAJ&hl=en
Dr. Bility works with humanized mouse models to investigate infectious viruses like HIV. He explains his microbiology work by sharing with listeners
Moses T. Bility, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the School of Public Health and the University of Pittsburgh. In this conversation he explains how Stephen Hawking's theory of model-dependent realism inspired his approach to studying infectious viruses. In an effort to rethink the paradigm that can explain and predict human disease in a more effective way, he works with rodent models that are humanized. He explains the technique for introducing human organ systems in mice, including the liver, hypothalamus, kidney capsule, skin, and the whole immune system.
This realigns how a microbiology lab can analyze infectious viruses, from HIV to Covid-19. Dr. Bility describes his current investigation, namely in HIV interaction with macrophages and iron. Macrophages are multifunctional cells that play a role in maintaining tissue integrity and initiating an immune response. He describes how they developed a humanized mouse model with a human spleen and studied the model to see what allows the HIV virus to persist and how they could affect the virus. They had an exciting outcome, namely that they were able to control HIV in their mouse model. They now will do some machine learning and other studies to see how they can design a vaccine around their findings in terms of controlling the virus.
For more, see his faculty page at https://publichealth.pitt.edu/home/directory/moses-bility.
Professor Bushman has been studying microbes since the early 80s and was involved in researching HIV pathogenesis, developing in vitro HIV integration that led to integration inhibitors for treatment. He shares interesting details about viruses with readers, such as
Frederic Bushman, Ph.D., is the William Maul Measey Professor and Chair of Microbiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He shares with listeners how his own interest in the field developed and then begins by addressing ways we understand viruses as scientists consider efforts like gene therapy. For example, he explains that HIV integrates into the host cell, which is why it is so difficult to get rid of it. However, it does not act on the scale of endogenous retroviruses, which infect germ cells and expand into every bodily cell as we grow. He says that the human genome is composed of 8% viral genes from these viruses.
The conversation then turns to the microbiome, virome, and bacteria phages and he reminds listeners of the vast number of viruses in the world. In fact, he talks of a “dark matter” existence level of viruses that researchers are just beginning to try and investigate. While the public may mainly hear about viruses in terms of pathogenesis and gene therapy, their involvement in our world and evolution is complex and far beyond these issues.
He also talks about his findings about to be published in Nature. He and his team studied the development of a baby’s microbiome and found that at birth, a baby is without bacterial colonists. He explains how the microbiome develops alongside integrative prophages. For prospective students wanting to enter the field, he suggests trying to formulate a question that’s interesting, important, and answerable.
To find out more, he suggests searching his name and the term “virome.” In addition, his faculty page has links to some of his publications: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g20001500/p2236488
Pooja Khandelwal, MD, Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics and Member, Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, discusses bone marrow, gut health, and their work at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Podcast Points:
As a principal investigator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Dr. Khandelwal has a keen interest in acute graft versus host disease biology, the treatment of steroid refractory acute graft versus host disease, and management of refractory autoimmune cytopenias in the post-transplant setting. Her work is often focused on pediatric bone marrow transplantation and blood diseases.
Dr. Khandelwal discusses acute graft versus host disease that can occur after a transplant. She provides some data on the number of bone marrow transplants, stating that approximately 10,000 patients annually go through the procedure in the United States alone. She explains how it can be a curative modality for diseases that are either hard to treat or that have returned after remission. Dr. Khandelwal provides some detailed information on bone marrow, explaining how it is a fascinating organ. As she states, bone marrow is a living organ in our bones that produces all the cells that make up our blood—white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. From carrying oxygen to the core of our immune system, to other crucial functions, our bone marrow is responsible for originating many important elements that are critical to our body’s health.
Dr. Khandelwal discusses matching immune systems, and the factors. She discusses proteins and the matches between recipients and donors. Further, Dr. Khandelwal explains the actual process of how bone marrow transplants work from a technical perspective. She discusses how sophisticated the bone marrow is, and how it knows where it needs to go after transplanting it. The research doctor explains how chemotherapy is often used to eradicate a recipient’s current bone marrow to make room for the new, healthy bone marrow.
Continuing, Dr. Khandelwal explains the changes within intestinal microbiome over time, in transplantation. She discusses where disruption happens, and how they can restore the beneficial bacteria to patients’ bodies. Additionally, she provides information on how the intestinal microbiome is formed, and how human milk allows for the initial growth of an intestinal microbiome that can allow healthy systems to flourish.
Wrapping up, Dr. Khandelwal discusses the future of transplants, and some of her perspectives on personalized medicine.
Trey Grainger, Chief Algorithms Officer at Lucidworks, author, and speaker, discusses search engines, artificial intelligence, and AI-powered searches.
Podcast Points:
Grainger is an experienced engineering and data science executive with specific expertise in search and information retrieval, as well as recommendation systems, and data analytics spaces. Grainger discusses his background and his work at Lucidworks, the successful San Francisco, California-based enterprise search technology company.
As Grainger explains, Lucidworks provides its expertise in the area of AI-powered search technology to hundreds of Fortune 1000 clients. Accessing data and finding relevant results is the name of the game, and Lucidworks is exceptional in this critical area of business development. He discusses chatbots and analytics use cases, and how companies can benefit. Lucidworks assists their broad base of clients by helping them build intelligent search applications that will allow them to fully expose their products to customers and/or provide internal knowledge to all their existing employees. Grainger goes on to explain how search engines are utilized by nearly every website, but many simply don’t get the job done. Lucidworks powers search engine technology that digs deeper and provides relevant results that are useful.
Grainger talks about the importance of ‘bringing back’ results that best match the intent of the user/searcher. Intelligent search technology must be specific, focusing on the content dimension, and user-understanding dimension, etc. For example, sophisticated search engines should be able to pick up on signals, learning what people want to ‘see’ in their content, based upon their clicks and behaviors, so the engine can ‘tune’ itself to find better answers for future user/searchers. He delves into the subject of domain understanding, and discusses how it drills down to what the content is really about. For the engine to understand the nuanced meaning of searches and search words is important. The context of the user is important, for example, if a user searches for the word ‘driver’ while at the airport, the search engine should be able to discern that they’re probably looking for an Uber or taxi driver, and probably not a device driver for their computer’s OS. Context is crucial in order to provide the appropriate results.
Continuing, Grainger discusses the specifics of queries, and different experiences that searches can provide. He talks about the direct correlation between improving relevance in searches to increased bottom lines. He talks about commerce use cases versus enterprise use cases, their similarities, and the benefits. Wrapping up, Grainger talks about natural language processing and the future of searches. Click here to get Trey Grainger's book "AI-Powered Search" There is a permanent 40% discount code (good for all products in all formats): podftech19
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Chief Clinical Officer of SyncThink, Scott Anderson, discusses a novel technology capable of identifying eye movements that indicate the presence of certain neurological conditions. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Most neurological conditions lack objective diagnostic tools, which means diagnoses are made only by the exclusion of others, and heavily reliant upon the patient’s reported experiences or answers on standardized questionnaires. This includes developmental conditions often labeled as learning disabilities in children, and degenerative conditions in late life, such as dementia. Until now, there has been no method for functionally measuring the brain to determine what is actually going on with patients who present with certain signs or symptoms.
For the past 15 years, Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Ghajar has been capturing, studying, identifying, and classifying eye movements and correlating them with various neurological conditions in partnership with the US Department of Defense. With the help of today’s guest, Scott Anderson, the data gathered from this extensive research has been commercialized, and is now available as an unprecedented tool for objectively measuring evidence of neurological impairments and conditions.
The technology utilizes FDA-approved, high-fidelity, research-grade eye tracking infrared cameras and emitters built into virtual reality goggles, and conducts a series of 60-second assessments to capture eye movements.
Anderson explains the specifics of the treatments and exercises used in this field, how to improve the standard and quality care for concussions, the future of eye tracking, and more.
Tune in and visit https://syncthink.com/.
Researcher Gopike Nair and her colleagues have produced in vitro cells that make insulin and have successfully implanted them in mice, curing them of type 1 diabetes. She shares her research with listeners, explaining
Dr. Gopkia Nair is a stem cell biologist working as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. She has been working on stem cell research and diabetes in order to reintroduce insulin-producing cells into patients who've lost these cells and suffer from diabetes type 1. She begins by explaining the physiology in different types of diabetic conditions and how these generated cells act like beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. While her focus is on type 1, she says the therapy will be applicable to both types.
In order to explain how this therapy works, she explores the cause in more detail, reviewing the immune system's overdrive that attacks insulin-producing cells after some sort of trigger. Researchers have found that the disease starts at the beta cell level, exposing a certain protein on the surface that the immune system recognizes and attacks. Scientists are still not sure what the trigger is, but this helps them know they must address this in the cells they've created from the stem cells.
She addresses different ways they are protecting the cells from the immune system and how they will introduce the cells into the body of the patient, most likely through a patch in a vascularized area. Finally, she expects this therapy to be available to patients in 5 to 10 years at the latest.
For more, see her LinkedIn page and personal research web page. cwV3jwflKxO27ijDlaMV
Seqster Founder and CEO Ardy Arianpour explains how the company integrates multiple data sources regarding health care into one system. He discusses
Ardy Arianpour is a genomics executive and serial entrepreneur in the biotechnology industry and has launched several clinical and consumer-based genetic tests in past companies. He co-founded Seqster in January of 2016. He describes the company as a SaaS healthcare platform used by enterprises in health care fields. It enables organizations to drive efficient healthcare via a comprehensive collection of medical records and electronic health record (EHR) data. It also includes a patient's genomic profile and human genetic information along with any wearable device data and puts this all in one place, allowing individuals to share that data and create a longitudinal health record.
He addresses issues of privacy as well, emphasizing the patient-centric mode of this information and the empowering nature of the data alongside protective technology. He provides examples of the usefulness of this platform such as a caregiver's handling of a relative's cancer treatments, having to deal with six different health systems. Rather than lugging binders and CDs of information, all data can be shared across institutions with Seqster.
Finally, he shares some recent additions to the system such as a covid-19 compass symptom checker module that is built into the platform for research subjects who may have been exposed. He adds that they are assessing the growth in telehealth, and says that a weakness in telehealth is sharing data, a weakness that Seqster can address.
For best ways to learn more, see seqster.com, follow them on twitter through @Seqster, and find them on LinkedIn.
Amar Vutha is the Canada Research Chair in Precision Atomic & Molecular Physics at the University of Toronto, and he joins the show to discuss the nature of his fascinating work. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Everything we see around is—including every galaxy identified telescopically—comprises only 5% of the universe. The consensus among scientists is that this 5% of the universe is understood fairly well, but Vutha second guesses that position. Rather than the questions that can be answered in physics, Vutha is interested in the questions that cannot be answered…or at least haven’t been answered yet.
By studying and conducting precision measurements of the properties of atoms and molecules, Vutha aims to understand more about how the universe and the laws of physics work. He discusses what he believes to be three of the most important unsolved problems in physics, emergent properties and energetically-favored states of molecules, how highly-charged ions are able to resist perturbation by external stimuli (and why this is useful in making atomic clocks), the absence of identifiable natural antimatter in the universe (and why scientists reason that we should be able to identify it), and so much more.
Visit https://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~vutha/ to learn more about Vutha’s research.
Associate professor at UNC Department of Epidemiology, Dr. James Thomas, joins the show to discuss his line of work in health care ethics, and how it has changed in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Tune in to learn the following:
For much of his career, Dr. James Thomas has studied the social determinants of infectious diseases, focusing particularly on the effects of mass incarceration on the communities left behind. Over the last decade, he has done a lot of work involving health information systems in developing countries. Just as he was moving toward a study of digital data and how they are used in public health, COVID-19 hit.
Dr. Thomas discusses the social determinants of this virus, which includes a look at how incarcerated individuals are being affected by the virus, the level of constraint being placed on the general public in this country and across the globe, the unprecedented implementation of digital surveillance in China and the US, why COVID-19 presents unique challenges to health care ethics and decision-making, what he sees as the primary ethical mishap of this pandemic, what he thinks will happen as states begin to reopen across the country, and so much more.
To learn more about the current pandemic, Dr. Thomas suggests visiting the CDC website.
U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center Director Jonathan Sleeman explains the process for observing and reporting issues with wildlife.
This podcast explores
The U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center has been in action since 1975 and has a mission to advance wildlife health science for the benefit of animals and the environment. Jonathan Sleeman has been the director since 2009 and explains to listeners some of the vital work of his team. This includes general surveillance of wildlife diseases including investigations into viral diseases and other pathogens when die offs of wildlife are observed.
He discusses the effect of the current coronavirus pandemic on their work. He says that one concern is that it could do a reverse spillover to our bats. Therefore the center is doing risk assessments to see the probability of this by analyzing human and bat wildlife interaction among other things. Bats, felines, mink, and deer are some animals that potentially could be affected. After the risk assessment is complete, they'll design a system to monitor these animals
He covers some of the other wildlife pathogens the center monitors and tells the history behind discovering white nose syndrome in bats in North America and the continued monitoring of bird flu and chronic wasting disease.
For more information, see their web page at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc and the email contact is asknwhc@usgs.gov.
Mr. Sleeman urges listeners to enjoy wildlife from a distance; however, if you see sick or dead animals that seem out of the norm, contact your state wildlife management group.
Recanati Family Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Ken Cadwell, discusses the virome and how it relates to infectious and inflammatory diseases. In this episode, you will learn the following:
Understanding the role of the virome in health is an emerging field of research. In fact, many people aren’t even familiar with the term ‘virome,’ which refers to the collection of viruses that inhabit living things, which of course includes humans.
Dr. Caldwell’s lab is focused on understanding the functional consequences of viral infections primarily through the use of mouse models and cultured human cells. Through a collaborative network, Dr. Cadwell’s team is also trying to make correlations with humans directly in order to examine how viral exposure changes in individuals with certain diseases, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD).
Dr. Cadwell explains the approach they take in determining what viruses are present in a particle sample, whether it be in a mouse model or the human gut. The approach involves sequencing everything that’s there…which means sequencing a lot of bacteria and bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. Dr. Cadwell says that about 90 to 95 percent of the viruses they sequence are identified as bacteriophage.
So, what comprises the remaining five to 10 percent of viruses? Although it’s a small percentage relatively, Dr. Cadwell explains that identifying these other viruses is of high interest because these are the viruses that infect animal cells directly, rather than bacterial cells. The team at Cadwell’s lab is interested in seeing what viruses are present in healthy people, and why. Dr. Cadwell also shares some exciting new research findings that show the human immune system is capable of reacting to certain bacteriophages that are supposedly only inside bacteria, suggesting that researchers need to be paying a lot more attention to bacteriophages that don’t seem to directly infect animal cells.
Dr. Cadwell discusses a number of fascinating topics, including the norovirus (in mice and humans), symbiotic relationships between viruses and hosts and how they are similar to symbioses between humans and the human gut microbiome, why it’s difficult to define what constitutes a healthy microbiome, and so much more.
Tune in and check out www.cadwelllab.nyu.edu to learn more.
Chantal Abergel studies giant viruses, which are a relatively new discovery. She tells listeners how the size offers new observations in virology. She explains
Chantal Abergel is the Research Director of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). She achieved her Ph.D. in Material Science in 1990 from Aix Marseille University. Dr. Abergel co-founded the Structural and Genomic Information (IGS) Laboratory at the CNRS. She specializes in a study new to virology, namely giant viruses. She tells listeners that their very size made them undetectable previously because of filtration measures assuming a certain size, which kept these viruses out of the literal scope of study.
Dr. Abergel shares many traits and processes of the families they’ve been able to identify thus far. For example, bigger viruses are more complex with genomes that can be as large as 2.5 million base pairs. She gives a bit of the history, telling listeners about the first giant virus discovery called the Mimivirus as well as the family she’s currently studying, the Pandoravirus. Their size makes them easier to isolate and observe. Dr. Abergel and her colleagues are studying their relationship with amoeba and have observed processes such as the capsid opening and contents transferring into the cell cytoplasm. Some explains that some viruses divide up and reproduce in the cytoplasm and some transfer and unfold into the nucleus and use cell machinery to duplicate.
She shares many fascinating processes that have implications about giant virus evolution. For example, after causing the overexpression of nuclear proteins inside of amoeba to address the question of whether the viruses are really cytoplasmic replicators, they observed the transcription machinery was not in the virus capsid and the virus didn’t enter the cell nucleus to replicate. Rather they observed proteins leaving the nucleus of the amoeba and going to the virus for transcription. She remarks that this implies that these viruses may have been independent of the cell and this is a demonstration of how they coevolved.
To learn more, see her lab web page at CNRS, http://www.igs.cnrs-mrs.fr/en/the-lab/?lang=en, and search for her articles, which include pictures of some of these recorded processes.
Dr. Bezerra specializes in biliary atresia research. It's the single most common cause of end-stage liver disease in children and the number one indication for pediatric liver transplants. He explains to listeners
Jorge A. Bezerra is Director of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Medical Director of the Pediatric Liver Care Center at the University of Cincinnati. He is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics. In this podcast, he carefully explains the progression of pediatric biliary atresia and research addressing this disease of the liver. He tells listeners that this indicates a closure or obstruction of the liver's biliary ducts in the first three months after birth. In the first few weeks of life, parents notice yellow jaundice in the infant's eyes and pale stools. He remarks that immediate treatment including surgery offers the most benefit.
He then explains a few gastroenterology hypothesizes for when this actually starts. A recent study found that babies that develop this disease often have slightly abnormal bilirubin increases at birth, which indicates that it most likely is a prenatal disease. He adds that if a baby is diagnosed early and taken to surgery, there's a much higher possibility that surgery will work.
He finishes with several breakthroughs in treating this disease and means of testing. For example, researchers have developed a novel test that can be given very early with fast results. Testing normally requires a liver biopsy and as long as two weeks for results. He also talks about liver organoid research that has led to a new way to treat the epithelial cells of the ducts.
For more, see his lab's website: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/g/gastroenterology/labs/bezerra.
Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist and writer who has written a book about the vast world of fungi while pursuing a plant study involving fungi symbiosis. He shares with listeners
Merlin Sheldrake has studied plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and the history and philosophy of science. He has his Ph.D. in tropical ecology from Cambridge University for his work on underground fungal networks in tropical forests in Panama. He was awarded the position of research fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute while pursuing his Ph.D.
Merlin has just published the book Entangled Life, which describes how fungi affect our world. He shares many of these effects in this conversation, starting with his own fascination as a child for how natural objects transform. As he studied about decomposers and learned about symbiosis, plant study and research into plant and fungi relationships was a natural direction to pursue.
He explains that fungi exists in plant roots and spread deep into soil but also live in plant leaves and stems as endocytes. In fact, there are no plants found without endocytes. Therefore, he says, fungi are a fundamental part of planthood, even more than roots and leaves, as fungi existed in symbiosis with plants even before roots evolved. He tells listeners more about this relationship, current studies on communication between plants, fungi, and other plants and the necessity of fungi for health soil.
For more, find his book Entangled Life, which was just published, and see his website: merlinsheldrake.com.
Director of Pediatric Rheumatology at UAB Hospital, Dr. Randy Cron, joins the show to discuss his work and research as a physician-scientist. In this episode, you will learn the following:
Dr. Randy Cron holds an MD and a PhD in immunology. As a physician-scientist, he sees both sides of the coin: the research and the clinical medicine it informs.
Dr. Cron primarily sees patients in the field of pediatric rheumatology and is currently studying macrophage activation syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening type of cytokine storm syndrome that is a complication of some rheumatic diseases and infections—including COVID-19. Dr. Cron aims to study the genetics behind this syndrome in order to identify patients who are predisposed to developing it, and to learn more about the pathophysiology of the syndrome in order to improve treatments.
He also explains the basics of certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and touches on a number of other interesting topics.
Tune in to learn more.
While scientists know antibiotic resistance is linked to the widespread use of antibiotics, understanding the physiology and microbiome of guts that have never been exposed to synthetic antibiotics might offer information to help address this resistance. Researcher Sharmily Khanam designed a study to tackle this gap in knowledge. She explains
Dr. Sharmily S. Khanam is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology at the University of Oklahoma. She explains her initial question in her research, namely what the microbial population in our ancestors was like and how resistant they were to the current antibiotics. She and her colleagues are therefore studying a population in a remote village in the Amazon Forest in Peru.
Currently they are studying the scope and extent of antibiotic resistance in the gut microbiome population of this ancestral-like population, comparing them with the gut microbial population, physiology, and antibiotic resistant population in the microbiome of people exposed to modern antibiotics. They are trying to see if our ancestral microbiome was well positioned to tolerate the modern day antibiotics. She explains that researchers need to fill the gap of knowledge in understanding the molecular mechanism involved in resistance to a diverse group of antibiotics.
She adds that at the same time, this will provide a foundation to investigate and characterize the molecular mechanism in the bacterial population and how that is related to host metabolism—the combination of host and microbial population is creating the outcome that scientists need to understand in order to interrupt this process and prevent resistance. She adds an explanation of their findings thus far and explains how this may help the medical community.
To learn more about this study, see her LinkedIn profile and Google scholar account.
Scarring of the liver leads to numerous health concerns and in this podcast, Dr. Friedman addresses these concerns and ways pharmaceutical companies are trying to prevent these diseases. He tells listeners
Dr. Scott L. Friedman is the Dean for Therapeutic Discovery and Chief of the Division of Liver Diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He has worked to address liver diseases since 1984 and considers himself a physician scientist who oversees clinical trials and program. He explains that the liver gets scarred as a consequence of a variety of insults, from hepatitis A and B to alcoholic disease to NAFLD and NASH. Progressive inflammation leads to scarring and then advanced scarring known as cirrhosis.
He tells listeners that any disease of the liver often begins with a fatty liver and explains the physiology of this, how liver regeneration can be impeded by fatty liver, and how the liver functions to handle any toxins that enter our bodies. He says that the main fibrotic or scaring disease targeted by pharmaceutical companies is NASH, which falls under the umbrella term NAFLD. He adds that a disease that is rising worldwide and part of liver disease is a full body disease known as metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other issues. He explains why liver disease is often overlooked and why this is a problem. He finishes with mentioning some new drugs, one of which should be available soon, to prevent this scarring.
For more, see helpful groups that address liver issues such as the American Liver Foundation, the Mt. Sinai web site, the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, and the Fatty Liver Foundation.
Kathleen Mullin Bio:
Kathleen Mullin, M.D., is the Medical Director for Clinical Research at the New England Institute for Clinical Research and the Associate Medical Director at the New England Institute for Neurology and Headache (NEINH). Dr. Mullin is board-certified in neurology and headache medicine and after graduating from Tufts University and New York University School of Medicine, she completed her residency training at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Headache Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center.
Prior to joining NEINH, Dr. Mullin was the Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Montefiore. She was also Director of Clinical Trials, overseeing a busy clinical trials program. She has been a principle and a sub-investigator on numerous studies, with her work being published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national meetings.
Newer migraine medications are designed to address a different arm of the pain source than traditional triptan therapy, an approach not usable by patients with vascular issues. Dr. Mullin explains
Kathleen Mullin, MD, is the Medical Director of the New England Institute for Clinical Research (NEICR) in Stamford and specializes in headache medicine. A neurologist by training, she continued working in headache medicine after a fellowship following medical school and has never looked back. She is a clinician who also helps companies run migraine medication trails on her patient population and has found a very effective new medication that's now FDA approved: Nurtec™.
She explains how this works differently than the common triptan line of medicines, which work to decrease inflammation through vascular shrinking. However, any patient with a vascular condition of any sort is not able to take these medicines. She explains how the migraine medication Nurtec™ binds with CGRP receptors; GCRP is a neuropeptide that we all have in our bodies. Migraine sufferers have an increased amount of them and blocking their ability to bind blocks their ability to cause pain. Therefore, medications that work this way are called CGRP antagonists. She discusses the success patients have had with this who haven't found relief with any other medication
She adds that headaches are wildly underdiagnosed and urges listeners to seek out medical help if they suffer from headaches. She says that if you ever had a headache that made you feel you had to cancel something, you probably had a migraine—so go to the doctor, she advises.
For more about Nurtec™, see https://www.nurtec.com/ .
Chief Academic Officer at Beth Israel Lahey Health, Dr. Gyongyi Szabo, joins the show to discuss her research on the role of inflammation in innate immunity and liver disease. In this episode, you will learn:
For nearly 20 years, Dr. Szabo has been studying innate immunity, innate cell function, and signal transduction pathways. The focus in her lab is on various types of liver diseases that have an inflammatory component, which accounts for almost all liver injuries and chronic liver diseases. The goal of her research is to gain a better understanding of what causes the inflammatory response in certain liver diseases with the hopes of intervening with certain medications or treatments that would benefit patients suffering from liver disease.
She discusses the difference between innate and adaptive responses of the immune system, how the evolutionary-preserved pattern-recognition receptors that are normally activated by pathogens can also recognize damage-associated molecular patterns, thus leading to low-level systemic inflammation, in what ways her research might lead to an effective treatment for alcohol-related liver disease, and more.
Dr. Schilsky is a professor of medicine and surgery and medical director of liver transplantation at Yale, and he joins the show today to discuss issues related to the liver and liver transplantation. Tune in to learn the following:
Dr. Schilsky had the privilege of witnessing the transition of organ transplantation from the imaginary world, to the world of practical application, to the world of successful application. He has seen firsthand the influence of pharmacology and advanced techniques on the outcomes in this field, and perhaps most importantly, increased quality of life and lifespan enjoyed by patients. For Dr. Schilsky, this is precisely where his interests exist: in the space where patient care and science marry.
He discusses acute and chronic injuries to the liver, the safeness of acetaminophen, infectious causes of liver diseases, the crucial balance between liver injury and regeneration, the relationship between NSAIDs and kidney malfunction and other disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, when and why life-saving bariatric surgeries may be performed, the absence of signs in early stages of liver diseases, whether or not liver diseases tend to happen in certain locations of the liver, and so much more.
Learn more at https://liverfoundation.org/ and https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease.
This podcast explores how readily available genomic testing and databases of human genetic information raise ethical concerns. Dr. McGuire discusses
Dr. McGuire is the Leon Jaworski Professor of Biomedical Ethics and Director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine. She specializes in ethical issues of genetic testing and genomic research. Modern technologies and commercialization put human genetic information at the forefront of medical ethics revolving around multiple health issues. For example, she begins the conversation by addressing gene editing, which has brought a lot of attention: it offers great promise, but also raises ethical concerns about how we influence nature.
She also discusses privacy issues from direct-to-consumer genetic testing and genealogy information. She advises listeners to use caution and understand that who can access the information depends on the company you are using. She reviews different company policies but also the ways the fine print may include provisions the consumer can miss. Ultimately, these companies have created a business model to amass this data and sell it to pharmaceutical companies to develop health initiatives like new drugs.
She talks about the extent to which HIPA and GINA, a newer suite of laws that directly address genomic research and human genetic testing information, meet the needs for protection yet could be tightened. She also brings up newer technologies and reproduction issues, some mass testing programs, and how balancing competing health issues with a global health emergency is a rising issue.
For more, follow the work of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities and see the web site for the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor Medicine at https://www.bcm.edu/centers/medical-ethics-and-health-policy.
Bugworks Research, Inc., is a company focused on producing a next generation antibiotic in light of antibiotic resistance. Dr. Datta details surrounding issues, including
Dr. Santanu Datta is the CSO of Bugworks, Inc., and has been working in the field of infectious disease for decades. He begins telling listeners about the background of antibiotic development, highlighting the difference it has made. He explains why it has been difficult to develop new antibiotics from both a market and scientific perspective. He also explains the mechanisms of antibiotic and bacteria interaction, from the parts the antibiotics have traditionally targeted to the types of adaptations and evolutions bacteria are able to make to impede antibiotics, resulting in antibiotic resistance.
He then talks about his company's work to make a new broad spectrum antibiotic that targets the most dangerous bacteria hospitals face in one antibiotic, from E. coli to Staphylococcus aureus to other common bacteria in hospital patients. Therefore, doctors may use this in an IV form when they don't have time to wait for test results because of the health risks to the patient. Dr. Datta explains that his new generation antibiotic targets two parts of the bacteria at once, limiting its ability to escape unharmed. One of the targets includes the enzyme bacteria require for replication. He also explains their approval process as they head towards phase 1 and adds that they are funded by Carb-x.
For more, see the company's web site at https://bugworksresearch.com/
Environmental toxicologist Martin Wagner joins the show today to discuss the effect of plastics and other endocrine-disrupting agents on human health and the ecosystem at large. In this episode, you will learn:
Wagner began studying plastics while obtaining his PhD, and has since focused largely on trying to determine what compounds exist in the products we consume, how those compounds function, and what effect they have on human and environmental health. Many of these chemicals are known to disturb hormone signaling in the body, which can lead to all types of ailments. Despite this, they have become “almost invisible to us because they are just so pervasive in our everyday life,” says Wagner.
Following his PhD studies, Wagner began focusing on an area of research where he saw a void: while most researchers were looking at marine plastic pollution, Wagner wanted to look at microplastic and nanoplastic pollution on freshwater systems like lakes and rivers. In light of the recent increase in public attention on and awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, Wagner has recentered his work on this topic with the goal of emphasizing not just the use of plastics and the impact on the environment, but also the significance of the chemical compounds within these plastics.
He discusses the details of past and recent studies in the field, what it means for a plastic product to have a certain dispersion factor and why this is significant, what items are found most often on European beaches and what’s being done about it, surprising sources of plastic pollution, why recycling only works well for a few types of plastic, and more.
To learn more about Wagner’s work or reach out with questions, contact him through Twitter.
Daniel Heller runs a lab developing nanomaterials for the treatment and detection of cancer and other diseases. He explains this technology by describing
Daniel A. Heller, PhD, runs the Daniel Heller Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. They're making sensors to detect signs of cancer at the earlies stages, like ovarian cancer, which is often detected at later stages when it is hardest to treat. Currently, they're creating sensors that would be implanted in patients at higher risk to detect ovarian cancer. He explains that the sensors identify biomarkers, which appear at higher levels in certain areas of the body like fallopian tubes, for example, before they appear in the blood where they are normally detected but too late for effective treatment.
He explains that nanotechnologists are working alongside the popularity of fitness trackers like the Apple watches, hoping to merge that trend with medical advancement. These trackers shoot light to measure bodily functions like your pulse. Heller and his colleagues thought that they could get at these key biomarkers through something similar, a wearable device, which can use light to compare and measure indicators but noninvasively. A nanotube in the body can send infrared signals to this wearable device.
He describes how these can offer an accumulative measure—so even if the cancer is at a very early stage, and a single time point measure wouldn't find significant biomarker levels, if clinicians do accumulative measures, they should be able to catch it. Then, they can tell if they are increasing or measure their rate of change, also called the biomarker velocity.
For more, find him on twitter through @HellerLab and see the lab web site at https://www.mskcc.org/research/ski/labs/daniel-heller
Azra Raza is the Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine and Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Center at Columbia University in New York, a practicing oncologist, and author of The First Cell: And the Human Costs of Pursuing Cancer to the Last. She joins the show to discuss several incredibly important topics, including the following:
“Today…we are curing 68% of the cancers, and that’s great, but what are we curing them with? Slash, poison, burn: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation…the same treatments we were using…with a few rare exceptions…it is shocking that in this day and age of such advanced technology we are using such paleolithic caveman treatments...” says Dr. Raza, who has devoted over 30 years of her life to the early detection and prevention of cancer while working firsthand with countless cancer patients.
She continues by explaining that these treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) were initially given as stop-gap measures, and despite the efforts of thousands of scientists over the course of the last several decades, a more successful treatment has not been developed. Why? According to Dr. Raza, a big part of the answer has to do with the fact that cancer is heterogeneous; it’s a moving target that’s continually evolving and picking up new mutations.
So, what’s the solution? In Dr. Raza’s view, the solution is early detection and prevention of the development of cancer, rather than attempts to treat it once it’s already advanced, and she emphasizes the need to use every available resource to this end, including genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. She explains the financial burden of pursuing this research pathway, how she’s trying to overcome it, and so much more.
“On a daily basis I am seeing patients, and it is their stories that are the motivation for me…I am looking at everything through the prism of human anguish…to separate human suffering and pain from the need to find the answers is criminal, because the motivation has to be…to reduce human suffering.”
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and visit https://azraraza.com/ to learn more about Dr. Raza’s mission.
As the director of molecular visualization in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, and the president and CEO of Digizyme, Gaël McGill is interested in how we understand complex science through images. In this episode, you will learn:
If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video on a process like DNA transcription, then you were likely viewing images generated from a software program—not a microscope. Which design decisions lead to effective imagery for communicating scientific concepts? How do you combine a ton of data into representations that help people understand complicated scientific principles and improve communication in science? How do you strike a balance between doing the science justice and making it simple enough to reach the understanding of students and laymen?
These are the questions that drive McGill’s work, and just a few of the ones he discusses on today’s episode. He emphasizes the pedagogical value of getting people to think about how certain images are made, as he believes that in and of itself is an excellent way to learn the material presented by the images. In this vein of thought, he shares the thought-provoking philosophy that “science is not a bunch of facts; science is a way of knowing, and it has to be taught that way.”
McGill explains how techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy can be used to reconstitute an image and obtain the information for the precise location of every single atom in a molecule—whether it's a small one like a hormone, or a large one like an entire virus.
Check out https://clarafi.com/ to browse animations selected and curated by the team at Digizyme and explore a series of online courses and training for those interested in scientific illustration.
Researcher Frederic Bard has studied coronaviruses' step-by-step entry and replication inside cells. He explains to listeners which stages are the most promising for interference. Along the way, he describes
Frederic Bard is an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and is part of the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology with the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A Star) in Singapore. He explains to listeners about the importance of host genes for coronavirus replication. He reminds us that viruses are parasites and need the machinery of a cell to replicate—he has researched different proteins and machines inside the cell that help the structure of viruses to replicate: if we can understand that, he says, maybe we can block replication.
He describes the two moments that show the most promise for disturbing this process, namely when viruses bind with spike proteins on the outside of the cell and when they enter the cytosol for the viruses' RNA replication. A few years ago, he published work identifying the VCP protein that coronaviruses bind with and is now researching the possibility of inhibiting that protein without hurting the cell. That is part of the challenge, he explains—to make the cell a little bit sick to inhibit the virus replication but not enough to damage the cell and health of the person. Along the way, he explains cell mechanisms in response to viruses, how the structure of virus works with the endosomes and cytosol.
For more, see his lab websites with links to his publications and contact information: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/imcb/science/scientific-programmes/multi-modal-molecular-(m3)-biology and https://bch.nus.edu.sg/fredericbard.htm.
Researcher Nikita Ved is studying birth defects as a result of diabetes and wants to increase public awareness of these issues. She tells listeners
Nikita Ved is a Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Dr. Duncan Sparrow's group in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. She researches how diabetes during pregnancy causes birth defects in the embryo, most commonly heart issues; this includes all forms of diabetes, from the 2 types of diabetes more commonly known as well as gestational. She says that many people don't know that one of the major complications of diabetes happens during pregnancy. If fact, it can increase the rate of miscarriage and birth defects by up to 30%.
She explains how difficult it has been to educate the public about these concerns, perhaps because the focus of diabetic complications tends to center on worries about blindness, kidneys, and other neuropathy. Yet she feels that birth defects should be put on the same level of awareness. She describes some of the difficulty involved in these studies but also some protocols that aren't helping, such as not testing pregnant women for diabetes or gestational diabetes until their 2nd trimester while birth defects happen very early in the pregnancy. She advocates for screening for and educating patients about the 2 types of diabetes as they undergo regular gynecological checkups well before they are pregnant.
For more and for contact information, see her web page at the lab: https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/team/nikita-ved
Distinguished professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Steven N. Austad, joins the podcast to discuss his research on the biology of ageing. Tune in to learn the following:
For over 30 years, Austad has been studying the biology of ageing. He more or less stumbled upon this area of research while conducting field work in South America on opossums; much to his surprise, he learned that the lifespan of these animals is very short—just 18 months on average—and as they age, they develop numerous ailments, including cataracts, muscle atrophy, and dental issues. This spurred Austad’s interest in the topic of ageing and compelled him to research why certain species age at the rate they do, and more broadly, why ageing occurs at all.
Austad studies traditional lab animals and unusual animals in the field, such as small bats and Arctica islandica, a species of clam that can live for over 500 years. Despite the general trend of increased life expectancy with increased size, these small animals show a fascinating ability to age successfully—even against the rigors of the wild.
By studying the process of ageing in these animals, Austad believes that insights can be gained that might inform us on how to increase human longevity. He explains one of the suspected ways in which certain species of clams, including the Arctica islandica, live so long. The key lies at least partially in the ability to regulate and maintain proper protein folding. Indeed, it is the age-related weakened ability to do this that leads to dementia and other common features of ageing in humans. Currently, he’s working on sequencing the genomes of various species of clams that live various lengths of time with the hope that this will reveal which molecules might be involved in the protein folding process.
Learn more about Austad’s work by visiting https://www.stevenaustad.com/.
Ben Novak is the lead scientist at Revive & Restore, a leading wildlife conservation organization that promotes the incorporation of biotechnology in various conservation efforts. He joins the show to discuss some fascinating topics, including the following:
Novak joined the Revive & Restore team in early 2012 to work on the Passenger Pigeon Project. Since then, he’s worked on a number of projects, including those involving the endangered black-footed ferret and endangered heath hens.
For over a century now, scientists have been restoring populations once they go extinct, but this hasn’t been done for every vital extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth and Passenger Pigeon. This is where the team at Revive & Restore sees the greatest potential for new biotechnologies to enhance and improve conservation efforts.
Among these technologies are animal gene editing, embryogenesis, and primordial germ cell transfer. Novak says that reproductive technologies are needed in order for their current projects to succeed, and he explains how the Catalyst Science Fund program has begun employing reproductive techniques for use in poultry, but not in wildlife. To reach this end, they are beginning with a project on the greater prairie chicken, which was funded just last year and has remained unimpeded since.
Novak discusses the details of the various projects they’re working on, how the prevention or reversal of species extinction could be accomplished with different biotechnologies, current restoration projects, and the many concerns and challenges encountered in this type of work.
Check out https://reviverestore.org/ to learn more.
As a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany, Dario Valenzano is trying to understand the molecular and genetic bases underlying differences between lifespans and ageing processes of different species, and how we might be able to manipulate our own. In this episode, you will learn:
Some species live for just a few hours, while others live for thousands of years. Why and how have species evolved such different lifespans, and how might the answer to these questions allow us to increase our own longevity and reduce the risk of many diseases? These questions form the cornerstone of the research being carried out by Valenzano and his group.
As a model organism for this research, the team is using the African turquoise killifish, which is the shortest-lived vertebrate known to exist. This fish lives approximately four months both in the lab and in its natural environment. In studying how this species evolved to be so short-lived, they have found that Darwinian selection has little to do with it; rather, Valenzano says its short lifespan came about as a mere accident. For this type of fish, there is little advantage to being long-lived, and without selective pressure to survive for a long time, selection doesn’t act to remove deleterious mutations in late life. Valenzano explains what this might reveal about human evolution, and in particular, late-life weakened selection in humans that fails to remove deleterious mutations which result in diseases like dementia.
Valenzano also discusses their research on the microbiome of fish, mice, and humans, which includes a look at how the microbiome changes over time and during the ageing process, and how microbes interact with the immune system during the ageing process.
Tune in for the full conversation and visit https://www.age.mpg.de/science/research-laboratories/valenzano/ to learn more.
Professor Fábio Aguiar-Alves specializes in identifying bacteria common to staph infection. For example, he can identify the exact types of bacteria present on a patient before they face surgery in order to prevent serious bacterial infections. He tells listeners
Fábio Aguiar-Alves is an associate professor of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology at Universidade Federal Fluminense in Brazil. While his initial studies focused on parasites, he became intrigued with bacteria during his PhD work and followed up with a postdoc at University of California, Berkeley, where he researched Staphyloccocus Aureus, a common staph infection.
He now works in molecular epidemiology, identifying bacteria in patients and looking for specific genes that relate to virulence and resistance. He can provide this information to help guide the doctors in specific treatments to prevent or treat bacterial infection. He explains what he's looking for after he does this DNA retraction. For example, if he finds a certain gene denoting resistance, he can tell the doctor not to use penicillin to treat this patient because it won't solve the problem. Ultimately, this serves to give the patient a specific antibiotic when needed rather than a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent.
He goes into more details about the process—specifically PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to identify the genes—which takes from 2 to 3 hours to figure out. Therefore, they can give a fast answer to the doctor about how to treat—much faster than past systems which delayed treatment considerably. He also explains the different methods for treating the resistant MRSA versus Staphyloccocus Aureus, how common each is in the general population, and how future advances include better mobility and even faster testing times. He also explains the role lateral gene transfer plays in the spread of MRSA.
Found out more by searching for his google scholar profile and listings. His papers are listed in NCBI under aguiar/alves and his University website is http://pesquisadores.uff.br/researcher/f%C3%A1bio-aguiar-alves.
Irina Higgins works to develop effective artificial intelligence models for Google's DeepMind project. She explains some essential tenants and goals, including
After finishing her PhD in neuroscience, Irian Higgins went into the tech world instead of academia and is part of Google's team that works at DeepMind, their artificial intelligence arm. She describes their work as a mix between academia and industry. Their mission is to build something that can solve any task at least as good as any human can. However, she explains that while there's a large group of researchers who think that we just need to put together single AIs who can perform one task and see what they can do in combination, she comments that such systems are still brittle—a little bit of noise can throw the whole algorithm off.
She adds that given how the complicated the natural world is, she doesn't think we can come up with enough narrow AIs to handle problems. At this point she brings in her neuroscience, trying to create a model able to make unsupervised transfers of learning as the brain does. For example, we as humans understand the abstract notion of a paddle and a ball and keeping the ball in the air and can transfer those ideas to another game. She adds that if we can get a computer to do that same transfer, that's a huge leap forward. She further describes some of the ways she's trying to get to that point.
To keep up to date in this field of research, she recommends following blogs in the discipline, such as Google's DeepMind blog: https://deepmind.com/blog, and finding AI research scientists on twitter.
Professor Paul Turner specializes in the evolution of viruses. He shares how researchers conceive of and approach viruses today, including
Paul Turner is the Rachel Carson Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University. In this conversation, he covers many key topics about viruses and virus RNA and how bacteria and viruses may coevolve. He explains that there are numerous ways bacteria have taken genes and functions from viruses and incorporated them into the bacteria to enable a new opportunity for bacterial life to continue. Further, our human genomes are full of what are recognizably virus genes, or "ghosts of infections past," and we're still not clear how these genes may function.
He also covers the tremendous potential for phages to fight infection as antibiotics lose their effectiveness. He talks about some of the roadblocks to this forward movement and how his lab is approaching this research as well as using viruses to better understand evolution as a process and examine pathogenic virus ecology.
Along the way he explains multiple current theories on viruses, virus RNA, and even touches on the exciting work in ocean genomics, a field that is able to look even closer at metagenomics. He also talks about the technology available, how now that scientists have more single-cell tools to study and examine viruses, he's more optimistic that we can access the individual cell level to see variation in how certain cells interact with "free riders" like viruses.
For more, see his page at Yale University, https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/paul_turner/, and the Turner Lab page, https://turnerlab.yale.edu/.
Clinician and researcher Lahari Rampur became interested in allergy studies when confronted with underserved populations in India followed by the amazing possibilities for treatments she found in her graduate work in New York. She's since spent her professional career pursing allergy and autoimmune disorder treatments. Dr. Rampur explains to listeners
Dr. Lahari Rampur is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, at the University of Washington. The majority of her time is spent in clinical work involving allergy and autoimmune disorders. However, she also researches antibiotic allergies. She explains that while many people have a history of allergic reactions to penicillin and various antibiotics, alternatives can be more expensive and have bad side effects. Her research involves developing important protocols and guidelines therefore to identify who is truly allergic versus those patients who will be able to tolerate those antibiotics. In fact, she's found that 90% of those who've had reactions are able to tolerate the antibiotics at a later time.
She shares some general information about allergies with listeners, including genetics versus environmental factors and offers solutions to allergies, from dust mite control measures to allergy shots. She describes how allergy shots work to gradually teach the immune system not to over react to the introduced substance, affecting the behavior of cytokine cells. She also describes some exciting breakthroughs, including biologic medications that work well with certain types of asthma by blocking IgE antibodies.
For more, google her name and see her website at the University of Washington: https://aid.uw.edu/faculty/lahari-rampur-md
Dr. Reid is Chief Scientific Officer and President of EpicentRx and discusses their groundbreaking work. He explains
Dr. Tony Reid obtained his PhD in biochemistry and his MD at Stanford and actually built the foundation of his present work during his graduate efforts there. He begins by explaining how viruses work. For example, adenoviruses have various manifestations that target certain cell types such as lung or gut cells. EpicentRx has taken that characteristic and engineered a virus to attack and kill cancer cells without harming other bodily cells. In addition, the virus alters the immune system so other cancer cells can be seen and treated effectively. Rather than using virus research to create antiviral medication, they've used it to create anticancer medication.
Dr. Reid explains the process more closely, how after detecting molecular switches that told a virus to infect lung tissue, they knocked that signal out so it wouldn't be able to infect lung tissue, and ended up with a weakened virus. They went in and sequenced the virus and made very small, deliberate changes so it would infect cancer cells. He discusses the intricacies in more detail, the studies they've done, and says they've already gotten FDA approval and hope to release the medication and engage in antitumor activity this year.
He finishes by addressing the coronavirus and says his company is actually working on an antiviral medication, more specifically a vaccine that will be successful for the general public but also for immune-suppressed and compromised individuals such as cancer patients.
For more, see the company's website at http://www.epicentrx.com/.
Rudi Appels has worked with genome sequencing in agriculture for forty years and specializes in the genomics of wheat. He shares his knowledge with listeners, explaining
Rudi Appels is an honorary professor at the University of Melbourne and a Research Fellow at AgriBio out of La Trobe University. He begins by explaining how his interest developed, namely after an opportunity to work on tracking the rye chromosomes in wheat while working on genome sequencing in agriculture. He was entranced by the ability to look at something as specific as chromosomes.
He tells listeners about the variety of wheat across the globe—how some varieties can be planted in the fall in snowbound regions and are able to go dormant only to begin growing again in the warmth of spring. Meanwhile other varieties are used in warmer climates like Australia, and are planted in spring and harvested in the fall. He describes the chromosome structure of wheat, how it has three times the number of bases of the human genome and its three sets of pairs compared to our two. This allows for this diversity that's made the human and wheat evolution go hand in hand.
He finishes by disucssing Genomics, CropGenomics, cropscience, WheatGenomics. Some of today's biggest problems to address through the genomics of wheat, namely gluten sensitivities people are exhibiting, adapting to global warming, and disease resistance. He adds that disease resistance is and has been a constant issue because the pathogens, fungi, and nematodes will always work to find a way to succeed in their battle for life. He then describes some methods for the genomics of wheat to work toward an adaptability to climate change.
To learn more: google his name for a list of his publications and see the work of the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium .
Wolfgang Fengler has spent over 18 years at the World Bank.
In this podcast, he explains
Wolfgang Fengler is the Lead Economist in Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation at the World Bank. He’s lived on 4 continents (North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe) over the course of his work there and is now headquartered in Vienna at the World Bank hub.
He talks about the main functions of the World Bank, namely to follow the mission of making the world free of poverty with the goal of longevity always at the forefront of projects. Fengler explains what this looks like on a smaller scale to enhance development and further knowledge transfer. He explains how a loan may develop in a small to medium-sized country, from initiation to weekly meetings to a results-based approach.
He also discusses some individual projects, such as a current project in Kazakhstan he’s overseeing that involves a large digital operation and research on the world data economy. He emphasizes the importance of longevity in all that they initiate, from education to infrastructure to health systems. As an example of on the World Bank’s successes, he describes the results of their involvement with Indonesia and surrounding areas after the Tsunami.
Finally, he addresses their current actions to mitigate the coronavirus, including mobilizing resources to countries in for health systems and efforts to address the economic effects. They’ve also accelerated projects that would normally take a year and now needs to take a month because the need is so urgent. There are also a number of projects already in some countries that they were able to piggyback on.
For more, see https://www.worldbank.org/. If you have a business you’d like them to connect with, see their private sector arm, https://www.ifc.org/, and find an IFC office in your country.
John Hagel is the co-chairman for Deloitte’s Center for the Edge, an organization researching the future of work in a changing world.
Tune in to learn the following:
Hagel brings to the table over 40 years’ worth of experience as a management consultant, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. In this episode, he discusses ways to address the work-related roles of human beings in a rapidly changing world where technology is replacing highly standardized and routine tasks that were once carried out only by human beings.
Rather than a dystopian future where human-to-human connections are replaced by machines and human value or potential is diminished, Hagel sees quite the opposite; he sees a future in which technology allows humans to shape the future, redefine what it means to work, and focus on addressing unseen problems and opportunities to create more value and engage in more fulfilling work.
The philosophy at Center for the Edge relies in large part upon a distinction between skills and capabilities. Hagel explains that skills have value only in very specific contexts, for example being able to operate a specific machine under certain conditions. In contrast, capabilities have value in all contexts, and include curiosity, empathy, creativity, and imagination.
He argues that when companies and organizations focus on cultivating capabilities in their employees, human capital is increased, learning is accelerated, unexpected challenges are better addressed, efficiency is increased, and both employee and customer satisfaction improves.
Check out one of the many books published by John Hagel and visit https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/center-for-the-edge/topics/center-for-the-edge.html to learn more.
CEO of Akoya Biosciences, Brian McKelligon, discusses how technology can improve and advance research in the field of immuno-oncology. In this episode, you will learn:
In essence, immuno-oncology is the study of how to treat cancer by unlocking the power of the immune system and leveraging it against metastatic processes. In recent years, therapeutic modalities in this field have been exploding, and the goal at Akoya is to provide technology to scientists in academic, biopharmaceutical, and government institutions who are developing these therapies. The cornerstone of Akoya’s technology is the identification of biomarkers predictive of the success of immuno-oncology therapy for individual patients.
Instead of merely detecting whether or not a biomarker is present, McKelligon emphasizes the importance of locating where in the tissues they are present, determining how many are present, and obtaining proximal measurements between biomarkers. Standard technologies are only able to detect up to three biomarkers at a time, whereas the Akoya technology allows for the detection of 30 to 50 at a time, making it an excellent and much-needed tool for next generation tissue analysis. This technology will allow scientists to locate more predictive biomarkers, which will in turn benefit health economics and patient care.
Learn more at https://akoyabio.com/.
Iain Smith is the managing director and founder of Fisher Smith, a company that brings machine vision technology to the industrial sector. In this episode, you’ll learn the following:
In less than a tenth of a second, the machine vision technology at Fisher Smith can acquire, inspect, and automatically categorize an item as either a reject that should be removed from the production line, or as an item that’s been manufactured precisely as it was designed. This provides a huge benefit to companies in the industrial sector, particularly those that rely on high-speed manufacturing and consistent quality, such as automotive and drug manufacturers.
Smith gives us an inside look at how this technology works, how it can address and prevent supply chain issues, how it can identify error propagation, the idea of "industry 4.0" or the fourth industrial revolution and how computer technology might play a role, innovations on the horizon (including high speed flaw detection using deep learning), and more.
Visit https://fishersmith.co.uk/ for more information.
Shervin Takyar, MD, PhD, is an associate professor at Yale School of Medicine who joins the show today to discuss microRNA (miRNA).
Tune in to learn the following:
Dr. Takyar holds a medical degree, as well as a PhD in both microbiology and molecular biology. He discusses the discovery of microRNA over 10 years ago, and the subsequent discoveries about their role in the body and gene expression. His research is focused on the interaction between microRNA and endothelium.
His most recent work began years ago when he noticed that a vascular growth factor (VEGF) was high in patients with asthma. Up until that point, most of the research about asthma was focused on lung epithelium or immune cells; Dr. Takyar wanted to investigate whether this vascular growth factor also affects the microRNA in endothelial cells.
Over the past 12 years, that’s been his primary focus. He has been able to show a correlation between VEGF and one particular microRNA in endothelial cells—specifically in the expression of the Mpl gene, which controls the adhesion of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell present in the asthmatic response).
He has shown that when VEGF increases, the specific microRNA decreases, and the Mpl gene is expressed. The relationship between the microRNA and Mpl gene makes sense, since microRNA is known to play an inhibitory role in gene expression. By changing this one microRNA in the endothelium of an animal model, the asthma response decreased significantly.
This explanation leads Dr. Takyar to discuss the potential of microRNA as a tool for inhibiting or modulating groups of genes, rather than just one gene. This would confer a huge advantage to the treatment of certain ailments such as lung cancer, where it is known that targeting a single gene does not often produce the desired result.
In addition to explaining just why it is that single-gene targets don’t work well, Dr. Takyar discusses a number of interesting topics, including the role of microRNA in cell-to-cell communication, how genes are matched with certain microRNA, how microRNA is able to control many genes as opposed to just one, and the biogenesis of microRNA.
Learn more at https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/seyedtaghi_takyar/.
Gina Bria is an anthropologist and founder of the Hydration Foundation. She joins the show to discuss an incredibly valuable, newly discovered form of concentrated water.
In this episode, you’ll learn the following:
As an anthropologist, Gina Bria was studying desert communities of humans when she became curious about their ability to survive with such limited amounts of water. She soon made the fascinating discovery that these communities of thriving humans were not using liquid for hydration; they were using plants.
This finding led her to investigate these plants, which in turn led her to Dr. Gerald Pollack’s identification of a new form of water called structured water (it also goes by many other names, including ordered water, coherent water, EZ water, coherent domain water, and liquid crystalline water). It has a gel-like quality and superior ability to supply hydration, and is found in all living cells on the planet. In essence, this water is formed when water molecules move closer to one another and share electrons.
Surprisingly, this is actually the natural state of water, as it is in this phase when it purifies, cleanses, and activates itself in the hydrological cycle in the planet and inside biological systems. Tap and bottled water have been interfered with, and since the body must use resources to organize it, it can actually encourage poor hydration.
Bria founded the Hydration Foundation with the goal of sharing this valuable information with the world. She discusses the many methods of structuring water, highlights the myriad influences in daily life that leave us dehydrated, and touches on the health benefits of staying truly hydrated.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://hydrationfoundation.org/ to learn more.
Professor Forest Rohwer's lab invented many of the methods to look at the virome, particularly the uncultured methods utilizing metagenomics. In this podcast, he shares some interesting observations of virus ecology, such as
Dr. Forest Rohwer is a marine microbiologist and microbial ecologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University. He discusses the complex behavior of viruses in humans, observations and findings that may lead to treating how virions affect cells and how scientists can manipulate that behavior in treatments for pathogenic viruses such as Covid19.
He explains that we humans have viruses and bacteriophage, retrovirus, herpesvirus, Torque Teno Viruses (TTV), and more: it's a complex ecosystem. Our gut in particular is filled with phages attacking the bacteria and in symbiosis with bacteria. He provides one example of bacteria in our gut that carry a lot of prophage, which they shed over time. These viruses will bind to the mucus of the gut and forma barrier that will kill bacteria invading our gut, thereby protecting their host. These are the kinds of relationships that reveal this complex relationship.
He also talks about his current research into two different ecosystems, namely the human lung in relationship to cystic fibrosis and coral reefs in the context of increased algae due to decreased fish and diversity. He explains how the human and coral system studies both reveal virus behavior, namely how provirus and virions increase or decrease depending on oxygen levels. He explains that this may provide insights for therapies for disease to manipulate virus presence. This may be useful for pathogenic viruses such as Covd19.
For more, see his lab page at https://coralandphage.org/, where a copy of his book Life in our Phage World is available as a free download.
Professor Sarah Ennis has been in the field of genetic epidemiology for over 20 years. In this conversation, she explains
Sarah Ennis runs the Genomic Informatics group at the University of South Hampton, which is a dry lab specializing in next generation sequencing (NGS) data and clinical cohorts. She explains that genetics epidemiology in a dry lab setting means she and her colleagues use data analysis to offer information on disease. Specifically, they look at the genome data of patients to understand how and why the DNA mutates and changes and how and why those changes cause sickness in some cases and none in other cases.
She offers listeners more detail about the factors they analyze as they untangle what changes are important and how and why. Along the way she is able to explain the logistics of what scientists really mean whey they say they've sequenced a genome, including the focus on the positive strand of the 5 and 3 prime, and how recessive and dominant disease genes are understood in this context. She then ties this information to next generation sequencing, how it offers a less expensive and more sweeping technique to produce the data.
Finally, she discusses her present work on analyzing data on inflammatory bowel disease for children and adults. Inflammatory bowel disease is very hard on children who depend on nutrition for growth. Their analysis allows them to tell clinicians if it's caused by one gene in one patient and another gene in a second patient; therefore, the clinician can specialize the medicines accordingly.
For more, see the Genomic Informatics group page at the University of South Hampton: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/academic_units/academic_units/gegi.page
Kellye Eversole has been involved with agricultural research and development since the early 1990s and is currently directing two international research consortia.
She explains these projects to listeners, covering along the way
Kellye Eversole specializes in agricultural genomics, biotechnology, and information technology. She directs the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium and the International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research.
The wheat genome sequencing effort is a way to build the foundation for a new paradigm in wheat breeding. She explains that while it generally takes 12 to 15 years to develop a new wheat variety, this consortium is providing tools breeders can use to bypass some of those years; those tools can only be developed through access to a high-quality sequence, she adds.
As with our advances in human genomics where we are targeting healthcare with a person’s genetic makeup in mind, we can do the same thing in agriculture to create disease-resistant varieties of wheat before a disease wipes out a crop.
She also explains that the Phytobiomes Alliance addresses factors beyond genome sequencing in agriculture—regardless of how much you know about a plant, she remarks, growth will be influenced by what’s in the immediate environment down to the specific site and farm—what works in Oklahoma won’t work In New York, for example. Examining the phytobiome is a holistic system approach that strives to understand all the factors that impact a plant in a particular field or forest, so we can use the best crop genetics and management practices for a particular area.
For more see www.wheatgenome.org/and www.phytobiomesalliance.org/ as well as the web site for Kellye Eversole’s company, www.eversoleassociates.com.
Award-winning author and journalist David Quammen revisits his book Spillover in the wake of our current pandemic. He talks about
David Quammen has specialized in how viruses leave animals that are in close proximity with us. He wrote his 2013 book Spillover about Ebola, bird flu, SARS, and other diseases. It raised concerns over the next spillover virus and future pandemics. He describes how he got interested in the subject after covering a national geographic expedition across the Congo through the Ebola habitat. His interest progressed into research of the ecology and evolutionary biology of zoonotic diseases.
He comments that he tried to highlight patterns in his book, and in fact ten years ago had a conversation with a researcher that predicted that exact scenario of the covid-19 eruption, down to the Wuhan market. What has surprised him therefore about this spillover virus has actually been the surprise of the global community rather that the virus itself.
He talks more about these past predictions as well as what information and sources he trusts today. He adds thoughts about how he sees the virus progressing and remarks he expects it to take on behavior similar to the measles model rather than influenza and why. He adds that there are going to be other spillover viruses and we need the political will to invest in more investigating, testing, preventing, ventilator capacity, ICU capacity, and more in order to prepare.
To find out more, see his website, https://www.davidquammen.com/, and follow his articles in publications like the New Yorker as well as his books such as Spillover. He's currently working on a book about Covid-19.
Aquatic ecotoxicologist Marco Vighi is studying the water cycle in agriculture and presence of plastics. He shares vital information with listeners such has
Former professor and researcher Marco Vighi works with the IMDEA Water Institute studying acute aquatic toxicity and ecology risk assessment. He's following the water cycle in agriculture, from rivers to irrigation to agricultural application and back to surface water. He begins by explaining it is better to understand in general the origin of micro plastics and consider that nano plastics are the unknown—we don't know anything about their presence because we don't have the tools to measure them or know if they are crossing cell barriers.
He explains to listeners that there are two types of micro plastics: first, ones that are intentionally produced at a micro level for products like cosmetics and toothpaste; and second, non-intentionally produced micro plastics derived from the fragmentation of bigger plastics, from synthetic clothing fibers, and from roadside products like tire pieces. He adds that while regulations are in play for the first type, which is less concerning, there is little in the way to control the second type. He explains more about the technical aspects of how these plastics fragment, how ubiquitous they are, and additional struggles with understanding nano plastic activity.
For more information, he urges listeners to comb through information with care, learning what is accurate and what isn't. Finally, he says that packaging makes up the majority of harmful plastic and is a source that we can replace with alternate materials and must tackle.
For more about Marco Vighi, see https://www.water.imdea.org/about-us/people/researchers/marco-vighi.
Todd Adams is a professor of physics at Florida State University, and a member of the High Energy Physics Group that is working on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland.
He joins the show to discuss the details of this fascinating work, such as the following:
The Large Hadron Collider is the “world’s largest scientific experiment,” says Adams. It is a particle accelerator that was built underground in Geneva, Switzerland, and is about 17 miles in circumference. It accelerates protons in a circle at a speed close to that of light, with the purpose of observing what happens when protons collide.
These collisions are the highest energy collisions ever created in a lab. As many people know from the famous equation E= MC2, energy can be converted to mass, which is the goal at the Hadron Collider; the creation and study of new particles from these high-energy collisions.
Adams explains the details of the CMS experiment, which uses a detector five stories in height and 12,000 tons in weight that’s designed to detect the particles produced by the high-energy collision of protons. Once the particles have been identified, the goal is to reconstruct precisely what happened at the time of the collision.
So, what’s the ultimate purpose of these experiments? Adams explains that the standard model of particle physics does an excellent job of explaining most of what we see in the world, but it leaves some compelling questions and observations unanswered, namely what’s called “dark matter.” One theory to explain dark matter is the presence of a particle that doesn’t interact like normal matter in that it does not interact with light, with the exception of the gravitational effects of light.
Adams also discusses why it becomes harder to accelerate a particle to higher velocities as the particle approaches the speed of light, how protons are brought to such high speeds, the importance of the search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), the significance of the Higgs boson, the uncertainty principle from quantum physics, and so much more.
Learn more at http://www.hep.fsu.edu/~tadams/ and https://cms.cern/.
Prevalent Architecture has created a solar panel that collects solar energy and illuminates interior spaces. Founder and director Ben Berwick describes the technology and company goals regarding renewable energy sources, including
Ben Berwick founded his company three years ago with the goal of moving architecture out of the niche market and into use by a more general audience while engaging specifically with renewable energy sources. The Origami Screen is a way to bring architectural design and innovation to a larger audience while utilizing solar energy.
He describes the screen itself, which is about 20 millimeters deep. The solar cell is placed horizontally across the window and redirects light across the surface. An optical coating splits the light between infrared and visible light, reflecting the visible light back into the room and the infrared into solar energy.
He reminds listeners that health is related to natural illumination and therefore this product would have many applications from urban living to hospitals to work spaces. Currently they are hoping to go into production in the next three years with a prototype in the next year.
For more, see https://www.prevalent.archi/.
Dr. Nicolas Laos is a philosopher, religious visionary, mathematician, noopolitics expert, and author of many books including The Meaning of Being Illuminati.
He dives deep into his philosophical perspectives and explores the following questions:
“I am deeply and systematically concerned with the interplay between fundamental notions such as time and eternity, the relationship between a being or thing and its meaning, the source of the significance of the beings and things that exist in the world, as well as the ontological potential of the human being,” explains Dr. Laos. He continues by expressing his concern for the sociopolitical ramifications of these issues, and the importance of philosophy in addressing these ideas.
Dr. Laos explains his idea of the meaning of spirituality, the tenets of Hegelian philosophy which is one of his main areas of research, and ontology, which he perceives to be a heavily under-researched issue in contemporary social life.
He also provides a brief analysis of the coronavirus pandemic from a biological, political, and economic perspective, explaining why he believes that at the political level, the coronavirus has “been mistreated” and “used as an opportunity to impose historical changes in a way that clashes with fundamental human freedoms.”
Dr. Laos provides unique, compelling, and thought-provoking ideas for listeners to consider, so don’t miss out.
Tune in and find out more about his work by visiting https://nicolaslaos.com/.
CEO and co-founder of Coapt, Blair Lock, discusses the focus of his work in the field of prosthetic control.
Tune in to learn the following:
Coapt is focused on the control of upper limb powered prosthetic devices. This means that they don’t make anything that you necessarily see; they make the control system that operates behind the scenes.
The system is a finely-tuned neurological decoder that takes signals from the human body and converts them to control commands in real time for robotic hands, wrists, and elbows.
Lock explains the physiology of muscle contraction and movement, describing processes that emit a “concert of noise and information” at a low electrical level that is detected by the Coapt system and then used to teach algorithms to learn the personalized “music” of each wearer.
In fact, it is the user that teaches the device what is intuitive to them, making the prosthesis even more functional and tuned to the individual.
Interested in learning more? Press play and check out https://www.coaptengineering.com/announcement.html.
Phillip D. Zamore Bio: Phillip D. Zamore, Ph.D. has been an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 2008. In 2016, he became the Chair of the RNA Therapeutics Institute, which was established at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2009. Dr. Zamore also is Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, the department he joined in 1999, and he became the Gretchen Stone Cook Professor of Biomedical Sciences in 2005.
Dr. Zamore received his A.B. (1986) and Ph.D. (1992) degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harvard University. He then pursued postdoctoral studies on the role of the RNA binding proteins in Drosophila development at The Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Zamore’s laboratory studies small RNA silencing pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, including RNA interference (RNAi), microRNA, and PIWI-interacting RNA pathways. Dr. Zamore and his collaborators seek to use these insights to design therapies for human diseases, including Huntington’s disease. Under Dr. Zamore’s mentorship, the Zamore Lab has produced dozens of researchers working at top institutions both in the United States and abroad.
In 2015, Dr. Zamore was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for Excellence in Scholarship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. To date, Dr. Zamore has more than 150 publications and has been among the most highly cited researchers for more than a decade. He serves on the editorial boards of numerous journals and is in demand as a presenter at conferences and institutions worldwide.
Dr. Zamore holds more than 20 patents, with other applications pending; he was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2014. In 2002, Dr. Zamore co-founded Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, MA), a publicly traded biotech company which now has more than 1000 employees and multiple drugs in clinical trials. Alnylam’s first drug, ONPATTRO, a first-of-its-kind RNAi therapeutic, for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis in adults, was approved by the FDA in 2018. In 2014, he co-founded Voyager Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA. Chair and Professor at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Phillip Zamore, joins the show to discuss a new method of gene silencing called RNA interference (RNAi). Tune in to learn the following:
Zamore states that the world’s diseases can be divided into two broad categories: those with mutations in the genome that can be addressed by turning off the gene forever, and those with mutations in the genome that can be addressed by lowering the amount of a gene product, as opposed to turning off the gene completely. The gene knock-out method is used for the first kind of disease, and the effects of the knock-out are irreversible. This makes the method a good tool for studying model organisms in the lab, but rather risky as a therapeutic intervention for humans. This is where a new method called RNA interference comes into play and holds promise for the future of medicine and the treatment of diseases.
RNA interference is a way of destroying messenger RNA (mRNA) in order to prevent the creation of a protein. Unlike other methods, RNA interference uses a natural cellular pathway, which makes it more effective than other mechanisms in turning off disease genes. And just like taking a drug, stopping this process means stopping any unwanted side effects, which means it’s a lot safer and less risky than the knock-out method.
There are currently two RNAi drugs on the market, both of which direct small RNA (sRNA) to the liver where the protein in question is made. By way of preventing the creation of that protein, the disease gene is turned down (almost off). Zamore explains why the liver is particularly amenable to these drugs, and the ongoing research and development taking place for drugs that target proteins made in other areas of the body. He also discusses the near-term goal of bringing to market an sRNA drug that blocks the production of a protein in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. This drug would function as a replacement for statins, and comes with fewer side effects and would only need to be taken by a patient twice per year.
Zamore brings an impressive amount of insight and information to the show, discussing a number of topics in depth but with enough clarity to follow along with ease. Learn more by visting his Google Scholar page at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xYLmV7YAAAAJ&hl=en.
UC Davis's One Health Institute (OHI) focuses on problem-solving for emerging infectious diseases and conservation challenges to address global health issues. Executive Director Jonna Mazet shares their Predict project's current findings, including
In addition to her work as Executive Director, Joanna Mazet is a Professor of Epidemiology and Disease Ecology at the UC Davis school of Veterinary Medicine. OHI has been working since 2009 to understand viruses that spill over from animals. For the COVID-19 version specifically, they've been using their Predict platform to help global communities predict, understand, and identify its spread.
OHI and their Predict project is especially looking ahead to prevention for future global health issues. She discusses the various approaches, from bringing together ministries of health, agriculture, and environment in countries with less resources to communicate and identify high transmission zones. She describes the factors they use to identify high risk zones and means for mitigation.
Dr. Mazet also describes the essential efforts to prevent future global health issues such as pandemics, including the need to understand as much about viruses as we do about bacteria. She explains that predicting a virus's harm potential is more about its ability to jump to multiple host species rather than its relatedness to other harmful viruses. In addition, they are testing species that weren't the target host to understand SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) better and figure out clues to help scientist fight other viruses.
To find out more, see the list of published literature on predict.global, where maps of their surveillance work with test results and affected species are also posted.
Sonja Schrepfer Bio: Sonja Schrepfer, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Surgery, founded the Transplant and Stem Cell Immunobiology (TSI) Lab in 2009 in Germany. In 2015, she joined the faculty of the Department of Surgery at the University of California San Francisco and was Director of the TSI Lab at UCSF. Sonja is scientific co-founder of Sana Biotechnology Inc. which she joined as SVP in 2019.
Dr. Schrepfer's research career has been dedicated to making fundamental discovers in transplant and stem cell immunobiology. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based approaches are effective in immunosuppressed/deficient animal models; but in humans, systemic immunosuppression cannot be justified, due to severe side effects and significant risk of infections and malignancies. So far, only a few immunological strategies have been proposed to overcome these hurdles. Work by Dr. Schrepfer is at the forefront of PSC immunobiology and paves the way for treatment of a wide range of diseases – from supporting functional recovery of failing myocardium to the derivation of other cell types to treat diabetes, blindness, cancer, lung, neurodegenerative, and related diseases. She spent many years examining in detail the fetomaternal interface for application to the envisioned cell therapy. Her work with one of the most antigenic phenotypes, antigen-presenting endothelial cells, demonstrates that hypo-immunogenic cells reliably evade immune rejection in allogeneic recipients that are entirely mismatched in their major histocompatibility complex profile, and further, these cells show long-term survival without immunosuppression in mice and humanized mice (published in Nature Biotechnology in 2019).
Sonja is currently Adjunct Professor at UCSF investigating the immunobiology in “tissue chips in space”; that is sending tissue chips to the international space station (ISS). She participated in three flight missions as collaborator and was the PI on the SpaceX16 mission (December 2019). This research will provide insight into what physiological effects time in outer space might have on astronauts, with potentially important implications for future longer-term missions, and has the possibility to open the door to fascinating new discoveries that could be used in earth-bound immunology research.
Tobias Deuse Bio:
Tobias Deuse, M.D. is a cardiac and heart and lung transplant surgeon internationally renowned for his pioneering work in the development of minimally-invasive techniques for mitral valve repair.
Dr. Deuse graduated the University of Stuttgart (Germany) in 1994 with a BS in Physics, and in 2000 earned an M.D. from University of Wuerzburg. Dr. Deuse thereafter received advanced training in cardiothoracic surgery at the University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern and University Heart Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. After obtaining his board certification in Germany in 2007 as a heart surgeon, Dr. Deuse completed a surgical fellowship in Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation at Stanford and joined the UCSF faculty in 2015.
Dr. Deuse’s laboratory at UCSF is working on the immunobiology of pluripotent stem cells. To circumvent rejection, techniques such as somatic cell nucleus transfer (SCNT) into an enucleated oocyte (formation of a SCNT stem cell), fusion of a somatic cell with an embryonic stem cell (ESC; formation of a hybrid cell), and reprograming of somatic cells using certain transcription factors (induced PSCs, iPSCs) have been used. However, his work has shown that SCNT stem cells and iPSCs may have immune incompatibilities with the nucleus or cell donor, respectively, despite having identical nuclear DNA (published in Cell Stem Cell 2014). Further, he has demonstrated that mitochondrial (mt) DNA-encoded proteins as well as mtDNA mutations and genetic instability associated with reprograming and iPSC expansion can create minor antigens, producing rejection. His work also demonstrated that even autologous iPSC derivatives are not inherently immunologically inert for autologous transplantation (published in Nature Biotechnology in 2019). This has provided an important, promising avenue for selection of optimal stem cell therapeutics for future clinical applications ¾ via identifying the most compatible starter cell line and monitoring “near match” autologous iPSC products for mtDNA mutations and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) enrichments during the manufacturing process.
Director Sonja Schrepfer, M.D., Ph.D., and co-director Tobias Deuse, M.D., explain the lab's research towards understanding and overcoming transplant rejection. They touch on
Drs. Schrepfer and Deuse run the Transplant and Stem Cell Immunobiology Lab (TSI) at the University of California in San Francisco and specialize in heart and lung transplant issues through CRISPR, gene editing,and stem cell therapy. They begin by explaining the many complications a person taking immunosuppressant drugs faces and why their research seeks to address these issues and make for a safer system for patients. Further, they explain that patient-tailored stem cell therapy approaches are not suitable for large populations for several reasons, including the frequent need to treat a patient almost immediately for heart damage or other similar issues.
They explain that while they can generate cardiac cells that don't get rejected at first, these cells can develop mutant proteins that causes rejection later. They are following a couple of approaches to address the rejections including learning how fetuses survive the mother's immune system. A big leap forward for the lab was learning how to knock out the molecule that signaled to the immune system its foreignness through CRISPR: in other words, they are learning how to make these introduced cells silent to the immune system. Finally, they describe their "off the shelf" goal of producing non-immunogenic cells ready for injection for a majority of patients and alternatively generating a hypo-immunogenic environment in the patient to prevent long-term rejection.
For more, see the lab's web page at https://tsilab.ucsf.edu/
Gary Bolles discusses work concerns and opportunities, especially with the work-from-home dynamic that's grown from virus precautions. He addresses
Gary Bolles is the Chair of the Future of Work at Singularity University. He begins the podcast by specifying that the discussions about the future of work starts with addressing present concerns. He reminds listeners that change is accelerating, but also the spread of change is expanding—the skill set demands ask for much bigger switches than in the past—for example, consider the difference in going from a coal mine to computer science.
He provides some modern examples of organizational innovations such as the manager-less company and distributed teams. He provides company examples for each and discusses ways these innovations may succeed and fail, but emphasizes what potential each innovation offers.
As he acknowledges ways the virus has changed our work life, he advises that as we return to more interactions, it shouldn't be an either/or picture: in fact, a digital economy and technology allows us to build connections faster. Yet it's in-person when we really cement these relationships and can talk with less structure, and that holds creative value. He offers three strategies to follow: be a curious, life-long learner; maintain effective teams; and practice alignment, which means make sure people know what the company goals and priorities are.
For more, find Gary Bolles' lectures on LinkedIn Learning and read his article in Techonomy called "Welcome to the Great Reset".
Beverly and Dereck Joubert are National Geographic explorers-at-large. They are featured in National Geographic's Earth Day commemorative special, Born Wild: the Next Generation. They share with listeners
In addition to their National Geographic work, Derek and Beverly Joubert are conservationists and wildlife filmmakers. Derek is also an author and founder and director of Great Plains Conservation, which manages several wildlife reserves in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. They've been involved in conversation for close to four decades.
They discuss how in Born Wild, their adventure with a lioness and her new cubs is featured and share some of the extraordinary wildlife moments. They also talk about what it is like to be an explorer with National Geographic, how a typical day may start at 4:00 a.m. and end 14 hours later. They remark that National Geographic has encouraged the best in them for both storytelling and integrity.
They end with ruminations about Earth Day, wildlife conservation, and climate change against the backdrop of the coronavirus lockdowns and crisis. They express that there's a tremendous opportunity to reassess and change our approach and demand policy shifts from governments toward conservation. They assert that we should be celebrating every day as earth day and give back to our planet host.
For more about the special, see https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/born-wild-the-next-generation.
Gregory D. Gorgas, President and CEO, explains what pharmaceuticals his company is developing to work with the body's endocannabinoid system. He touches on
Mr. Gorgas begins with how Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered our endocannabinoid system in Israel as he researched the effects of cannabis, trying to pinpoint what receptors it targeted. This allowed him to identify several receptors in our body, discovering this powerful system. Mr. Gorgas explains that the body makes chemicals that target these receptors and the cannabis plant mimics what the body already makes.
He then discusses why his company is working on pharmaceuticals to address this system. He says that it's a powerful communication system throughout the body and handles responses to inflammation, stress, and any stimulus which the body would want to address. When the body is overwhelmed, introducing a chemical from outside the body may help this system.
He then explains the three ways Artelo Biosciences is trying to target this system through pharmaceuticals: First, a naturally-occurring cannabinoid that's been altered to increase appetite yet avoid the euphoria or high state as a treatment for cancer patients; second, a cannabinoid called EBD with anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties; and third, a fatty-acid binding protein-5 inhibitor originally researched as a cancer treatment.
For more, see their web site at http://artelobio.com/.
After several friends were diagnosed with cancer, Marcus Freudenmann went on an intense research journey to try and help them fight the diagnoses. He shares his journey with listeners by describing
When Marcus Freudenmann's best friend was diagnosed with cancer, he put his German mentality of "we can fix it" to work. After piles of research and ideas about new cancer treatments at hand, from paleo diets to ozone therapy, he had the humbling and demoralizing experience of seeing cancer progress further in his friends despite these remedies.
He describes further discussions with one particular doctor who described three patients with the same cancer but very different backgrounds. He learned that an approach to any new cancer treatments, from special diets to ozone therapy, really needs to change its focus. For example, one patient had an intense bacterial presence in combination with living in a high EMF environment while another had a past history of Lyme disease. The doctor designed different treatments for all three patients despite having the same cancer, noting that one should stop looking only at treatments and start looking at what needs to be treated.
That's how he was introduced to functional medicine doctors—he saw facing cancer as more of a process of putting a puzzle together. He made a mind map at the time that allowed for a fuller picture and understanding of a patient's situation as part of the treatment plan. This was the beginning of his training program, which he describes as a course-finding evaluation company. They offer a six-part training program that goes into key elements, matching new cancer treatments to an understanding of mental issues, lifestyle factors, physical imbalances, and inherited problems.
For more and to access the free part of the training, see trulyheal.com/genius.
Author Dr. Tom O'Bryan shares his thoughts on how to boost immune systems as the coronavirus spreads. He touches on the following issues:
Author and National Book Award winner Dr. Tom O-Bryan is a strong and consistent voice in the medical world. He specializes in functional medicine and works to communicate with and educate the public on all sorts of medical issues. In this podcast he addresses ways listeners can boost their immune system amid the worries about the latest strain of the coronavirus.
He reminds listeners of the basic timeline of how the virus hits and discusses the delay from the initial onset of symptoms to the drop to a much worse condition. He explains that this is because the virus can successfully hide in our cells from part of our immune system for a time. He comments that zinc is an effective way to protect our cells in this situation and in general. He also designates vitamin D and quercetin as helpful products to have on hand in addition to zinc and explains why.
He then comments on why testing for antibodies is helpful in knowing the best actions to take and in knowing to what degree one needs to worry when the virus flares again sometime in the fall. He also discusses some mental health exercises, why it is important to not embrace junk food but rather eat every color in the rainbow especially now, and he offers several other methods for self-care.
For more, listeners can tune in to "Coffee with Dr. Tom" at 9 am pacific on Facebook, Instagram, and his YouTube channel. The talks are being archived and past talks are available. For more and for links to his talks, see https://thedr.com/coffee/.
Professor James Shapiro shares his thoughts with listeners on all things viral. In this exploration of molecular biology, he touches on
James A. Shapiro has been with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago since 1973. He has written several books, including Evolution: a View from the 21st century. He begins by explaining some of the genome editing virus interactions bring about, including in the virus and bacteria-as-host relationship. He describes the protection phages (viruses that inhabit bacteria) offer bacteria from protozoans, for example. He adds examples of mammal and retrovirus interactions and genome editing, citing placental development as a result. These, he comments, are examples of how viruses introduce new elements into evolving organisms, leading to his virus-as-R & D analogy.
Dr. Shapiro also describes this as a one-way transfer system and notes that viruses are part of what we call the biosphere. They are vehicles for cells communicating with each other. On their own, they can't do much, yet they can enact change on their hosts. He expands on some of this molecular biology phenomena and explains that viruses are sources of new information that may be useful to evolving organisms at critical junctions in evolution.
He also offers an exploration of cancer behavior and evolution. Cancer is so destructive, he says, because cellular behaviors are enacted that wouldn't normally be, yet cancer uses normal evolutionary processes to change. He's working on understanding cancer by comparing its evolution with organismal evolution and noting the parallels. Finally, he discusses his theory of cellular cognition, and that in the near future, we will think about cells in a more systemic, cognitive way—ultimately learning about living organisms is really learning about how systems behave.
For more, see his lab website at http://shapiro.bsd.uchicago.edu/, which links to his research, books, and past blogs and articles.
Erica Hartmann's Bio: Dr. Erica Marie Hartmann is an environmental microbiologist interested in the interaction between human-made chemicals and microbes. Her career began at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she worked on mass spectrometry-based methods for detecting microbial enzymes necessary for bioremediation. She then moved to Arizona State University where she was the first graduate of the interdisciplinary Biological Design PhD program. She when to France on a Fulbright, studying microbes that degrade carcinogenic pollutants at the Commission for Atomic Energy. She began leading studies antimicrobial chemicals and microbes found in indoor dust at the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon and is currently continuing that work as an assistant professor at Northwestern University.
Assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University, Erica Maria Hartmann, joins the show to discuss the interesting reactions that occur between antimicrobial chemicals and antimicrobial resistance. Tune in to discover the following:
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest global health threats right now, and according to Hartmann, the cleaning products we use, the way we clean, and the assumptions we make about microbes are not helping. Much of her work revolves around trying to understand how the use of specific chemicals impacts the microbes in indoor environments.
She explains that while most people operate under the assumption that all microbes are bad, the vast majority of microbes are neutral if not good; ironically, it is the chemicals we use and the way in which we use them that can sometimes be more detrimental to our health, and actually foster the development of antimicrobial resistance.
The main goal of Hartmann’s work is to identify the specific impacts of specific cleaning products on different microbial communities, and thereby be able to determine whether the appropriate cleaning agent is being used in the correct way. For example, depending on the specific microbe that's being targeted by a cleaning agent, soap and water might be all that’s necessary, as opposed to a harsh chemical such as bleach.
Hartmann is a wealth of knowledge on environmental microbiology and these other incredibly relevant topics, so press play to hear all the details. Visit https://sites.northwestern.edu/hartmann/ to learn more.
Founding director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation and professor of pediatrics and computer science & engineering at UC San Diego, Rob Knight, discusses several aspects of his past and ongoing contributions to the field of microbiome research. He also discusses his recent focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode, you’ll learn the following:
Rob Knight helped develop the technology that enabled the field of microbiome research to get where it is today. For example, Knight’s lab has developed software for microbiome analysis, lab protocols for looking at thousands of microbiomes simultaneously, and the American Gut Project, which analyzed hundreds of thousands of microbiome samples from humans to plants to soil and oceanic environments.
He explains that while the human genome is fixed, the microbiome is constantly changing. The idea is that if it can be understood what causes or leads to changes in the microbiome, then it may be possible to control the microbiome in ways that confer health advantages.
When COVID-19 began spreading globally, Knight was working on a project that aimed to determine the relationship between diet and the microbiome, and how it might make people more or less susceptible to disease. He’s now carrying out this research with an eye towards the current pandemic, and hoping to identify whether there are dietary or supplemental interventions that can help people combat the virus, or prevent symptoms of the virus altogether.
Knight is currently trying to develop technology that will allow for a broader, simultaneous view of the entire metabolome and microbiome, and the influence of diet upon them both. “In many ways, COVID-19 is providing a stress test of what we can do right now, which is going to be very useful for pointing the way towards what we need to develop over the next few years,” says Knight.
He continues by explaining the importance and challenge of being able to detect antibodies to COVID-19, as this would indicate whether someone has been exposed to the virus and is therefore likely to have immunity against it. Armed with this knowledge, people could re-enter work spaces where the risk of COVID-19 exposure is high, and do so knowing that they are unlikely to contract and fall ill from the virus. He also explains the protocol he’s developing to this end, which includes COVID-19 surveillance of individuals who are at risk but currently unaffected by the virus, testing of individuals who are showing symptoms, and testing of people who have recovered from the virus.
Knight dives deep into the fascinating details of this work and the continuously evolving field of microbiome research. He offers listeners with an impressive amount of information on microorganisms, the latest research on virus-host microbiome mechanisms based on animal models, how bacterial and viral infections respond to certain dietary interventions, how microbiome analysis can be predictive for the development of certain diseases, and more.
To learn more, check out the following resources:
http://humanfoodproject.com/americangut/
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_e3QL94AAAAJ
Oliver Ryder, Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Global joins the podcast to discuss the Frozen Zoo, the world’s largest, most diverse, most characterized, and most utilized collection of its kind. Press play to discover the following:
Only within the last 60 years or so has it been possible to grow animal cells in the lab, freeze them, and revive them in a way that allows them to resume their function. This technology has made a huge contribution to the field of genomics and conservation science, allowing for a better understanding of the evolution of life, errors in the transmission of chromosomes that cause disease, extinction risks of certain species, and genetic diseases in endangered species to provide better health care and prevent extinction.
The Frozen Zoo in San Diego was founded by physician Kurt Benirschke with the goal of helping to conserve endangered species. It now contains cells of 10,000 individual vertebrates (fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals) and 1,200 species. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg; the goal is to continue adding to this collection until samples of all 60,000-70,000 vertebrate species have been obtained.
Ryder discusses many fascinating topics, including the collection of several high priority species samples, the increasing need to integrate efforts to save species in natural habitats that are preserved in human care, how scientists can access the database of frozen genetic samples, the Vertebrate Genome Project, how the genetic sequencing of animal genomes can provide interesting insight into human disease assessment, the ethical aspects of this type of work, and more.
For more information, visit institute.sandiegozoo.org.
Professor of neurology at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Ying-Hui Fu, joins the show to discuss human sleep behavior. On this episode, you’ll learn the following:
Ying-Hui Fu, PhD, discusses the focus of the research being conducted in her lab at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences in San Francisco, CA. Her work centers on two areas: the circadian rhythm, and sleep duration. For well over two decades now, Fu has studied and conducted research in this field and found that genetics and genomics play an important role in determining sleep behavior, including whether a person is a so-called night owl or early bird, and how many hours of sleep per night a person needs in order to achieve optimal health and function.
“I’m most interested in understanding…how to regulate sleep efficiency, because if we can increase it for everyone, then the incidences of all kinds of disease will drop significantly…and to me that’s much better than trying to find cures for one disease at a time,” says Fu. She continues by explaining the importance of understanding and harnessing the power of sleep efficiency in modern society through an examination of the relationship between genetic information and sleep regulation.
Fu discusses a number of interesting topics, including the way in which the benefits of therapies and medicine can be maximized through administration at times that correlate with certain times during an individual’s circadian rhythm, the increasing demand for shift workers and how detrimental night shift work can be for those who are early risers, the way in which sleep schedules change throughout different stages of life (e.g. teenage years versus old age), how a set of molecular reactions related to signals integral to the circadian rhythm regulates more than half of the genes in our bodies, how to measure sleep efficiency, and so much more.
Tune in and check out http://scienceofsleep.org/ and http://neugenes.org/ for more.
Sean Gibbons, PhD, is a distinguished investigator at the Washington Research Foundation and assistant professor at the Institute for Systems Biology. He joins the show today to discuss the work being done in his lab. Tune in to learn the following:
Gibbons has a background and long-standing interest in the ecology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology of microbial communities, and for the past several years, he’s been studying the human body through this lens. His lab is focused on trying to understand the variation in the ecology and evolutionary dynamics of the microbial communities that drive changes in the molecular phenotypes of host organisms. Gibbons and his team are accomplishing this by looking at the microbiome of healthy and sick individuals, as well as detailed molecular phenotypic data on the metabolome, proteome, human genome sequence, and dietary and lifestyle measurements. The ultimate goal is to understand what amount of variation in the ecology of microbial communities in the human body is coherent with variation in disease states. By doing this, the hope is to determine where the microbiome is involved in the etiology of disease.
Gibbons discusses a number of fascinating topics, including the significance of low versus high species diversity in the gut microbiome, how bacteria in the gut compete and interact with one another, patterns found in the relationship between ageing and the gut microbiome, how information about the structure of someone’s microbiome can be obtained by analyzing the metabolites in a sample of their blood, why a reliance on mouse models in the study of the human microbiome is not ideal, how Gibbons’ team is trying to develop methods that will bring research findings closer to showing causality as opposed to just correlation, the importance of longitudinal data and interventional studies for moving the microbiome into clinical medicine, and so much more.
Check out https://gibbons.isbscience.org/ to learn more.
Dr. Vinicio de Jesus Perez is an associate professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Stanford University, and practicing cardiopulmonologist who specializes in research and the clinical care of patients with pulmonary hypertension. He joins the show today to discuss the details of this interesting and important career, including the following:
Dr. De Jesus Perez begins by illustrating the road that led him to pursue a path of medicine in the field of cardiopulmonology and critical care. He details one of the most difficult and memorable patients he saw in his early days as a medical intern, and how the experience spurred his desire to dive more deeply into an understanding of pulmonary hypertension. He explains the fascinating and somewhat unusual uptick in the number of cases of pulmonary hypertension in the 1960s in correlation with a weight loss drug called aminorex, and the discovery that pulmonary hypertension can be both a disease on its own as well as a complication of other disease processes, including lung fibrosis, left heart failure, kidney failure, HIV, and scleroderma.
In order to meet the needs of patients with pulmonary hypertension and properly equip medical professionals for dealing with the disease, Dr. De Jesus Perez’s group was one of the first to establish a pulmonary fellowship program aimed at training professionals to understand, diagnose, and treat pulmonary hypertension. Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn about the many resources for additional information on pulmonary hypertension, including http://med.stanford.edu/wallcenter.html.
João Marques, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, provides an overview of his research, discussing viruses and explaining RNA interference mechanisms, arbovirus structure, and more.
Podcast Points:
Dr. João Marques earned his PhD from the Brazilian Federal University of Minas Gerais. Dr. Marques’ work was centered on the interaction between viruses and select host immune responses. Dr. Marques discusses his background and why he became so interested in viruses in particular, and devoted much of his study to them. As he explains, they are fascinating because as small as they are, they can still have immense power within species, when the right conditions are present. He explains why he was interested in viruses, and how hosts recognize virus infections. Dr. João Marques began working with insects and focused some of his studies on the mechanism of RNA interference, a very important antiviral response for most animals.
Dr. Marques explains how some viruses are excellent at evading immune systems. He discusses HIV in particular and how it targets cells. Continuing, he explains acute infections, and how some viruses proliferate rapidly, jumping from host to host. The research doctor explains how double-stranded RNA is involved in the process of virus life, and he discusses how systems seek to contain infection. Going deeper, Dr. Marques explains how the production of proteins plays a role in informing other cells that certain cells are infected.
The research doctor talks about some of his work and experimentation with mosquitos, explaining infection and how viruses grow. As he explains, there is much still to learn about viruses and infections, and there are many intriguing questions. Continuing his overview, Dr. Marques provides in-depth information on how viruses spread, detailing how the goal of a virus is to grow to a high level but not kill the host. Going further, he explains how viruses may appear, and how viruses that infect humans may have previously been solely mosquito viruses. This virus evolution is a complex process, but it appears to be happening, though more research needs to be done to confirm theories.
Wrapping up, the virus expert talks about signature viruses that can tell us a lot about specific biology. He talks about density issues and how viruses within mosquitos mutate.
Curtis Suttle, Professor, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, provides an overview of his work studying viruses that live in the oceans as he explains the ecological importance of viruses and much more.
Podcast Points:
Suttle talks about his background, and how his early years as a sailing enthusiast opened his mind to the possibilities of learning more about the oceans. Upon discovering research vessels on his early voyages, he was intrigued about their missions. He discusses his PhD work and some of those he worked with who were already studying bacteria. As Suttle explains, bacteria are important, critical actually, to the balance of the oceans. And in fact, more than 95% of the living material in the oceans, by weight, is microscopic. To put this in perspective, these microbes produce about one-half of the oxygen on the planet.
Continuing, the PhD discusses his work investigating ecology and viruses, moving into his later studies and experiments studying viruses that might infect phytoplankton. Additionally, Suttle shares the interesting stories from his childhood, as he and his family circumnavigated the globe on their small sailboat. He discusses his journey and the people they met, and how they were able to survive and provide for themselves, etc.
Getting back to his remarks on viruses, Suttle explains the paradigm shift that has occurred, in terms of what we know about the ocean’s microorganisms. Cycles are quick and the implications are large, and ultimately it is the microbes that are driving much of the change. Suttle explains how viruses have an important role of maintaining balance within a species, and when there is an overabundance, viruses advance and effectively control the expansion of species. Suttle explains how viruses are incredibly diverse and how they can encode complex genetic information in regard to DNA and RNA.
Suttle talks about his early grant proposals for viral discovery, and how he came to study certain areas within his field. He expounds upon the overwhelming number of viruses that exist all over the world, and how they even exist above us, in the atmosphere.
Computational biologist Dr. Reyes discusses the basics of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) and bacteria interactions as well as current research. He covers
Alejandro Reyes Muñoz is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at La Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. He has investigated the importance of gut health and the interactions of microbes in the gut. In this podcast, he discusses phage-host interactions. He explains to listeners that it is important to consider the biodiversity of all the different environments that exist for bacteria, including the human gut.
He explains why the question "what is a virus/host interaction like" is a very complex one. He adds that there are many different ways in which a virus and host need to interact to get to the point of a successful infection. Furthermore, he comments that the worst thing a pathogen can do to itself is to kill a host quickly. He describes more about this complicated and active relationship that has created a city-like architecture of microbes in the human gut, elucidating the importance of gut health. He also explains how genetic material is exchanged between the two and why each gains various benefits and what they are.
He also addresses the coronavirus strain we currently are facing and discusses what scientist have observed about its mutation rate as well as the type of virus it is and what that implies about its behavior. Reyes also tells listeners about the complexity of understanding genomes and while scientists may sequence a virus genome, they can't predict what about 70% of that genome codes for. Finally, he describes his current work as developing computational methods to id some of the genes that those phages are coding for.
For more information about the coronavirus sequencing, he directs listeners to a phylogenetic tree available at https://nextstr ain.org/ncov/global
For more about the work of Alejandro Reyes Muñoz, see his lab website at https://bcem.uniandes.edu.co/bcem-lab/areyes.html
The founder of The Quantum Computing Report, Doug Finke offers listeners a perfect distillation of the basics of quantum computing alongside the latest advances. He describes
Doug Finke has been involved in computing for over 30 years, following industry elements such as semi-conductors, the storage industry, and more. His research and reporting have helped drive the growth of quantum computing. In this podcast, he discusses the differences between classical computing and quantum technologies.
First, he explains that our classic computers are based on the physics of the 1800s. He adds that in the 20th century, scientists like Einstein and Heisenberg came up with quantum mechanics—physics that involves entanglement (where two things are linked) and super positioning (can hold a mixture of 0 and 1 at same time). Classic computers of today don't take advantage of that phenomena, he explains, but quantum technologies and quantum computing do.
He adds more about the probabilistic form of the answers derived from quantum computing, the need therefore for carefully crafted algorithms, and the accompanying issues of error rates and why. Along the way, he describes the special nature of a qubit and how it holds all of these technologies. He finishes by addressing current industry directions, the possibility of quantum computing commercialization, and what type of access the average user may have.
For more see the website, https://quantumcomputingreport.com/, where you can sign up for his weekly newsletter that summarizes quantum news with applicable links.
Michael Snyder, PhD, is a Stanford W. Ascherman Professor and Chair of the Department of Genetics at Stanford, and Director of the Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine. By tuning in, you’ll learn the following:
“To be quite frank, I think the way we practice health care these days is entirely wrong…that is to say we typically focus on people when they’re ill and we really don’t spend much energy trying to keep people healthy…I want to transform that…and actually catch disease at its earliest time so we can really work on health care and not sick care,” says Dr. Snyder.
According to Dr. Snyder, the key is in following people while they’re healthy in order to establish a healthy baseline, and thereby detect signs of illness earlier on—before a disease or illness progresses. He says that advanced technologies have the ability to provide people with an unprecedented amount of access to their personal health data, and with little to no effort on their part.
The research in the Snyder Lab is focused on sequencing genomes to predict genetic risk for disease, and has shown promising results. Out of the first 70 people sequenced, they found that 12 had clinically actionable information in their genome, including a mutation that placed a patient at high risk for breast cancer, and a gene that predicted a heart defect in a young patient.
Dr. Snyder and his team are also using omics technology (e.g. proteomics, metabolomics) to measure as many molecules as possible from a sample of blood in order to ascertain a more precise understanding of a person’s health state. Dr. Snyder discusses the use of wearables that can detect changes in heart rate, temperature, blood oxygen levels, and other metrics in order to not only provide people with an understanding of their baseline measurements, but alert them to unexpected or out of place changes that may indicate disease.
Press play for the full conversation and learn more about the work being done at Snyder Lab by visiting http://snyderlab.stanford.edu/.
Catherine Freije and Cameron Myhrvold are working on a test for the Covid-19 virus that will provide faster results than what's currently in use. They explain
Cameron Myhrvold is a postdoctoral fellow in the Sabeti Lab and Catherine Freije is a Ph.D. student in Harvard University’s Program in Virology and is also working in the Sabeti Lab. These two virologists discuss an exciting step forward in rapid testing for the Covid-19 virus that involves CRISPR. First, they discuss some general concerns of understanding how long the virus may linger and when exactly we can know when someone is contagion-free. They explain that if we could test a lot of people more rapidly, it would be really helpful step forward.
They tell listeners that their test is quantitative and can let you distinguish between infection levels that are really low or moderate versus high. They then explain the mechanics of the virus test: basically, they use a CRISPR process called Sherlock that picks a target with Cas13 and amplifies it for inspection through the cleaving process and reporter signaling.
They explain that this general process has been used for other viral infections like the Zika virus and Dengue, but must be specified for Covid-19. They add that they are still in the optimization phase, getting the test to work as well as possible. However, the turnaround for use will likely be accelerated by the FDA. They address other concerns about testing for the virus and challenges they may face.
For more, see the lab website: https://www.sabetilab.org/
Dr. John Knight helped oversee a global competition to produce a more affordable dialysis system. He discusses
Dr. John Knight is a Professorial Fellow of the Renal and Metabolic Division and Professor of Medicine at UNSW Sydney and is Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics and Child health at their Children's Hospital. He was in private practice for several years focusing on pediatric chronic kidney disease. He recently joined a non-profit medical research group called The George Institute for Global Health in Sydney.
He describes their focus on questions about kidney treatment around the world including dialysis complications and chronic kidney disease: dialysis is highly successful but highly expensive. In most western countries, the community picks up the cost through taxes. The rest of the world can't afford that and many die from their kidney disease instead of receiving dialysis. Around 10 million world-wide need dialysis but only about 2.6 million are able to get it.
Knight describes the global competition called the Affordable Dialysis Prize, which The George Institute organized with the following terms: inventors should invent a low cost dialysis that uses solar power, is portable, can purify water from any source, and costs less than $1000 to manufacture. Dr. Knight tells listeners about the winner, about the group called Ellen Medical Devices Party, Ltd., he created to manufacture it, and describes the next phase of making it available worldwide to address dialysis complications and chronic kidney disease.
For more, see https://www.ellenmedical.com/, where viewers can sign up for a newsletter.
Debra and Miriam Aczel, wife and daughter of Amir D. Aczel, talk about goals of the foundation and what they've accomplished thus far. They tell listeners about
Debra G. Aczel, co-founder and co-director, and Miriam Aczel , co-director, talk about the Amir D. Aczel Foundation for Research. Miriam is also obtaining her PhD in London on environmental policy emphasizing global environmental change and climate science. In 2019, the Amir D. Aczel Foundation for Research held the "Symposium on the History of Mathematics: The Number Zero" in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Debra and Miriam talk about the symposium as they explain how the foundation lives up to the spirit of what Amir wanted to bring about in the world. They touch on the story of Finding Zero, Amir's love for all things math, and how he believed telling a good story was a vital way to reach people about math and science.
His involvement with the k-127 artifact was substantial as he wrote about it as a key to understanding the zero symbol's origin in the region. The 2019 symposium prioritized this important history and Cambodian's place in the story. Miriam explains that the conference itself had two goals centered on sustainability: first, prioritizing the sustainability of relationships they were building between Cambodian mathematicians and world mathematicians; and second, substantiality through food and venue choices emphasizing global environmental change and climate science.
For more and to contact the foundation, see its web site at https://amiraczel.org/
Shiraz Shah, a Senior Researcher at COPSAC, or Copenhagen's Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, uses microbiology to track and analyze the viruses and corresponding health conditions in the two cohorts that the center follows. This podcast explores
COPSAC currently is following two cohorts (or groups) of children with asthma, one born in 2000 and one born in 2010. The research center is trying to figure out why asthma occurs. Asthma is the most prevalent disease in children as well is the most common reason children see doctors and are being medicated. COPSAC is using microbiology and data analysis to understand why.
Dr. Shah explains that the center is measuring everything that they can about these children, from when they started daycare to the food they eat to their respective genomes. The prevailing theory centers around the immune system attacking its own body and corresponding inflammation. Examples of single-study findings include one where mothers who take extra fish oil while pregnant have kids who were a third-less likely to develop asthma. He describes other similar findings but ultimately there's no overarching finding at this point.
Dr. Shah also describes what microbiology can discover from collecting data on the viruses and bacteria present in these children as they try and understand if, in one example, asthma is really five different diseases with the same physical effect. He explains how viruses dominant our earth and each living organism. As our understanding of bacteria has evolved over the past several hundred years, he describes how our understanding of viruses is also changing and explains how intimately involved they are with human evolution.
For more, see http://copsac.com/ and search Shiraz Shah's name in pubmed for his past work on CRISPR.
Assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen, Henrik Munch Roager, PhD, discusses a number of interesting topics in his area of expertise: the role of gut microbiota in nutrition and health. On this episode, you’ll discover:
When investigating the ways in which diet affects the microbiome, most scientists analyze the composition of microbes in the gut. Dr. Roager is moving beyond this by looking at the activity of microbes in the gut through metabolomics, the study of metabolites produced by the gut. In Dr. Roager’s opinion, the study of these small molecules is key to moving the whole microbiome research field forward. His work is focused primarily on human intervention and cohort studies, where his task is to use mass spectrometry to measure the metabolites in stool, blood, and urine samples in order to detect changes or patterns that occur in correlation with dietary interventions.
Dr. Roager shares the findings of past research, including a study that looked at the effect of a whole grain versus refined grain diet on the gut microbiome in overweight but otherwise relatively healthy Danish adults, as well as a Mediterranean diet intervention in which meats were largely replaced by nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
He explains the challenge inherent in human intervention studies looking at gut microbiota and nutrition, what type of work is being done by other researchers in an attempt to noninvasively collect samples for analysis from different places in the GI tract, the important role of short chain fatty acids and other groups of metabolites in the human body, and his research goals for the near future, which include looking at personalized responses to diet and nutrition, as well as the gut microbiome in infants.
Tune in for the full conversation and follow Dr. Roager on Twitter at @HRoager.
After turning from conventional medicine when it didn’t offer answers to her health struggles, Cheryl Meyer discovered life-changing information in the functional medicine world. She explains to listeners
Author Cheryl Meyer was living a stressful lifestyle running a high-profile jewelry business. One day she woke up with bodily swelling and so much pain she couldn’t get out of bed. She details this story and how she turned to her regular doctor whose only solution was steroids and therapy, a response indicative of what she describes as our broken healthcare system. After Cheryl turned elsewhere through research, she discovered the world of functional medicine.
She then explains how testing revealed she had 18 food sensitives, a concept in functional medicine that conventional medicine doesn’t explore in the same way. She goes into more detail about this testing and her various sensitives and how they led to damage to her gut over time called leaky gut syndrome. She describes how our bodies react to that leaking material, causing even more physical distress. Cheryl explores how understanding her autoimmune disease led to enough life alterations that she’s now pain free.
She then talks about coaching others through this process of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, acknowledging how yes, it is hard for people to deal with giving foods up but she says the payback is worth it. She reminds listeners how much better it is to reduce the pain and have so many healthy days. Cheryl believes our broken healthcare system is itself a symptom of our lack of understanding and attention to the toxins that surround us and the foods that are harming us.
She is the author of the award-winning It Feels Good to Feel Good and will be publishing another book over the next month. For more information and to contact her about speaking or coaching, see https://cherylmhealthmuse.com/.
Professor and N. Neal Pike Scholar in Health and Disability Law at Boston University discusses viruses and the role of bacteria in viral pandemics. By tuning in, you will discover:
Over the past 15 years, Kevin Outterson has become increasingly interested in researching the market for antibiotics. Initially, he wanted to understand why patents weren’t incentivizing highly effective antibiotics in the same way as other high-priced drugs in the system. About four years ago, he started working in a different yet related capacity in supporting the small companies that conduct potentially groundbreaking research on antibiotics that can effectively treat what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) consider the biggest bacterial risks to human health.
Outterson currently serves as the executive director of Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X), which is a company that is focused on combating bacterial superbugs through novel technologies leading to cures, diagnostics, and prevention against bacterial infection.
Outterson reminds listeners that many of those who have passed away from the coronavirus fell ill to secondary bacterial pneumonia, and that each year 33,000 people die from drug-resistant bacterial infections. In light of this, he emphasizes the need to attack disease transmission on multiple levels.
He discusses the cleanliness and safety of even the best hospitals in the country, and what needs to be done in order to limit infection. Outterson also mentions a few of the most common sources of bacterial infection, as well as one that was seen primarily in veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who had been injured in explosive events. He explains the difference between viruses and bacteria, the ways in which a person’s immune system can be suppressed (making them more susceptible to infection), how phage therapy works, and so much more.
CEO of KORE Power, Lindsay Gorril, discusses renewable and electrical energy storage systems and technology. On this episode, you will learn the following:
KORE Power has been around for three years, and has been in communication with global companies for about a year. The main goal is to become the leading developer of high-density, high-voltage energy storage solutions for global utility, industrial, and mission-critical markets. As a cell manufacturer, the team at KORE Power produces lithium ion cells and places them into modules which can then be placed in small energy storage platforms or used in massive peaker plants.
In essence, these batteries store any excess or what would otherwise be wasted energy so that it can be used at times of low energy production or peak usage times. In turn, this not only makes solar grids and renewables more efficient, but also limits the amount of time the peaker plants are being run, which reduces greenhouse gasses and lowers the environmental impact.
Gorril discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the supply and demand for energy, and how it has shed light on the need for and usefulness of more energy storage to alleviate certain challenges. He also explains why cost has historically been one of the greatest constraints on the technology now being developed by KORE Power, a recycling plan for the batteries they produce, how KORE’s technology can be delivered to and used in remote locations where power lines are not connected to large areas or by FEMA during global disasters, the three main parts of a battery and the technology behind the development of such high-density and high-voltage systems, and more.
Tune in and learn more at https://korepower.com/.
This podcast explores how researchers are working on generating blood from a patient's skin cells for optimal stem cells therapy. When you listen, you'll learn
Rio Sugimura is a Research Fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital with the Daley Lab working on producing lab-grown blood. First he explains our body's process for making blood, detailing the importance of bone marrow as the home for blood stem cells that generate all types of blood cells in our body. Along the way, he explains the benefits of gene editing and different means of stem cells therapy.
Specifically, he is using skin cells instead of bone marrow to generate blood stem cells. He explains the challenges this process presents compared to our natural system and provides two essential categories in which the IPS cells lack the same efficacy. Specifically, these lab-generated IPS cells lack components of genetic regulators that tell the cells how to behave and also lack the environmental benefit a home of bone marrow provides. However, he is working on solutions for these issues, including efforts toward manufacturing bone marrow organoids. He finishes by explaining the next steps in developing and testing how these cells will work in bodies and how this exploration works in tandem with benefits of gene editing.
For more, Google his name for papers, see the Daley Lab website, and find him on Twitter as @RioSugimura.
Graduate student Dr. Ayanna Jones is studying the complex rhizosphere surrounding plant root structures.
In this podcast, you'll learn
Dr. Ayanna Jones is a chemistry PhD student and is bringing systems chemistry to her work at Emory with a focus on rhizosphere microorganisms.
She describes the rhizosphere as a very unique zone with all kinds of interactions including channels where these microorganisms can move about. Some are associated with wounding processes, for example, that help repair the plant.
She explains that studying the rhizosphere is important because it allows scientist to better understand how plants regulate behavior at these wounded and non-wounded sites and heal and protect themselves.
When a plant is wounded or torn, the act ignites a response from the plant just like humans respond to a wound with certain biological processes such as a release of white blood cells.
Dr. Jones is looking at kinetic models of wounded versus non-wounded sites specifically with monocot plants such as sorghum because they offer a simpler model for study.
She describes the various strengths of this research approach and elaborates on what they can learn, such as the behavior of a pathogen's ability to wound a plant and how a plant may defend itself. Such findings will lead to healthier plants and better crop production.
For more including related publications, see https://www.lynnlabemory.com/.
Research professor David Deamer’s work led to the exciting discovery of lipid material in meteorites that are capable of “self-assembly” into membranous material, a key step in understanding the first cell membrane formation. He explains this and other life-origin elements, such as
David Deamer is a Research Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at UC Santa Cruz. In this podcast he begins with the early days of his research, including a sabbatical in England when he worked with Dr. Alec D. Bangham, the inventor of liposomes, which are essentially drug delivery compounds made from lipids. Deamer and Bangham realized no one had figured out where membranes came from in the beginnings of life. That began a decade-long research project that included meteorites, lipids, astrobiology, and biomolecular engineering research.
After he explains this discovery of “self-assembly” of membrane formation from these meteor lipids, he describes his current research, including steps toward understanding how a cell membrane might surround these other cell elements. He describes how monomers lead to polymers, which lead to amino acids and how nucleic acids eventually arise. He also gets specific about the steps of life and how his research now anticipates the beginnings of metabolism and RNA catalyzation.
For more information, he advises searching the NASA website for astrobiology information. In addition, a journal called Astrobiology can be found at major academic research libraries and Nature and Science magazines publish exciting papers as well.
Professor Brian J. Ford is a prolific research scientist who launched numerous science communication projects for the BBC.
In this discussion, he discusses a gamut of relevant microbiology topics, including
Author of numerous books, professor, author, and scientist Brian J. Ford has spent a lifetime educating the public about science through research, projects with the BBC, and traveling the world lecturing.
In this podcast, he discusses a variety of subjects about microbiology, microbes, viruses and other similar topics. He begins with a frank talk about Covid-19, which he feels should be more accurately called a new form of the SARS virus, which we faced in 2003.
He explains that it is much more infectious, though kills less. But because it is so infectious and many countries have not stopped its spread early enough, it may reach many more people and ultimately be more deadly, therefore.
He says many countries and communities minimalized the seriousness, dumbing down the reality of the virus and closing down too late. For example, he points out that in Germany and South Korea, leadership was organized and insisted on tracing every case and its contacts—Germany now has the lowest mortality rate in the world.
The conversation also touches on many other subjects such as the often-argued topic of whether viruses are alive and why, including defining what qualities make something alive. He then discusses his sense of the living cell as not just part of our body.
He looks at people as a community of living cells, sees us as fruiting bodies rather than an engineered machine of some sort. He then adds interesting stories about his own run in with history such as Van Leeuwenhoek’s original microscopes, his thoughts on microbiomes, and modern theories about healthy eating.
For more, see his website at http://www.brianjford.com/wcvgen.htm
For the past decade, the Collins Lab at MIT has been focused on using bioengineering principles to better understand antibiotics with the primary goal of discovering novel molecules that work effectively against bacterial pathogens.
On this episode, you’ll learn the following:
James J. Collins, Ph.D., is a professor of medical engineering and science at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and head of the Collins Lab at MIT. About one year ago, he teamed up with colleague Regina Barzilay, one of the world’s leading experts on applying artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare.
The goal was to determine whether the power of AI could be used to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance and bacterial pathogens through the discovery of new antibiotics.
They began by putting together a training collection of over 2,500 molecules, including 1,700 FDA-approved drugs. This library was tested against E. coli in the lab to see which molecules might lead to inhibitory activity against the bug. Next, a deep neural network was trained using the data gathered and information about the structure of each molecule in the library.
The trained deep neural network was then applied to a drug repurposing library containing several thousand molecules that have already been developed or are in the process of being developed as drugs. The neural network was challenged to identify molecules that are predicted to be antibiotics but don’t look like any existing antibiotics: one molecule fit the criteria, and was named halocin. Halocin proved itself to be a potent novel antibiotic that worked against 35 out of 36 samples of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug resistant and pandrug-resistant pathogens from the CDC.
In addition to the details of this exciting discovery that could change health and medicine for the better, Collins discusses the most common mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, why gram negative bacteria poses an extra challenge to the search for effective antibiotics, how AI could be used to identify features of molecules that make them amenable to gram negative bacterial uptake, the most useful strengths at the core of the AI technology being used in these capacities, the soon-to-be-launched Antibiotics AI Project, and so much more.
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at collinslab.mit.edu.
Chief Product Officer at Actuate, Ben Ziomek, joins the podcast to discuss a new and potentially life-saving application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology. Tune in to learn the following:
Over the last several years in the U.S., there has been an unprecedented number of mass shootings and active shooter events. Unfortunately, even one second in the delay of an emergency response can cost several innocent lives. Actuate is an AI computer vision-based company that set out to address this problem. They began by speaking directly with law enforcement officers about what would help them mount more effective responses to these situations. One of the most consistent requests from these officers was for a way to determine where an active shooter is located within a building, and what type of weapon they have.
In response, the team at Actuate has developed an AI and computer vision technology-based solution that can plug into virtually any security camera system that exists and instantly detect a visible weapon with better-than-human accuracy. In less than a single second, this technology can identify a weapon and alert the authorities.
Each time there is an alert, a unique link is generated that can be shared with anyone who needs it, allowing those individuals to instantaneously track the person around the facility. Actuate is working with every type of security platform, and can notify teachers as well as automatically trigger the lock down of any facility when necessary.
Press play for all the details and learn more by visiting actuate.ai.
Clinical psychologist and sleep expert, Yelena Blank, Ph.D., discusses sleep health and her approach to helping those who suffer from a variety of sleep and psychological disorders.
On this episode, you’ll learn the following:
When Dr. Blank graduated from college with a degree in psychology, she wasn’t sure how she wanted to apply what she'd learned. She decided to take a couple of years away from school to determine what exactly she wanted to do, and it was during that time that she encountered the world of sleep health and medicine, as well as the way in which trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety can affect sleep health. She was fascinated by it all, and decided that's what she wanted to pursue.
She’s currently a licensed clinical psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area who provides sleep therapy and online events using evidence-based practices and tips combined with a nonjudgmental and collaborative approach to addressing her clients’ challenges. She discusses insomnia, the ways in which she can fill a gap in treatment for those with sleep apnea, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work sleep disorder, and the fallacy that being a “night owl” is somehow inherently “bad.”
She also touches on the ways in which the recent quarantine for coronavirus is affecting many of her patients, and how she’s helping them use this time to their advantage. Press play to hear the full conversation and check out https://www.yelenablankphd.com/ to learn more.
Author Kevin Brown established and curated the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum in London. He tells listeners about
Among other books, Kevin Brown authored Penicillin Man: Alexander Fleming and the Antibiotic Revolution. In this conversation he talks about what it's like to be a historian in this sciences.
He tells listeners that he studies the history of medicine because it's a subject which affect most of us—he is studying at a wider history that's also political and societal and affects all of us on a daily level.
He adds that the communication of history is where he wants to be: he likes explaining the stories to people, feeling like he is walking in the footsteps of health and medicine history. He comments that there's an excitement that comes to talking to visitors and seeing the excitement in their eyes—perhaps inspiring some to be the Alexander Flemings of tomorrow.
He continues with details of setting up the museum, procuring items, accepting special loans, and writing the material. Fleming's son gave the museum some items, in fact, and is a great supporter of the project. Brown shares the story of the summer Fleming made the infamous penicillin discovery, including details about other project of Fleming that lead to his mindset at the time. He also gives some perspective of the scientific mind and health and medicine history from the ancient Greeks to current ways we handle knowledge.
For more, see the museum web site at https://fleminglaboratory.wordpress.com/ and email Kevin Brown through the museum at Kevin.Brown@imperial.nhs.uk.
Dr. Richard Allen White began RAW Molecular Systems, LLC, eight years after his mother's death from streptococcus complications. His mission is to push science from addressing the theoretical basics to advance to applied states to better serve people and agriculture.
He explains to listeners
Dr. Richard Allen White, III, has been focused on microbiology for the majority of his educational life. He has a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and a Master's from Cal State East Bay, where he worked on HIV GEC responses.
His company works on viruses that affect people, plants, fungi, and bacteria, though currently they are focused primarily on agricultural blights, namely the fire blight, which is a pathogenic bacteria that affects pears and apple crops, and a potato disease called verticillium, which is a devastating fungal pathogen. However, they are moving toward targeting human and bee diseases as well.
He describes the very complex yet ancient arms race between viruses and bacteria, and how nature has given us an "Excalibur" of sorts with phages and the benefits viruses can offer us. In this constant battle between bacteria and viruses, a virus will take a clip of bacteria and uses it to defend itself against it later. This constant dynamic means viruses offer researchers numerous means to battle pathogenic bacteria and even other viruses.
His company envisions that a wave of new therapeutics will come from synthetic microbiology. He explains that scientist can use natural viruses and combine them with a synthetic process involving phages. Researchers start from nature, knowing how a virus can infect a population, but then predict what will be infected and what they can do to magnify certain actions through synthetic means to fight pathogenic bacteria.
For more, see the company's web site at https://www.rawmolecularsystems.com/index.
In addition, Dr. Richard Allen White has started a YouTube channel to explain more about their research.
A specialist in pediatric transplantation for children facing liver and intestinal disease, Dr. Mazariegos discuss current practices. He explains
Dr. George V. Mazariegos is the director of Pediatric Transplantation at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the departments of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Critical Care Medicine. While he specializes in children with liver and intestinal disease, the center cares for all pediatric transplantation issues. He gives listeners an overview of transplantation history and explains the particular quality-of-life issues that involve pediatric patients.
He comments that most pediatric patients, about 95%, require lifelong immunosuppression; a big focus of his research is understanding why that 5% doesn't need those drugs and what we can learn from them. Dr. Mazariegos explains that advances in viral detection and other monitoring tools have made it possible to reduce the amount of drugs patients need to take to the bare minimum. Therefore, they’ve been able to monitor the side effects and adjust the dosing before complications become significance. He adds a summary of the ways these drugs would change according to life stages various patients face.
Finally, he addresses the near-term future of his field, describing the challenge of trying to balance what's "around the corner" with what doctors can and should proceed with for now. For example, gene therapies have been touted as "just around the corner" for 20 years. Therefore, while gene therapy is very promising as half these kids suffer from a genetic condition, it isn't a usable treatment yet. While there has been progress in the delivery of the gene vector, the efficacy hasn't been proven.
For more, see his information page at https://www.chp.edu/find-a-doctor/service-providers/george-mazariegos-519, follow him on Twitter with @CHPtransplant, and email him through his CHP web site information page. He's Happy to chat with parents and patients.
In this informative podcast, Luis P. Villarreal, Professor Emeritus, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, provides an overview of his thoughts on biological changes, virus evolution, viral gene therapy, and more.
Podcast Points:
As a Founding Director of the Center for Virus Research, Villarreal has long been interested in research related to viruses. Villarreal holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego, and a BS from California State University at Los Angeles, in Biochemistry.
Dr. Villarreal discusses the current state of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly referred to as simply, coronavirus. He provides specific information on the origin of coronaviruses. As Dr. Villarreal states, most emerging viruses that go on to cause acute epidemics or a pandemic, typically come from a particular species found in the region that has a persistent lifelong infection.
Bats, in particular, harbor a great deal of coronaviruses, as well as other viruses. These viruses are specific to the species and within the host species, they typically show almost no evidence of disease. These viruses are passed from generation to generation in bats, but have almost no effect on bat health; it’s an epigenome of the bat.
The research doctor provides some interesting examples of specific studies of mice. He explains the research that shows how mice, like some other species, benefit from the viruses they carry because the virus can act as a way of ensuring a particular colony’s survival. For example, when mice engage in reproductive contact between colonies, the mice that are not colonized with the virus will die off.
Dr. Villarreal talks about the ways that coronavirus establishes itself in hosts. This coronavirus is particularly difficult to tackle because it is quite successful at transmission, because hosts who carry the virus will often have no signs, or few signs, of any actual infection. He states that this virus presents a complex problem because it, unlike some other viruses, seems to be acting as if it is trying to establish a persistent infection in humans, in a similar manner to how persistent infections become established in animal species.
In this event that is happening now, Dr. Villarreal states that this is an event of communication that has brought technology and science to its knees with the power it has exerted over human biology. Unfortunately, the United States’ delayed reaction, its slow response to the coronavirus, is going to make things worse than they might have been if the virus had been taken seriously at the beginning.
Dr. Villarreal talks about some of the medications that are being repurposed for possible treatment of coronavirus. He discusses the clinical trials that are in progress and the need for immediate action. Continuing, Dr. Villarreal talks about the damage to the immune system that coronavirus creates, but details are thin at this point as to why it is happening. Going further, Dr. Villarreal talks about the virus and how it continues to retain its ability to harm in other species.
Dr. Villarreal is an SACNAS Distinguished Scientist, and he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from California State University, the National Science Foundation Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, and was elected as Fellow of the American Society of Microbiology.
Dr. Adam Arkin’s research focuses on the synthetic biology of microorganisms, environmental genomics, and molecular ecosystems biology.
On today’s episode, you will learn:
At the University of California, Berkeley, Adam Arkin, Ph.D. is researching one of his primary interests, which is how microbes (i.e. bacteria, archaea, viruses) transform the environment and impact various processes, including the processes that occur in our own bodies.
He is working on how to track and characterize groups of microbes, understand how they operate together, and determine the ways in which we may be able to intervene in order to get microbes to do things that are beneficial to us.
The largest projects he’s working on involve terrestrial environments, such as the subsurface of a watershed. In particular, Dr. Arkin and his team are researching the microbes in a field behind the Oak Ridge National Lab, where the soil is contaminated with uranium and has the highest level of nitrates on Earth.
In that location, microbes breathe in the metals and transform them to immobile and relatively harmless substances. Dr. Arkin explain how this may be applied to the agricultural arena in order to use microbes that mobilize nutrients for crops, protect them from pathogens, increase resilience to drought, and improve their ability to sequester carbon, thereby reducing greenhouse gasses.
He continues by discussing the potential of a human microbiome that is resistant to invasion by pathogens and allows us to make better use of nutrients. What’s stopping the development of this? Dr. Arkin explains that despite the growing amount of data being gathered in the field, there are still huge gaps in basic data about the composition and function of microbial genes in a wide range of conditions.
Consider, for example, that a single gram of soil contains one million microbes and about 10,000 different species of microbes, and that the human gut contains just as many, if not more. He explains the approach that has allowed his research and the research of others to show that most large community microbial dynamics can be described by much smaller numbers of pairwise interactions. In other words, predictions about a large community of microbes can be made based on observations of smaller number of pairwise interactions among community members.
In addition to all of this, Dr. Arkin takes a look at viruses and phages, bacteriocin, mechanisms of cell sensing, the various uses of phages (including those in the therapeutic realm), in what ways his research relies on machine learning and computational biology, and so much more.
Tune in for the full conversation and visit http://genomics.lbl.gov/ and http://enigma.lbl.gov/ to learn more.
CEO of Limina Sleep Consulting, Matthew Anastasi, discusses the current state of sleep medicine and health in the U.S.
Tune in to learn the following:
For over 20 years, Matthew Anastasi has worked in the sleep industry in various capacities, including as a sleep technologist, author, researcher, volunteer, and conference organizer. On today’s show, he shares his insights on sleep and the valuable knowledge he has gained over the course of his career.
He begins by discussing the impact of the homeostatic drive and the circadian clock on our bodies and level of alertness. “The circadian clock is actually embedded in every living cell in our body…every cell in our body…knows what time of day it is, and when you change that, even by one hour, that has a huge impact on the function that each cell has throughout the circadian rhythm,” says Anastasi.
With a combination of his years of research and clinical experience in the field, Anastasi established Limina Sleep Consulting as a way of providing a variety of services in the sleep industry, such as advice for companies that want to put forth evidence-based best practices, expert strategic analysis for investment companies, conference organization and lectures for sleep professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve, and support for industry sales and marketing.
He explains the specific ways in which sleep medicine practices and policies have changed over the past 20 years, how providers and patients alike are being affected by these changes, and what needs to be done in order to ensure and maintain a safe environment for patients, sleep technologists, and respiratory therapists.
He also discusses why it can take months just to see a sleep professional, and five months for a patient to receive treatment after being diagnosed. For patients who are healthy enough, the trend is to move more toward in-home sleep studies, sleep diagnosis, and treatment.
Press play to learn about the ways in which Limina Sleep Consulting is working against the challenges and barriers to sleep health and treatment, uncovering avenues for better sleeping problem solutions, and teaming up with other organizations in the process.
For more information, visit https://liminasleepconsultingllc.weebly.com/.
You may or may not remember learning about the periodic table in chemistry class and why it’s shaped the way it is. Dr. Preston MacDougall explains the orbital model that’s behind it, and why orbitals are actually just invented mathematical entities.
Tune in to learn the following:
Preston J. MacDougall, Ph.D. is an author and professor at Middle Tennessee State University, and returning guest on today’s episode. He begins by explaining the orbital model, which he says is a convenient model for teaching early students of chemistry how to understand electron configurations and why the periodic table is organized in the way that it is.
However, he says that orbitals are actually just mathematical entities that do not apply to anything but single electrons. Why? Dr. MacDougall explains that it’s because the orbital model assumes that an individual electron is not influenced by the motions of all of the other electrons around it.
As opposed to the orbital model, Dr. MacDougall prefers to consider the probabilistic picture, which is that every electron in an atom has a certain probability of being found at a certain point around the nucleus at any given time. This is referred to as the charge or cloud density, and he explains how it changes with relation to the proximity of the electron to the nucleus of the atom.
He continues by discussing the vibrational timescale of molecules, which is less than a trillionth of a second. So, how is it that scientists conduct experiments on molecules that vibrate so quickly? He explains the method of obtaining x-ray diffraction data, which begins by the cooling of crystals with liquid nitrogen or liquid helium until they reach a temperature of about -250 degrees Celsius.
At that point, molecules reach the lowest possible energy state of zero-point motion, where chemists can then “deconvolute” the electron cloud and make it appear as though a molecule is standing still. Dr. MacDougall expounds on the ways in which the pressure produced by atoms on other atoms can be modified to produce electron cloud changes, explains the octet rule and stability of noble gasses, touches on the applications of quantum chemistry and molecular modeling in drug design, and so much more.
To learn more, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/faculty/preston-j-macdougall.
Richard Marshall is the Business Development Director for the company that has created Cutii, an autonomous robot created to enlarge social connection for seniors who want to age in place at home.
He describes some of the robot's functions, including
Richard Marshall describes the goal in creating Cutii as a tool to combat loneliness for seniors. He reminds listeners that there's a tidal wave of people entertaining retirement as well as a growing problem of disconnection and loneliness in society, especially for seniors.
Therefore, they hope to use Cutii to connect people who want to age in place at home, to allow people to stay at home as long as possible while still communicating in a fuller way with the outside world.
He adds that they've deliberately designed it to not imitate a human; rather it is a fully-operated robot that moves along on wheels, is about five feet tall, and it is sturdy and accessible. He provides examples of its usefulness such as a senior's kids' ability to call their mother up and send Cutti to find her in the living space if they are concerned or just want to chat.
The kids can control Cutii remotely and find her and then talk with her. Conversely, the senior can control Cutti with their voice and tell it to come where they are for any need, including social connection with distance family and friends.
Richard Marshall also explains several design features and how it may serve well in an emergency yet also as an enrichment, for example, as a way to participate in a cooking class in real time. It is in the market now in France and has been successful and well-received.
He remarks that it's not YouTube on wheels, rather a newer more flexible way to offer live interactions when you are limited to being in your home. They are starting product trials in the U.S. and should be hitting the market in late 2020 and are ready to talk to channel partners in the U.S. now as well.
For more, see the web page at https://www.cutii.io/en/
Graphen.ai turned their resources to mapping Covid 19 mutations in late February. Their CEO, Dr. Ching-Yung Lin, explains the process and tells listeners what his company has learned, including
Graphen specializes in building AI platforms based on graphs to serve sectors such as the financial industry. They’ve worked to identify hard-to-trace global movements such as terrorist networks and money laundering. As Covid 19 began to progress, the company turned its resources to using artificial intelligence in healthcare, plotting and analyzing available data such as whole genome sequencing analysis.
Dr. Ching-Yung Lin describes for listeners the steps they have taken. The company assessed what they could contribute to understanding the virus propagation at the end of February. They felt it was an appropriate time for them to jump in and help contribute through using artificial intelligence in healthcare.
He explains that different countries are sequencing the virus and sharing the data. Graphen takes this data and shows the mutations, but also shows the parent viruses of these mutations, giving them the ability to map its path. When the virus propagates or replicates, it copies itself. As with any copying process, mistakes can happen in translation--this is essentially a mutation.
Mutations are very important indications of how it changes and how it propagates and spreads; therefore, this information is providing the crux for how Graphen can investigate Covid 10’s habits. For example, they are able to reverse-assess the danger a community may be in: they can us the virus sequencing to determining how long it has actually been in the community based on mutations. They are trying to use this information to figure out how it might continue to replicate itself but also how to shut down its replication ability
They are sharing the mutation of each virus and gender and age of the diagnosed patient on their web site so people can study the data on their own if they would like. It’s updated every day.
Find out more at http://www.graphen.ai/covid.html
Contact them through email with questions or information by sending to info@graphen.ai. Finally, if you have any ability to get Graphen more data, please consider reaching out to them.
Neonatologist and researcher Dr. Sandra Leibel discusses her research into a particular gene therapy process involving a lung organoid model.
She explains her research and surrounding issues, including
Dr. Sandra Leibel is an assistant clinical professor in pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a neonatologist specialist at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. She's currently focused on the lab side of her work involving a gene therapy process.
Dr. Leibel created a model using induced pluripotent stem cells, or embryonic stem cells, and differentiated them into three-dimensional lung organoids. She's using these models to test a possible surfactant protein b deficiency treatment.
She explains to listeners the basics of lung geography and mechanics and how of the 40 different lung cell types, she uses the epithelial cells in her model. She describes the surfactant production that happens in the distal portion of the lung, which is the furthest portion, yet serves the whole lung by reducing surface tension and keeping our lungs from collapsing.
These alveolar type 2 cells can undergo a mutation during embryonic development that damages the b protein of those cell; they cannot then produce effective surfactant. These babies are born needing to be on a breathing machine until they are able to get a lung transplant.
However, she's found an exciting advancement in her research, namely that by introducing a virus vector that carried a healthy b gene, she measured signs of the model cells completely normalizing into surfactant-producing cells. In other words, she was able to cure the disease in a dish. She explains the implications of this, the timing for clinical use, and other related issues.
For more, google her name and see her page at UC San Diego: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/sandra.leibel
Dr. Sherif Hassan is an international sleep medicine doctor from Washington DC who focuses on the relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease, and the benefits of precision medicine.
Tune in to learn the following:
Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent yet most preventable non-communicable disorder in the U.S., and is greatly affected by sleep disorders—in particular obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea during sleep.
Dr. Hassan sees value not only in taking an integrative approach to sleep and overall health of the individual, but also in following up with patients after they have received treatment for a sleep disorder.
He explains that the outcomes following some of the most common forms of treatment such as CPAP, BiPAP, and dental appliances are very poorly understood, as is the correlation between sleep apnea and weight and cardiovascular changes, such as heart disease, hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
He explains in detail the impact of sleep apnea on the muscles of the heart, and the role of nitric oxide in delivering oxygen to various parts of the body and reversing the damaging effects of sleep apnea and hypopnea. He discusses the relationship between the oral microbiome and oral health on the body’s level of nitric oxide, and ways of increasing the body’s production of it, which include more intake of essential substrates in the form of celery, spinach, and lettuce.
Dr. Hassan is trying to come up with a program to optimize sleep and cardiovascular health through the establishment of regular sleep cycles, optimization of hormones and basic function of the body, exercise, and proper nutrition, not just for patients with sleep disorders, but for everyone.
Check out https://www.luana.health/ for more information.
Cancer-survivor and expert on physical therapy, nutrition, and mindfulness, Dr. Missimer shares her story with listeners. She recounts
Dr. Missimer has her Doctor of Physical Therapy and is a Registered Dietitian. She's an inspirational speaker who has appeared on such outlets as TEDX and is the founder of The Movement Paradigm, an integrative health center that bases treatments on mindfulness benefits, nutrition, movement, and the importance of meditation. She uses a blend of eastern and western philosophies in combination with her physical therapy and dietitian training to serve her clients.
She begins by describing her journey towards founding the center, one that includes caring for her brother who later passed from cancer, undergoing her own cancer diagnosis and treatment, and then a full realization of her desire to make an impact.
She appeared on the American Ninja Warrior show while undergoing cancer treatment, which was quite a challenge, and explains her success by describing the importance of movement for her. She remarks that working and moving have always given her strength.
Her work at the center starts with having clients fill out a very detailed functional medicine-themed form that can help her develop some simple first steps. She tells listeners that ultimately she is trying to figure out a patient's antecedents (such as family autoimmune history), triggers (like stress), and mediators (lifestyle factors). Then she picks one place to start so as not to overwhelm.
She says she sees lots of SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and yeast overgrowth as well as food sensitivities and intolerances. Regardless of what the issue is, she asserts, the foundation of most problems is one of inflammation. She brings clients to a healthier, pain-free place through simple steps of movement, diet, an understanding of mindfulness benefits, the importance of meditation, and other techniques.
For more, see the The Movement Paradigm web page at https://themovementparadigm.com/.
Gordon Krass, CEO of IntelliGuard, discusses how the late-stage startup company is making the medication supply chain within U.S. hospitals safer and more efficient.
You will learn the following:
With the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and data analytics, IntelliGuard has one ultimate goal in mind: maximizing positive healthcare outcomes for patients.
Krass explains that while hospitals in the U.S. today are on the cutting-edge of the clinical side of the business with the use of AI in surgeries, new procedures, and advanced imaging technology, the infrastructure that’s responsible for running hospitals is outdated, relying far too heavily on paper-based documentation and human interaction.
“People think the supply chain of medications is secure, the truth is it’s not,” says Krass, citing a 60 percent accuracy rate for inventory of critical medications used in surgeries and other complex procedures. This inadequacy is a dangerous one, leading to the administration of expired, recalled, incorrect, or counterfeit drugs.
Aside from labor, drugs and supplies are the highest cost items in hospitals, but despite this, hospitals don’t know where medications are or how much they have on hand at any given time. “Most businesses would not be in business if they operated in this way,” says Krass.
He continues by explaining the details of how IntelliGuard is working to address these issues, where some of the greatest weaknesses lie in the current system, and how IntelliGuard technologies will transform hospital infrastructure in the U.S. for the better.
Press play for all the details. For more info, visit https://ig.solutions/.
Dr. Pollack discusses the ways in which the water in your body’s cells isn’t the same type of water in your cup. Tune in to learn the following:
Dr. Gerald H. Pollack is a professor at the University of Washington Department of Bioengineering, and author of award-winning books The Fourth Phase of Water and Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life. On today’s show, he explains how the water in biology differs from “ordinary” water that we drink each day, and what implications this has for human health and biology at large.
He begins by sharing how he discovered the idea that water might have a “fourth” phase, which was through the work of Gilbert Ling, a physiologist and author of over five books on the topic. Inspired by Ling’s work, Dr. Pollack decided to dive into this area of research and eventually write a book that dealt with Ling’s ideas (Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life).
He discusses the experimentation he’s done showing that when water molecules are ordered, they form a crystal-like structure that excludes other substances from entering. This was a critical observation because it proved that there can be regions of water molecules that are not free to bounce around millions of times in a second like they do in ordinary water. Investigating further through multiple experiments, Dr. Pollack and his team found that every feature examined in the exclusion zone of water was different from the features of ordinary water. According to him and many others, this is the type of water that exists in our cells, and it plays a role in nearly every important reaction that occurs inside our cells.
He continues by explaining the details of his experimentation, the conditions for exclusion, and the manner or pattern in which exclusion occurs. He also describes how infrared light is the source of energy that allows for the transition from ordinary water to this fourth phase of water, commonly called exclusion zone (EZ) water. He notes the sources of infrared energy in our environment, the ways in which diurnal variation of the amount of infrared energy may be affecting us, and the use of infrared energy as a therapeutic approach for cancer and other illnesses.
To learn more, visit https://www.pollacklab.org/.
Author Dr. Frank Ryan has spent a lifetime researching, speaking on, and writing about virus behaviors. His book Virusphere: From Common Colds to Ebola Epidemics--Why We Need the Viruses That Plague Us was just released in paperback.
In this exploratory conversation, he explains
Dr. Frank Ryan is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Education at The University of Sheffield in the UK. He has authored numerous books, including Virusphere. The conversation begins with an explanation of the behaviors of viruses as symbionts, existing at a continuum between parasite and mutualistic symbiont.
Among many other examples he presents, he discusses AIDS, one of the worse epidemic viruses in our lifetime. Yet even at the height of the epidemic, scientist didn't ask if it were a parasite or not. Rather, they asked what aspect of the virus is changing as a result of the human interaction and vice versa.
What they found was a change in the patient gene antigen that had to do with the virus evolution—both virus and human genome were actually altering each other's genome; so while this may be a virus near the parasitic end of the continuum, human and virus are still changing each other—it's not just a one-sided relationship.
Dr. Ryan offers other examples of the behaviors of viruses to flesh out this coevolution, from viruses and the Brazilian wood rabbit in Australia to mammal placental development. He explains how retroviruses function, replicate, and become infectious.
He also explains the process of the Coronavirus, its mechanics within human cell cytoplasm and the replication process. He finishes by explaining the ubiquitous nature of the behavior of viruses having effects we may be unaware of, such as keeping the bacteria from taking over the ocean.
For more, you can find his book for sale at https://www.amazon.com/Virusphere-Common-Epidemics-Why-Viruses-Plague/dp/1633886042
Rahul Panat, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, provides an overview of his work in microscale additive manufacturing, microelectronics, and much more.
Podcast Points:
Panat received an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and secured his PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Panat discusses his work on micro and nanoscale 3D printing using nanoparticles to fabricate devices with new functionality and features. As he explains, their goal is to use this technology to develop new types of biomedical devices or to provide additional functionality to devices already in use.
Dr. Panat’s research seeks to enhance fundamental scientific knowledge in an effort to create engineering breakthroughs for critical applications. He discusses printed electronics products and the advanced materials impact factor.
Dr. Panat provides examples of some of the work they are doing currently, such as creating three-dimensional structures that can build microscale needles that are used as brain-computer interfaces. The research Ph.D. goes on to explain how they use their advanced technology in varied ways, for example, they are able to create complex 3D structures with high surface area which can help enhance sensitivity in detecting biomarkers.
Dr. Panat gets into the details on several of his research areas and provides an analysis of their work goals, providing specific examples on structures, density, customization, and material manufacturing improvements.
Dr. Panat explains his background at Intel, in microprocessing. He delves into his work studying micro and nanoscale manufacturing techniques and 3D printing, and his success combining different materials to develop microstructures. Wrapping up, the research expert talks in depth about the practical applications in medicine that can improve patients’ lives.
Dr. Bomberger tries to understand why patients get chronic bacterial lung infections from microbial pathogenesis, especially Cystic Fibrosis patients.
She discusses key elements, such as
Dr. Jennifer Bomberger is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Her lab recently made an important discovery in a microbiology study that may help combat chronic bacterial infection due to biofilm formation in Cystic Fibrosis patients by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
First, she explains some basic tenants of microbial pathogenesis, such as whether healthy lungs have microbiomes and how respiratory tracts might expel bacteria. Then, she establishes why patients with Cystic Fibrosis lack these mucosa latory elevator actions and how the composition of their mucus is also a barrier to the fight.
Eventually, the toxic substances their immune system emits is ineffective and the toxins end up scaring the lungs instead. She then describes the nutrient sequestering the immune system undergoes in healthy patients, how cells may "hide" nutrients like iron from bacteria to fend off the microbial pathogenesis.
She explains other processes the body undergoes to protect itself and the mechanics of various bacterial and viral infestations. Finally, she explains that in her lab's particular microbiology study, they examined why patients with Cystic Fibrosis tend to get the decade-long bacterial infections soon after a viral infection.
They found that the viral infection process disturbs the body's ability to undergo this nutrient sequestration. Now, they continue to study why and how this happens.
For more, see her lab's web page at http://www.mmg.pitt.edu/person/jennifer-bomberger
Dr. Harmsen exemplifies the importance of medical microbiology by describing the mechanics and vital nature of gut microbiome diversity.
When you listen, you'll learn
Dr. H.J.M. Harmsen is an associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands. In this discussion he tells listeners about gut bacteria, microbes, and bacteria ecology.
He begins by explaining exactly what diversity means in terms of the gut microbiome and correlating health. He articulates the need for a balance of bacteria species, and more specifically, short chain fatty acid-making anaerobic bacteria like faecalibacterium. In fact, a proliferation of aerobic bacteria can bode bad news for bodily health and lead to an increase in pathogens.
These short chain fatty acids like acetate, propionate, and butyrate have important functions in our body such as energy sources and anti-inflammatory effects. They help maintain the important gut mucin, which is a type of mucus our gut needs to function.
He then explains that these anaerobic gut bacteria, which exist further down in our colon, feed off of fresher foods that are harder to digest and therefore able to make it that far into the digestive process. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables that provide fibers, pectin, and cellulose, foods our gut microbiome depends on for sustenance.
Dr. Harmsen is exhibiting the importance of medical microbiology by using these digestive mechanics to better understand Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, which has an inflammatory component. When patients have low butyrate, one of these short chain fatty acids, doctors see leaky gut syndrome for example, when the gut barrier is not functioning properly.
He explains how this research may also help cancer patients as they understand how to remove and retransplant a patient's gut micobiome post chemotherapy.
For more, see Dr. H.J.M. Harmsen's faculty page at https://www.rug.nl/staff/h.j.m.harmsen/ and search for his publications at PubMed and other research publication listings by his name: H.J.M. Harmsen .
Dr. Gilbert studies microbes and recently examined an element of the bat microbiome. In this podcast, he explains
Dr. Jack Gilbert is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego. He specializes in microbial ecology and recently published a paper specific to the bat microbiome. He explains what is significant and interesting about the ecology of the bat and bacteria, namely that unlike human animals, their short gut disallowed for coevolution with bacteria in the same manner as humans. Rather the microbes that live on bats depends on their external environment. He explains more about how this is similar to birds and what the implications are.
He carries this into a larger picture of what goal scientists may have when studying microbial ecology. Dr. Gilbert and his colleagues would like to gain a closer understanding of how we can shape bacterial proportions by altering their food. They are trying to understand how we can selectively choose the growth of certain organisms by what we feed them—how we can change the course of a human infection by selectively promoting the growth of specific microbes that might make the human host less susceptible to the harm the infection causes.
For more, search research collections such as Google Scholar for his name and see his laboratory web site at http://www.gilbertlaboratory.com/
Nicholas P. Money is a professor, author, and expert on mycology and microbes. He joins the podcast today to discuss a number of fascinating topics. Tune in to learn about them all, including the following:
As a first-year undergraduate attending the University of Bristol in the UK, Nicholas P. Money was captivated by descriptions of a vast group of organisms he’d hardly even heard of: fungi. Since then, he’s passionately pursued a knowledge and understanding of how these organisms work, and has authored a number of books on microbes in general. His area of expertise is in the biomechanics of fungi, which deal with the ways in which fungi move, grow, and reproduce. He dives into the details of his expertise on fungi and shares insights he’s gained from a variety of research he’s carried out in the field. This includes the distance and hydrostatic pressure with which spores are released by fungi, how microscopic filaments on fungi manage to penetrate some of the toughest material that exists, and so much more.
Learn more at https://www.themycologist.com/.
Professor and author of Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are, joins the show for a second time today to discuss parasites, focusing on one in particular that affects a significant number of people: Toxoplasma gondii.
By tuning in, you’ll discover the following:
As a graduate student at University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sullivan had already had a longstanding interest in microbiology when he began doing lab rotations that would ultimately help him develop his PhD thesis.
It was during that time that he discovered toxoplasma gondii, microscopic banana-shaped organisms squirming their way through fibroblast cells and growing exponentially until blowing apart the host cell.
At the time, Dr. Sullivan was absolutely fascinated by these organisms, and decided to pursue research on them from there on out. He wanted to know the details of how Toxoplasma gondii functions and how it could be impacting human health, so he was particularly excited to learn that a professor in the lab was working on turning Toxoplasma gondii into one of the first model systems for all of parasitology.
This would allow for modern-day cell and molecular genetic techniques to be employed—a feat impossible for most other parasites. This would pave the way for avenues of unprecedented research in parasitology.
“Toxoplasma gondii is pretty remarkable…many people call it the most successful parasite on the planet because it can infect any nucleated cell in virtually any warm-blooded vertebrate…most parasites have a single host, maybe two hosts,” he explains.
Among many topics, Dr. Sullivan explains what type of evidence suggests that Toxoplasma gondii is able to recognize what type of host cell it is in, how the active invasion process works, how long it takes before a host immune response is initiated by the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, how this parasite can affect host behavior and personality, how long the latent stages of the infection can last, and what’s being done to address human health concerns posed by this parasite.
Check out www.sullivanlab.com for more information.
David Mulligan, MD from Yale University joins the show to discuss organ transplantations. Tune in to learn the following:
Aside from trying to develop technologies and techniques for successful transplantations, Dr. Mulligan has helped implement robotic transplantation programs for kidney transplants, which have shown great success in reducing the risk of post-surgical infections that impede the healing process and overall success of the transplant. He is also working on research involving normothermic and hyperthermic perfusion of solid human organs on ex vivo machines to assess their function and determine whether they can be sufficiently repaired or rejuvenated for use as transplants for human patients in need.
“Transplantation…is truly a field that embodies almost every aspect of healthcare,” says Dr. Mulligan. He discusses details about kidney and liver transplants, how immunosuppression works and what’s being done in an attempt to mitigate its negative consequences, as well as what type of research is being done to determine what type of patients may actually do well without the use of side effect-inducing immunosuppressive medications. He talks about the differences between acute and chronic rejection of transplants, the extent to which the liver and gut microbiome may be related to immune system performance, how the choice of which antibiotic to use could be affecting the microbiome and immune system’s ability to recover post-transplantation, and what he believes will happen in the near and long-term future of organ transplantation.
Learn more about the work being done at Yale University by visiting https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/transplantation/about/ and visit https://unos.org/ for more general information about transplants.
Dr. Paula Barreras and her colleagues create spheres of living brain cell tissue from skin cells. They are proving that these brain organoids can offer testing and research platforms normally reserved for animals.
This podcast explores
Pursuing a postdoc at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Paula Barreras talks about the research involved in creating BrainSpheres. Their mission is to create approximations of the brain to use for testing to predict how a real brain might work.
They create small sphere of human cells that they then manage to convert to neurons and glial cells in a cold culture in vitro process, an extremely challenging process to uphold. Applications for this breakthrough include studies into neurotoxicity and neurological disorders treatment.
Most brain studies are on animal models, which is an inherently problematic model because of the different biology. Because the organoids are human-based models, they can improve scientists' understanding of brain function and treatment. Dr. Barreras explains that these models have shown evidence of synapses (neurons are talking to each other), myelination, and spontaneous electrical activity.
She explains the creation process to listeners, including the move from adult skin cells to stem cells and then to neuro progenitor cells. These then develop into neurons and other brains cells. After explaining additional technical nuances, she articulates some of the most pivotal aspects of this work.
For example, because these organoids produce myelin, scientists may use this research to make inroads into treating diseases like multiple sclerosis, which is a demyelination disease. There's also potential for virus treatmenst, such as the Zika virus and a better understanding of the JC virus, which as a human-only virus, has no animal model study possibility.
For more, see this Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health web page, which includes a video about the mini-brain: https://www.jhsph.edu/yearlook/2016/mini-brains-made-to-order/
Dr. Lee Bartel is a leading researcher and expert on how our cells are affected by sound. In this podcast, he discusses
Lee Bartel is a Professor Emeritus of Music and a former Associate Dean of Research with the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto. He's also Founding Director of the Music and Health Research Collaboratory.
He begins by telling listeners about his road to this point in his career. His graduate work explored the basics of music therapy. As he moved into clinical work, he interacted with kids who'd undergone brain injuries, using music to rehabilitate various cognitive functions. He became more interested in music in relationship to brain circuits and functions.
He then began working with Summerset Entertainment, using specific rhythmic structures for brain training, entering further into neuroscience music therapy. These steps in his career expanded his own ideas of how music affected people. He intensified this concept of music as a sound vibration or a pulse stimulus that might affect states like Delta brain waves (our deepest sleep state).
In fact, researchers found they could document brain cells firing at the frequency of the stimulus. Therefore, they could use a stimulus to bring about desired brain states like Delta sleep, which measures at about 40 hertz.
Dr. Bartel and fellow researchers explored other cell reactions. They found that when blood vessels were exposed to a certain stimulus rates, the vessels would repeat that rate, which had implications for more medical conditions.
He explains how these stimulus pulses affect multiples levels of bodily functions and brain patterns, even to the point of intra brain communication, helping one side of the brain synchronize with the other. Such neuroscience music therapy was shown to help kids who'd gone through cancer treatments help renew gamma activity.
As the conversation continues, Dr. Bartel gets more specific about the various ways music therapy treats sleep disorders. He notes that typical sleep studies focus on oxygen levels and less on brain cell frequency.
But when Dr. Bartel and researchers worked with people who had reported not sleeping well, they found that patients rated their sleep as deeply improved after playing them recordings of pulse rates conducive to brain waves for deep sleep.
Dr. Bartel says, however, that what he's most excited about and what's most newsworthy are the studies in pain alleviation and sleep with fibromyalgia patients. They used a pulse stimulus of 40 hertz and saw a dramatic change in sleep, pain, depression, and quality of life ratings for these patients. The implications are substantial: he says this means that we can reregulate brain circuits and cellular function rather than just brain states.
He goes on to explain how these studies and methods are also applied to patients who experience depression with satisfying results as well as Alzheimer's patients. He describes the methods for each and includes details about longevity, how the results are cumulative yet need consistent exposure to the pulse stimulus for the treatment to continue holding.
Finally, he points listeners to resources, including his website at http://www.bartelcameronassoc.com/, which has a link to his popular Tedtalk, a link to buy four of his soundtracks, and a link to buy the tactile and sound device called The Sound Oasis VTS1000, which was used in his research.
He notes that his CDs are available on ITunes and Amazon.
In this podcast, Svetlana Lutsenko, PhD, Professor of Physiology, Associate Director for Basic Science and Clinical Relations, Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses monogenic human diseases, Wilson's disease diagnosis, and copper’s effects on the body.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Lutsenko talks about her interest in human disorders that are associated with copper metabolism. Copper plays a vital role in the production of neurotransmitters as well as in the maintenance of bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Dr. Lutsenko discusses imbalances in the body, genetic disorders, and copper’s role.
The PhD continues her discussion of copper deficiency disease and the treatment of genetic disease, with an emphasis on drugs that can remove copper from the body. Dr. Lutsenko’s research has delved into many important areas of science, such as Menkes disease; animal models for Wilson’s disease; proteomics; metal biology (iron, zinc and copper); as well as membrane proteins biochemistry, etc.
Dr. Lutsenko discusses the many things they have observed in animals that exist on a high copper diet. As the PhD states, these animals absorb more fat. She goes on to explain that more copper in the diet can actually end up producing less fat in the body. Additionally, Dr. Lutsenko discusses various treatments and therapies, and the balance that the body needs overall, discussing drugs for treatment, and improvements that could benefit the liver.
Dr. Scott A. Johnson, a health and wellness advocate, and author of Beating Ankylosing Spondylitis Naturally, discusses his personal battle and ankylosing spondylitis causes.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Johnson discusses his personal journey and he explains in detail the symptoms and issues that come from the condition known as, ankylosing spondylitis, such as significant neck and back pain, especially after resting. The condition can also affect the heart, lungs, and eyes, and reduce overall quality of life.
Dr. Johnson is a bestselling author, natural health expert, and naturopath. Dr. Johnson’s book provides valuable information on the connections that link AS, eating, and gut health. Additionally, it teaches sufferers how this knowledge can help reduce their AS symptoms. The doctor’s book looks at evidence-based natural remedies as a means to quiet inflammation, combat and ease pain, as well as manage the difficult complications typically associated with AS.
The doctor explains that ankylosing spondylitis is considered to be an autoinflammatory condition, slightly different than autoimmune diseases. He discusses the genetic pathways, and modern treatment techniques, as well as some negative effects of various medicines used to treat the condition. He talks about drugs, injections, and surgery, and how each treatment can be used to help people maintain a higher quality of life. Dr. Johnson explains how he came to the current methods that he utilized to heal his own ankylosing spondylitis condition. He talks about the published papers that he studied, as well as clinical trials for essential oils and what he learned about the significance of them. Engaging in an informative conversation about lavender specifically, he extols the virtues of it, discussing physical and emotional improvement possibilities. As he states, most natural solutions are not designed to stop something as much as they are designed to simply promote natural health balance. Wrapping up, Dr. Johnson talks about case studies and how essential oils have been shown to improve conditions for many, but not necessarily all, patients.
Dr. Abramson is a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea and created a specific oral appliance called the Oasys. In this discussion, he explains
As someone who has researched and applied various techniques to treat sleep apnea through dentistry, Dr. Mark Abramson is able to discuss the process and benefits of oral appliances with effective clarity. In this conversation he explains first why it is important to seek solutions to sleep apnea, from general health issues to a correlation between lack of deep sleeping and dementia.
He then describes the blocking that causes apnea and the mechanics for different treatment approaches. He highlights the success rate of oral appliances for several reasons, including the rates at which people stop using or won't even try CPAP machines because of the discomfort and difficulty of wearing the device.
He then articulates the approach through dentistry in more detail, describing how oral appliances bring the jaw forward and can also treat other areas that may need addressing such as nasal dilation and small pads that reposition the tongue. His Oasys system is able to mechanically treat all three issues with one device. Finally, he answers additional questions about oral appliances and dentistry such as effects on TMJ, the efficacy of over-the-counter products, and more.
For more information, see his practice website: Dr. Mark Abramson DDS in Redwood City, CA, at https://www.drtmjsleepapnea.com/.
You can learn more about the Oasys device at Dream Systems Dental Lab in Rosewood, CA: https://www.dreamsystemsdentallab.com/ and at http://www.oasyssleep.com/.
Dr. Abramsons' office can also help locate dentists in your area that offer oral appliance treatment.
Dr. Tobias Carling performs more adrenal gland surgeries than any other surgeon in America. In this podcast, he offers
Dr. Tobias Carling left his position as Chief of Endocrine Surgery at Yale in 2020 to open the Carling Adrenal Center in Florida. Early in his medical schooling he found the endocrine system worthy of advanced study. Eventually the challenges and diverse array of tumors the adrenal gland presents kept his interest and he made it his specialty.
After being at Yale for almost 18 years, he started the Carling Adrenal Center in Tampa to continue giving patients exceptional care. In this podcast he begins by explaining the biology of the glands, such as the three hormones they produce: aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines. He explains how common it is for tumors to form in the glands and what risks they pose. Primarily, different tumors produce different degrees of hormone levels in the body in excess, which can be toxic. This, he adds, is why adrenal tumor diagnosis is important and sometimes tricky. Some cases, like Conn's Syndrome, can be a silent disease hidden by the presentation of symptoms attributed to high blood pressure.
Finally, he explains various issues related to adrenal gland surgery such as when cortical-sparing surgery is advisable and when it's not. Such decisions take into account issues such as the risk of spilling tumors into the body as well as the state of the other gland. He comments that the surgery must be done as quickly as possible yet as precisely as possible because of the vital nature of the surrounding area.
To learn more, see the Carling Adrenal Center Website at https://www.adrenal.com/, which includes a lot of information to help readers better understand everything from lab numbers to different issues to consider. They've made a concerted effort to help patients educate themselves.
Oliver Rando is a professor and head of the Rando Lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He joins the show to discuss his research on epigenetic inheritance. You’ll learn the following:
When data that doesn’t belong to the DNA sequence itself affects the phenotype of an organism in some way, and when that phenotypic change is passed on from a parent to a child, epigenetic inheritance is said to occur. It was only two or three decades ago that there was near consensus in the scientific community that epigenetic information could not be passed between generations. However, a growing number of research studies are now showing that that’s simply not the case. One such study is taking place in Oliver Rando’s lab, where he and his team are using mouse models to demonstrate that the environmental conditions of a father can impact the phenotype of the father’s offspring. In addition to discussing the details of his research, Rando touches on the nature of some other interesting types of research going on in the area of epigenetic inheritance. He also talks about the limitations and gaps in this type of research, and what he aims to accomplish in the coming years.
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at https://www.umassmed.edu/randolab/.
Health coach, author, and top-ranking podcast host Abel James discusses his journey towards health and fitness. When you listen in, you'll hear
Abel James hosts the popular podcast Fat Burning Man, writes a blog, and has published several books including The Wild Diet. In this conversation, he shares why he first decided to shift away from popular eating trends towards a direction that made more sense for what his body was telling him. As he turned away from the carb-loading habit runner's magazines were advising and embraced whole foods, he found a dramatically different health and fitness level.
He talks about the fear-based approach mainstream voices lend to eating choices as well as the circular nature of eating processed foods and experiencing increased cravings for more unhealthy foods. Abel notes that when we step back and eat more as our grandparents might have with a focus on less processed ingredients and more substance, we end up healthier.
He also brings in how this different eating emphasis lends itself to interval fasting. By eating more satisfying foods that don't induce craving, ultimately he's able to spend less time eating and more time being active and productive.
For more, see his web page at https://fatburningman.com/, which links to his blog, podcasts, and books. It also provides a way to contact him for coaching opportunities and links to courses.
Dr. Gupta, a leading expert on liver processes and gastroenterology, explains both the science behind how the liver works and the latest efforts towards treating liver diseases. He discusses:
Dr. Gupta is a professor of medicine specializing in gastroenterology and liver diseases at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and serves as the Eleazar and Feige Reicher Chair in Translational Medicine. In this podcast, he answers questions about how the liver works, what makes it stop working, and the many ways doctors can then approach medical treatments.
He explains that understanding how the liver is divided, from lobes and sub-compartments to drainage ducts and blood vessels, is important in how a successful transplant and then regeneration can move forward for both the donor and the patient with the damaged liver in cases of liver diseases. But he also explains the immense variety of approaches therein, such as some patients having a "temporary liver" implanted for use until their native liver has more time to regenerate and heal.
Dr. Gupta also explains how the gastroenterology system initiates liver regeneration in conditions of liver diseases. He describes the two pathways toward self-regeneration: hepatocyte division and stem cell or progenitor cell activation. But he also explains how these pathways are connected to liver cancers alongside additional risk factors.
Finally, Dr. Gupta comments that researchers can learn from how the liver functions and apply this activity to cures for other organ diseases such as diabetes when the cells stop making insulin. There's hope that the liver regeneration system can lead to the successful regeneration of the insulin-making cells. He finishes the conversation by discussing recent breakthroughs in treating liver diseases such as drug-based therapies to enhance liver regeneration.
For more, including links to his papers, see his web page at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine: http://www.einstein.yu.edu/faculty/8041/sanjeev-gupta/
Dr. Suravajhala works as a dry biologist in next-generation genome-sequencing research. In this podcast, he explains
Dr. Suravajhala is a Senior Scientist of Systems Biology in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at Birla Institute in Jaipur, India. He works on next-generation sequencing to better-identify disease-causing mutations.
Specifically, this means he works with the protein-coding exome, which makes up about 1.8% of the genome in an arrangement of exons.
As a dry biologist working in systems biology and clinical exomes, he utilizes the newest technology to get a closer look at these exons for sequencing, separating out what is called exon "chunks."
To explain next-generation sequencing compared to the initial sequencing, he uses an aerial view analogy, likening the next-generation work as akin to 100x while the 2003 view is more of a 10x magnification.
He explains this in more detail and describes how this larger map of about 150 bases at a time can help identify disease-causing mutations, such as a case he worked on that involved the rare disease pouch colon. He and his team were able to identify the mutations that were only present in affected family members.
For more information, search pub med and google scholar for papers by Dr. Prashanth N Suravajhala.
Roy A. Black holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is a professor at the University of Washington. His research expertise has to do with something that almost every human being has wondered at one point or another: how did life as we know it comes to be? On today’s podcast, Dr. Black talks about the following:
Before diving into the field of research on the origin of life, Dr. Black spent many years in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Having always felt a drive toward understanding our history, he became increasingly compelled to research something that’s been largely unaddressed by scientists: how life began. Answering this question or at least getting closer to an answer will not only satisfy human curiosity but allow for us to say with more confidence what probability there is of other forms of simple or complex life in the universe.
Among a number of interesting topics, Dr. Black talks about his hypothesis as to how the building blocks of RNA and protein first came together, and how the answer might explain cell division and molecular stability. He explains the component parts of a cell, similarities between the biochemistry of different species on earth, and what he wants to answer as a researcher on the origin of life.
Over the course of the past decade or so, there’s been a huge influx of genomic data due to better and more affordable sequencing technologies. How does anyone make sense of it all? Simon Sadedin joins the show to answer this question and explain his role as a bioinformatician at Victorian Clinical Genetics Services. He talks about the following:
Victorian Clinical Genetics Services perform genetic and genomic testing for patients who have or are at risk of developing rare genetic disorders. The amount of data that can be gathered in this field of work is significant, which can complicate the process of providing patients with easy-to-understand, useful information that applies to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
This is where bioinformatics aims to be most useful. Sadedin explains the three primary roles of the bioinformatic work he carries out at Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, and explains that the ultimate goal is to improve patients’ experiences and the quality of healthcare on the whole. He also talks about the ways in which it can be a challenge or even impossible to elucidate what a certain genetic or genomic result means for a specific person, the advantages and drawbacks of current versus emerging sequencing technologies, and how useful it is to obtain genomic data from people who are unaffected by certain rare genetic disorders.
For more, visit https://www.vcgs.org.au/ and https://www.mcri.edu.au/.
Dr. Onyinye Iweala is a professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine whose expertise lies in environmental allergies, including allergic rhinitis, chronic hives, and food allergies. She joins the show to talk about a number of interesting topics, such as:
As a junior in college, Dr. Iweala took her first basic immunology class and pretty much knew that that was the path she wanted to pursue as a doctor. Not only did she find it complicated and fascinating, but also very relevant to human health. In recent years, food allergy has been on the rise, particularly in industrial countries like the U.S. This has caused concern for many people, especially since there has only very recently been a food allergy treatment on the market. Dr. Iweala discusses how this new drug functions in the body, and how it is based on the principles of oral immunotherapy. She also explains the standard understanding of IgE-mediated allergy responses, and how a non IgE-mediated allergy response prompted by an alpha-gal allergy is unique and challenging to detect. She touches on a number of other interesting subjects, such as how multiple food allergies in a single person might be treated, the goal of recent and ongoing studies in the field, and much more.
In this podcast, Dr. Holly Kramer, Professor of Public Health Sciences and Medicine at Loyola University, Chicago, talks about her research in nephrology, and the links between obesity and kidney disease.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Kramer discusses the alarming escalation of obesity in America, and its association to kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other health problems. Dr. Kramer focuses her research on important areas that have an affect on public health. She talks about the interconnections between nutrition and obesity and kidney disease.
Dr. Kramer talks in detail about her current research, and why she is so intensely interested in the role obesity plays in so many diseases. Throughout her career she has worked with many other nephrologists and focused her attention on new ways to treat health ailments, such as kidney stones, kidney failure, and hypertension.
Dr. Kramer explains how we lose kidney function as we grow older. She provides a wealth of information on muscle movement and creatine. As she details, when creatine gets old it loses an important water group and thus becomes creatinine, which is actually a waste product produced by muscles from this breakdown. When creatinine leaks into the bloodstream it is then filtered by the kidney. Dr. Kramer states that by looking at levels of creatinine in the blood, they can get a sense of how well the kidney is actually functioning. Continuing, the research doctor provides extensive information on diabetes, discussing insulin, medication, and how ketones are created.
In this podcast, Michelle Mullaley, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, discusses sleep issues, psychology, child psychology, and the techniques and tools she utilizes to help people at her clinic.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Mullaley is a seasoned clinical psychology expert. She specializes in child and family psychology. She earned her doctorate at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Dr. Mullaley discusses her background and current focus. As an active researcher, Dr. Mullaley does a lot of testing in addition to her regular schedule of therapy.
Dr. Mullaley talks in detail about sleep problems, specifically sleep deprivation that kids and teens struggle with. As she states, falling asleep can be difficult for some, especially in kids who have ADHD. She provides a wealth of information on circadian rhythms and how they can shift through our lives. As a result of this shifting, some teens tend to feel very awake even late at night, but when they have to get up early to get to school, their bodies feel sleep deprived because they are craving that full nine hours of relaxing sleep but aren’t getting it.
Dr. Mullaley discusses cases she deals with, in regard to sleep problems and issues. The clinical psychologist discusses multiple techniques and treatments—including cognitive challenging, which is a cognitive behavior technique used to bring on calming and relief from anxiety. Continuing, Dr. Mullaley discusses breathing, yoga, various imagery techniques, and even some apps that can help kids, and adults, to relax and calm themselves, which can assist with falling asleep, and getting better sleep. Expanding her discussion on sleep issues, Dr. Mullaley talks about melatonin and how it can play a role in sleep and why we have different issues as we get older. Wrapping up, she talks about the impact of technology, and how smartphones are one thing we should detach ourselves from when we want to fall asleep, and get quality sleep.
Associate professor of sport and exercise physiology, Brendan Egan, PhD has studied physiology and nutrition since he was an undergraduate student. On today’s episode, he discusses how training and nutritional interventions can help slow the loss and decline of muscle mass, function, and strength in ageing adults. Tune in to learn the following:
“I don’t think there’s an example of a society or a population that’s physically inactive and healthy. We have to acknowledge that physical activity is imperative to health when it comes to the human condition,” says Dr. Egan. He explains that while an adult—without the appropriate interventions—can lose 30 to 50 percent of their muscle mass between the ages of 40 to 80, it is a process that ultimately tapers out. In contrast, muscle strength and function can decline until a person is rendered unable to take care of themselves or even walk. For this reason, he and his group are primarily focused on interventions that address and slow the decline of muscle strength and function that occurs with age.
Dr. Egan talks about the importance of resistance and strength-based training and extra protein intake in slowing the decline of muscle function and strength. He explains that some people can benefit even from a single hour of strength training per week, while others might require more frequent training sessions. Press play for the full conversation and view Dr. Egan’s profile at https://www.dcu.ie/researchsupport/research-profile?PERSON_ID=1631629.
Without long chain omega-3 fatty acids, the development of the brain and nervous system would be impossible. This begs the question: what effects arise from long chain omega-3 fatty acid deficiency? Dr. Alex Richardson joins the show to discuss the following:
Dr. Alex Richardson is a research associate in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at the University of Oxford, and founder of Food and Behavior (FAB) Research. Her interest in researching the role of nutrition in physical and mental health was triggered during her postdoctoral studies when she discovered how impactful long chain omega-3 fatty acids are on vision. Since then, she’s been investigating how this essential nutrient may be related to conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and disorders that fall on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Richardson published her first study about two decades ago, which demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids could lower impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity in children with above average levels of these. Through a second study, she showed that omega-3 fatty significantly improved reading, spelling, and symptoms of ADHD in children.
Dr. Richardson already has protocols set for two more studies: one that will look at the effects of omega-3 on sleep, and how sleep may be associated with ADHD and autism, and a second that will look at the relationship between omega-3 and sleep health, and common mental health conditions like stress and depression.
Tune in for a compelling show that’s full of eye-opening and powerful information. Learn more by visiting https://www.fabresearch.org/viewItem.php.
Richard J. Schwab, MD, DABSM, Head of Sleep Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and the Co-Medical Director, Penn Sleep Center, discusses the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Podcast Points:
Dr. Schwab provides some background on his work and the various sleep problems that exist. He talks about sleep apnea, and why there is so much left to understand. Why does it happen when we sleep? He discusses soft tissue structures and lateral walls and other factors that can lead to airway paths collapsing. Dr. Schwab’s extensive research seeks to target the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea by using advanced upper airway imaging techniques. His studies help further explain the motion of various key structures of the upper airway and the role they play in airway closure. Dr. Schwab talks about the biomechanics of apneic events. He provides information on how they utilize magnetic resonance imaging and electronic beam computed tomography during sleep, as well as wakefulness, to study patients. Dr. Schwab talks about abnormal craniofacial structures as well as soft tissue, and how they can potentially impact sleep apnea occurrences. He discusses mouth breathing, studies they conducted on tongue fat, and how it all could impact breathing issues. As he states, if you naturally have a narrow airway, as movement occurs when you sleep, apnea could be initiated. He provides an in-depth discussion of how tissues move, and studies they have done on wakefulness. But he states there are more studies on sleep and breathing that they plan to do in the near future. Dr. Schwab, through his exhaustive research annually, collaborates regularly with members of the Departments of Radiology and Biomechanical and Computer Engineering. And together, the scientific researcher/developers have designed an extremely advanced, computer graphics-based analysis software that can assist with modeling, in three dimensions, of the biomechanical interrelationships that exist between soft tissue structures and the upper airway.
Dr. Walter studies the many functions of RNA, which combines into the most copious enzyme on our planet. RNA research is catching up with the rest of our genetic findings after DNA dominated the field for so long.
Dr. Walter plows into this knowledge by discussing
Dr. Nils Walter is the Francis S. Collins Collegiate Professor of chemistry, biophysics, and biological chemistry at the University of Michigan. He's also the founding codirector of the Center for RNA Biomedicine. The center researches foundational biological RNA discoveries and translates them for use towards future medicines.
Dr. Walter has been researching at the University of Michigan for 20 years; for the most part, his work has been focused on functional RNA types. In this conversation he offers a non-coding RNA review and recounts numerous discoveries, such as the structure and function connection and why it’s important that RNA has a more transient nature than DNA.
He expands on this review by reminding listeners that when the human genome was sequenced in 2003, researchers discovered that just 1.5% of the genome codes for proteins while the rest is transcribed into RNA. These RNAs form multiple structures that become functional RNA types.
As he continues with his non-coding RNA review, he explains that RNA folds into intricate 3D architectures, which enables them to take on complex functions such as the formation of ribosomes. Dr. Nils describes additional jobs of the RNA molecule and articulates how these discoveries will lend themselves to future medicines.
For more, see his lab page at https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/walter-lab/ as well as the Center for RNA Biomedicine page at https://rna.umich.edu/.
In this podcast, Larry Simpson, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, provides an overview of his long career in scientific research.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Simpson has long been interested in the molecular biology of the mitochondrial genome of trypanosomes. He was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, and throughout his extensive and celebrated career, Dr. Simpson was elected as a Foreign Member of the Brazilian Academy of Science, as well as a distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, and as a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Simpson provides some information about his background, past work, and current research. He talks about his career studying the molecular biology of the mitochondrial genome of trypanosomes, and why this area of study interested him so intently. Continuing, Dr. Simpson discusses the types of molecules he studied in past research.
Throughout the years of research, Dr. Simpson spent a fair amount of time investigating a novel type of RNA modification phenomenon known as ‘RNA editing,’ which occurs in the single mitochondrion. Dr. Simpson goes on to discuss DNA molecules, modification, translation, gene sequences, bacteria and function, and ‘guide RNAs.’
He provides an overview of enzymes within the mitochondrion, discussing types of gene editing. And he goes into an in-depth discussion of how mRNA transcripts of the mitochondrial maxicircle DNA molecules are modified, after transcription, by the insertion, and deletion, of uridine residues at exact sites within coding regions to form a translatable sequence.
A list of web sites where people can get information on the parasites and the diseases:
Bio:
A Los Angeles native, Babak holds a clinical doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, where he also obtained a master’s in organizational behavior. He is the originator of the moderative psychotherapy. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with his wife and children, he is in private practice at Integrative NW as a clinical and health psychologist. Babak is also a fiction author and, as Secret Arcade, a music artist. Babak’s writing debuted in North American Review (“Fighting Fish”), and he was a finalist for a Glimmer Train award. His story “Glow,” published in Palo Alto Review, was deemed “flawless” and “brilliant” by Shenandoah literary review. His book, a dystopian psychological novel, A-Void, examines accelerating (exponential) change and information overload, and was selected as a Top Ten Book of 2018. Secret Arcade’s debut electronic rock album, Quarter Century, skyrocketed on college radio. A popular docu-series on A&E/Lifetime recently offered him a role, but he turned it down to focus on his theory, his writing, his music, and his family. In this podcast, Babak Govan, PhD, MAOB, psychologist at Integrative NW, provides an overview of insomnia treatment, psychopathology, and more. Podcast Points:
Dr. Govan is actively engaged in helping people manage their anxiety and depression, ADHD, self-defeating behaviors, and substance abuse. Dr. Govan talks about his background and discusses health psychology, the interface of medical and psychological issues. Going deeper, Dr. Govan explains how his practice subspecializes in treating insomnia. Dr. Govan explains just how common depression is today in America, and he discusses the various sociogenic factors that may be exacerbating the rise in depression cases nationally. Dr. Govan discusses tools to manage psychological issues, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, but he stresses that cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is only one possible avenue for treatment. The PhD elaborates on the importance of limiting our negative influencers, such as the preponderance of negative news that is seemingly always breaking. He discusses his thoughts on the relative impact of modern technology that delivers news 24/7, and ways we can limit our exposure to negative influences. Continuing, the doctor discusses the concept of loneliness, and how technology may be severely disconnecting us. Dr. Govan talks about the kinds of clients they work with. He discusses the problem of insomnia, which can be a psychodynamic, deeper issue. He discusses abrupt insomnia versus cases in which people have had chronic sleep problems for a long period, and how the latter understand that it could be a long term issue for them to solve over time. Dr. Govan reiterates the importance of taking control of the environments in which we exist. He talks about time management, as well as journalistic errors, and how so often in our modern society, things fall through the cracks. Wrapping up, Dr. Govan provides information on the specific types of cases they deal with at Integrative NW, and how they seek to help people manage their many and varied issues.
In this podcast, Dr. Ty Carzoli, chiropractor at Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic, discusses his facility and their work, providing information on chiropractic orthospinology, treatment, and care.
Podcast Points:
Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic provides chiropractic care to people who suffer from pain and discomfort. Dr. Carzoli earned a doctorate of chiropractic and he holds a master’s degree in sports health science.
Dr. Carzoli discusses neck and back problems, explaining the many issues his team treats at their facility, such as migraines and headaches, post-concussion syndrome, neck and back pain, seizures, and more. Dr. Carzoli explains how they exam new potential clients, starting with a complete and thorough digital x-ray analysis to fully assess the current structure, position, and motion of their spine. Testing motor skills and grip strength, Dr. Carzoli makes an assessment and decides if the incoming potential client would benefit from treatment.
Further, Dr. Carzoli talks about adjustments, and discusses how the body keeps us aligned, and why alignment issues may happen. He talks in detail about the unnatural forces we can experience at times, from high-impact collisions to excessive sitting, etc. These events, activities, or non-activities, can definitely cause damage to our bodies, and it is Dr. Carzoli’s mission to assist everyone with their pain and discomfort.
In this podcast, Marni Amsellem, PhD, psychologist, talks about her work treating clients with cognitive behavioral therapy tools and techniques.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Amsellem works with many clients, helping them to develop tools to manage their anxiety, depression, health-related challenges and life changes. Dr. Amsellem talks about her areas of focus in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She discusses insomnia, and explains how anxiety is sometimes the reason for poor sleep. CBT, she states, can help with underlying anxiety. Continuing, Dr. Amsellem discusses the triggers that can bring on anxiety in some people. There are multiple factors that can impact us negatively, and Dr. Amsellem discusses the many statements and thoughts that we communicate to ourselves, sometimes far below our conscious level even.
Dr. Amsellem provides an overview of various themes she hears from her clients regularly, such as concerns over failure, concerns over rejection, to feelings of worthlessness, and others. She breaks down some of the techniques she utilizes and explains how cognitive behavioral therapy can assist with those negative thoughts we sometimes have by helping us reframe them and overcome them. She talks about the importance of increasing our awareness of thoughts and triggers, and the patterns we gravitate toward. Wrapping up, Dr. Amsellem explains CBT in detail, and how it can be applied to real world situations and problems and help us create changes in our lives, for the better.
In this podcast, Niles Eldredge, evolutionary biologist and renowned paleontologist, discusses parallel causation in oncogenic and anthropogenic degradation and extinction, his thoughts on biological theory, and other topics.
Dr. Eldredge holds a PhD from Columbia University. He is the Curator Emeritus, Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Eldredge discusses his long background, and his noted career in the fields of biology and paleontology. Dr. Eldredge has contributed significant work in the study of mid-Paleozoic phacopid trilobites, and along with Stephen Jay Gould of Harvard, formulated an interesting theory that challenged Darwin's very premise that evolution occurs gradually. The theory they put on the table was known as Punctuated Equilibria, and it states that evolution occurs in dramatic spurts mixed in with extended periods of stasis.
Dr. Eldredge says there isn’t much evolution really unless, and until, the ‘clock’ is turned over, such as what occurs when an extinction event happens. Evolution, in fact, is a rebound from an extinction event. When all is working properly, he states, things tend to stay the same. Dr. Eldredge provides information on climate change and the recipe for stability. He discusses some of the grave environmental dangers, discussing disruption and degradation, and the terrible damage being done to various species globally. He discusses how we have changed the environment considerably, and how more people globally will ultimately lead to more damage. Dr. Eldredge talks about urban environments and how they relate to the natural world, and the real possibility that we are on a track toward extinction.
This is a follow-up interview with Natura-brand founder and Mederi Foundation leader Donnie Yance. He offers a closer glimpse into the spiritual side of his journey. When you listen, you will her Donnie explain
Donnie Yance is the founder, president, lead clinician, and chairman of the Mederi Foundation. The foundation works with cancer patients in conjunction with oncologists, but also teaches quality of life healthcare and provides tips to live longer. Earlier in life, Donnie spent time at a Franciscan monastery and other spiritual centers. This time informs his current healing practice.
Still a Franciscan monk of the third order, he has extensive knowledge of numerous religious practices and explains some of the more meaningful elements. He recounts details like Eastern orthodox street greetings during the Easter season to how the Beatitudes differs from the Ten Commandments.
Finally, he describes his approach at the Mederi Foundation, how he delivers a handout to clients that explains his spiritual approach and what it means to heal the whole person.
For more, such as tips to live longer, see his website and a blog at https://www.donnieyance.com/ and the Mederi Foundation site at https://medericenter.org/
Allergic airway disease treatment may get better results from the use of antifungals. Dr. Li explains how this treatment seeks to eradicate fungi that may be accountable for some allergic symptoms.
He describes
Dr. Evan Li, faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas specializing in allergy and immunology diseases, treats patients in their clinic who have severe asthma symptoms. He discusses the nature of these fungi—how easy it is to take them in yet only certain patients have these stronger reactions.
For example, people are exposed to these fungi just by walking outside yet all don't have extreme reactions and infections. For some, however, these fungi can produce infections that reveal themselves as allergy and immunology diseases. While antihistamines are the standard issue for allergic airway disease treatment, they don't address the root cause of the fungal infection.
Dr. Li explains further that they only use this type of treatment for more severe cases, or what's termed severe persistent asthma. Because these patients come to the clinic with symptoms that are barely relived by standard treatment, the risks associated with antifungal treatment are outdone by the benefits.
For more such as a listing of papers he's authored, search for his name in pubmed and see his page at the Baylor College of Medicine: https://www.bcm.edu/people/view/evan-li-m-d-b-s/b177c08a-ffed-11e2-be68-080027880ca6
Email him with questions as well at eli@bcm@edu. Finally, his lab accepts sputum samples in a clean cup or zip lock bag, frozen and delivered to:
The Baylor College of Medicine Clinic8th Foor, Suite 8A7200 Cambridge St.Houston, TX 77030
Dr. Leibel and colleagues investigated what California's wildfire's meant in terms of health effects. He explains more by discussing
Board-certified pediatric allergist and immunologist at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Sydney Leibel is an allergy and immunology specialist. His work brings his interest in pediatrics and immunology together.
In this conversation, he recounts a group study on health effects and wildfires in southern California. Researchers gathered population-level information on hospital visits and combined it with the timing of the fires. In most cases with fire in a close area, no matter how small the fire, they noted an increase in hospital visits, particularly in patients 0 to 12 years old.
Dr. Leibel talks about the challenge of removing the small particulate matter from the lungs that comes from smoke. He notes that the best way to protect these kids is with prevention. This means keeping allergy suffers inside when conditions are bad, but also we need to do better work on mitigating effects of wildfires before they even start.
He also describes different reasons for why allergies seem to be a larger issue today and offers theories for how to change this. He comments that we now have better asthma medicines available, but need to reach more patients: he and other allergy and immunology specialists are working to reach under-served populations.
To learn more and find links to his research, see his web page profile at Rady's Children's Hospital, San Diego: https://www.rchsd.org/doctors/sydney-leibel-md-mph/
Find him on twitter as well: @saleibel.
Hein Min Tun, PhD, is a public health veterinarian and researcher who is currently leading research efforts at the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health. He discusses the details of his work, including the following:
After obtaining his PhD at the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Hein Min Tun conducted post-doctoral research on the microbiome and resistome in food animals, humans, and the environment at the Gut Microbiome Laboratory of the University of Manitoba. Following that, he joined the team at SyMBIOTA, where he studied gut microbiota during infancy.
His latest work has two main focuses: understanding how the gut microbiome is related to the colonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and what early microbiome development might reveal about the characterization of “healthy” microbiomes. He is the head of a team of researchers at the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health who aim to investigate these topics.
With the use of several statistical and machine learning approaches, Dr. Tun is analyzing population data on different cohorts of infants in order to tease out what factors are at play in the development of early microbiome trajectories and disease outcomes. For example, how does the health of the mother affect the health of the baby? How does the gut microbiome differ between a baby born vaginally and by cesarean section? Does exposure to chemicals or toxins in the environment influence the development of the microbiome? These are just a few of the questions Dr. Tun and his team are exploring. On today’s podcast, he shares what they’ve discovered thus far, which areas need the most attention, and what’s on the horizon for the field of microbiome research in general.
Learn more and view Dr. Tun’s publications at https://sph.hku.hk/en/about-us/faculty-and-staff/academic-related-staff/tun,-hein-min.
Dr. Aiden works on analyzing the bending of our human genome, a 3-D complex arrangement that, in part, regulates our cells. This conversation explores
Dr. Erez Lieberman Aiden is an assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. Over the course of the podcast, he describes how this architectural feat of our cells' genome is formed and the accompanying implications of the nature of this formation. As he explains the complexity of molecular genetics, he begins with a description of how this two-meter-long DNA strand fits inside each of our nuclei. Further, because the sequencing of the human genome is such a recent scientific accomplishment, our understanding of these bending twists and loops is growing almost daily.
He explains that this intricate packing of the human genome is not just a storage mechanism. Rather, as is the case with proteins, shape is essential to function—these physical loops form and bring enhancer elements in relation to a significant gene, for example. He adds that typically loops bring promoters of genes in contact with other elements in the genome to exchange information. All this gives rise to genetic regulation, which includes turning genes on and off.
Dr. Aiden also explains the practicalities of how these molecular genetics studies are accomplished, such as what microscopy enables them to see. Finally, he discusses some of the implications of this research: scientists ask why we have the same genome in the brain and the heart yet the cells do different jobs. It's clear the gene changes how it folds in different organ systems and that fold changes how each cell functions.
For more, see his lab page at https://www.aidenlab.org/ , which includes links to all the data from their research, and a recent article he published in Scientific American that explores aspects of these themes: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/human-genome-3-d/.
Dr. Lawrence Kirschner has over 20 years’ worth of experience as a physician-scientist and clinical endocrinologist, which has allowed him to see directly how research impacts patients on an individual level. On today’s podcast, he shares the details of his work. Tune in to learn the following:
Dr. Kirschner’s sub-specialty is on diseases of the pituitary gland, with particular emphasis on the adrenal glands. Only about one in one million people will eventually develop malignant adrenal tumors, but it’s an aggressive and difficult-to-treat type of cancer. In part, the absence of a good treatment approach for adrenal cancer is due to the fact that it’s so rare, because this makes it difficult to conduct clinical trials. In recent years, however, a national collaborative effort to address this has been set in motion, which Dr. Kirschner sees as very promising for those who currently suffer from adrenal cancer or those who will in the future.
He discusses the details of his research, which aims to develop a better understanding of the genetics of endocrine tumors in order to determine how these genes function, and what particularly allows them to cause cell proliferation and/or the excess production of hormones. He talks about the many types of tumors and disease that can affect the adrenals, and the ways in which they can wreak havoc on the body. He dives into the science behind what his research has already discovered and where it’s headed in the near future. Tune in for all the details. For general information about ongoing clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UC Berkeley, Markita Landry, joins the podcast to discuss her latest research on nanoparticles and single molecule fluorescence methods. She explains the following:
In Dr. Landry’s lab, she and her team are researching the uses and advantages of being able to control molecules that are on the scale of the building blocks of life—single nanoparticles the size of a single molecule of water.
She discusses the two primary focuses of her research, the first of which uses nanoparticles to deliver DNA, RNA, and protein into plants to improve their ability to resist pathogens and drought conditions. She explains that the technology they’ve created is different than conventional approaches which genetically modify plants, and as a result, the plants they alter will not be subject to lengthy and strict regulatory processes. In turn, this means that they will be easier to bring to market.
The second focus of her lab involves chemically altering nanoparticles in a way that will make them responsive to dopamine, an important signaling molecule in the brain that is a target for antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. Dr. Landry and her team have created probes that fluorescently image dopamine in healthy and diseased brains, and this has led to surprising findings about the way in which individual neurons respond to certain substances.
Tune in for the full conversation and visit http://landrylab.com/ to learn more.
For close to 30 years, Dr. Frank Ryan has investigated theoretical evolutionary biology. In this conversation he discusses the genomic creativity of virus-host coevolution. Listeners will hear Dr. Ryan recount
Author Dr. Frank Ryan is Honorary Senior Lecturer of the Department of Medical Education at the University of Sheffield, UK, and an emeritus consulting physician with the affiliated Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. He's also a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of England and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and the Linnaean Society of London.
He recounts incidences of genomic creativity from his research into symbiont viruses and host coevolution. Early in his academic career, he studied bacteria phages in rabbits, and thus began a lifelong interest. He discusses relevant findings such as the mechanics of the coronavirus and its use of the host's ribosomes to replicate itself.
As he discusses the behavior of symbiont viruses, he explains how a virus like AIDS uses a selective pressure on its hosts through survival rates. He explains that if there were no medical involvement, Aids would have changed the human genome to benefit itself.
Finally, he talks about such controversial issues as the consideration of viruses as living vs. nonliving and explains what the ocean would like without viruses to keep the bacterial population in check.
For more information, see some of Dr. Ryan's books including Virolution and his most recent book, Virusphere.
Dr. Martin K. Nielsen works as an equine veterinarian researching parasites. He talks about his mission to control parasites in horses through helminths treatment. In this podcast, he explains
Dr. Martin K. Nielsen is an associate professor with the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The center takes on key issues regarding horse biology, but he specializes on helminths treatment, which means he also researches anthelmintic resistance in horses. Dr. Nielsen affirms the ubiquitous nature of parasites in animals and also emphasizes that there's no such thing as eradication.
Rather, he says, it's important to seek means of control and balance. When a healthy equilibrium is lost, the host animal suffers. Because today's veterinarian faces the challenge of anthelmintic resistance in horses, researchers are working on finding new means of controlling the parasite population.
This podcast also offers Dr. Nielsen an opportunity to discuss some of the mysteries of parasites, such as their ability to release compounds that deescalate their host's inflammatory immune response. Parasites also exhibit a dormant state over their lifecycle and researchers are trying to understand if this is triggered by the parasite or the host, and in either case, what benefit it may offer the organism. He also describes some new detection technology his lab has created to identify parasite counts through a special app.
Dr. Nielsen is active in social media and encourages listeners to find him on Twitter (@MartinKNielsen) and at his YouTube channel (Martin K. Nielsen Equine Parasitology), where he takes on parasite myths among other topics.
His lab page at the university also has more information: http://vetsci.ca.uky.edu/person/martin-nielsen-dvm-phd-dipl-acvm-dipl-evpc
Nicholas P. Money, professor and director, Western Program, Department of Biology, Miami University, Ohio, discusses mycology and microbes.
Podcast Points:
Money, an expert in mycology, is the prolific author of multiple books and articles that detail the microbial world. Money’s latest book titled, The Selfish Ape: Human Nature and Our Path to Extinction, has created a buzz in the scientific community. In the book, he set out to counter many of the dominant narratives that exist in regard to homo sapiens. Money talks about the damaging effects humans have upon the environment as well as our negative impact on various species.
Money discusses carbon footprints, and he talks about his reasons for penning The Selfish Ape. Humans need to treat species more sensitively, and that’s the bottom line. Money outlines many of the actions that have taken place in our time, and historically, that have impacted the environment overall. He discusses population growth, and comments on how little we hear about it when leaders talk of climate change.
Continuing, Money explains how fungi relate to our existence as humans. He discusses his career spanning more than 30 years, studying fungal reproduction. Money explains how fungi are different, and how they move, and he talks about the various qualities they have that typically do not exist in other places in the natural world. We can learn a lot about our own problems, as humans, by looking at, and studying, how fungi have solved theirs.
Dr. William J. Sullivan, featured on several media outlets including National Geographic and CNN, talks about his latest book Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces that Make Us Who We Are.
In this interview, he explains
Dr. Sullivan is the Showalter Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Indiana University School of Medicine where he studies infectious diseases and genetics. His new book stems from research in his university lab that studies Toxoplasma gondii, which can affect the brains and behavior of several organisms. He began investigating how microbes we don't know about might affect our own brains and personalities in undiscovered ways.
Over the course of the podcast, he describes the many ways that human personality and behavior is extraordinarily complicated. He explains some of the genetics and epigenetics that make our reactions to our environment more outside of our control than we’d like to believe.
Our DNA, the effects of epigenetics, microbes that live inside and on us, and our evolutionarily-derived brain reactions all have different influences on our behavior, from how we vote to our eating habits to our ability to control impulses.
In addition, his web site links to articles that take a deeper dive into some of the science he explores in his book. See more at https://authorbillsullivan.com/
Professor Laura Knoll is a parasitologist who joins the podcast today to discuss some of her research on a type of parasite called toxoplasma gondii.
She explains the following:
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can infect every warm-blooded animal on the planet, including humans. This parasite has the fascinating ability to enter muscle tissue and neurons in the brain to enact behavioral changes in the host. For example, a rodent infected with toxoplasma gondii will be attracted to the scent of predator urine rather than fearful of it, thereby exposing themselves to predation and allowing the parasite to continue thriving in other hosts—such as the cat.
Interestingly, the cat intestine is the only place where the sexual life cycle stage of toxoplasma gondii is found, which means the cat can shed infectious oocysts which can potentially put humans at risk of contracting toxoplasma gondii. However, Dr. Knoll explains that the vast majority of people who are chronically infected with this parasite have no idea, and suffer no negative consequences.
She explains how it can become a problem in people who have compromised immune systems, and the mechanism of host-parasite interaction that can occur in non-human animals and pregnant women who have never before been exposed to the parasite.
Until this past year, there was no way to research the sexual life cycle of toxoplasma gondii without using cats as research subjects, but thanks to Dr. Knoll and her team, the specific reason that the sexual stage only occurs in cats has been identified, which has enabled them to induce the sexual stage in mice.
With a mouse model, the opportunities for research have increased significantly and paved the way for the potential development of vaccines that could be administered to cats and livestock that carry and can pass on infectious oocytes.
For more, visit https://mmi.wisc.edu/staff/knoll-laura/.
Because the parasites that cause toxoplasmosis and malaria are somewhat similar and are accessible, they offer researchers important information.
Dr. Sheinber explains her work by discussing
Senior lecturer at the Royalty Society of Edenborough, research fellow in parasitology, and leading expert in eukaryotic cell biology, Dr. Lilack Sheiner runs a lab that closely studies the parasites responsible for toxoplasmosis and malaria. This close examination of parasite cell biology has revealed a better understanding of how they function and how we might better prevent disease caused by these parasites.
Her incentives for this study is twofold: the diversity in parasite cell biology itself is an important part of understanding organisms in the larger picture of biology. Additionally, because parasites are responsible for some human diseases, a better understanding of parasite cell biology may lead to disease prevention. She describes numerous examples that reveal this diversity and explains how useful the knowledge is in turn. For example, because mitochondria have different mechanisms for different organisms, doctors can implement a drug that kills the malarial parasite by mitochondrial harm while leaving the human cell alive.
Dr. Sheiner also talks about abilities parasites have that may help us create new drugs. For example, she describes scientists studying how the toxoplasmosis parasite is able to do something scientists haven't been able to implement in drugs: crossing the blood/brain barrier. If scientists could create drugs that can do this, they might make headway into treating many neurological conditions. Therefore, if researchers learn more about this parasite's ability, they may discover a drug-delivery technology.
For more, see her website: http://lilachsheiner.wixsite.com/sheinerlab-wtcmp
She's also on twitter: @SheinerLab
Dr. Daniel Griffin, physician, and associate research scientist/instructor (clinical medicine) Columbia University, provides an overview of infectious disease research and treatment, and his career in clinical medicine.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Griffin discusses his important work and research in infectious diseases, including HIV, tropical medicine, and especially parasitic diseases. Dr. Griffin has a long history in the field of medical and clinical research and he has a particular interest in HIV, stem cells, and malignancies. As a medical doctor he provides care for patients with infectious diseases, in addition to his role as an educator, teaching medical students, residents and fellows in NYC.
Dr. Griffin discusses New York City as the center of the developing world, and as he explains, people come in from all over the world, for tourism, but also for treatment and ongoing medical care. The research doctor talks about his experiences and cites examples of patients he sees regularly through the year, who come to NYC for their healthcare treatment.
Dr. Griffin discusses tropical diseases, and he speaks about the many cases of malaria, Zika, and more, and the ill patients that find their way to his office seeking treatment. Dr. Griffin talks about public health issues, how they are handled, detailing specific diseases such as TB and others.
He discusses the types of therapies that are effective and how some nations handle disease management better than others seemingly. The research physician continues his discussion, providing information about the impact of HIV in the United States versus abroad. And he explains how many parasitic diseases exist right here in the United States, and how they can be recognized and subsequently treated.
Researcher and author Dr. Richard J. Johnson has looked into the role fructose plays in many modern disease epidemics. He discusses this by describing.
Dr. Richard J. Johnson is a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado. He researches how fructose causes diseases like hypertension, kidney disease, and obesity and diabetes. He's written two books about this epidemic—The Fat Switch and The Sugar Fix—and has written numerous papers on fructose as well.
Dr. Johnson discusses the role fructose plays in the excessive obesity and diabetes rates in our society. He talks about how hard to avoid, from an ingredient in table sugar to the ubiquitous high fructose corn syrup, an easy addition for manufactures looking for something cheap and appealing to put in processed foods. He also explains why it is so dangerous by first explaining it evolutionary role.
Dr. Johnson discusses how it can be helpful to animal systems in dire survival mode. He uses an analogy to explain its function, commenting that it's akin to an alarm system for our body: it sends a signal to our system that we're in trouble .In order to protect ourselves, we become insulin resistant to guard our brain and increase inflammation to protect our physiology. Of course these measures completely undermine our health in times of plenty and increase risks for obesity and diabetes.
He finishes the discussion with suggestions for ways to ween ourselves, from more effective ways to eat fruits to what alternatives to fructose are best.
For more, find his papers in pub med, his books and, see his lab web site at https://physiology.case.edu/person/richard-j-johnson/
Professor Aaron Kaplan studies ecological processes in photosynthetic organisms, and is looking particularly close at green algae—the fastest growing photosynthetic organism on the planet.
On today’s podcast, he talks about the “crust” that this cyanobacteria helps form, called biological soil crust. He explains a number of interesting topics, including the following:
Professor Kaplan discusses a range of compelling, technical details about some of the most unique habitats on Earth characterized by biological soil crust, which is a complex system comprised of many organisms which thrive off the metabolites produced by cyanobacteria or green algae.
He talks about the effects of algal blooms on ecological systems—particularly lakes in parts of China, why he aims to better understand the biological role of toxic secondary metabolites, oxidative stress and signaling between different organisms, and how one toxin can actually bind to and protect proteins from oxidative stress.
Professor Kaplan expounds on the technical aspects of the science behind his work, and emphasizes the importance and relevance of it to the health of both humans and the environment.
In this podcast, Eugene B. Chang, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, discusses his team’s research studying the microbiome and microbes.
Podcast Points:
Chang’s lab is interested in the important connection between intestinal microbiota and their human host, and what happens when there is conflict. Chang was an important voice in the Human Microbiome Project, a US National Institutes of Health (NIH) research initiative created to increase understanding of the microbial flora that play a pivotal role in human health and disease progression.
Chang discusses the uniqueness of a person’s microbiome. But he states that we all actually share some types of microbes. Chang explains core microbiomes, and their important functions. He provides examples of how the microbiome works, and the role of microbes. Continuing, Chang discusses stability issues regarding the microbiome, and their need for resiliency. He talks about the many factors that are involved, outlining and detailing how select microbial communities function, in regard to networks and stability. And he explains that the interplay between dietary and environmental issues can certainly affect the stability of the microbiome. He talks about diversity within the microbiome, and how it may not be as important as many have proposed.
Chang talks about immune disorders and he provides an overview of what microbial communities can do to maintain stability. He continues, discussing probiotics, and why they may not stay around as long as we’d like because nonresident microbes often have trouble breaking into very established microbial communities.
Dr. Carolina Soekmadji studies different types of extracellular vesicles, specifically trying to understand their connection to prostate cancer. In this discussion, she describes
Dr. Carolina Soekmadji works as a senior research officer at the University of California, Irvine. She studied for her Master's in Japan and completed her PhD work in Australia, where she studied the exocytosis and endocytosis of synoptic vesicles.
She discusses the typical therapy for prostate cancer where doctors decrease the androgen presence, also called ADT. While this usually has the desired effect, there's always a group of patients that don't seem to show an effective response. While cancer cells initially die in this group, the cancer cells return and start growing again. Dr. Soekmadji has located a specific vesicle that appears to grow under both conditions: androgen presence or absence. She thinks that this vesicle may make the difference between these two populations and their response.
Dr. Soekmadji covers general causes of prostate cancer as well. She continues to study the activity of extracellular vesicles, and how and why this particular vesicle responds as it does and why this happens in some patients but not others.
Dr. Carolina Soekmadji offers a general course on extracellular vesicles and health issues through Coursera and the University of California that's open to the general public.
For more about her work and contact information, see https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/people/dr-carolina-soekmadji/
Stephen Greiman, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Georgia Southern University where he studies diverse groups of parasitic organisms. He discusses the following:
Dr. Greiman focuses on the study of tapeworms and flukes, which have complex life cycles and use at least one intermediate host before reaching the final or definitive host. He explains the difference between parasitic function in intermediate versus definitive hosts and the pathologies that can be caused by parasites in both types of hosts.
He gives an example of how parasites change the behavior of intermediate hosts as a way of making them more susceptible to predation, such as parasitic flukes which cause a snail’s tentacles to pulsate and change colors, making them look more like maggots. In other cases, a fluke may cause a snail to crawl on vegetation and thereby become more visible by predators.
Dr. Greiman also talks about how the consumption of undercooked beef or pork can cause a human to become an incidental intermediate host for tapeworm larvae which can cause all kinds of diseases and pathologies, such as seizures.
Currently, there is a lot of interest in host-microbiome and parasite microbiome interactions, and this research is being aided by genomic sequencing and transcriptomics.
For more information about Dr. Greiman’s research, visit http://www.stephengreiman.com/.
As Head of Molecular Proteomics at the Baker Institute and Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, David Greening brings a significant amount of insight to the podcast today, discussing the following:
Greening’s molecular proteomics group focuses mainly on two areas: the study of extracellular vesicles, the components they contain, and the role they serve in cell communication and signaling, and proteomics, which is a field of study that looks at thousands of proteins in the body at a particular time, seeks to identify where they are located, and how they are expressed in states of health and disease.
Greening expounds on the many ways in which proteomics can advance our understanding of key regulators in biological processes, diseases such as cancer, what types of proteins are packaged in different EVs released by different cell types, and which components are secreted all at once from particular cells. He also discusses one of the main challenges in the field of proteomics, which is how to identify and analyze low expressed vesicle components.
When it comes to EVs and proteomics, Greenings is a wealth of knowledge. Tune in for all the details.
For more, visit https://www.baker.edu.au/research/laboratories/molecular-proteomics.
Dr. Rechavi's lab studies C elegans nematodes to explore the heritability of memories-- how reactions to encounter could be passed down through multiple generations.
In this podcast, you'll hear him explain:
University of Tel Aviv professor Oded Rechavi details his research with C elegans worms to discover more regarding epigenetic inheritance in humans. He clarifies that generally we think of memories as encodings that stay in our brain rather than being passed along.
It had been thought that parental responses to some environmental stresses such as starvation wouldn't mark their offspring's reaction. But studies show this notion was incorrect and these responses do travel and make their mark in the germline, being passed down for at least three more generations.
He discusses why they believe small RNAs are responsible for this heritable process. He also explains generally the different types of small RNAs and how this involves a particular type with this specialized behavior.
What they don't understand but are attempting to further research is the process by which the environment changes the small RNAs. These studies may change the way we understand epigenetic inheritance in humans.
For more, including links to papers they've written, see his lab's web site at http://www.odedrechavilab.com/#about .
Andreas Baur, of the College of Science & Technology at Fairmont State University, talks in detail about his interesting research studying extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Podcast Points:
Dr. Baur earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Regensburg before settling into his current duties, and lab work, at Fairmont State. Dr. Baur talks about his research, past, and present. Some of his current work in the lab focuses on the systematic analyzation of vesicles in patients (in plasma). And as a medical doctor, Baur has the kind of access to patients that is necessary for this work.
Dr. Baur discusses his past work studying HIV and proteins, considering in vitro studies and the pivotal role of vesicles. He discusses his curiosity, and the questions about why certain proteases were found within, why are certain vesicles in plasma, and why are there even more in HIV, that drove him to dig deeper into his research to find the answers.
The research investigator and medical doctor talks about various types of cancers, discussing relapse factors, select patterns, and the continuing role of vesicles. Dr. Baur explains how they use purified vesicles for two types of important diagnostic tests—measuring enzymatic activity as well as looking at proteases, and also in the analysis of factors found in these vesicles.
Wrapping up, Dr. Baur discusses coronavirus, transmission, and disease conditions. He talks in-depth about neurodegenerative diseases, other types of diseases, and the various connections, pertaining to vesicles.
In this podcast, Dr. Mehdi Soleymani-Goloujeh, Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, in Iran, discusses regenerative medicine, types of extracellular vesicles and the current state of extracellular vesicles research.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Soleymani-Goloujeh discusses exosomes. Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs), produced in the endosomal compartment of nearly all eukaryotic cells.
EVs, unlike cells, cannot replicate. Dr. Soleymani-Goloujeh talks about the roles that extracellular vesicles can play in the body, and he expounds upon issues regarding insulin and discusses how the pancreas utilizes EVs.
Dr. Soleymani-Goloujeh’s work covers multiple areas. His work has included research in the area of diabetes, cell-penetrating peptides, extracellular vesicles, and stem cells, cell therapy, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering. Dr. Soleymani-Goloujeh provides an overview of the process of insulin delivery and the delivery of drugs throughout the body. He continues by discussing EV engineering and the various factors that are involved to facilitate efficient delivery.
Dr. Soleymani-Goloujeh talks in detail about multiple technologies that pertain to type 1 diabetes, discussing the important roles of exosomes, as well as signaling, and the power of nature.
For 23 years, Cali Estes, Ph.D. has been working with all types of people struggling from all kinds of addictions—from heroin or cocaine or alcohol to food or shopping or pornography.
She discusses the following:
Dr. Estes works with a wide range of individuals, from the ordinary person to the NFL athlete to some of the most popular celebrities, all of whom struggle in one way or another with some type of addiction. It is her belief that addiction cannot be resolved simply by getting a person to remove the addictive substance or behavior from their life, but by digging deeply until the root cause of addictive behaviors is uncovered; only then can an addiction truly be addressed.
She discusses why many conventional approaches to recovery don’t work for a lot of people, and what’s wrong about the fundamental assumptions such programs rely upon.
Dr. Estes’ approach is a combination of several methods, including talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, life coaching, addiction coaching, motivational interviewing, and techniques that address brain damage from years’ worth of substance use.
She discusses how she helps people with her Sober On-Demand program, and proprietary uses of a machine which repairs damaged receptors in the brain. Dr. Estes truly takes a holistic approach to each and every client, addressing their personal and unique needs and goals.
In her opinion, the goal isn’t just to be sober or free from addiction: the goal is to be happy while sober, and happy while free from addiction.
For more information, visit https://caliestes.com/ and https://theaddictionscoach.com/.
From a business perspective, the Christian market is one of the most underserved markets in the natural health space. Eric Zielinski (commonly called Dr. Z) is a doctor of chiropractic, public health researcher, best-selling author, and producer of the Hope for Breast Cancer documentary, and he joins the podcast to discuss a number of interesting topics, such as the following:
Biblical health is about healthy living without violating Christian beliefs, and if you ask Dr. Z, he’ll tell you it’s being severely overlooked and undervalued by many Christians. He argues that this is in large part due to the many concerns and lack of awareness surrounding certain practices and substances becoming increasingly popular in the natural health sector, such as aromatherapy, CBD, essential oils, yoga, and energy healing.
One of the biggest problems he sees in this regard is a detrimental double standard: “This is the double standard: I don’t see a lot of folks…Mormons, or Jews or Christians or Muslims concerned about opioids or concerned about chemotherapy or highly addictive, potentially damage-causing pharmaceutical drugs, so I’m trying to put things into perspective for people. Why are you so concerned about a plant…an essential oil, when you’re going to take a pharmaceutical without a second thought?” he says.
He goes on to explain that the key is in educating people and raising awareness about a variety of practices and substances used in health and wellness, and modern medicine.
Press play for more.
Alejandro Reyes, Associate Professor, Microbiologist and MSc in Biological Sciences, the University of the Andes, discusses microbes and the importance of gut health.
Podcast Points:
Reyes holds a Ph.D. in Computational and Systems Biology at Washington University in San Luis, MO, United States. Reyes discusses his background and work, and his more than ten years of research studying the microbiome.
Reyes’s work is focused on Applied Computational Biology, in the development of many tools that can be used for the analysis of data that is derived from current technologies of optical studies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc. for the characterization and classification of microbial communities and their interactions with the environment.
He is interested in applications that can be applied to human health outcomes. He discusses viruses and the microbiome in detail, touching on the many viruses that may not make you sick, but stay with you nonetheless, over time.
The microbiologist discusses what he specifically studies, regarding the microbiome, detailing information on phages. Bacteriophages, commonly referred to as simply, phages, are the most plentiful organisms within the biosphere. They are an ever-present feature of prokaryotic existence. A bacteriophage, specifically speaking, is a virus that infects a bacterium.
Viruses, as we know often infect bacteria, are perhaps the most diverse components of the biosphere, genetically speaking. And the characterizing of phage diversity within the human gut is creating a buzz in the science community in regard to how we view ourselves as supra-organisms. Reyes discusses phage therapy in detail, and he talks about how phages are triggered, providing information on bacteria and how they sacrifice themselves.
Reyes continues his discussion by providing information on his thoughts regarding cell attachment. Additionally, he discusses phage population and some other studies they conducted, and he states there is so much that they still must learn about viruses, genes, and phages.
Dr. Carolyn Kurle describes how a biogeochemical tool can explain the foraging patters and locations of animals to improve ecosystem management strategies.
She explains:
Associate professor in the ecology and behavior and evolution sections at UC San Diego, Dr. Carolyn Kurle works with animal foraging data to improve wildlife management efforts. In this conversation, she explains in particular how stable isotope analysis presents ratios of light to heavy nitrogen and carbon isotopes that tell researchers where an animal has eaten and what they have eaten.
She elucidates this complex system by first explaining trophic interactions ecology—a level system from producers up to herbivores, than omnivores, and finally to top predator carnivores. The heavier isotope accumulates at each level and the resulting ratio of heavy to light gives specific-enough information to make foraging inferences.
Wildlife managers can create ecosystem management strategies by using this data to understand, for example, how essential the white bark pine needle tree is to grizzly bears. Therefore as this tree is facing disease and pest infestation with reduced numbers, managers know to plan for more effective and specific grizzly bear management.
Dr. Kurtle discusses many other examples, including those that show how troubling biomagnification issues for California Condors might be better managed by understanding which populations depend on marine life with high toxic levels.
For more, see her website at http://biology.ucsd.edu/research/faculty/ckurle
Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, biologist, and author, known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance, discusses morphogenetic fields, morphic resonance, evolutionary biology, and much more.
Podcast Points:
During his tenure at Cambridge University, Dr. Sheldrake worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. Dr. Sheldrake discusses his background and his lifelong love of biology, starting out as a young boy—cultivated through his connections to animals and interest in plants. He discusses his thoughts on science throughout his studies at Cambridge and Harvard.
He talks about form development, and the many questions of science, detailing some of his research in cells and cell death. He provides a detailed analysis of his thoughts on morphogenetic fields. A morphogenetic field, simply defined, is a group of cells that are able to respond to separate, local biochemical signals that lead to the development of precise morphological structures, or organs.
Continuing, Dr. Sheldrake talks about plant and animal development, and modules that are organized by morphogenetic fields. Expanding his discussion, he explains how fields work, discussing electromagnetic fields and gravitational fields. As he explains, fields are spread out, in and around, a developing plant or animal, and they contain a formal structure, which is what molds or shapes the developing structures.
He cites examples that substantiate his theories, regarding fields and the wholly integrative nature of those fields. He discusses his theories on morphic resonance, and how individual organisms can draw on collective memories of the form of their ancestors.
Going further, Dr. Sheldrake explains his other thoughts on form and other hypotheses regarding memory, and the brain’s memory storage abilities, detailing morphic resonance and how the evidence, he states, points to the fact that the brain actually tunes in to memory, but that memory is not actually ‘stored.’
Many suffers of thyroid issues that are only offered one medicinal choice, but Dr. Shames says there are several natural supplements that provide meaningful holistic wellness. In this conversation, you'll hear:
Author Dr. Richard Shames has been in private practice for 25 years but shifted his focus after witnessing his wife's search for relief from symptoms due to irregular thyroid measures. The Synthroid prescription the endocrinologists she first saw did not ease her symptoms, but after being connected with a university research group, she found relief from holistic health treatment. They wrote the book Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled? to educate readers about better options to treat and balance our three hormone-producing glands: the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands.
He discusses why the diabetes epidemic may have overshadowed thyroid treatment's need for fuller attention. Because the medical system is less apt to look at hormone balance from a broader perspective, often the standard T3 medicine lacks the holistic wellness available from natural thyroid medicine.
Furthermore, he explains how the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands make for a hormone system that needs to be balanced in concert with each other. For example, women are often prescribed estrogen, which actually increases thyroid-binding agents in your bloodstream. By treating patients through a holistic wellness lens, these three hormonal-producing systems can work more effectively together.
For more information such as recommended doctors, see the Top Docs list at http://www.thyroid-info.com/index.htm.
He also recommends seeking out a nutritional practitioner in addition to supplemental information. Dr. Shames also has a website at http://thyroidpower.com/
At Turn Biotechnologies, the team is attempting the seemingly impossible: the reversal of ageing.
On today’s podcast, you’ll learn the following:
“It is possible to reverse the epigenetic landscape of the cells and bring it back in time so that a cell, which by the process of aging becomes dysfunctional with time, can actually be reprogrammed or reversed in a way that it becomes more youthful and more functional, and this could have repercussions on the cell itself, but also broadly speaking, systemically in the individual,” says Vittorio Sebastiano, explaining the premise of Turn Bio, a company for which he serves as both co-founder and scientific advisory board chairman.
Sebastiano expounds on a number of interesting subjects, including what causes genes to express certain types of cells and what types of environmental stimuli may disrupt this programming, leading to the creation of dysfunctional cell types (i.e. what he calls the process of ageing), various methods of epigenetic regulation, the hallmarks of cellular ageing, the important distinction between ageing and senescence, and what he sees in terms of both short-term and long-term goals with this work.
Visit https://www.turn.bio/ to learn more.
Denis Noble, CBE, Ph.D., FRS, the celebrated and outspoken British biologist, physiologist, and prolific author, discusses his incredible, noteworthy career in biology, exciting concepts in genetics, and the level of causation in biology.
Podcast Points:
British biologist, Noble has long been a major voice in modern biology. Dr. Noble was the Burdon Sanderson Chair of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford for more than two decades. He was later named Professor Emeritus. Additionally, Dr. Noble was appointed the Co-Director of Computational Physiology.
Dr. Noble is one of the earliest researchers in systems biology and he played an integral role in the development of the first mathematical model of the human heart. His thoughts on evolutionary theory have been part of a growing movement, a sort of revolution in evolutionary biology.
Dr. Noble discusses his background and talks about what got him interested in his areas of research and study. As a self-described ‘card-carrying reductionist scientist,’ Dr. Noble was interested in the concept of a privileged level of causation. And as he states, it was really always about, and is about, simply molecules. He recounts some early experiments he engaged in, attempts to reproduce the rhythm of the heart, with differential equations representing the molecular event.
Which molecules are involved? This was an important question for the research. After much experimentation and study, he came to the conclusion that the cell itself is partially causing what happens. Rhythm only occurs by something that is constrained by the cell membrane. He explains the complex details of how the process works and how differential equations will not lead to answers unless the appropriate information is added into the mix.
The research scientist discusses how DNA is produced, and how cells have mechanisms for controlling errors. Cells, in short, have great control over what happens within systems. Dr. Noble goes on to discuss other important experiments, in the nervous system and other systems such as the immune system. Continuing, the Ph.D. expert talks about the genome.
He discusses the origin of diseases and the fact that we know very little about biology above the level of the genome, in contrast to what we know about molecular biology in general. But remarkably, we still don’t know exactly how cells work.
One-third of our population faces some type of sleep disorder. Dr. Dholakia strives to increase awareness.
In this podcast, he explains:
Board-certified neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Swapan Akhilesh works as a physician at the Atlanta VA Medical Center and is the medical director of the Atlanta VA sleep laboratory as a neurologist for sleep disorders.
He focuses on the whole spectrum of sleep disorders from snoring to sleep apnea to insomnia. He discusses that while obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia are the most common disorders, there are numerous other disorders worthy of study because their effects can be dangerous.
Because of the overlap of neurology and sleep, Dr. Dholakia is able to bring the science of each together for better understanding. As a neurologist for sleep disorders, he is able to explain neurological complications that lead to these disorders.
For example, the inability of some brains to decompartmentalize waking versus sleeping states causes narcolepsy. Because these lines are blurred for the brain, sleeping intrudes into wakeful times.
He also explains many of the mysteries in sleep disorders such as idiopathic hypersomnia: they don't understand why these patients are constantly sleepy and are undergoing research to try and understand this better.
Finally, Dr. Dholakia explains possible improvements into more common issues like sleep apnea treatments but also warns of the commonness of sleep disorders that can affect our health. Therefore, he's working to educate and encourage the public to seek treatment.
He advises veterans who want to learn more to seek out the VA's specialized sleep centers. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Alliance of Healthy Sleep are also good resources.
Dimitra Skondra, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science Director, J. Terry Ernest Ocular Imaging Center at The University of Chicago Medicine, discusses the microbiota, diseases of the eye, macular degeneration, and eye health.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Dimitra Skondra is a sought-after and respected, board-certified retina specialist, and she primarily focuses on medical and surgical treatments of vitreoretinal diseases.
Dr. Skondra talks about why she was particularly interested in studying the eye. As she states, it’s a fascinating organ and greatly affects the quality of life. Dr. Skondra provides a thorough overview of the microbiome and eye-specific issues.
She explains issues about the sterility of the eye, discussing what is sterile and what is not. Many microbes exist on the surface of the eye, and Dr. Skondra provides an overview of the various diseases and conditions that impact the surface of the eye.
Continuing, Dr. Skondra talks about genetic mutations and genetic risks for macular degeneration. As she explains, lifestyle and diet can increase risk factors. She cites examples from her work as a postdoc, and details some of the information she gathered that indicated high-fat diets, especially when combined with a genetic predisposition, could accelerate degeneration.
As she states, the microbiota affects disease, but her focus is on how can she and other researchers use that information to help patients? She talks about the promotion of healthy gut microbiome and the connections between the gut and the retina.
Her research seeks to understand all these connections and how altering the gut microbiome affects various conditions or risks.
Invivo provides diagnostic testing services that analyze the microbiome, host immune status, and genomic data.
Humphrey Bacchus joins the podcast to discuss the following:
About 10 years ago, Humphrey Bacchus joined Invivo, which at the time was just starting out in the field of microbiome research, testing microbiomes and figuring out how to apply what they were learning to the clinical arena for the benefit of patients. Bacchus quickly came to understand and appreciate the inseparable connection between our internal microbial ecosystems and the ecosystems within which we all live. “If we nurture these microbes rather than treat them as invaders, then we can watch after the wider environment in which we live,” says Bacchus.
Ultimately, the focus at Invivo is on trying to help clinicians and patients understand the relationship their bodies have with various microbes in the development of the disease.
While quite a lot of attention is being given to gastrointestinal microbiomes, Bacchus talks about the useful data being derived from a look at vaginal and oral microbiomes. He explains what markers are being looked at in order to evaluate host immune responses, and how necessary it is to understand that microbes do not exist in and of themselves but in relation to and in contact with the host’s immune system.
Informed by this view, Bacchus and the team at Invivo aim to continue gathering as much data as possible while keeping in mind the dynamic complexity that cannot be ignored.
To learn more, visit invivohealthcare.com.
Invivo provides diagnostic testing services that analyze the microbiome, host immune status, and genomic data.
Humphrey Bacchus joins the podcast to discuss the following:
About 10 years ago, Humphrey Bacchus joined Invivo, which at the time was just starting out in the field of microbiome research, testing microbiomes and figuring out how to apply what they were learning to the clinical arena for the benefit of patients. Bacchus quickly came to understand and appreciate the inseparable connection between our internal microbial ecosystems and the ecosystems within which we all live. “If we nurture these microbes rather than treat them as invaders, then we can watch after the wider environment in which we live,” says Bacchus.
Ultimately, the focus at Invivo is on trying to help clinicians and patients understand the relationship their bodies have with various microbes in the development of the disease.
While quite a lot of attention is being given to gastrointestinal microbiomes, Bacchus talks about the useful data being derived from a look at vaginal and oral microbiomes. He explains what markers are being looked at in order to evaluate host immune responses, and how necessary it is to understand that microbes do not exist in and of themselves but in relation to and in contact with the host’s immune system.
Informed by this view, Bacchus and the team at Invivo aim to continue gathering as much data as possible while keeping in mind the dynamic complexity that cannot be ignored.
To learn more, visit invivohealthcare.com.
Lesley Cheng Sim, Ph.D., Research Officer, Biochemistry, at La Trobe University, discusses extracellular vesicles (EVs) and her work as a Molecular Biologist. Lesley received her Ph.D. from Monash University in 2008; she is a postdoctoral researcher. Before attaining her Ph.D., Lesley earned a Bachelor of Medical Science from La Trobe University. She has extensive training as a Cell and Molecular Biologist, specifically in the area of neuronal death and survival.
Podcast Points:
Lesley talks about her background and the field of extracellular vesicles. As she states, her lab is one of the early labs to do research in the field. She talks about cellular issues and neuronal death. And she provides information on the methods they use to isolate exosomes from the blood.
The research Ph.D. discusses the three primary areas of research in their lab—the role of exosomes in the pathology of degenerative diseases, the isolation of exosomes from the blood to be used as diagnostic tools, and the exploitation of exosomes to be used as a vehicle for the delivery of therapeutics. She goes on to discuss the degenerative diseases they focus a great deal of their research upon, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. She talks about early diagnosis options, and how they use exosomes to find disease indicators.
Continuing, the Ph.D. EV expert talks in detail about the detection of RNA changes, their experimentation in the lab, and how this information can provide valuable insight, illuminating important disease indicators and markers.
Lesley's innovative research is clearing a path for new and important knowledge of degenerative diseases and various health conditions, to be harvested and implemented as we move forward into personalized medicine.
Scientists in multiple disciplines are working on ways to circumvent antibiotic resistance. Dr. Sanchez explains why targeting biofilms requires more study.
She describes:
Dr. Laura Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy with a courtesy appointment in Chemistry at The University of Illinois at Chicago runs her lab to better understand the pathogen-biofilm interplay in order to fight bacterial disease in humans. Dr. Sanchez is attempting to use chemistry as an early warning detection system.
The lab uses specialized mass spectrometry to study biofilm behavior and understand the metabolites the pathogens emit in this biofilm state. The lab's state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technique allows them to study other elements of human diseases, such as ovarian cancer, in the hopes that they can create a less invasive ovarian cancer diagnosis tool to enable earlier detection.
Their findings of biofilm behavior have indicated that trying to inhibit a biofilm has a negative result in terms of impeding the pathogen. In fact, in a study on moth infection, eradicating the biofilm actually accelerated the disease progression, making the bacteria increase its virulent nature.
The lab has also studied the nature of biofilms on cheese rinds and found interesting results regarding the same types of cheeses separated by geography as well as an association between salty brines on cheese and ocean bacteria.
For more, see Dr. Sanchez's lab page at https://www.sanchezlab.science/
As a Ph.D. student at Oxford University, Scott Bonner’s work aims to examine extracellular vesicle (EV) heterogeneity and what it might teach us about the therapeutic function of EVs.
He explains the following:
Extracellular vesicles hold great potential as a therapeutic delivery platform and might provide therapy for everything from broken bones to complicated disease processes like cancer. In addition, they could be used to package and deliver drugs to very specific regions in the body without running the risk of being hindered by the immune system, thereby providing greater efficacy than what’s currently seen with drugs administered conventionally.
Scott Bonner shares what compelled him to pursue a career in EV-based research, and how his interest was jump-started by his time as a research assistant for Evox Therapeutics, a company that is now well-known in the field of exosome and EV-based therapeutics.
Bonner’s current research aims to better understand vesicle heterogeneity and involves the creation of single-cell clones of a particular cell type that are grown separate from all other cells and cell types. Over time, the expectation is that the phenotypes of these cells will drift apart—even if only slightly—and that this could provide insight into how differences in EV phenotype affect EV function.
Ultimately, the findings could provide the industry with valuable information about the physical characteristics of EVs that hold the potential to therapeutically affect specific disease processes, such as breast cancer.
A number of interesting topics are explored, so tune in, and email your questions or comments to scott.bonner@wolfson.ox.ac.uk.
Christopher Chapman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Endoscopy, Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago, provides an overview of his research, specifically detailing the area of gastroenterology and his work with patients.
Podcast Points:
Dr. Chapman has extensive training and experience in Interventional Endoscopy and Gastroenterology. He is a noted gastroenterologist and member of the Center for Endoscopic Research and Therapeutics (CERT), where he regularly treats patients who suffer from various gastrointestinal disorders, through the use of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
The research doctor discusses his background at Johns Hopkins University, and now at the University of Chicago, and also his current work, which he describes as about 80% clinical and 20% research. As he explains, a good deal of his work deals with endoscopic procedures designed to help people lose weight, so they can improve their health, and reduce or eliminate their obesity-related conditions. He explains how these procedures differ from bariatric surgery.
As he states, many of these procedures are done through the ‘natural orifice’ meaning they go in through the mouth while the patient is asleep. He provides an overview of the intragastric balloon procedure, which essentially inserts a balloon-type device inside your stomach that allows you to feel fuller faster; endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), which reduces the size of the stomach; and then aspiration therapy, which is a bariatric approach that can help to siphon ingested food out of the stomach through an implanted tube and port it to the outside of the body to then be discarded.
Dr. Chapman discusses the many ways they, as researchers and doctors, seek to innovate in the space, applying new procedures and techniques to aid their patients with a wide assortment of medical maladies. He talks about clinical trials for their balloon devices, devices that can help people lose more weight and/or make the balloon more tolerable to patients who have difficulty.
He talks about other options in clinical trials, that focus on diabetes, and also some that are endoscopy-free. Many new techniques are on the horizon that will be minimally invasive, yet still, provide immense benefits to patients.
Continuing, Dr. Chapman talks about the work they are doing to try to get insurance companies to cover certain procedures, which will help those who may be underinsured or facing financial struggles, to get procedures they need for their health.
Greg Paulsen, the Director of Applications Engineering at Xometry (xometry.com), discusses on-demand manufacturing services, materials, trends, and 3D printing processes.
Podcast Points:
As the leader of the Applications Engineering team, Paulsen handles special projects pertaining to material selection, design-for-manufacturing, and technical engineering resources as well.
The team at Xometry is heavily involved in pushing technology, communication, and integration, and helping clients to improve their manufacturing supply line.
Paulsen provides an overview of Xometry, and how they help to make manufacturing easier. Xometry has been innovating in the space for years, and has assisted the established manufacturing industry through the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning, just to name a few of the areas they excel in.
Paulsen talks about 3D printing technologies in detail. From metals to plastics to composites, the world of 3D printing is expanding and has evolved many times since its introduction in the mid 80s. He discusses the goals of Xometry and their approach to additive technologies, and the maturity of the tech innovations.
Paulsen explains molds used in traditional manufacturing versus what new technologies such as 3D printing can do to eliminate a lot of set up work and costs. It’s an accessible technology that can be distributed to localized manufacturing sources, which improves efficiency.
Continuing, Paulsen discusses materials in detail, and the processes and post-processes in parts and products manufacturing. He talks about resin-based printers and the finishes that they can deliver versus how robust they are in terms of structure and engineering.
The manufacturing efficiency expert continues his discussion by discussing software options in the 3D printing and manufacturing arena, the evolution of the industry, and what’s on the horizon.
The European Space Agency (ESA) ARTES Program is an optional program for members of ESA that supports a number of projects, products, and applications. Instrumentation Engineer, Arnaud Runge, discusses an ESA business application program line called Business Space Solutions.
Tune in to learn the following:
The Business Space Solutions program line at the ESA is focused on how to go about using all things space-related, such as communications via satellite, positional data, and various technologies to create new products and services for the enhancement of existing services or to meet new needs from different user communities.
The types of projects supported by ARTES fall into many categories, including health, telemedicine, insurance, tourism, and precision farming that will help farmers better utilize resources such as water and fertilizer.
Runge discusses a few specific examples of the products they’ve supported, which include a product capable of measuring parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature that can be placed in aircrafts and connected to medical doctors on the ground.
This would eliminate the need for countless and costly flight diversions. He also talks about a laboratory that specializes in taking biological measurements in the context of epidemics like the recent Ebola outbreak. The technology works by utilizing satellite-based communication methods to connect various specialists with experts on the ground, and by facilitating the development of healthcare and treatment for the patients met.
This method of communication would prove invaluable in the event that a natural disaster rendered conventional forms of communication impossible.
Learn more about the work being done by visiting https://artes.esa.int/.
Bridge Builders supports companies that work towards accessible mind-training technology through investments. He explains some of these steps from idea to implementation by discussing:
Operating Partner of Bridge Builders, Charlie Hartwell describes the more fluid style of the collaborative investment model. He touches on the 12 companies his group supports and then goes into more detail about some of the applications they've helped bring about, further explaining their steps from idea to implementation.
He describes in particular one app that's growing in popularity called Insight Timer. It offers mindfulness inspiration, meditations, and music from over 5,000 teachers around the world. Additional projects include an app that helps with addiction, the Muse headband, and Fabriq, an app that helps organize and enable better intentionality with relationship building, both social and professional.
Mr. Hartwell also addresses projects that need more attention and may come under their purview such as research into psychedelic drug potential to treat various struggles such as PTSD. He mentions as well the rise in alternatives to nonwestern medical practitioners—and would like to see the development of that field become more mainstream.
For more see https://bbcollaborative.com/. He also posts frequently to LinkedIn and publishes Medium articles.
From shampoo to carpeting to baby bottles, chemicals are prevalent in our everyday items. Author Rick Smith discusses accompanying concerns such as:
Co-author of Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things and director of Canada's Broadbent Institute, environmentalist Rick Smith describes the research he and co-author Bruce Lourie underwent to see common results of living in close quarters with chemicals. The prevalence of chemicals such as BPA in eating containers raised alarms and he wondered about the health effects of pollution on our bodies from such chemicals.
He tells how he and his co-author experimented on themselves over 10 years with their own blood and urine samples. They would establish a baseline first, and then, for example, cook with plastic and retest themselves to see if there was an increase in chemical levels. In most cases, the answer was yes.
Mr. Smith details various other household products to be aware of, from shampoo to cosmetics to paint. He explains the danger and prevalence of phthalates and discusses how it can work as a hormonal disruptor in our body. Finally, he offers good news about the results of consumer pressure and tells the listener about safe alternatives for many of these products.
Former IBM Chief Scientist, Dr. Alex Liu, discusses the services provided by RMDS Lab, a community-based ecosystem provider in the artificial intelligence (AI) and big data sector. You will learn:
For the past 10 years or so, RMDS Lab has been building a data science and AI community using an ecosystem approach, guided by the belief that little can be accomplished in the field of big data and AI without utilizing multiple approaches, multiple methods, considering many algorithms, and combining the minds of more than just a handful of data scientists. Ultimately, the goal is to make data science-driven projects more adaptable and accessible and thereby increase the benefit they can serve to individuals, communities, organizations, and companies.
RMDS Lab invites clients and partners to enter the RMDS platform where they can build profiles and explore projects in the field while counting on an RMDS AI algorithm that will select the right data sets, algorithms, coworkers, and data scientists for a particular project-related goal. In essence, the platform intelligently scans all available tools and resources and selects the ones best suited to a particular problem in the AI and data science field.
According to Dr. Liu, this ecosystem-based approach is absolutely necessary when dealing with so many possible approaches, and such massive amounts of data—much of which is dirty or fake. In light of this reality, the RMDS platform also provides tools for cleaning and organizing data.
Tune in for the full conversation and check out grmds.org/ to learn more or sign on to the platform.
We all love our pets and want to provide the very best for them. It can be difficult, though, to sort through the varying recommendations on how to provide the very best care for our beloved pets. Grain-free or grain-based diets? Raw food or kibble? Bones or no bones? Dr. Royal, an integrative veterinary medical practitioner in Chicago joins us today to discuss holistic pet nutrition and how we can help prevent and reduce our pets’ illnesses through proper nutrition and integrative veterinary care.
In this episode, Dr. Royal dispels myths about raw-food pet diets. In doing so, she provides tips on how to safely transition pets to a balanced diet that’s free from the preservatives and artificial additives that are commonly found in pet foods worldwide. The key is making sure that your pet’s diet is balanced—tune in to find out exactly what Dr. Royal means.
For more information, visit https://animaldietformulator.com/.
In this podcast, Gail McIntyre, Ph.D., DABT, Chief Scientific Officer of Aravive, delivers a comprehensive overview of her work as CSO developing options to treat an assortment of diseases.
Before arriving at Aravive, Dr. McIntyre was a principal and/or consultant at multiple innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology-oriented companies. Opening the podcast, Dr. McIntyre discusses in detail all the groundbreaking work they are producing at Aravive, developing treatments to stop the progression of life-threatening diseases. Dr. McIntyre explains how the Aravive system is built upon an approach to target influential signaling pathways that sustain the activation, the migration, and eventual invasion of abnormal cells into otherwise healthy tissue.
The scientific officer explains how tumors work to survive in less than ideal environments. She discusses the secretion of interleukins that can affect white cells. She provides a thorough analysis of the varied processes that sometimes work to improve multiple factors for tumor growth that allows them to survive in all kinds of conditions. She talks about their current work studying the effects and impact of select oncology drugs, observing GAS6 levels in monkeys. Dr. McIntyre further explains how select particular doses of drugs can suppress GAS6 levels, specifically in regard to their ongoing study of ovarian cancer.
Dr. McIntyre has authored many regulatory submissions and she is a board-certified toxicologist with noted expertise in oncology and infectious diseases, etc.
Dr. Barry Raphael of the Raphael Center for Integrative Education discusses sleep medicine and breathing issues.
Dr. Raphael is a skilled practitioner in the field of orthodontics. He is particularly interested in sleep/breathing issues (airway-centered dysfunction) and malocclusion, and the early treatment techniques that can help to avoid them. Dr. Raphael teaches at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and at the post-graduate level in the US and abroad, and of course at his center, the Raphael Center for Integrative Education in New Jersey. Dr. Raphael is the president of the New Jersey Association of Orthodontists and is a respected authority in his field at large.
As Dr. Raphael states, today we know more about sleep and the reasons behind sleep disruption than ever before. He delves into a detailed explanation of how we take air in during our sleep and the processes that take place as we breathe. He explains the kind of suction activity that the chest creates that helps to pull air in through the nose, and when all is functioning properly this is a fairly effortless process and the diaphragm will distribute air evenly throughout the lungs. However, for some, there is ‘turbulence,’ which is a ‘swirling’ of the air as it moves through the body that causes a significant amount of negative pressure. Dr. Raphael explains that this can cause the sidewalls of the airway to flutter, which makes noise, and this noise is what we have labeled as—snoring. Snoring, he states, is one of the hallmarks of negative pressure in the airway. Dr. Raphael discusses the discomfort that can be created and the ways to deal with these airway issues.
The orthodontics expert outlines other ways that turbulence can be created in the breathing process, specifically detailing nasal issues, and ways that a ‘narrowing’ can be created that will impact breathing negatively. Continuing, Dr. Raphael discusses the fields of sleep medicine and sleep dentistry and the innovative progress that is being made in them, offering new hope for sufferers.
Dr. Raphael says that eight to fifteen percent of the population has sleep apnea, but of those, many never figure out that this is a problem for them at all, leaving the issue unaddressed. He explains the many ways the body tries to adapt during sleep, in order to get the air that it needs. Dr. Raphael explains how apnea can stress the organs, and how it usually is developed over a long history of intermittent breathing issues that occur during sleep. Additionally, he outlines autonomic responses, and how stress affects breathing and the body.
In this podcast, Andres M. Gomez, University of Minnesota, discusses his research in the area of microbiomics.
Gomez talks in detail about his field of microbiomics. As he explains, within microbiomics they use many and various techniques to study microbes—how microbiomes function, and how they interact and exist in their environments. His lab focuses on determining factors that play a part in the composition and function/processes of the microbiomes of animals and humans. The lab uses metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, machine learning and more.
Gomez discusses fatty acids and how they are produced as he explains the microbiome and the complex activities taking place there. Microbiome research can deliver valuable information about microbial communities, their environments and critical changes that can take place within the environments.
The microbiomics expert talks about information released recently regarding a few case studies of fecal transplantation therapy, which is the transfer of stool into a recipient for treatment purposes. Gomez seeks to fully understand, through extensive research, all of these issues, and the discoveries they make just might provide critical insight into the human microbiome and how it affects our health, and what role it plays in the development of the disease.
Brian Kelly founded BKCM in 2013 after experiencing a well-publicized conversion about the investment potential of Bitcoin and its supporting blockchain technology, an epiphany he chronicled in his book
The Bitcoin Big Bang. As CEO, he brings more than two decades of experience managing global macro strategies, as well as building investment funds and independent investment firms from the ground up.
If you’re of a particular age, you may remember watching a Saturday morning cartoon in which drivers blasted through space in levitating vehicles. And if you’re a curious type, you may have wondered when that day would become a reality. While we’re not quite there yet, technology is bringing the future to our highways and byways.Tim Sylvester, CEO & Chief Technology Officer of Integrated Roadways takes us on an amazing journey to the crux of technology-based, next-generation roads. With growing demands for smart cities, 5G cellular, and applications to connect electric-powered and autonomous vehicles, the need for powerful networks based in and around roadways is tremendous.The tech CEO provides an insider look into his company’s strategies to turn physical roads into active digital networks. An obvious and immediate benefit of these digital networks would be in the area of driver safety. Auto accidents could be instantly identified and pinpointed and first responders such as police and EMT would be immediately notified, cutting down on time lag and possibly saving lives. And real time traffic data could modify signal timing and increase traffic flow during periods of congestion.Additionally, analytical data regarding traffic could enable small businesses to get a sense of how much traffic their potential business location might see on average, which could bolster rates of success.The digital network expert also helps to allay some of the misconceptions about the application of this technology. While some may think that building new roads to implement a digital strategy could be an excessive, unnecessary task, Sylvester explains that 50% of American roads are in desperate need of replacement right now. Integrated Roadways has patented a Smart Pavement system, which is created from precast concrete sections that can be embedded with digital technology and fiber optic connectivity that will transform everyday roads into smart roads. By targeting the commercial demands for data and wireless service, Sylvester expects to reinvigorate highway and road funding and step away from the traditional method of funding solely with tax dollars.Sylvester discusses the incredible advances that digital network roads will bring to the autonomous driving industry. The CEO explains that as smartphones go, so should the autonomous vehicle. In that he clarifies that just as the network technology that drives smartphones exists outside of the actual physical phone, autonomous vehicles should follow suit.Autonomous vehicles of the near future should begin to rely on digital network information in the actual roadways, not in the vehicle itself. And with a peek into the near future, the technology expert reveals his company’s current plans for activating this digital system in multiple areas of the country. The future has arrived.
Abed Ajraou, Chief Data Officer and Co-Founder of AIEVE, discusses the first savings platform in cryptocurrency, which will utilize artificial intelligence on the Ethereum blockchain in order to better predict trends in cryptocurrency. The result? Consumers will be able to save and grow their money on a transparent platform while paying much lower fees than they would on other platforms. Rather than relying on trading bots, AIEVE uses artificial intelligence in order to cater to a market of people whose primary goal is to watch their funds increase in value rather than expend their energy on trading itself.
While it’s still a work in progress, Ajraou expects the platform to become fully functional in 2019. To stay up to date with the latest and for a detailed explanation of how the AIEVE platform will work, visit AIEVE’s Telegram and YouTube channels.
Inerjys is a private equity fund investing in companies and technologies in the clean energy and climate change arena. Founder and managing partner, Stephan Ouaknine, discusses the following:
Ouaknine understands that a budding technology company needs more than just the funds to develop its product: it needs early adopters and proof points in order to reach a greater market and actually have a tangible effect. In the world of technological developments designed to tackle climate change, this is even more important, since the cash risk is substantial for early adopters.
In order to address this challenge, Inerjys ensures that they not only fund companies but invest in projects that will use the products those companies create, thereby commercializing the products and making them significantly more likely to be used as a feasible climate solution.
Ouaknine shares information about some of the products in the Inerjys portfolio, including a new, cost-effective approach to hydropower turbines in the ocean and vertical farming in response to urbanization. He also discusses emerging techniques for carbon capture and conversion, why the price of solar power is still high and how it could be lowered, and the technologies that are becoming increasingly commonplace.
He details the ways in which these technologies have a positive impact on the environment, and how to further commercialization of emerging technologies might stave off an otherwise imminent and devastating increase in global temperature.
Tune in and learn more by visiting https://www.inerjys.com/.
Robert Quinn, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses his research, detailing information on rare bacterial lung infections, anaerobic bacteria infection, and especially cystic fibrosis.
Podcast Points of Discussion:
Quinn’s education includes: a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA, an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a BSc in Microbiology, also from the University of Guelph in Canada.
Quinn discusses cystic fibrosis, which he states is a classic genetic disease, and those who are afflicted with it have various mutations in a particular gene. As he explains cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. He goes on to discuss some of the commonalities that exist between sick people with cystic fibrosis and the healthy. He discusses the issues in detail, discussing the oral cavity and upper airways.
Quinn continues his discussion by recounting some experiments he was involved with during his time at San Diego State University. In the experiments, patients would not only breathe oxygen, but they would actually sit in a hyperbaric chamber full of oxygen.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen while inside a pressurized room or tube. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a commonly used treatment for decompression sickness, which is a hazard of scuba diving. While there were potential risks due to the pressurization, the idea was that this environment could possibly kill some unwanted bacteria, such as anaerobic organisms, or anaerobes, which are organisms that do not require oxygen for growth, and thus they may respond negatively or perhaps even die if free oxygen is presented.
Quinn goes on to discuss cross-contamination concerns between cystic fibrosis patients due to the fact that they have highly resistant bacteria. He explains broad-spectrum antibiotic use and talks about the pros and cons of various treatments.
Most of us have heard about intestinal microbiomes, but researchers found that eyes have their own bacteria presence as well. Dr. St. Leger discusses his findings, such as:
Anthony St. Leger is an assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. About three years ago, he and his lab found the presence of bacteria in a mouse’s diseased eye that seemed to serve the same function as the bacteria we have in our intestinal tract. In other words, these bacteria appeared to modulate the susceptibility to infectious disease and immunity. This prompted a more intensive study to understand more fully the purpose for its stable coexistence with the eye.
Dr. St. Leger explains that the bacteria is only present under the eyelid. The rest of the eye, especially the center, is bacteria free, but the area under the lid seems to support this niche ecology of beneficial bacteria. After he and his lab were given permission to use isolates from numerous past patients at the university clinic, they found that the mouse and human eye had enough similarity in a bacterium that researchers could apply what they learned from the mouse eye to the human eye.
Therefore, these researchers hope to use their studies to see if these bacteria can be beneficial drug carriers and offer other solutions regarding eye microbiome and disease, including pro-biotic-like therapies.
For more information and links to Dr. St. Leger’s papers, see his lab’s web page at http://ophthalmology.pitt.edu/people/anthony-st-leger-phd
In this podcast, Dr Claudia Gray, PhD, Paediatrician and Allergologist, Kids Allergy Paediatric & Allergy Centre—South Africa, talks in detail about allergy issues and research, discussing many common child allergies, child skin allergy treatment, and what’s coming in the future for allergy testing and treatment.
Podcast Points of Discussion:
Dr Gray has an extensive history and background in her field, as a paediatrician with a subspecialist accreditation in allergology, and as a noted researcher. She received her medical degree from the University of Cape Town, then continued studies in London, specializing in paediatrics, paediatric clinical pharmacology, and paediatric allergy. Additionally, she holds a PhD related to the specific study of eczema and food allergy.
Dr Gray talks about her background, why she decided to specialize in paediatrics and allergies, and some of the current research in the field. Allergologists have a wide range of studies that includes eczema, asthma, environmental allergies, drug allergies, food allergies, gut allergies, and insect venom allergies. Dr Gray provides detailed information on why some allergies improve over time, but others worsen.
The research doctor and professor explains how allergy shots work, and why they are successful with some patients. She discusses the various mechanisms through which allergies can improve over time, discussing the artificial processes (such as allergy shots) that are designed to trick the body into producing protective antibodies. She explains how they work with their patients, discussing medicines, and specific allergies—such as peanut allergies, detailing how early oral exposure can help to build up a tolerance. She describes how desensitization for bee allergies, and other allergies, can sometimes work and explains why exposure is only becoming accepted as a method of treatment lately, in some circles.
Dr Gray discusses eczema management, and the importance of discussing issues and information with your doctor, as opposed to trusting what you might find on the internet.
As a respected speaker and noted authority, Dr Gray has contributed to more than 70 publications in her fields of expertise and she is a regular speaker at many international and local conferences.
This podcast explores essential principals in childhood emotional development as researched by journalist Katherine Lewis. She discusses her book on this subject by explaining:
Katherine Lewis had been a journalist for 20 years covering business and policy issues when she became concerned by her own children's challenging behavior. She began intensive researching that led to a popular article and eventually a book: The Good News about Bad Behavior discusses parent's misguided attempts to correct behavior rather than offer behavioral skills.
She found that the current generation of young people has fewer self-regulation skills than past generations. This means younger people have difficulty managing their behavior, thoughts, and emotions in a way that is unmanageable. We see high rates of anxiety, addiction, and suicide by teens as a result.
Katherine Lewis explains that there are ways parents can address this to ease the gap between children's behavior then and now, from that meltdown moment and beyond, that will make space for these self-regulating skills to grow. She covers impediments to this from technology to social strata extremes and how connection, communication, and emotional capability building are key principals toward stronger emotional development.
For more information, see her web site at https://www.katherinerlewis.com/
Marine biogeochemistry is the study of how microscopic organisms like bacteria and phytoplankton modify the chemistry of the ocean, and at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Joseph Vallino’s work as Senior Scientist revolves around it.
Tune in to learn:
In a single liter of ocean water, there are billions of bacteria, which makes it difficult to identify all the players at any one time. In turn, this makes it difficult to understand the overall chemistry of the ocean, since each microbial process contributes to it.
In an attempt to overcome this challenge, Joseph Vallino is developing different approaches based on ideas derived from thermodynamics. His aim is to develop a better understanding of ocean chemistry and the ways in which biological systems organize.
He explains his unique approach to this problem and discusses a number of fascinating topics, including areas of active research in the field such as energy utilization science and microbial energy research.
For more, visit https://www.mbl.edu/ecosystems/vallino/.
While working at his post doc at Oxford University, Dr. Akbar focuses on the signals the immune system uses and resulting actions through extracellular vesicles research.
He discusses:
Dr. Naveed Akbar focuses on extracellular vesicles research and how the vesicles relate to metabolic disease. Atherosclerosis, which causes heart attacks and strokes, tends to be much thicker in a diabetic patient. He believes this junction of immunological and metabolic disease is an important crossroads.
He explains that while atherosclerosis builds up over decades due to many other lifestyle causes, we don't understand is why diabetic patients are more apt to get fattier plaques that are more aggressive and more prone to rupture, which ends in the heart attack and stroke events.
Therefore, he has studied how immune systems responds to damage within the blood vessel and why immune cells accumulate within the wall of an artery to drive these attacks. They’ve discovered that as the monocytes try and engulf the fat in an artery, this action attracts more immune cells, causing more inflammation. Trying to understand what signals turn on and off the message to cause inflammation may lead to better healing.
Finally, he describes a current project: extracellular vesicles research into what happens after a heart attack and splint placement. Immune cells go to the heart and create more inflammation, which is harmful—a healing that has a defective element. Understand what’s controlling their switch is important therapeutically.
For more information, see his page on the Oxford University site: https://www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/people/naveed-akbar
In order to create anti-parasitic medications like filariasis treatment, researchers like Dr. Geary study how parasites hide from their hosts. When you listen in to this discussion, you'll learn:
Dr. Timothy Geary serves as Chair in Parasite Biotechnology at McGill University and also has an appointment at Queen's University in Belfast. His background is in pharmacology, but he has developed a specialty in anti-parasitic medication discovery. This includes genomic work on the host-parasitic interface, especially for filariasis treatment and gastrointestinal nematode infections.
In this podcast, he explains several aspects of how parasites function and how vertebrates and arthropod vectors maintain the parasite's sometimes-complex lifecycle. Adaptive pressures affect parasites to the same extent as most animal life and Dr. Geary describes some interesting results of this such as the lower instance of immunological bowel diseases in regions where parasites are more common.
He also helps differentiate parasitic nomenclature in a way that explains how and why many parasites can continue their life cycle so successfully. He catalogs the difference between single-celled protozoan parasites like the originators of toxoplasmosis and multi-celled nematode creatures.
Finally, he explains his work to understand how parasites go into "stealth mode" and why this may lead to better anti-parasitic medication and treatment.
Learn more about contacting Dr. Geary and find a list of his publications at https://www.mcgill.ca/parasitology/faculty/geary
Raghu Kalluri, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Cancer Biology University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses exosomes cancer, cancer stages, and his life’s work in research and medicine.
Podcast Points of Discussion:
In addition to being a professor and chairman of the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Kalluri is also Adjunct Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at Rice University.
Dr. Kalluri earned his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Kansas Medical Center, earned an MD degree from Brown University Medical School, and was a Post-doc fellow, and research associate as well, at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
Dr. Kalluri has devoted much of his career to the study of immunology and mechanisms associated with tissue injury and repair utilizing advanced organ fibrosis. Dr. Kalluri talks about his current work as a professor and researcher, and his study of exosomes as it relates to cancer. He provides his thoughts on the research question: why do cells generate extracellular vesicles, commonly referred to in the medical research world as simply, EVs.
Interestingly, these EVs seem to have the capacity to alter cells around them, which makes this area of study particularly important. Dr. Kalluri states that they could play a role in cancer progression.
Dr. Kalluri discusses the differences in exosomes in varied individuals that might serve as biomarkers. He discusses the possible exosome content differences in regard to not only disease but also pregnancy. And as he states, much more research needs to be done in order to better understand what is happening in and around these cells and how it all affects tumors, and more. Dr. Kalluri discusses the areas they hope to understand, from the basic biology, to how release happens, how exosomes protect themselves, and more.
Continuing, the research PhD talks about accelerated growth and the various experiments that are happening with exosomes. He explains why they think metastasis may happen, and some of the questions they hope to answer. Why do cells generate exosomes in such large numbers, he asks, and this is one of the primary issues they study.
Furthering his discussion, Dr. Kalluri talks about translational research, and the tremendous potential to utilize exosomes for drug delivery systems if they can figure out exactly how they function, and how to exploit them.
Dr. Abby Johnson, Postdoctoral Associate, Knights Lab at the University of Minnesota, discusses her work in research, including detailed information on nutrition and a healthy gut diet.
Podcast Points of Discussion:
Dr. Johnson studies the relationship between diet and the microbiome. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and devotes much of her time to research. Since 2010, Dr. Johnson has been heavily interested in gut issues and the microbiome. While studying in Chicago, she learned a great deal about fats in the gut, bowel disorders, and more, and her interest was triggered. She states that what we eat can literally change the bacteria in our guts. She talks about the foods we eat and the many microbes that are within. Her research begs the questions: can we change the stability of the microbiome? How do antibiotics have an effect? Dr. Johnson discusses diet in terms of macro and micronutrients, and what exactly is in the food we eat. What is it composed of? She goes into detail about phytochemicals and fiber compositions in foods, and how the gut handles it all.
Continuing, she explains some of their studies and the data they derived from the diet and nutritional intake of study participants. She explains how nutritional status is maintained in hospital patients and the effect of the microbiome. Dr. Johnson goes on to discuss their findings in other studies. She states that the same food in different participants had various effects and that responses to foods were different in individuals. Interestingly, our personal microbiome may respond quite differently to foods.
Wrapping up, Dr. Johnson discusses shifts in eating patterns, and how they may impact your gut microbiome. Additionally, Dr. Johnson talks about the areas she hopes to explore in future studies.
Epigenetics is a mechanism for regulating gene expression, and Professor Upasna Sharma at the University of California, Santa Cruz defines epigenetic inheritance as the inheritance of phenotypic changes in the absence of changes in the underlying DNA.
She explains her research by exploring the following:
Dr. Sharma is studying the role of small non-coding RNAs in epigenetic inheritance by examining RNA in sperm. How is the environment being signaled to these small RNAs? When do tRNA fragments become abundant in sperm?
Through the research she and her team have already done, they’ve found that testicular sperm or germ cells do not have tRNA fragments, but as sperm enters the epididymis, it acquires a high abundance of tRNA fragments. Based on the data they’ve gathered, Dr. Sharma is confident in saying that tRNA fragments are created in the epididymis and then shipped to sperm. Why is this the case?
Dr. Sharma explores possible answers to this question. She also discusses how the female reproductive tract secretes extracellular vesicles and how sperm might be further altered by the female reproductive tract. The overarching aim of her research is to determine how sperm small RNA are generated, how the environment can influence their levels, and what the functional consequence is of the abundant small RNA payload of sperm, as this might help elucidate how epigenetic information is intergenerationally transferred by small RNAs.
Press play for the full conversation.
Organoid modeling can be done using adult human tissues, mouse models, or by engineering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). At UC San Diego Health, Associate Project Scientist, Herve Tiriac, is using adult tissues to create 3D patient-derived pancreas-like organoids.
He discusses the following:
Driven by both professional and personal reasons, Dr. Tiriac is interested in using 3D patient-derived organoid modeling in order to better understand pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that’s both very deadly and understudied. He sees this research as an opportunity to implement meaningful clinical improvement in the lives of those affected, and build a precision medicine technology platform in doing so.
Dr. Tiriac discusses the origination of the term “organoid” and the types of organoid modeling that can be done, the process of the development of organoids based on patient-derived pancreatic tumors, the challenge of organoid contamination by yeast and/or fungi, what types of new experimentation will be done in the near future, such as those dealing with the problem of treatment resistance and improving existing approaches to the development of tumor organoids, and so much more.
Tune in to hear the full conversation
At WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, the goal is to understand what drives health and wellbeing in our pets—whether cats, dogs, fish, or horses. Vice president of the institute, Kay O’Donnell, discusses the following:
Through the use of vast amounts of data from veterinary practices and the implementation of an AI algorithm, the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute has developed a method for obtaining useful information from samples of blood, urine, and feces collected from pets over the course of many years. This has given way to the ability to identify biomarkers that indicate pet health statuses and the likelihood of these statutes changing over time.
More broadly, O’Donnell sees this as evidence of a new approach emerging in pet healthcare—one that not only values proactivity and early intervention, but that mirrors the approach that’s emerging in human healthcare.
She also discusses the role of diet and nutrition in the activity and composition of the microbiome, how the comparison of oral microbiomes between dogs and humans differ and how this is influenced by differences in diet, and what the future of pet health and animal-human interactions might look like.
For more, visit https://www.waltham.com/.
Paul Turner & Robert McBride, co-founders of Felix Biotechnology (felixbt.com), discuss the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and the new therapies on the horizon.
In this podcast they’ll discuss:
Turner & McBride’s biotech company, Felix Biotechnology, is heavily focused on progressing the deployment of novel biotherapeutics that can target urgent microbial challenges within human health, and much more.
Turner & McBride discuss the greatest challenges they face in the biomedical field, including the widespread failure of traditional antibiotics. They discuss some of the older technologies they are in the process of updating, such as developing viruses that specifically kill bacteria. Turner & McBride believe that this option will give the medical community greater control as they seek to combat the antibiotic resistance problem.
The biotechnology researchers and entrepreneurs discuss antibiotic sensitivity, and the use of their solutions in therapy. They discuss some of the more troubling bacterial pathogens, discussing cells and proteins. Continuing, the Felix co-founders provide detailed information on bacteriophages or phages as they are called informally, which are the most abundant organisms within the biosphere, a common feature of prokaryotic existence.
Turner & McBride explain the regulatory hurdles that they and other biotech researchers and developers face, and how they can move forward. As they state, clinical trials data is going to be key to getting their phages further developed and released into the medical/healthcare industry. Expanding the discussion, they provide info on the cocktail approach in treatment and therapy.
As many research and development biotechnology companies fail, Felix Biotechnology seeks to find a way to be financially solvent so they can bring their therapy concepts to the market.
Only recently do scientists understand the prevalence and importance of fungi in our digestive system anatomy. Dr. Iliev tells listeners about:
Dr. Iliyan Iliev is Assistant Professor of Immunology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. As a mucosal immunologist, he and his lab are focusing specifically on how mycobiota impacts bowel inflammation. Their work has lead them to examine how components of fungi, bacteria, and cell interaction may lead to relief from immunological bowel diseases. The balance between fungi and bacteria appears to be important in the suppression of these diseases, but more work needs to be done.
The presence of gut fungi made itself known after detecting a fungal message while undergoing cellular primer researcher. Once microbiome work became more prevalent in digestive system anatomy and deep gene sequencing became possible, scientist went back and applied this knowledge, discovering a community of different fungi in the gut.
Dr. Iliev's lab works at the strain and species level of fungi of various patients, then connecting these strains and species to the patient’s condition. This gut fungi focus may help treat these inflammatory bowel diseases.
See the Ilieve Lab page at Weill Cornell Medicine for more information: https://ilievlab.weill.cornell.edu/
Dr. Poon's research into the mechanism of cell death reveals that what was long thought a random process actually has signs of regulation. In this podcast, you'll learn:
Dr. Ivan Poon of La Trobe University is a Senior Research Fellow in biochemistry and genetics. He specializes in extracellular vesicles and cell turnover, or the mechanisms of cell death. In this discussion, he explains his focus on trying to understand what happens when cells die. The amount of energy a cell puts into generating small vesicles, or apoptotic bodies, during turnover is significant. Therefore, he and other researchers are studying why cells invest in this process.
While researchers have known the basics of cell death for decades, only recently has this mechanism of cell death process been understood as highly regulated rather than random. Furthermore, each cell type follows a different process. Monocytes, for example, form a string-like protrusion like a beaded necklace that then generates apoptotic bodies.
Most important for Dr. Poon is to understand the molecular mechanism of this process—what controls it. The answers may enable special treatment for diseases including drugs that either inhibit or accelerate cell deaths depending on the process needed to regain health.
For more, see Dr. Poon's page on the La Trobe University web site: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/display/ipoon
In this podcast, the principal investigator at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Stephen Boppart, details the development of a novel portable imaging system with research and clinical applications. He discusses:
Dr. Boppart expounds on the many research and clinical applications of this new technology, which include exploration of fundamental questions in biology and carcinogenesis, and detection of biomarkers leading to earlier cancer diagnosis.
One of his main focuses has been on putting this technology on a portable medical card and bringing it into the operating room during breast cancer surgery in order to image a tumor as soon as it’s been excised. This will allow for a better understanding of breast cancer anatomy, including the cells present, the collagen structure, and the level of metabolic activity.
Dr. Boppart also discusses how the quantity and type of extracellular vesicles differ depending on whether it’s been produced by cancerous or healthy tissue, and how this discovery would have been impossible if only using standard methods in histology.
For more information, check out https://biophotonics.illinois.edu/.
Neuroepigenetics entails processes that involve the neuro system. Dr. Isabelle Mansuy explains her research by exploring:
Dr. Isabelle Mansuy runs the Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics at the University of Zurich. Her lab is interested in the long-term effects of stress through the epigenetic carryover. Their studies on mice have shown that young individuals exposed to trauma at a very vulnerable time, a time when their germ cells are less protected, can retain dramatic effects. These stress-induced traumas modify the germ cell epigenome and the traces left on the brain sometimes carry over across generations.
Through these studies, her lab has made a solid model that is reproducible where they can screen these epigenetic changes and plot which of the epigenetic-caused behavioral changes remain and specifically for how many generations.
Dr. Mansuy explains the depth to which epigenetic inheritance affects all physiological elements, from metabolic organs to bones to skin. Everywhere they looked they saw effects from trauma affecting cellular production.
Her lab continues to try and understand how these changes are transcribed and are looking at the possibility that blood is probably the mediator between the signals.
Finally, she asks us to consider that epigenetic inheritance research has been delayed by our belief that DNA sequencing would solve all genetic problems and this is not the case. Neuroepigenetics changes our concept of heredity.
For more, see her lab website: https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en/research/mansuy.html
Additionally, her papers are located on Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Quantgene combines deep genomics with AI to detect cancer very early. When you listen, you'll hear Mr. Bhakdi explain:
Quantgene founder and CEO Jo Bhakdi discusses the company's focus on early cancer detection through blood testing to find its earliest markers. With a human genome sequence software-driven technology that also engages chemistry, machine learning, and laboratory processes, Quantgene is able to sequence and investigate cancer DNA one by one. This increases the accuracy and speed by an exponential degree compared to other detections that were based on protein marker identification.
The test can pick up somatic DNA mutations in the blood caused by tumors with a whole new level of precision by detecting individual molecules in cancer DNA. This human genome sequence work is superior to next generation sequencing because it's much more accurate.
Quantgene's process can investigate every single DNA copy and eliminate any errors. They aggregated the world’s largest data set of tumor DNA and created a matching learning project to answer very specific questions like, what are the smallest number of locations one has to look at to still find any variant of a tumor? They can get a systemic reflection of the tumor and can tell exactly what the tumor is in mutational terms. The data they've generated and continue to generate is completely new in oncology.
Future plans include the launch of an early detection product in 2020 called Serenity. A simple blood test done once a year should guide physicians on detecting cancer early. The resulting data set will create much larger data sets ultimately, with a huge data flow to gain full scientific insight.
For more information on the company, see https://www.quantgene.com/
For more on the 2020 test release of Serenity, see https://www.quantgene.com/early-cancer-detection
On today’s episode, Dr. Price shares his insight and information on a range of fascinating topics, including the following:
The human virome is the collection of all of the viruses in and on the surface of the body. There are trillions of these viruses, and many of them are bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. Over the past 15 years or so, there has been a lot of research and effort in trying to understand the function of microbes in the body and how they relate to states of health and disease.
At UC San Diego, Associate Director of Microbiology and Associate Professor of Pathology and Medicine, David Pride, is focused specifically on trying to understand how to utilize bacteriophages in a way that will improve human health.
“One of the unanticipated developments that really came from nano is that we evolved from chemistry, physics, engineering, medicine, toxicology, and so forth, and we learned to adopt each other’s approaches and adopt each other’s problems,” says Dr. Paul Weiss, UC Presidential Chair, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Distinguished Professor of Material Science & Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
He continues by explaining how the communication and collaborative approaches in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology have served the world of microbiome research, and how they might impact other fields of research as well.
After developing the BRAIN Initiative under the Obama Administration, Dr. Weiss and his team were asked to lead the technological roadmap effort for the National Microbiome Initiative, which gathered scientists and engineers from around the world with a common goal: to understand what technologies can be used to understand how different species interact in the microbiome of humans, oceans, and soils.
Dr. Weiss discusses a number of interesting topics and accomplishments of the Paul Weiss Lab, so tune in for all the details. You will discover:
Greg Paulsen, Director of Applications Engineering at Xometry (xometry.com), discusses the work they do at Xometry, including an overview of on-demand manufacturing services.
Paulsen heads the Applications Engineering team that is responsible for handling special case projects that demand specialized attention to material selection, design-for-manufacturing, and technical engineering resources as well.
Paulsen discusses Xometry, and how they came to their company’s name. He provides an overview of what they do—making manufacturing easier. He discusses how they have sought to revolutionize the established manufacturing industry by introducing AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning. Their system allows customers to procure parts in one location, yet still take advantage of the talents of thousands of people in a gigantic manufacturing network.
He discusses sourcing of parts, technical data packages, communications, and the entire process from start to finish as manufacturers bring all the necessary elements together. But the system is slow, and thus Xometry enhances the entire chain so manufacturers can get pricing quotes and information more efficiently and faster.
Paulsen discusses customized manufacturing and set up costs, and as he states, there is a need for high level specification but quantities needed are not as high. He explains how Xometry can help customers find the right suppliers who can meet these specialized needs.
Continuing, Paulsen talks about quantities needed, touching on the processes in 3D printing and how improvements can speed up manufacturing times. Paulsen goes on to discuss the feedback customers can get right away after they input their data, and manufacturing/parts needs. As Paulsen states, they seek to create a ‘knowledge nucleus’ for clients and customers, so they can make all sorts of important decisions that will bring multiple, more efficient technologies to their manufacturing process.
Wrapping up, the manufacturing expert details how their solutions help customers to streamline their process for manufacturing. He discusses their typical and atypical clients, and he provides further information on raw goods, milling, and prototypes.
In this podcast:
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as esophageal and stomach cancer are on the rise worldwide, with under-resourced populations being particularly affected. Early detection of GI changes that can lead to cancer requires endoscopy, a procedure that involves the insertion of a thin tube into the body to image the tissues, identify signs of disease, and deliver treatment. When endoscopy is either too expensive or simply unavailable in certain populations, otherwise preventable cancers can emerge.
In her work, gastroenterologist and director of the Baylor Global Innovation Center in Houston, TX, Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy, has two primary research interests: how to better prevent the development of GI cancers, and how to make early detection and treatment more accessible to underserved populations around the world. In order to address this very issue, Dr. Anandasabapathy and her team have developed an affordable, portable endoscopic tool capable of detecting precancerous cellular changes and acting as the medium through which treatments are delivered.
She discusses a range of important issues, including the following:
Is natural talent a real thing? Are human beings fundamentally different in that some are born with special capabilities, and others just aren’t? How are very high levels of performance attained? And how would the answer to these questions impact who receives access to limited resources? These are a few of the questions that Karl Ericsson has been researching for almost 40 years now.
Ericsson joins the podcast to talk about a number of topics in this field of research, including child “prodigies,” possible hallmarks of continuous success from childhood into adulthood in a particular domain, savants, in what ways certain abilities might actually be “natural” (or not), and the lack of overall evidence suggesting that genetics play a role in high levels of performance.
On today’s podcast, you will discover:
Press play for the full conversation, and check out Ericsson’s book, Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise.
Ben Atkinson, of the Functional Health podcast (FunctionalHealthInfo.com), is a nutritionist and health enthusiast. In this informative podcast, Ben talks about holistic wellness, functional medicine, and overall holistic health.
Ben’s podcast, and site, is a complete resource guide for all kinds of important information regarding professional recognition, health events, training, and more—happening across the country—for clinicians in the field, as well as trainees and the public.
Ben discusses his background and how he came to be interested in nutrition. As an overweight child, Ben became interested in body building at the age of 16, and this interest led him to learn about high protein diets—low in carbs and low in fat. When he saw fast results he became excited about this power of nutrition and decided to make it a part of his ongoing work. But over time he added in carbs and fats to increase energy, which provided clarity of mind. Taking from everything he learned, he began to see that nutrition was the key to not only how you look and feel, but also to prevent illness and restore health.
Ben discusses his intensive studies, and what he learned while gaining his master’s. He discusses various modalities and the separations in the medical field, which he states need to come together and be more synchronized in order to best deliver options for good health practices. Ben discusses genes and how they contribute to various health outcomes, and he talks about the different people/cultures around the world and the diets that they exist upon. He discusses allergens, and how to eliminate them, and the various ways we can fine tune our bodies. Continuing, Ben talks about DNA testing, and other methods people can use to learn more about their bodies, markers, and health information.
In this podcast:
Renowned herbalist and nutritionist Donnie Yance talks about plant-based treatments with a focus on cancer management specifically. When you listen, you'll better understand
Founder, President, Chairman, and Lead Clinician at the Mederi Center, Donnie Yance has been involved in plant medicine for decades. He founded the Natura brand to make high quality botanical medicine.
At the Mederi Center, Yance works with cancer patients and their doctors from a quality of life and healthcare perspective under a specific order: first, they focus on the health of the patient with plant medicine to strengthen their healing capacity; then, they assess and alter accordingly the patient's micro environment and how it relates to the disease; and last, they targeting the cancer after identifying its molecular characteristics. Ultimately, the goal is to create a medicinal approach that does the most harm to the unhealthy cells with the least harm to the healthy.
Yance uses his extensive knowledge of extracts and botanicals to inhibit the capacity of the cancer cells to build resistant pathways. The Mederi Center also focuses on quality of life, offering tips to live longer with better healthcare.
For more, see the Mederi Center web site at https://medericenter.org/as well as a video featuring a Mederi Center patient called "That's Not Your Story" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUVu354ujnc.
Donnie Yance also has a website and a blog at https://www.donnieyance.com/
Consumer wireless broadband connection uses better technology than the industrial sector. Mr. Kantor explains why and how Ondas is changing this through software defined radio projects and other technologies. When you listen, you'll hear:
President, CEO, and cofounder of Ondas Networks, Stewart Kantor, discusses "mission critical IOT" (internet of other things) for the industrial sector. Ondas focuses on network connectivity for the industrial sector, including utility, natural gas, transportation, and commercial drone companies.
He explains that the technology in use by industrial companies has not been upgraded as it has for consumers because of a long list of challenges such as distance, cost, and data needs. Ondas is working on this upgrade through multiple means from software defined radio projects to specialized types of automation fitting the large geographical and upstream data needs.
Mr. Kantor discusses the ways in which these vulnerabilities played out in the California wildfires of 2019 and how his company is developing technology that could improve the situation from multiple angles. He describes what "licensed radio frequencies" are in terms of these improvements and why wireless broadband connections may never be the same.
For more, see www.ondas.com and find links to additional information.
P. Shannon Pendergrast, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Ymir Genomics (ymirgenomics.com), discusses his company’s work in biomarker identification techniques.
Dr. Pendergrast holds a PhD from the Rutgers University Waksman Institute of Microbiology in Molecular Genetics. He completed his post-doctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories. Dr. Pendergrast has over 12 years of experience as a scientist, executive, and entrepreneur.
Ymir Genomics seeks to provide new and innovative tools to facilitate the discovery of biomarkers from biofluids, to assist in the ongoing fight against human diseases. Dr. Pendergrast discusses the primary objectives of Ymir Genomics. Dr. Pendergrast talks in detail about their accomplishments and discoveries, including their efficient, rapid method for isolating extracellular vesicles, extracellular RNA, and/or extracellular protein directly from urine samples. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles that can be released via different cell types, including hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immune cells in normal as well as pathological conditions.
The science researcher CSO discusses how they compare proteins using mass spectrometry, and how they look at the data. He talks in detail about their work studying liver-specific vesicles, exosomes, stability issues, and more. He discusses their processes in detail, discussing how they work with structures, proteins, RNA, etc.
Among the many important offerings Ymir delivers, they can also provide extracellular vesicle isolation protocol and bioinformatics protocol to discover biomarkers for prostate and bladder cancer. Dr. Pendergrast wraps up by discussing their current and future work.
In this podcast:
What can we learn from extracellular vesicles?
What can biomarkers tell us?
An overview of biomarker identification techniques
Dr. Annila, biophysics professor, explores the time and space relationship in this podcast. When you listen, you'll hear him discuss:
Early in his days as a new professor of biophysics, Dr. Annila of the University of Helsinki asked why there was no equation for evolution yet. After all, life is all about motion. That question took him on this voyage he explores in his book and in his research. He looks at the theory of evolution in terms of physics.
For example, he explains the time and space relationship like this: losing heat takes place over time. Photons that we lose as we cool off are not only carrying energy but also time. This means energy is carried over a period of time: energy and time go hand in hand and this can be a mathematical formula. Why? Because photons have a wavelength. A wavelength divided by the speed of light equals time. This makes time a concreate concept rather than an abstract.
He continues to explain that it is a contrived idea that evolution should be limited to animals and explains that there's nothing special in life versus nonlife according to his theories. Finally, this understanding changes how we approach many aspects of human existence. An understanding of everything as photons opens up a new understanding of all matter.
For more, see his university home page: https://www.mv.helsinki.fi/home/aannila/arto/index
Dr. Robin Smith, Lecturer in Physics at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, delivers an insightful overview of his work in nuclear physics research topics and experiments in nuclear physics.
Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in nuclear physics at the University of Birmingham under the guidance of Dr. C. Wheldon and Prof. M. Freer. He is a distinguished lecturer in physics and specializes in multiple fields, including the following: nuclear data, nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, radiation detection, atomic nuclei and more.
Dr. Smith talks about nuclear physics and general physics and how he came to his areas of specialty. As he explains, he undertook projects in his senior year at university that involved smashing nuclei, which really got his interest moving in the direction of nuclear physics. Dr. Smith explains why he studies the atomic nucleus in detail, discussing the building blocks—atoms, and historical perspectives on the atom. He explains the atom’s structure and the density of the atomic nucleus, citing examples for comparison. Dr. Smith goes on to explain that in nature we have four fundamental forces that govern all matter within the universe—gravity, the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the strong force. Dr. Smith details how these forces work, discussing gravity and its effects and the binding structures.
The nuclear physics expert discusses quantum mechanics, and how it is derived from the Schrödinger equation, which is a linear partial differential equation that precisely describes the general wave function, or state function, etc., of a quantum-mechanical system. Continuing, Dr. Smith discusses stars in our galaxy, the heavy elements, and the forces that exist, detailing how his research relates. He discusses carbon and excited states within nuclei and some of the theories that exist regarding molecules and molecular physics in general.
As Dr. Smith extends his discussion, he explains some of the methods they use to gather their scientific data. He explains how they study energies and what the data reveals in regard to decay processes. Regarding his research in colliding, Dr. Smith states that decay behavior, specifically regarding carbon-12, the most common of all-natural carbon isotopes, does appear to change dependent upon what projectile is being fired at the carbon-12. In essence, the environment does appear to affect the outcome of the reaction.
Wrapping up, Dr. Smith discusses the work and theories of Sir Fred Hoyle, the English astronomer who famously formulated the theory of stellar nucleosynthesis.
In this podcast:
Anita Öst, Medical Faculty at Linköping University, provides an overview of the current state of epigenetics research as she discusses
epigenetic inheritance in humans.
Anita seeks to understand and thereby manipulate epigenetic metabolic programs that are set up by parental cues as well as early life events in an effort to design new treatments for obesity and obesity-related diseases, etc.
Anita discusses the concept of epigenetics, which is the study of changes in organisms that can be caused by a modification of gene expression, as opposed to an alteration of the genetic code. She details the specific area of epigenetics she focuses on, which looks at how offspring will inherit information or change their phenotype based on their parents’ environment, or stress. She explains why starvation or stress may lead to changes, and talks in depth about experiments with fruit flies that provided further information on theories related to epigenetic inheritance.
She discusses how weight affects flies, and how they look at fat by observing and measuring their triglycerides. And the research scientist explains what they learned by experimenting with weight gain in the test subjects and how that impacts offspring.
Continuing, the Linköping University researcher talks about experiments they performed with humans related to diet and sugar intake. She discusses their results, and how it affected sperm motility. Wrapping up, the researcher explains how these dietary and other effects have impacted their research and their considerations for other experimentation.
In this podcast:
Michael D. West, PhD, founder and CEO of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (agexinc.com), delivers an insightful overview of the effects of aging and the cellular aging mechanism.
Dr. West received his PhD from Baylor College of Medicine with a concentration in the biology of cellular aging. He has spent the better part of his academic and business career focused on the application of developmental biology to various age-related degenerative diseases.
Dr. West discusses the premise of his company, AgeX Therapeutics. As he explains, aging is a national and international priority. He explains how the post WWII population surge has made chronic degenerative diseases a major focus. And the goal at AgeX Therapeutics is to develop new and innovative therapies to combat these chronic degenerative diseases. AgeX Therapeutics is interested in the development and commercialization of unique therapeutics that will target human aging issues. Working forward from their current proprietary technologies, such as PureStem® and induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR™), Age X Therapeutics seeks to further develop innovative medicines that can have a significant positive impact on the many and various unsolved problems in aging.
Dr. West talks about aging in detail, framing his conversation upon the current information that exists regarding various diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes, etc. He states that as they study the basic clockwork elements that lead to aging in the brain, skin, lungs, etc., they then apply this information and research to the unmet needs in medicine. Dr. West goes on to explain telomerase, an important enzyme that adds nucleotides to telomeres, most especially in cancer cells. He explains how telomerase resets the clock. Further, he talks about some of the information they learned from cloning experiments. The evidence, he states, suggests that by putting an aged cell back into an egg cell, the aging process could be set in reverse. And today, after further experimentation, researchers know this to be true. Telomerase can in fact rewind the clock of cellular aging.
The aging researcher explains how the aging process is the same throughout the body, which is encouraging because having a common mechanism makes the outlook for discovery of treatment and therapies better. Continuing, Dr. West explains how change is observed, discussing the science of aging, and he states that changes seem to be systemic thus far in current experimentation with animals.
In this podcast:
New chronic degenerative disease therapies
How can telomerase reset the clock?
Can aging be reversed at the cellular level?
It’s a belief that can be traced to the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians: the gut is the seat of emotion. Until recently, however, this idea hasn’t been given much attention in the world of modern science and research. On today’s podcast, gastroenterologist, author of over 320 peer-reviewed articles, and professor of physiology at the UCLA Microbiome Center,
Dr. Emeran Mayer, gives us a look into his current work on understanding how the microbiome lends itself to brain-gut interactions, influences emotion, and even paves the way for the development of obesity.
Tune in for the details on all this and more, including:
For more information on these topics, visit https://emeranmayer.com/.
In this podcast, Dr. Jose Colon explains
Triple board-certified author Dr. Jose Colon brings his expertise to this podcast by addressing many common questions about the current state of sleep science. He describes different types of sleep disorders treatment from C-Pap machines to oral devices and when one may be more beneficial than another.
Dr. Colon practices full time sleep medicine for adults and children, incorporating a holistic outlook that includes mindfulness and science-driven approaches. In an effort to bring his ideas together, he wrote Sleep Diet: A Novel Approach to Insomnia for adults and The Magic Ice Cream Palace for kids, both of which are more creative approaches to the issue rather than to-do lists. He explains some of the most common sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia to less common but equally harmful disorders that disturb our sleep health benefits.
He then weighs the plus and minus for different sleep disorders treatments and even describes his own experience with an oral appliance to improve sleep quality. Dr. Colon also points to upcoming advances in improving sleep health benefits such as comfort level improvements of C-Pap machines and an implant in the works.
For any next steps, he recommends reaching out to your primary care physician but also a search for a locally accredited sleep center.
In today’s episode, Dr. Stasha Gominak discusses the gut microbiome, the benefits of vitamin D in terms of the microbiome, the importance of B vitamins, and how the microbiome affects sleep in general. As a neurologist with restless leg syndrome, Dr. Gominak has interesting insight on what it feels like to experience involuntary movements that interrupt sleep, and how vitamins influence sleep in general.
She discusses the importance of the four main species that live in the human GI tract, and how they are affected by insufficient levels of vitamin D. She also explains why she considers the microbiome to be its own organ, and how to restore it once it's been damaged or depleted. Dr. Gominak is a wealth of knowledge on these topics.
Tune in for the details on all of this and more, including:
Learn more about Dr. Gominak’s work by visiting https://drgominak.com/.
Historically, researchers have performed clinical research studies exclusively on males. Dr. Nichole explains:
Dr. Nicole Catherine Woitowich, Associate Director of Women's Health Institute Research at Northwestern University, discusses the issues using male-dominated research groups created in our present medical treatments. Because women's hormones fluctuate monthly and have the potential to become pregnant, they were left out of clinical research studies as a protective measure.
But this has led to a misunderstanding of how many medicines truly function for different sexes and genders. For example, Ambien metabolizes differently for men versus women. She discusses difficulties such as the ethics issues with randomized clinical trials for pregnant women, but also suggests solutions such as pregnant women who must take medicines for health reasons becoming involved in a system of self-reporting reactions.
The National Health Institute passed a mandate in 1993 and again a broader one in 2015 to try and correct these measures and transform the disregard for gender in healthcare. Dr. Woitowich talks about how this might change some practices and the hope form more changes to insure health equity across the board, including gender nonconforming , transgender, and nonbinary patients as well.
For more, see the Women's Health Institute page at https://www.womenshealth.northwestern.edu/
Dr. Wotowich can be found on Twitter @NikiWoitowich and her email address is nicole.woitowich@northwestern.edu
OpGen uses genomics and informatics to improve management of patient infections by detecting antibiotic-resistant microbes. Mr. Jones describes
If a patient comes to the hospital with urosepsis from ineffective treatment, they don't have days to wait for information. OpGen's genomics testing and data from informatics will deliver accurate pathogen detection within hours, giving doctors the correct urinary tract infection antibiotics.
Furthermore, the over use of antibiotics puts doctors in a difficult position of most likely under or over prescribing for patients when they won't know for days exactly what pathogen their patient is facing. This doesn't work for superinfections or broadly resistant pathogens. OpGen's genomics testing gives caregivers answers within hours to help the correct course of treatment through effective pathogen detection.
In addition to urinary tract infection antibiotics identification, they are also developing equivalent systems for respiratory tract infections. Mr. Jones expects this technology will be cleared for use in our medical system by the end of 2020.
For more, see their website at opgen.com and follow them on twitter: @OpGen
After Dinesh Thankur discovered the failings of a generic drug manufacturer in India, he's been on a campaign for change. When you listen to this discussion, you'll learn
A pharmaceutical expert, Mr. Thakur discovered a company in India that hired him was falsifying data and practicing substandard manufacturing techniques with generic drugs. He left the company and helped the US FDA put the company through criminal prosecution. In this podcast, he discusses these efforts and other problems with the lack of oversight for pharmaceutical quality assurance of generic drugs produced overseas.
Featured in the book Bottle of Lies by journalist Katherine Eban, Mr. Thakur has continued his activism within the current generic drug consumption in the U.S. He discusses the holes in the system, such as difficulties in inspecting an overseas manufacturer, and how the lack of power Medicaid holds in negotiating drug prices produces further roadblocks.
He offers some tenable actions the average citizen can make to prevent the manufacture of these spurious drugs and shares his expertise on how small changes could improve the potentially dangerous generic drugs in our market.
For more about Dinesh Thakur and his contact information, see https://dineshthakur.com/.
Peter Jay Hotez, Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, discusses vaccinations, the anti-science movement, and other critical issues regarding modern medicine. Additionally, the discussion covers global health issues, vaccination for hookworm infection, and other important information on vaccines.
As a vaccine scientist, pediatrician, and parent, Hotez discusses his great concern over the rising anti-science and anti-vaccine movements that are sweeping the nation. He discusses the chatter in the anti-science community that has tried to make the case that vaccines cause autism. He explains how this false narrative has pushed its way through and gained steam.
As a parent of a child who has autism and disabilities, he states that he has become a voice in this dialogue, due to his certainty that his child did not in any way develop autism due to any vaccines. He explains how the anti-vaccine community has pushed this false narrative, and how they have no facts to back their assertions. With hundreds of anti-vaccine websites, and media exposure, Hotez states that this movement is beginning to impact public health negatively.
Hotez recounts some of the cases he has handled as a pediatrician, discussing some of the diseases that have diminished over time due to successful vaccines. From anti-vaccine movements to genetically-modified organism movements to climate denial, and more, the war being waged against real, proven science is growing at an alarming rate. And Hotez states that the ‘new normal’ is dangerous, as anti-science takes hold in the wider public discourse.
Continuing, Hotez discusses his recommendations to patients and the public about how to get correct information on science and vaccines. He states that pharmacists and pediatricians/doctors should be the trusted sources for vaccine and medical information. And he states that people should be very cautious when they source information from the internet. Wrapping up, he discusses some of the most important vaccinations that people should be getting, and other information about protecting your health.
In this podcast:
The truth is that most people who have sleep problems don’t really need to see a doctor about it; they just need to understand the problem, understand the challenges they’re having, and understand sleep, and then be given some ways to resolve it without using medications or medical devices or surgery,” says Jonathan Parker, who has worked as a dentist for over 36 years. For the past seven years, he's been collaborating with a sleep physician by the name of Mike Howell.
With their combined experience of nearly four decades and a mutual interest in reaching large numbers of people who sleep poorly but don’t know why or what to do about it, Dr. Howell and Dr. Parker started the Sleep Performance Institute, which helps enable people with simple, fun, and engaging methods of resolving their sleep issues.
Interested in learning more? Tune in, and discover the details of all this and more, including:
Check out https://www.sleepperformanceinstitute.com/ to learn more.
Robert Munro, author, expert in human and machine intelligence, discusses his work, and the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence.
Munro discusses his background and what drove him to dig into AI, detailing the data side of AI and machine learning algorithms. He cites the example of autonomous vehicles, in that thousands of hours of driving data have been created by people, critical driving data that provides valuable and necessary information, such as ‘this is the middle of the street,’ this is a stop sign,’ etc.
Therefore, the quality of the data is often times more important than the algorithm itself. And it was this construct that motivated Munro to devote his time and research into the nexus between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence.
The AI data guru discusses active learning, the analysis of data and algorithms to determine how accurate and up to date they are, to suss what is missing, etc. It is the process of trying to decide which is the best data for humans to review, and is a major topic in Munro’s latest book.
Munro goes on to discuss languages and algorithmic functioning from a historical perspective, touching on bad data and large volumes of data, and the impact of both. As he states, sometimes it is best to use a smaller amount of data, a batch of data that is carefully curated, as opposed to simply a large data set that is more generic.
Munro furthers the conversation, discussing the differences between various languages and how adaptable systems are created. Munro provides information on raw data and the methods to utilize it, discussing the specifics in regard to natural language processing and machine learning. He discusses task creation and models for prediction in AI.
Wrapping up, Munro provides further information on computer vision models for autonomous driving, and other issues such as predictive maintenance, identifying cracks in machinery, the integration of robotics and more.
And Munro provides his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence, where we are currently, and the prospects for the coming years.
Veronika Kralj-Iglic, PhD is a physicist and Chair of Biomechanics at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia who has done a variety of work in the field of medicine, classical physics, quantum physics, and orthopedics, but who says her favorite work has revolved around extracellular vesicle research. Why? According to Dr. Kralj-Iglic, it’s because of the amount of potential that extracellular vesicles hold for the future of medicine and biology.
"These little vesicles present a hope that maybe we will get to an understanding of the function of living systems,” she says, commenting on the many questions that remain regarding the mechanism underlying the causes of cancer.
She shares insight from years' worth of research, and touches on the following:
Nick Horowski, Holistic Health Professional and founder of Evolution, Health & Fitness (www.evo-health.com), delivers his thoughts on good health and offers tips for those who want to lead a healthier life. In this podcast, Horowski provides detailed information on holistic health and wellness, including the importance of nutrition in life.
Horowski works as a consultant, health coach, and physical therapist. Horowski talks about his background and the reasons he was drawn to a career in health. He recounts how his childhood was filled with sports and health-conscious activities. Additionally, he saw the importance of eating healthy, from the garden, at a young age.
Horowski describes how important it is to have balance of good sleep, good emotional and physical health, and diet. Horowski talks about the ways he connects with clients, some who may have troubling health issues already. As he states, what’s important is to get his clients moving, and thinking, about the ways they can make improvements daily, from posture to activities, and more. Step by step is the key, taking steps toward your goal, even if they are small steps.
Horowski talks about breaking old habits and patterns, and the importance of simple things, such as hydration and nutrition. Horowski explains how every client, every person, is different, and therefore any program for good health must be tailored to the individual.
Wrapping up, Horowski discusses the spectrum of clients he works with, and their individual struggles and goals. Finally, Horowski talks about the keys to success in health goals, and how they can be achieved.
In this podcast:
Researchers, physicians, and the layman alike are becoming more and more interested in understanding the role and function of the microbiome, and how it may be contributing to different states of health and disease.
In the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital in India, assistant professor Priya Nimish Deo is collecting data and reviewing the current literature on the composition of the oral microbiome and how it may cause a variety of human diseases.
Until the relatively recent development of a number of sequencing methods, only microbes capable of being cultured in the lab could be identified, but all of that is changing quickly.
This will open the door to an unprecedented amount of information about the bacteria in our mouths and the diseases throughout our bodies.
Tune in for the details on all of this and more, including:
Stroke, heart attack, autoimmune diseases, weight gain and the inability to lose it, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer: what do all of these have in common? According to Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, one of the foremost authorities in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as a growing body of evidence, they can all occur as a result of snoring or sleep apnea. This is a significant problem, especially considering the fact that tens of millions of people in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and most of them either don’t know it or aren’t being treated.
Dr. Greenberg discusses the barriers to diagnosis and treatment when it comes to snoring and sleep apnea, and why so few people comply with what their doctors recommend. He also explains how his company, Sleep Certified, is making the process of receiving treatment more convenient for people, as well as encouraging awareness and education on the connection between sleep health, dental health, and overall health among dentists and physicians through a Sleep Certified training program that leads to multiple levels of certification. Contrary to popular belief, the CPAP machine is not the only option for those who snore and/or have sleep apnea.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn about all of this and more, including:
After a discovery ten years ago showed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain RNA rather than just cell waste, Dr. Ter-Ovanesyan has studied these cellular products. This discussion explores:
Dr. Dmitry Ter-Ovanesyan is working as a post-doc at Harvard with the Wyss Institute in extracellular vesicle research. He's drawn to the great potential and challenges these exosomes offer scientists in solving multiple health issues.
While EVs were discovered about 40 years ago, it wasn't until two studies published in 2007 announced that they contained RNA that the scientific community focused more energy their way. Dr. Ter-Ovanesyan was a student at the time and was immediately drawn to these RNA-carrying vesicles.
He explains why RNA is so significant in the complexity of messages it might carry from one cell to another. He also describes the multiple challenges these exosomes present because of their heterogeneous nature and difficulties in isolating them. But he recounts the great potential they may offer, from offering doctors information about the brain or heart by supplying RNA information to RNA drug possibilities through synthetic biology research.
For more information, see his contact information on the Wyss Institute page (https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/research-scientists-engineers/dima-ter-ovanesyan/_ and Harvard's Church Lab page (https://genetics.med.harvard.edu/lab/church/dter-ovanesyan). His publications are listed on PubMed as well.
As a gastroenterology specialist and professor at McMaster University, Michael G. Surette, PhD centers his work on a variety of aspects of the human microbiome, including its development and role in early life, what happens to it with age, and how it’s related to chronic diseases such as those of the airway, as well as Crohn’s, colitis, and IBS.
On today’s episode, Dr. Surette shares fascinating insight on the research he’s conducting, what he’s learned over the years, and the future of microbiome science.
Tune in for the details on all of this and more, including:
Learn more by visiting http://www.surettelab.ca/lab/.
Wolfgang Smith, scholar, author, and researcher in mathematics and physics, presents an overview of his long and storied career in the sciences.
From a young age, Smith was fascinated by the concept that physics could literally explain all that happens on Earth. Entering the prestigious Cornell University at the age of 15, Smith majored in physics, mathematics, and philosophy, and graduated at just 18 years old; and from there he began to question all that he had learned, and began to dig deeper. Smith provides an overview of the history and current state of physics. As he states, in regard to physics, we are approaching the end of an era, the end to the era of such scientific minds as Galileo and Newton.
The scientific expert explains his thoughts on physics, expounding upon his views on testing and discovery, including the quantum realm and Newtonian physics. He discusses the philosophical thoughts of Rene Descartes. Continuing, he discusses the problems with the science that are not validated or supported by mathematics. He talks about beliefs in science, and the concept of enlightenment, citing examples of scientistic beliefs (those that are characterized by an exaggerated belief in the principles, and methods, of science). He states that we must differentiate between authentic science (the science that powers our technology, etc.) and the scientistic beliefs (science that the public knows about).
Smith, unsatisfied with much of what contemporary science presented, sought to dig further, which culminated with his writing of the book, The Quantum Enigma. Smith discusses his book in detail and his arguments and findings that are written on the pages. As Smith states, the world that we perceive through our five senses is in fact very real. Logic is the basis of his thoughts… and he discusses how all of physics can be accomplished by working in the corporeal world and the physical world.
Continuing, the scientific researcher discusses his specific thoughts on DNA and life, and the origins of organisms. Smith explains his thoughts on the biological world and the origin of life. As he states, the origin of everything is in God, and this is recognized. And he states that this belief will become the leading paradigm going forward, basing science on God the creator.
Biopsies for the diagnosis of cancer are usually invasive and potentially dangerous. In addition, there’s no guarantee that this method will even result in a sample of tumor cells, due to the heterogeneity of tumors.
In today’s episode, Chamindie Punyadeera from the Queensland University of Technology discusses a new non-invasive tool called a liquid biopsy to detect early cardiovascular disease and three types of cancers. Rather than relying upon a sample of tumor tissue retrieved through biopsy, this new tool uses saliva or blood.
This is a cost-effective and less dangerous process for the patient, and it eliminates the chances of missing cancer cells that are there, but just weren’t accessed by the needle. This method makes early detection of cancer in the premalignant stage possible, as well as the stratification of patients at diagnosis to determine the stage of cancer.
Tune in for all the details on this and more, including:
Gastroenterology specialist Dr. Paul Moayyedi describes why a network of researchers across Canada is studying causes and possibilities for relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This podcast explores:
Dr. Moayyedi, Professor, Division of Gastroenterology at the Department of Medicine with MacMaster University, is principal investigator with Imagine Network, a study encompassing multiple disciplines, from gastroenterology specialists to psychiatrists, observing what changes in variables over time for IBS and IBD patients.
While the study centers on bowel diseases, it looks at aspects in addition to the gut microbiome such as mental health, diet, and inflammation. Findings many benefit patients from Crohn's disease suffers to those testing for gastric cancer.
He explains that the human gut, with the highest concentration of bacteria on the planet, is very difficult to study. Most diagnostics only offer a small snapshot. A colonoscopy, for example uncovers only a single element in gastric cancer, while many bowel diseases are for more complex. The Imagine Network approaches these diseases through multiple angles instead to get a fuller picture.
One promising aspect of their work involves fecal transplants (which more accurately means the introduction of fecally-contaminated water), which changes the gut bacteria. They were the first to start randomized trials with fecal transplants and its effect on ulcerative colitis.
They've found about a quarter of the patients found relief from the disease through these transplants. Dr. Moayyedi hopes they will encounter what drives such diseases through these studies.
To get in contact or find out more, see www.imaginespor.com.
Diana Jabour describes the "building biology" of our homes. She explains:
Diana Jabour, Environmental and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist and owner of Jabour Environmental, believes we can be CEOs of our health. Her mother modeled research-driven selections alongside common sense for healthy choices in food and materials, and Jabour continues practicing what she learned from this inspiring figure.
When she noticed her own family experiencing troubling symptoms after moving into a new home, she began researching. She then attended the Building Biology Institute in Santa Fe and Jabour added to her already solid understanding of EMF pollution and electromagnetic radiation dangers.
She discusses the ways our homes handle the four elements of building biology: air quality, water quality, lighting quality, and electromagnetic fields.
Jabour offers the good news that we can control our space and she explains how, from techniques to ensure we are sleeping in electric fields that are close to nature to understanding why "anything that says 'smart' is stupid," and how we can better protect ourselves from EMF pollution and electromagnetic radiation dangers. Finally, she describes how she does a walk-through for her clients and types of solutions she typically recommends.
For more about these issues, see her company's web site at https://www.jabourenvironmental.com/;
This podcast describes a cutting-edge application of analytical chemistry. When you listen, you will learn:
Laura-Isobel McCall, Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma, specializes in chemical cartography of host-microbe interactions. She runs the McCall Lab, where they practice the application of analytical chemistry to map disease-causing microbes in mammalian organ systems.
The McCall Lab explores the interaction between pathogens, the microbiome, and the host to develop drugs that are capable of metabolism modulation. Through metabolomics testing and chemical cartography, Dr. McCall's lab is working on compounds to counter the effects of pathogens such as parasites. Much of their work focuses on neglected diseases, often potentially deadly, such as trypanosoma cruzi, which is present in the United States.
Dr. McCall explains how locating and mapping microbes with 3D technology and metabolomics testing opens up an understanding of how these pathogens function. This has led to identifying how important timing is in treating against the effects of such pathogens: the extent of tissue damage and the eventual dormant stage of a parasite are factors of time, for example. Furthermore, developing compounds to bolster how the host deals with the energy demand of the pathogen is more effective than simply targeting the pathogen.
Future work of the lab includes applying these techniques to other types of pathogens, improving the compounds to help patients, and connecting this work to other location-centered diseases.
For more information, see the McCall Lab page at http://mccall-lab.oucreate.com/ and find them on twitter as @LabMccall.
Jordan Stern, MD, Founder & CEO of BlueSleep, a successful sleep health and wellness company, talks about the diagnosis of sleep apnea and his company’s solutions for better sleep.
Dr. Stern is an award-winning head and neck surgeon, and a New York Times bestselling author. He is board-certified in otolaryngology and sleeps medicine. Dr. Stern discusses his background and the massive epidemic of sleep apnea, a condition of which most people do not even know they have. The sleep expert and researcher discusses various sleep conditions including hypopnea, which is shallow breathing, an abnormally low respiratory rate. The condition is regularly defined by a significantly decreased amount of air movement into the lungs, so much so that it can cause oxygen levels in the blood to drop. Hypopnea is often due to partial obstruction of the upper airway. Dr. Stern describes how the oxygen in your blood drops when you suffer from hypopnea.
The sleep doctor discusses the various risk factors for sleep apnea, the primary one being weight gain. He states that as we age, many people tend to gain weight, and this weight gain can often bring about sleep apnea. Continuing, Dr. Stern explains how BlueSleep can provide testing and treatment for various sleep disorders, as he discusses snoring causes and effect and snoring treatment in detail. The sleep doctor goes on to discuss CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices, oral appliances, snoring causes and effect, snoring treatment and more.
In this podcast:
In this podcast, Dr. Abramson will explain:
Dr. Mark Abramson is sleep apnea and TMJ specialist in Northern California. After facing an injury in his teen years, his resolve to pursue healing strengthened and he has spent 40 years developing a treatment program that brings together the mind-body connection in dentistry.
In this podcast, he describes the complex ways the mouth and jaw, two main centers of growth, interact within the muscular-skeletal complexes of our upper body. The extent to which we are mouth breathers, how our tongue grows, and what types of orthodontics we've had an all affect TMJ pain we may experience or whether we struggle with sleep apnea.
Dr. Abramson describes the numerous medical evaluations patients will undergo before they seek TMJ treatments or sleep apnea treatment. Because pain is multi-dimensional with primary and referred pain, patients struggle with understanding causes. Dr. Abramson uses a comprehension of these interplays to develop special splints and sleep apnea appliances as well as cranial osteopathic manipulation to treat patients.
For more information, see Dr. Abramson's office web site: https://www.drtmjsleepapnea.com/
For information on practitioners that use his Oasys system, see: http://oasyssleep.com/
Most of us go to the doctor about once a year, or at least we should in order to get a routine check-up and some blood tests done. This visit allows for an important dialogue about our health, including information about our biochemistry such as how much sodium, potassium, or glucose is in our system at the time of the appointment. However, it can be hard to keep up with the changes the doctor recommends because it’s easy to forget about them when life seems to get in the way.
What if there was a way to monitor your own personal biochemistry in real-time? You had a salad for lunch instead of a donut, and you went for a walk after work instead of sitting on the couch; if you could get the biochemical data associated with those lifestyle changes in real-time, you might be more likely to continue implementing healthful changes and paying attention to the way your body responds to different stimuli.
Until now, the technology that would allow for this simply hasn’t existed.
On today’s episode, CEO of Profusa, Ben Hwang, talks about a new and affordable technology that puts the power of biochemical data in the hands of the user. Unlike other biochemical sensors that don’t last longer than a couple of days or weeks, the Profusa sensor can last for years, which means it’s affordable and more convenient for you. Interested in learning more?
Tune in to discover:
Learn more at https://profusa.com/.
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that release toxins, and they’re also the building blocks of life itself. Under healthy conditions, the environment in which cyanobacteria live serves as a system of checks and balances wherein cyanobacteria do not overpopulate. When this system of checks and balances is disturbed, such as by human intervention, changes in temperature, or any number of other factors which influence the rate at which cyanobacteria grow, the toxins they produce end up dominating the whole ecological sphere in which they exist, and continuously change the chemical and biological conditions in the water.
This overpopulation is happening globally in nearly every place you can find water, whether in the sea, lakes, or reservoirs for irrigation, and it’s having devastating consequences for environmental and human health.
BlueGreen Technologies Ltd has developed the first-ever solution to dealing with large-scale algal blooms and restoring the health and use of bodies of water around the world. Eyal Harel is the CEO and co-founder of this company, and he joins the podcast to explain how their products work, and why they show so much more promise than any solution which has come before it.
By tuning in, you will learn:
Learn more by visiting http://bgtechs.com/about/.
Janet Bennett, author and sleep expert, provides an overview of her comprehensive sleep program (ijustwanttosleep.com) that is helping people find a way to get better, more restful sleep.
Bennett is an experienced, successful Speech Pathologist in private practice who is passionate about helping people end their suffering and find new pathways to quality sleep. Bennett explains that snoring is a definite sign that a person’s sleep is not ideal. Snoring indicates mouth breathing which may be preventing one’s body from going into that deep REM sleep that we all need to feel refreshed come morning.
Bennett explains how snoring can lead to sleep apnea, and she talks about the importance of educating people about the signs. While many people seem to think they cannot breathe well through their nose, and thus resort to mouth breathing, the truth is—they can, and simply need to relearn or train themselves on how to nose breath again. Bennett explains how her program trains people to put the tip of their tongue at a certain spot on the palette, which can help them immensely. The good sleep entrepreneur talks about CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, and provides information about the changes in the industry.
Bennett discusses mouth breathing in detail, and she expounds upon the various tongue exercises that anyone can use to retrain their tongue to hold itself at the roof of the mouth, which enables you to breathe naturally through the nose. She talks about snoring causes and effects, snoring treatment, and the hundreds of snoring sufferers she has worked with through the years. And her work produces results, which she discusses. Bennett provides some impressive stats regarding improvement and the results seen after people utilize her program.
In this podcast:
Around the world, there are thousands of variations on religion and faith-based practices, and religion itself can happen on many levels—within your own self, within your family, within your church, within different churches of the same sect, and so on. Today’s episode is the first in a new series on religions around the world.
Richard Jacobs will explore all aspects of the continuum on which religions and faith fall, and dive into a number of topics with guests who are eager to share their personal experiences with faith and religion. Tune in for a discussion with Jay Wesley Richards, Research Assistant Professor in the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America, and New York Times bestselling author.
You will discover:
For over 30 years, Ted Schroeder has been involved in the sales, marketing, and development of antibiotics, and he currently serves as the CEO of Nabriva Therapeutics. He joins the podcast today to discuss the current work being done at Nabriva, which involves the development of a new class of IV antibiotics for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults—the first of its kind in the US in over two decades.
The second product Nabriva is working on has been around for nearly four decades but has never been available in the US, and it’s been shown to be effective in tackling complicated urinary tract infections and multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. These antibiotics could limit or altogether eliminate the need for hospital stays for many people. To learn more about the work being done, tune in.
You’ll discover the details of all this and more, including:
For more information, visit https://www.nabriva.com/.
Ronald C. McGlennen, M.D., President & Medical Director of Access Genetics, delivers an interesting overview of oral issues, discussing the microbiome and bacteria.
In addition to his work with Access Genetics, Dr. McGlennen is also the Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. McGlennen is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, and by the American Board of Medical Genetics with a Specialty in Clinical Molecular Genetics as well.
The internationally-recognized expert in Molecular Biology and Genetics discusses his thoughts on the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and conditions of the mouth. Dr. McGlennen states that the microbiome has earned its place as an organ in our bodies and must be recognized for its role that is central to good health. Changes in the gut flora can provide answers to intestinal health, and the microbiome truly holds many answers to medical issues. In regard to bad bacteria, he states, much of it comes from our environment—intimate contact, foods, surfaces, etc. He explains how, over time, due to age and lack of exercise etc., we move into a state of dysbiosis, which is essentially a microbial imbalance on or inside the body—such as an impaired microbiota. Dr. McGlennen discusses the ways in which our microbiome can be affected, and he delves into an overview of periodontal disease and its causes. He discusses disease markers and pathogens, and the indicators of disease.
The doctor provides intricate detailed information on gum disease, plaque build up, bad bacteria in the mouth, other specific detrimental issues of the mouth, and mouth bacteria treatment. He discusses the eleven bacteria that make up the ‘quantitative DNA analysis’ and how they can utilize this information to understand cumulative bacterial load, and to grasp how to best provide treatments and therapies.
Dr. McGlennen has published over 70 important scientific articles and book chapters and he is the distinguished editor of five journals.
In this podcast:
Wynand De Beer, independent researcher and philosopher, specializing in Hellenic philosophy and Patristic theology, discusses philosophy; socio-political discourse; and metaphysics, the specific branch of philosophy that pertains to the nature of existence, being, and the world.
De Beer is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church and he has written numerous articles for Orthodox publications and various websites, penned under his Orthodox name, Vladimir de Beer. He is the author of From Logos to Bios: Evolutionary Theory in Light of Plato, Aristotle, and Neoplatonism.
De Beer discusses his thoughts on philosophical, socio-political, theological, and metaphysical issues. He explains that much of the mindset regarding issues of this nature has been lost due to rationalism, secular humanism, and materialism. He talks about the important works of others who have come before him, such as Albert Camus, the French Algerian philosopher, author, and journalist.
De Beer talks in detail about some of the areas of his latest book, analyzing big issues from various chapters, from well being and love, to good vs evil, to consciousness, and the three manifestations of consciousness. Digging deeper, De Beer provides an analysis of gender, as it relates to our current and historical interpretations.
He states that the traditional understanding of man and woman, male and female, must function as polar opposites in order to constitute the reality that we live in. He provides an interesting account of the views on feminism, and the militant forms of feminism, and male chauvinism… all of which must be rejected as wrong, as they present an imbalanced view. There is no subordination or domination he states.
De Beer explains that the views and function of gender and sexuality, etc. are often taken to the extreme, perhaps as a form of rebellion, but ultimately too extreme. De Beer continues, discussing the details of other areas of his book, including a salient discussion on modern liberalism. He discusses his views on the immortality of the soul, referencing early Greek mythology from significant voices such as Plato.
The influential author and philosopher provides further details on his thoughts on politics and conflict. He discusses his next book, currently titled, Origins, and expounds upon some of the topics he will touch upon in the upcoming work.
In this podcast:
Snoring is so common these days that some people either think it’s normal or just learn to live with it, but many encounter all kinds of problems as a result of snoring, including relationships and serious health problems. When Erin Elliott began asking her dental patients how they sleep at night and whether or not they snore, she was given a lot of strange looks. That was 10 years ago when the connection between dental signs and symptoms weren’t really considered to have anything to do with sleep or snoring. Today, many more dentists are acknowledging how they are intertwined and integrating this understanding into their practice.
Erin Elliott is a dentist who is so well known for this that many of her patients are referred to her for snoring problems by physicians or existing patients. On today’s episode, she discusses the varying causes and effects of snoring and how essential it is to identify the cause before implementing a snoring treatment, what kinds of dental signs and symptoms indicate the presence of a sleep or breathing problem, what’s happening physiologically when someone snores, and so much more.
By tuning in, you will discover:
Learn more by tuning in and emailing your questions to erinelliottdds@gmail.com.
Richard Gallo, MD, PhD, a leading expert in human immunology, skin biology, and the microbiome, delivers an interesting overview of skin issues, the microbiome, antimicrobial peptides, skin microbiome acne, and so much more.
Gallo earned his PhD from Harvard and has pursued a life in the sciences. Gallo talks about his background and how he came to be so interested in dermatology and immunology, and as he states, the big question for Gallo was, how does a host protect itself? He provides an overview of ‘resistance’ and how it differs, discussing how humans and plants, etc. can be affected by a microbe. Gallo comments that the skin is the first layer separating the inside… from the outside, and that’s a pretty important job.
What do microbes do to benefit us, speaking of those microbes that our skin tolerates? Gallo’s current research and discovery revolves around this question. Gallo states that microbes can become trapped within the skin’s pores, and once they are they are nurtured, kept in check by the immune system so they don’t become an infection. Gallo discusses the broad range that exists in the cells of the microbial community. Gallo provides an overview of the microbial community and he explains what different genes are doing at the bacterial level. Continuing, Gallo talks about the kinds of inflammation that exist and how improvement of the microbiome can permit the human environment to correct and flourish.
The immunology expert describes an ideal scenario of future medical approaches to combatting certain diseases. And he discusses some of the new issues and discoveries that show great promise, and how the skin, its microbes, and cells are all important to the understanding of how to treat disease.
In this podcast:
This podcast discusses exciting innovations in neutron production:
Even Sengbusch, PhD, MBA, and president of Phoenix, discusses the history of Shine Medical and Phoenix and how their work to produce neutrons through new technology leaves the danger and limitations of nuclear reactors far behind. Greg Piefer, founder and CEO of Shine Medical was unable to join the conversation because of travel issues, but Dr. Sengbusch discusses both companies and what they accomplish. Shine Medical spun from Phoenix in 2010 to focus specifically on radioisotopes in medicine. Phoenix produces neutron generators that Shine then uses for isotopes useful in medical technology imaging procedures.
Phoenix focuses on molybdenum 99 production, which has been the workhorse in nuclear medicine. Currently only two places worldwide manufacture molybdenum 99, and Phoenix will soon be able to make this isotope without a nuclear reactor.
When it decays, Moly 99 emits detectable gamma rays that work as markers for imaging techniques. For example, it can attach to heart-specific glucose and then provide organ information through imaging. It can also attach to cancer cells and give a clear image for cancer detection.
For more information, see https://phoenixwi.com/ and https://shinemed.com/.
When you listen, you’ll learn about these innovations and more:
In this podcast, Dr. Daniel Voytas, McKnight Presidential Endowed Professor, Director of the Center for Precision Plant Genomics at the University of Minnesota, and founder of Clayxt, shares these and other exciting advances in genome editing in plants.
Dr. Voytas’ work with the Center for Precision Plant Genomics centers on improving genome editing in plants through precise editing, substitution, and mutation techniques. The center's goal is to create plants that can withstand challenges like drought and insect predation while maintaining more healthful components. At the university, most of this work involves model plants that work well for experimentation.
About ten years ago, Dr. Voytas started the company Calyxt, which transfers that technology into developing new food crops like soybeans with altered genes that offer various benefits. For example, gene editing allowed them to inactivate the gene that converts the oil in the soybean seeds from monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fat. The company produced their first gene-edited product for sale with this monounsaturated soybean oil that has a much longer life for deep frying.
For more information on how to contact Dr. Voytas, see https://cbs.umn.edu/contacts/daniel-voytas-phd.
Mark A. Cruz, D.D.S, a pioneer in the dental industry, shares information on modern dentistry, snoring causes and effect, snoring treatment, rhinitis, and stuffy noses.
Dr. Cruz is a seasoned, trusted family dentist who approaches all dental issues with a macro lens, considering his patients’ overall health, instead of simply treating problems as they occur. Dr. Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. A few of his outstanding accomplishments include serving on the National Institute of Health/National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research Grant Review Committee in Washington D.C., and being an integral part of the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice. Dr. Cruz is motivated by learning and is continually expanding his knowledge to better serve his patients.
Dr. Cruz discusses teaching and orthodontics, and the importance of nasal breathing. He provides detail on why we as humans can and do breathe nasally and orally as well. He explains oral breathing, the exchanging of gas, and the processes our bodies go through. He provides an overview of nasal breathing and discusses the inflammatory response that the body exhibits when nasal breathing is cut off or compromised. Expanding on this discussion he discusses the importance of teaching kids the proper ways to breathe and blow their noses, etc. While mucus has a purpose, we do not want it to obstruct nasal breathing to the point that we are always breathing through the mouth. He discusses practical methods to increase nasal breathing, such as the neti pot, etc. for rinsing debris or excess mucus from the nasal cavity.
Continuing, Dr. Cruz provides information on studies that have observed breathing. Breathing rate was documented over decades, and surprisingly we have, overall, increased breathing rates. And unfortunately, this increase may be a key link to increases in inflammatory diseases. The doctor discusses exercises and specifically touches on facial exercises, which could decrease sagging, and other detrimental effects of aging. And Dr. Cruz provides detailed information on snoring and breathing issues, and how medicine practitioners are now paying more attention to airway issues perhaps than before.
In this podcast:
What causes snoring?
What happens when nasal breathing is diminished?
How can we improve airway problems?
“The second you think you know everything, you realize there’s a lot you don’t know,” says Marc Bekoff, who has spent his entire career studying animal behavior and biology and playing an integral role in animal rights organizations.
As Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder and Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society, Dr. Bekoff values productive conversation with people who bring different opinions to the table, and advocates for the importance of understanding the complexity of all other species on planet Earth.
He joins the podcast today to discuss the surprising similarities and differences between and within different species, the role domestic dogs play in our lives and vice versa, how personality variation contributes to the formation and maintenance of groups of animals, and so much more.
Tune in to learn:
Learn more by visiting marcbekoff.com.
Out of the 100 million people in the U.S. who snore, more than half of them have sleep apnea, a condition which causes the cessation of breathing up to hundreds of times per night during sleep. In addition, snoring itself is a gateway to sleep apnea, meaning that most people who snore regularly are at risk of developing sleep apnea.
Dr. Jay Khorsandi is a general dentist and snoring and sleep expert who joins the show today to discuss the causes and effects of snoring, and how age and weight contribute to sleep apnea and poor overall sleep health.
He also discusses his approach to diagnosing and formulating individualized plans for the treatment of different snoring and sleep issues. This approach begins in the patient’s home rather than the clinical environment of a sleep lab.
He explains why this is beneficial and what type of information he is able to gather.
Tune in to discover:
Dr. Theodore Belfor, dental innovator and expert, discusses a wide variety of dental issues with a special emphasis on airway issues, snoring causes and effect, as well as snoring treatment. Dr. Belfor graduated from the New York University School of Medicine. He works in Catskill, NY and specializes in General Dentistry.
Dr. Belfor discusses airway issues, daytime and nighttime, from stuffy noses to more serious airway problems. As Dr. Belfor states, chronic rhinosinusitis is an extremely common problem. This persistent, nagging health issue is defined by the presence of at least two of four major symptoms, such as facial pain and/or pressure, hyposmia/anosmia, nasal drainage, and sometimes nasal obstruction, for at minimum—12 consecutive weeks.
He explains how the cilia (tiny hairs in our noses) along with mucus, trap the bacteria. But when our sinuses are working properly, these bacteria can be neutralized in most cases. However, when chronic rhinosinusitis occurs, there is a sort of broken link in this chain of defense, and the body will go into its normal defenses, which equates to swelling and inflammation. Dr. Belfor explains the function of nitric oxide, and the jaw, and how the system can become overextended, enabling polyp growth possibilities and more.
Dr. Belfor discusses misalignment, airway and snoring issues, etc. including information on breathing systems. Further, he explains the many possibilities for care and treatment, often without surgical procedures. He talks about the ways to ‘turn the genes on’ to get the body to respond, and improve functioning. He expounds upon the processes of ‘toning the airway’ as well as the difficult problems posed by snoring and sleep apnea. Continuing, the airway expert talks in detail about anatomy, and the physical components that contribute to dental and airway issues.
In this podcast:
What are the main contributors to airway breathing issues?
How to ‘turn genes on’ to get the body to respond to issues
How does a nasal obstruction impact breathing?
Dr. Eleftherios Mylonakis, the Charles C.J. Carpenter Professor of Infectious Disease and Professor of Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University as well as Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown, delivers an in-depth overview discussing microbial pathogenesis and host responses.
Dr. Mylonakis is an infectious disease specialist who has brought his wealth of experience to multiple hospitals in the New England area, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Mylonakis earned his medical degree from University of Athens and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.
Dr. Mylonakis discusses his extensive work in infectious diseases and drug discovery. He explains the types of diseases, and their research in resistant bacteria, with special attention given to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which refers to a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are distinct, genetically, from other types/strains of Staphylococcus aureus. And MRSA, unfortunately, is resistant to numerous antibiotics. The research doctor discusses this particular bacteria, where it lives, and how it functions. As he states, our skin works as an effective barrier from this bacteria entering our bloodstream, but a scratch on the skin, and trauma from an accident, etc. can help the bacteria penetrate and then it can possibly spread through the bloodstream. Dr. Mylonakis explains how to identify virulence factors, and he expounds upon the current research regarding the microbiome, and how disruption could lead to colonization. Resistance traits are an important part of the research, and it is crucial to study the relationships.
The noted doctor talks in detail about diagnostics, and the time we wait for cultures, to understand what is going on. Most labs wait up to 5 days, which creates a difficult situation because time is of the essence in order to effectively treat toxicity and infection. Wrapping up, Dr. Mylonakis explains the process to treat infections after diagnostics.
In this podcast:
How to identify virulence factors
What types of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics
An explanation of microbial pathogenesis
Greg Lowry, the Walter J. Blenko, Sr. Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, provides an overview on the importance of nanotechnology, environmental science nano impact factor, considerations regarding current research, and more.
Lowry is deputy director of the NSF/EPA Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT). Additionally, he is on the editorial board for Environmental Science: Nano and Nature: Scientific Data. Lowry earned his B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of California at Davis (UC Davis), and an M.S. in civil and environmental engineering from University of Wisconsin in Madison. Continuing his education path, Lowry earned a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University.
Lowry’s intensive research focuses on multiple scientific areas, such as environmental geochemistry, environmental nanotechnology, and nanochemistry. Lowry discusses their research and goal to make agriculture more sustainable. He states that agriculture is very inefficient, and as world populations are expanding at an incredible rate, more work has to be done to increase sustainability, making plants more efficient, making them more resilient to climate change, etc. Lowry talks about his work on wheat, corn, tomato, and more, discussing how they engineer nano materials to deliver nutrients to plants more efficiently, aiding in their growth, especially in difficult climate or soil conditions.
Lowry discusses specific examples of their work, with plants and trees, and the effectiveness of getting nutrients into them. He explains how they have developed coatings on their nano particles that allow them to infiltrate the plant, which overrides the plant’s systems that may fight infiltration, and thus successfully providing nutrients while avoiding any detrimental effects to plant health. Continuing, Lowry states that as we increase population in the billions, plant sustainability will be key to feeding the world’s population.
In this podcast:
What are nanoparticles and what can they do?
How will increasing populations put a strain on food supplies?
What can we do to increase plant sustainability?
All humans are susceptible to breathing problems—regardless of age, health status, or lifestyle. Why is this so? According to Dr. Steven Park, it’s a pretty simple reason: we can talk. In order to talk, the soft tissues in the throat have to be exactly that—soft or “floppy.” This softness, while allowing for speech, also makes the tissue susceptible to caving while we sleep, which leads to snoring.
When the tissues cave entirely, a person stops breathing altogether, and may or may not develop sleep apnea. Both snoring and sleep apnea expose people to a greater risk of stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, weight gain, acid reflux, sinus infections, fatigue, anxiety, headaches…the list continues.
Over the course of his career as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, Steven Park has seen countless patients whose problems were in one way or another related to their quality of sleep, and he aims to educate people on the causes and effects of snoring.
On today’s episode, Dr. Park discusses a number of fascinating topics that likely have some relevance to your life or the lives of your loved ones. Tune in to discover:
Press play to learn more and be sure to check out Dr. Park’s book, Sleep Interrupted: A Physician Reveals the #1 Reason Why So Many Of Us Are Sick and Tired.
Rob Taub is not only a respected figure in film, radio, television, and journalism but also an advocate for type 2 diabetes and ambassador for a joint venture between the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association called Know Diabetes By Heart, which aims to educate people about diabetes and heart disease.
Taub believes that a lack of understanding surrounding the body and how it functions in sickness and in health, as well as what it needs in order to function properly, greatly contributes to the growing sickness of American adults and kids today.
On today’s episode, you will learn:
Learn more by visiting knowdiabetesbyheart.org.
Nearly half of the adult U.S. population suffers from some form of periodontal disease, which can result in the rapid destruction or slow reduction of bone, inflamed soft tissues, abscesses, and tooth loss. In the past, bone grafting—a procedure which is both time-consuming and expensive—was the only known method of getting bone back in the places where it should be.
Now, a different technology is available: low-level laser therapy (LLLT). With the use of LLLT, bone regrowth can be obtained for less money, in less time, and provides more comfort to the patient than bone grafting and accelerated orthodontics techniques. But that’s not all: the benefits of low-level laser therapy are wide-ranging, and have been shown to be effective in treating nearly any ailment which can improve with tissue regeneration. The technology has been used in both human and veterinary medicine, and shows great promise as a safe, affordable, and effective medical treatment.
On today’s episode, Dr. John Hendy joins the podcast to discuss all the ins and outs of LLLT, including how he has incorporated it into his work with patients.
By tuning in, you will learn:
In recent years, interest in organoid technology has exploded. More than ever before, scientists, researchers, and the public at large are beginning to appreciate the value that organoids can contribute to the understanding and clinical treatment of diseases, as well as drug development.
In 2009, the first-ever paper on this technology was published, and on today’s episode, CEO of Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB) in the Netherlands, Robert Vries, PhD dives into the details and complexity of how it's grown since then. He explores with us the different types and functions of organoids, how they are made, and where this field of research is headed in the near future.
Interested in the details of all this and more? Tune in to discover:
For more information, check out https://hub4organoids.eu/.
Associate Professor in the Computer Science and Operations Research Department at the University of Montreal, Irina Rish, PhD focuses her work on the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and neuroscience, researching the ways in which our knowledge of neuroscience can improve AI, and how AI models can aid our understanding of neuroscience.
On today’s podcast, you will discover:
Learn more about Dr. Rish’s work by visiting https://mila.quebec/en/person/irina-rish/.
Eduard Willms, Postdoctoral Scientist at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, provides an overview of the types of extracellular vesicles, and the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Willms research is focused on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cellular communication. Willms holds a BSc in Pharmacy and a DPhil in Physiology. He has intensively studied EV heterogeneity in an effort to more fully understand the specific roles of various types of EVs released by cells.
Willms explains how he got into the study of exosomes—membrane bound extracellular vesicles that are created in the endosomal compartment of nearly all eukaryotic cells. Starting with some fascinating early experiments during his education years studying pharmacy, Willms was intrigued by what he was learning, and was hooked on cellular study from then on. Willms explains cellular communication, discussing hormones and neurotransmitters, etc. Willms talks about his interest in extracellular vesicle heterogeneity, and looking at what types of vesicles are secreted by cells. What kind of vesicle is able to enter a cell and deliver its messages? Willms talks about how the systems work, and how EVs might be used to deliver therapeutics or drugs into the cells. As he states, it is important to know which kinds of vesicles could be successful in delivering these messages, and ultimately—deliver therapeutics.
Continuing, the noted research scientist expounds upon the cellular environments and discusses possible stability issues in regard to EVs. He talks about biodistribution in lab studies and the life of EVs, essentially concerned with how long they can perform these important duties. Wrapping up, Willms discusses what they have observed in various populations of vesicles, and the relative possibilities, explaining organelles and structures.
In this podcast:
What are extracellular vesicles?
How can EVs be used to deliver therapeutics into cells?
How do cells communicate?
Not more than twenty years ago, only four or five blood cancers could be defined; today, hundreds of different types of lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma cancers have been characterized—each one with a unique molecular structure and genome. As a result, an enormous amount of data has become available in the area of research and development for cancer drugs.
According to Panna Sharma, CEO of Lantern Pharma, there is no better place to apply the tools of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). “There could be more permutations of chemical compounds than there are galaxies, so it’s a perfect problem area for AI,” says Sharma.
He goes on to explain why some drugs—despite being extremely effective for some people—don’t stay on the market. In addition to depriving patients access to a drug which could truly help them, this also represents a significant financial loss, considering that hundreds of millions of dollars can go into the development of a single cancer drug.
The technology being employed by Lantern Pharma has the ability to identify which drugs have worked for some people in the past, why they worked, and how to use this information as a predictive measure of what may (or may not) work for any given patient with a particular type of cancer. Sharma is a wealth of knowledge, and discusses the details of all this and more, including:
Learn more at https://www.lanternpharma.com/.
When you think of what addiction recovery looks like, you probably don’t envision the consumption of psychedelic drugs. On today’s episode, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins and author of 47 articles on psychedelic drugs, Matthew Johnson, PhD, explains why and how psychedelic therapy might have a place in addiction recovery after all.
His area of expertise lies in understanding the ways in which psychedelic drugs can serve as behavior change agents. This idea is consistent with neuroscience research findings, countless anecdotal stories, and ceremonial use of psychedelic substances in a variety of indigenous cultures. Intrigued by the idea? Tune in to hear all the details and learn more, including:
Tune in to hear the full discussion.
Dr. Christian Regenbrecht, shareholder, CEO, of CELLphenomics, provides an overview of his company’s important work that could assist researchers as they strive to develop new drugs to treat disease.
Regenbrecht studied biology and philosophy at the University of Bonn, and continued his postdoc with noted scientist, Hans Lehrach, at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genomics in Berlin. Regenbrecht has focused some of his time on improved patient-derived in vitro models, culture technologies, and preclinical efficacy studies.
Regenbrecht discusses his extensive work and the innovations that are happening at CELLphenomics. With greater than 400 proprietary patient-derived 3D (PD3D®) cell cultures, CELLphenomics can offer researchers an opportunity to test compounds with a comprehensive screening approach in an, up to, 384 well format. In simplest terms, patient-derived cell cultures are essentially novel multicellular systems newly isolated from primary organs through mechanical and enzymatic dissociation. Within a system such as this, cells that are grown on a proprietary matrix can develop as 3D organoids which are composed of cell clusters preserving the uniquely complex composition of the tissue of origin.
Regenbrecht discusses cell types in tumors, specifically focusing on colon tumors. Continuing, he discusses the ways that tumors can metastasize. Regenbrecht explains how they are able to use their processes to isolate exosomes that are secreted into the cell culture. By studying this information, researchers may be able to predict where the next site of metastasization could occur. Regenbrecht explains their mission at CELLphenomics, as a state-of-the-art in vitro service provider positioned to offer high-quality, sensibly priced cell culture models and ultimately assist the biotech and pharma industries to create innovative testings of new anti-cancer drugs.
In this podcast:
What makes some tumors metastasize?
A detailed explanation of exosomes
Innovative practices in the biotech industry
Imagine increasing your business’ retention rates by 28.9%, and increasing them by over 20% within the first week of making an investment. With a new machine learning application from Bellwethr, you can.
CEO and founder, Matt Moody, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of customer retention and how Bellwethr is making it happen. Compelled by the belief that everyone should have access to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the motivation to show his customers the range of problems that AI can solve, Matt Moody and his team at Bellwethr are making it easier than ever for businesses and individuals to benefit from this technology. Tune in to learn more, including:
Check out https://www.bellwethr.com/ to learn more.
Tjasa Zajc, podcaster, entrepreneur, head of the “Faces of Digital Health” podcast, a podcast about digital health and healthcare systems technology adoption, talks about the current state of healthcare in developed and developing countries.
Zajc talks about her background and the troubling early medical condition that led her to dig deeper into learning about health. After her diagnosis with IBD, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (which in name covers many disorders that can generate chronic inflammation of the digestive tract), Zajc was compelled to learn more, eventually studying healthcare management and economics in order to better understand healthcare beyond the patient perspective.
Zajc talks about the modern healthcare experience in various countries and digital technology in healthcare, covering issues such as availability, chronic conditions, and financial expenses. She discusses private insurance versus public healthcare. She provides detailed information on retirement funds and the concept of saving money for health problems that could come later in life, as the issues relate to various cultures and countries. She explains healthcare models, and how people perceive healthcare solutions around the globe. Zajc explains how some countries have a serious lack of qualified medical personnel and thus access to healthcare is a problem in many corners of the globe. Zajc explains how some people have distrust of their own providers or doctors and may travel many miles to see doctors in larger hospital facilities.
The business developer entrepreneur and healthcare expert discusses her current work assisting pharmacies with drug management processes and hospital admittance procedures. She discusses how systems can be made more efficient by going digital, which can decrease some potential problems with medical records, drugs, etc.
In this podcast:
How digital technology could change healthcare for the better, if only…
Is private health insurance doing the best job it can to provide coverage for everyone?
The tough problem of scant medical access in some countries
Small, medium, large, soft, firm; when it comes to finding a pillow that works for us, these adjectives are pretty much all we have to work with. For this reason, it can be difficult if not impossible to find a pillow that properly supports your head, neck, and shoulders and retains its integrity over time. After years of dealing with this problem, serial entrepreneur Richard Jacobs decided to do something which had never been done before: design the world’s first custom-tailored pillow that is both simple and sensical, as well as easy for a person to get.
No complicated measurements or calculations are necessary: all that’s required is a picture or two of your upper body, which can be sent through The Good Night’s Sleep Project app. From there, you can just sit back and wait for your custom-tailored pillow to arrive. With the use of AI computer vision, 14 measurements will be extracted from your photos and serve as a guideline for the creation of a pillow that’s completely unique to you.
Tune in to learn about all the details and more, including:
Visit https://www.goodnightssleepproject.com/ to learn more and order one for yourself.
Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Director of Cell Biology at the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Principal Investigator at Muthuswamy Lab, Senthil K. Muthuswamy, Ph.D. is working to better understand the molecular biology of cancer and the most effective method of treating it by creating organoids from patient tumors. When cultured under the proper conditions, a sample of tissue from a patient’s tumor will grow into a 3D structure that resembles the patient’s tumor.
Once that’s been accomplished, the organoid can be used to determine which drugs will most effectively treat the specific tumor at hand. This approach addresses one of the main challenges to chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which is that not all patients will respond to the same drug in the same way—even if they have the same type of cancer. Dr. Muthuswamy’s lab is currently working with breast and pancreatic tumors.
On today's episode, you will learn:
David Freedman, a co-founder and the founding CEO of NanoView Biosciences, discusses noninvasive diagnostics and extracellular vesicles.
Freedman was essential to NanoView’s entry into the expanding extracellular vesicle market with the development and subsequent launch of the ExoView™ R100. He has been a successful entrepreneur for more than ten years, formerly as CTO of eHomes, and President of a computer services company. Freedman is interested in commercialization strategy and organizational build-out, product and services development, tech engineering, as well as automation. Freedman completed his Ph.D. and Postdoc in Electrical Engineering at Boston University.
NanoView Biosciences is at the leading edge of exosome discovery and they provide innovative solutions to detect and characterize extracellular vesicles. Freedman explains what extracellular vesicles are, for those who might not be familiar. As he states, extracellular vesicles are like the “Twitter of cells,” in that they are tiny messengers, providing a means for cells to transmit biological information from one cell to another. He discusses the history of cell discovery and what current research is finding in terms of exosome discovery. Exosomes, in simplest terms, are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles produced in the endosomal compartment of a typical eukaryotic cell.
Freedman explains NanoView Biosciences’ platform, which allows researchers to look at the outside and inside of the exosome. NanoView Biosciences’ research looks at many different avenues for their tech to provide new answers. Freedman discusses how this important area of bioscience research can potentially provide more information on the mechanisms of cancer cells.
He explains how they analyze samples, discussing nanoparticle size and count, as well as biological activity, which can help companies that are developing liquid biopsies and new therapeutics. Continuing, Freedman discusses other noninvasive diagnostics and therapeutic development.
In this podcast:
The USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory was founded in 2005 with the goal of putting an undergraduate student designed and built rocket into space—which is defined as being at least 100 km or about 330,000 feet above Earth’s surface. Just this past year, this goal was finally reached. On today’s episode, Michael O’Neill and Laura Potterat, media lead and avionics lead at the lab, respectively, share their experiences as members of the team who finally made this happen, the challenges they faced along the way, and what the accomplishment means for their future work. By tuning in, you'll discover:
Check out uscrpl.com to learn more.
Do you ever notice a little bit of blood on your toothbrush while brushing? This isn’t uncommon, and most of us just “brush it off” you might say, but the truth is if your gums are bleeding, then you have a wound where bacteria is penetrating the tissue and entering your bloodstream, paving the way for systemic illness throughout your body. James Hyland, DDS, President and CEO of OraVital, discusses oral infections, how to eliminate them, and why traditional brushing and flossing isn’t the solution. He also explains the science behind halitosis (also known as bad breath), why it can occur even in the healthiest of mouths, how to address it in your daily oral hygiene routine, and why failing to do so could lead to plaque formation in your brain—the hallmark of Lyme disease, syphilis, and Alzheimer’s. On today’s episode, you will learn about all of this and more, including:
Learn more by tuning in and visiting www.oravital.com.
Audrey Gaskins, Assistant Professor, Epidemiology at Emory University, delivers an interesting overview of normal sperm motility, causes of abnormal sperm morphology, and the various factors involved with fertility and semen quality.
Gaskins’ extensive research has focused heavily upon the connections between environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors with fertility and fecundity in women and men.
She has published on the many benefits of folic acid, exceeding levels well above the current recommendations, in regard to preventing anovulation and incident pregnancy loss as well as boosting the success probability of infertility treatment. She is currently working on an NIH grant that is primarily focused on extending her research to study the possible interactions between diet, air pollution, and fertility among groups of women.
Gaskins talks about semen quality in men, and some research has shown that male semen quality globally is on the decline, which is of course an area of concern for researchers. She talks about the possible factors that could play a role in the decline in sperm count, discussing lifestyle and environmental exposures, etc. She discusses fertility in detail, and her interests have driven her to study men because men have been understudied in this regard she states. She talks about DNA fragmentation and genetics, in regard to her studies.
The professor goes on to discuss how age plays a role and factors into their studies. She talks about semen samples that they study and how they collect information on important variables that could be determinants in studies. And Gaskins discusses seasonal impacts, and other possible pollutants, etc. that could impact semen quality.
In this podcast:
What environmental factors could impact semen quality?
Reasons that semen quality could be decreasing globally
Does age play a role in semen quality?
Most of know that the climate is changing, and it’s changing rapidly--in ways that will continue to cause environmental degradation and extinction. Most of us also want to do something about it, but have a hard time seeing how we can really tackle such a big problem on the individual level. How can MY choices actually affect the future? After all, I can’t just decide to ban deforestation or switch everything over to clean energy. What is it that I CAN do?
According to biologist, author, and environmental consultant Mary Ellen Harte, PhD, the answer lies in a solution that’s just as important as protecting the forests and becoming global leaders in clean energy technology, but not talked about nearly as often: family planning. By preventing unintended pregnancies through free and effective family planning services, we can slow the growth of the population.
This approach will not only address the problem of climate-changing pollution, but also the relationship between population growth and stress, physical and psychological problems, and higher crime rates. In her work, Dr. Harte emphasizes the importance of environmental economics, and encourages people to seek out and vote for the political leaders who do the same.
On today’s podcast, you will learn:
To learn more about how the environment is being affected by climate change, Dr. Harte recommends checking out The Daily Climate. To find a free online copy of the book she co-authored called Cool the Earth, follow this link http://www.cooltheearth.us/.
In this podcast, Jonathan Hull, Business Development Head at Thryve Inside (thryveinside.com), discusses probiotics weight loss, microbiome testing, the importance of gut health, and the latest evolution in microbiome products.
Hull talks about the early origins of Thryve, and explains how they grew from solely a microbiome testing company into a manufacturer of individualized probiotics designed for improving overall gut health. Hull describes the kinds of probiotics they offer, and how their offerings are based on testing results. As more people are discovering that GI health is an important key to overall health, new products are making their way to the marketplace, but it’s important to know which ones are right for you. Hull continues his discussion on gut health by discussing many various gastrointestinal conditions and gut distress.
Hull expounds upon the latest evolution in microbiome products, and he explains how academic and business/industrial leaders alike are interested in expanding research of microbiome issues. Hull explains how the microbiome is incredibly influential with overall body health. Wrapping up, he discusses consumer-based genetic testing, and the ever-growing interest in microbiome issues.
In this podcast:
Dale R. Pfost, PhD, Director and Cofounder, Microbiome Therapeutics, delivers an interesting overview of microbiome therapeutics, prediabetes treatment, and more.
Dr. Pfost has more than 25 years of solid leadership experience in the biotechnology industry. He has held many important executive positions at numerous respected companies, and was the Chief Executive of six biotechnology companies, most recently as the founding CEO of MicroBiome Therapeutics. Dr. Pfost earned a BS degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his PhD in physics from Brown University.
Dr. Pfost explains the premise of his company, Microbiome Therapeutics. As he states, the field of the microbiome encompasses a wide range of human health issues. With the increase in popularity of probiotic foods, clearly there is a strong interest in improving gut health through diet. Dr. Pfost states that through his 30 years of experience in the biotechnology field, the microbiome arena is one of the richest and broadest paradigm shifts in biotechnology and health food in particular.
The biotechnology expert talks in depth about cells, probiotics, and the processes that take place in our lower guts. He discusses caloric intake and “the loop” as he calls it, delving into the repopulation that takes place in the gut, using prebiotics, etc. to help the microbes produce short chain fatty acids. Continuing, he talks about the gut hormones, and the connection between the gut and brain. Dr. Pfost explains how it is important to increase the production of good things, such as short chain fatty acids, while decreasing the production of the bad things—such as hydrogen, gas, methane, and sulfide.
Dr. Pfost discusses intermittent fasting, in its various forms. And as he explains, you’re fasting not only yourself but the microbes as well. He discusses the keto diet and other nutritional aspects of various diets, and how they impact microbes.
In this podcast:
How prebiotics could help microbes produce short chain fatty acids
The benefits of probiotic foods
The connections between the gut and brain
Did you know that about half of the bottled water on the market has a pH of four? You may be wondering what that even means and why it matters. On today’s episode, Dr. Kim Kutsch, owner of CariFree, is welcomed back to the show to discuss what he’s learned over the course of his career as a dentist, and how it can greatly benefit your health.
After spending years “drilling and filling” cavity after cavity, Dr. Kutsch finally had enough: he knew he needed to fill in the educational gaps left by the dental school, which meant he needed to understand the root cause of cavities and the disease mechanism at play. Why do some people get so many cavities despite flossing and brushing every day, while others go their whole lives with less-than-ideal oral hygiene and not one cavity? Are genetics or environmental factors at play in dentistry?
“It all goes back to the pH in the mouth,” he says. He continues by discussing the interplay between the drop in pH (i.e. the increase in acidity) that occurs every time we eat or drink, and the body’s mechanism of compensating for that by coating the mouth and teeth with saliva, an alkaline solution that decreases acidity, bringing the oral microbiome—the collection of bacteria and other microbes that live in the mouth—back to neutral pH, which is about 6.5. When this interplay becomes unbalanced, it can wreak havoc in the mouth. This means that the less saliva someone produces, the less protected their teeth. This is troublesome, considering the fact that roughly 70% of the U.S. population is on at least one prescription medication, and the number one side effect of all prescription medications is dry mouth—a decrease in the production of saliva.
Tune in to learn about Dr. Kutsch’s preventative approach to this problem and so much more, including:
Visit carifree.com to learn more.
You leave your house in the morning and are immediately hit with the acidic taste and smell of the thickest air you’ve ever experienced. You walk by ancient cathedrals and forests and lakes, only to notice them dissolving away and slowly dying from this thing called “acid rain.” For Gretchen Cara Daily, Ph.D., this became a part of her ordinary experience as a teenager growing up in Germany. At the time, millions of people were demonstrating in the streets, protesting the environmental degradation and corporate activities which were leading to the slow death of everything beautiful in their lives.
Dr. Daily was strongly impacted by these events, and she’s carried them with her as a source of motivation and insight throughout her life and career. She currently serves as Director of the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. “Looking back to my upbringing, we solved the problem of acid rain…and I feel we can rise to the task of changing the way we think about how we live on the planet, how we fit in with the rest of life, and we can crack open a path that harmonizes people and the planet, nature, the climate system, jobs, human well-being, so that’s what I’m focused on,” says Dr. Daily.
In today’s episode, she discusses the enormous value of investing in nature to secure vital natural infrastructure that contributes to our lives in ways we might not even acknowledge, but rely upon each day. This includes everything from our morning cups of coffee to our mental and physical health. She explains the goal of the global initiative called the Natural Capital Project, which is to shine a light on the connections between nature and our well-being, the causes of environmental problems, the importance of making education on environmental science accessible to everyone, and the need to quantify the value of nature in ways that can be integrated into financial and policy decision-making practices.
By tuning in, you’ll discover:
· How to create better access to green space in otherwise totally urbanized environments, and how this can improve mental and physical health
· What percentage of humanity now lives in cities, and the projected percentage by around 2050
· How satellite images can indicate the economic status of a geographic region
Learn more by visiting https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/.
Fedor Galkin, Project Manager at Insilico Medicine, Inc., discusses his work studying the microbiome, human genotypes, and aging/longevity.
Galkin graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in Bioengineering & Bioinformatics. His work focuses on human microbiome aging clocks based on deep learning. Interestingly, the microbiome can serve as an incredibly accurate biological clock, able to predict the age of many people within just years.
Galkin discusses the earliest microbiome aging clocks and recent advances, and the technology that is behind them. Some of these technologies can make assessments based on an individual’s blood biochemistry and gene expression levels, etc., but as he states there has never before been a clock that predicts age based on gut microbes. Galkin discusses their work in detail, discussing how they select and look at the microbes.
Galkin explains the correlations and organization in the microbes, and how with age, things fluctuate. He details how they observe the changes that show age, and how certain conditions, such as diabetes will make the gut microbes appear as a much older person. Continuing, the bioengineering expert talks about nutrients, and how supplements, etc. can impact the biological systems. And he explains how their work on the species level is ongoing, but that they hope to delve deeper into the functional and genetic level as well, in their continued study of the human microbiome.
In this podcast:
What is a microbiome aging clock?
How nutrients play a role in the gut microbiome
The role of supplements in biological health
Gregory Kuehn, MBA, President and COO of Prescient Metabiomics, formerly Metabiomics, discusses their innovative work in colorectal cancer treatment and the development of an advanced stool test for cancer.
Kuehn holds an MBA from the University of Colorado and a BS from the College of William and Mary in molecular biology and computer science. Kuehn talks about their advanced work studying the microbiome to predict or associate with disease.
Kuehn discusses their work at Prescient Metabiomics, a pioneer in the development of human microbiome and metagenomic technology. Their groundbreaking research has lead to the development of a non-invasive stool test for the early detection of colon polyps as well as colorectal cancer based on advanced examination of the human gut microbiome. Kuehn talks in-depth about their early work in inflammatory bowel disease, that led them to their current work studying how to prevent colon cancer. Kuehn discusses the detail that they have gone into studying the microbiome, looking at the complex relationships that the microbiome has with the entire body. He talks about biomarkers, toxins, and the functional relationship between the gut microbiome and human health.
The cancer prevention researcher talks in detail about the various hypotheses that exist in their area of research, and why colon cancer has persisted. And Kuehn explains carcinogenesis and the early screening options.
In this podcast:
The mechanisms of cancer development
How the microbiome can potentially provide insight into disease development
Stool tests for cancer, how do they work
You might be familiar with slacklining as the art of balancing and walking on what looks like a thin string between two anchor points, but it can actually involve much more than that, such as sitting, kneeling, laying down, backbending, side planking, squatting, and every move you might associate with yoga. How is that even possible? The answer might best be answered by yoga and slacklining teacher, Dustin Lindblad. She joins the podcast today to discuss how she became involved in slacklining, the myriad benefits she’s gained from slacklining, and why it’s not as esoteric or impossible as it might initially seem. In fact, most people who have a true desire to master it, can. Tune in to discover:
“We call them neglected tropical diseases…but the truth is, they’re really diseases of extreme poverty; you ordinarily do not get a neglected tropical disease unless you live in extremely impoverished conditions where there’s environmental degradation, poor-quality housing, inadequate sanitation,” says Dr. Peter Jay Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He continues by explaining that contrary to what many people may think, these diseases are not rare, and they’re not found only in developing countries: they are global health issues found right here in the United States, and affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Despite these numbers, the major pharmaceutical companies aren’t focused on developing drugs or vaccines to combat their spread. As a result, these responsibilities fall on the nonprofit sector. Dr. Hotez discusses the efforts within this sector and by the National School of Tropical Medicine toward implementing vaccination for some of the most common neglected tropical diseases, including hookworm infection, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis. In today's podcast, you will discover:
Press play to hear the full conversation, check out Dr. Hotez’s book, Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases: The Neglected Tropical Diseases and Their Impact on Global Health and Development, and learn more by visiting https://www.bcm.edu/education/schools/national-school-of-tropical-medicine/.
“I certainly believe that without our microbes, our immune systems wouldn’t be primed, we wouldn’t be able to digest many of the foods that we consume…and we wouldn’t be able to protect from pathogens, so they basically do it all,” says Dr. Jonathan Clayton, assistant professor (better known as “The Monkey Doc”) at the University of Nebraska.
Despite a growing amount of evidence suggesting that the human microbiome impacts us in significant ways, there’s still so much we don’t know. For instance, what can be learned about site-specific microbial communities within our body, or even throughout a single organ such as the skin? What can be said about the relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain, or between stress and the microbiome? How does diet impact the microbiome? How quickly can the microbiome change in response to different environmental stimuli? These are just a few of the questions that Dr. Clayton is interested in answering.
By tuning in, you’ll hear his take on all of this and more, including:
“In the developed world in the last few decades, there’s been a tremendous increase in the number of people who have chronic illness…if you look around you, every other person probably has some kind of chronic illness, whether it’s some kind of autoimmune disease, metabolic, neurologic…[or] cancer,” says Guru Banavar, Chief Technology Officer at Viome. The point he makes is hard to refute, but is it equally as hard to explain what’s contributing to the rise in chronic illness? According to Banavar, chronic illnesses are driven by the gut microbiome, and if for no other reason, that’s why we need to take a closer look at it. At Viome, chronic disease prevention is the central focus, and they believe that in order to do this, we first need to understand gene expression, and harness the power of the right kinds of foods and supplements—the kinds that work with and are required by the gut microbiome for the activation of important microbial pathways. The team at Viome is conducting microbiome research using stool samples from about 100,000 current customers and delivering app-based, personalized recommendations for what to eat to mind your microbiome. Tune in to discover:
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressively malignant cancers that exist; despite all the knowledge we have about the mechanisms at play in pancreatic cancer and many attempts at finding a treatment that works, the survival rate is only nine percent in five years after diagnosis. In the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention at the University of Texas, Dr. Florencia McAllister’s goal is to change this by developing better preventative and therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. She is focused on understanding the interaction between the immune system and very early-stage cancer. How is it that cancer can emerge in the body yet remain undetected by the immune system? And if we can answer this question, can we also figure out how to change it? Part of this research involves a look at the microbiome of pancreatic tumors and a comparison to the microbiome of the gut. What, if any, are the associations between the gut and tumor microbiomes, and between the bacteria in tumors and the immune response? Answering these questions is the crux of Dr. McAllister’s work, and she joins the podcast today to discuss all the details. By tuning in, you will learn:
We’re living in an age of unprecedented access to genomic data; all we have to do is send off a sample of saliva in the mail to a company like 23andMe or Ancestry to get a comprehensive report containing information about our ancestral lineage, diseases we might pass on to our children, and diseases we might develop during our lifetime. There’s no question that understanding genomic data affords a great benefit to many people, but there’s a tradeoff that’s critical to acknowledge, and it’s one of privacy. Where does our information go once in the hands of these companies? Can it really be deleted at the press of a button, as we are led to believe?
If you have been under the impression that you have control over your genomic data, even after it’s been tested by a company, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t realize that once a sample of DNA undergoes health-related genomic data analysis, federal law dictates that it must be saved. In other words, it would be illegal for a company like 23andMe or Ancestry to delete it. If this were more widely understood by the public, it might change the frequency and ease with which we hand over our DNA. This might be particularly true if we were more cognizant of the fact that our DNA doesn’t just contain information about ourselves, but about those related to us. Kristen V. Brown, reporter with Bloomberg News, joins the podcast to discuss all of this and more, including:
“My reason for wanting to start the company was a very simple one actually, and a very personal one: my wife had cancer, she had breast cancer…misdiagnosed and then finally correctly diagnosed in 2005. She became metastatic in 2010,” says Robin Bannister, Founder and Director of Research and Development at Care Oncology Clinic.
Dr. Bannister had spent his entire professional life studying different pharmaceuticals and trying to understand the ways in which old drugs could be repurposed, but now there was a new level of urgency to his work. He knew he had to act quickly. To find the drug he was looking for, he first had to reduce the list of 5,000 or so drugs to a list that was more manageable, and he did this by focusing on those that had a long history of safe use and mild side effects, particularly in cancer patients.
The basis of the treatment provided at Care Oncology Clinic takes advantage of the Warburg effect—the metabolic processes used by cancer cells to stay alive and grow. The Care Oncology protocol employs drugs which, simply put, make it exceedingly difficult for cancer cells to survive by limiting the resources they use in order to defend themselves in harsh environments—environments created not only by the standard of care for cancer, but also the body’s own immune system. By tuning in to today’s episode, you will learn the details of this and more, including:
Locate the Care Oncology USA website at https://careoncology.com/.
You hear a sound, and you absolutely hate it; as a result, your brain prioritizes that sound, further and more deeply ingraining it in your brain. This experience creates a very negative emotional and physiological reaction in you, and could be triggered by any number of sounds commonly encountered in modern life—the sound of someone chewing gum, tapping, dripping water…you name it. There’s a name for this, and it’s misophonia.
In addition to misophonia, Jennifer Conlin, Doctor of Audiology, has tinnitus, which is a condition that involves hearing a high-frequency tone that becomes chronic, causes a negative emotional response, and leads to a negative feedback loop in the brain. It might be hard to see the good in having both of these conditions, but it’s what ultimately led Dr. Jennifer Conlin to not only identify her speech-language pathology specialty and foster her love of audiology but help others through a myriad of auditory problems in her role as an audiologist at Love to Hear Again Audiology in Texas.
In this episode, you will learn:
· In what ways different brands of hearing aids differ from each other
· How artificial intelligence is being implemented in hearing aids, to include language translations and fall detection
· How tinnitus and other auditory conditions can be treated
· How a person’s hearing can impact their mental state, including the development of dementia, social withdrawal, depression, and chronic fatigue
Tune in and visit love2hearagain.com to learn more.
Not more than 10 years ago, the consensus among most scientists was that extracellular vesicles (EVs)—biological particles found in our urine, saliva, and throughout our bodies—were mere waste products with no role in communication between cells. Today, we know that’s simply not true: EVs certainly play a role in cell communication, but the extent to which they do so is still a topic of research. We also know that they have the potential to be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example, the identification of EVs in the blood can be diagnostic of cancer, and we know that metastatic cancer cells release EVs that are softer than other types of EVs. Additionally, EVs can be taken from fat tissue and used for therapeutic purposes.
This is just a fraction of what Joy Wolfram, Ph.D., Director of The Nanomedicine and Extracellular Vesicles Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Florida discusses on the podcast today. She also explains the work they are doing to synthesize nanoparticles which are capable of being modified in a way that allows them to transport therapeutic agents (e.g. cancer drugs, anti-inflammatory compounds) through the bloodstream and directly to the site of diseased tissue. By tuning in, you’ll learn about all of this and more, including:
Hives, swelling of the eyes, mouth, or tongue, sneezing, wheezing, sudden vomiting, a sense of impending doom: these are just a few of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. For over 10 years, Dr. Richard Wasserman’s focus has been on developing a treatment for food allergies called oral immunotherapy (OIT), a method by which a very small amount of an allergen is given to an allergic individual as a way of prompting desensitization. Over time, the amount of allergen is gradually increased until the individual is able to consume a full, meal-sized portion of the allergen. To date, IOT has been used to treat allergies to 20 different foods, including peanuts, cashews, eggs, milk, wheat, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds. In today’s podcast, you will learn:
Dr. Richard Wasserman has a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed a pediatric residency and fellowship training in bone marrow transplant recovery and immunology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Tune in to hear the full conversation. Learn more about food allergy by visiting foodallergy.org.
Antibiotic resistance—the ability of bacteria to survive even large doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics—is a growing problem in the modern world, one that threatens the safety of everyone on the planet. But this hasn’t always been the case; not more than 20 years ago, the idea of antibiotic resistance was not really on anyone’s radar, which is a testament to how quickly the problem has developed, and therefore how time-sensitive it is to develop a solution. According to Dr. Vincent A. Fischetti, head of the Fischetti Lab at Rockefeller University, as well as the results from phase 2 clinical trials which put it to the test, the solution lies in a bacteriophage enzyme called lysin.
On today’s episode, Dr. Fischetti explains how bacteriophages (commonly referred to as phages) kill bacteria, and how he and his team harnessed this knowledge in a way that’s led to the development of the first-ever alternative to antibiotics that’s been FDA-approved to enter phase 3 clinical trials. This potential treatment for bacterial diseases in humans could very well eliminate the daunting threat of antibiotic resistance. Dr. Fischetti brings an impressive amount of fascinating information to the conversation today. By tuning in, you’re bound to learn a number of things, including:
Press play for all the details.
Richard Andrews, SM, MS, President/CEO, and Mark Sampson, Chief Scientific Officer, of Azitra, a clinical-stage medical dermatology company, provide an insightful overview of their work.
Andrews has vast experience as a top executive, leading the operations, finance, and development for biotechnology firms primarily focused on novel products to combat inflammatory disease. And Dr. Sampson, recently of Botanix Pharmaceuticals, has immense experience in the development of preclinical strategies as well as clinical development plans for new, advanced antimicrobial indications. He is a seasoned and sought-after researcher.
The disease researcher, and executive, provide an overview of how Azitra strives to address serious skin diseases. Azitra combines various technologies designed to repair disease problems, and utilizes the microbiome to deliver those, thus adding to the therapeutic benefit. They talk about cancer-associated rash, and the various kinds of skin problems that they see. The dermatology experts explain the diversity in a healthy microbiome, and how there are, remarkably, up to a million different bacteria per square centimeter of skin. They explain how this network can be disrupted, which can lead to problems—dysbiosis, which is a microbial imbalance on or inside the body, impaired microbiota for example.
The researchers explain their goal to reset the balance of the skin microbiome to help protect against harmful bacteria and pathogens. And they provide a wealth of information on various cancers and the relationships to the microbiome.
In this podcast:
How the microbiome is related to skin issues
Cancer-associated rashes
Microbial imbalance
Oscar Sierra, L.Ac, a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Specialist (NCCAOM), Dipl. O.M., provides an overview of the current trends in modern acupuncture and many interesting facts about its beneficial aspects that you may not have known.
Sierra received a BS in Nutrition from the University of Georgia. He is certified in Reiki, and has intensely studied Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture via an apprenticeship for nearly half a decade with Chinese Medicine practitioners in Atlanta.
Sierra discusses the medical world’s interpretations of what is conventional medicine versus traditional medicine. As Sierra states, he practices traditional medicine, practices that are backed by thousands of years of written history, and a track record. Whatever works that is safe and effective for the patient is what Sierra focuses on. Sierra explains how ancillary compounds work, as he discusses the benefits of vitamins, such as vitamin C, and more. Sierra talks about medicinal plants for cancer treatment. And he outlines certain chemo drugs that are based on phytochemicals, and how they are useful, how they are derived, etc.
Sierra talks about common treatments they use at his facility in Atlanta. Additionally, he discusses the importance of attending to our basic three, which he describes as: adequate and balanced activity (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), sleep and downtime, and our diet (not just what we eat but how we eat it). Herbs are great, but they cannot be the complete solution if the ‘basic three’ are not being cared for.
Sierra goes on to discuss many accounts of cancer patients, and other disease sufferers who have taken a more natural path to healing and have seen dramatic improvements. Sierra’s approach to healing is based on the patient rather than the disease. It’s a holistic, natural, patient-centered approach to medicine that focuses on prevention.
In this podcast:
How medicinal plants are used for cancer treatment
The current trends in modern acupuncture
The 3 basic areas we need to focus on to form a foundation for good health
Howard Hindin, DDS, of The Hindin Center (hindincenter.com), discusses airway preservation and other myofunctional dentistry issues that affect people.
Dr. Hindin is a graduate of the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. He is trained in all areas of general dentistry, including surgery and endodontia. Additionally, Dr. Hindin assists people with cosmetic dentistry issues, and many types of oral and dental problems, including temporo mandibular joint disorders, and cranio facial pain.
Dr. Hindin discusses the typical treatments for patients, but he stresses that treatment must be personalized. He discusses airway issues and identifies some of the cardinal signs of airway problems, such as mouth-breathing. He provides valuable information on how nasal breathing can be restored. Dr. Hindin explains invasive and non-invasive treatments. And he discusses oral appliances which can be tried first, to see if improvement in nasal breathing can be achieved.
The Hindin Center dental expert talks about bad habits, and how light can be a factor in delayed production of melatonin, which makes sleep more difficult. Dr. Hindin recounts some experiments with rats that demonstrated how food affects body systems. Continuing, Dr. Hindin provides an overview of human processes and what would be considered an ideal example of functioning for the day, discussing eating, sleeping, bowel movements, and more. Dr. Hindin talks about hidden airway problems that many people are not aware they may have at all. And Dr. Hindin talks about reflux, cardiovascular issues, and other potential signs of airway sleep problems.
In this podcast you’ll learn…
Some of the signs of airway sleep problems
The importance of melatonin production
Why it’s important to have a regular body cycle throughout the day
Monica M. Laronda, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), provides an overview of her research work in endocrinology, reproductive biology, and 3D printed ovaries.
Laronda is passionate about research and she has a keen interest in the reproductive biology and endocrinology that forms the foundation for the the development of treatments to protect or restore hormone function and fertility. Laronda received her PhD from Northwestern University and her Postdoctoral Fellow work was done at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine (Obstetrics Gynecology).
Laronda talks about their main patient focus: childhood cancer survivors whose treatment or disease may have rendered them infertile later in life. She talks about bioprosthetic ovaries and the uses of 3D printing. As she explains, their early work has shown success in mice, and she discusses what that means for future research. The PhD explains how egg cells work, and the natural decline that happens over time, as well as how disease can affect them. She discusses the complexity of the ovary, and her lab’s research in which they investigated biochemical differences, etc. to assist in the development of the best bioprosthetics. She discusses transplanted tissue and how long it can last once transplanted.
The endocrinology expert explains their scaffolding models and her team’s hopes for further study. And Laronda provides information on the micro-environment, scaffolding proteins, etc. that play a role in cellular functions.
In this podcast you’ll learn:
How 3D printing is helping to advance bioprosthetic development
The importance of primordial follicles
How disease can impact fertility
Mackenzie Wells has always had an interest in the science behind flavors and aromas, which led her to take a job right out of high school in the coffee roasting business. Over the past four years, she’s refined her skills and knowledge set in the world of coffee roasting and become quite the expert. She joins the podcast today to discuss the details of the roasting process, different coffee roasting techniques, three primary heat sources used in roasting, three methods of coffee decaffeination, how a coffee bean’s flavor profile is affected by the location in which it’s grown, the rising popularity of barrel-aged coffees, what it means to say that a coffee bean is of a “single origin” and so much more. In this episode, you will learn:
Jessica Pierce, PhD, bioethicist, lecturer, professor, and author, discusses her work, ethics, and the concept of dog cloning.
Her newest book, Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible is an interesting and popular read. Pierce received a Bachelor’s degree from Scripps College, an M.Div. from The Divinity School at Harvard University, and a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia.
Pierce digs deep into the concept of cloning (pets and other animals), etc. In regard to pets, she explains that although cloning could be possible, the temperament and behavior may be completely different than the original animal. Pierce discusses the impact on the ‘unseen’ class of dogs that would be used as tools to create the clone. She worries about the exploitation of other animals that would be needed, ‘donor dogs’ that would be used in a laboratory setting. Pierce explains the technical aspects of a dog cloning process, detailing cell division, fusion, and how embryos are embedded.
The bioethicist discusses the potential health problems that could arise. Pierce talks about her thoughts on the cloning industry’s pandering to audiences that may have elderly or ill animals. As she states, Pierce feels it’s a problem, because people who are anticipating loss may be vulnerable. Pierce goes on to talk about the olfactory senses of dogs, and what smells dogs may or may not prefer. Wrapping up, Pierce discusses dog health, dog weight, and how dogs learn to persuade humans to give them what they want, especially regarding food.
In this podcast you’ll learn:
What it takes to clone a dog
The potential disadvantages of cloning
What happens to ‘donor dogs’ during the process
Suffering from chronic headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, or some other ailment and been unable to find relief from your primary care provider? While some of us seek it as a first choice, others seek it only as a very last resort: chiropractic care. Whether the idea of going to see a chiropractor gives you anxiety or you’re eagerly awaiting your next appointment, there’s likely a lot you could learn about chiropractic and the natural healing methods it involves.
On today’s podcast, Adam Lamb, DC discusses what he’s learned over the course of 18 years as a practicing chiropractor, shares with us his chiropractic adjustment techniques, explains the difference between dislocations and subluxations, as well as what makes that crack sound often associated with chiropractic work, and informs us that everything from the way we walk to the things we eat can lead to misalignments in the body.
By tuning in, you’ll discover:
· How misalignments occur in the first place and what mechanisms are at play once they do
· What factors determine how often the average person needs to be adjusted
· Why you feel better when your body is in alignment
Thomas Bosch, Professor of General Zoology at Kiel University, discusses his intensive work studying animal life, cell and developmental biology, and more.
Fascinated by the sciences, Bosch studied Biology at the University of Munich and Swansea University College in the UK, earned a doctorate from the University of Munich, then held a postdoctoral position at the University of California, Irvine. Bosch is Senior Fellow of the prestigious Canadian Institute of Advanced Research (CIFAR).
As Professor of General Zoology at Kiel University, Bosch is heavily involved in groundbreaking research studying multiple areas, including healthy aging, stem cells therapy, and more. Bosch studies the multiple, complex interactions that take place within metaorganisms, between host cells and microbes. Bosch discusses his laboratory work, and some of the surprising findings they have discovered along the way. He discusses the study of organisms, from a historical perspective, with an emphasis on sequencing, the microbiome and microbe life. He explains the microbiota (diverse ecological communities of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms that can be found in, and on, all multicellular organisms) and how different species maintain their microbiota.
Bosch explains how natural birthing provides babies with important microbes that are helpful, and thus C-section delivered babies have trouble as they are denied the natural microbes provided via a vaginal birth. He explains the intricacies of the various body microbiomes, and the “invisible armada” of microbes. Continuing, Bosch talks about some of the areas of study that are being intensely investigating that pertain to his field, cellular life, etc. And he talks about the new visualization techniques which allow researchers to dig deeper into their studies.
In this podcast you’ll learn about:
The importance of the microbiome
Why C-section delivered babies may have more troubles
How species maintain the microbiota
Santiago “Santi” Villamil, elite physical therapist, strength/conditioning coach and core specialist, talks about the fitness industry, and his philosophy of “Keep it simple, sweet and powerful.”
As a sought-after Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with a long, successful career in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, sports performance, and the fitness industry in general, Villamil works every day to find new ways to challenge people and help them live their best lives. Villamil is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he received a Masters in Physical Therapy and a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition.
Villamil’s highest goal and mission is to empower people to take control of their health and “inspire the athlete in everyone.” As he states, Villamil works with many people with various needs, from rehabilitation to pain relief, to getting people back to doing what they love. Villamil talks about the kinds of people he works with, from athletes, to women with autoimmune issues, to those who suffer from chronic pain. Villamil talks techniques, and the important element of getting back into good shape and conditioning. First, he states, they work on improving the mindset of an individual—performing simple tasks like getting up, being grateful, taking a walk. This process of shifting the mind involves steps that can get you there. Listening to clients is key, helping them channel their needs so they can accomplish their goals.
The conditioning expert talks in-depth about body movement, and changes that can happen over time. He states that sometimes people go too hard in the beginning and the body cannot compensate if the rush to a goal is too quick. The programs that Villamil focuses on always stress the importance of making individualized plans, and considering multiple factors. Wrapping up, Villamil talks about certifications and the qualifications of coaches and conditioning experts. He cautions that everyone should look carefully at the qualifications and experience before settling in with just any trainer or physical therapist for orthopedic work or physical therapy exercises.
In this podcast you will learn about:
The importance of working gradually toward a conditioning goal
How a good mindset is the first key step in resetting your life
How all certified therapists are definitely not equal, and what to look for in a therapist
As Dr. Ali Tavakkoli performed more and more gastric bypass surgeries, he made a remarkable discovery: for patients who had diabetes, the gastric bypass surgery almost invariably reversed the symptoms within a day or two, completely eliminating their dependence on medication for blood glucose regulation. Simply put, it seemed as though they’d figured out how to cure type 2 diabetes. Intrigued and excited by this observation, Dr. Tavakkoli made it his mission to figure out why this was happening. What was responsible for the mechanism underlying this effect, and how exactly did this mechanism work? Could the effects of gastric bypass surgery be replicated and enjoyed in a non-invasive way, such as by simply taking a pill? According to Dr. Tavakkoli, the answer is yes, and that pill is referred to as LuCI.
In this podcast, you will discover:
Tune in for all the details.
“Just because small is beautiful doesn’t mean big has to be ugly,” says Gary Pisano, as he explains the main theme of his latest book, Creative Construction: The DNA of Sustained Innovation. At its core, this book overturns the idea that innovation can only really be achieved by small entrepreneurial companies. Pisano argues that instead of seeing the size of an enterprise as an impediment to innovation, large enterprises simply need to use their size to their advantage when forging and implementing innovative changes. The key, says Pisano, is in having a clear and concise definition of what innovation means to a specific company, and formulating specific plans for achieving different types of innovation.
On today’s episode, you will discover:
Press play for all the details and buy Pisano's popular book on Amazon or a bookstore near you.
Dr. Michelle Saltarrelli of Autumn Oak Speech, Voice & Hearing, provides an overview of her services and the advances in speech language pathology, as well as the role of an audiologist.
Dr. Saltarrelli completed her audiology residency at The Methodist Hospital within the Texas Medical Center and also at Houston Ear Research Foundation (HERF). She earned a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University with
undergraduate work at Southeastern Louisiana University as well.
Dr. Saltarrelli talks about her background as a licensed speech language pathologist, practicing nearly 20 years to date, and as a licensed audiologist, practicing for about 11 years. She works with many patients and also teaches. Dr. Saltarrelli discusses her interest in speech pathology and recounts how she got into it, and it was her desire to help people, as well as her interest in speech and audiology that motivated her to choose this exciting career path. She discusses the ways people lose their hearing, from head trauma, to viruses (such as meningitis, etc.) but sometimes the reasons are unknown.
Dr. Saltarrelli has extensive experience as a medical speech-language pathologist (SLP) and cochlear implant audiologist / SLP. She discusses in detail how the brain interprets messages and how damaged cells cause problems that she sees regularly. She talks about the regeneration of cells and the methods they can use to try to improve hearing. Continuing, Dr. Saltarrelli talks about issues such as tinnitus, hearing aids, and more.
The speech and hearing expert provides further information on the technology behind hearing aids and implants, and the variations that exist between the different types. With hearing aids, she explains, people have time to try them out before they are committed to them, and she states that it is important to try different brands to be sure that you get the right one for you.
In this podcast you will learn…
Why some hearing aids might work great for you when others don’t.
What are some of the reasons for hearing loss?
What happens when cochlear damage occurs.
Assistant research professor at the Catholic University of America and New York Times bestselling author Jay W. Richards joins the podcast to discuss the intersection between intermittent fasting, wellness, and spirituality. He shares his experience with intermittent fasting and how it has improved various aspects of his life. In this podcast, you will learn:
Jay W. Richards adds to his bestselling books collection, which includes The Privileged Plan, The Hobbit Party, and Money, Greed and God, with his upcoming release, Eat, Fast, Feast. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Inheritance is a fundamental feature of life, allowing organisms to pass traits onto their offspring. It’s well known that DNA is the carrier for this hereditary information, but for a long time it was believed to be the only carrier. Over the past several decades, new and evolving research on epigenetics—the method by which the environment has the ability to change genetic expression—has emerged, and most recently, this research has focused on epigenetic inheritance in humans. Dr. Qi Chen, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of California, Riverside is studying sperm RNA and how its function may be related to environmental exposure and epigenetics in humans. Dr. Chen shares a number of fascinating insights from his lab and recent experiments, while pulling from decades’ worth of knowledge on the topics at issue.
On today’s episode, you will learn:
Tune in for all the details and check out http://qichen-lab.info/people.html to learn more.
Matty Lansdown, noted health authority, scientist and nutrition consultant, discusses his passion for helping people improve their health through good nutrition.
Lansdown is passionate about food and nutrition. After getting his start on Facebook Live where Lansdown delivered powerful rants about food, medicine, and nutrition, his popularity grew and he soon moved into seminars, conferences, and retreats, bringing his message to thousands at a time. Lansdown’s podcast, “How To NOT Get Sick And Die” continues to be a popular one, and he regularly provides insightful information there.
Lansdown discusses his background and how he got into podcasting. As he explains, it was his desire to connect with audiences that brought him to podcasting, and his passion for health and nutrition helped him focus his energies into health podcasting. He’s into the concept of helping people enhance their biology, in order to live longer and be healthier. As a professional who works out of a cancer research hospital, he developed his own thoughts and epiphanies about disease and medical issues. As he explains, much of the work in health research is expensive and being done by high-dollar groups that have a stake in big profits, but hawking the preventive measures such as nutrition, eating cabbage, etc. he muses, is not exactly profitable, therefore there isn’t a big corporate interest in promoting the most basic path to better health—which is nutrition.
Lansdown talks about the so-called ‘alternative’ medicines and practices that are unfortunately often overlooked, but have been useful for thousands of years in many cultures, much longer than western medicine. Lansdown discusses some of the problems people experience, and the importance of nutrition, especially when a body is already under stress from an ongoing medical condition.
Lansdown’s mission: to bring people control of their own health, to empower them to take the needed action to make improvements. To this goal, Lansdown empowers individuals to live their absolute best lives by delivering impactful scientific training.
Chris Ellis, CEO and co-founder of AudioCardio, talks about his company’s mission to improve and then maintain hearing with a new hearing test app designed for hearing loss treatment.
AudioCardio’s patented product, a mobile app, is a clinically proven Threshold Sound Conditioning™ technology that generates unique, personalized audio therapy designed to stimulate and strengthen cells. How does it work? AudioCardio™ can analyze an individual’s hearing and deliver valuable hearing therapy for their ears. The goal: to protect, maintain, and strengthen hearing ability.
Ellis discusses the different types of hearing loss, with special consideration given to sensory and neural hearing loss problems, which are the specific types of hearing loss that his company targets. These types of hearing loss problems can be due to age, medications, loud noise environments, disease, etc. Ellis discusses the ways that their technology can improve hearing. In the most basic terms, our hearing works by processing sound waves that travel through the air, and frequencies are sent as unique nerve signals, directly to the brain, which the brain then recognizes as sounds. Ellis’ company’s tech—the Threshold Sound Conditioning—can detect the important frequencies that have somehow lost much of their sensitivity and then exercise them with tailored sound signals, personalized for the individual.
Ellis talks about the many case studies of individuals with hearing loss who have seen improvement through the use of this innovative technology. And the hearing entrepreneur discusses dementia treatment, hearing loss treatment, and the types of people who have sought out the AudioCardio solutions. As Ellis explains, hearing loss is gradual, and that we continually recreate a ‘new normal’ which unfortunately can slide us deeper into reduced hearing.
Millions of Americans experience symptoms of acid reflux or “heartburn” on a daily basis—that burning sensation in the chest that can be accompanied by a number of other unpleasant and sometimes seemingly unrelated symptoms. It’s a problem many people might brush off by popping a Tums, but there’s a darker side to acid reflux, which is that it can be a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the context of Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the epithelial cells in the esophagus are displaced by tissue that more resembles intestinal tissue.
As a researcher with a background in cancer biology, Kelly Whelan, PhD, from Temple University is interested in further understanding the biology of the esophagus, how certain pathways help it to remain normal under homeostatic conditions, and what goes awry in states of disease, such as cancer and eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic reaction to food.
She’s also interested in investigating the male and racial bias found in all esophageal diseases, how the type and quantity of a person’s mitochondria could be related to their esophageal disease state, whether or not there are non-invasive ways to determine a patient’s disease state, how to improve therapies for esophageal diseases, how the oral microbiome or even the lower GI tract microbiome could be influencing disease progression, and so much more.
Tune in for all the details.
How do seals, orcas, otters, and other animals manage to survive in such cold waters? Simply put, they do so by virtue of one of the following: blubber (which is essentially just a thick layer of insulating fat), thick coats of fur which trap tiny gas bubbles that in turn insulate the body, and higher rates of internal heat generation.
Drawing inspiration from these approaches, Professor Jacopo Buongiorno from the department of engineering at MIT has helped develop a wetsuit that allows people—such as Navy Seals—to remain in very cold waters for longer periods of time than conventional wetsuits made from neoprene clothing.
On today’s episode, Professor Buongiorno explains how traditional wetsuits work and why the one they’ve created outperforms them, the science and technology behind thermal conductivity, the feedback they’ve already received on this new product, and what's on the horizon. Tune in for all the details
With the ever-increasing prevalence of mobile devices these days, they’re finding their way into the hands of kids, where they seem to be staying for a growing number of hours each day. There’s no doubt that these connected lives we’re living provide us with some benefits, such as the ability to have maps, educational info, and health-related content at our fingertips, but this level of access can also be a significant source of distraction that negatively impacts the way we interact with others and the environment around us. And of course, the accessibility provided by cell phones also means potential exposure to content we don’t want to see, and particularly don’t want our kids seeing.
The team at OurPact has developed a solution to deal with the drawbacks of connected mobile devices: a digital parental control app that gives people the ability to limit app use, filter what is seen on the web, monitor the location of the device, and take automated screenshots to search for keywords that fall into certain categories, such as violent, drug-related, or sexual content. But OurPact isn’t just being used to monitor kids; it’s being used by professionals and students who recognize their own need to put away their phones and focus on their daily goals.
On today’s episode, Director of Communications at OurPact, Paige Mayer, explains all the ins and outs of what just might be the best screen time app for Android, as well as what’s to come in the near future. Tune in.
It used to be a thing of science fiction…growing human organs in test tubes and observing their behavior as we manipulate their environment. For David Pamies, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, this is daily life, although it may not always be ordinary.
On today’s episode, he discusses how he’s using a brain organoid—an organ grown from human-induced pluripotent stem cells—to learn more about the toxins we come into contact with on a daily basis. He explains why and how this model is superior to far more commonly-used mouse models, and how it’s also fueling research on drug treatment for an aggressive type of brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Such research includes testing the effectiveness of temozolomide, a commonly used chemotherapy drug.
Dr. Pamies dives into the science behind it all and provides a compelling glimpse into the exciting and growing world of organoid-based research. Press play for all the details.
Kevin Hrusovsky, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Quanterix (quanterix.com), discusses the innovative work his company is engaged in, and the future of biotech.
Hrusovsky is a seasoned biotech entrepreneur and engineer who has been passionately pursuing the transformation of medicine from reactive care to preventative medicine over his extensive 30-year career. For Hrusovsky, healthy living and peer-reviewed science that addresses health and disease issues on a molecular structure level in the body is what motivates his work. Hrusovsky launched the Global Health Summit Series to specifically promote innovation in disease eradication processes and practices, in his ongoing mission to promote global health.
Hrusovsky talks about his company and their mission, a company he states is “at the crossroads of technology and healthcare.” He discusses their technology, and how they have developed a means to look into the blood and see proteins in a way that was never before possible, to differentiate a single protein in a field of grass, with that field of grass being the size of Alaska. That’s some deep detail, indeed. It’s “rocket science on the blood” as he describes. He explains the important biochemistries that their technology allows researchers to discover and study, to develop new insights on health and disease.
Hrusovsky explains how they can utilize AI and algorithms to help researchers see proteins, which allows scientists to see things in the blood that were once impossible, which can lead to prediction of disease years before it occurs, etc. By seeing disease at the earliest stages possible, pharmaceutical research can bring these people in and work towards solutions. As he states, it’s much easier to beat a disease early on, than later after it has taken a firm hold in the body.
Hrusovsky talks about empowering individuals to manage their own destinies by observing their own biomarkers and staying aware. Quanterix’s digital health product, Simoa® provides researchers a unique opportunity to examine critical biomarkers for cardiology, oncology, neurology, infectious diseases, and more.
Hrusovsky has been a featured guest on a multitude of media, from ABC’s Good Morning America, and all the other major networks, such as NBC, CNN, CNBC, CBS, and NPR, as well as in top publications and online sites: Scientific American, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Wired, Fast Company HuffPost, The Guardian, Boston Globe, and many more.
Dr. Tony Guerra, Instructor and Pre-Pharmacy Advisor, Ankeny Campus, Des Moines Area Community College, delivers an interesting overview of his work in pharmacy education and the writing and production of audio books.
Dr. Guerra is passionate about educating young minds and he teaches multiple courses in chemistry, pharmacy and pharmacology. And Dr. Guerra earned an AS degree from DMACC himself, back in 2010.
Dr. Guerra talks about his background and his interest in creating audio books for educational purposes. To date, he has close to 20 audio books out, on various topics within his areas of expertise. His books cover a range of issues, from pharmacology to pharmacotherapy, to pharmacy careers and pharmacy schools/education. Dr. Guerra writes and co-writes his books and he continues to reach many people through books and educational outreach.
The Pre-Pharmacy Advisor talks extensively about the business of creating, producing, and delivering audio books for the public. He discusses his views on audio book presentation, and the value of reading your own books/recording your own books, if you are in consulting. First time authors, for sure, should definitely record their own books, he states. Dr. Guerra explains the differences between print books, e-books, and audio books, and how each should be different in terms of audience and structure, etc.
Wrapping up, he talks about the audiences for his books, and for medical-oriented books in general. He explains that audio books can help solve problems or allay fears, and often the best-selling books deal with these issues/worries—books that help people overcome.
Peter Christey, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of GALT (General Automation Lab Technologies), on the web at (galt-inc.com), discusses his work in microbial cultivation.
Christey has over 20-years experience commercializing research instruments for a number of complex applications. Prior to his launch of GALT, Christey helmed the DNA Sequencing Business Unit and DNA forensic product line for Life Technologies.
Christey discusses his background and how his focus in microbial cultivation in a laboratory setting drove him to develop microbes for use in multiple areas. He explains proteomics applications, microbial diversity, and his company’s platform—detailing how they work to get a pure isolate (a culture of living microorganisms) into culture in the lab in order to study biochemistry and physiology. They strive, primarily, to deliver pure, living isolates to researchers and product developers. Utilizing the GALT technology, entire populations of microbes can be screened efficiently and quickly for low-abundance species or perhaps strains that demonstrate selected characteristics.
Estimations have surmised that there are approximately one-trillion microbial species on our planet, but remarkably, less than one percent of the known species have actually been cultured. So many species remain unexplored and we just don’t have any information on them. Christey discusses how isolates are understood, and how scientists can test them. He discusses the microbiome, and the growth media that they use in their research. And he provides extensive information on how bacteria grow, and the requirements that are necessary, including a discussion of symbiotic relationships.
Michael Schwarz, director of the popular PBS / NOVA documentary, “Look Who’s Driving,” provides some interesting information on artificial intelligence (AI) and the current state of autonomous vehicles.
How do self-driving cars (autonomous vehicles) work and is society ready to trust them? In this interesting podcast, director Michael Schwarz discusses the expanding technology that is pushing its way into the transportation industry.
Schwarz talks about his interests, and the lead up to making his current documentary, “Look Who’s Driving.” He recounts how he learned about some of the early companies that were seeking to develop autonomous vehicles, and how General Motors was very interested in grabbing the new technology quickly. After many years of waiting and anticipating what they might be like, autonomous vehicles are finally sharing the roads with us at least in testing mode, but experts caution that there are massive challenges to overcome still, and some caution that the tech is just not there yet to provide safety for everyone.
Schwarz discusses the safety issues in detail. As he states, there are nearly 40,000 deaths per year on the roads in America, and the idea that developers of autonomous vehicles boast is that their self-driving cars don’t drive drunk, drowsy, or distracted, making them, potentially, a safer alternative. Schwarz goes on to discuss the challenges ahead for autonomous vehicles, talking about the high bar that the technology must meet because there are millions and millions of miles driven by human drivers before even one fatality occurs. Schwarz talks about some of the leading companies that are developing these self-driving cars, and how they are focused on pushing the technology to handle the entire driving experience. As he states, although passengers can ‘take over’ in a potential accident situation, it is perhaps unrealistic to expect a relaxed passenger to suddenly take action effectively. Thus, some say that the technology must be developed until it is good enough to no longer need any human input, or intervention, while driving.
Dr. Gerardo Ceballos, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Ecology of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), discusses his work in conservation efforts worldwide, and the quest for solutions to environmental problems.
Dr. Ceballos holds a degree in Biology from the Metropolitan Autonomous University Campus Izatalapa, Mexico. He received his master's degree in Ecology from the University of Wales, working under the close supervision of the well known ecologist, John. L. Harper. And Dr. Ceballos earned a PhD in Ecology from the University of Arizona, working with Dr. James H. Brown. Additionally, Dr. Ceballos has been on sabbatical at the prestigious, Stanford University working in close collaboration with Professor Paul R. Ehrlich, one of the preeminent ecologists of our time.
Dr. Ceballos's extensive, important research program addresses the conservation of species and ecosystems, and the connection between conservation and development. Dr. Ceballos discusses his current projects dealing with conservation and extinction crises. He talks about habitat requirements of endangered species and their work to set aside protected areas. As he explains, he and his contemporaries are working to push public policy to do more for conservation. Dr. Ceballos outlines the importance of the Amazon forests due to their incredible diversity of species, many of which are endangered or about to become endangered. He explains how they look at the problems and challenges to develop solutions to maximize their conservation efforts. As species become extinct, human activity is certainly a factor, he states.
The type C conservation researcher talks in detail about the general consensus between various governments regarding what needs to be done to preserve species, and to make global actions to curb the extinction crises and climate change. Unfortunately, many governments are not doing what they need to do; they do not seem to understand the severity of these global crises. Wrapping up, Dr. Ceballos discusses ocean conservation, and some of the recent reports that talk about the toxification of water, soil, and air, and what he and his colleagues are trying to do to persuade nations to do more, and now.
Denis Noble, CBE, PhD, FRS, the famed British biologist, delivers an interesting overview of his life’s work studying the intricate details of biology and what new developments can mean for the treatment of disease.
As a celebrated British biologist, Noble held the Burdon Sanderson Chair of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford for two decades and was later bestowed the honor of Professor Emeritus and appointed Co-Director of Computational Physiology. Noble’s work has been groundbreaking and he is one of the earliest pioneers of systems biology who developed the very first useful mathematical model of the heart, back in 1960.
Noble talks in detail about extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid bilayer-delimited particles—naturally released from a cell but, unlike a cell, they cannot replicate. He discusses the interior of cells, and explains how extracellular vesicles occur, touching on DNA and RNA, and the processes utilized by cells. As he explains, we “used to think that the cells were more or less cut off from each other,” but Noble states that this is just not true. Cells are actually exchanging information all the time, and the extracellular vesicles are little packets that contain information for exchange.
The celebrated biology expert goes on to discuss how Darwin saw the potential significance of transgenerational information being passed on. Noble explains that we can use the expanding information to develop tools to diagnose and treat diseases earlier on, which will be incredibly beneficial of course to patients. Noble continues, and talks about how digital intelligence and AI can help to organize information and opportunities. He explains how intelligence is created, and discusses his theories on the topic.
As one of the world’s preeminent biologists and evolution scientists, Noble continues to lead some of the most pertinent discussions in the scientific community regarding life, genetics, and cellular processes.
Most attorneys aspire to one day author a book…to put all of the knowledge and expertise they’ve compiled over the years into a concise, informative, and easy-to-read guide for prospective clients and the public at large. Attorneys want this because they know the benefits are numerous, but nevertheless, they simply don’t have the time to actually sit down and put pen to paper.
On today’s episode, Richard Jacobs of Speakeasy Marketing, Inc. is joined by Tracy Merda to discuss how you can author a book by putting in a couple hours’ worth of your time and simply speaking it. The Speak-a-Book™ method has helped hundreds of attorneys harness the authority that comes with being an author, and the returns are proving to be lucrative. In addition to differentiating you from the others, having your own book to reference will significantly influence the way others perceive your authority and expertise, demonstrate to clients your worth (and one more reason why they should retain your services), allow you to command higher fees, elevate your status as an attorney in your area of practice, bring in many new referrals, increase your chances of being featured in the media, and allow you to hand out copies to hundreds of colleagues and prospective clients almost anywhere you go, for free.
This isn’t a long process; within 30-60 days, you could have a published book that translates to profit for years to come. Tune in for more information, and visit https://www.jacobsandwhitehall.com/.
In addition to being an author, serial entrepreneur, time management expert, and co-host of the Get-It-Done Guy podcast, Stever Robbins played a critical role in the development and implementation of the internet. Robbins joins the podcast today to share his insight and knowledge on several issues centering on the internet—how it came about, what it’s become, and where it’s going.
He discusses the good and the bad and the strengths and weaknesses of the internet, but expounds on the way it’s affecting society as well as people on an individual level. “The internet acts as a tremendous amplifier…if something makes it onto the top 10 list…once it’s on the top 10 list…you have audiences in the sizes of millions or billions…the problem is, just because something’s on that list doesn’t mean it’s worth focusing on…” says Robbins. He continues to explain how this can lead to irresponsible social behavior, an emphasis on emotional reactivity, a decrease in our ability to focus, an increase in the prevalence of censorship, the manipulation of our biases, and a disconnection from our own creativity and ability to focus on our goals.
Robbins provides an in-depth and eye-opening examination of something that’s so commonplace in the modern world that many of us don’t even see it anymore. Press play to hear the full conversation. Learn more about Robbins’ work at http://www.steverrobbins.com/.
Zack Abbott, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of ZBiotics (zbiotics.com), discusses his company’s mission, acetaldehyde toxicity, and the future of probiotics for health protection.
Abbott is the creative scientific mind behind the proprietary technology and foundation for ZBiotics. Abbott holds a PhD in microbiology & immunology from the University of Michigan, where he worked on bacterial gene regulation. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, in immunology as well as classical art and archaeology. In his earlier years, Abbott was a researcher, studying HIV vaccines and pursuing novel antibiotics.
Abbott’s company has developed ZBiotics™—the planet’s first genetically engineered/modified probiotics designed to break down a toxic byproduct of alcohol known as acetaldehyde. He explains how the product works to combat the negative effects of alcohol, discussing the live bacteria aspects and the way they have engineered it to fight those negative effects. As he explains, by mimicking what our livers do to metabolize alcohol, ZBiotics takes its inspiration from nature.
Instead of manufacturing the enzyme separately, ZBiotics has engineered some probiotic bacteria to produce this enzyme anew, inside your gut, thereby transferring the trait for acetaldehyde breakdown out of the liver to probiotic bacteria. Abbott talks about the future of ZBiotics, as they look to build new products that can help our bodies handle many potentially problematic issues, from everyday chemicals in alcohol and dairy, to severe contaminants and problems, such as radiation and lead in water health effects.
Joan Diamond, Deputy Director and Senior Scenarist, Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability delivers an overview of her important work educating the public and assisting with the development of solutions for global crises.
Diamond is Executive Director of the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and Biosphere, an advanced Stanford University initiative that addresses the chasm between current knowledge of global problems and societies’ failure to respond. Diamond is also a visiting scholar at the Center for the Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, where she actively oversees the Institute of Foresight Intelligence there.
Diamond talks about her experience and background. As she states, there is a vast amount of knowledge about the world’s major problems, and that many systems are simply not working, from environmental issues such as water/drought to soil degradation, to fragile financial systems (credit/debt issues), etc. Many people are working to shift the trajectory from collapse to sustainability. In her role at the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability, Diamond works to bring minds, public intellectuals, together to meet the world’s challenges and assist with overpopulation solutions as well as economic growth and overconsumption solutions.
The Deputy Director explains many of the current inequities in the world, such as health care and education quality in developed nations like the United States. Educating the public through library materials, blogs, etc. are some of the ways that the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and Biosphere can make a difference. Diamond talks about their focus—the human predicament, civilization collapse. And as she states, unless societies engage then we are on a somewhat dire path, but individuals can be empowered and come together to find solutions.
Thomas Hartung, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, delivers an insightful overview of his work studying toxicity testing improvements, organoids, and advancing technologies.
Dr. Hartung has departmental affiliations with the Environmental Health and Engineering and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology departments at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Hartung’s work is heavily focused on creating a paradigm shift in toxicity testing to improve overall public health. Dr. Hartung has been an integral part of the implementation of the 2007 NRC vision document known as, “Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century – a vision and a strategy.”
Dr. Hartung discusses his background, and the road he has taken to arrive at his current place as a leading voice in the discussions concerning toxicity and animal testing. He explains that the technological opportunities have advanced significantly in the last few years. Dr. Hartung discusses ‘organ on a chip’ technologies and other advanced tissue, etc. work. As he explains, this field is permanently moving. The advancement of organoids, which are small, self-organized 3D tissue cultures that are actually derived from stem cells, is changing the way research is done.
The research doctor talks about the importance of toxicity testing, cellular communication and tissue technology, as well as genomics and metabolomics, discussing nutrients, types of cells, and the coming research that will certainly advance the field. Learning from current experiences, he explains that the ‘human on a chip’ technologies will continue to change as more research is done. Organoids are being used to test various compounds to observe the relative toxicity, but they are utilized for other reasons as well, such as modeling diseases. As Dr. Hartung states, the future will likely bring these types of
systems into all kinds of toxicity testing, and replace animal testing altogether if possible.
Katie Hasson, PhD, writer, speaker, researcher, educator, talks about the political and social aspects of human genetic technologies.
Hasson has an active role with the Center for Genetics and Society (geneticsandsociety.org) as their Program Director on Genetic Justice. The Center for Genetics and Society is a public interest nonprofit social justice organization that seeks to ensure a fair and impartial future in which human genetic and reproductive technologies will benefit the collective good.
Hasson explains the social justice perspective they seek to cultivate through important public discourse regarding human biotechnologies. She discusses her role and her goal of bringing more important and diverse voices into the conversation regarding human gene editing. Hasson explains the current thoughts on human gene editing, and the uses of CRISPR (clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats). Hasson outlines the differences in the types of gene editing, discussing treatments for actual patients versus gene editing that could perhaps affect the traits of future generations, the latter of which tends to be the most controversial. She talks about some of the more surprising uses of gene editing that pushed the conversation forward rapidly, talking about some of the ethical and safety issues, as well as social concerns.
The science educator talks about the current technologies, and the risks, ethics, and benefits. Hasson explains the concept of normal, in regard to gene editing and the idea that some ‘problems’ may be edited out. In regard to correcting disease, she discusses the policy that could be implemented pertaining to gene editing uses. Continuing, she talks about some of the international commissions that have pulled together various voices from countries around the world to discuss and think about frameworks for utilizing some forms of gene editing.
Hasson holds a PhD in Sociology with a Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender, and Sexuality from the prestigious University of California at Berkeley. She is a former Assistant Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of Southern California.
Also, there is this link for a session about CRISPR Consensus: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL29W0b7TmEDzaW1VsLHndZtBpoOlB5CmI
Kevin Lee, Digital Trust and Safety Architect at Sift (sift.com), talks about his company and their mission.
As the Trust and Safety Architect at Sift Science, Lee is very involved in Sift’s core mission—securing trust and safety for the digital age. Lee is skilled in building high-performing teams and systems that will combat suspicious and malicious behaviors. Before bringing his expertise to Sift, Lee was a manager at Facebook, Square, and Google in roles pertaining to risk, and spam, as well as trust and safety.
Lee discusses how Sift started out in the payment fraud area, using machine learning and other technologies to outsmart fraudsters. Today, they are focused heavily on digital trust and safety issues. Lee explains the mechanics of their solutions, and he cites specific examples of client work, from Airbnb, Twitter, and others, helping to stop data breaches and fraud. He explains how ‘bad actors’ take over accounts and the kinds of malicious acts they try to implement.
Lee discusses some of the e-commerce sites that they offer protections for, and how attacks against them are designed. Continuing, Lee explains some of the signs they look for that could indicate fraud is potentially happening. He talks about iPhone fraud attempts, and the telltale signs of fraud that they see in that platform/family versus android. From account take over to trolling and financial fraud, Lee explains some of the most current problems businesses are combatting. As he states, in account take over scenarios, often trust is destroyed, which could result in the loss of customers and clients.
Wrapping up, Lee explains how easy it is to get started with Sift and the protections that companies can take advantage of right away. As digital disrupters, Sift is innovating daily, taking its position as a leader in the digital security space.
Luke Osborn, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, discusses the lab’s exciting work in modern prosthetics and biomedical engineering.
Osborn is a postdoctoral researcher in the Intelligent Systems Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Osborn’s expertise lies in multiple scientific areas, specifically concentrated on neuroengineering and applied neuroscience. His intensive work explores the groundbreaking new areas of advancement in tactile sensing and feedback for sensory augmentation.
Osborn often works with upper limb amputees. He discusses the problem known as phantom limb, which is the sensation that an amputated limb is still actually attached. Statistically speaking, 80 to 100% of people who have had an amputation report experiencing ‘phantom’ sensations/feelings in their amputated limb, and unfortunately, most of these types of sensations are painful. He explains how the muscles that still exist in partial limbs can cause amputees to feel sensations. He talks about their work in the improvement of prosthetics, utilizing sensory feedback. The big issue: embodiment, and as Osborn explains embodiment is the integration of an artificial limb (prosthetic) into someone's own body identity so to speak, essentially the fusion of body and perception. The goal is to get people to feel that their prosthetic is a part of them.
The prosthetics researcher talks about the ways they work with amputees, and the methods they use to get them to feel sensations, such as pressure, etc. Restoring sensation is a key element of their work, and Osborn explains how they target functionality. Osborn’s questions lead to more research and advancement. Ultimately, the goal is to figure out what types of sensations and perceptions can be improved, and how to improve them via new technologies.
Dr. Theodore S. Piliszek, founder and medical director of the Advanced Health and Wellness Center in Houston, Texas, delivers an interesting overview of his life’s work in health, wellness, and genetics research.
Dr. Piliszek has over 30 years of experience in preventive medicine that has taken him to multiple continents. Dr. Piliszek is a nutritional specialist who has dedicated his life to the study and advancement of Functional Longevity Medicine and Clinical Nutrition for the prevention and reversal of vascular, metabolic, and degenerative diseases.
Dr. Piliszek has extensive experience in Hematopathology research and has studied with some of the world’s greatest geneticists, including the celebrated geneticist, Sir David Weatherall at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Piliszek has been certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, and today he continues to
share his vast knowledge with the medical community and public.
Dr. Piliszek talks about his interest in anti-aging, the medtech impact, and nutrigenomics, which is the science that analyzes the relationship between the human genome, nutrition, and health. By evaluating one’s genomic expressions, Dr. Piliszek states that we can learn a lot about possible future outcomes, and risks, and potentially provide information that could help individuals delay or avoid possible medical maladies. Dr. Piliszek continues his discussion and dives into a detailed analysis of foods and exercise and the impact each has on health. Citing examples of how genetics plays a role in the trajectory of long term health, Dr. Piliszek lays out the many genetic abnormalities that could be factored in to bring about a medical problem, such as Alzheimer’s and other debilitating diseases.
The genetics, health, and medical technology expert discusses some of the puzzling questions that he is most curious about, discussing nutrition and micronutrients—including vitamins and minerals. To counteract modern stressors, micronutrient supplementation often produces a good outcome. Dr. Piliszek goes on to discuss disease treatment and some of the changes that are coming that may be beneficial.
Nicola Beer, internationally-recognized and award-winning expert in relationship psychology and transformation, provides an interesting overview of her work with individuals—helping people improve relationships, heal trauma, and live fuller lives. She is a leading authority on save your marriage techniques.
Beer has dedicated her life to helping people repair, renew, and reinvigorate their relationships. For more than ten years, Beer has assisted thousands of men and women from many corners of the world to live more vibrant lives by healing their damaged relationships and traumas. Her popular empowered love program has helped countless people and she is dedicated to helping bring positivity into lives.
Beer discusses her background and her path toward her current career and focus. She talks about the difference between her male and female clients, and the areas that are of most importance to each, on average. From separations to divorces, emotional issues and distance between partners, Beer works with many and various issues and the couples that struggle with them. She cites specific examples of the challenges couples face, discussing emotions, guilt, communication, and more. And Beer delves into some of the areas and times in a relationship that are most challenging, when problems tend to develop, often because of unmet expectations from one or both partners. From financial struggles and beyond, Beer talks about the many ways that we can take action to seek improvement.
Beer co-authored four international best-sellers and she has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, HuffPost, and Wall Street Select.
Peter H. Raven, internationally celebrated Botanist, and Conservationist provides an interesting overview of his life’s work in the life sciences.
Raven has spent the better part of his life advocating for conservation, educating the public about the grave threats to Earth’s biodiversity. His work and research are so significant that Time magazine hailed him as a “Hero for the Planet.” For four decades, Raven headed the Missouri Botanical Garden, a distinguished institution and world-class center for the advancement of conservation, botanical research, and education, and known worldwide for its horticulture display. Raven is currently President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Raven discusses his long background and current work promoting major scientific projects, from plant observation and study to conservation efforts. Raven discusses his decades of work and interest in the tropical rainforests, which house more species than anywhere else on Earth. He states that there are incredibly important implications for climate and that we need to preserve the trees and their interactions, and the storage of carbon within them to prevent global warming. He discusses the potential problems in detail, and that we effectively have about two generations to correct the problems.
The Missouri Botanical Garden conservationist discusses consumption and population growth, and how it all affects preserved areas. Clearly, not enough is being done as our actions have demonstrated that preserved areas are not a high priority, unfortunately. Raven talks about the increasing population globally, and how it is important to empower women worldwide. As women are often ignored, Raven states, their true talents—that could be incredibly significant in the search for global crisis solutions—are wasted. He underscores the stupidity of ignoring women and the potentially massive contribution they could bring to global problems and issues.
Raven continues by discussing how we can empower smaller nations to help themselves, and form alliances to think globally regarding solutions to the world’s problems. By helping to strengthen their infrastructure they can get more benefits from their own productivity. Additionally, Raven talks about the progress they are making globally, in agriculture and other areas. And he talks about the importance of social justice initiatives, helping some of the poorest countries in the world to rise up out of poverty and stabilize themselves.
As he states, there are ways we can help, by consuming less, recycling, living closer to our jobs, etc. But ultimately, the moral argument is what could really change things… essentially we all need to acknowledge that these are the right things to do, to make a difference, to help solve the poverty problem, and work toward conservation on a global scale.
Samantha Gladish, author and holistic wellness coach (holisticwellness.ca) delivers a wealth of information about holistic health and holistic wellness.
As a longtime sufferer of various health issues, Gladish battled blood sugar levels, mood swings, poor digestion, and troublesome gut health, as well as tremendous PMS cramping and bloating. She endured numerous bouts with devastating migraines and day to day headaches, and she set out on a path to heal herself. Currently, Gladish is healing from autoimmune Hashimoto’s, and sharing her success path with others so they can also find healing solutions.
Gladish discusses her background and her early love for nutritious foods, exercise, and healthy living. But in spite of her early knowledge, she found her health was suffering. By taking things into her own hands, she studied nutrition in detail, and ditched unnatural pills in an effort to find a path back to great health. She discusses the problems with birth control pills, and the health issues and side effects that are not often talked about. And she talks about various studies that have linked the birth control pill to estrogen dominant cancers. She explains in detail how the taking of synthetic hormones changes the way a woman’s body produces estrogen and progesterone. As she explains, maintaining the proper fertility is important, regardless of whether a woman wants to become pregnant or not. Gladish’s programs incorporate many facets of healthy living, including healthy recipes and food choices which can assist with weight loss and health improvements.
Gladish continues by discussing various health conditions that have incredible alternative solutions for healing, but how the mainstream medical community may not always consider these healthy alternatives. She discusses vitamins and medications, and the importance of studying root cause medicine, and how we need to look deeper for the origins of medical problems in order to truly eradicate them or relieve them.
Gladish has over fifteen years in the health and wellness field and she has worked with women in more than 30 countries worldwide. She is a sought-after consultant and coach.
Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D., child educational psychologist, and author of the Los Angeles Times bestselling book, The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success, provides an overview of her work in meditation and mindfulness practices.
For three decades, Dr. Reznick has had a meditation practice, and she is the creator of positive coping skills, mindful program, Imagery For Kids: Breakthrough for Learning, Creativity, and Empowerment. Dr. Reznick is a noted authority on mindfulness, imagination creation, and meditation, and is a leader in her field.
Dr. Reznick talks about her background and education, and what pushed her to develop her programs and write about her work. As a specialist in child and teen mindfulness and meditation, she talks about how she combined imagination and mediation to help those she worked with. A primary goal is to help kids access their inner wisdom through their own imagination. She talks about some specific case studies and the progress she made.
Continuing, Dr. Reznick provides further examples of brain/body meditation and imagination that transformed some of the kids she worked with. As Dr. Reznick states, fear is sometimes known, but sometimes we don’t know where it is coming from, and the imagination work helps young people find comfort, to relax, and sleep better. Talking about stress, Dr. Reznick states that today we have more complications in life with technology, etc., and that it is all combining to potentially accelerate stress and anxiety.
Dr. Reznick discusses texting and social media, and the emotions that are communicated, and not communicated in exchanges between people. Wrapping up, Dr. Reznick discusses her travels and the teaching she provides, giving people tools to help them find healthier paths, better solutions, and to promote joy and success through change and growth.
Ryan Lewis, Chief Business Developer of Global Cannabinoids, talks about the emerging markets for CBD and hemp-derived products.
Global Cannabinoids is a high volume producer and distributor of bulk and wholesale phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) industrial hemp—naturally high in CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDA, and terpenes. Additionally, Global Cannabinoids is a large manufacturer of private- label CBD products, one of the biggest in the US. They are a serious CBD oil distributor that is changing the marketplace.
Lewis talks about his background, starting with the building of the very first bulk and wholesale B2B distribution platform for American-grown hemp and cannabinoids derived from hemp. He discusses some of the challenges, and some of the advances that were enabled after the passing of the US Farm Bill.
Lewis explains that hemp is excellent with phytoremediation, a form of bioremediation that applies to all the chemical or physical processes that involve plants for immobilizing or degrading contaminants within the soil and/or groundwater. He recounts some remarkable stories of how hemp has shown it can literally absorb all kinds of contaminants and survive, which makes testing incredibly important. Lewis explains their testing processes in detail. And he provides details about upcoming federal regulation and the marketplace, as well as his expectation for the near future in regard to the hemp-derived phytocannabinoids market.
Most of us value our health, and we know that exercise can help us achieve and maintain it, but it can still be a challenge to get to the gym on a regular basis. The team at SportsArt is trying to change that by giving us one more reason to work out: we can help improve the planet by doing so. The fitness equipment manufacturer has created a product that's like nothing else on the market: a line of cardio equipment that actually generates electricity when it’s used.
On today’s episode, CTO of SportsArt, Rubin Mejia, explains the technology behind the product, the reduction in electricity use (and bills) resulting from it, and how the product has been received in general. The equipment can be found in nearly every large city in the world, but it’s just starting to gain traction in the U.S.
Tune in and check out gosportsart.com for more info.
Robin Arnott, CEO of Andromeda Entertainment (enterandromeda.com), discusses his work with the next wave of gaming and the ever-expanding world of entertainment technologies.
Andromeda Entertainment is the first publisher to serve the advancing interest in mindfulness and wellness with truly transformative content and amazing virtual entertainment experiences for users.
Arnott talks about his background as an audio engineer and game designer. Through working in games in the entertainment technologies space, he came to truly understand how games capture our minds perhaps better than anything else. It’s about practicing and being, and can really bring people into a specific environment. He talks about how games can play an important role in people’s introspective journeys, hitting deep states of consciousness. With video games, we can package practices that are good for us, in a fun, engaging, deeply involved game environment. Arnott explains that video games can become addictive, but most games can actually exercise parts of your mind, thus the benefits are there.
Arnott discusses how their games engage people on a somatic level, to move out of deeply held trauma, to approach self-actualization. As we learn, he states, we can really take advantage of this form in a positive way, elevating the gaming experience. Arnott talks about some of the games that are coming out soon, and their mental and physical benefits. Continuing, Arnott says they, as a company, are looking for original genius ideas; he is looking for creators who are engaged on a higher level. As a publisher, Arnott states that they often take on games that may be somewhat unusual, but offer transformative experiences. And Arnott discusses how game designers might draw from the mind/body connection to inspire their designs, to make a new kind of game for self-actualization and beyond.
Professor Jeffrey M Karp, Principal Investigator, Karp Lab (karplab.net), provides an overview of the current state of diabetes treatment.
Dr. Karp is a celebrated Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Additionally, Dr. Karp is a principal faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, as well as an affiliate faculty member at the Broad Institute and with the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. Dr. Karp specializes in the fields pertaining to drug delivery, stem cell therapeutics, medical devices, and tissue adhesives.
Dr. Karp discusses his background, from his early undergrad training as a chemical engineer at McGill University, a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to his PhD work at the University of Toronto, continuing with a postdoc at MIT. The research doctor discusses diabetes in detail, and the incredible resources that are needed for this one medical condition. He talks about some amazing discoveries made through gastric bypass surgeries, and how doctors quickly acknowledged that many of their gastric bypass surgery patients no longer needed medication for their type 2 diabetes after the procedure.
Dr. Karp talks about the medical community’s mission thereafter, to achieve the same response in a more minimally-invasive way.
The solution—a pill. Dr. Karp discusses the immense work that got the medical community through the research and to the solution. As he states, the pill they’ve created, which is taken before a meal, forms a transient coating that can limit nutrient absorption, effectively limiting the nutrient contact with the GI tract and thus mimicking the effects achieved earlier through the gastric bypass surgery.
Dr. Karp continues by explaining some of the treatments for weight loss and diabetes, and he expounds upon their progress getting their research into the clinical trial stage. Dr. Karp has published more than 125 peer-reviewed papers, with greater than 18,500 citations, and he has given over 300 lectures on topics within his areas of expertise. And Dr. Karp has 100+ already issued or pending patents (national and international).
If you’ve ever experienced chronic pain, odds are that you’ve tried various solutions to mitigate that pain. Maybe you’ve found something that works. Great! If not, you may be looking for an alternative to your current therapy. One of the latest technologies in pain management utilizes painless electromagnetic pulse therapy to provide long-term pain relief. Dr. Jeff Marksberry, Chief Medical Officer of medical technology company Oska Wellness, discusses the Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Technology that is utilized in the Oska Pulse. This device emits precise frequencies of pulsed electromagnetic fields to provide pain relief on virtually any area of the body that may be painful.
Dr. Marksberry discusses the many benefits of using the Oska Pulse (of note – there are no known side effects), and how patients have achieved significant pain reduction – some patients have been able to manage their pain exclusively with the Oska Pulse.
For more information, visit https://www.oskawellness.com and find the device on Amazon.
Many of us have heard of the numerous benefits of meditation, yet many of us have also faced numerous challenges in adopting this practice into our daily lives. Maybe we are too busy. Maybe we don’t know what we’re doing. Maybe it’s a combination of the two. Without judgment, Andrew Feinstein, founder and CEO of Find Your Mind Meditation joins us today to discuss his meditation journey as a busy young professional.
He discusses how he overcame the barriers that many of us face while learning how to meditate and how and why how he incorporates meditation into his daily life. Andrew advocates that we can find the time in our day to practice meditation—no matter how busy we are—and explains why and how it will benefit us in the long run.
For more information, visit https://www.fymmeditation.com/.
Smart cities, personal assistants, and human longevity; what do each of these things have in common? They’re all—in one technical way or another—possible only by virtue of the fact that neural networks and other models for AI processing exist. Alexey Potapov, PhD, is a researcher in the area of AI at SingularityNET, and he joins the podcast to talk about a number of topics, including the limitations of neural networks and how natural symbolic networks can compensate for them, areas of research in AI that are continuing to grow, the demand for improved AI presented by the rise of smart cities, and the current popularity of natural language processing models.
Tune in for the details and learn more at https://singularitynet.io/.
Robin Eric Weiner, author, The Geography of Genius, talks about his book, his interests, and why geniuses are the way they are.
In The Geography of Genius, the New York Times bestselling author, Weiner, author of The Geography of Bliss, journeys from Athens to Silicon Valley—and takes a look back at history to show how truly creative geniuses flourished in very specific places at very specific times.
Weiner explains how we have been looking at geniuses all wrong. He talks about the myths of geniuses. Weiner states that myth number one is that geniuses are ‘born.’ He provides the example of Mozart, who was certainly born with amazing talent, but Weiner states that we must also consider that he was born into a very musical family in area that was musically-oriented, in an extremely musical period in history. Myth number two, he states, is that genius is made through hard work. Weiner states that hard work does play a role, but that’s not enough. Thus, Weiner proposes that geniuses are actually grown, cultivated. Weiner’s point: geniuses are not random, but there are groupings—certain places produce more geniuses, and he talks about the many factors that are involved. Weiner provides detailed information about some of the places in the world, and their companion times, that produced the world’s greatest geniuses.
Continuing, Weiner talks about the tyranny of expertise, and how there is a now common problem in academia in which individuals are not allowed to freely expound upon their ideas unless those ideas are specifically in their exact area of expertise. And Weiner talks about how we romanticize geniuses, but as the times change so do our perceptions.
Josep Bassaganya-Riera, DVM, PhD, founder, Chairman and CEO of Landos Biopharma, delivers a fact-filled overview of his company’s work, developing safer therapeutics for autoimmune disease.
Dr. Bassaganya-Riera has received numerous research grants from a wide variety of science and health institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as many industrial corporations. Dr. Bassaganya-Riera holds the title of Principal Investigator and Director for the Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens (MIEP) project, which investigates the various immunoregulatory mechanisms underlying infections with certain gut pathogens by introducing mathematical systems to current mucosal immunology.
Dr. Bassaganya-Riera discusses his work with Landos Biopharma, an emerging biotech company that is already an integral player in the development of groundbreaking oral treatments for patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases. He discusses the unmet needs in Crohn's disease treatment in detail, as well as colitis—a chronic digestive disease recognized by inflammation of the colon’s inner lining. Dr. Bassaganya-Riera discusses their successful completion of phase one clinical trials, and he talks about his enthusiasm for further advancement of their therapeutics.
The research doctor discusses other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. He outlines their progress thus far and explains their lead clinical asset, BT-11, which is a unique, oral, locally-acting tiny molecule that targets the Lanthionine Synthetase C-Like 2 (LANCL2) pathway in the gastrointestinal tract for the treatment of IBD (inflammatory bowel
disease).
Dr. Bassaganya-Riera has a prolific track record of publishing and securing his important work and has published over 100 scientific papers, and secured 9 patents. He was awarded the 2018 Research Excellence Award from the prestigious Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech.
Samantha “Sam” Bond is a Certified Medical Illustrator and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In this podcast, Bond discusses her work, and her excitement about illustration, medical game development, and much more.
Sam Bond wears many diverse hats in the business world. She is a successful medical illustrator, Unity developer, and innovative interactive designer. In 2016, Bond graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master's of Science in Biomedical Visualization (BVIS). She is an Atlanta, Georgia native and proudly attended the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Scientific Illustration.
Bond talks about her background and journey. She enthusiastically explains the emerging medical game field, and how these beneficial games can educate people about medicine and healthcare. She discusses the wide audience for select games, from technical games designed for neurosurgery residents, and more general games for the average person who wants to learn more about health. From general anatomy to vaccines, the topics are wide and varied, for a seemingly unending receptive audience of diverse inquisitive minds. By using the power, and fun, of games, Bond explains that gaming can be a great tool to educate and inform.
The medical gaming technology guru talks about some of the institutions that are interested in utilizing this groundbreaking platform. From companies that focus on surgical training and beyond, the need is clearly real. Bond talks about the success of the immunity and vaccination games and how they are changing the way we learn.
After obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Joseph Mercola practiced conventional medicine for about five or six years before discovering more natural approaches that were actually more effective for improving his patients’ health, allowing him to heal people that other healthcare professionals couldn’t. When people began coming from around the world seeking his help, he decided to create a website that would allow him to educate a greater number of people. Dr. Mercola is passionate about improving people’s health without the use of drugs or surgery.
Click play to hear practical tips that you can incorporate into your lifestyle, learn about why life expectancy in the U.S. is declining, and get specific advice on how you can take hold of your own health to change this trajectory.
For more information, visit Mercola.com. Keep an eye out for his book on the dangers of electric and magnetic fields, EMF’d.
Steve Zarpas, President and CEO at PHK Inc. (phketo.com) discusses ketones, and his company’s mission. Zarpas’ company, PowerHouse Ketones is a beverage company that features 100% bioavailable, all-natural ketones that mimic ketones that our livers naturally produce.
Steve attended George Washington University where he majored in the scientific areas of chemistry and biology. Zarpas talks about his early interest in ketones, and the exciting new field of exogenous ketone supplementation that has created a buzz in the health community. Zarpas discusses the many and varied, immense benefit of ketones and ketone supplementation. And as ketones produce more energy per each breath of air than carbohydrates do, they are an excellent way to not only improve health but make our bodies more efficient in processing. Unfortunately, to date, many people do not experience the incredible physical and cognitive energy benefits that come with a ketone-fueled body and mind, because the American diet is largely carbohydrate based.
Zarpas discusses bioactivity, and how ketones work. He explains the differences—ketone esters versus salts, but makes the distinction that his particular focus is on ketone acid, which is exactly what the liver makes when the body converts fat into ketones. The ketone and good health enthusiast talks about some of the best ways to utilize ketone acid. Zarpas talks about their upcoming products, such as their functional beverage that some early testers have said tastes great. Effects can be seen quickly, and it promotes the production of endogenous ketones. He talks about the benefits to athletes as well as sedentary people. The cognitive effects are obvious and the improvements in energy level and sharpness are demonstrable. And Zarpas explains how he uses the product to increase his endurance, increase recovery, and energy.
During the Ebola outbreak in Africa in 2014, a response camp was designed in order to create a clinical environment that included observation bays, recovery bays, and areas for isolation. When the project didn’t go through at the last minute, the assets in place had to be burned due to an inability to disinfect the canvas structures that made up the camp. Not only is this an unsustainable use of resources, but the lack of pre-existing medical public health infrastructure created conditions conducive to an outbreak in the first place.
Clinics On Wheels wants to develop medical public health infrastructure in austere environments in order to provide general public healthcare on a regular basis, while also being ready to respond immediately should an outbreak occur. In this episode, Tony Cowan, Director of Emergency Response Technology for Clinics on Wheels explains the varied uses and economic benefits of quality care that has mobile capabilities.
For more information, visit www.clinicsonwheels.com, or their parent company, World Housing Solution, at www.worldhousingsolution.com. You can also email Cowan directly at tonyc@worldhousingsolution.com.
Around 2001, Dr. Cate Shanahan acquired a mysterious pain and inflammation in her knee, which her medical providers could not explain and even surgery could not fix. The pain sometimes made her febrile and even unable to walk. When she finally learned that it was caused by a virus in her knee resulting from a diet she had once believed to be healthy, she became inspired to learn more.
A medical professional herself, Dr. Cate is familiar with the nutritional science training, or lack thereof, provided in medical school. She has turned her pursuit of knowledge of nutrition into a book, Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food, with a new edition recently out. She joins us today to share her insights on nutrition. Press play to hear more.
Find her book on most online retailers, including Amazon and Audible. You can find out more about Dr. Cate and what she does at drcate.com
BIOLIFE4D is back to tell us more about the technology they are using to create a bioengineered heart! In the United States, there are about 200,000 people who could use a heart transplant to save their lives, but only about 3,500 heart transplants take place each year.
This discrepancy is due to a lack of viable donor hearts. BIOLIFE4D is addressing this problem by developing the technology to create a heart out of the cells of the very patient who will receive the heart for transplantation. Listen in to hear Steven Morris, CEO, and president of BIOLIFE4D, explain how such a heart can be made, why such a method reduces rejection risk, and how it can improve accuracy and ethics in drug testing.
Learn more at www.BIOLIFE4D.com.
According to Nitish Padmanaban, the problem in vision is deceivingly simple: as a person ages, the lenses in their eyes stiffen and become unable to change shape enough to focus on different objects in their environment. As a result, a person might get reading or bifocal lenses to help them see what they need to. As a fifth-year Ph.D. student at Stanford University, Padmanaban is working on a unique solution to this problem, which is a focused, tunable lens that replaces the functionality that’s lost by the eyes over time.
These autofocus function as a combination of two types of eye-tracking software and a depth camera, and are able to determine exactly which object a person is looking at, how far from the person the object is located, and change shape accordingly so that the person can seamlessly focus on anything in their line of vision.
In today’s episode, Padmanaban discusses the technical details of how the product works, how the technology of the lenses is based upon the technology behind virtual reality headsets, what they’re aiming to improve about the product in the future, and more. Tune in to hear the full conversation and check out https://www.computationalimaging.org/ to learn more.
Gary Marcus, the scientist, entrepreneur, and author of the buzz-worthy book, Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust, talks about the current state of AI and learning.
Marcus is a scientist, first and foremost, and his extensive research has often focused on natural and artificial intelligence. Marcus was Founder and CEO of Geometric Intelligence, a successful machine learning company that was acquired by Uber. Marcus talks about his background, and his early interest in AI, and the possibilities to, as he states, “make machines do smart things.”
Marcus discusses his path from studying human cognition to AI. He states that much ‘intelligence’ is narrow, meaning the intelligence can only accomplish one or a few tasks. With general intelligence, the goal is to build machines that can figure things out for themselves, to analyze and adapt. The scientist and educator talk about human intelligence and our abilities.
Continuing, Marcus discusses early chatbots and their relative intelligence levels. Additionally, he talks about self-driving software and some of the accidents that have caused injuries and even death. He states that none of this software has been properly debugged, but many people feel comfortable already. Marcus expounds upon the concept of deep comprehension, discussing data representations, and the ability to analyze things like space, time, causality, and individual objects. He explains his thoughts on how some things will be ‘learned’ but others will be built in. He talks about how AI needs to have a ‘rough draft’ of the psychology built-in, information and knowledge it needs to possess in order to function in the world around it, and that will ultimately make the learning process easier.
Marcus discusses some of the problems and challenges that arise in the quest to advance AI and neuroscience. He explains his theories and expands on some of the themes in his new book. He discusses which aspects of problems can be readily solved and how machines often fail in analytical thinking unless proper programming is implemented.
Gary Marcus, the scientist, entrepreneur, and author of the buzz-worthy book, Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust, talks about the current state of AI and learning.
Marcus is a scientist, first and foremost, and his extensive research has often focused on natural and artificial intelligence. Marcus was Founder and CEO of Geometric Intelligence, a successful machine learning company that was acquired by Uber. Marcus talks about his background, and his early interest in AI, and the possibilities to, as he states, “make machines do smart things.”
Marcus discusses his path from studying human cognition to AI. He states that much ‘intelligence’ is narrow, meaning the intelligence can only accomplish one or a few tasks. With general intelligence, the goal is to build machines that can figure things out for themselves, to analyze and adapt. The scientist and educator talk about human intelligence and our abilities.
Continuing, Marcus discusses early chatbots and their relative intelligence levels. Additionally, he talks about self-driving software and some of the accidents that have caused injuries and even death. He states that none of this software has been properly debugged, but many people feel comfortable already. Marcus expounds upon the concept of deep comprehension, discussing data representations, and the ability to analyze things like space, time, causality, and individual objects. He explains his thoughts on how some things will be ‘learned’ but others will be built in. He talks about how AI needs to have a ‘rough draft’ of the psychology built-in, information and knowledge it needs to possess in order to function in the world around it, and that will ultimately make the learning process easier.
Marcus discusses some of the problems and challenges that arise in the quest to advance AI and neuroscience. He explains his theories and expands on some of the themes in his new book. He discusses which aspects of problems can be readily solved and how machines often fail in analytical thinking unless proper programming is implemented.
Dr. Amelia Mazgaloff, principal, Chiro-Health, Inc. (chirohealthsf.com), provides an overview of her work as a chiropractor, helping people heal their nervous system.
Dr. Mazgaloff holds a master’s degree in physical education and kinesiology (the study of human movement). She completed her education in X-ray technology and began her tenure at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, a top-rated spine orthopedic hospital.
Dr. Mazgaloff discusses joint pain and inflammation, and how chiropractic techniques can be utilized. She expounds upon the various treatments for misalignments of the joints, all of which can affect our nerves and muscles. She discusses the many ways that body problems can occur, from slip and fall injuries to accidents, and more, and how trauma can impact our joints. As she states, when there are alignment problems that cannot realign on their own, that’s when chiropractors get involved, to manually realign and return the body to its normal state.
The doctor discusses some of the issues she deals with, and how some patients respond. She explains that her goal is to fix problems permanently if possible, not just relieve pain and problems. She outlines their techniques and processes and explains how they adjust joints, with a discussion on maintenance adjustment and how they schedule patients for follow-ups. Typically, maintenance schedules are four to six weeks, but it depends on a particular person’s activities and activity level.
Charles J. Meakin, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Care Oncology Clinic USA, provides an overview of his life’s work in oncology and research.
Dr. Meakin amassed 30 years of radiation oncology practice before joining Care Oncology in the summer of 2019. Dr. Meakin is interested in health optimization strategies and uses his extensive oncology background to develop and implement ‘whole patient’ care. Dr. Meakin completed his premed education at Notre Dame University, Medical School at the University of Cincinnati, and his oncology training at the prestigious Stanford University Hospital.
Dr. Meakin talks about his early thoughts on diet, yoga, and other alternative elements to standard of care, in his pursuit of metabolic solutions to disease. He discusses the concept of reappropriating drugs that were designed for some other malady that can also be effective in cancer treatment. Dr. Meakin discusses tumors and drug/treatment options that impact disease on the cellular level.
Dr. Meakin provides an overview of the Care Oncology Clinic’s mission and some of its methods. Scientists have spent many years working to find safe and viable combinations of medicines to target the metabolic pathways of cancer. They are seeking combinations that will benefit a large section of people suffering from cancer as well as preventative cancer combinations. And Dr. Meakin discusses their protocol and some of their promising work and successes.
Trisha Pritikin, lawyer, and radiation exposure survivor talks in-depth about her past health problems, causes, and her efforts to educate the public about the dangers of radiation exposure.
Trisha Pritikin was born and raised in Richland, Washington, just a couple miles from the Hanford Site, a decommissioned nuclear production complex that was operated by the United States government, on the Columbia River in Benton County, Washington. Her father worked around the reactors, overseeing operations. Eventually, the family moved away, but at the age of 18, Pritikin began to develop health problems she believes were caused by childhood exposure to radioactive iodine and other toxic radionuclides that were released from chemical separations at Hanford.
Pritikin tells her story and explains her background. As she explains, the Hanford Site as part of the government’s early plutonium production. She outlines the process they used and how toxins were released into the air and water. Pritikin’s health deteriorated over time due to an undiagnosed autoimmune thyroid disorder known as Hashimoto’s disease, and other related health issues.
Pritikin explains the depth at which residents of the area were exposed to harmful radiation, and how, surprisingly, the public was never really informed for years and years. She talks about the many cancers that people of the area experienced, and how it is easy to see the connection. Pritikin talks about her efforts to make an impact, and the 24-year litigation that went on and on in an effort to gain settlements for plaintiffs. She talks about her book of stories, stories of people who suffered, and the release of her book. Continuing, she discusses her efforts to spread the word about dangerous exposures and provides information on some of their websites and info for the public.
Dr. Hanan Elsaie voted one of ‘America's Top Dentists’ discusses her background, goals, and extensive work in dentistry.
Dr. Elsaie is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center - Dental Branch, in Houston. Dr. Elsaie is skilled in all areas of general dentistry, and she specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Elsaie received the honorific—‘one of America’s Top Dentists’— Consumers’ Research Council of America, Guide to America’s Top Dentists.
Dr. Elsaie discusses her background and her holistic method of modern dentistry. She believes in taking a whole-body approach when caring for her patients. She promotes more natural medicines and supplements in her overall care plan. The doctor goes on to talk about gum disease and how it can affect the health of the entire body. Dr. Elsaie explains some of the problems that can develop, from gingivitis to periodontitis.
The recognized dental doctor discusses her thoughts on fluoride and mouthwashes with preservatives (or alcohol), explaining that she is not an advocate whatsoever as they can do damage to the body. She delves into a discussion of saliva and things to watch for in regard to that. Continuing, Dr. Elsaie provides information on a few of the many natural foods, supplements, and more that can combat inflammation, and are excellent for gum health, etc. She discusses, in great detail, various sweeteners—the good versus the bad, discussing ingredients and effects. And she continues, discussing some of the potentially harmful chemicals that we could be exposed to.
Wrapping up, she discusses new technologies and advances in the dental field. Dr. Elsaie’s work has been recognized by her peers, and she is passionate about providing outstanding dental care to everyone. Dr. Elsaie is skilled in general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as oral surgery, including implant placement and surgical extractions, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthonotics.
Perry Marshall, a marketing expert, engineer, entrepreneur, and general scientific enthusiast, talks about the current state of scientific development, approaches, and practices.
Marshall’s sought-after consulting service provides independent entrepreneurs an opportunity to take part in high-level mentoring groups, to solve problems, and find exciting pathways to incredible success. Though Marshall’s lifetime of marketing and business knowledge, he has developed a system that delivers state-of-the-art marketing methods to company owners and executives, managers and marketers, as well as hungry salespeople—all who want to find new ways to thrive. And Marshall’s 80/20 Sales and Marketing concept is a foundation in the business world.
Marshall discusses his Evolution 2.0 Prize, the largest “origin of life” prize thus far, that seeks to bridge the divide between the scientific fields of chemistry, genomics, and modern computing. Marshall discusses the difficulty level of attaining funding for research. He discusses some of the hurdles that scientists face in their attempt to get work published. He explains the peer review process and how ‘good science’ is evaluated.
Continuing, the electrical engineer and general scientific enthusiast discuss his process to find judges for his Evolution 2.0 Prize. As he explains, many scientists wanted no part in it, but the ones who chose to be involved tended to be outspoken ‘rock stars’ so to speak in the world of science. He states, to take controversial positions, it requires some maneuvering that many ranks and file scientists are not able to do, due to lack of time/schedules, etc.
Marshall explains why most scientists don’t typically share their information with the general public from the outset. Going further, Marshall talks about how some scientists break out and become ‘popular scientists,’ such as Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, and others.
Joshua Perry, keto consultant, former professional athlete, coach, and brain tumor survivor, (joshperrybmx.com) talks about his life and work as a keto consultant and public speaker.
Perry provides some background on his life and interests, starting out with his high school years, and how he found a love for BMX (bike motocross). He talks in-depth about his competition years, and how regular pain, nausea, and vision loss caused him to look deeper into his health issues. He explains the difficult process and path that led to the discovery he had a brain problem that had to be dealt with. He explains the process, from diagnosis to surgery, and how he coped along the way.
Moving forward, he sought a way to improve his life, after the brain tumor surgery, and he found keto. He discusses physicians and his feelings about medicine in general, discussing his aversion to taking regular pain meds, etc. As he explains, diet and nutrition are the key elements he focuses on to maximize his health. As a keto consultant, Perry has clients all over the globe.
Perry utilizes communication and a results-oriented program to help clients increase cognitive function, enhance their quality of life, and bring their overall performance and health to the highest level possible. Wrapping up, Perry talks about how to prioritize, and focus the brain, and he discusses the many types of people he interacts with and coaches.
Paula Baker-Laporte FAIA, Architect, EcoNest Architecture Inc. Healthy Home Design and Consulting, discusses her important work in the emerging arena of healthy, green architecture.
Baker-Laporte holds degrees from the School of Architecture at the University of Toronto, and The International Institute of Bau-Biologie and Ecology. Baker-Laporte’s firm is dedicated to environmentally sound and health-enhancing architecture. She is a noted advocate for environmentally-sound architecture and was recognized as a United States ‘Top 10’ green architect by Natural Home magazine.
Baker-Laporte discusses her interest in ‘healthy’ architecture. She talks about her personal background and her incredible sensitivity to various chemicals that negatively impacted her health. As she states, after battling pneumonia literally every year, and her regular bouts with dizziness and her general loss of focus, she began to dig deeper into how our environments, specifically architecture, can greatly impact our health and wellness.
The recognized architect discusses the many problems that homes can have, from mold to chemicals to electromagnetic radiation. She talks about the ways we can improve our living environments, and begin to rid our homes of the negatively impacting agents. From standalone filtration systems, to reorganizing how you use your space (considering where you are sleeping), to vacuuming and cleaning practices and solutions, to simply opening windows, she discusses it all.
Baker-Laporte was elected into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, recognized for her groundbreaking architectural and educational work in the emerging area of Natural Healthy Building.
Cass Nelson-Dooley, M.S., owner and CEO of Health First Consulting, LLC, discusses her work and research into the microbiome and beyond.
Nelson-Dooley has conducted extensive research into the pharmacology of medicinal plants at the University of Georgia and AptoTec, Inc, and she was an innovator at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory as well as Genova Diagnostics.
Nelson-Dooley is passionate about human health, passionate about improving it through a comprehensive approach that addresses the many and various underlying causes of disease. She is a student of ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and natural product chemistry and has experience in integrative and functional medicine, and the integrative medicine laboratory industry, as well as nutraceutical research and development, osteoporosis, and obesity.
Nelson-Dooley discusses her background and her desire to learn all she could about medicinal plants. Natural medicine, as she explains, has long been something she and her family were interested in. She discusses her work and time in Panama, studying indigenous people and the plants that they used for common illnesses.
Nelson-Dooley’s book, Heal Your Oral Microbiome: Balance and Repair your Mouth Microbes to Improve Gut Health, Reduce Inflammation and Fight Disease, is a good read for anyone who wants to seriously work on improving their health. Nelson-Dooley explains how plants need vitamins and minerals, and she discusses the many similarities of living organisms. She outlines the nutrients that plants have within them that we as humans could harness and take advantage of. Continuing, she explains some of the problems that occur with modern drugs on the market.
Nelson-Dooley discusses her evolutionary perspective on why certain plants do what they do, and how they continually work to advance their lineage. She cites the example of the fruit tree, and how it is perfectly designed to promote its survival, as fruits are eaten and then the fruit seed is carried and deposited through feces, which creates a perfect environment for the growth of a new tree.
Continuing, Nelson-Dooley discusses her book and microbiome testing, including her work in diagnostic testing. She talks about the gut microbiome in detail and explains her research into the oral microbiome. She explains the similarities between the two. And she talks about the many functions of the microbiome, from making vitamins to calming
inflammation.
Alan K. Davis, PhD, of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University, discusses his important work researching the powerful and positive effects of psilocybin on depression sufferers.
Dr. Davis has vast clinical experience in multiple areas and he regularly works with people who are dealing with trauma-based psychological problems, including addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Davis discusses his research, and his work as a guide for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for people suffering from depression. The doctor’s work focuses on psychedelic research that includes clinical trials with psilocybin (the active psychedelic ingredient in “magic mushrooms”) for people with depression. His research explores the many psychological mechanisms through which the psilocybin can potentially ameliorate mental health and functioning. Remarkably, approximately 50% of the people who participated in their study stated that their depression was completely eradicated after about one month of treatment. And following up, at the three and six month marks, Dr. Davis states that a good number of those people are still free of depression entirely. Dr. Davis explains their treatment process and how actual psychotherapy is an integral part. As he states, it’s important to build a rapport with study participants and create a level of trust, so they are comfortable with the environment and the process.
Dr. Davis talks about some of the upcoming trials and the data that the FDA will need to approve the psilocybin as a specialty drug that can be prescribed by psychiatrists or general practice doctors and then administered by psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Dr. Davis discusses some of the states that are working to push legislative changes, and how the DEA is involved with the scheduling of the drug.
Continuing, Dr. Davis discusses in detail the mechanisms that allow psilocybin to work. As he states, the psilocybin takes action on serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Dr. Davis explains that serotonin is the chemical in the brain that regulates many things such as mood, appetite, and sleep. And as depression sufferers often experience negative mood, decreased or increased appetite, and sleep disruption, psilocybin is potentially a great alternative for depression, especially for those people who have found no relief through other meds that are typically prescribed for depression.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, sleep psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Schneeberg works with adults who suffer from sleeping disorders and helps educate and coach guardians of children who struggle with sleep.
Today’s conversation is focused on helping babies and children to have better sleep health. Dr. Schneeberg tells us that the most common sleep challenge for children is behavioral insomnia, which may be caused by learned methods of falling asleep—methods that aren’t necessarily ideal.
Click play to hear her discuss her new book, Become Your Child’s Sleep Coach: The Bedtime Doctor’s 5 Step Guide, Ages 3-10, and learn her general tips for raising healthy sleepers.
Louise Charles, Communications Manager at Climeworks (climeworks.com), provides an overview of how Climeworks’ technology is helping with CO2 removal from the atmosphere.
Louise is a multilingual, expert communications specialist with vast experience working cross-culturally in communications, project management, as well as translation. Louise discusses the history and founding of Climeworks and how it has grown to a company of seventy employees to date.
Louise discusses their innovative CO2 collectors, and how their system’s fans draw in the air and filter it. As climate change is driven by the activities of humans, through the burning of fossil fuels that release dangerous levels of carbon dioxide into the air that are directly causing global warming, Climeworks’ technology seeks to help with CO2 removal from the atmosphere. Climate change desperately needs advanced carbon removal technologies and this is where Climeworks is stepping up to meet the challenge, because climate scenarios have demonstrated that negative emissions will be necessary in order to keep global warming below critical levels.
The Communications Manager talks about the many ways that they can utilize the collected CO2 in various other uses for multiple industries. She explains their storage options and the economic options for countries who are utilizing the CO2 collection technology. Continuing, Louise expounds upon the rewards systems that parties can take advantage of when they provide information on their offset emissions. She talks about the costs of CO2 capture, as well their goals for decreasing costs in the future as they streamline and expand.
Wrapping up, the technology expert and Communications Manager talks about their larger projects that capture even greater amounts of CO2, possibly even millions of tons. And she discusses the Climeworks timeline and their goals for CO2 capture as they expand their operations.
Climeworks’ expansion of the world’s first commercial carbon removal technology will hopefully lead us to a negative emissions future that will be better for the planet and the living organisms, including us, who reside upon it.
Edward Sawicki Jr., MBA, Chief Executive Officer at Think20 Labs, LLC (think20labs.com), discusses his vision for the future of cannabis.
Sawicki’s mission is to help expand personalized medicine and ensure safety for consumers in the cannabis market. He is a cannabis advocate and is heavily involved in the education of consumers about the many benefits of cannabis. Sawicki has a rich background in the biotech space assisting with lab design for DNA-sequencing and molecular biology labs.
Sawicki talks about the premise of Think20 Labs and his background. He explains that Think20 Labs is much more than a testing company, that his company wants to encompass everything they know about molecular development and beyond. Think20 Labs is heavily involved in not only compliance testing, but the sequencing of DNA, epigenetic work, and so much more in research, and the design of projects as well. Sawicki explains that Think20 Labs seeks to get to the core of what cannabis can truly do to move medicine forward and help individuals who suffer from a wide variety of maladies. As he explains, full legalization is needed in order to expand the research.
The cannabis research expert talks about the individualized work they do with local growers, and the massive data that they are collecting about plants and soil conditions, etc. As he states, the most important issue right now is ensuring safety for consumers, and compliance. He discusses the dangers of products that come from the black market, and how full legalization with standards will help to improve safety.
Wrapping up, he talks about how research into epigenomic and RNA profiles will help them to figure out where the important correlations lie, in regard to understanding what they need to learn, and how to approach that in an ordered fashion. Sawicki states that by starting with genetic profiles of patients and of plants, their research can begin to find important correlations that will guide further research, ongoing.
Sean Buchanan, co-founder of Visom Technology, Inc. (visomtech.com), talks in detail about the incredible AR + AI software-enabled technology that his company offers.
Visom’s mission is to enable surgery without any compromise whatsoever. By bringing together AR + AI software, Visom is innovating how surgeons can see and operate, by overlaying important images directly over patients which places crucial information surgeons need right in their easy view.
Buchanan talks about Visom’s mission in detail, discussing Augmented Reality (AR). As he explains, Visom’s technology offers a way to simplify surgery and potentially help decrease errors, 75% of which occur during the surgery. Buchanan delivers an overview of how their system works, providing information on the technology. Transitioning imagery to 3D, while challenging, will provide more thorough information than the standard 2D. He explains how pre-surgical planning can be augmented by the Visom system. By utilizing 3D holograms, surgeons can really get a better grasp of what they will be doing in surgery, before the surgery begins.
The technology guru talks about some of the partnerships and business relationships that they have engaged in, to expand and accelerate the use of their amazing technology. Buchanan provides information on how they are taking their technology to institutions that want to use it for training purposes. The technologist speaks in depth about the healthcare industry in general, discussing innovation.
The critical data that is generated and subsequently interpreted by Visom can truly provide surgeons the insight they require and assist them in making better, more informed decisions, allowing surgeons to focus on the patient. The Visom mission is to simplify healthcare through innovative technology that is easy to use, and provide mobile surgical navigation software that can be utilized anywhere.
Buchanan wraps up by talking about the future of Visom and when he expects their tech will be commercialized and opened up to the wide market in the healthcare industry.
After being diagnosed with a serious mental health condition eight years ago, Dan Seidler began to track his mood at the recommendation of his psychiatrist. The idea was that the more he could understand aspects of his experience, such as what triggers his anxiety or depression, the better he could deal with managing it, the better he could work with his mental health providers, and the better he could regulate his own behaviors in a way that could reduce his symptoms.
This mood tracking practice has brought him improved self-awareness, increased happiness, and reduced stress levels. Though continuing to deal with life’s struggles is unavoidable, he now has a better sense of control and knows how to implement more effective coping strategies. Seidler wants you to have access to these tools as well. He joins the podcast today to talk about his experience and his app, Misu, an automated mood tracking tool. Listen in to learn more.
Misu is still in closed beta, which you can obtain access to by going to www.misu.app. If you are too excited to wait, email Seidler at dan@misu.app and he will bump you to the front of the line!
Right now, there are thousands of people who need a heart transplant, yet there are not nearly enough organs available to meet that need. Additionally, those who do receive a donor heart run the risk of rejection and must on lifelong immunosuppressants, which consequently makes them more susceptible to infection. As Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, M.D., says, with the methods we have in place today, heart transplant recipients are essentially trading one disease for another.
Dr. Morgan is the Chief Medical Officer at BIOLIFE4D, a biotech company that is developing a bioartificial heart, which would increase availability of hearts for transplantation and eliminate the risk of rejection, as the heart would be generated from the patient’s own cells.
Press play to hear more. Be sure to visit the BIOLIFE4D website at https://biolife4d.com.
Adele Anderson, life coach, destiny coach, and neuro-linguistic programmer, talks about her passion for helping others and the transformative work she engages in with all her clients.
Adele provides an overview of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and shares her insights about how it can help to change neuropathways in the mind, to learn and accelerate learning, and actually install the ‘excellence’ of others. She explains the science behind NLP and cites examples of groups of people who have utilized NLP to improve performance and increase learning. As she explains, our minds take it all in… all the emotions, and external stimuli. Adele talks about the kinds of trauma that she sees in her clients and how she uses the process of NLP to bring healing and resolve.
Adele believes in the power of positive movement, moving your life forward into your destiny so that you can fulfill your dreams and meet your goals. Adele provides a safe, supportive and holistic environment that allows her clients to find a path that works for them.
The coach and NLP expert explain neural pathways and how they function. As she states, NLP provides hundreds of ways we can engage with the mind to rewire neural pathways that are interrupting our ability to be happy, move forward in life, to reduce stress, etc. As she explains, our minds take everything at face value, and through the work individuals can make significant changes, helping the mind to see things through a new lens so to speak.
Adele explains the methods that she uses. She explains how she works with her clients to create physical identifications of traumas in the mind, and then change them through a meditative process that allows for transformations.
Biquan Luo, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of Lumos (https://lumos.tech/) provides an overview of her company’s incredible Lumos Smart Sleep Mask and its companion mobile app that have been precisely designed to provide sleeper-specific solutions for those who suffer from jet lag, generalized chronic fatigue, or anyone who is seeking a better sleep solution.
Luo received an undergraduate degree from Peking University in China and her doctorate in Biology from the University of Southern California, then continued her studies as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University. Through her extensive work with genomic datasets to predict how diseases progress, and her natural interest in finding treatment strategies, she was motivated to discover new ways the human body can thrive in its regular routines when powered by scientific research.
Luo talks about her background and the reasons for launching her company. After experiencing much discomfort on her regular trips to and from China, Luo’s training as a bioscientist, and her personal experience as a sleep clinic patient motivated her to find the best way to eliminate jet lag once and for all. Luo talks about the research and methods she used to develop the Lumos mask, and she explains how neurons respond to light input.
Luo explains the tech behind her amazing sleep mask. Lumos utilizes technology transmitting imperceptible pulses of light to prepare us for our future days. And as this light is considerably less intense than a natural light source such as the sun, our bodies are able to receive these specialized organic indicators without disrupting sleep in any way. Thus, these environmental cues of light help our bodies adjust to a new time zone incredibly faster than would happen normally (without the use of the technology-enabled mask).
Luo provides information to listeners on how the Lumos mask can be used to help anyone retrain their bodies, and ease into a new sleep schedule. The Lumos mask’s technology can help us to literally shift our body clocks via the timed light flashes. Luo talks in-depth about insomnia and the ways to combat it. She explains the various ways that our sleep can be problematic, can be interrupted, and how we can address the problems and find solutions to overcome them.
Wrapping up, Luo provides information on melatonin secretion, and why teenagers are generally more likely to be ‘night owls’ than their parents. She talks about sleep deprivation and the adjustment of circadian rhythms and how that could reduce depression.
Tukan Das knows that if you are in a B2B technology company, it is nearly impossible to confidently identify which organizations will buy your product. While such a problem can be ameliorated through manual research, the process can be tedious and time-consuming. For this reason, he and his team at LeadSift have found a way to identify signals and collect data from public web spaces in order to help you determine which organizations are worth focusing your sales efforts on. Listen in to learn more.
Das encourages you to visit www.LeadSift.com and request a demonstration oret a free report.
Thomas E. Lovejoy, Senior Fellow at the United Nations Foundation and the “Godfather of Biodiversity,” delivers a thoroughly interesting overview of his environmental conservation work and scientific research.
Lovejoy discusses his interest in biodiversity and environmental science. As he explains, he had an early interest in animals, and after taking his first biology course he was hooked. Lovejoy talks about his work in graduate school, and how he was then motivated to travel and understand what was happening globally, which led him to lead conservation efforts and push to make life better on the planet.
Lovejoy discusses in detail his early work with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and his experiences in the Amazon in Brazil. He talks about the dangers of breaking a forest into fragments. As he explains, when you break a forest into fragments, and a fragment is no longer part of a larger system, it will no longer be able to support all the species that reside within it. Thus these fragments become simpler ecosystems, having shed some of their species.
The environmental science expert explains the dynamic changes that we are seeing today globally, discussing drought and deforestation. He explains that the most important thing to do to improve the dire situation is to back off from the tipping point by actively pursuing reforestation practices, and building connections between forest fragments. Continuing, Lovejoy explains details of the biology of a forest, discussing treefall gaps, which are obvious holes in a forest with vertical sides. He explains how seeds are distributed and how certain small animal species aid in the process.
Wrapping up, he talks about the “tipping point,” the point at which the loss of global biodiversity greatly increases, and he discusses the negative impacts of carbon in the atmosphere that will directly affect climate change.
Stephen Ezell, Vice President of global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, provides an overview of public policy and the innovations in technology that are impacting economic growth and security.
As Vice President of global innovation policy, Ezell is focused on trade, international competitiveness, science and technology policy, as well as manufacturing and services issues. Ezell discusses his background and explains the mission of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), which is a number one ranked science and technology think tank according to the University of Pennsylvania’s think tank index. As he explains, their mission is to advocate for public policies that drive innovation-based economic growth across the US and around the globe.
Ezell explains how high performance computing is one of their important areas of focus because sophisticated, highest power computing systems are essential for all countries’ economic competitiveness and national security. Ezell explains why super computers are important and how they can rapidly solve computational problems, detailing the reasons why this level of computing is needed in various areas, from national security to performance.
The global innovation policy expert discusses the level of computing that is necessary to participate in new technologies. He talks about the symbiosis and design of the systems, and software. As he explains, high performance computing use and adoption is equally important to production at a national level. Ezell discusses the various nations globally that are investing currently to expand their capacity and increase their abilities, to open new doors to possibilities, especially in the life sciences that deal with chemical and biological interactions, space travel, and many others. Wrapping up, Ezell discusses in great detail some of the incredible tasks that can be accomplished as nations take advantage of the advancing technologies.
Scott Smith, creator, and host of the Daily Boost podcast joins us to discuss the philosophies that he shares daily with listeners of the Daily Boost. His aim with these brief but uplifting episodes is to help listeners overcome obstacles, find their purpose, and find motivation; these concepts can be applied to both business and personal ventures. Each day, Scott delivers important messages on personal growth, productivity, procrastination, developing relationships, and more.
With over 10,000 podcast episodes recorded and produced, Scott Smith discusses where he finds his material each day and how he aims to help his listeners through these small but mighty episodes.
Feeling inspired already? Find the Daily Boost on iTunes and Spotify.
As an assistant professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Campinas, Brazil, Dr. Alessandra Sussulini studies metabolomics, which describes the set of all metabolites—such as sugars, lipids, and amino acids—in an organism and considers how those metabolites change under specific conditions. For example, what are the type and quantity of metabolites in a person who is in a state of health versus disease? How might metabolite populations change during or after treatment for a specific condition? What might metabolomics tell us the underlying causes of disease? These are the types of questions being investigated by Dr. Sussulini.
Most recently, her research has been focused on identifying biomarkers for bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression, as well as the use of ayahuasca for the treatment of drug-resistant depression, and more specifically, what the metabolic picture under ayahuasca use looks like.
Tune in to hear the full conversation.
Olives, chocolate, beer, and bread; what do these things have in common? They are all either started or driven by fermentation, the process by which—simply put—bacteria are deliberately introduced to an environment in order to crowd out harmful bacteria. Alex Lewin, health strategist and author, explains why he finds fermentation both fascinating and empowering. As the author of two books on the subject, Kombucha, Kefir, and Beyond, and Real Food Fermentation: Preserving Whole Fresh Food with Live Cultures in Your Home Kitchen, Lewin has become quite the expert on all things fermentation.
He joins the podcast today to discuss the science behind it, how the body essentially carries out its own fermentation processes by forming alliances with good microbes in order to push out the bad, the digestive and nutritional benefits of fermented goods, how to make your own fermented goods, and so much more.
Tune in for all the details.
The temptation of smartphones is undeniable. Let’s say you’re having dinner with your family or friends as you feel the familiar buzz of a text message arriving to your phone. You could be having the most fascinating discussion, yet once that notification pops up, the temptation to check that notification is almost overwhelming. Many of us would be tempted to glance down if only to see who it was messaging us. These interruptions, however brief, can completely derail our train of thought and productivity.
Most of us aren’t going to get rid of our smartphones, email or social media, so what can we do to minimize these distractions? Nir Eyal, author of Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, joins us today to discuss what actions we can take to minimize our distractions at work and at home, overall improving our focus and ability to stay present in all that we do. In this podcast, Nir also discusses the importance of habit-forming and its applications to habit-forming products such as apps and websites.
For more information and to purchase Nir’s books, visit https://www.nirandfar.com.
Classic Darwinism places organisms at the center of evolutionary theory, positing that natural selection is the sole mechanism by which evolution occurs. In the 1970s, the ideas within Richard Dawkins’ book, The Selfish Gene, initiated the first shift away from this by arguing that the true unit of natural selection is not the organism itself but the genes within the organism. Today, the way we understand evolution continues to change to include many more mechanisms of it.
Nathalie Gontier, Director of the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab and faculty member in the Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, joins the podcast today to discuss the nature of her work, which revolves around an investigation of evolutionary theory and an examination of different mechanisms and processes of evolution that extend Neo-Darwinism. She expounds on a number of topics, including an increasingly recognized mechanism called reticulate evolution, which is an evolution as it occurs by symbiogenesis and describes evolution as a network rather than a tree of bifurcating branches.
She also discusses what might lead to speciation, how epigenetic inheritance occurs, epistemological pluralism as it relates to evolutionary theory, multi-level selection, and how evolution is a process acting on everything—not just organisms or genes, but writing, cultural artifacts, ideas, and technology.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation that might change the way you think about life itself.
Learn more about her work by visiting https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/en/noticia/07-02-2013/appeel-applied-evolutionary-epistemology-lab.
Kevin Boyd, DDS, MS, discusses his innovative medical theory known as Darwinian Dentistry. Dr. Boyd’s theory and hypothesis is based on the study of prehistoric fossil remains of human ancestors and could offer much information about the past, and future, of children’s health care. Dr. Boyd is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over two decades of experience.
Dr. Boyd explains the history of evolutionary medicine, commenting on some of the early pioneers of medicine who looked at modern diseases that seemed to be a function of cultural industrialization. Dr. Boyd discusses pathogens and causes, and focuses on how people adapt over geological time to gradually changing environments, and he discusses how it all impacts the genome. He cites examples of mammals that experience illnesses and survive to live another day, within the context of evolutionary fitness. Continuing, Dr. Boyd discusses tooth decay and why we now need orthodontists, considering the history and the time chronology, meaning when that first entered the human condition. He explains how he adapted the model of evolutionary medicine specifically to evolutionary oral medicine, or Darwinian Dentistry, aligning his theories with his 20 years of expertise as a dentist.
Dr. Boyd discusses his work in pediatric dentistry, talking about orthodontics, and the management of anxiety in kids. Early oral evaluation, beginning at or around the ages of 3 or 4 is recommended, he states. Around this age, thumb sucking, pacifiers, or other oral habits can greatly influence the shape of a child's jaw, teeth, and even face.
The doctor explains the merits of early orthodontics, widening the jaw and airway, etc., and how there is clear evidence of kids doing better in school, ending their bed wetting, and experiencing many behavioral improvements, after orthodontic procedures. He provides further information on the many problems that can be created and caused by crowding of
the airway, and how early orthodontic procedures can facilitate and improve potential problems.
David Ewing Duncan, journalist, researcher, and author of many books, including the celebrated, Talking to Robots: Tales from Our Human-Robot Futures, provides an interesting overview of his work and life.
Duncan’s written work is focused on new discoveries and their many important implications in the life sciences. He has a particular interest in artificial intelligence and robotics. Duncan has authored ten books, and they have been published in 21 languages to date.
Duncan talks about his background in writing and media in general. He gives an overview of his book, Talking to Robots: Tales from Our Human-Robot Futures. He provides details on the topics his book covers, including how robot and AI systems are built, what they say about us as a society and as creators, and what we might expect in the bold new future that is coming. As an author he takes a visionary look into possible futures—24 possible visions of human-robot futures to be exact. Duncan contemplates a future, with highly-detailed, incredible scenarios, considering the concept of Politician Bots, Teddy Bots, Warrior Bots, and even Sex Bots—all based in technology and in respect to how the future will adapt to our creations.
Duncan talks about smart technology, discussing where we are now in society in terms of utilizing technology such as Uber and others. He explains the ways that we interact with robots, and the importance of bringing ethics and morality into the development. Duncan expounds upon his view of where we are heading in terms of programming of systems, government regulation, etc. He provides his thoughts on the various kinds of bots that could exist in the near future. Duncan provides information about the subtle issues that relate to robotics, such as companionship. As he explains, many people like to connect with technology as a means of communicating or connecting, but the irony is we often connect with our technology more intimately than we do with real humans.
Duncan is a renowned science journalist for print, television, and radio and a regular contributor to Vanity Fair, Wired, The New York Times, Atlantic, and many others. In addition, he has been published in Fortune, Discover, National Geographic, Newsweek, and Outside. And Duncan was a special correspondent and producer for ABC’s popular show, Nightline, amongst his many other accomplishments.
Our diet can play a huge role in how well, or not well, our bodies function. While we have an understanding of how our digestive tract processes food, there is a lot of ambiguity around what happens next. Dr. Semir Beyaz and his team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory aim to understand how what we eat affects us at physiological, cellular, and molecular levels. He joins us today to share some of his findings and future directions of his research. Listen in to hear more.
Dr. Beyaz acknowledges that there are a lot of claims around nutrition that are not scientifically backed. He encourages you to seek out primary literature when doing your own research. He recommends the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and FDA guidelines if you are interested in learning more about nutrition.
If you have questions about his research or would like more information, email him at beyaz@cshl.edu.
Imagine reaching above your shoulders to change hundreds of light bulbs in a row with no rest, day after day. It wouldn’t take long for this to take a toll on your body--your neck, arms, shoulders, and back especially. Not many of us think about it, but this is essentially what’s required of surgeons as they perform minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedures day in and day out. It was from this realization that Mark Doyle invented AIRFRAME, wearable upper body exoskeleton for surgeons in the operating room.
Soon after the prototype was made public, a number of manufacturers began expressing interest in trialing it, including BMW, Toyota, John Deer, and aerospace tech companies. It turns out that the exoskeleton prototype created by Doyle was not only perfectly suited for surgeons, but for industrial workers on assembly lines, painters, construction workers, and those who work within fulfillment centers and for maintenance operations in various industries.
Mark Doyle joined forces with Joseph Zawaideh to found Levitate, a company focused exclusively on providing this wearable exoskeleton for industrial workers who are forced into an ergonomic red zone due to the nature of their jobs. On today’s episode, Zawaideh discusses the details of the product, describing how it’s been proven to move workers from the red to green ergonomic zone, how it functions mechanically, and why it will never impede a worker’s productivity.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, visit levitatetech.com to learn more, and don’t hesitate to email your questions to info@levitatetech.com.
After decades in more traditional settings as a medical doctor and surgeon, Dr. Darshan Shah became tired of the disease-focused healthcare system in which he worked; rather than addressing a person as a whole, as he believes should be done, doctors seem to be encouraged to provide pills and surgery, thereby masking underlying problems. He decided to become part of the solution and started Next Health, a “health optimization and longevity center.” Next Health applies the latest science and technology to create effective evaluation and treatments for their members in order to help people take control of their health before pills and surgery are even on the table.
Click play to hear more.
Next Health currently has two locations in Los Angeles and plans for locations in New York City, San Francisco, and Orange County.
Visit the Next Health website at www.Next-Health.com or Instagram at @next_health.
Despite being otherwise enamored by the intrigue of holography, Dr. Daniel Smalley says that unfortunately the scene in Avengers during which Tony Stark puts his gloved hands into holographic projections would not be possible; holography couldn’t allow light to travel through his hands and certainly couldn’t bend the light to go around it. Such imagery could, however, be created by 3D projections and Dr. Smalley, an electrical and computer engineering professor at Brigham Young University, is happy to tell us how.
Listen in to learn more about holography and 3D projection technology, including its potential uses in medicine, aerospace surveillance, and telepresence. Visit his website at www.smalleyholography.org and the Brigham Young University ElectroHolography Research Group at https://holography.byu.edu.
Marian Bacol-Uba, bestselling author, TEDx Speaker, conscious business coach and founder of Thriver Lifestyle, provides valuable insight on the many ways we can maximize our potential and lead more productive happier lives.
Marian is passionate about empowering women, helping them reach their full potential to thrive in not only business but in their personal lives as well. She understands the roadblocks that many faces on their journey to fulfillment, because she has faced them herself, and overcome them.
The coach and author talk about her background, and how she arrived at her current career and passion—helping others to improve their lives and maximize their potential. She speaks candidly about the abuse she suffered, as well as her past problems with drugs and alcohol. As she explains, she went on to become incredibly successful in business but was still leading a double life, trying to numb her pain with alcohol and drugs, and in 2014 she overdosed and had a near-death, out-of-body experience that changed her. Seeking to change her life, she moved from LA to Miami, to start over and begin a life transformation, looking inward to heal herself. Marian began extensive research into healing and meditation; she attended conferences and read book after book, seeking the answers that would improve her life completely. Through the process, she healed herself from the inside out, and she began to wonder why this information was not readily available for everyone. She came to the conclusion that she needed to take all that she learned and develop a program and coach others to find ways to heal themselves as well.
Marian’s intensive journey of personal healing, transformation, and development, has helped her to help others. She talks about the importance of disrupting negative patterns, and how we can all change our mindset and bring positive thinking into our daily lives. Marian talks about her clients and how she works with people. While she predominantly works with women, she does have male clients as well. She talks about her typical coaching scenarios and the methods and practices that are involved.
Wrapping up, Marian talks about abundance and how we can all be successful. She discusses her big goals for career and life, and how we can get our maximized results when we remove distraction from our lives. And she explains how her one-on-one coaching is what makes her thrive, and is her motivation for pushing forward, as she sees her clients reach their own goals.
In this episode, we are joined by Corrado Spadafora of the Institute of Translational Pharmacology and the Italian National Research Council. Spadafora gives us an inside look at how his laboratory discovered that mature sperm cells of several species can take up DNA molecules from outside themselves and bring that DNA to oocytes during fertilization. Because this can compromise the genetic identity of the resulting embryo, the seminal fluid that surrounds sperm protects it from exogenous DNA upon ejaculation.
However, the sperm cells are not protected when still in the epididymous. While Spadafora is more focused on the evolutionary implications of these findings, he does note some possible medical consequences; particularly the suggestion that the father’s lifestyle and environmental conditions could be reflected in the makeup of his children, potentially predisposing them to certain metabolic conditions.
Press play to hear more. If you are interested in reading about his research, you can find his papers on Medline by searching at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.
Dr. Thomas O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN, sought-after speaker and recognized expert on autoimmune diseases, offers us his interesting perspective and deep knowledge on health, food sensitivities, toxins in our environment, and the development of autoimmune diseases. His book, The Autoimmune Fix: How to Stop the Hidden Autoimmune Damage That Keeps You Sick, Fat, and Tired Before It Turns Into Disease is a must-read for everyone who wants to find a path to better health.
Dr. O’Bryan’s mission: ‘Making It Easy to Do the Right Thing’ is more than an idea, it’s a way of life. Dr. O’Bryan is an internationally celebrated, sought-after speaker on multiple issues that affect our health, from environmental toxins, to food sensitivities, to the early development of autoimmune diseases and how to manage them.
Dr. O’Bryan talks about his journey, the path that inspired him and led him to his current passion—helping people lead healthier lives. He talks about some early problems he and his wife had with infertility. Through his research he found the key to fertility issues that opened the door to a healthy pregnancy, and he quickly became the go-to guy for couples who were experiencing problems with infertility and just couldn’t get pregnant. He explains testing, and some of the mineral deficiencies that relate to fertility issues.
As Dr. O’Bryan explains, most traditional health practitioners are simply not trained to go ‘upstream’ as he calls it, meaning they don’t often know how to take a deeper look into issues that could be confounding or extremely complex. As he explains, traditional health practitioners are more like ‘crisis practitioners’ as they deal with crises, and they do it well, but there are many underlying issues in ‘healthcare medicine’ that could be overlooked.
Dr. O’Bryan talks in detail about environmental toxins, and provides some surprising information about common products that may be putting toxins into our bodies, products that millions of people use daily. He talks about toxins in regard to accumulation, explaining that long term use of a toxic product, or exposure, are possible paths to health
problems.
The autoimmune disease expert discusses the concept of patience, meaning that we all need to take a more patient path to solving our health problems, applying sensible principles to improve our health overall instead of looking for the quick fix, as we so often do. As he explains, reading is the key, as there is a wealth of information on health, and how we can all go upstream, meaning we can find better solutions, better ways of managing our health, and new ways of eradicating toxins from our bodies and our environment.
Jianyi “Jay” Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, delivers an insightful overview of his extensive education, work, and research in cardiac tissue engineering and heart-related issues in general.
Dr. Zhang is an internationally recognized leader in myocardial bioenergetics, biomaterials, and stem cells for use in cardiac repair. Dr. Zhang is a tenured Professor of Medicine and of Engineering. He is the T. Michael and Gillian Goodrich Endowed Chair of Engineering Leadership, as well as the aforementioned Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
Dr. Zhang talks about his background and research interests, which include, cardiac tissue engineering, NMR imaging, and heart failure. Dr. Zhang explains that myocardial bioenergetics pertains to how energy is produced in the mitochondria, transported, and utilized to generate force to pump blood. Dr. Zhang explains how the processes work, and some of the reasons why hearts fail to pump properly.
The research doctor explains the energy metabolism reserve as it relates to dysfunction. He talks energy production in detail as he explains how the mitochondria can utilize glucose, fatty acid, and literally anything available. Dr. Zhang states that researchers are getting closer each day to understanding some of the complex problems of the heart, getting closer to being able to alter pathways—to utilize as a therapy method to prevent heart failure altogether or at least delay its occurrence.
Dr. Zhang talks about the structure of the heart and its various components. He explains the use of gene therapy in their work, and discusses the current work and research regarding the use of patches that could possibly cure debilitating heart failure.
Dr. Zhang earned his MD from Shanghai Medical University in the early 80s, and went on to earn a PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1992. In addition, Dr. Zhang holds a master of science in engineering as well as a certificate of business administration from the prestigious Tufts University in Massachusetts. Dr. Zhang completed his post-doc work at the University of Minnesota in the Cardiovascular Division.
“If none of the existing definitions of ‘life’ please you, then why don’t you find one yourself?” While not verbatim, this was the challenge presented by an undergraduate student to Arnold de Loof while he was teaching zoology at the University of Leuven in the 1970s. So began his years of searching for a suitable answer, during which he discovered a flaw central to many definitions: they compared living things to non-living things, rather than examining what changes when something goes from being alive to no longer living. So what changes at the moment of death? Tune in to find out.
De Loof has authored several papers, many of which can be found on ResearchGate and Pubmed. He has also written two books, What is Life: The Immaterial Dimension, and Communication, Life, Mega-Evolution: Decrypting Life’s Nature.
Albert Presto, Associate Research Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, provides an overview of the ways our air quality is changing and what is being done to improve air quality.
As an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Presto is passionate about his work; his research focuses on important areas of science concerning pollutant emissions from energy extraction and consumption, as well as the ensuing atmospheric transformations that these types of emissions go through. Dr. Presto holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Presto discusses his background, and his work as a member of CMU's Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies. Dr. Presto explains his particular interests and some of the areas they focus their efforts upon, such as understanding how air quality impacts various environments from neighborhood to neighborhood. He explains how weather and topography play a role in pollution drift and air quality. Source activity, such as roads and highways, also obviously play a role.
Dr. Presto explains the dose-response curve. A dose–response relationship describes the significance of of an organism’s response, as a function of its exposure to stimulus or perhaps a particular stressor over a span of exposure time. These dose–response relationships are often described by dose–response curves. He explains the levels of particulate matter that exist in certain areas, such as areas of a city that may have a large amount of restaurants, because cooking is one of the activities that can increase types of emissions. Dr. Presto explains the role of the sun in changing chemistry, detailing the mechanisms related to how it can affect air quality.
And the scientific researcher discusses ways that we can work to reduce emissions. Additionally, he talks about some of the legislative bills that are being passed that relate to air quality and emissions monitoring.
If you want to establish a routine of getting up early, but are faced with the difficult task of first getting to sleep on time, Jeff Sanders offers this advice: for three days, get up early, work out in the morning, and avoid caffeine. You may be tired for those few days, but you will ultimately set yourself up for a schedule that allows you to be your most productive self. Sanders, founder of JeffSanders.com and author of The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast, joins the podcast today to share his experience and tips for becoming an early riser, and the benefits it can bring to your life.
Click play to hear more. Sanders also hosts a podcast, The 5 AM Miracle Podcast. You can find the podcast, his books, and other resources at https://www.jeffsanders.com.
“Your home is your castle and it’s the place you’re going to heal from the ravages of the day, and you want to have a clean environment for yourself,” says Lawrence Gust, who has a long history of helping people determine the ways in which their homes and offices could be affecting their health and quality of life. Due to the massive influx of wireless technology over the past couple of decades, Gust has become largely involved in the evaluation and mitigation of electromagnetic radiation in the environment.
Wireless routers, wireless phones, entertainment systems, virtual assistants…there is no doubt that these products have made our lives more convenient and more exciting, but what else are they doing to our lives? Are we paying a greater price than they’re worth, without even knowing it? And is there a way to protect our well-being while still enjoying modern technology? These are just a couple of the questions Gust explores in today’s episode.
Press play for all the details and check out https://gustenviro.com/ to learn more.
In this special podcast, Josh Sanchez of “Swoop Radio With Josh Sanchez” and “Behavior Vortex” discusses mental health, performance, and the power of setting goals. From life advice to sports, Swoop Radio's mission is one of inspiration, as they seek to inspire and motivate people to be their best and achieve more in life.
As a mental health and psychology podcaster, Sanchez’s podcast, “Behavior Vortex,” provides his listeners an opportunity to discover what goes on in the human mind, and it seeks to explain the role mental health plays in the human experience. But as Sanchez states, it was his early love of sports that led him to podcasting.
Sanchez talks about sports in terms of how we can relate it to other things in our lives. He provides an overview of the three types of goals we can all reach for, such as process, performance, and outcome goals. He explains that process goals are the goals we set for ourselves daily, to accomplish tasks, etc. and performance goals are our yearly expectations, means in which we can hopefully achieve our ultimate outcome goals. Finally, outcome goals are comprised of the vision we have for ourselves over time—where do we want to be in our lives in three to five years. As he explains, athletes set these types of goals for themselves, but all of us can utilize these same goals to improve our lives. Sanchez talks about the power of visualization—mentally preparing yourself for success.
Sanchez discusses the physical trials that athletes go through daily, and the importance of taking care of your body and mind equally. He explains the importance of mental health and the value of therapy. The podcasting specialist talks in detail about his own personal journey, and his methods for physical and mental improvement, and how setting goals is important for long term progress. But he also explains the importance of hitting the reset button, essentially taking a break here and there during your journey of improvement. We must remember to enjoy ourselves during the journey.
Wrapping up, Sanchez discusses the joy he finds in podcasting, talking to many diverse people and learning so much along the way.
Did you know that E. coli—that feared and detested bacterium blamed for many illnesses and death—can actually be beneficial in some forms and when used in certain ways? Did you know that there’s a naturally-occurring gut bacterium that breaks down a harmful byproduct of alcohol metabolism, and that it can be consumed as a probiotic hangover cure? Or consider spider silk being brewed and enhanced in such a way as to form a durable, stretchy material that could function as a jacket. These are just a few examples of the incredible new things being accomplished in the world of synthetic biotechnology, and SynBioBeta is a company that’s working to connect academics, founders, and investors in the industry with the goal of strengthening the community and encouraging creative innovations that could change the world in countless ways.
On today’s episode, John Cumbers, founder of SynBioBeta, discusses the newest and most exciting advances in the field and what he’s doing on a daily basis to encourage them. Press play to hear the full conversation, sign up for the weekly newsletter at synbiobeta.com, and follow them on Twitter.
As human activity and emissions continue to change the types of particles in the air, there is consequently a change in the particles that act as cloud precursors in our atmosphere. Some of these precursors generally create liquid clouds, or cloud droplets, and others create ice crystals, or frozen clouds. So why do these changes matter?
Liquid clouds play an important role in offsetting a lot of the warming affects caused by greenhouse gases, whereas frozen clouds actually warm the planet. In other words, the way our activities change the air subsequently changes the clouds, which in turn affects global climate. In this episode, Ryan Sullivan, Ph.D., joins us to discuss the relationship of cloud chemistry and climate change. Click play to hear more.
Sullivan is an atmospheric chemist, associate professor in chemistry and in mechanical engineering, and associate director of the Institute for Green Science at Carnegie Mellon University. Keep an eye out in a month or two for his website to launch. In the meantime, you can learn more about him at https://www.meche.engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/sullivan-ryan.html or https://www.cmu.edu/chemistry/people/faculty/sullivan.html
Cassie Bjork, nutrition and weight loss expert, founder of Cassie.Net, provides a wealth of information that we can all use to live healthier lives.
Bjork has a passion for helping others feel great and live healthier lives. She is an industry leader in the weight loss field, an outspoken advocate and an in-demand speaker. Her International bestseller, Why Am I Still Fat? The Hidden Keys to Unlocking That Stubborn Weight Loss is a must-read for anyone who wants to lose weight and feel great.
Bjork discusses her background as a dietician, and the journey she took that led her to become a passionate weight-loss expert and good health advocate. As she explains, she spent a long time following diets, exercising, and working hard, but she couldn’t really lose weight. And it wasn’t until she brought all of that to a full stop, and began eating whole foods—even real butter, nuts, and bacon—that she started to see a change. Bjork expounds upon the importance of eating whole, quality, unprocessed foods. She states that the stress of wanting to lose weight can actually make losing weight more difficult and that it is important to enjoy life. She explains that our bodies are complex, and many of us have food sensitivities—that it’s not all just about food and exercise. She talks in-depth about chronic inflammation that can occur with eating poor foods and being stressed out.
Bjork discusses the shift, meaning that it is important to consider making changes for the long term, not just for a quick fix. She underscores that calorie counting is one of the first things you want to discard when making an effort to actually eat better and lose weight. As she explains, metabolism burns the excess weight, and in order to have good metabolism you need to eat healthy, quality foods, including eating more healthy fats. “Fat doesn’t make you fat,” Bjork states. She relates how healthy fats such as coconut oil, butter, avocados, nuts, seeds, olives, and olive oil, etc. actually do a lot to support a healthy metabolism, helping your body burn fat for energy. Not only will healthy fats help support metabolism, but they are good for your brain function as well.
Weight loss and health advocate talks about cravings, sugars, and alcohol. She explains the phases of achieving a healthier lifestyle and diet, and she states that many people actually experience their greatest weight loss in phase two of her program. Bjork continues; she talks about healthy supplements such as probiotics, glutamine, and fish oil. And she wraps up the podcast by discussing some of the mass marketing that has influenced the ways we have been eating through the years.
Arthur Caplan is head of the division of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine in New York City, and he has a long history of studying a variety of topics in bioethics. On today’s episode, he dives into the details of his most recent focus, which is on the latest developments in the field of genetics, including the emergence of genetic engineering of cells and human embryos.
For instance, many of us would agree that genetic engineering for the sole purpose of developing cures and therapies for diseases is beneficial and that its development is justifiable, but the same can’t necessarily be said about the same techniques being used to “design” human beings. Caplan offers his view on a number of other topics as well, including the high cost of health care, policies which mandate vaccines, and the control and protection of genetic information.
Press play to hear the full conversation, and message or follow him on Twitter at @ArthurCaplan.
Most of us are aware that we’re in the midst of an energy and environmental crisis, two problems for which a number of efforts are being deployed in an attempt to find a solution. For example, solar panels are commonplace, and various efforts are being made to capture CO2 from the atmosphere in order to limit its detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Neither of these efforts, however, are able to meet the high-energy needs of heavy transportation such as airplanes and other freight modes, as well as some industrial equipment. So, what do we need to do?
According to David Keith, chief scientist and founder of Carbon Engineering, we need a method for taking carbon free energy from solar power and turning it into fuel which is transportable, storable, has a high energy density, and can be compatible with existing infrastructure. This is exactly what he’s working on, and he’s accomplishing it by taking solar power and combining it with CO2 from the atmosphere. It is from this method that the synthesis of fuels that are chemically the same as existing fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene is made possible, and it’s all being done cleanly, without exploiting fossil fuels.
Tune in to hear Keith explain the ins and outs of what his company is establishing, and the promise it may hold for the future. Learn more by visiting carbonengineering.com
Giving up the foods you’ve grown up with can be hard enough, you shouldn’t have to give up the activities you love too. But how do you cope when those foods and activities coincide? As a woman who loves to travel but who also is gluten intolerant, Elikqitie knows this story all too well. She joins us today to share a bit about her podcast, Travel Gluten Free Podcast and gives tips about how to go out and enjoy life while adhering to eating habits that keep you feeling your best. She also explains the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease, and why it is imperative to follow your diet if you do have celiac disease.
Be sure to check out her podcast, which you can find at https://www.travelglutenfreepodcast.com
If you’ve ever driven through thick fog in the evening, you are likely familiar with the feeling of futile attempts at improving visibility through the use of headlights. Light that should be guiding you instead diffuses across the space in front of you, thereby worsening the situation. What if you could control the way light traveled through material in a way that allowed you to see right through it?
Enter Dr. Hasan Yilmaz, postdoctoral research associate at Yale University in the Department of Applied Physics. Dr. Yilmaz and his fellow researchers are developing methods to control light scattering and have recently discovered a way to transmit light in a straight path, thereby allowing us to see through materials that we otherwise could not.
Listen in to learn more about potential applications of such methods.
“Bypass surgery became a metaphor for an incomplete approach; we’re literally bypassing the problem without also treating the cause, and I wondered what would happen if we treated the cause, which to a large degree is the lifestyle choices we make each day,” says Dr. Dean Ornish, as he reflects on his experience during medical school. Dr. Ornish has since become a well-known and well-respected physician who emphasizes the impact of diet and lifestyle on overall health.
On today’s episode, he discusses a growing amount of research which shows that a whole foods plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management, and love can reverse countless chronic diseases, including early prostate cancer, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and that it can even reverse ageing at the cellular level.
He also discusses numerous specific benefits associated with a whole foods plant-based diet, some of the main topics in his latest book Undo It! How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases, how loneliness and depression affects physical health, his perspective on the ketogenic diet, and how to begin changing your life in ways that will improve and lengthen it.
Margaret Mc-Fall Ngai, Ph.D., is director of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center and professor in the Kewalo Marine Lab at the University of Hawaii. Her research is focused on animal-bacteria symbioses, and she’s using the symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and an illuminous bacterium as a model for this research. Burying itself in the sand during the day, the squid comes out at night and waits for its prey, camouflaging itself within the moon and starlight by utilizing the bacterially-produced light. In this way, the squid avoids casting a shadow which could be identified by its predators.
Dr. Mc-Fall Ngai dives into the details of the research she’s carrying out, offering a wealth of information which includes how and why the Hawaiian bobtail squid is an ideal model for her research, how the bacteria induce gene expression changes in the squid and the nature of how these gene expression changes manifest, how hosts identify symbiotic partners in general, findings of related research, and where her research is headed.
Tune in for all the details and visit http://glowingsquid.org/index.php for more.
In this informative podcast, Robert K. Logan, the noted author of The Extended Mind: The Emergence of Language, the Human Mind, and Culture, talks about human intelligence, language, and communication.
Logan holds a BS and Ph.D. from MIT. He completed two post-doctoral appointments as a Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and at the University of Toronto.
As a physics professor with an inquisitive mind, Logan has spent a lifetime studying the important elements of the human mind, and how we use our language, and intelligence. Logan talks about his idea of ‘the sixth language,’ which was the foundation for his book, The Sixth Language: Learning a Living in the Internet Age.
The professor and author explain that the six languages are comprised of the following: speech, writing, math, science, computing, and the internet. He talks about how each developed and emerged, as well as their relative impacts on society and culture.
Logan discusses a possible seventh language, which as he states could be ‘social media,’ ‘artificial intelligence,’ or maybe the smartphones we use daily that have irrevocably changed how we interact with each other as human beings. As Logan states, human intelligence is not merely the possession of information, but it’s about our curiosity, our interest in knowing and understanding.
Leah Segedie, author of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!), delivers a wealth of important information that we can all use to make smarter choices and lead healthier lives.
Leah Segedie is a passionate food activist and social media consultant. She is the founder of the Mamavation® community as well as the ShiftCon Social Media Conference. Segedie talks about her background and how she has always had an interest in being an activist. She talks about her father’s death from cancer and how that impacted her.
Segedie talks in-depth about foods and products, with a special focus on ‘indirect additives. Indirect additives actually become part of some foods, in miniscule amounts, throughout the processing and packaging of a particular food item. She discusses how these potentially harmful elements are ubiquitous in many food products on our grocer’s shelves. Segedie talks about the potential for harm, and poses the question: how many of these hormone-disrupting chemicals can we build up in our bodies before they start to have a seriously detrimental effect, and begin to disrupt our entire system?
Segedie talks about marketing and how women think. She explains why some advertising works for women and why much of it doesn’t. As she states, women want to be heard, respected, and valued, and if product makers listen to women’s input, then their brand will be championed by women.
The food activist gives her thoughts on how society can move forward, and make better choices for food, products, etc. As she states, big companies are now acquiring many smaller companies, as people have begun to be more aware of health issues. As more and more people begin to make smarter choices regarding healthy products, naturally big companies will take note when they see a decrease in their market share. And this is the best way to make change happen, and ultimately get big corporations to manufacture better, healthier, less harmful products. Segedie is extremely passionate, and she works
tirelessly to help shape products and policy, striving to create a toxin-free world for us all.
In Greek mythology, the Pierian Spring was a sacred source of knowledge believed to inspire those who drank from it. Driven to create a similar collective source of information in the quickly evolving field of precision medicine,
Dr. Rakesh Nagarajan and his team at PierianDx have integrated technology, content, and human medical expertise to help provide insights for the treatment and management of complex medical conditions.
Click play to learn more about PierianDx’s unique software and hear examples of how sequencing is already being used to help some conditions.
PierianDx works with some of the most advanced cancer centers, medical centers, laboratories, and health systems; visit PierianDx.com to learn more.
Quinn Burlingame, Ph.D., is an organic photovoltaic researcher and postdoctoral fellow in chemical sciences with the Loo Group at Princeton University. He joins us today to discuss recent advances in technology for organic semiconductors and solar cells. While the use of carbon and hydrocarbon-based materials for organic solar electricity is still a research-based technology, Burlingame reports that they are seeing rapid improvements in its efficiency and anticipates that it will soon be comparable with the more traditional silicon-based solar cells. Furthermore, the ability to make organic solar cells lightweight, flexible, and even transparent will open access to niches that aren’t possible for silicon, such as use in windows.
Click play to hear more. Visit Burlingame’s Twitter page @QuinnBurlingame and be sure to check out Andluca Technologies at https://andluca.com.
David Edelman, Ph.D., is a visiting scholar in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College and former lecturer at the Department of Psychology University of California, San Diego. In this episode, Edelman gives us a peek into his research on the consciousness of non-human animals. Edelman’s primary interest is visual perception and cognition in octopuses.
Listen in to learn about some of the octopus’ sophisticated behavioral adaptations and find out why Edelman considers it a profoundly wonderful model organism for his research.
For more information, Edelman encourages you to keep up with his work and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth: https://pbs.dartmouth.edu.
In this episode, we hear from John Harte, Ph.D. and professor at University of California, Berkeley. Harte has studied the effects of climate change on our lives and our ecosystems in various habitats around the world. The science states quite clearly and unambiguously that the planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, and that these changes are due to human activity. Additionally, Harte describes a feedback effect in which the ecosystem responds to these changes in a way that actually exacerbates the problem.
Climate change threatens all of life on earth, yet denialists and political pressures are impeding our transition to more sustainable ways of living. Click play to hear Harte discuss global warming, the biggest culprits, and specific ways we can help reduce our impact.
To learn more, go to https://hartelab.weebly.com.
Nessa Carey, author of Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease and Inheritance, discusses the interesting field of epigenetics.
Carey talks about the basics of epigenetics. Epigenetics is a scientific discipline that investigates and explains many things that cannot be succinctly explained by genetics alone. It seeks to answer the puzzling questions, such as how two things that are genetically identical can in fact be different from one another. Her field of epigenetics hopes to explain why different biological outcomes are possible. Epigenetics, as she states, refers to another level of information that is added to the DNA script.
The scientific author discusses stem cells, specifically focusing on the zygote, and the embryonic stem cell. Epigenetics informs our understanding of the complex structure and behavior of all biological life on Earth. It helps us to more fully grasp why simply mapping an organism's genetic code is not nearly enough to determine how it will develop or act.
Epigenetics, as Carey explains, is a broad topic. It demonstrates how nurture and nature can combine to successfully engineer biological diversity.
Carey discusses gene expression in a fetus, and how it can affect an individual for life. She discusses the connection between mother and fetus. And she talks about the passing of genetic information in the animal kingdom. Carey explains how they work with organisms in their study. She delves into a discussion of Darwinian evolution and how it relates to her area of study—epigenetics.
Continuing, she discusses chronic conditions that people suffer from, such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, etc. and why they take such a long time to develop. Carey is deeply involved with scientific studies and her work and writings in the field of epigenetics are truly must-reads for others in the field.
Janet Bennett, Speech Pathologist and founder of I Just Want To Sleep (ijustwanttosleep.com), provides an overview of her innovative treatment that can help people achieve more relaxing sleep.
Bennett is a successful Speech Pathologist with a private practice in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. She is passionate about her work as it is very personal and rewarding. Imagine helping someone learn to speak again after having a stroke. Imagine the joy a mother experiences as her brain-damaged child speaks to her for the very first time. These are powerful moments and Bennett takes pride in her work helping others.
Bennett talks about her background and discusses her innovative program. She states that she’s been in the business of speech pathology for over 40 years and for the past 25 of those years she has specialized in treating tongue thrust. She discusses treatment and some of the various problems that can develop due to tongue thrust, such as buck teeth or an
open bite. The key is that tongue thrust can cause someone to swallow incorrectly. She recounts the amazing story of a 14-year old football player who had come to her for treatment, and how, to his family’s surprise, her treatment ended his thunderous snoring. He acknowledged that his treatment had not only eliminated his snoring problem, but that he was more focused, was now making better grades at school, and he had even improved his speed on the field. This particular case was a true epiphany for the veteran speech pathologist, and marked the beginning of her work specifically to treat snoring.
Bennett explains mouth breathing, and how tongue exercises can train your tongue to live at the roof of your mouth, forcing you to breathe more naturally through your nose. She discusses nitric oxide, which helps regulate the body and rejuvenates the body, and is produced by breathing through one’s nose.
Bennett discusses how she made a checklist of various conditions that her patients suffered from, such as dry mouth, restless leg syndrome, sweating, heartburn, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. After treatment, she says 94% of people stopped snoring. She explains her exercise program and how it is implemented. Bennett’s IJustWantToSleep® program is unique. It’s a tongue exercise program that has been proven to stop troublesome snoring that is due to mouth breathing and also incorrect tongue position.
Dr. Moshe Szyf, one of the preeminent pioneers in the field of epigenetics, provides an interesting overview of his life’s work and specialization in social epigenetics.
Dr. Szyf earned a PhD from the Hebrew University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Working, researching, and educating through his James McGill Professorship and as a GlaxoSmithKline-CIHR Chair in Pharmacology, Dr. Szyf is breaking new ground in the field of epigenetics.
Dr. Szyf discusses his background, 40 years of scientific research in epigenetics devoted to understanding how genes can be programmed, with an intense focus on how different experiences in life impact their programming. Dr. Szyf’s lab proposed that DNA methylation is a chief therapeutic target specific to cancer as well as other diseases, and they provided the initial set of evidence supporting the concept that the ‘social environment’ early in life may in fact alter DNA methylation. His lab’s work essentially debuted the field that is known today as, social epigenetics.
The research scientist talks in detail about some of his early observations with rats, discussing how rats that lick their pups more frequently effectively alter their pups’ lives for when they become adult rats themselves they will have different stress responsivity and different characteristics. Thus, high maternal care shapes the lifelong behavior and physical characteristics of their offspring. Dr. Szyf’s work, as he states, is focused on fully grasping how these actions and behaviors alter how genes are programmed.
Dr. Szyf discusses the methods they use to study specific epigenetic changes, discussing in detail—proteins, DNA, and the various factors that impact genes and gene programming. Dr. Szyf talks about the many broad areas of application that the study of epigenetics can lend support to, from understanding aging to disease development.
Dr. Szyf provides a wealth of information on the changes in cancer cells, systemic changes, and the specific alterations in various genes. And he discusses epigenetic approaches to manage/prevent/intervene in cancer without needing to resort to the traditional, and toxic, solutions currently used to treat cancer in the modern world of medicine.
Dr. Szyf is the co-director of the Sackler Institute for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill and an esteemed Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Experience-based Brain and Biological Development program.
What is the function of dreams? Why do we dream at all, and why do we remember so little of them when we do? These are just a couple of the questions that drove Michael L. Perlis, Ph.D., to dive into the world of sleep medicine and research when he was still in his early twenties. Today, he is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and spends most of his time conducting research on insomnia, placebo, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia research. He joins the podcast to discuss a number of interesting subjects, including REM sleep and dreams, lucid dreaming, subjective experiences in insomnia, the need for more CBT for insomnia therapists, his opinion of the idea that establishing a sleep hygiene routine can fix sleep problems, how insomnia may have evolved, and so much more.
Press play for all the details and visit www.cbti.directory to find a CBTI specialist near you.
In this episode, Niny Rao gives us an energizing chemistry lesson and shares findings from her research on the acidity and antioxidant activity of coffee. Rao, an associate professor of chemistry at Thomas Jefferson University, aims to provide home brewers with an understanding of coffee brewing chemistry so that they can apply that knowledge when customizing their own cup of joe.
You can find Rao on Twitter @NinyRao or email her directly at niny.rao@jefferson.edu. If you are a world traveler and a coffee lover, you can check out one of the international coffee expos in countries including Tokyo, Costa Rica, Brazil, or Thailand. There will also be a Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland, Oregon in April of 2020.
Wolfram Zimmermann, professor and lab researcher at the University Medical Center Göttingen, delivers an interesting overview of his lab’s work.
Zimmermann discusses heart failure and what exactly happens to the heart, and the solutions that his lab is seeking to bring to reality as medicine advances.
Zimmermann’s lab focuses heavily on research related to remuscularization of the failing human heart and the development of engineered heart muscle (EHM) for clinical applications in heart failure repair. Additionally, the lab is interested in multiplexing EHM and combinations with other engineered macro organs specifically for applications related to the new discovery of regenerative therapies.
Zimmermann discusses the depth of his research and their hopes for the future. In regard to advances in myocardial tissue engineering and heart regeneration, we can now see that with the availability of human pluripotent stem cells, the sophisticated engineering of human myocardium for direct and significant therapeutic applications, or as a type of model system for realistic simulations of human heart pathologies, is now possible.
Zimmermann talks about the development of their laboratory technology and how it will affect their future. He discusses the building of tissue and the regulatory requirements that have an impact on their work. He discusses the evidence that shows his lab’s approach is relatively safe, and discusses safety concerns in general. And he outlines the various cellular elements and explains how the transplantation of engineered tissue patches that contain specific cells are used for cardiac repair.
Shawn Faver is an advanced posture therapist who currently works as a physical education coach for children, focusing on healthy posture for improved mobility and overall quality of life. Faver has a background in kinesiology and is invested in learning as much as he can about the body in order to be able to help anyone in any situation.
Faver notes that students as young as seven years old are already reporting neck and back pain. He also regularly observes forward neck posture, putting weight on toes when standing (which puts pressure on the back), and shortened hamstrings. He attributes this to the amount of time spent sitting and/or looking at screens. Luckily, posture is more manageable when we are young. Faver states that after having his PE class students do five minutes of posture intervention three times a week for two months, the posture of over 63% of his students improved significantly. Faver also refers us to StandUpKids, an organization dedicated to combatting the health risks of prolonged sitting by encouraging standing desks in school. In addition to the physical health benefits, standing desks have been shown to improve student engagement in classroom activities.
Click play to learn more about Faver and posture therapy, including some tips and tricks you can try yourself. For continued education, visit Faveryourself.com and Standupkids.org
Richard Jacobs, entrepreneur and founder of The Good Night’s Sleep Project, discusses their AI-powered, custom-tailored pillow line that is creating a stir in the sleep industry.
Jacobs talks in detail about his own personal experience struggling to get good-quality, restorative sleep. For many years, he struggled with sleep – just like a lot of people do. Physician after physician simply told Jacobs he was stressed, anxious about his life and business. He was prescribed pills, and given all kinds of advice but nothing worked. Frustrated, Jacobs knew there had to be a solution, so he created it himself.
The Good Night’s Sleep Project has developed the world’s first handmade, custom-tailored pillow that has literally changed people’s lives overnight, as many of them experience the first restful night’s sleep they’ve had in months, possibly years. As Jacobs explains, we can all remember those days in which our sleep the night before was so restful that we woke up feeling full of energy and ready to take on the day. But for most of us, sadly, those days are few and far between. Jacobs talks about his own experimentation with nasal strips, new mattresses, humidifiers, head pillows, knee pillows, huggable pillows, and more. Sadly, nothing worked completely, though the combination of many things helped somewhat. After finding some relief but not complete relief, Jacobs focused on the pillow, and sought to find a way to improve it. As he explains, he has a particular body type, with wide shoulders, so if he can get a prescription for glasses that are tailored specifically to his needs then why wasn’t there a pillow option on the market that could be tailored to his specific body measurements?
Jacobs decided to build the pillow. He began focusing on the ways that AI and machine vision could be integrated into his design process to extract customized measurements from people who were seeking a better night’s sleep. Jacobs’ app will take your picture and extract all the vital measurements that are needed to then custom-build a pillow for you and you alone. He states that when we sleep on our side, our back, etc., these various positions create potential problems for sleep, and thus Jacobs devised a process to deal with nearly every issue that could arise, so he could design and produce a pillow that really worked, and would provide a better night’s sleep for people.
The Good Night’s Sleep Project head pillow keeps your spine, head, and neck in an aligned position that prevents discomfort and allows for quality restorative sleep. Jacobs’ company is also developing customized huggable pillows that help keep the body in a good position so great sleep can occur. In addition, they are focused on a knee to ankle pillow that improves lower spinal position and thus enhances comfort in a healthy, supportive manner. And lastly, a hand pillow which provides needed support for the arm and hand rounds out their full sleep line.
Jacobs talks about the future of their project, which will delve into mattresses and more—all with the unified goal of helping people sleep better.
Charlie Bailes, Founder and CEO of CB Supplements (cbsupplements.com), delivers an overview of the many types of supplements we can add into our lives to improve general health.
Bailes talks about his background and what led him to launch the company. He explains how the birth of his first child, who suffered many types of childhood illnesses, motivated him to look at life, and health, differently. After many visits to asthma doctors, various pediatricians, and emergency rooms, Bailes knew that he had to do his own research to find another path to improve his daughter’s ailing health. Bailes read over a hundred books and engaged in extensive research, and he began to form opinions based on what he’d learned. He made the connection between health and food and began experimenting with dietary changes for himself first, to see how he would be impacted. After much experimentation he found the way, and introducing certain dietary changes into his daughter’s diet had a drastic impact—improving her health immensely.
Collagen, Bailes states, was a huge piece of the puzzle, and one of the many factors in his daughter’s, and his own, health improvement. Bailes believes that collagen could be the missing food group within our daily diet. He believes that collagen should be in a group by itself, equal to other important ones such as fats, carbs, and protein. As collagen is a specific type of protein found naturally in our own bodies, in our skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, bones, blood vessels and even our digestive system, its importance to the body is undeniable.
Bailes talks about his path to launching CB Supplements. He details the health benefits of bone broth and some of the other ingredients that are in his supplements. As Bailes explains, our diets are extremely important for our metabolic health and many of the illnesses that are plaguing society today could perhaps be eliminated or at least diminished by making dramatic dietary improvements. He expounds on his own personal benefits from the daily intake of collagen, and how it makes him experience less pain and feel much better overall. Collagen has an incredible amount of benefits in general. With aging, collagen production slows and this can produce wrinkles, as well as many general aches and pains within our bodies. It reduces our hair density, creates skin problems and for some—creates a nagging leaky gut situation.
Wrapping up, Bailes talks about the many and various health-improvement products and supplements that his company offers. And he talks about his passion for helping others improve their health.
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and while this may seem like a waste of time, Dr. Howard Hindin assures us the time we spend sleeping has important implications for how good the other two thirds of our lives are. When we sleep, we consolidate memories, our immune system repairs itself, and our body gets rid of wastes. One night of poor sleep can change the immune system, increase chronic inflammation, and affect brain function. This can have compounding affects when experienced regularly. Our airway health could be affecting the quality of our sleep, and the real kicker is…we may not even know it.
Click play to hear Dr. Hindin, DDS, talk about the importance of airway health, collaborative healthcare, and quality sleep. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Foundation for Airway Health and a partner and founder of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD).
Dr. Hindin is passionate about airway health and encourages you to become an advocate as well. October 2 is Global Airway Health Day; sign up to be an advocate at www.airwayhealth.org. He also encourages practitioners and non-practitioners alike to visit www.AAPMD.org
Joshua Neilly, Chief Growth Officer of CannabisMD (cannabismd.com), discusses the fascinating world of cannabis.
Neilly talks about the company and its decision to name it utilizing the “MD” element. He discusses some of the major players they have brought on board to help guide the company’s trajectory. Neilly talks about how their company and vision are starkly divergent from the traditional ‘smoke-oriented’ sites that offer information on CBD (cannabidiol). As Neilly explains, with CannabisMD, they have taken cannabis information to the next level, delivering information for a global audience in a format that would rival any major publication—moving into the mainstream. As he states they are creating what the market needs just as much as what the market wants.
Neilly explains that they are taking their information to the public in a manner that is evolving at the same rate as the public is, in regard to cannabis and CBD acceptance. Currently, CBD is the primary focus as there is less aversion to it in the general population. As he states, a large group of people are currently using CBD and the numbers are growing.
Neilly provides detailed information on CBD, and he sees a future in which, eventually, society will begin to treat it like an amino acid, something that can benefit many people in a variety of ways. Neilly talks about his thoughts on the benefits and bonuses to using CBD. He discusses THC and how CBD rails in the traditional negative aspects associated with THC, such as drowsiness, sleepiness, paranoia, and anxiety.
Neilly discusses their website and new developments. He explains the kinds of information that they currently offer and the information that will be coming in the future.
Dede Willis, Orbit Genomics’ Board Member, President & CEO, and Harold “Skip” Garner, their Chief Scientific Officer and Board Member, discuss their important work at Orbit Genomics.
Willis has amassed over 25 years of impressive international leadership experience in a wide variety of interesting start-ups. Before she helped launch Orbit Genomics, Willis was co-founder and COO of the successful, Boulder Diagnostics Inc, whose innovative technology was later acquired by Oxford Immunotec. Willis has been CEO or COO of many life science start-ups in the US as well as Germany.
Garner, Orbit Genomics’ Chief Scientific Officer is the originator/creator of Orbit Genomics’ groundbreaking platform technology. Garner’s extensive background includes academic and corporate work as a renowned engineer, physicist, and biomedical researcher. Garner has held numerous positions at major players in the areas of his expertise and is a sought
after scientific mind in the fields of genomics, engineering, and biotech.
Garner & Willis discuss the core elements of Orbit Genomics, outlining what the company is based upon. Garner talks about his early work studying the human genome, detailing information about microsatellites. Simply defined, a microsatellite is an area of repetitive DNA in which particular DNA motifs can be repeated. Garner states that microsatellites can be used successfully as markers in the study of disease, health, aging, and more. And from his early research, Orbit Genomics was born.
Garner discusses microsatellites in detail, recounting some of his research with dog traits. As he states, these microsatellites could play a role in human morphology, our ability to fight off disease, preferences, etc. Garner explains how microsatellites seem to be a sort of ‘tuning knob’ that allows for the control of traits and diseases that impact all life forms.
The Chief Scientific Officer fully explains some of the specific information from their research that they have published. He talks about the various mechanisms of microsatellites and how the genome is affected. Going further, Garner talks about aging rates and longevity. He explains genetic variance in terms of inheritance and environment.
Willis discusses some of their studies in the area of genomics. She recounts one particular study that showed that genomes do change over time. As she explains, we are born with some risks to disease, but lifestyle may play a role in changes.
Michael Behe, PhD, author, and professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University, shares with us his findings after 20 plus years researching the evolution of complex biological systems.
Once a believer in Darwin’s theory of evolution, Behe now argues that rather than random changes filtered by natural selection, most of life’s major features are overwhelmingly purposely designed by an intelligent agent. Behe acknowledges that this is not necessarily a popular view in the world of science, where the culture seems to suggest that if you doubt Darwin’s evolution then you are either dumb or blinded by religion.
However, Behe has found that while it is clear that Darwin’s mechanisms explain some of life’s characteristics, they do not explain all of them. Upon researching Darwinism more deeply, he found that it appears the theory is held in high regard not because of solid supporting evidence, but because it is the best and most acceptable one thus far.
Press play to hear more about his findings, including specific examples. Behe has written three books, Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution, The Edge of Evolution: The Search for the Limits of Darwinism, and Darwin Devolves: The New Science About DNA That Challenges Evolution. He also has essays that can be found at the Discovery Institute website, www.discovery.org.
In 2005, Dr. Daniel Pompa became severely and inexplicably ill. It began with fatigue and progressed to all sorts of strange symptoms, including seemingly random panic attacks, extreme sound sensitivity, and allergic reactions to foods he’d never before had a problem with. His instincts were telling him that his hormones were off balance, and he was convinced there was some sort of dysfunction going on in his pituitary gland, the control tower to the body’s hormones. Eventually, Dr. Pompa spoke with an endocrinologist who suggested that it might be chronic mercury poisoning. This set Dr. Pompa on a path of research, discovery, healing, and eventually, education and coaching of fellow physicians.
These days, he’s guided by a purpose and passion for training as many doctors as possible to consider neurotoxic sources of sickness in patients who simply get can’t better, regardless of their malady. On today’s episode, he discusses the many neurotoxins in our environment, and how many of us are completely unaware that we are even being exposed or affected by them. He also explains the phases of his 90-day program of true cellular detox, shedding light on the fascinating science behind it all.
Tune in to learn more and visit his website at https://drpompa.com/.
In this episode, we hear from Bruno Aziza, Group Vice President at AI and Data Analytics at Oracle. Aziza encourages his customers to think of the AI acronym not simply as artificial intelligence, but rather as an “applied and invisible” form of augmentation that allows organizations and individuals to get to their end goals faster.
Data analysts spend about 80% of their time just preparing data before it can even be analyzed. By applying AI, that time can be cut to nearly nothing, errors can be reduced, and business analysts can reappropriate their time. This allows companies to analyze more efficiently and ask better questions to create a more productive organization.
Listen in to hear Aziza share more, including specific examples of company successes. Visit Oracle.com for more information. Aziza also encourages you to learn from customer stories and interviews in his web series, Destination:Insight, on The Oracle Analytics YouTube page.
Not long ago, blogging was an activity done primarily by hobbyists, but over time it has evolved into something that brands embrace in order to boost awareness of and advertise their products. According to Lindsay Tjepkema, the same trend is playing out with podcasts.
In today’s episode, she discusses her work with Casted, a High Alpha portfolio company based in Indianapolis that’s offering the world’s first-ever B2B podcasting platform. Casted is helping podcasting companies and hosts make the very most of every single episode rather than follow the “one and done” method that dominates the arena.
Those who sign up with the Casted platform can simply submit the audio recording of an episode and receive a transcript that will allow them to dive deeper into the material and make the most of it by pulling clips that will resonate with their audience, posting highlights from the episode on blogs and social media, creating Q&A articles based on the content, and repurposing the content for myriad applications.
Tune in for more details and visit casted.us.for more info.
Modern athletic shoes seem to be constantly changing and improving, with the newest versions usually coming out with extra padding in certain locations and backed by claims of being good for your body by absorbing the shock of running. But does anyone ever ask to see the evidence that supports the claims these major shoe companies are making? Is there anything to be said for less padding…for a shoe that allows the foot to function more in the way that it would without a shoe at all? According to Steven Sashen and a growing body of research, the answer is a resounding yes.
Steven Sashen is now the head of Xero Shoes, a company that focuses on letting your foot do what it was meant to do: flex, bend and actually feel the surface it’s contacting. The modern shoe restricts this movement and prevents this sensation, essentially immobilizing your foot, and as a result, weakening it over time.
In today’s episode, Sashen discusses the ins and outs of his products, the science behind their design and how an understanding of human anatomy guided it, and his personal experience with and without Xero Shoes.
Interested in learning more or getting a pair of your own? Check out https://xeroshoes.com/.
In this episode, we hear from Gaetan Chevalier, Ph.D. in engineering physics. Dr. Chevalier is the director of the Earthing Institute, an organization dedicated to research and education on the benefits of earthing. Earthing, known more commonly as “grounding” in the United States, takes place when our body is in direct contact with the earth. Research has suggested that time spent grounding can help calm the nervous system, relax muscles, and reduce pain and inflammation.
Dr. Chevalier explains that the body’s immune system uses acids when fighting infection, and if there are insufficient electrons to neutralize these acids, the increased acidity leads to further damaged cells, thereby creating a positive feedback loop of inflammation. Because the earth’s surface is negatively charged, time spent grounding enables the body to neutralize its otherwise acidic state. Dr. Chevalier has seen improvements to many inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and many cancers. For those whose geographic location, lifestyle, or mobility limits their ability to walk barefoot outside or sit on the grass, sand, or pavement, there is an array of products designed to allow for grounding—even when you sleep!
Listen in to learn more. For more information on the Earthing Institute, go to earthinginstitute.net. You can also email them at info@earthinginstitute.net.
“Anything that is made of fabric and can sit in the sun is an opportunity to generate electricity,” says Colin Touhey, CEO, and co-founder of Pvilion, a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing flexible solar-paneled fabric with versatile functionality.
Pvilion’s innovative solar-powered fabric can be integrated into a range of products, from consumer items like backpacks, bags, and coats, to architectural structures, such as building facades, sports stadiums, canopies and awnings, wedding tents, airplane hangers…the list continues to grow! This technology is particularly useful in providing energy in remote locations for rapid response teams and military camps.
Press play to hear more about Pvilion’s unique technology and current projects. Check out www.pvilion.com to learn even more.
Katherine Brown, holistic health coach, lifestyle designer, and founder of Just Bein’ Honest (justbeinhonest.com) talks about the many ways that we can make dietary and health changes that will improve our lives.
Brown is passionate about health. Unfortunately, many people suffer from chronic diseases and/or daily pain, and they are simply unaware that their own patterns, lifestyles, nutrition, and behaviors are causing their poor health. But the good news is, for most, changes can bring dramatic improvement. Brown’s mission is to help people restore their gut health so they can mentally and physically perform at optimum levels.
Brown talks about her passion for sharing the secrets to good health. From mental awareness to body awareness, incorporating fitness and nutrition, Brown’s methodology is proven to reshape the body and mind and improve health. Brown talks about her background and the neurological issues she experienced earlier in her life.
She talks about the many ways she works with people. Brown focuses on mental awareness first and how we talk to ourselves, and only after making progress there does she move on to body awareness, posture, exercise, etc. But this is only the surface; she goes deep with her clients and really assesses their issues to help them improve their lives in multiple ways.
Brown talks about her abilities to connect with people and the forces of various energies. She explains the basic tenets of her work with clients and the transformations they can make. Brown seeks to inspire people to enhance their health and well being as well as their overall lifestyle by providing a truthful perspective on eating healthy foods and reaching our potential on a mental and physical level.
Dr. James V. Hardt, President and Founder of Biocybernaut Institute, Inc., discusses his interesting work with brainwaves.
Dr. Hardt holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from Carnegie Institute of Technology, as well as a Masters Degree in Psychology from Carnegie-Mellon University and a PhD in Psychology, also from Carnegie-Mellon University. Continuing his research and studies, Dr. Hardt immersed himself in intensive Post-Doctoral work in Psychophysiology at the Langley Porter Neuro-Psychiatric Institute of the University of California at San Francisco.
As Dr. Hardt explains, a biocybernaut is to inner space as an astronaut is to outer space. A biocybernaut utilizes advanced technology to go on an inner journey into their own mind. It’s a journey of learning, growth, healing, and transformation. Dr. Hardt discusses their brainwave feedback training, and he shares that through this training people can become less anxious, increase their creativity by up to 50%, and simply become smarter across the board. The IQ boost, Dr. Hardt states is a remarkable 11.7 points, which stabilizes and is maintained. Dr. Hardt explains the origin of brainwave study which dates back to 1908. Dr. Hardt talks about his background and how he came to his current area of study and interest.
Dr. Hardt discusses the basic elements of their training, and he compares and contrasts it to zen meditation. He explains that this meditation over many years, will allow one to change their brainwaves. But Dr. Hardt wanted a method to impact brainwaves that was more efficient and could impact great change in a shorter period of time. He talks about alpha waves and the powerful technology that the Biocybernaut Institute utilizes. As he explains, they use technology to boost the microvolt levels about one-hundred thousand times so brainwaves can be read by the computers which then turn amplitude of the brainwaves into the loudness of musical tones. Thus, people can sit in soundproof chambers and listen to their brainwaves emit tones of flutes, clarinets, and oboes, etc., and when the music becomes louder, this means that you’re making more alpha. Thus, whatever you are doing you keep doing, to increase and advance your brainwaves.
Mark Burhenne, DDS, author, and sought-after speaker, talks about his practice, his new bestseller, and ways we can improve our health.
Dr. Burhenne is the author of the #1 best seller, The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox, and is a respected practicing sleep medicine dentist in beautiful, Sunnyvale, California. He has over 30 years in dentistry.
Dr. Burhenne discusses his own personal experience with sleep apnea that led him to write his best-selling book, The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox. He gets into the heavy issues of his book and explains how the effects of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders and issues can leave people feeling less than their best, and can impact health negatively. If you wake up exhausted every morning in spite of your regular 7-8 hours of sleep, if you regularly make excuses for your lack of energy, if you snore so loud that you could wake your neighbors next door, grind your teeth, etc., you could be suffering from a sleep problem that needs further review.
Dr. Burhenne talks about how sleep apnea can produce dental warnings that are obvious signs that a problem exists. He explains how we sleep and the processes that take place that create sleep issues, obstructed breathing and other problems that interfere with our ability to get quality, restorative sleep.
And Dr. Burhenne shares his own personal experiences with sleep and nutrition as well. He talks about intermittent fasting, muscular and bite changes, and other issues that affect the body. And he provides valuable information on TMJ, pain in the jaw joint and clicking.
Dr. Burhenne is a celebrated TEDx speaker, and he shares his important advice and knowledge regularly in various media outlets, such as CNN, Yahoo!, CBS, HuffPost, Prevention, Men’s Health, and The Washington Post.
Ann Merchant, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Communications at the National Academy of Sciences, discusses some of the important work the Academy has accomplished through the years.
Merchant’s work is heavily focused in the planning of a variety of engaging science communications events, and the management of unique and interesting outreach programs that combine to contribute to a dramatic increase in overall public understanding of science.
Merchant discusses the origin of the National Academy of Sciences way back in 1863, created under the authority of President Abraham Lincoln’s administration with the goal of utilizing scientists and engineers to help guide policy initiatives in regard to important scientific endeavors and achievements. From the creation of the national park system to the prevention of smoking on airlines, the National Academy of Sciences has been instrumental in shaping American policy.
Merchant discusses some of the important issues that they are facing currently, such as those in health and medicine. From long term health to the culture of health, the National Academy of Sciences is working toward improvements in a myriad of areas. As Merchant states, they are constantly releasing new studies on medical issues and diseases, exposures, and other issues that provide important scientific information and guidelines that can help to promote good health. Nearly every day they are releasing new information, which keeps them busy, but the work is important.
The Deputy Executive Director talks about how their many reports and videos are released, and how some of their information is translated into multiple languages to truly best serve an increasingly diverse population. Merchant states that it is most important to circulate information that people need in a form that they can grasp easily and thus make the most use of it for their lives. And that was the goal in Lincoln’s time, and it is still the goal today, to help as many people as possible by enriching their knowledge base with important and useful information, which subsequently affects policy for the betterment of society as a whole.
Imagine reclining in a large, futuristic-looking medical device for 30 minutes to an hour and leaving feeling significantly more relaxed, and knowing that after a few more sessions, any problem you may have with energy levels, pain, sleep, or digestive processes would begin to resolve. It sounds unlikely, or at least too good to be true, but it’s exactly what’s being offered by a new technology developed at Magneceutical Health.
CEO and president of the company, Allen Braswell, joins the podcast to discuss all the details of the device, the mechanism, and the science behind how and why it works. He explains the importance of bringing the two branches of the autonomic nervous system into balance, what heart rate variability can tell us about our health, and how stimulation of the vagus nerve can improve these metrics.
Interested in learning more? Press play and visit https://magneceutical.com.
From the day he was born, Andrew Farina has had to overcome one physical limitation and poor prognosis after another, but today he’s a well-known figure in the health industry who provides life, career, relational, nutritional, and sleep coaching to anyone who’s facing a challenge they are trying to overcome, and anyone who feels they aren’t living life in accordance with who they truly are. “Working with your deep inner sense, asking the harder questions of life, of what you believe and why; these things can help you move forward or they can keep you from moving forward,” says Farina.
He offers an informative and uplifting conversation on today’s episode, discussing the nature of his work with clients, the strategies and approaches he’s found most successful, the most challenging aspects of his job, the role of technology in the quest for achieving greater health, and so much more.
Visit https://fearlesshealthcoaching.com/ for more.
Richard Jacobs, entrepreneur and host of Future Tech and Future Tech Health podcast, discusses one of his latest endeavors as the founder of The Good Night’s Sleep Project: the development of an AI-powered pillow that’s truly customized to the individual sleeper rather than labeled simply as soft or firm, or queen or king-sized. After a lifelong struggle with achieving good sleep and never finding a pillow that didn’t leave him with neck, shoulder, or back pain in the morning, Jacobs decided to finally take action and create a solution of his own.
How does it work? With nothing more than a picture of the person interested in buying the product, Jacobs’ company employs machine vision AI algorithms that extract a number of measurements, such as the length of their face, the height of their head, and the width of their shoulders. The product is a carefully designed pillow suited specifically for the individual.
On today's episode, Jacobs discusses the importance of maintaining spinal alignment during sleep, how the wrong pillow can contribute to snoring and lead to sleep apnea, how the right pillow could allow you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, and the importance of sleep for general health.
Interested in getting one of these pillows for yourself? Check out goodnightssleepproject.com.
With a combined 20+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Parker Lennon and Chuck Stach found each other constantly bouncing ideas off one another about the best and most evidence-based decisions to make under certain circumstances, frustrations commonly encountered in the industry, and just general experiences they’d face while working with a diverse range of clients.
About four years ago, they decided to bring these discussions to the general public with the goal of addressing all different needs presented by people in this field, helping improve people’s fitness, and even helping guide other personal trainers. Since its inception, the FAQ Fitness podcast has grown in popularity and become a well-known resource for videos and programs for people to follow. Lennon and Stach place emphasis on what the evidence says about different approaches to and theories about fitness, reading up to 20 research articles a day on different topics that they cover on the podcast or discuss with clients.
In today’s episode, Lennon and Stach share all of their experiences, some of the newest research they’ve been covering, and the behavioral aspects of achieving health and wellness.
To get in contact or learn more, visit faqfitnesspodcast.com and find them on Instagram at fat fitness
Karen L. Lee, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, NYU Langone, delivers an overview of her important work in the fields of neurology and sleep medicine.
Dr. Lee holds board certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Sleep Medicine), 2013, and the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology), 2012. At NYU Langone, she specializes in treating patients who suffer from sleep disorders.
Dr. Lee discusses her background in neurology and her personal story. During her extensive medical studies, she found the study of sleep to be particularly fascinating from a neurological perspective. As she explains, while you might think of sleep as a shutting down period, there are actually many important processes taking place during our sleep.
Dr. Lee talks about sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. As she explains, restless leg syndrome is sometimes hard to diagnose because many people who suffer from it have difficulty truly describing exactly how it affects them, but it typically manifests in discomfort, either in the legs, possibly arms as well, or other parts of the body. She discusses the many ways that sufferers describe it, like discomfort or a tingling sensation, a prickly feeling, or soreness. She explains when it often occurs and talks about treatment options, and how many people experience relief by moving their legs, though relief may be only temporary.
Dr. Lee details sleep apnea and explain how it affects the upper airways. She elaborates on the symptoms and treatments, and the many options for apnea sufferers. Poor quality sleep is related to multiple conditions and various diseases, such as stroke, anxiety and depression, headaches, poor concentration, chronic pain, heart disease, dementia, obesity, hypertension, and more.
Dr. Lee has a keen interest in treating patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and other disorders related to sleep.
Philippe Menasché, MD, Ph.D., Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Paris Descartes, discusses his work with stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles for the treatment of heart failure.
Dr. Philippe Menasché earned his MD and Ph.D. degrees from the prestigious University of Paris. As a noted Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Paris Descartes, Chief of the Heart Failure Surgery Unit of the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, and Director of an INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) laboratory that is focused on cell therapy for cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Menasché keeps a busy schedule indeed.
Dr. Menasché talks about his background and current work. He explains in detail how cells function and how transplanted cells, as those that are transplanted into the heart, die. However, Dr. Menasché states that improvement does happen, and their current thinking is that the repair actually comes from the heart itself as it is stimulated by the molecules that are secreted by these transplanted cells during their presence, even if their presence is only for a limited time.
Dr. Menasché discusses the issues with injecting directly into the heart. He explains that you can functionalize biomaterial and use it in such a way that it will release secretome over time in a controlled fashion. The term ‘secretome’ is a simplified word that denotes all of the many factors that are secreted by a cell, along with the secretory pathway constituents. This process allows the myocardium to be exposed to the secretome for a longer amount of time, which is beneficial.
Dr. Menasché talks about the idea of stem cells in the heart and the serious discussions that are occurring in the medical science community that questions whether stem cells actually exist in the heart or not. The Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery wraps up by talking about clinical trials, the types of heart disease that exist, as well as patients who can benefit from new treatments.
Ron Barshop, CEO of Beacon Clinics (beaconclinics.com), delivers a stirring overview of their intensive work in the field of allergies.
As CEO of Beacon Clinics, a top ancillary income provider for many primary care providers, Barshop is in the center of what’s happening and developing in medical science. Beacon has been heavily involved in allergy outcomes, developing industry-leading safety protocols, and increasing patient volume.
Barshop talks about Beacon’s involvement in the area of allergies, and how the scope is huge because so many people suffer from various allergies. He explains that primary care physicians (PCPs) are starving for ways to stay afloat financially, and allergies is a wide-open field. As Barshop explains, allergies are officially a disease, and there is a cure. He talks about the various types of pollens and weeds that affect people, and his own personal story growing up, suffering from intense allergies.
Barshop explains the process of allergy impact, and how the body’s immune system tries to rid the allergen, the invader, from the body. He talks about airborne allergy issues and also discusses food allergies, which affects different systems. Barshop explains how skin tests and blood tests are effective at determining the problems a particular patient is dealing with. He explains the differences between taking allergy meds, like Flonase, versus allergy shots, the latter of which he advocates. Sadly, many people find themselves in an endless loop of suffering, medicating, and suffering again.
Barshop talks about molds and dust mites, and other major offenders that keep people suffering from a litany of dreadful, nagging symptoms. Barshop explains the importance of mycology. Mycology is the specific branch of biology that deals with the study of fungi, inclusive of its genetic and biochemical properties, their specific taxonomy, and use to human beings as a true and proper source for medicine and food, and inclusive of the various implications for toxicity, etc.
Barshop describes Beacon’s business model and its efficiency. Barshop’s important work has earned him multiple leadership awards as well as prestigious honors in the state of Texas. He was recently named CEO of the Year 2019 by IAOP, and he is a member of many San Antonio civic boards and organizations across the state.
Through his experience as a sleep disorders technologist, Jason Sazama has become an expert in the world of sleep apnea, CPAP machines, and sleep studies. In addition to founding his own sleep diagnosis business and carrying out sleep data analyses for people, he also has a well-established YouTube channel that provides educational resources for people struggling with sleep, searching for a sleep diagnosis, or trying to figure out how to best benefit from their CPAP device.
On today’s episode, Sazama explains the home sleep study kit offered by his company, highlights the advantages and disadvantages of in-lab versus in-home sleep studies, REM-specific versus positional sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, the two most common problems people encounter with CPAP machines and masks, and much more.
Tune in and search for Sazama’s YouTube channel to learn more.
Daniel Fels, Ph.D., is a scientist who has devoted his career to the study of cell biology and biological research. He’s currently developing his own lab and conducting independent research on cell-to-cell communication. His research has been guided by a desire to determine whether cells communicate with each other using electromagnetic waves. Knowing how integral cell-to-cell signaling is in a number of processes and phenomena including animal behavior, Dr. Fels understands that discovering more about the nature of cell communication could lead to a deeper understanding of many other biological processes.
On today’s episode, he delivers a detailed overview of the experiments he’s employed, the observations he’s made, and what these observations suggest. He explains how he went about testing whether groups of cells can influence the cell division rate of neighboring groups of cells, and observations which indicate that cells have the ability to perceive neighboring cell death and respond with what he refers to as “death compensation.” Dr. Fels is a wealth of knowledge, offering an informative and intriguing glimpse into life and communication on the cellular level.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and find his publications on the web.
Nathaniel Jordan is a keynote health and wellness speaker, nationally certified health coach and nutrition fitness specialist with the American Council on Exercise, and certified master trainer with the National Federation of Professional Trainers. But he wasn’t always the picture of health and fitness; growing up, Jordan had a lot of health problems, including severe acne, high blood pressure, and significant weight gain. Similar problems ran in his family, with his father having suffered several strokes and his uncle experiencing several heart attacks and diabetes.
Jordan saw where his future was headed, and decided to make a change. He began researching everything he could about nutrition and fitness, embracing the lessons of a variety of nutritional gurus and eventually adopting a plant-rich diet. These days, he spends his time helping to educate others on the human body, food addiction, and the power of plant-based foods, all while sharing inspirational success stories from around the globe. Among many other topics, Jordan discusses his take on the ketogenic diet, fasting diet, and vegetarianism versus veganism.
Tune in for a compelling, informative, and inspiring conversation, and learn more about Jordan and his mission by visitingtheministerofwellness.com.
Jake Steiner, the founder of (endmyopia.org), delivers a truly eye-opening analysis on the common problem of myopia, and how it can be reversed.
Steiner is extremely passionate about eyesight and is thrilled to share his information with the world. As a boy who grew up with glasses, then reached a -5.00 diopter myopia in his 20s, but today has 20/20 natural eyesight, he is convinced that his method works and takes pride in helping others who suffer from poor eyesight issues.
Steiner talks about his background and how he came to eyesight issues organically. Steiner’s past includes much more banking and stock trading than medically-related career issues, but his myopia was so severe he was determined to find a solution. Frustrated with his worsening eyesight, he began to dig deep into research of vision biology. As Steiner
explains, through his research he found that myopia starts out as something called, ‘pseudomyopia,’ a focusing muscle spasm of the eye. He was shocked to discover that it’s not a medical condition at all. The causality is not a defect.
Steiner states that myopia (short-sightedness) can be reversed without the use of prescription glasses because it’s a refractive state that can actually be corrected naturally. Surprisingly, the glasses we wear to correct the myopia may be making our eyes worse over time. He explains focal planes, and how minus lens move the focal point further back
which compensates for the muscle spasm. He explains how the eye changes shape, detailing axial elongation, which is an elongating of the eyeball.
Steiner talks about reversing the stimulus, and how the eyeball isn’t getting longer, but it is adjusting. By reversing the stimulus, you can shorten it, and thus decrease the myopia. Therefore, by continuing to wear glasses, but wearing less strong ones, you can help to achieve improved vision—essentially challenging the eye to see. He says you want to get rid of your distance glasses when you’re doing close up work. Steiner states that when you see the eye doctor, they typically find a strong prescription that works for you, and then that’s that, but there isn’t much discussion of alternatives to improve eyesight through other means than just continually prescribing stronger and stronger glasses. Ultimately, as Steiner states, our screen addiction, with the constant use of laptops, desktops, pads, and smartphones, is a significant contributor to eye problems.
Allison Rosen, M.S., Lead Project Coordinator at Baylor College of Medicine, discusses her important work in cancer prevention.
Rosen’s work at Baylor College of Medicine is multifaceted, and educating the public about cancers is one of their primary areas of focus, especially minority communities and young people. They provide a community outreach that works toward the goal of prevention.
As the Lead Project Coordinator, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Outreach and Health Disparities at Baylor College of Medicine, Rosen takes an active grassroots approach to community education.
Rosen discusses her background in oncology research and her journey toward her current career and passion—cancer prevention. She talks about symptoms, especially symptoms that younger individuals might experience, and what healthcare providers need to look for. She explains in detail, one of her areas of expertise—colorectal cancer.
Rosen relates her own personal medical story as a colon cancer survivor. Her personal journey was at times a struggle, with years of varying medical issues, but once she got her diagnosis of cancer, she set out to begin her fight. Now, as a survivor, Rosen is passionate about taking her message of prevention to the streets. Rosen discusses her path to recovery and the important work that is happening in their outreach efforts.
When Aimee Tariq was just a teenager, she began developing serious, debilitating symptoms—symptoms that led her to dial 911 and end up in the hospital with a heart rate of over 200 beats per minute. She couldn’t hold down a conversation or even brush her own teeth, and no one could tell her what was wrong. With multiple diagnoses, none of which seemed to address her ailments, and no treatments or medications that were alleviating her symptoms, Tariq found herself at a total loss.
But it was at her lowest point that she realized she had two options: get healthy or die trying. From that point forward, she stopped searching for answers within the U.S. medical system and began carrying out her own research on toxic chemical exposure in daily life, food allergies and sensitivities, hormones and vitamins, and the importance of spinal alignment. Eventually, Tariq rediscovered herself—her healthy self, the one who was athletic and could enjoy all aspects of life unimpeded by poor health.
In today’s episode, she discusses the details of her journey and everything she has learned over the years, touching on a few aspects of her Amazon best-seller A Life with Health.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation and to learn what Tariq has going on in the works. Learn more about her by visiting https://www.aimeetariq.com/.
Tommaso Ghidini, Ph.D., Head of the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division at the European Space Agency (ESA), delivers a rousing overview of the medical advances that are improving options for astronauts on long-term missions.
Ghidini holds a Ph.D. in experimental and numerical Fracture Mechanics from the Institute of Materials Research of the German Aerospace Centre. Ghidini has been involved with many important civil and military aircraft developments through the years, including the A380, the A350, and the A400M developed at AIRBUS Industries. In 2007, Ghidini joined the European Space Agency (ESA) and is the Head of the Materials Technology Section.
Ghidini explains his work, detailing the 3D printing of human tissue for long-term missions in space, such as going to Mars. As he explains, on long-term missions you cannot stop and come back, you must continue, so if there is a medical emergency you need to be prepared to handle it in space. Even the healthiest astronauts can have accidents, burns, etc. that must be dealt with when they happen. As accidents on Mars, such as falls, could be more severe than on the moon, advanced surgery capabilities are going to be necessary.
Ghidini talks about the various medical options for these missions. He outlines what will be necessary, such as appropriately trained staff on board, and suitable surgery rooms, etc. And while telemedicine would seem like a good option, it is not possible because of the delays in transmission. However, if there was a space station on Mars, there could be telemedicine from the space station, but that is not yet a consideration.
Ghidini discusses their extensive testing of the 3D printers, in reduced gravity, etc. Ghidini explains the process and gives details about the 3D printed skin that comes from stem cells. With 3D printed skin there is no need to retrieve skin from another part of the body for a burn, etc., thus, a second wound is not created—better for recovery, and better for efficiency. Ghidini states that ‘rejection’ is low because the skin comes from stem cells from the astronaut’s own body.
The ESA expert continues by discussing the many challenges of taking 3D printing into space. He explains that radiation is a factor to consider, as is sterility. Ghidini’s work at ESA is on the cutting edge of technology and his contributions to space travel will be seen for many years to come.
Listening to music, white noise, or even podcasts before bed can be relaxing for a lot of people, giving them just what they need in order to fall asleep. But earbuds and headphones are bulky and uncomfortable, impeding the ability to fall asleep comfortably and thereby mitigating the relaxing effects of different sounds. Returning guests Wei-Shin Lai and Jason Wolfe discuss why and how they founded AcousticSheep, a company that provides people with a solution to this problem in the form of a stretch headband that contains thin, high-quality speakers.
On today’s episode, they share their newest application of this technology: a “genome” that has hundreds of thousands of potential variations on sound and layers of music, with different alleles functioning as different frequencies or tones, and different variations of sound being referred to as “sheep.” Lai and Wolf explain how these “sheep”—particularly the ones with high user ratings—can reproduce to create another sheep comprised of the “genetic” material of each parent sheep. It’s a revolutionary idea, and the first product of its kind.
Interested in checking it out for yourself? Download the app for free and visit acousticsheep.com to learn more.
As the CEO and founder of My Personal Therapeutics and a biotech aficionado, Laura Towart’s passion is personalized medicine, which is an area of research she’s been working on for well over a decade. For the past seven years, she’s been working with the Mount Sinai Medical Center on the Personal Discovery Process (PDP), a technology that uses “fruit fly avatars” in the study of certain malignant tumors and the testing of new, best-fit drug therapies for treating them.
Towart explains all the details of this process, which begins by sequencing a patient’s tumor biopsy, microinjecting genetic mutations into fruit flies, and then carrying out large-scale high-throughput drug screening to identify new combinations of drugs for patients. Using robotics, they screen 1,500 FDA-approved drugs in combinations of up to three—meaning they screen tens of thousands of drug combinations before making human treatment recommendations.
On today’s episode, Towart discusses the ins and outs of this new method, including the limitations and challenges it presents, the benefits of using a fly model, and where their work is headed in the near future. Click play and check out mypersonaltherapeutics.com to learn more.
About 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 and one in three in total will ultimately die of cancer. For most of us, this is a pretty devastating statistic, but founder and CEO of LEAH Labs, Wesley Wierson, joins the podcast today to explain how and why this could change. The key may very well lie in a newly FDA-approved therapy for leukemia and lymphoma in humans known as CAR T-cell therapy. Since dogs are commonly affected by B-cell lymphoma, which is the same as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, why aren’t we trying CAR T-cell therapy in dogs? One of the primary reasons is simply a matter of resources, as CAR T-cell therapy costs hundreds of thousands of dollars in humans. According to Wesley Wierson, however, it doesn’t have to.
At LEAH Labs, they’re flipping CAR T-cell therapy development on its head. Rather than using viruses to engineer T-cells, they are using gene editing to reprogram T-cells, and rather than generating autologous CAR T-cell therapies, they’re generating allogenic CAR T-cell therapies; together, these techniques significantly reduce the cost of an individual treatment to just about $1,000. This is paving the way for CAR T-cell therapies to be used in dogs with cancer, which not only provides hope for dogs and their owners, but also provides a superior model for understanding how this form of therapy works. As it currently stands, CAR T-cell development is done using immunocompromised mice, which is less than ideal for a number of reasons on which Wierson expounds in this episode.
Tune in for all the details, and learn more by visiting https://www.leahlabs.com/.
Returning guest, Dominic D’Agostino, is a researcher and professor in the department of molecular pharmacology and physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. On today’s episode, he offers fascinating insight into a recent mission he completed in collaboration with NASA, which involved a number of experiments carried out under sea with the purpose of emulating activities that are essential to space missions. He explains how different space analogs under the sea can mimic neutral buoyancy and microgravity in space, the use of mini DNA analyzers to analyze the microbiome of the habitat and surface of astronauts’ skin, the physiological effects of hyperbaric pressure which presents three times the amount of oxygen and nitrogen than the average person is accustomed to, a number of extravehicular activities (EVAs) to include the testing of astronaut rescue devices and drills for sampling rock or coral, the health impact and ways of dealing with extremely high concentrations of carbon dioxide, and decompression sickness.
He also discusses what he considers the biggest challenge in space, which is living in confined habitats for long periods of time. Navigating these issues means addressing team cognition and psychology, as well as the practical concerns associated with performing a variety of scientific experiments and tasks in such small and enclosed spaces. These are just a few of the subjects D’Agostino discusses on today’s episode, and he brings an impressive amount of knowledge to every single one.
Press play to hear the full conversation.
“There are benefits to all mind-altering activities or substances…and it can almost be radical to even recognize that in a culture that seems hell-bent on convincing us all that drugs are evil and that drugs are the cause of the problem. What we’ve tried to do with The Social Exchange…is to broaden the definition of addiction beyond just drugs and to broaden it beyond just an over-medicalized mentality around it,” says Aaron Ferguson, co-host of The Social Exchange podcast.
On today’s episode, he is joined by his co-host Zach Rhoads to discuss the creation, development, and goals of the podcast, as well as what they’ve learned by interviewing countless experts and pain patients who've experienced addiction on a firsthand basis. Among many topics, they discuss differing viewpoints and arguments surrounding the concept and experience of addiction, the philosophy of harm reduction, and chemical dependency versus environmental influences.
Tune in for all the details of this compelling and passionate conversation.
As a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC Irvine and the director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center and the Advanced Power and Energy program, Jack Brouwer brings an impressive amount of information to today’s episode, discussing stationary fuel cell technology, which is a form of zero pollutant emission energy that can complement solar and wind power. He also discusses the value of renewably-produced hydrogen and the potential for introducing 100 percent renewable energy into society, as well as the challenges presented by this technology.
Currently, the biggest competitors of fuel cell technology are gas turbines and reciprocating engines, both of which are very cost-effective, but also less efficient and significant contributors to poor air quality. Brouwer explains what needs to be done in order to lower the cost of fuel cell technology and thereby make it a more feasible form of energy use, the science behind different forms of electricity, how fuel cell technology has developed over the years, and what he sees as the most important aspects of future adoption and implementation of fuel cell technology.
Tune in, and visit www.nfcrc.uci.edu for more information or reach out to Brouwer directly by emailing him at jb@nfcrc.uci.edu.
Dr. Eva Detko, Ph.D., natural health specialist, author, noted speaker, and podcaster, delivers an overview of her interesting background and work with natural medicine.
Dr. Detko has a keen interest in natural health and has devoted her life to the field for nearly two decades. Her work is primarily based in psychology and she uses multiple methods, such as hypnotherapy, Havening Techniques, NLP and mindfulness. Dr. Detko believes in the power of food and as such, she has written two cookbooks and is a strong believer in nutritional therapy.
Dr. Detko talks about her own medical history. As she suffered personally with fatigue and digestive issues and was eventually diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia, Dr. Detko starting digging deeper to find a holistic solution to her maladies. Starting with nutrition and biochemistry to manage her conditions, she later expanded into psychology and psychotherapy, as well as a plant medicine. And today, feeling better than ever, she is sharing her vast knowledge with others, with patients who are suffering needlessly with a whole host of nagging, painful medical problems.
Dr. Detko discusses nutrition, and she explains how our bodies must also contend with more toxicity in the environment today than in decades past. She shares her thoughts on electromagnetic sensitivity and toxic metals. She outlines the ways that our bodies deal with multiple levels of toxins, emotional stressors, and so forth, and how it can build up and contribute to medical issues and symptoms.
Dr. Detko talks about water purity and the importance of water filters. And she discusses cosmetics, deodorants, and creams that we put on our skin and the collective impact they are having on our health. Going deeper, Dr. Detko explains how people may first discover what is ailing them. She explains that those who suffer from complex and multiple symptoms should see a naturopathic practitioner who is skilled and trained and can help them diagnose their problem. She explains that testing is important, in order to figure out why symptoms are occurring.
Dr. Detko has studied natural medicine, the human mind, and the body/mind connection for over two decades and is dedicated to helping people who suffer from the many medical problems that have both physiological and psychological/emotional elements.
Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, speaker, psychologist, and author, talks about her important work helping people build healthy relationships.
Rapini is a noted psychotherapist who specializes in intimacy, sexual issues, and relationships. Rapini is a celebrated author, lecturer, and frequent television personality. Rapini’s stated mission is to help others build healthy relationships, and that process begins with the relationship we have with ourselves.
Rapini talks about her extensive work with individuals and couples dealing with sexual issues, physical and emotional. She discusses some of the major issues that many people deal with, and how these problems can catch up to us quickly. While pills work for some people, grief and emotional issues/stressors can promote feelings of anger and depression
that may not be solved by pills. Therapy may be the answer for those who are suffering.
Rapini discusses marriage and emotional maturity, and the reasons why some marriages have trouble. She talks about cognitive behavioral therapy and its importance to her therapy practice. She outlines some of the many social problems that lead people to therapy. As she states, in order for therapy to work, the person must be curious and want
to change. She speaks about the importance of awareness, and how we must approach therapy with a self-awareness about what we want to accomplish.
The psychotherapist discusses the importance of having purposeful relationships, and the many hallmarks of healthy relationships. What’s really important is not so much how you communicate but that you do communicate. She explains that it is important to not compare your marriage to others, and that each partner of the relationship will have their own desires and needs. She talks about the importance of sharing, keeping balance, and accommodating for your partner, and other issues that are critical to maintaining a good, healthy relationship. And she discusses how she deals with many of these issues one on one with her clients.
Dr. Armando Hasudungan, a successful online medical educator, and creator of Armando Hasudungan (https://armandoh.org) deliver a thoroughly interesting overview of his background and medical science interests, and how his passion for learning led him to create unique explainer videos.
Dr. Hasudungan earned a bachelor of biomedical science from the University of Southern Queensland before going on to complete his MD. His medical science interests are varied and include rheumatology, immunology, endocrinology, oncology, and pain.
Dr. Hasudungan discusses the happy accident that got him interested in medical videos, which led to him becoming the prolific creator of medical explainer videos that he is today. As he explains, in his early education years he was more of an artist type student. When he was required to take a particular scientific pre-med course he found that the subject matter was difficult to grasp, and thus he concluded it might be easier to understand through a more visually-oriented presentation.
He decided to try drawing things out and then recording them, and this illustrative technique discovery became the launching pad for his current work in explainer videos. He found that this technique was able to help him learn and retain the information at a much higher level. Once he began to upload his videos to YouTube he got great feedback from viewers and he knew he was onto something.
The MD and science enthusiast talks about some of the techniques he uses in the creation of his YouTube videos, and which are the most effective for powerful learning. Dr. Hasudungan talks about the graphics and the drawing style he used in the early years, and how he has improved his visuals through the years. He talks about some of the extremely difficult and complex topics he covers and some of the popular videos such as his immunology videos. From the story to visuals, and narration, he tries to encompass many elements into his videos to make them as useful as possible to learners.
Dr. Armando Hasudungan is one of the most successful online medical educators today, and as his explainer videos cover such a wide swath of topics, there is certainly something for everyone.
Dr. Anthony B. Miller, Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, discusses his extensive career in medicine, studying cancer.
Dr. Miller is the Director of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study as well as an independent research consultant. Dr. Miller’s research has covered many areas of his interests, such as the evaluation of screening for cancer, the epidemiology of breast cancer, non-communicable disease control, the environmental aspects of cancer etiology, control of
cancer, and more.
Dr. Miller talks about his extensive background in medicine, his tenure with the British Medical Research Council, and some of his work studying tuberculosis, then lung cancer. Through his research he came to the conclusion that treatment of diseases such as lung cancer was very inefficient, and thus the primary goal should be prevention of the disease
entirely. He talks about his pioneering work at the National Cancer Institute of Canada, as the director of the epidemiology unit, which he directed for fifteen years. He talks in detail about some of the research he was involved with, citing specific examples of research and testing with certain occupational groups who showed increased risk for certain cancers
due to the activities they performed regularly while working.
Dr. Miller talks about the various types of radiation that exist in our technological world. He talks about cell phone use, and radio frequency, and some of the international studies that have shown a link between usage and an increased risk of cancer. The research doctor talks about electromagnetic fields, and the potential risks, and some of the leading researchers in
this subject.
Dr. Miller talks about nutrition and how it affects cancer. He discusses some of the foods that may increase risks for certain cancers, such as increased risk for colon cancer from red meat consumption. He explains that stomach cancer risk can be reduced by a diet that is high in vitamin C, and he outlines other foods and their relative good and bad potential, in
terms of health and disease.
Hannah Crum, “The Kombucha Mamma,” is an author, a master brewer, Kombucha Kamp founder, educator, commercial consultant, and general kombucha ambassador. In this podcast, Crum discusses her passion for kombucha and why she wants to share it with the world.
Crum talks about her background and experiences that led her to become obsessed with kombucha, in a good way. She recounts the story of visiting a friend who was brewing kombucha, which made an impression on her, and upon returning home she began to see the somewhat sour beverage popping up in organic stores everywhere. She was hooked.
Crum talks about the old days when people regularly made their own foods and beverages, and how we have gotten away from that, but maybe need to get back to it! As Crum explains, kombucha is essentially fermented tea at its foundation. She explains the living culture in kombucha. She talks about some of the worries that home brewers have regarding mold. But she explains that it is very easy actually to know if there is mold and when to get rid of a batch if need be.
Crum explains that most people already have what they need to get started with a home brew venture, such as tea, sugar, jars, tightly woven cloth covers, etc. What people will probably not have, she states, is the scoby, which is a syntrophic mixed culture comprised of yeast and bacteria. But she says that there are many ways to get this, either from Crum’s
website or other ways.
Crum discusses the differences between concentrate forms of kombucha and traditional home brewed kombucha. And as she explains, the home brewed kombucha is generally more potent, and you can control freshness and other issues when you brew yours at home.
Since 2004, Crum has been brewing kombucha and educating the public about this healthy “longevity elixir.” You can find more information about Crum and the powerfully potent, good for the gut, kombucha at her website (www.kombuchakamp.com).
I. Glenn Cohen, James A. Attwood and Leslie Williams Professor of Law and faculty director, Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology & Bioethics at Harvard Law School, delivers an interesting overview of the many and varied ethical issues that pertain to new and emerging technologies.
Professor Cohen is a noted expert on the nexus of bioethics (often referred to as ‘medical ethics’) and the law, inclusive of the health law. Cohen is also heavily involved in the education opportunities regarding the civil procedure. Cohen has spoken at countless legal, medical, and industry conferences at spots all across the globe. His celebrated work has been featuredin or covered by, numerous media outlets including PBS, ABC, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, The NewYork Times, Mother Jones, the New Republic, and many more.
Cohen talks about his extensive background and training in law and medical ethics, as well as philosophy. Cohen’s expertise covers a wide swath of subject matter, from artificial intelligence and healthcare to gene editing, organ transplantation, food and drug law, translational medicine, and others. Cohen talks about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural net applications as they relate to predictive medical applications and decision-making specifications for patient care.
Cohen expands our understanding in the areas of pattern recognition as it relates to medical applications, and how algorithms must adapt to differing variables, for example, the differences between people such as racial makeup, citing a specific example about breast density and mammograms. He explains that the algorithm training data must accommodate all the options and variables in order to produce successful outcomes/results. And he discusses privacy issues as they relate to data.
The Harvard professor details electronic health records, and how some physicians are experiencing burnout with the input of data, and how it is critical that data be input accurately and thoroughly in order for viable medical information to be helpful. He discusses reproduction, cloning, and some other issues related to genes within the context of technology. Cohen delves into gene editing further, discussing a particular case in China. Cohen explains that there was no real medical need for the gene edit and that caused quite a stir.Cohen talks about other use cases, and where things will go in the gene-editing world, and how regulations surrounding gene editing will perhaps become more relaxed if the benefits are justified. Cohen states that in the future we will probably see more debate about what is acceptable and what is not, in regard to gene editing. While there is clear prohibition right now, things could change as more scientists around the globe push the envelope.
Lowry Curley, Chief Executive Officer at AxoSim, a New Orleans based biotech startup, takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the major advances we are now seeing in drug development.
Curley is an entrepreneur with a keen interest in biotech. He has an extensive background in biomedical engineering and major experience in tissue engineering, product development, and drug development.
Curley’s biotech company seeks to leverage its unique Nerve-on-a-Chip™ technology to truly transform drug development. Curley discusses his company and how they are improving drug development. He states that animal models are actually terrible predictors for how drugs will work in humans, and drugs that are tested with animals end up failing for human use a shocking 94% of the time, after going through extensive testing. That’s a lot of work to end up with a drug that is essentially useless. Animal biology is simply not human biology, and Curley’s company’s method is changing the whole process and creating models that will work.
Curley explains how they create models for drug testing, talking about how they take skin cells and turn them back into stem cells and then differentiate that into a nerve cell. They then engineer this into a three-dimensional environment, to directly mimic the interactions that a cell would experience in a human body.
Curley talks about their funding, NIH, and others. He discusses some of the cancer drugs on the market that they are taking a look at, in order to improve or understand better their limitations. By using the AxoSim methods they are able to better grasp why drugs work and understand the side effects that they produce, which can help the pharmaceutical industry craft superior drugs with hopefully fewer side effects.
Curley says that his company is scouring academia and new companies for similar tech, and they are acquiring some new startups in order to bring everything together so AxoSim can be the industry leader.
AxoSim’s innovative platform technology seeks to advance the efficacy, and safety, of novel therapeutics, which they believe will also help manage costs and bring important new drugs to the market.
Some people are lucky enough to have low-stress jobs and few workplace conflicts between them and co-workers. For the rest of us, it’s extremely common to experience stress and fatigue as a result of your duties and professional relationships at work. Tensions in the workplace can hamper productivity and can cause physical and emotional tension that we often inadvertently take home with us at the end of the day. Although wellness incentives (such as gym memberships and massages) can help sooth our physical ailments, this doesn’t always help our psyche.
One company, Silicon Valley Wellness, is aiming to change this by offering meditation services to workers. Silicon Valley Wellness was co-founded by Masha Kouzmenko, who joins us to discuss the benefits of meditation and mindfulness; she focuses on how her company helps people let go of negative associations from their past and move forward with their lives. These sessions can be scheduled at the company’s convenience, and Silicon Valley Wellness is able to travel to workplaces so that employees can return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you are interested in having a consultation with Silicon Valley Wellness, visit siliconvalleywellness.com and one of their team members will reach out to you to schedule a call.
Ray Dogum joins us today to discuss his podcast, Health Unchained, and his interest in blockchain technology and its applications to healthcare information management. After seeing his family and friends navigate frustrating obstacles in the healthcare system, Ray began dedicating his career to improving the patient healthcare experience. Specifically, Ray is interested in changing how patient information is handled and stored and believes blockchain technology may solve some of the inefficiencies that are frustrating to both healthcare providers as well as patients. In this episode, Ray and Richard discuss the applications of blockchain technology to managing patient healthcare data, what that would look like to everyday patients, and how long we might expect healthcare companies to start adopting this technology.
Ray also discusses his current and previous podcast shows, and how hosting podcasts has helped him gain insight into the players and possibilities of the healthcare industry.
For more information, visit healthunchained.org or visit his profile on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/raydogum.
Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman & CEO of C-Suite Network, primetime TV & podcast host, delivers a thoughtful overview of his life and work in the business arena.
Hayzlett is a man with many areas of expertise. He is the primetime television host of C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives on the popular, C-Suite TV. Hayzlett is also a noted business podcast host of the celebrated, “All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett” on C-Suite Radio. Hayzlett is known the world over as a business celebrity, speaker, noted author, and of course as the Chairman of C-Suite Network.
Hayzlett discusses all the many things, ventures, and people that comprise the C-Suite Network. As Hayzlett states, time is important, and executives don’t want to waste time when they are looking to grow their businesses and network. Hayzlett’s powerful C-Suite Network is the most trusted, comprehensive network of C-Suite leaders in the world.
Hayzlett goes into detail about the value of the C-Suite Network. He explains how they put their priorities in order for real results, as they focus on incredible growth, development and networking opportunities, and partnerships for eager, successful business executives who want to expand and take their businesses to the top.
Hayzlett discusses his extensive background in business, and how as a business executive in charge of a $17-billion-dollar marketing budget for a $187-billion-dollar company, he needed to make sure that every minute counted; there was no time to waste time. As he explains, with C-Suite, they get to know the habits, the needs, the network interests, etc. of busy executives, and they put this information to work; it’s a community that provides a platform for education and services. Management of time is critical at the executive level, and C-Suite is a trusted guide to provide executives with the network and trusted services that they need to maximize their efficiency and get more out of life.
Hayzlett is an inductee into the NSA’s Speaker Hall of Fame, and a sought-after business expert whose work and innovative ideas are regularly featured in Forbes, Mashable, Marketing Week and many others. Additionally, he can often be seen on Bloomberg, MSNBC, Fox Business, and others, providing insight into various topics of the business world.
Animals have long been sources of inspiration for robotics and engineering. Their unique features, behaviors, and ways of moving are frequently mimicked and replicated; one lab at CMU is incorporating a fundamental animal feature into their nontraditional robot design: muscle and neurologic tissue.
Victoria Webster-Wood, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and leader of the Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group (B.O.R.G), joins us to discuss her research in developing biohybrid and organic robots. In this episode, you will hear about Webster-Wood’s current research and how her team is integrating muscular and neurologic tissue into these robots of the future. If successful, this research could produce completely organic and programmable robots that would be able to exist in the natural world unlike any other robot today; with applications in environmental disaster response and prevention, search and rescue, and biomedical research, the future is very exciting for this technology.
For more information, please visit www.engineering.cmu.edu/borg.
More health problems of physical origin are a result of damaged oils than any other component of nutrition. Oils elevate meals and make food tastier, but oils are also incredibly sensitive to temperature and oxidation. In this episode, Udo Erasmus explains how exactly oil molecules are damaged during the extraction process and which types of oils are the most prone to damage. As a general rule of thumb, the better the oil is for your health when cool, the more damage it sustains when heated or fried. This damage can be passed onto your body, once ingested. Two important oils that are particularly susceptible to damage are Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are essential fatty acids (cannot be synthesized by the body and must be taken in via diet). This doesn’t mean that you should stop eating oils entirely – in fact, Erasmus argues that there are many benefits to having the right oils incorporated into your diet.
Tune in to find out which oils you should include, how much, and why. For more information on Udo Erasmus’ work, visit http://udoerasmus.com/.
Mario Natarelli, Managing Partner at MBLM, delivers an insightful overview of branding, discussing how businesses can evolve and grow.
Natarelli is a seasoned professional in the business world and he has advised numerous executives of Fortune 500 companies who seek to grow their businesses and leverage their brands. Utilizing his past training as an architect, Natarelli employs the essential fundamentals of art and design to enhance brands, building out from a brand’s strategic core. Natarelli has launched his own successful businesses and he is tuned in to the role that digital plays in achieving great success.
Natarelli sums up his thoughts on brands and branding, discussing the bonds we build with products and services that are nurtured over time, and sometimes severed if things go awry. Natarelli delivers his insights on what entails a solid brand. He cautions us to be aware that a brand is not a logo, but a brand is an essence (the foundation of a brand that doesn’t change), story (how does the brand communicate, what is its voice, style, tone, etc.) and experience (how does a brand come to life, what are its touchpoints—digital or real-world). Great brands have all of these factors. Natarelli discusses how Disney is an example of a very successful brand, in all of its functioning.
The marketing and branding expert discusses Amazon and the many independent brands that are under its wing. He relates how very large corporations with multiple areas of business are challenged to push their narrative in a cohesive way. Natarelli discusses major brands that have fallen, such as Sears, and others. He discusses how Sears missed the opportunity to move into the digital environment. Natarelli talks about how nothing lasts forever, and even longstanding family businesses moving into their 3rd or further generations sometimes have trouble maintaining the core vision and spirit that accelerated them in earlier years.
Natarelli discusses the ways that his company, MBLM, works with clients, helping them with services, research, and software/tools. For more than 17 years, Natarelli has led multiple teams spanning three continents, working for varying clients in the technology, travel, real estate, sports, and hospitality spaces.
Robots have been helping humans since their invention in the 1950s; while there is an infinite number of purposes they can serve, robot production is constrained mostly by logistical and mechanical details. Sarah Bergbreiter, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Melon University, joins us today to discuss her work in the field of robotics. She works to create small, mobile robots – some as small as ants – as well as improving sensors and actuators that improve the capabilities of larger robots.
She calls this area of research the “intersection of microsystems and robotics.” Bergbreiter discusses the possible applications of this research, from medical devices to assist with natural disaster recovery. Bergbreiter also discusses some of the challenges involved in working on small-scale robots – specifically, how different materials must interface in order to create a working robot that may only be only a few millimeters long.
For more information, visit https://www.meche.engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/bergbreiter-sarah.html.
In his lab in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Matt Webber is just one member of a team of engineers, chemists, and biologist who are working on supramolecular chemistry, which involves non-covalent interactions between ensembles of molecules to produce strong, interesting, and useful structures that behave in defined and predictable ways, lending themselves to a variety of potential applications in medicine and the development of therapeutic drugs.
Dr. Webber explains the fundamental interest that drives his team, which is to use non-covalent interactions to build synthetic systems that resemble nature, such as the perfect symmetry of viruses and their perfectly defined components, or the ability of immune systems to recognize and respond to threats in their environment. He also explains how the use of non-covalent bonds and host recognition has allowed for the development of shear-thinning and self-healing hydrogels for use as injectable therapeutics, and discusses his recent work on creating a glucose-activatable glucagon, which he says has the potential to act as an “insurance policy” for people with diabetes to protect against dangerous dips in blood glucose levels.
Tune in to learn more about this exciting area of research, and visit http://www.webberlab.com/ to learn more about the work being done in Dr. Webber’s lab.
Hasan Erbil Abaci, Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center, delivers an extensive overview of tissue engineering, specifically in regard to hair follicles.
Abaci has published his work in many areas of scientific research including the following: Tissue engineering of human hair follicles using a biomimetic developmental approach, Human Skin Constructs with Spatially Controlled Vasculature Using Primary and iPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells, Human-on-a-chip design strategies and principles for physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, and many more.
Abaci discusses skin, a very complex organ composed of many different components that goes much deeper than simply the dermis and epidermis we typically think of. He talks about how hair follicles are connected, and how they are very complex organs themselves. Abaci describes how hair follicles function and how they communicate with other tissues in the skin, such as the blood vessels, for example. He explains how cells within the skin system can signal, and how tissues regenerate. Abaci talks about hair follicles, in regard to their growth cycle, and how this process requires newly formed blood vessels and a custom supply of blood.
Abaci explains the geometry. He explains in detail how they work with their samples in the lab, providing information on their use of 3D printed molds with hair follicle extensions embedded. He discusses the hydrogel that forms around the hair follicle-like extensions, and how they work with this process to explore the open channels that now have the geometry of actual hair follicles.
Abaci discusses what we know and don’t know about the chemical and physical signaling within the body. But if researchers can decipher how some of these processes work it may be possible to recreate signals in vitro, then scientists will have insight into how to grow hair follicles efficiently—in vitro. And as Abaci explains, this—is the crux of true tissue engineering.
Raymond McCauley, scientist, engineer, entrepreneur and Chair of Biology at Singularity University takes us on a fascinating journey as he explains the many ways that biotechnology is changing our world.
McCauley is a biotechnology expert who is interested in the ways that biology, genetics, medicine, and agriculture impact our lives. He is the Co-founder and Chief Architect for BioCurious—a not-for-profit in which scientists, bio hobbyists, as well as entrepreneurs can align their interests to launch the latest and greatest technology-based discoveries. McCauley’s extensive, groundbreaking work has been featured in Wired, Forbes, Time, and others.
McCauley discusses his background and explains why he is so motivated to work on a vast number of different projects at once. From his early work as a computer scientist working on web-enabling databases to his shift to biophysics, McCauley has a wide range of interests. Later adding molecular biology into the mix, McCauley’s experiences and knowledge led him to his current diverse career. McCauley discusses some of the work he does for Singularity, helping to advise startups, Fortune 500 companies, and governments, and working with the players who are at the leading edge of biotechnology.
McCauley discusses some of the advanced work/projects he is involved with. He provides some details on a genetic engineering manifesto and his desire to work with companies that are doing good work. McCauley talks about recent new genetic engineering work and the ethical questions that some raise, specifically citing a Chinese project that made world headlines. He discusses some of these bigger issues, such as if a company does work in an area of genetic engineering or other area that is for their net gain, what are the repercussions and how could their work perhaps affect all of us, negatively?
McCauley talks about world population, and food supplies/diet, delving into the specific diets of various nations globally. Specifically, he discusses the global demand for protein and meat and how that is affecting the planet. He analyzes it as a global problem, discussing the fact that it is probably unrealistic to think we will stop eating meat globally, or that we’ll cut down all the rainforests to open up more grazing lands, so there needs to be a different way to meet the food supply-demand. He states it’s a trade problem and an ecological problem. McCauley’s work is at the center of this and many other diverse, global problems, working to find solutions that benefit humanity and are also ecologically sound.
Stephen Collette is a building biologist; what’s building biology, you wonder? It’s a German school of thought that considers built environments and how they interact with and impact occupant and environment health. The field arose post-World War II, when as a result of widespread destruction from the war, the Germans found themselves having to build a lot of homes in a short period of time. This led to the creation of neighborhoods of poorly constructed homes that eventually became associated with a number of illnesses in the 1960s.
Today, this problem still exists, and according to Stephen Collette, some of the biggest concerns are found in the homeowner market. When on the market to purchase a home, most people are focused on details such as the colors of the walls, the carpets, and updated appliances, but not nearly as many consider the fundamental aspects of the building itself, such as whether there is the potential for water to leak into the basement, whether there are new chemicals off-gassing through the space, or whether there are phone towers nearby. “We don’t really take into consideration the fact that although our homes are our castles, they can in fact also make us really sick,” says Collette.
He joins the podcast today to discuss what he does as a building biologist, building scientist, and environmental consultant focusing primarily on residential buildings. He also discusses how buildings work and how they catastrophically fail, indoor air quality concerns, mechanical ventilation in modern homes, and how he leads clients to develop greater understandings of their homes and their health. Learn more by visiting http://www.yourhealthyhouse.ca/.
A single bacterium isn’t capable of doing much—it can’t overcome the host’s immune response or make enough of an impact to create changes within the host. But it’s a whole different story when many bacteria exist in the same environment, as together they have the ability to generate virulence factors, unleashing the full force of their weapons, if you will, and as a result, overpowering the host’s immune response. But what leads to these coordinated activities? What must happen in order for an individual bacterium to sense others of their kind, and to respond accordingly? The term for it is quorum sensing, and it’s the focus of Dr. E. Peter Greenberg’s research in the Greenberg Lab at the University of Washington. For him, understanding the fundamentals behind quorum sensing, such as the nature of the signal generators involved, how the receptors work, what genes these receptors control in bacteria, and how to interpret the sociobiological aspects of quorum sensing is critical to further this area of research and use it for beneficial and therapeutic ends. Dr. Greenberg discusses a number of interesting topics, including nutrient and temperature cues for bacteria, antibiotic resistance, and the focus of his most recent research. Interested in learning more?
Press play and check out https://microbiology.washington.edu/users/e-peter-greenberg.
How do plants control what they do? How do they grow and develop, and how is their growth and development controlled? At its core, all of Dr. Anthony Trewavas’ work as a molecular biologist has revolved around these questions. He’s been studying plant life and biochemistry for decades now, collecting and developing an impressive amount of technical knowledge along the way. On today’s episode, he explains what triggered this lifelong interest, how his career has developed and evolved over the years, and what he’s learned about a number of aspects of plant behavior and development. One of his main focuses has been on protein phosphorylation, which he explains is the most basic method of changing what cells do by modifying enzymatic activity. He also explains the role and effects of a plant hormone called auxin, plant mechanical stimulation, the importance of calcium in the process of responding to signals, how plants take up and store calcium, general systems theory as it applies to the study of plant hormones, and so much more.
Press play for the full conversation, and find out more about Dr. Trewavas’ work by searching for his name on the web.
Aaron Johnson, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, delivers an informative overview of the future of robotics.
Johnson’s work focuses on the design of intelligent interactions between a robot and its specific environment. Johnson is interested in the practical applications of robotics, taking robots out of a lab or industrial setting and putting them in the real world. Johnson’s areas of study have varied widely, from unique robot design and behavior design to platform and controller design, dynamic transitions, physics-based planning and management, robot vision, bio-inspired robotics, ethics, and more.
Johnson elaborates on the complex environments in which robots are expected to flourish. As he explains, advanced robots are often designed and tested in environments that are created with a robot’s movement and needs in mind. But what happens when robots enter the real world and are faced with impediments, such as debris, clutter, or uneven surfaces, not typically found in an industrial factory setting? Johnson explains how these problems relate to progress gained in the development of autonomous vehicles. And even in engineered environments, variations and difficulties can exist, such as lighting that makes painted road lines or information difficult to see. Johnson talks about these issues and more that impact robot design and the improvements that are on the horizon.
The mechanical engineering professor talks in detail about robotic vision, sensors, and how much information can be collected. He discusses data and computational limits, and how these limits can be overcome through advancing technologies. Johnson discusses the various kinds of robots that he works within his lab and the bioinspiration that is driving some of their work.
Johnson received a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. in electrical and systems engineering from the prestigious, University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Sönke Ahrens, author, How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning, and Thinking – for Students, Academics, and Nonfiction Book Writers, provides valuable information that we can all use to help us take better notes and be more productive.
Dr. Ahrens is a noted writer and researcher in education and social science. He regularly publishes, and his book titled, Experiment and Exploration: Forms of World-Disclosure: From Epistemology to Bildung is an award winner and continues to be a talked-about piece. In addition to being a prolific author, Dr. Ahrens still finds time to teach at university in the area of philosophy of education.
Dr. Ahrens talks about his background and how it was his own Ph.D. education experience that inspired him to later write his book on taking notes. He states, as students, we are constantly taking notes, but Dr. Ahrens was interested in how we could more efficiently retain the data and information that we are given—how do we take notes? Dr. Ahrens discusses his interest in the work of Niklas Luhmann, the German sociologist , and philosopher of social science who was a major voice in the field of systems theory. He explains the theoretical studies of Luhmann and his discoveries about the man and how Luhmann was incredibly efficient and productive in the taking off and producing notes that allowed him to spark new ideas. Luhmann essentially mastered productivity, and his technique is at the center of Dr. Ahrens’ keen interest and study.
Zettelkasten is the German word for ‘slip box,’ and the slip box technique was Niklas Luhmann’s major contribution to modern-day note taking and information gathering. The German sociologist used index cards for all of his notes and thus developed a systematic method of cross-referencing and connecting all of his many notes. Luhmann assigned each card a specific number, which positioned the card in a certain place within his filing system. This technique allowed Luhmann to have it referenced on other cards.
Dr. Ahrens elaborates on some of the techniques and processes that make for more efficiency in learning and note-taking. Dr. Ahrens explains how certain organizational techniques can be standardized and thus become a daily routine, which increases productivity. He discusses how the everyday person can utilize steps, such as collecting, then processing, and writing information that makes connections to other data that you’ve collected, etc. Dr. Ahrens states that the key is to get into a topic at the content level where we last left it, and pick up our research or study again as quickly as possible.
It’s adaptive, convenient, and also fashionable: BILLY Footwear is completely changing the game in terms of versatile footwear that’s desired by anyone and everyone—not just those who actually need it. Founder of BILLY Footwear, Billy Price, joins the podcast to discuss the shoe that’s garnering a lot of attention due to its unique and unprecedented design, which, rather than forcing you to shove your foot into the shoe and use dexterity of the fingers to maneuver shoe laces, allows you to step into it with ease and pull a single zipper to secure it on your foot.
Billy Price shares his story with us, explaining what led to his need for the shoe, as well as his process in developing and marketing it. He draws attention to what many people may be all too familiar with: that feeling of being the only person to wear something purely adaptive, and having to experience the negative attention that can come along with it. For those who have disabilities, this shoe can change everything for them by restoring independence, while at the same time allowing them to wear something that everyone finds desirable and convenient. In fact, the vast majority of his customers seek the shoe simply because of its attractive design. In addition, the design is attracting a number of think tanks interested in a shoe that can act as a receptacle for studies designed to study differences in gait. Interested in learning more or getting a pair for yourself? Visit billyfootwear.com.
Not more than 20 years ago, epigenetics was something not many people understood or even knew much about, but now we not only have a good understanding of epigenetics, but the ability to manipulate the epigenome. CRISPR is one of the new tools used in accomplishing this, and additional genome editing tools are contributing to the growing pool of data on the genome and epigenome of both plants and animals.
On today’s episode, Dr. Dana Carroll from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine imparts a significant amount of insight and information on this growing field of research, including the latest developments, implications, and future possibilities. Among other topics, Dr. Carroll discusses how genes function and why it’s been challenging to come to a consensus definition of what a “gene’ actually is, how cells repair DNA in different ways (some of which can lead to problematic mutations at the site of repair), how viruses are being used to support CRISPR technology, ex vivo therapy, and when he thinks clinical applications of gene editing tools might be widely available. Press play to learn more.
Dr. Zoran Radic is a scientist working at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at UC San Diego, where he focuses his research on nerve agents and the development of good antidotes that have the ability to treat or even prevent nerve gas toxicity. He’s using a tool from a company by the name Nanome that allows for virtual reality 3D visualization and analysis of molecules that could function as antidotes to a range of toxic substances. He explains that this tool allows scientists to observe and examine with the natural senses compounds that are microscopic, which is opening the door to an unprecedented level of understanding of the ways nerve agents and antidotes interact in the body and with one another.
On today’s episode, Dr. Radic also discusses the mechanisms of the most common nerve agents that effectively disable normal neurotransmission in our bodies, which means disabling our ability to control bodily movements and breathe. He explains why developing antidotes has been so challenging, how the Nanome 3D tool is aiding in this process, his research on a particular class of substances that could treat a wide range of toxicities, and what he predicts will happen over the next few years in this exciting field of research. Find out more info about Dr. Radic’s work at https://profiles.ucsd.edu/zoran.radic
When was the last time your doctor took the time to ask you about your lifestyle to identify and address the root of your symptoms? Did they prescribe a medication and send you on your way, or did they take the time to delve into your lifestyle and diet to devise an individualized treatment plan? Naturopathic Doctor Cheryl Burdette joins us today to share the principles that guide her medical practice. In today’s episode, Dr. Burdette emphasizes the importance of taking thorough and accurate patient histories to help patients address health abnormalities as well as maintain their optimal health. Achieving optimal health, Dr. Burdette explains, takes time. Just like going to the gym once doesn’t give us chiseled bodies, taking care of our bodies for one day won’t heal chronic illness. Naturopathic doctors such as Dr. Burdette can help us find and maintain optimal health so that we may feel our very best in our day-to-day lives.
For more information, visit www.progressivemedicalcenter.com.
Matt Richtel, Pulitzer Prize-winning tech reporter for The New York Times, talks about his background and work, covering technology and Silicon Valley.
As a celebrated author and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times, Richtel has been, to say the least, a little busy, and in demand. He is an outspoken voice on many and varied subjects, such as science and technology, business, cancer immunotherapy, and technology’s effect on behavior as well as the brain. His work has also focused on the dot com boom (and subsequent bust), venture capital, startups, and all that is… Silicon Valley.
Richtel talks about his vast background studying, researching, and reporting on Silicon Valley. The author and reporter discuss how he came to write his book, The Man Who Wouldn’t Die, a comedic detective novel set in Silicon Valley that Richtel penned under a nom de plume that he humorously refers to as his nom de guerre. Richtel explains how he and his publisher came to the idea that they should publish it under a pen name. As he explains, after a lifetime of serious reporting, they decided that the public should have a little warning that this book was a great departure from the usual reporting Richtel delivers, and is celebrated for.
The Pulitzer Prize winner muses about some of the early history of sports reporting, and how a program would gather facts and data to assemble a story. Further, he makes the connection to universal income as he talks about automation. Richtel discusses his thoughts on universal basic income and states that while he sees both sides as a journalist, it is certainly a conversation worth having, as automation is taking over jobs, livelihoods, and family incomes.
Richtel talks about choices that people have available to them, and how especially in Silicon Valley, the entrepreneurial spirit leaches into literally everything. He discusses the advantages of technology and all that it has brought forth but underscores that even with such innovative changes that have made our lives better, technology has still failed to solve our existential challenges.
Richtel won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, for a series of groundbreaking articles on the hazardous use of cell phones, computers, and various other devices during driving. As an author he is a New York Times bestseller and continues to report and write on various subjects of his interest, often focused on technology or its effects.
Creon Levit, Director R&D, Planet Labs, provides an interesting overview of the advanced satellites that are being launched to help us better understand and monitor our planet.
Levit is a seasoned scientific expert. As an award-winning research scientist of the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley for 33 years, he was a leader and manager of many advanced projects that combined new techniques in scientific computing, machine learning, and complex graphics, to find solutions for crucial NASA problems.
Levit discusses his background and his current mission at Planet Labs, where they build, launch, and operate the world’s largest constellation of satellites to make changes on Earth more visible and actionable. As he states, Planet Labs has launched over 300 satellites to date, though approximately only half of those are still in orbit currently. Many that were simply launched for testing have now re-entered the atmosphere and burned up.
Levit explains their high-resolution satellites, discussing what they image and how they gather data. The research scientist talks about medium resolution satellites that image the Earth in visible, and near-infrared colors. He explains their resolution and quality level. Levit discusses their data set in regard to climate change, and he expounds upon their data that many environmental researchers access to further studies in multiple areas, such as climate, ice flow, species diversity, land use, and much more.
The Planet Labs scientific expert provides an overview of some, particularly interesting use cases. He describes one specific use of their daily data that delivers valuable information to ranchers, informing them about the optimum stage of grass development for ruminate animals to graze. By utilizing this data, ranchers can manage grass health and animal health simultaneously.
Additionally, Levit talks about the value of infrared and the many amazing things it can help researchers learn and differentiate. He explains spectral bands and elaborates on the detection of gases, specifically the tracking of environmentally-relevant gases.
As the president of Coughlin Associates, Thomas Coughlin is a widely-respected digital storage analyst and business and tech consultant with over 35 years’ worth of experience in the data storage engineering industry. He also has six patents under his name and is the author of Digital Storage in Consumer Electronics: The Essential Guide. On today’s episode, he discusses the future of digital storage technology, which may very well lie in the strands of synthetic DNA. He explains that DNA can store a high density of information, with a potential capacity 1,000 times greater than what’s currently achievable with modern storage technology like hard drives. He explains what it will take to get there, the challenges that must be overcome, and a rough timeframe for when DNA-based data storage could become commercialized and mainstream.
In addition, Coughlin talks about a number of fascinating topics, including the work being done towards using microfluidic silicon matrices as storage devices, technology obsolescence, neuromorphic computing, brain to electronics interfaces, artificial telepathy, deepfake technology, and the legal and ethical implications of these emerging capabilities. Tune in for all the details, including info about an August 29th conference on emerging memories and AI.
To learn more about Coughlin’s work, visit tomcoughlin.com and feel free to email him at tom@tomcoughlin.com.
There’s a lot of research being done on the human genome, but less so on the genome of parasites. For a number of reasons, including their surprising and impressive ability to avoid attack by the human immune system, understanding more about how parasites function and behave could prove useful in preventing and treating the human diseases they cause.
Dr. Richard McCulloch from the University of Glasgow joins the podcast to explain the ins and out of the research that’s being done in his lab. He and his team are looking at two different parasites, both of which enter their host via the bites of sand flies, and both of which cause disease. Once in the host’s bloodstream, however, these parasites behave very differently. In what ways do they behave differently, and what advantages are conferred to the parasite as a result of each behavior? How do they avoid attack from the human immune system on a seeming indefinite basis? And in what way do they utilize pseudogenes? These are just a few of the questions explored by Dr. Richard McCulloch—both in his lab and on today’s episode. Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more about his work by visiting https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/staff/richardmcculloch/#/researchinterests.
Nicole Hynson, Associate Professor, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, delivers an impressive overview of the fascinating research she and her team are conducting at Hynson Lab.
Hynson heads the Hynson Lab for Community Ecology that is located in the Department of Botany at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The lab’s primary focus is the ecology of plant and fungal communities, with a particular interest in the symbiosis that exists between plants and fungi, which is known as mycorrhizae. Since 2012 her lab has been digging deep into the science of fungi. Their diverse laboratory group is comprised of advanced scientists with backgrounds in varying fields from ecology and evolution to physiology and computational biology.
Hynson details the work they do in her lab, studying the interactions fungi have with other organisms, specifically—plants. She discusses the symbiotic interactions of fungi over time. Additionally, Hynson discusses how different capacities are required to gain nutrients, detailing the function of fungi in the symbiotic relationship with plants, in which fungi assisted plants to transition from a water growth environment to soil. In exchange, the plants provided the fungi with carbon to complete their lifecycle—a truly symbiotic exchange.
The fungi expert and Ph.D. talk about the complexities of microbial symbiosis, explaining the intricate interactions that could take place between bacteria, fungi, plants, etc. As Hynson states, her job, as she sees it, is to untangle these interactions—to understand the role that they play, and how the interactions can change depending on the environmental context. Hynson says that one of her lab’s goals is to use these microorganisms, specifically fungi, in restoration and conservation practices. Hynson elaborates on the other areas of great interest in regard to fungi, such as increasing crop yield, sustaining resources, and limiting the need for fertilizers.
Hynson continues with her discussion of how nutrients are transferred to hosts and how competition and diversity impact the processes. Hynson received her Ph.D. in 2010 from the University of California Berkeley and worked extensively in the Bruns Lab. And she was a vital postdoctoral researcher in the well-known lab of Prof. Kathleen Treseder at the University of California Irvine.
As both a gastroenterologist and internist, Dr. Samantha Nazareth has become an expert and go-to resource for anything that has to do with our gut and the bugs that live within it. On today’s episode, she talks about a number of interesting topics, including the most common complaints she receives from her patients, what leads to heartburn, stomach ulcers, bloating, internal bleeding, and how to go about treating or preventing some of these things, how sugar intake, neuropathy, and gut health are interconnected, how the gastrointestinal system communicates with the brain, probiotics, and a number of questions about the microbiome, including whether research is being done on a part of the microbiome that will provide a sufficient snapshot of an individual, whether or not there is a “normal” microbiome, and how further research on the microbiome could lead to an unprecedented level of personalized medicine that could take us a step away from pharmaceuticals.
To read articles on these topics written by Dr. Nazareth or to contact her clinic, visit drsamnazareth.com
Plants: they add color and oxygen to our world, they release self-protective chemicals in response to the presence of pathogens, and they grow toward the sun. We know that plants are intelligent in the sense that they can adapt to their environment, but in what other ways might we be able to say that they are intelligent? Do they exhibit anticipatory behaviors? Are they goal-oriented? What does it mean in general to say that a living system is intelligent? These are the questions that Paco Calvo from the Minimal Intelligence Lab is exploring. And while he’s more concerned with the acquisition of data rather than the ability to draw definitive conclusions, the work he’s doing in the lab is revealing new and surprising information about plant growth and development.
“We miss most of what plants do…these sophisticated behaviors…we simply miss them because of the timescale of observation…. when you slow down the scale of observation to the timescale of their behavior, then you are able to start unearthing some patterns which are really interesting,” says Calvo. In order to do that in the lab, they’re time-lapsing plant growth and development by taking pictures every one to five minutes and then assembling all of the footage after a few days. They’ve been taking this approach for over two years now, and while the data they’re gathering is exciting, Calvo emphasizes the importance of considering all alternatives and never losing sight of the human tendency to anthropomorphize what we see and to commit confirmation biases. He details the experiments they’re doing on three plant models in the lab, discusses the results they’ve gotten so far, and touches on the running hypothesis that at least some plants exhibit evidence of endogenous control over their behavior.
Tune in for the details, and learn more about this work by visiting https://www.um.es/web/minimal-intelligence-lab/.
Keith Hengen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, delivers an interesting overview of his research and what it could bode for understanding disease development.
Hengen discusses his self-described “wandering” path to get to the area of his current research. He outlines some context to explain the kinds of research he delves into. Hengen provides an overview of brain function, in regard to some of its processing. As he explains, the brain is not crystallized or ‘locked in’ and our synapses are responding to various experiences all throughout the day. Change is occurring rapidly and yet the final outcome at the end of the day so to speak is incredibly stable. We think a myriad of thoughts and learn things, but the foundation of who we are remains stable. He explains how our continuous narrative, our identity remains steadfast and firm, in spite of millions of interactions and inputs, and constant learning/changes. The brain is computationally stable, and this is one way our brains differ from artificial neural networks.
Hengen’s neuroscience laboratory at Washington University focuses on the investigation of the role of sleep and wake in chaperoning various interactions between specific and distinct plasticity mechanisms.
Hengen recounts some of his experiences in the lab and some of the findings that have come forth during their research. He goes into detail about particular experimentation, discussing findings regarding cortex issues in healthy mice, discussing the organizational processes, and criticality. He explains how networks of neurons work, and how information is encoded. Hengen details how there are many variances to the same neural responses to the same stimulus. Neurons are not always predictable. While you can make predictions and averages, variances produce invariant behavior. And diseases can develop when there are variances.
Hengen’s lab’s primary area of research and interests are based in the self-organization of select intact neural networks that support functions such as sensation, perception, and cognition, and how information transmission within these important systems is established during the development process, and ultimately disrupted in disease.
Brett Younginger, postdoctoral researcher at Washington State University, discusses the fascinating research into plant tissue and diversity.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Younginger is interested in investigating the diversity and function of fungal endophytes, fungi that live in plant tissue without causing any symptoms of disease.
Younginger talks about his interest in plants, his background, and his current focus. As a lifetime lover of plants, Younginger was fascinated with farming and the natural world. Starting with an undergraduate degree in biology, he advanced his study to plant microbial symbiosis. Younginger explains the areas of research they delve into currently, studying the symbiotic relationships some plants have with bacteria in the soil in which they grow. Remarkably, plants they study are able to convert nitrogen in the atmosphere into a plant useable form—essentially fertilizer.
Younginger describes his work with fungal endophytes, and the bacterial issues he is researching. The postdoctoral researcher explains how nitrogen is dispersed when it is deposited in the soil. Continuing, he talks about ‘partner choice’ the process that plants and bacteria undergo in order to associate with different strains of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Younginger explains how communities exist within the soil, and how nodules vary in size and shape, with variations in position and the bacteria that is present. Root nodules, specifically, are located on the roots of plants, mostly legumes, that form a coordinated symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and with the precise nitrogen-limiting conditions, some plants can form a symbiotic relationship with host-specific strains of certain bacteria.
Additionally, Younginger describes how applied science works in a practical sense. As Younginger explains, he is most interested in the processes that impact the patterns we see occurring in nature. And as new knowledge is gathered, Younginger hopes to see more progress toward combatting critical soil erosion and water pollution problems.
I realized that in medicine…we essentially treat symptoms; we have a sick-care system instead of a healthcare system,” says Elizabeth Parrish, CEO of BioViva. It was her son’s diagnosis and experience receiving treatment for type 1 diabetes that compelled her to learn more about childhood diseases, risks, prevention, experimental medicine, and stem cell regenerative medicine. She explains how effective cell type technologies and regenerative medicine can be at curing a multitude of childhood diseases while at the same time targeting one of the greatest unmet needs: treatment for diseases of biological aging, including cancer, heart disease, organ failure, and Alzheimer’s.
Among the regenerative therapies being explored is polymerase induction, which causes telomere extension for combating diseases of aging while at the same time treating progeria, a childhood disease known to cause “accelerated aging.” Parrish discusses the details of all this and more, including the foundation of BioViva in 2015, her personal experience undergoing two gene therapies, and the global impact that this technology could have on the world.
Learn more about the BioViva mission by visiting https://bioviva-science.com/.
Imagine walking down the streets of Durham, England and coming upon a cathedral—not just any ordinary cathedral, but one of the oldest in the world, with images depicting the history of the Universe and the evolution of human understanding of the Universe projected upon its walls. Dr. Richard G. Bower, professor at Durham University, was a member of the team who made this awe-inspiring piece of artwork a reality. But how did they do it? On today’s episode, Dr. Bower explains how he and his team have programmed a digital universe that nearly mirrors what we observe of the actual Universe. With the use of the laws of physics in terms of mathematical equations and the theory of the Big Bang, and by teaching the computer program to understand how stars, galaxies, and even black holes might be formed, they’ve not only created a digital universe, but embedded a camera inside that universe to see what it would be like to live inside of it and look out through the lens of a telescope. This provides an unprecedented way to compare observations of the Universe to a universe programmed to follow the scientific laws by which we currently understand it. Tune in for a fascinating conversation and visit https://community.dur.ac.uk/r.g.bower/WordPressSite/blog/wordpress/ for more.
The development of power systems and wireless technology has without a doubt revolutionized human life and activity, in many ways for the better. But these technological advents have been made possible only with the use of non-natural electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation—a type of radiation that exists somewhere between the natural, nearly static magnetic field of the Earth and the extremely fast field generated by the sun. Over the past few decades, humans have increased levels of non-natural EMF by a very large factor of about 1.0×1018 (that’s one with 18 zeros behind it!). The question naturally arises: when such a significant change is thrust upon the environment of living systems, how will those living systems respond?
This is the question that Dr. Paul Héroux from the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health at McGill University has been trying to answer through a series of experiments in his lab. He has shown that when these fields are eliminated from and then reintroduced to the environment of biological cells, there is a very clear and decisive response by those cells. Specifically, he explains that low-frequency magnetic fields which are contained in power systems fields and cell phone signals directly influence cancer cells of all types by generating free radicals. In addition to cancer, there are numerous conditions and diseases that are very sensitive to free radicals, including infertility, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. As our environment has becoming increasingly enriched with non-natural EMF radiation over the past century, these conditions and diseases have become increasingly common.
Dr. Héroux explains the precise biological mechanism triggered by exposure to this type of radiation, referring to multiple recent studies supporting the hypothesis that technology radiation is having an impact on our cells, and not a beneficial one. These studies, however, won’t be given much credit by the industry supporting technological products. “Industry likes to push the bar of proof very, very high…but industry is not a specialist in health, industry is a specialist in making product and making profit…but while this happens, people can get sick and people can die from the exposure,” says Dr. Héroux. So, what’s the solution? While any solution will first necessitate industry’s acknowledgement of the problem, Dr. Héroux lists several simple ways of reducing or eliminating exposure. Tune in to learn what they are and what you can do to start mitigating your exposure today.
Scott Young, author of the exciting new book, Ultra learning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, delivers a thought-provoking analysis of the methods and ways in which we learn, and how we can learn more efficiently and faster if we put our mind to it.
Young discusses his path of discovery that led to an interest in ultra learning and motivated him to write extensively on the subject in his new book. As he recounts it was his own personal struggle to learn the French language that pushed him toward ultra learning techniques. Young talks about other ultralearners who inspired him, and how their impact was something he simply needed to share with his readers. As Young explains, ultra learning is not just a technique for the elite, it is something we all can apply.
In Young’s book, Ultra learning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, Young outlines the ways that we can all improve our learning process and skills. If you want to master a new talent, or stay relevant, perhaps even totally reinvent yourself, or smoothly shift with the rapid changes in your work environment, Ultra learning provides nine solid principles that can help anyone master difficult skills quickly.
As Young details, ultra learning can help us to maximize our competitive advantages in a changing economic and technically-oriented business landscape. Staying ahead, staying on top of things, mastering the newest ideas and vital skills, is necessary in today’s world.
Young talks about the ways that ultra learning can be applied. Ultra learning is, at its core, a highly self-directed process. Those who engage in ultra learning must be motivated, without question, but a benefit comes from the fact that projects are geared toward exactly the kinds of information and skills that an ultralearner is most interested in overall. It’s a combination of aggressive learning tactics that immerse the learner into the core of a subject, tackling the most difficult elements first; it’s demanding, sometimes uncomfortable, but almost always more productive when applied with planning and intense self-motivation.
The Ultra learning author elaborates on how much information we miss in traditional learning practices. Young states that when we think of learning, we need to understand that books and classes are not the only means to learn, but that learning is the practice of building up many tiny subconscious skills that bring together the big or overall concept. In explaining this concept, he utilizes an example of cracking an egg when preparing a meal. The many and various skills that our brain is commanding during the cracking—forming the hand around the egg properly, tapping with just enough force to crack it but not get eggshell in the bowl, and separating the eggshell so that the egg flows into the bowl—are all sophisticated skills that demonstrate complex learning. And thus simply reading a book about something may not deliver enough real information necessary to provide that immersive experience where ultra learning can thrive.
Not long ago, the idea of being able to edit DNA with the same precision as we edit a Word document or computer code was merely science fiction, but today it’s reality, and it’s having an impact on the world around us. Technology that’s been in the making for the past three decades is now being implemented into everyday life, and holds the potential to completely transform the way we live our lives. Dr. Stephen Ekker is Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship, and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Mayo Clinic. He’s also a member of the Genome Writers Guild, a genome engineering society which promotes understanding, education, and awareness surrounding the value and implications of gene editing and genome engineering. He joins the podcast today to discuss the way in which this technology has already impacted the world, current research being done in the area of immunotherapy for cancer, how this technology could contribute to the development of truly customized therapies, and what to anticipate in the coming years. Learn more by tuning in and visiting genomewritersguild.org.
Preston J. MacDougall, Ph.D., author, and Professor of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University, delivers an overview of how atoms bond and the importance of quantum mechanical methods in modern scientific research.
As the former doctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory, MacDougall studied the computational modeling of materials. At Middle Tennessee State University, MacDougall is an integral part of the Molecular Biosciences and the Computational Sciences Ph.D. programs. MacDougall specializes in theoretical chemistry and the innovative development of quantum chemistry-based design tools specifically for pharmacology and molecular electronics applications.
MacDougall talks about quantum mechanical methods utilized to model the behavior of macroscopic systems such as plastics or enzymes, etc., systems that are too large to be treated by quantum mechanical theories that were developed for individual atoms. He discusses the modeling of bonds and when Newtonian mechanics can work versus when quantum mechanical methods become necessary.
The Ph.D. discusses bonding and electrons, and modeling methods in detail, and how quantum mechanics find ‘lumps’ in valence shells. A valence shell is the outer shell of an atom in its natural, uncombined state, and as such contains the electrons that are most likely to account for the nature of any possible reactions that involve the atom and also of any bonding interactions it may have with other atoms as well.
MacDougall explains that chemists are interested in atoms and ions as they exist in actual compounds. MacDougall talks about colliders, particle accelerators, and how they are used to fire electrons at targets, at nearly the speed of light. By studying how electrons scatter off after penetrating a nucleus, researchers can get a better idea of what the nuclear structure is like.
MacDougall continues his discussion of bonds, which are mutual attractions between two atoms. He explains how atoms are attracted, and how some may come close together as they are attracted, but they won’t change or disturb the shape of either. But some other bonds, in which two atoms come close together, may cause them to deform and form a new bond or wedding. And by understanding the structure of electron clouds, scientific researchers can better understand why bonds are as they are, and how they function.
Epigenetics is the science of how DNA is controlled and how it’s affected by the environment and the lifestyles we choose; sleep hygiene, chronic stress, and diet are just a few examples of lifestyle factors that can directly affect the expression of our genes. This may sound scary at first, but the silver lining is that epigenetics is dynamic, which means that unlike the genetic information that is fixed from birth, epigenetic changes can be identified and changed before causing health problems. This means your epigenetic profile, when understood properly, can be used as an immensely powerful tool in redirecting the course of your genetic fate. Tom Stubbs is the CEO of Chronomics, a company that’s not only giving people access to their epigenetic information, but providing them with an analysis of what it all means for their health and future, and connecting them with a team of coaches who will help them to meet their desired goals—or rather, to redirect the course of their genetic fate. Stubbs joins the podcast to discuss exactly how the product works, as well as the science behind epigenetics and various forms of DNA modification.
Tune in, and learn more by visiting https://www.chronomics.com/.
Heart failure is a disease that currently affects nearly five million people in the U.S., and it’s also a disease that’s defined by cellular deficiency. What does this mean? According to Dr. Charles E. Murray, professor of cardiovascular pathology at the University of Washington, this means that there’s actually a pretty simple solution to the problem: all we need to do is figure out a way to replenish the deficiency and promote heart tissue regeneration, and this is exactly what he’s working on in his lab. By differentiating stem cells into human cardiac muscle cells, Dr. Murray has discovered a way to create an endless supply of heart cells. When injected into injured or dead portions of the heart, the cells begin doing exactly what they should—dividing, connecting with existing heart cells, and eventually beating right along with them. Re-muscularization of the heart in this way provides great promise for those who have heart attacks or deal with any variety of heart disease. Dr. Murray explains in detail the physiology of the heart, how differentiated stem cells are assimilated into existing heart tissue, the tools that are allowing for unprecedented research and new findings in the field, the relationship between the microbiome and heart function, and so much more.
Tune in for all the details, and find a recent TED Talk on the topic at https://www.ted.com/talks/chuck_murry_can_we_regenerate_heart_muscle_with_stem_cells?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare.
In this podcast, Dr. Paul Anderson of Anderson Medical Group discusses cancer treatment and the changing views toward integrative therapies.
Dr. Anderson is an experienced naturopathic medical doctor who has devoted his life to helping patients via integrative therapies. As the founder of Anderson Medical Group, Dr. Anderson works with patients to help them on their journey to fight cancer and stay in remission.
Dr. Anderson discusses the many options for cancer patients, in addition to the standard options of chemo, radiation, and surgery. He explains how diet, nutrition, clean eating, intermittent fasting, herbal extracts, intravenous therapies with natural substances, and exercise can all be considered as part of a comprehensive solution to help patients find their way back to good health.
The naturopathic MD explains the approach they take with their patients. Dr. Anderson talks about the restrictive policies of the past in regard to how the oncology community was once quite unaccepting of different approaches to cancer treatment. Today, however, and fortunately for patients, oncology doctors are seeing the vast array of benefits that alternative type therapies can offer to their patients.
Dr. Anderson talks about ways to help patients stay in remission, outlining the importance of diet, discussing other therapies, explaining why toxins need to be strictly avoided, and how cells are impacted.
After receiving a PhD in biomedical engineering, Jacob Koffler wanted to take what he’d learned into a new field where there was a big need for biomedical solutions and research. This desire led him into the field of spinal cord injury repair in 2010, when there wasn’t much being done to advance treatments using the interdisciplinary approach of biomedical engineering. With a strong belief that tissue engineering could contribute to the development of a successful treatment for spinal cord injuries, Dr. Koffler has been working at UC San Diego with this goal in mind. On today’s episode, he discusses the unique technique they’re using to tackle this problem, which involves 3D printing, tissue engineering of scaffolds and longitudinal linear channels, implementation of stem cells to elicit nerve regeneration, and perhaps most importantly, a study of gene expression after regeneration has been elicited, in order to better understand it and promote additional regeneration. He describes the ins and out of the science behind this approach, and also touches on the difference between the peripheral and central nervous system when it comes to nerve regeneration, nerve growth and development in juveniles, the role of stem cells in spinal cord repair, the nature of ongoing studies in the field, and so much more.
Kim West, better known as The Sleep Lady, has been a family therapist for over 25 years and specializes in helping babies and children achieve healthy sleep, while ensuring that parents remain healthy and rested at the same time. She joins the podcast to discuss her book, Good Night, Sleep Tight, the path that led her to become a well-regarded resource in the area of sleep, and what she’s learned along the way. She explains several methods for achieving healthy sleep patterns in babies under six months of age, including the controlled crying or graduated extinction, and full extension methods. But she also explains why neither method sits well with her, elucidating the benefits of her own method, which she refers to as parental fading or The Sleep Lady Shuffle. Kim West details why she doesn’t recommend attempting any sleep coaching for children over the age of six, as it’s critically important to first rule out generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the need for psychotherapy.
Interested in learning more? Tune in, and check out sleeplady.com.
“We’re not primarily about HRV [heart rate variability]; HRV is just a way of measuring the state that we help people get into. We are a transformation business…we help people learn how to increase their self-awareness, regulate their thoughts, their feelings, their emotions, their behaviors, and the state that we help people create or access can actually be measured with HRV,” explains Gavin Andrews, managing director of HeartMath.
While we go about our day, we encounter and respond to countless stimuli, some which slow our heart rate, some which speed it up, and some which seem to have no effect at all. And while most of us are acutely aware of what it feels like to have a pounding heart, few of us are aware of the constant fluctuation of our heart rate throughout the day. But according to Gavin Andrews, this variability in heart rate can reveal a tremendous amount of information about our physical, mental, and emotional states of health.
HeartMath is a system of tools and strategies for improving our ability to respond healthfully to the world around us, which will in turn be evidenced and measured by our heart rate variability (HRV). The technology being offered by HeartMath teaches us different ways to relieve stress, practice balanced breathing, and increase our ability to identify and control our own moods. Andrews joins the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of what HeartMath has to offer, as well as insight into his experience using HeartMath techniques for over 10 years. Check out heartmath.co.uk to find out more.
Tony Altar, PhD, Senior Scientific Fellow and Advisor of Verge Genomics, delivers a thorough overview of new mechanisms and treatments for brain illnesses.
Altar is helping to guide Verge forward with his 35+ years of experience helming CNS drug discovery and development teams, from initial concept to commercial productivity and success. Altar is the former Global Head of Neuroscience at Otsuka. During Altar’s tenure he led his team in the discovery and FDA approval of aripiprazole (Abilify™) for multiple uses in bipolar disease, depression, as well as schizophrenia. Altar was also the Chief Scientific Officer at Assurex Health, CSO of Psychiatric Genomics, and he co-founded the Regeneron vision program, and led teams at Genentech.
Altar discusses his background and how he became interested in the brain and the potential problems that can develop. He talks about his time as a high school student when there was a lot of use of psychedelic drugs in the community. As a curious high school scientist in the making, Altar’s scientific mind wondered… if a single molecule could create temporary psychosis and states of euphoria, etc. then could the mechanism of psychiatric illnesses perhaps share the same features? Completing his high school studies in advance, Altar began a volunteer position at the Neurobiochemistry Lab at the Brentwood Veteran’s Administration, which accelerated his interest in disease and brain issues.
As Altar explains there are 20,000 genes, approximately, in the human body and the brain expresses almost half of those. And fortunately, it is now possible to study all 20,000 of them to understand the coding of proteins and measure mRNA in diseased tissue. The mRNA is ‘messenger RNA,’ a subtype of RNA. The mRNA are molecules that carry a portion of the DNA code to other parts of a cell for processing.
Altar discusses cell types and neurons and how various brain diseases impact them. He explains how some neurons are more vulnerable and thereby more susceptible to succumb to disease. He talks about the various methods and companies that are working toward solutions to treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues. Altar explains the mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease and how changes can be very subtle. He explains the loss of dopamine neurons and the impact that has, and he details some of the protective mechanisms and explains why cells die.
Altar talks extensively about enzymes, and brain injection therapies that are utilized for better results due to the fact that the brain is not easy to access, and intravenous solutions may or may not get to the brain.
Verge was founded by some of the industry’s best machine learning experts and neuroscience drug developers. And Altar and his fellow Verge contemporaries are excited about the amazing advances in computational genomics and new insights into neuroscience that are creating great progress in drug discoveries, that can help combat neurodegenerative diseases.
Peter Sullivan, founder of Clear Light Ventures, discusses his extensive work in the environmental health community.
Sullivan has been an important voice in the environmental health community for many years. His work has been heavily focused in many important areas, such as toxic metals screening, electromagnetic field safety and awareness, as well as the environmental factors that play a role in autism. His company, Clear Light Ventures, seeks to improve overall human health and functioning via the removal of environmental health threats.
Sullivan talks about the journey toward his current career in environmental health, discussing his own health issues as well as his children’s. He states that with chronic disease, by the time you notice symptoms, it’s usually many things not just one thing, that is impacting your health and how you feel. Sullivan talks about all the gadgets, wearables, and other electronic devices that we take for granted and utilize, but what could they be emitting, and how could they be impacting our health? Sullivan discusses mercury poisoning and its effects, as well as the health symptoms and effects of various environmental toxins.
Sullivan introduces the ways we can all reduce our exposure to environmental toxins. He explains that there are many things we can do, such as either turning off our smartphones at night, or making sure that they are not sitting right by our beds when we sleep. Something as simple as moving the device away from your bed area could help a great deal. As he explains, dropping exposure can be achieved by distance, the further away we move the device from our bodies, the more we decrease our exposure. Sullivan goes on to discuss sperm damage and potential DNA damage, and how wireless radiation could be one of the big suspects.
Sullivan talks about other ways we can keep ourselves safer. We can turn off phone chargers, routers, and anything that is receiving or emitting, that could be causing potential health issues. The environmental toxins expert goes into detail on some of the kinds of meters that are available on the market such as EMF meters and meters that measure wireless radiation, magnetic fields and electric fields, and other factors. All of these, along with dirty electricity, are to be avoided if at all possible. You can also seek out the help of an expert who specializes in the area and can make assessments for you in your home.
Sullivan’s work on detoxification and EMF has been featured in many current books and periodicals and he is a celebrated authority and expert in the field of environmental toxin exposure.
Prior to becoming an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Columbia Basin College, Dr. Zana Carver immersed herself in the world of biological research, where she learned a lot about the way chemicals move through and interact with the human body. But perhaps more than anything, her drive to become the author of The End of Chronic Fatigue sprang from her experience with the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and the consequent surgery to remove her entire thyroid.
On today’s podcast, she discusses her experience as a patient on thyroid suppression hormone (TSH) for over ten years and what it was like to be taken off of TSH in the direction of her doctor. She also talks about the differences between T4 and T3 levels, recent research on and the relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome and low thyroid hormones, what happens to reverse T3 in our bodies when we’re under stress, misdiagnoses associated with thyroid problems, and a load of insight into the biochemistry of thyroid disorders.
Learn more by visiting thyroidcode.org, and find her book on Amazon.
In this podcast, Cecelia Doucette, Technology Safety Educator, Education Services Director at Wireless Education, talks in-depth about the many potential toxins in our environment.
Doucette is a technical writer and public health safety advocate. Her extensive background in the understanding of, and writing about, technology has motivated her to now educate the public and work for important policy change.
Doucette provides an overview of electromagnetic fields, commonly referred to as EMFs, and the ways they are impacting our general health. She discusses wireless technology and how the now ubiquitous digital technology introduced significantly more electromagnetic fields into our environment that we come in contact with daily. Doucette says that these EMFs are affecting our bodies on a cellular level.
Doucette is a leader in the fight to change public policy. She helped push Ashland Public Schools in Massachusetts to become the nation’s first to implement, Best Practices for Mobile Devices. Doucette delves into other work she has been involved with in terms of public health, and she outlines how EMFs can affect our health. She delivers information on how we all can do more to avoid potential threats, such as home-based solutions—hardwiring cellphones to access the internet, and so much more. And she explains the steps she took to hardwire her own home. Doucette talks about the satellites and antennas in our environment and how they too could impact our health.
Today’s episode features Paul Ehrlich, co-author of The Population Bomb. This book, published in 1968, predicted that the earth’s growing population would soon surpass a sustainable number. Dangers of continued population growth, Ehrlich predicted, would lead to global pollution, famine, economic collapse, and exhaustion of resources such as food and water. Ehrlich argued that a growing population would threaten the existence of humanity as we knew it in 1968. Now that the global population has doubled since the book’s publishing, we revisit Ehrlich’s predictions and compare them to current events. In this episode, Ehrlich discusses what he believes to be the “optimal” amount of people that the earth may sustain, as well as the barriers we face in reaching that population.
Listen in for a fascinating discussion on history, ethics, and the current trajectory of the human race.
Dave Stetzer, founder of Stetzer Electric, discusses his company, his early work and long career in the field of electricity.
Starting in 1974, Stetzer Electric made a name for itself as the go-to company for electrical services, from electric motor repair and rewind, to commercial as well as industrial electrical contracting, and power quality analysis. The company also distributes a registered product, STETZERiZER® Power Line EM Filters.
Stetzer discusses his 30+ year career in the field as an electrician and electricity specialist. Getting his initial training during his years in the United States Air Force, his interest in electricity grew and Stetzer was buzzing to begin putting his skills to work in the private sector. He discusses the many changes, the kinds of loads (linear versus non-linear), and the problems that can exist, detailing issues that pertain to the electrical grid. Alarmingly, Stetzer states that since 1998, 70% of all current in North America that travels out on high line wires returns to the substation via the earth, which causes a wide array of technical problems with equipment as well as human and animal health problems. Stetzer explains the codes that prohibit the earth from being used in this manner, but utility companies are still using the earth in spite of codes. Stetzer explains how much current we are getting in our everyday lives, and the implications for health problems and disease.
For over a decade, Stetzer has been troubleshooting power quality problems and dirty electricity (electrical pollution, stray voltage), that exists in the US and around the globe. Utilizing his expertise in the field, Stetzer developed the STETZERiZER® Filter, which is the first power line EM (electromagnetic) filter.
Stetzer discusses motor starts and dirty electricity, and the cumulative effect on animals, such as dairy cows. He explains his startling results, finding that cows that were getting shocked from stray power, etc. produced less milk, and his observations were consistent from farm to farm. Stetzer details how every computer and gadget we use can potentially be putting current into our environment and possibly creating a negative health impact.
Stetzer details how his STETZERiZER® Filter works. He talks about how the filter lowers the numbers and shorts out higher frequencies that are detrimental. And the filter actually causes meters to even read more accurately.
Dr. Kevin Moore, Professor of Hepatology at the University of College London, joins us today to discuss liver health, ailments, and function. In this episode, we learn all about specific conditions that affect the liver, such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Dr. Moore discusses the causes of fatty liver disease, whether or not there are effective medications to treat it, and what we, as patients, can (and shouldn’t) eat and drink to keep our livers in optimal health. Dr. Moore also discusses how chronic alcohol intake can harm the liver, and whether or not that damage can be mitigated later on in life.
Tune in to hear Dr. Moore provide an overview of liver function tests, what they mean, and specific things you can do to keep your liver healthy.
We are all familiar with gravity’s effects on Earth, but many of us have yet to learn what gravitational waves mean in the context of the Universe. Dr. Eliu Huerta, head of the Gravity Group at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins us today to answer our simple and complex questions about gravitational wave analysis.
A theoretical astrophysicist by training, Dr. Huerta’s research focuses on developing artificial intelligence that aids scientists in detecting and analyzing gravitational wave observations. These observations provide information about black holes and neutron stars in the Universe. Dr. Huerta explains how we quantify gravitational waves, and answer questions varying in complexity, from “What is gravity?” to “What is gravity in the context of space-time?” Tune in to hear about the previous, current, and future fascinating technologies of astrophysics.
For more information, visit http://gravity.ncsa.illinois.edu/ and http://www.ncsa.illinois.edu/.
In this podcast, Dr. Katharina Lederle, a noted sleep and fatigue specialist at Somnia, provides a detailed overview of the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Dr. Lederle’s company, Somnia, seeks to educate the public and offer skills that can help people improve their sleep quality. Achieving better sleep can result in a significantly happier, healthier life. Somnia’s program works to resolve sleep problems and improve overall sleep habits. Dr. Lederle and her team of sleep specialists provide individualized services, including one-on-one private consultations designed to analyze an individual’s sleep problems and generate solutions.
Dr. Lederle grew up in a rural area near an army base, and the sounds of helicopters offered her a comfortable auditory background for optimum sleeping. But her dad had a totally different reaction, and this intrigued her, which may have ultimately led to her career in the study and improvement of sleep.
Dr. Lederle goes into detail about sleep cycles and she explains chronotypes, which are the behavioral presentation of one’s internal circadian rhythms. A particular chronotype is one’s desire to sleep and sleep better, at a particular time during a 24-hour cycle. As Dr. Lederle explains, everyone needs to discover their own chronotype and avoid input from society on this matter, because everyone has their own ideal chronotype that works best for them.
Dr. Lederle discusses sensitivity to light, and how light affects our internal body clocks. As she states, we are designed to sleep through the night and work in daylight hours, because our abilities in regard to night vision are quite poor by comparison.
Dr. Lederle uses her wide base of sleep knowledge and a hands-on approach, combined with her years of practical experience in sleep science and sleep therapy to help people feel better and get the quality sleep they need.
As a post-doctoral associate at The Schmidt Lab at the University of Florida, Dr. Young Hye Song is working on utilizing naturally-derived biomaterials to develop in vitro disease models and create scaffolds that can be used for nerve repair. She discusses the types of biomaterials being used and the way they are produced, the difference between nerve regeneration in the central versus peripheral nervous system, the process of desterilizing peripheral nerves to create injectable hydrogels for the treatment of spinal cord injuries, when this method of repair may be tested on humans, challenges inherent in this approach to spinal cord injury repair, and so much more.
Tune in for all the details, and check out https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/schmidt/ to learn more about the latest from The Schmidt Lab.
Greg Kieser, Founder at Supersystemic.ly LLC, and author of the book, Dear Machine: A Letter to a Super-Aware/Intelligent Machine (SAIM), discusses his passion for investing in forward-thinking companies that help people improve their lives.
Supersystemic.ly is a think-tank and angel investment firm based out of Brooklyn, NY that is wholly dedicated to preparing humanity for the coming emergence of superintelligent entities via the study and proliferation of ‘supersystemic’ perspectives and groundbreaking innovations.
Greg Kieser’s particularly strong interest in complex systems science led him to launch Supersystemic.ly. Kieser’s previous work at a poverty-relief type foundation enhanced his growing interest in how investments affect the physical and mental well-being of lower-income New Yorkers in general.
Kieser discusses his new book, Dear Machine: A Letter to a Super-Aware/Intelligent Machine (SAIM), and how he hypothesized that superintelligence will emerge to improve lives, from our transportation networks to our shopping, google maps, facebooks learning, etc. He elaborates on the mechanisms of our current technologies, including a detailed analysis of blockchain and how it will be utilized to improve systems.
He discusses his idea for an investment firm that has a truly positive impact. He talks about health issues and the microbiome. He explains how one of his first investments was in a microbiome company that was working in the area of fecal therapy, a therapy that is designed to help improve issues such as autoimmune disorders, skin problems, digestive conditions, IBS, etc.
Kieser talks about some of the important factors in fecal transplantation. Fecal transplantation also referred to as bacteriotherapy, is the actual transfer of stool from a healthy person into the gastrointestinal tract of another, to treat recurrent C. difficile colitis. In our modern world, many antibiotics may be disrupting the microbiome causing disease by wiping out the healthy, good bacteria in our guts. Kieser discusses the screening and testing of donors, looking for healthy people who ideally have never had antibiotics, and have lived lives essentially free of disease and health problems.
KIeser discusses some of the other health-positive companies that he is interested in, companies that are helping people with all sorts of health problems, from the physical to the mental. He explains various studies that are ongoing and how we are learning about new treatments that could prove to be highly beneficial.
As a result of applying scientific principles to the creation of the “perfect” cup of coffee, he’s earned the name “Dr. Coffee.” But in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon, he’s also known as Dr. Christopher Hendon, who was one of three professors hired to work in an emerging field of technology: energy storage and the development of supercapacitors.
As a theoretical chemist, Dr. Hendon explains that while we are good at capturing light and turning it into electricity, we aren’t so good at storing that energy. In order to do this, we need a material that has an extremely high surface area of electrical conductivity, and in order to find that type of material, Dr. Hendon and his team are looking at a new class of materials called metal-organic frameworks.
Dr. Hendon dives deep into the science behind his work, explaining how and why similar compounds have vastly different properties, the principle of electron tunneling, how to determine the melting point, color, vibrational modes, and other properties of different substances, non-bonding versus bonding electrons, the relationship between electron relays and enzyme function in the body, anti-cancer drugs based on platinum, and so much more.
We experience huge variations in our heart rates on a daily basis; from the slow heart rate that occurs just before drifting off to sleep, to the chest pounding we’ve all experienced after climbing a particularly challenging flight of stairs. There are more subtle variations even when we are at rest, though, that are now being considered as a means to track well-being. Abraham Otero, Associate Professor of Information Technology at San Pablo University, joins us today to discuss the technology that may someday enable us to diagnose health conditions based on our individual heart rate variability. He discusses his research on heart rate variability analysis with the R package RHRV, a heart rate variability analysis software tool.
Otero introduces us to how algorithms are used in this package, how heart rate variability is currently being used to identify sleep apnea patients (when compared to control patients without sleep apnea), and how this technology may be used in the future to diagnose patients with other health conditions.
For more information, visit http://rhrv.r-forge.r-project.org/.
Erica Mackie joins us today to discuss solar technology and her non-profit, GRID Alternatives. GRID Alternatives is a non-profit that installs solar electric systems exclusively in disadvantaged communities. They promote sustainability by training members of these communities on the installation and maintenance of solar technologies, providing them with job training and basic experience in the industry. Mackie discusses why solar technology is superior to traditional energy resources and how their work helps families reduce their utility bills, while also improving their quality of life through job training and access to these resources.
For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.
Jamie S. Foster, Professor, Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, provides an interesting overview of the many benefits of microbes.
Dr. Foster’s research program is keenly interested in and focused on, the cooperation and actions between microbial communities and their neighboring environments, to improve understanding of the various molecular mechanisms that select microbes utilize to respond and adjust to variations and modifications in the environment. Her work is specialized in multiple areas of interest, including metagenomics, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, host-microbe interactions, space biology, and metatranscriptomics.
Dr. Foster discusses her background and her overall interests in the field. She states that her research is varied and wide, from studying microbes within squid to the microbes that form rocks in the environment, and beyond. From what we eat to almost everything we interact with—is the product of microbes, she states.
The Microbiology & Cell Science expert explains that 90% of the cells in our bodies are microbial. She states that while eukaryotic cells are larger, we are in fact mostly microbes in terms of sheer number. Dr. Foster elaborates on squid and talks about the microbes that cover them as they swim through the water. She explains ‘a mutualistic symbiosis,’ which is when a bacterium is assisting the host to perform a specific function. Over time, humans have also developed special relationships with microbes.
Dr. Foster elaborates on the selection process that takes place in organisms that allow for adaptation. As she states, bacteria will do whatever they can to survive. She outlines some specific examples regarding microbes and the selection process that is the basis of evolution. She explains how future generations are benefited by this selection process and selection pressure, improving the organism’s ability to better survive. She elaborates on what they refer to as ‘competition experimentation’ in which they may add genes or take away genes to observe how that may affect fitness, or the ability to colonize and thrive.
The microbial expert discusses how they are working with microbes in a space environment, to better understand how immune systems of astronauts could become compromised in space. And she talks about some of the publishing they are currently conducting in regards to how beneficial microbes are critical under microgravity conditions.
Chemotherapy is an integral part of the gold standard for cancer treatment in the U.S., but it’s well-understood that it’s not without side effects—some so significant that some people choose to forego it altogether. The reason that chemotherapy drugs cause systemic side effects is relatively simple: the drugs act systemically, killing the cancer cells, but at the same time killing the healthy cells that our bodies rely upon. But what if we could control exactly where and how chemotherapy drugs are activated in the body, so as to direct them to the specific site of a tumor, and nowhere else?
Professor John S. Ho from the Department of Electrical Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore joins the podcast to explain how and why we can. It’s called photodynamic therapy, and while it’s not without its challenges, it holds promise for the future of cancer treatment. By shining light of a certain wavelength into a tumor in the body, and then administering chemotherapy drugs that have been designed to absorb that same wavelength of light, the drug would become active only in the presence of the light, and therefore only at the site of the tumor.
The principles that underlie this technology, surprisingly enough, are similar to those that underlie other bioelectronic devices, such as pacemakers, pill cameras, and cochlear implants. Aside from explaining exactly how photodynamic therapy works, Dr. Ho discusses a number of interesting topics, including the benefits and difficulties of wireless power transfer to the body, energy harvesting, and what’s ahead in the coming years in bioelectronic device development.
Meagan Rubel, Graduate Student, Department of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, provides a thorough overview of her work studying anthropology and the microbiome.
Rubel is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in molecular anthropology, studying biological anthropology in detail, and specifically focusing on evolution and adaptation in human beings. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A/B.I.S., Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Studies Foci in Biology and Geography, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Rubel is particularly focused on how diet, survival/subsistence practice, as well as environments are unified with genetic variation, phenotypic adaptation, and overall health. And her specific area of research pertains to the gut microbiome and helminth (parasitic worms) analysis and study within select African groups utilizing human genetics and various statistical methods.
Rubel talks in detail about health biomarkers of some of her study groups, specifically talking about her work in Botswana. She discusses how we define a normal healthy microbiome because it is very context-dependent. She gives examples of how different types of people have varied microbiomes, and she states that there is a lot of research taking place currently that seeks to answer the question of what certain missing bacterial diversity could be doing to our health in the long run. She talks about microbial diversity that could be lost due to changing diets and changing activities. Diet changes could change bacteria composition. What kind of diversity is good diversity she asks, but she states that you don’t necessarily need to be a hunter/gatherer to have a healthy microbiome and healthy bacteria.
And Rubel discusses how modern society has impacted bacteria and health, from air pollution to reduction in pathogens, and improvement of living standards overall. She discusses how parasites can actually reduce allergen-induced inflammation. Further, Rubel talks about some of her current work that she has not yet published, that studies blood parasites and fecal parasites, etc., and she mentions some of the predictive modelings they use to make associations between parasites and the microbiome.
What do kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and miso all have in common? Not only are they delicious, but these foods are also all fermented. Kirsten Shockey, the co-author of several books on fermentation, joins us today to share some of her knowledge on fermented food. Shortly after her family began growing their own food twenty years ago, they turned to fermentation as a means to preserve what they were not able to immediately consume. This soon expanded to fermenting foods for its many health benefits. Kirsten and her husband currently teach classes and workshops on fermentation.
In this episode, Shockey shares a few of the many health benefits of fermented foods and assures us that fermenting foods is easier than we might expect. After listening to this episode, you might feel inspired enough to try fermenting your own vegetables! Learn all about the fermentation process from Shockey, and hear what benefits that fermented foods can provide for your body.
For more information, visit http://ferment.works.
Have you always had an interest in the bioscience and tech worlds, but never really had a chance to truly explore them? Have you had trouble finding good resources for learning more about biotechnology and the biological design space? Or maybe you’ve learned a lot, but never really had the chance to practice any of it in hands-on fashion? If so, Genspace is an open access life sciences lab catering directly to you.
Simply put, Genspace is a safe, inclusive space where you can receive hands-on instruction and engage in open dialogue about exciting and emerging biotechnologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, protein engineering, next-generation drug development, and a number of other fields in cutting-edge science. And when you become a member of Genspace, you’re given 24/7 access to the lab for exploring your own questions and topics of interest, or for starting your own personal project.
Beth Tuck is the Director of Science Education at Genspace, and she joins the podcast to provide a glimpse into this exiting and creative world that’s kept in motion by pure curiosity, creativity, and a desire to learn. She provides a few examples of projects being carried out by Genspace members, surprising new areas of interest in the bio-design space (including the creation of furniture from mushrooms!) and how biology communities with similar goals as Genspace are popping up around the world.
Tune in for all the details, and visit genspace.org for more info.
Jules Chandler joins us today to discuss her journey with Graves’ disease and her approach to health after undergoing total thyroidectomy. Chandler’s interest in thyroid conditions began after she noticed symptoms of her own overactive thyroid. In this episode, Jules shares her experience of conventional medical treatments, including the roller coaster of fluctuating hormones, a side effect of her treatment. Despite being told by doctors after years of treatment that her condition was cured, Chandler did not feel that her symptoms had fully resolved; as a result, she began experimenting with adjustments to her diet and was able to identify gluten as a trigger for inflammation in her body.
By making changes to her diet - which expanded to changes to her lifestyle - Chandler was able to find relief for her symptoms in ways that previous treatments were unable to provide. This inspired her to pursue a degree in naturopathic nutrition, and today she helps her clients manage many of their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.
Tune in to hear Jules Chandler’s inspiring story, as well as a list of resources that Chandler believes, may be helpful for those looking to take control of their own thyroid health. For more information,
Most people are under the impression that the water they consume is being monitored for harmful chemicals and quality-checked on a continuous basis, but in reality, this generally isn’t the case. In some locations, water safety is only verified once every two years, which leaves room for periods of contamination to be missed, and citizens to unknowingly consume chemicals that are harmful to their health.
Over the past year in Denmark, reports of pesticides in the water have become increasingly common, putting everyone on edge about their health and safety, and bringing to light concerns over safe water practices in other countries, including the US. So, what’s the solution? As the head of a new project at Intelligent Pollutant Monitoring, Jafar Noori is working on one.
He joins the podcast today to discuss the development of a new device designed to detect the presence of harmful chemicals in the water, primarily glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup). The device will be available for use by municipalities, and will provide a continuous stream of data—up to the latest millisecond—related to the health of the water people are consuming.
Noori discusses a number of surprising, and even frightening topics, including the life-threatening effects of common water pollutants on human health.
Tune in to hear the full discussion.
What do lettuce, carrots, soybeans, and vaccines have in common? Not much, until now: a team of engineers at MIT have figured out a way to introduce DNA nanoparticles into the chloroplasts of living plants, which has never been done before. Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew, Ph.D., is a member of this team of engineers, and he joins the podcast to discuss why this is so significant, explaining that chloroplasts have previously been impenetrable by any type of material due to the double plasma membrane.
As the site of photosynthesis, having the ability to introduce genetic material into the chloroplast will allow for the chloroplast genome to be modified in a variety of ways, resulting in higher protein production to protect against disease, more efficient use of nutrients, higher growth rates, and perhaps the most surprising of all…the production of human vaccines and hormones, such as the polio vaccine and insulin.
Dr. Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew explains why this method of genetic engineering is far superior to conventional methods, how it will allow for the elimination of costly purification steps in the development of vaccines, new findings in the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in plants and the benefits that this method confers, and where their research is heading.
Do you need to save one million dollars for the retirement you want? Do you have one year to plan for the wedding of your dreams? Are you looking to buy a new house? Do you want to plan for two vacations per year, rather than just one? Regardless of your goal, the team at Charles Schwab is ready to harness the power of technology and put it in your hands so that you can make your goal a reality. “We find that clients actually find investing to be much easier with the help of technology,” says Cynthia Loh, VP of Digital Advice and Innovation at Charles Schwab.
In today’s episode, she explains everything their robo-advisor has to offer and the specific details of the basic and premium Schwab Intelligent Portfolio services. She also discusses the overwhelmingly positive feedback they’ve received from clients, what makes Schwab stand out among other robo-advisors, and the direction of their future growth.
Interested in learning more? Tune in and visit https://intelligent.schwab.com/.
Erin Elliott, D.D.S., is a dental, sleep, and breathing specialist and in this informative podcast, she shares some of her vast knowledge of the aforementioned, amassed over her extensive career. Dr. Elliott is an ASBA Board Certified Diplomate. The ASBA is the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, a professional academy that promotes excellence in many areas of her specialty such as the various upper airway, breathing, and sleep issues in sleep-related dental medicine. The doctor’s educational path to her current career included graduation from the noted dental school, Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, NE.
Dr. Elliott talks about her background, and how she became motivated to study and work in the field of dentistry and sleep-related dental medicine. After much personal research of her own, she came to the realization many years ago that dentists were actually well-equipped to help patients with their breathing and air flow issues. She became a champion of these breathing-related issues and set out to change the way we think about sleep and breathing conditions, such as sleep apnea. As she describes, her entire team at her dentistry practice is trained to identify signs and symptoms of potential breathing and airway issues.
The sleep and breathing expert talks about constriction of the space that the tongue has and other issues that impact breathing and flow. She talks about the connection between heart and oral health. She details some of the older treatments for snoring that did not actually treat the problem of apnea itself. And she discusses various current sleep/breathing aids such as the many varieties of CPAP machines. CPAP, which stands for ‘continuous positive airway pressure,’ is provided to patients who wear a face mask, while sleeping, which is connected to a pump (the CPAP machine) that forces air into the nasal passages and helps them overcome obstructions in the airway.
Dr. Elliott is a noted speaker and educator on sleep apnea and she has been published in countless dental journals. She is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Why do species look and behave differently from each other? It seems like a simple question that would have a simple answer, but it’s actually an incredibly complex question that’s found at the core of evolutionary biology and the center of Professor Katie Peichel’s work at the University of Bern. When it comes to adaptation, speciation, and evolution, Dr. Peichel is an expert, but she’s also the first to admit that there’s a great deal of debate among biologists regarding how new species develop, how phenotypic changes occur, and how a species should be defined.
In today’s episode, she touches on a number of interesting subjects, including marine stickleback reproduction, evolution, and behavior, and the ins and outs of the research going on in her lab. She also discusses how genetic changes can accumulate in such a way as to lead to behavioral isolation, how a species’ behavior can explain reproduction barriers and the performance of hybrids in the wild.
Interested in learning more? Press play and check out http://www.ee.iee.unibe.ch/.
Beran Parry, author of, The Ageless Metabolic Cure: The Science of Looking 20 Years Younger: Natural Hormone Reset: Get Lean and Genetically Clean, provides an overview of her work in the nutrition and wellness field.
Parry’s personal website (https://beranparry.com/) is a treasure chest filled with all kinds of interesting health information that can help people literally transform their lives.
Parry talks about her background and how she arrived at her current state of health and then immersed herself into a successful career as a nutritionist and well-being expert. She describes her new book, The Ageless Metabolic Cure: The Science of Looking 20 Years Younger: Natural Hormone Reset: Get Lean and Genetically Clean as a “health encyclopedia.” She discusses the many topics her book discusses, from hormones to thyroid issues, to diet and weight loss, to inflammation, intermittent fasting, genetics, DNA testing, and much more.
Parry’s new book will help people to analyze their personal health, metabolic, and hormonal conditions and build an idealized, tailored epigenetic eating program that will work for them. The Ageless Metabolic Cure can help everyone to rebalance hormone levels and recharge their energy, build muscle and decrease fat, fade wrinkles, improve mood, and generally take control of their bodies.
The nutrition guru talks about the steps she takes to help people, starting with a complete evaluation of their entire medical history, diet, nutrition as a whole, emotional and mental health. She discusses how she evaluates big issues like toxins, cortisol, etc. to get a sense of what the body is communicating about its state of wellness or distress.
Parry discusses some specific case studies and some amazing results of people who have turned their lives around, beating inflammation, and losing weight dramatically, etc. She discusses yoga and mindfulness, and the many physical ways people can improve wellness. And Parry elaborates on the significance of DNA testing to understand what is happening in our bodies at the cellular level.
Kelly Dorfman is a clinical nutritionist and expert in the field of nutrition who specializes in the treatment of ‘walking wounded’ conditions, such as chronic autoimmune diseases, allergies, generalized fatigue, and a variety of behavioral and brain-related problems. While the approach in conventional Western medicine is to throw some pharmaceuticals at these conditions with the hopes of alleviating the symptoms and not creating too many additional ones, Dorfman is focusing on the healing and reparative potential of food as a replacement for most medications commonly prescribed.
She is a wealth of information on the topic, discussing everything from food irritants that far too frequently go undetected, the danger of mismanaged chronic conditions that many people become complacent in living with and how the right foods can repair or manage these conditions, how Prilosec interferes with vitamin B12, iron, zinc, protein, magnesium, and calcium in the body, how and why the generic drug crisis is hurting people’s health, and so much more.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation, and check out http://kellydorfman.com/ to learn more.
In this podcast, Raja Sivamani, M.D., M.S., C.A.T., Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at UC Davis, talks about the skin, our largest organ, and the many conditions that impact skin health.
As an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Sivamani has devoted his career to the study and treatment of skin, with a particular focus on diseases that affect the skin. Sivamani discusses how he got into the field of dermatology. He elaborates on sebaceous gland disease and bioengineering adaptations for the field of dermatology.
Sivamani provides an overview of his practice, discussing tools and techniques, including the various kinds of lighting that they use to observe their patients. He explains ultraviolet light and talks about the benefits of using various types of lighting. He details how a Wood's lamp works and how it can help with an examination, using light to help doctors find bacterial or fungal skin infections, as well as discovering/viewing skin pigment disorders, and additional conditions.
Sivamani goes into detail about glands and pores and outlines certain skin conditions such as eczema and additional types of dermatitis that can irritate the skin, creating dry or itchy patches, or producing rashes, and/or possibly some swelling.
Further, Sivamani provides more information about bacteria function, highlighting probiotics and the microbiome. And he explains the therapeutic use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for the skin and its many conditions.
Dr. Vedrana Högqvist Tabor joins us today to discuss her app, BOOST Thyroid. Dr. Högqvist Tabor’s idea for this app stemmed from her experience as a patient who sought to understand and manage her own Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis. With a background in research, she wanted a digital platform that would help her track lab work, remind her to take medications, and track her symptoms.
This idea was further developed into an app that helps patients worldwide keep closer tabs on their symptoms, keep up to date on the latest scientifically-reviewed research, and become part of a community of other patients who seek to take control of their health. In this episode, Dr. Vedrana Högqvist provides us with an overview of Hashimoto’s disease and how her app is empowering patients all over the world to take thyroid health into their own hands.
For more information, visit https://www.boostthyroid.com/
In this podcast, Pouya Bashivan, Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, discusses brain activity and visual recognition.
Bashivan’s lab is particularly interested in how the brain sees, how the visual cortex recognizes objects, etc. Working with Kohitij Kar, the neuroscientists have engaged in some of the most significant testing to date of computational models that seek to approximate a brain's visual cortex. Using their models of a brain's visual neural network, Bashivan and Kar provided a new way to control individual neurons as well as populations of neurons in the middle of the network. Their research shows that certain versions of these new models are similar enough to a brain that they could perhaps be used to control brain states in animals.
The MIT neuroscientist discusses upcoming developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence. He talks about self-driving cars and various new technologies, and the challenges developers and manufacturers face in regard to vision in their operating systems.
Continuing, Bashivan states that the future of machine vision could be focused well beyond basic object recognition. Specifically, Bashivan discusses new models that are being trained to play digital games, which could advance to training in more realistic style games that could provide significant data on how human brains are affected by various experiences.
In the late 60s, Stephen Gray began his journey into the world where spirituality and psychedelics intersect and has since worked with a number of psychedelic substances, become an editor and contributor to a book called Cannabis and Spirituality, and now serves as the head of the Spirit Plant Medicine Conference, where people come together in search of spiritual growth, enlightenment, an insight through the use of substances such as ayahuasca, psilocybe mushrooms, iboga, peyote, cannabis, huachuma (San Pedro), LSD, and MDMA.
Gray joins the podcast to discuss the ancient connections between spirituality and psychedelics, why many of these substances are described as ‘unspecified amplifiers’, the experience of Native American rituals and peyote ceremonies, how these substances have and continue to help people uncover and cope with childhood traumas, and so much more.
Interested in hearing more? Tune in and visit https://spiritplantmedicine.com/.
Louis E. Metzger, Chief Scientific Officer at Tierra Biosciences, delivers an interesting overview of his company’s innovative work.
Metzger’s company, Tierra Biosciences devised proprietary methods that make it possible to discover new molecules originating from nature. Their advanced technology builds upon the progress made in the areas of cell-free synthetic biology, computation, and automation, which allows it to seek molecules that were previously thought to be inaccessible by past methods.
Metzger discusses his background and the premise of Tierra Biosciences. He states that many chemicals and enzymes used for biotechnology purposes, from insecticides in agriculture tech to drug-like molecules that are natural products used in biopharma, are often produced by expressing them in host organisms. But a limitation of this process is, for example, if one were to make a compound in an e-coli or yeast cell, and the enzymes for that compound are toxic to the host cell—it can die or simply not produce the results one was hoping for in the experimentation. Thus, it puts a limitation on the types of proteins that can be expressed or the types of chemicals that can be found. Metzger continues, to say that Tierra Biosciences’ method grinds up the cells while preserving their specific biochemistry (what the cells can do, etc.), which ultimately can lead to the ability to express proteins in cell-free systems that are derived from living cells but are not in fact, living. By this method, Metzger states that they can uncover proteins, etc. that would normally be toxic to the host.
The scientific officer elaborates further on other companies that are making strides in this area of science. Metzger mentions that they have quite a few proof-of-concept projects that are in the works at Tierra Biosciences. He discusses some interesting work that they are doing in conjunction with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that may offer hope for the treatment of malaria.
The science expert discusses small molecule metabolites and cell-free reactions that have provided some notable and surprising reactions. He talks about the methods they use and their attention to testing and calibration in order to get consistent results. Essentially, Tierra Biosciences has found an innovative new approach to replenish the natural product pipeline by ultimately accessing DNA to find the incredible molecules of the next century and beyond.
In this podcast, Dr. Mark Bertin, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, and celebrated author discusses ADHD and provides a general overview of child development.
Dr. Bertin has studied extensively in the area of developmental-behavioral pediatrics, early on at Cornell University and the UCLA School of Medicine, then wrapping up his pediatric training at the Oakland Children’s Hospital in Northern California. He followed this education with a fellowship in neurodevelopmental behavioral pediatrics at the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Dr. Bertin provides an extensive overview of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). He talks in detail about ‘executive function’ and how skills/areas such as attention, emotion, behavior, time, and others are managed. He describes how the genetics are crystal clear on ADHD, as clear as a genetic map for height would be, plain as day. He goes into detail about the many contributing factors that exist and the long list of ways that parents can help decrease symptoms, such as controlling diet and sleep in a healthy way. Dr. Bertin is noted for authoring the books, How Children Thrive and The Family ADHD Solution.
Wrapping up, the pediatric doctor provides further details on the symptoms of ADHD that parents can look for. And he talks about the more internal types of ADHD that could go undiagnosed until later in a child’s life.
In this podcast, Nadine Artemis, the celebrated author of Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums discusses holistic oral care and healthy extracts for wellness. Artemis is a promoter of good oral health, an author, and an entrepreneur. Her company, Living Libations, produces serums, elixirs, and essential oils for health and beauty.
Artemis discusses her book, Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums. Finding almost no comprehensive information on holistic oral care, Artemis was motivated to fill the gap. She set out to write a book packed with useful information that was interesting and informative because as we all know our oral health is directly connected to our overall body health.
Artemis discusses various topics such as oral care, lymphatic fluids, blood sugar spikes, mineral deficiencies in the diet, hormones, and more—all which are important issues that pertain to, and affect our oral health. She discusses saliva and explains some of its more important functions such as lubrication and caring for the microbiome. The book is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in improving their natural oral care. From self-care strategies to the prevention of oral problems, it’s a whole-body approach to better oral health and ultimately better health in general.
Artemis talks about her line of botanical extracts. She discusses how extracts can be used to improve oral health, as a mouthwash, to seal gums, and much more. And she acknowledges that many people are seeing shorter dental visits—which is something we can all smile about.
When Jeff Dachis was unexpectedly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013, he was given nothing more than a short conversation with a nurse practitioner, an insulin pen, and a prescription. He was shocked by the life-threatening diagnosis and left with so many questions and concerns that all he could do in those moments was break down. But after a few days, he decided to make a change. With a background in technology, Dachis began brainstorming the ways in which he could obtain all of the data related to his health and new diagnosis, and make use of it in a way that would allow him to make better choices and prevent negative events from happening in the future; this is when One Drop began.
One Drop is a diabetes management platform that uses mobile computing and data science to help people make sense of and utilize their health and lifestyle data in ways that enable them to live their best lives. The app makes it easy for people to enter their data on the One Drop platform, and once they do, that data not only benefits them but the entire community of One Drop users. The One Drop glucose meter is wireless with the ability to automatically sync all glucose data into the One Drop app, automatically track a user’s every step, and integrate seamlessly with any wearable fitness tracker on the market. It automatically integrates information such as weight, blood pressure, medication intake, and more.
The One Drop app focuses on accomplishing three goals: harnessing the power of predictive data science to benefit their users, providing dedicated, personal care and coaching to every user, and ensuring an ecosystem of connected devices and supplies. Dachis makes for a fascinating episode, discussing the details of all this and more.
Tune in and check out https://onedrop.today/pages/mobile-app to get the app for yourself.
When Dana Lewis was 14 years old, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and that’s when her interest in the pancreas and how it functions in the body began. While there’s technology like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) that help people manage type 1 diabetes, Lewis quickly learned the drawbacks associated with the fact that these devices don’t communicate with each other and are not automated; those dealing with type 1 diabetes still have to do a lot of work to manage their condition.
This compelled Lewis to leverage open source code so that she could access her glucose data in real time from her devices, build a set of predictive alarms that would alert her to impending events related to her glucose levels, and create an algorithm which would allow for her insulin pump and CGM to interoperate in a closed loop system and communicate with a phone or computer in order to tell her when she needed more or less insulin. Enjoying the relief from having access to this technology, Lewis wanted to share what she’d created with everyone who could benefit from it.
She joins the podcast today to discuss why this technological capability has not already been made available in the health care sector, the challenges inherent in the development and widespread implementation of this type of technology, the details behind how the closed-loop system works, the results of studies looking at the effectiveness of the system she’s built, misconceptions about how insulin pumps work, how the technology has drastically improved her sleep, level of energy, and clinical outcomes, and much more.
Tune in for the full conversation and visit https://openaps.org/ to learn more.
THC and CBD-infused gummies are popular and available in dispensaries throughout the US and Canada, but there’s something that you may not know about them until it’s too late: there is no guarantee that you’re going to get a specific amount of THC, which means there’s no guarantee that you’re not going to get a super-saturated gummy that’s going to result in an unpleasant experience involving paranoia, perceived heart palpitations, or a number of other unsettling effects.
Shoogies is a sugar-based company that’s changing this by employing advanced engineering and a tertiary testing system in the production of THC and CBD-infused sugars. The result? Individualized packages that are guaranteed to contain exactly five milligrams of THC, which means you can rest assured that you won’t be hit with way more than you bargained for. This product was made to be easily integrated into your daily life; no bongs, papers, or other devices are required to use it, it comes in child-proof, inconspicuous packaging, and can be added to whatever it is you already add sugar to, such as your morning coffee or tea.
Latham Woodward is the CEO of Shoogies, and he joins the podcast to discuss all the details of this new product that’s a guaranteed good time.
Tune in and check out www.shoogies.com to learn more.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Morgan, a cardiac surgeon and Chief Medical Officer for BIOLIFE4D, provides an overview on surgical therapies currently used to treat patients with heart failure and overviews the current and future direction of bioprinted hearts.
In this episode, Dr. Morgan explains what causes heart failure, the physiology of a healthy and diseased heart, and outlines the most common surgical therapies currently available to patients with heart failure. He explores the benefits and drawbacks of current surgical therapies such as the total artificial heart (TAH) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Dr. Morgan also discusses the current challenges with heart transplants, which leads us to a discussion on bioprinted hearts as a therapy currently undergoing development.
Dr. Morgan provides insight on why using bioprinted hearts would be superior to traditional heart transplants and explains what challenges scientists currently face in developing these technologies. His insight as a practicing surgeon and as a figure in the biomedical technology industry offers a unique perspective on how bioprinted hearts can be useful in every stage of treating heart failure – from drug research and development to clinical use. Tune in to discover how this technology has the potential to save thousands of lives.
Aubrey de Grey, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer and Co-founder of SENS Research Foundation, delivers an overview of aging and the many health problems that develop in our advanced years.
Dr. de Grey is a respected member of the science community; he is the noted biomedical gerontologist who devised the innovative SENS platform and co-founded the SENS Research Foundation to further it. Dr. de Grey has written about his work and as an established researcher, he has been appointed to the editorial and scientific advisory boards of many journals, organizations, etc. Dr. de Grey is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America as well as the American Aging Association. He holds a BA in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Biology from the prestigious University of Cambridge.
Dr. de Grey discusses his research in aging and the motivations for tackling the career. As he states, aging is the number one medical problem as it causes more suffering. He was motivated to research in this area because he found that not enough was being done to focus on aging and the myriad of problems that come with it. He talks about the many excuses that are given as reasons to simply accept aging as it is, or not focus on it at all, such as “it’s inevitable…everything ages,” or the philosophical—“death gives meaning to life,” or social—“maybe we could do this, but it would create new problems worse than the problem we are solving.” And as the Ph.D. states, none of these excuses stand up to even the faintest scrutiny, however, they still remain quite popular.
Dr. de Grey explains that ‘why’ and ‘how’ we age are fairly well understood, but it is the understanding of what we already know that is important, to take the information we know to be true and utilize that to design and implement therapies that will prevent the health problems of old age. And this is the core of what Dr. de Grey’s foundation, SENS Research, seeks to accomplish. SENS Research Foundation works to create, promote, and provide wide-ranging access to all kinds of therapies that can cure and prevent the diseases and detrimental disabilities of aging by essentially repairing the damage that builds up within our bodies over long periods of time. SENS Research seeks to change the way the world researches and thus cares for age-related ill health.
The Ph.D. discusses stem cell therapy and its ability to repair the damage, loss of cells, etc. As he explains, stem cells can be injected that target areas within the body and repair damage, replace lost cells, and thus keep the body area, organ, etc. functioning in a healthier state. He explains in detail how cells function and the processes used to make genetic modifications. Additionally, Dr. de Grey expounds upon the kinds of complex research they engage in at his foundation, and the types of conditions that they seek to bring more understanding to in order to combat them.
Carlos R. Ponce, MD, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine discusses his work studying conscious understanding.
Dr. Ponce’s research program seeks to explain and elaborate on how various brain regions interact to solve motion processing as well as visual object recognition, by utilizing a combination of reversible deactivation and sophisticated microstimulation techniques, and computational modeling. Dr. Ponce holds an MD-PhD from Harvard Medical School and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah.
Dr. Ponce talks about what motivated him to study and research the brain, cells, and signals, and he explains how the interaction happens that creates a consciousness of vision. Building upon fifty to sixty years of work in vision, Dr. Ponce seeks to learn more about the brain’s hierarchy of visual areas—groups of neurons. As he explains, cells in the occipital lobe respond to basic information, lines and dots, but these cells communicate with other cells that respond to slightly more complicated information such as corners and curvature, and then these cells project to other cells that respond to texture, and so on, in a systematic way that ultimately provides conscious understanding.
The physician-scientist explains the process and the stages that take place as light enters the eye, from light hitting the retina, to the center of the brain, to the primary visual cortex cells, and eventually the temporal cortex, which completes visual comprehension. He expounds upon his thoughts on how his research is related to AI, and how neural networks respond to complex shapes. He details how neural networks receive information and how they learn, and compares that to how the human brain learns. As he explains, the human brain has much-unsupervised learning, which is different than AI. Dr. Ponce explains his thoughts about the human brain, and how it is a form of a neural network.
Dr. Ponce cites some examples that explain his theories and research. He details generative adversarial networks (GANs), which are a class of machine learning systems, and he explains evolutionary algorithms, and then outlines how they utilize this combination to find and extract information that is hidden by a cell.
The Harvard Ph.D. explains the state of machine learning, and he discusses some subtleties of machine vision. And Dr. Ponce cites examples of early experimentation in machine vision, discussing symmetry and other factors.
Dr. Sam Rodgers, Medical Director for Medichecks (medichecks.com), provides a thorough overview of his company and their mission.
Dr. Rodgers joined Medichecks as their Medical Director in 2017. He has worked extensively as a GP in the London area for over a decade. The Medichecks mission is to deliver advanced laboratory blood screening options to everyone. By connecting the top pathology laboratories with innovative consumer technology Medichecks offers blood testing that is efficient and simple to utilize.
The Medichecks director discusses the background and history of his company. He explains the process and the methods for sampling they use. Medichecks offers convenience in that users have the option of collecting their blood samples through simple-to-use, at-home finger pricks or the standard doctor’s office venous sampling. Results are provided online replete with a doctor’s report. As Dr. Rodgers states, the essence of the service is easy to use and provides tremendous convenience.
Dr. Rodgers talks about the many benefits that their system offers, such as getting some early results before a doctor’s visit, because visit scheduling is such that it may be three weeks or so before most people can get in to see their doctor in the UK. And as Dr. Rodgers communicates, at Medichecks they are particularly interested in focusing on the lifestyle measures that people can take to improve their health and wellness.
By looking at results, individuals can help themselves to make better choices and potentially avoid some health problems down the road. And he talks about their early experimentation with AI as a means to further improve their successful system that is currently in place. While he hesitates to say that AI will ever replace doctors, it can certainly enhance and augment their diagnostic skills.
The diagnostics innovator discusses how different types of people can utilize their system, such as athletes, for example, who can use the Medichecks platform to improve health and performance. Whatever the goal of the individual… to feel better than they currently do, to strive to live longer, or exercise harder, etc., the Medichecks system, with its easy, at-home testing options makes health monitoring simpler than ever before.
Sharmin Habib, OD, optometrist, wellness advocate, and Co-Founder of Umay provides an overview of digital eye strain and how her company is working to reduce it for everyone.
The innovative, patented technology developed by Habib’s company is predicated upon years of thermal therapy research with a focus on restoring eye health. Umay’s proprietary ‘Thermal Meditation’ can assist digital device users who seek to reset the effects of screen time via relaxation of the mind and restoration of the organic function of our eyes. Umay was selected as a finalist of the Global Accelerator program.
The eye doctor and relaxation innovator discuss how she and her brother combined their skills to launch Umay. Habib states that many of us may have regular symptoms such as itchy, red, burning or dry eyes, which could very well be an indication that digital eye strain is occurring. With daily average screen usage times accelerating up to nearly 11 hours per day, Habib says that digital eye strain puts excess stress on the oil glands found along the eyelid margin. Remarkably, our blink rate is reduced by up to 70% when we are looking into screens. And as she states, it is these needed blinks that help pump out healthy oils from those glands that help keep our tears from evaporating or drying out. Heat, Habib states, is the way to get those oil glands working again to do their job in protecting the eyes. Habib’s brother’s own eye problems were the inspiration for them to find a better way to apply heat, in a controlled manner, that would be efficient and easy, and allow those suffering from eye strain to find relief.
Habib states that most eye doctors who direct patients to use warm compresses over their eyes for eye strain report that many of their patients are noncompliant. With the difficulty in regulating temperature, mess, and impracticality, patients just simply were not making the effort. These problems of use were important considerations in the design of Umay’s device.
Habib talks about the sensory experience and she explains the many benefits of their device, providing feedback they have received from their users. She explains their other device integrations such as meditation experiences with the guided breath, and she details how their device can vary the temperature and how it can help users enhance focus, at the moment, on their sensory experience. And Habib discusses how this mindfulness before sleep can create a relaxed state that can improve sleep quality.
Umay’s product is designed to easily fit into an individual’s bedtime, wellness routine, or during the day whenever they feel the need.
Joana Vaz de Castro, ORL, discusses the research and treatment of diseases of the ears, nose, and larynx, as well as sleep disorders.
Joana Vaz de Castro is an Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Specialist, commonly referred to as an ear, nose and throat surgeon, or ENT. Joana earned her Masters in Medicine from the Nova Medical School, went on to complete her specialist degree in ORL, then began her work in the Ph.D. Neuroscience Program of the University of Lisbon Medical School. Additionally, Joana trained for certification in sleep medicine at the European Sleep Research Society in the Centre of Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology (CENC).
The Ph.D. talks about her background and her particular interest in sleep-disordered breathing. She explains how snoring and sleep apnea affects the body. She discusses the obstructions to breathing and elaborates on how they work with patients to treat the whole problem, not just one element. And she talks in detail about the anatomical disorders and options for treatment.
ENT doctors can provide advanced medical and surgical care for patients who suffer from many issues related to the proper functioning of the ear, nose, and throat areas of the body, including but not limited to chronic allergies, facial pain, headaches, sleep disorders or other sinus or ENT conditions.
The sleep doctor details some of the current issues with insurance and the types of evaluations sleep doctors should engage in with all their patients, and the discussions doctors should have pre and post surgery.
The sleep expert and Ph.D. further discusses how insomnia and sleep apnea often go together, especially with women. She states that both must be treated at the same time in order for treatment to be most effective. Joana provides valuable information on some of the various breathing masks that are available and some of the issues that users occasionally have with them.
Additionally, she discusses mild sleep apnea and how it may progress as patients get older, put on additional weight, etc.
William M. Hang, MSD, has been an orthodontist for 47 years now. He was trained in a conventional way like everyone else; taught to focus on the straightening of the teeth and not pay much attention to the structure of the face. But in the early 80s, he began noticing differences between the way his patient’s faces looked before and after tooth extractions, realizing many of these patients were made worse off by the procedure. He also started hearing about the procedure leading to problems such as chronic headaches and neck pain. That was when he started travelling the world in search of a new way of doing things. In 1989, he started reopening extraction spaces for people who had previously had bicuspid teeth removed, and this was resulting in restored facial balance and relief from headaches and neck pain. For the past 20 years, Dr. Hang’s focus has been on another issue associated with all of the problems that extractions and traditional orthodontic approaches can cause: breathing problems and sleep apnea.
He joins the podcast today to offer an in-depth look at what’s wrong with the traditional approach in orthodontics, the effects of retraction, the growing number of children being diagnosed with sleep apnea and why this is, the possible misdiagnosis of sleep apnea as ADHD in children, why the advent of agriculture marked the beginning of the development of the facial features we see today, a technique called orthotropics, myofunctional therapy, the importance of optimizing facial growth in young children, the services offered at his practice, Face Focused, and so much more.
Press play for the full conversation and visit https://facefocused.com/ to learn more about Dr. Hang’s practice.
He’s had countless interests over the course of his career as a gastroenterologist and professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, but Dr. David Cave’s most current interest is an approach in gastroenterology called video capsule endoscopy. This procedure involves a pill not much larger than a pill of aspirin that has the capability of taking pictures all throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. By providing an unprecedented way of looking at the GI tract, this technology has resulted in a treasure trove of new, incredibly useful diagnostic information. Dr. Cave was the first in the U.S. to utilize this technology and was the only one using it for over a year since the first device was introduced in 2001.
He joins the podcast today to discuss how the technology had advanced and evolved over the years, the information that’s been discovered as a result of this technology, the recent development of a magnetically controlled capsule, the possibility of using artificial intelligence in reading the images captured by these capsules, the results of a randomized controlled trial that compared capsule endoscopy with the standard of care in detecting active bleeding in patients, and so much more.
Dr. James Hickman, Ph.D., and Chief Science Officer of Hesperos (hesperosinc.com), the ‘Human-on-a-Chip’ company, delivers a thorough overview of his work designing custom systems for disease modeling and drug testing.
Hickman is a pioneer in his field and noted for Hesperos’ technological ‘Human-on-a-Chip’ platform. Dr. Hickman is renowned for his work in general, and for publishing the very first serum-free, defined culture system specifically for neuronal systems (Schaffner, Barker, et al. 1995), which has now been extended from rat to mouse, and more recently—to human. Hickman is also recognized for his work that established functional in vitro systems.
Dr. Hickman explains the origins of Hesperos. As the Ph.D. explains, he combined his technology… functional in vitro systems and his collaborator’s multi-organ metabolic systems to create, as the old axiom states, an end result in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This collaboration between Dr. Hickman and Michael L. Shuler, Ph.D. led to the beginning of Hesperos.
Dr. Hickman explains functional readouts, and how they recreate functions such as muscle contractions, cardiac electrical activity, and force, neuronal communication, etc. and combine them into a multi-organ system where the fluid is recirculating. Dr. Hickman explains the Hesperos method and what they offer. Hesperos can provide four human-on-a-chip systems specifically designed for disease modeling and drug testing. And their multi-organ, human-based screening platforms are successful as a means to identify first-in-class drugs and develop unique medicines for complex diseases.
The Ph.D. explains the differences between in vivo tissue engineering and in vitro tissue engineering in regard to reproducing function. Further, he discusses their hopes and expectations for approval to the clinical trial phase, for drugs that have been tested in the Hesperos systems. He talks about some of the FDA requirements for drugs, in regard to how the drugs work within systems, how long they stay active, etc. Dr. Hickman explains how the Hesperos system is especially great for difficult, rare diseases, as they can build a phenotypic model, produce aspects of the disease, and then demonstrate that the disease can be reversed or ameliorated.
Wrapping up, Dr. Hickman talks about the specific types of models that their clients have requested. And as most of what Hesperos delivers is custom designed, there is a great scientific opportunity on the horizon.
It’s about the size of a credit card and contains nothing but several microfluidic channels which connect to a 3D chamber where segments of human organs are grown and subjected to a multitude of tests that have historically only been carried out in vitro or using animal models: this is the Organ-on-Chip technology being developed at Nortis. CEO of the company, Dr. Thomas Neumann, joins the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of the science behind this technology, as well as the benefits of testing on human tissues directly as opposed to animal models, how the Organ-on-Chip technology allows them to zoom in on particular functions of complex organs like kidneys and livers in a way that would be impossible with the model of an entire organ, how the technology allows for the modelling of diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, the tracking of drug pathways in the body and measurements of drug secretion, and the variety of tissue-engineered structures they’re creating.
Dr. Neumann discusses how this technology could advance personalized medicine and the development of drugs for the treatment of cancer, as well as the potential it holds in the near and long-term future.
Interested in learning more? Tune in and visit https://www.nortisbio.com/.
Jamie Burke, Founder, and CEO of Outlier Ventures provides an overview of bitcoin and blockchain and the ways that companies can aggressively push their businesses forward with emerging technologies.
Burke is a pioneer in the blockchain industry. As Europe's 1st Web 3.0 blockchain venture builder, he and his team have pushed forward on utilizing blockchain as a significant key to emerging trends (AI, Mixed Reality, IoT, and Autonomous Robotics) that will play key roles in multiple industries such as Industry 4.0, eGovt, Health, Mobility, and Smart Cities.
Burke talks about his background in blockchain and cryptocurrency. He explains that he wanted to launch Outlier Ventures as a means to deal with the technology and tools that would be fundamentally changing the web and how it is structured, and subsequently society as a whole. Discovering bitcoin, he decided to immerse himself in the space, studying the technology, rooting out the problems, and identifying areas that could be improved upon.
Burke discusses the disconnect with proprietary business models building on open source technologies, meaning that even if an entity could create something truly unique, there was the problem of someone else potentially coming in and copying what you’ve created, and doing it at a lower price even.
The technology guru explains the many ways that Outlier Ventures can assist companies, as an advisor or board member, helping them find the most efficient and aggressive ways to utilize emerging technologies. As he discusses, Outlier Ventures can help them design their token economy or assist them in designing their governance model. He explains how their staff of analysts really dig into the technology and the technology layers to maximize a company’s market-forward position.
Continuing, Burke talks about how Outlier Ventures invests in projects that reinforce their previous investments, which is a markedly different approach than what is considered a traditional VC path in which investments are diversified to offset risk.
Burke is a regular speaker at various conferences around the globe, and throughout his career he has amassed a strong network of significant corporate partners, investors, and government agencies as well, working together to build better tech for the benefit of many industries.
In this podcast, Dr. Michael Skinner, School of Biological Sciences at Washington State University, discusses epigenetic transgenerational inheritance and the potential long term impact of toxins.
Dr. Skinner discusses his research within the area of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. He explains the different ways males versus females are potentially impacted. He outlines how gestating females may be exposed to toxins, and what type of affect exposure can have on not only the offspring but future generations as well.
Dr. Skinner discusses the various types of toxins, toxins that could come via our nutrition, from factors such as smoking and alcohol, and of course detrimental environmental toxicants. The biological expert’s work centers upon the study of gonadal growth and differentiation, as it pertains to reproductive biology.
The PhD talks about the differences between men and women in terms of how they are affected. Dr. Skinner explains that men ‘turn over’ their sperm at a rapid rate, and that a man’s environmental exposures can change the epigenetics of the stem cell within, that produces the sperm. This change could then impact all the subsequent sperm that is generated thereafter. Additionally, Dr. Skinner discusses how females are affected by toxins, and how the research shows that females have an ability to somewhat ward themselves against environmental toxins, etc. and are therefore more resistant.
Dr. Skinner recounts some of their research with the finches on the Galápagos Islands. Some of the finches there, as he explains, showed changes within their phenotypes—alterations of metabolism, color, beak structures, and more, even though the genetics was the same for all the finches across all sites. After their research was complete they were then able to say with confidence that environmental epigenetics does generate a shift in the phenotype that is independent of the internal genetics.
Despite the human ability to adapt to new and changing environments, our bodies simply weren’t designed to live in the modern world. Take for instance the physiological stress response: you see a bear, your heart starts pumping harder and faster, your system fills with adrenaline, digestion gets put on hold, and all of your body’s attention is focused on survival. In this day and age, our bodies are being triggered to show this stress response multiple times a day—whether, during an argument with a significant other, the ping of an email notification that you know is from your boss or an alert for a new exam result on your college account. We’re constantly bombarded by signals, messages, requests, expectations, and demands, and we’ve entered a state of chronic stress as a result. The result? Burnout, a term recently recognized by the World Health Organization as an actual medical syndrome characterized by exhaustion, the inability to focus, a feeling of disengagement from our surroundings, and the inability to fall asleep.
CEO and co-founder of Apollo, Kathryn Fantauzzi, joins the podcast to discuss a potential remedy for burnout, which is a software platform, mobile app, and wearable device that sends vibrations to the body which the brain interprets as safety, and when you feel safe, your heart rate and breathing even out, which makes it easier to concentrate, feel calm, and fall asleep. Fantauzzi explains that this technology harnesses and amplifies the benefits of practices such as mindfulness and meditation without requiring the user to do anything other than wear the device on their wrist or ankle. In clinical studies, users have shown a 25% improvement in cognitive performance and accuracy under stress, as well as the ability to fall asleep faster, and improve heart rate variability, an indicator of the body’s overall resilience and recovery from stress. And since the software is integrated with Apple Healthkit, it can pull from a user’s biometric data to curate the best solution for their experience with burnout.
Tune in for the full conversation, and check out https://apolloneuro.com/.
For the first 23 years of her life, Sasha Stephens never thought twice about sleep, and she never really had to because she never had a problem with it. But after a bout of sleepless nights during her college years, the problem that seemed to come out of nowhere only seemed to worsen. And when she sought relief from sleeping pills, things got even worse. This was the beginning of a 15-year case of insomnia for Sasha, and it took over her life. But if it weren’t for this experience, Sasha likely wouldn’t have the insight she has today, nor be the author of The Effortless Sleep Method: The Incredible New Cure for Insomnia and Chronic Sleep Problems, nor the creator of Sleep for Life, an insomnia cure program that’s received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“Having the odd bad night of sleep or even the odd run of bad nights is completely and absolutely normal, and I think this is something we don’t allow people to realize. The reason that people suffer for years…and the reason that I suffered for such a long time…is because…we start throwing all sorts of things at the problem…without actually realizing that the more you do about insomnia the worse it becomes,” says Sasha. She goes on to explain the unhelpful habits that lead to and reinforce insomnia, misconceptions that many people hold about insomnia, some of her main recommendations for setting the right circumstances for sleep, and what a person can expect by enrolling in her program. “The main crux of my advice is in changing the way that you think about this problem,” she says.
Interested in hearing the full conversation and learning more about her program? Tune in and visit https://sleepforlife.com/.
“Soft tissue dysfunction is the etiology of malocclusion.” Those were the words that ultimately compelled Barry Raphael, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), to take a deeper look into the way the posture and functions of the tongue determine how well the jaw grows, how well the teeth come in, and how well the airway takes shape—all of which impact quality of sleep. For 27 years, Dr. Raphael practiced conventional orthodontics, but the way he practices now is completely different, aided by an approach that encourages healthy breathing, tongue posture, nutrition, and sleep.
Dr. Raphael is a wealth of information on these topics and many more, so tune in, and visit https://www.alignmine.com/ to learn more. To locate a dentist who recognizes the critical importance of and connection between airway formation, dental health, and sleep, visit aapmd.org.
In the West, the main facets of Chinese medicine have historically been ridiculed or otherwise dismissed as ineffective, and this includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. But today, perceptions of Chinese medicine are changing, in part because of the rise of notable and respectable physicians who began their careers in conventional Western medicine before realizing the value and effectiveness of Chinese medical practices. Dr. Shiroko Sokitch is one such physician, who abandoned her surgical residency after just two years to pursue an approach to medicine that blends the best of Western and Chinese medical practices and principles.
It’s now been over three decades since Dr. Sokitch began this approach to the treatment of her patients, and she sees an 85 percent success rate in treating and alleviating her patient’s symptoms. She joins the podcast to discuss how effective acupuncture can be in immediately relieving pain, Chinese herbal medicines that can improve quality of sleep by balancing the body’s energy, the strengths and weaknesses of Western and Chinese medicine, the way that Chinese medicine categorizes and understands the body’s organ systems, and some of the most common conditions she treats in her patients on a daily basis.
Press play for the full conversation and visit https://hearttoheartmedicalcenter.com/ to learn more about her work and philosophy.
Stephanie Schnorr, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, discusses her work studying digestion and the gut microbiome.
Schnorr is fascinated with diet, digestion, and what’s going on in our guts. She is a biological anthropologist who studies the human diet and gut microbiome as they pertain to human evolution. Of particular interest is how humans have such large brains. Schnorr studies dietary behavior, physiological adaptations, as well as the complete gut microbiome in relation to various environments humans have occupied. She takes a scientific eye to the study of these elements and environments, seeking evidence of the basic components that ultimately enable the existence of large-brained hominins.
As a trained biological anthropologist, Schnorr talks about the path she took from early education to her current advanced study and research. As she explains, her interest in sports performance, as well as muscle function and metabolism, made her more curious about what it takes to sustain a human organism. And her graduate dissertation work existed within this area of study. Her fascination with the gut microbiome pushed her to expand her research and look at what may be the greatest contributions it provides.
She discusses human development historically and poses the questions: what are we specialized to do, to eat, etc. Answering her question, she states that we actually have no specialization historically, that we are extremely adaptable. These questions pushed her to dig deeper into the power of the gut microbiome, metabolism, etc. Everyone, to some degree, has allergic reactions she states, which indicates there is a reaction to the environment. She discusses antibiotics, sleep, foods we eat, sanitation, stress, and pesticides, etc., and how it all affects us. She explains the connection to a healthier life via a mineral-fueled, more nutritious diet. And ultimately, the higher nutritional value in a diet helps one’s body to better adjust or combat allergies and other things that our bodies must contend with. Our immune system, as she states, is there to keep the microbial community in line.
Schnorr has worked in a wide variety of locations and laboratories, from deep within the beauty of East Africa, to specialized, ultra clean lab spaces designed for the study of ancient DNA, and many other kinds of labs and environments in between. Her detailed research and analyses have been published in many academic journals and noted in some of the most well known scientific periodicals and papers.
Donny Hanjaya-Putra, assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame, discusses his research and work in the field of stem cell therapy.
Hanjaya-Putra is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, as well as an assistant professor in the Bioengineering Graduate Program, and a concurrent assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and received his BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame.
Hanjaya-Putra discusses his work. He explains how his team utilizes engineering principles to try to control stem cell differentiation. Ultimately their work is centered on discovering new ways to model and understand diseases. Major areas of focus include stem cell engineering, biomaterials for stem cell morphogenesis, and targeted drug delivery.
Hanjaya-Putra’s lab is focused on the nexus between engineering and medicine, with the goal of utilizing stem cell and molecular therapies as a successful means to model and treat various diseases. The lab’s work integrates stem cell engineering, biomaterials synthesis, as well as micro/nano-technologies, combining the various scientific methods to enhance their study and research.
The Ph.D. provides detailed information about stem cells and the expression of proteins. He explains stem cell differentiation and tissue repair, and how the processes work. As he explains, stem cells know exactly where to go within the body, once injected. Hanjaya-Putra explains that through their ex vivo manipulation of the cells in the lab, and then injection of those cells back into the body, the reintroduced cells can use targeted molecules to repair cellular injuries.
Hanjaya-Putra expounds further upon the ways they can utilize small molecule drugs to enhance cellular repair. He explains how drugs work within the body and talk about the ways to design drugs to reduce side effects while maintaining the drug’s therapeutic effects.
Climate change is happening, and its impact on plant and human life will only increase in severity in the coming years. With this in mind, assistant professor at the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, Dr. Clay Wright, is focused on developing a deeper understanding of plant behavior and the way genes play a role in plant defense mechanisms and responses to environmental changes. Once equipped with this knowledge, Dr. Wright believes it will be possible to re-engineer plants in a way that will better equip them for the coming changes in their environment. As one example, he discusses the possibility of preserving and protecting plant growth by creating a novel signal that would repress the formation of buds for a designated period of time, such as the length of time of a hard frost, and implementing an additional signal that would relieve that repression only after the hard frost has passed.
Dr. Wright also discusses plant defenses to pests and pathogens, the ability of microbes to manipulate plant defenses and what this tells us about the evolutionary development of plants and microbes, how different types of plants might respond to high temperatures versus high concentrations of CO2, and all the details of two specific chemical hormones he’s studying in the lab at Virginia Tech.
Press play for all the details and visit https://www.bse.vt.edu/ to learn more.
Sarah Boisvert, author of, The New Collar Workforce: An Insider's Guide to Making Impactful Changes to Manufacturing and Training, discusses her research, her new book, and the skills needed to operate in new industries such as AI, 3D printing, and robotics.
Boisvert talks about the motivations and inspirations that led to her latest project, and the writing of her book, The New Collar Workforce. As she explains, upon selling her laser machine tool company, she took up research residence at a lab at MIT where she began to interact with other researchers and expand her interest in the processes and learning necessary to use digital fabrication tools, and others. Boisvert was most interested in methods to expand the skills gap for new disruptive industries.
As the manufacturing and tech author states, many skills that modern workers have and were hired for will no longer be needed in the coming future as tech expands. She explains how new technologies such as 3D printing are evolving rapidly. She cites examples of how new technologies will not have the benefit of calling on experienced veterans of the industry for help with machines and tech when problems arise because the technologies are evolving so quickly that everyone is new to them. Thus, in regard to servicing, the new technicians will have to be adaptable and have the ability to troubleshoot at the moment. They’ll need to be problem solvers in order to stay afloat in an ever-changing technology space.
Boisvert talks about how people of different ages will be able to function in a vastly changing economy. She discusses automation and the kinds of jobs that may be disappearing in the next five to ten years or so. As she explains, there will be a significant shift, and those with transferable skills will thrive the most. The education model has to change from lecture to development and cognitive thinking types of skills. As the blacksmith job gave way to the production line, so will our current economy and the ways we utilize new skills. Wrapping up, the author discusses what’s on the horizon for her and her lab.
Boisvert’s in-depth interviews with over 200 U.S. manufacturers enabled her to see that a paradigm shift is going to be necessary in order to return good paying manufacturing careers to middle-class Americans.
Toward the end of 2016, after three decades’ worth of planning and 12 years in space, the European Space Agency’s historic mission, Rosetta, ended. The unprecedented mission managed to establish a rendezvous with a comet, which means that it stayed in close proximity to a comet—orbiting at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per second—for over two years. It took 10 years just to reach and maintain the proper speed to establish the rendezvous. Dr. Paolo Ferri is Head of the ESA Mission Operations Department, and for today’s episode, he brings all of the insight and experience gained from having worked on the Rosetta mission. He explains the challenges presented by the comet’s gas and dust emissions, what it was like as Rosetta approached the nucleus of the comet, the characteristics of the surface of the comet and how they changed as the comet approached the sun, and some of the most surprising findings.
Tune in and learn more by visiting https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Rosetta.
As a professor in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Utah, Dr. Yong Lin Kong is focused on developing novel additive manufacturing technologies to create unique interwoven architecture and devices that can’t be created using conventional fabrication methods. By using a multi-scale, multi-material 3D-printing approach, Dr. Kong explains that the geometrical, mechanical and material difficulties present in conventional methods can be overcome, allowing for the creation of a broad range of 3D biomedical devices that can address a range of clinical needs. For example, one use case of this technology is ingestible electronics, which will not only allow for surgical integration of electronics in the human body to be bypassed, but also circumvent the inherent immune system response that would identify and attack such systems as foreign to the body.
The 3D-printing approach is also superior to conventional manufacturing processes in that it allows for the personalization of biomedical devices, tailored gastric residence time periods, and controlled dosage and release of drug compounds in the body. Dr. Kong makes for an insightful and compelling discussion, explaining the details of all this and more, including important safety measures for this technology, such as on-demand device disintegration in the event that an individual has a negative reaction to a device, how this approach could allow for the integration of electronic functionality into various prosthetics and regeneration implants, and what’s next on their itinerary.
Tune in for all the details and reach out with questions or requests for collaboration via yong.kong@utah.edu.
What makes us human? What do we want the human gene pool to look like? How much can we change without changing who we are as people? These are just some of the ethical questions that are being asked in response to a rapidly developing form of gene editing technology known as CRISPR. It’s a technology based on a system that bacteria have used for millions of years in fighting off viruses, and it involves editing a gene by adding or inserting portions of the genetic code. Essentially, this means editing the code of life, which can mean altering how organisms work, creating new organisms, or bringing back extinct species.
Tarun Wadhwa is the founder and CEO of Day One Insights and instructor at Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, and he joins the podcast to discuss CRISPR technology, its current and future implications, and how he’s trying to advance the conversation about it in order to increase understanding and awareness of the benefits and unknowns surrounding it. He explains that CRISPR technology is particularly powerful due to its low cost, simplicity, and democratization, and how these features make for countless unknowns in terms of future applications. He also discusses the importance of understanding the role of the cultural context in the development and manifestation of this technology, and what he predicts will happen over the course of the next couple of years, and much further into the future.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation and visit tarunwadhwa.com to learn more about this topic.
What do braces or crowding in the mouth have to do with sleep? At first, you may think there’s no connection, but according to Sandra Kahn, Paul Ehrlich, and a growing body of research, they’re directly related. Kahn and Ehrlich join the podcast today to discuss their new book, Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic, which details the connection between jaw size, the need for braces and sleep quality. They explain how the transition from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture and industrialization is perfectly correlated with the shrinkage of jaws, which has caused detrimental overcrowding in the mouth and alterations to facial anatomy that has prevented us from doing what we were evolutionarily designed to do: breathe through the nose, rather than through the mouth. This has led to an epidemic of sleep problems in people of all ages, including children, and is evidenced by the growing number of children who require braces. “It’s not that braces are necessarily bad, but they’re not addressing the real problem; they’re causing us to think that things are fine when they’re not,” says Kahn.
Despite the fact that most dentists and orthodontists blame genetics for these changes, Kahn and Ehrlich have devoted over five years’ worth of research to the issue and have found that everything points to environmental rather than genetic causes, explaining that the changes have occurred at a rate significantly faster than genetic evolution ever could. “We’re in a really sad epidemic—one that a lot could be done about, but that not much is being done about,” says Ehrlich. They go on to discuss the connections between Alzheimer’s and jaw malformation, how conditions such as depression and ADHD could actually be caused by poor sleep quality, how wisdom teeth are an “invention of industrialization” and their removal a huge money-maker, and the importance of shifting our focus from treatment to prevention.
Tune in and check out their book at https://amzn.to/2Q6qqzV for detailed explanations and illustrations of all this and more.
COMMONWEALTH CLUB TALK at https://youtu.be/8NgVQKZhMR0
The average US citizen consumes 50,000 pharmaceutical pills over the course of their lifetime, at least 50 percent of Americans take a prescription drug regularly, and many people who are over the age of 50 regularly take between five and 10 different prescription medications. With this much consumption, the fact that these drugs impact our lives is unquestionable, but what are those effects, and are we even aware of all of them? According to Thomas Hager, the use of pharmaceuticals impacts us in ways we don’t even realize and have been shaping culture for decades now.
Hager was working on a Ph.D. in medical microbiology when he came to the realization that, despite how interesting he found the material, he simply didn’t want to work in a lab for the rest of his life. As a result, he switched educational tracks, pursued a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, and merged his love of medicine and science with his love for writing. He has since become a well-known author of narrative nonfiction, turning science into the stories that exist within it.
On today’s episode, he discusses aspects of his newest book, Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills Have Shaped the History of Medicine, comments on the current state of drug use in America, and clues us into what his next book might be about. Tune in for all the details, check out thomashager.net, and find his books on Amazon, Kindle, or your local bookstore.
Hugo Mercier, CEO of Dreem (dreem.com), discusses their innovative solution that helps people achieve better quality sleep.
Mercier discusses the early ideas that intrigued him and led him down the path toward founding Dreem. As students at École Polytechnique, Hugo Mercier and Quentin Soulet de Brugière became fascinated by the scientific studies that indicated sound stimulations actually improve deep sleep. They wanted to dig deeper.
Mercier explains their product and how it works. Dreem is a headband and accompanying app that works with you to achieve better sleep. Many of us do not get the quality sleep that we need to feel refreshed and ready to take on the new day, which can lead to problems from fatigue, to stress, and more. The Dreem headband measures brain activity, heart rate, and movement through the night, with the kind of accuracy you would normally only be able to get in a sleep lab. As he explains, all the data collected through the night is accessible through your phone. And inside the Dreem app, users can access personal advice that will further help them improve their sleep. Working with cognitive behavioral therapists, Mercier and his team have developed a tool that helps people not only improve the quality of sleep but decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
Mercier talks about the kind of data that Dreem collects and what it can tell you. He discusses their studies, and how the Dreem data compares with expensive sleep lab equipment. And as he states, their numbers and results are very good, in regard to the accuracy and quality of their data collection! He explains how their product can help many types of sleep problems and disorders, including how it helps insomniacs. Mercier details the problems insomniacs struggle with, and how their sleep problem is further exacerbated by their stress about not being able to fall asleep.
Mercier explains that Dreem has developed a program with sleep doctors that offers Dreem users accurate, insightful advice that gets to the root of their sleep problems from an analytical perspective, to help users understand how to correct sleep problems. By understanding one’s sleep and sleep habits, we can find a way to combat problems and get better quality sleep, which leads to improvements in a vast number of ways in regard to wellness.
Dr. Jonathan Delafield-Butt, Director of the cross-disciplinary Laboratory for Innovation in Autism and Reader in Child Development at the University of Strathclyde, discusses his interesting research in early cognitive development.
Fascinated by psychology, Delafield-Butt’s work studies the genesis of conscious experience as well as the deep emotional foundations of general psychological development, with a special focus on the motor disruption seen in autism spectrum disorder. Delafield-Butt earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Neurobiology from the University of Edinburgh Medical School and completed his postdoctoral work while attending the Universities of Edinburgh and Copenhagen. He is a contributing writer to the notable book titled, The Infant Mind: Origins of the Social Brain.
Dr. Jonathan Delafield-Butt talks about his background and the reasons why he was so motivated to study the infant mind and infant development. As he states, he was interested in the mind, and he thought it best to start at the beginning, to understand the human mind in its early development. As he explains, his early work was in the field of chemistry, then he moved into neuroscience to get a better understanding of the structure, composition, and origins of the human mind. Delafield-Butt talks about how he wanted to truly pinpoint the emergence of consciousness and the development of the human agency. By studying movement, Delafield-Butt was seeking to ascertain exactly when movement is first organized with an awareness, conscious actions.
The Ph.D. provides an overview of the stages of development, and how awareness and conscious actions are developed, and progress. He discusses participatory awareness and the moments that infants begin to demonstrate their conscious awareness. He cites important studies and the historical work of other scientists working with consciousness theories, going back to the early 1950s. And he provides an overview of newer data that discusses cortex and brain stem theories. As he states, all of our experiences are taking place through the brain stem, and that the brain stem does have associative memory. Ultimately, Delafield-Butt states that some areas of the brain are more to the foreground than others, depending upon the given need at the time. He discusses various layers, memories, and associations—incorporating instinct, problem-solving, etc. Delafield-Butt states that while infants do not have the same conceptual organization, an abstraction of ideas, or the mastery of language, they are in fact as conscious as adults.
Dr. Jonathan Delafield-Butt is a respected member of the World Association for Infant Mental Health and the International Society for Autism Research. He is also an affiliate member of the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre at the University of Gothenburg.
Arthur S. Reber, cognitive psychologist, professor of psychology, and prolific author discusses implicit learning and consciousness on the cellular level.
Reber is a Fulbright Fellow and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as well as the Association for Psychological Science (APS). Reber earned his BA in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA and Ph.D. from Brown University.
Reber discusses the origin of his fascination with implicit learning. He recounts an interesting story in which he observed a caterpillar in his garden that seemed to be so obviously making conscious choices—which leaf to chew on, should I check for predators, etc. This experience intrigued him and he pushed his research further. As he began to research and write about the topic of conscious cells, he found there seemed to be, initially, no interest in the scientific community for his research. But as time passed, he dug deeper relating his research to all his knowledge in cognitive function, and the scientific community took note.
Reber is celebrated for his work in the nexus between biology and psychology and he is widely known in the scientific community for introducing the concept of implicit learning, and for utilizing the elementary principles of biology to demonstrate how implicit or unconscious cognitive functions contrast with those that are conducted consciously.
The Ph.D. discusses prokaryotes and their functioning. A prokaryote, simply defined, is a unicellular organism lacking a supporting membrane-bound nucleus and mitochondria, as well as any other membrane-bound organelle. He talks about prokaryotes, the simplest living organisms, and their astonishing skills in learning. He relates some information on various experiments that provided insight into cells and how they function while defending themselves from viruses and toxins. He discusses daughter cells and the metabolic adjustments that are made and how it all impacts a cellular colony.
Reber provides further information on bacteria and how they are sensitive. He talks about the effects of anesthetics on bacteria’ behaviors, and the remarkable skills they have to minimize their suffering. He relates this information to plants and discusses how plants have experiences that cause them to produce anesthetics. While we tend to not think of plants as being sentient, able to feel or perceive, Reber states that they probably are. As he explains, plant roots are sensitive to nutrient contents and will shift depending upon the circumstance within the soil. And as he states, this brings up an interesting point in regard to ethics, specifically for vegans, for if plants are sentient, they feel and have consciousness.
“Today, whether it’s an increase in narcissism, a reduction in time, or an obsession with technology, there are many reasons why people are understanding themselves to be and seeming to feel that there’s less empathy out there,” says Minter Dial, keynote speaker and author of Heartificial Empathy: Putting Heart into business and Artificial Intelligence. He goes on to explain the effects that this minimal amount or complete lack of empathy has in the world of business, one of which leaves customers feeling as though their needs and desires aren’t being heard, understood, or addressed. As a result of this, people, on the whole, are beginning to lose their loyalty for certain companies, and are unable to establish it for new ones.
A seemingly obvious answer to this problem might be to program empathy into the machines with which we increasingly interact, to encode our experiences with empathy in order to ensure that it’s there—whether in an application online, an AI-driven personal shopper or automated checkout stands at the market. And while integrating empathy in AI might be a good idea, is it possible? Are we capable of encoding machines to show empathy when we are incapable of showing it ourselves? According to Minter Dial, this is an important question to ask, as it will force us to turn the mirrors on ourselves and consider why empathy is so important and whether we are capable of practicing it once again.
Tune in to hear Minter Dial discuss a range of issues on this topic, and visit minterdial.com for more of his work.
“The realm of the invisible and the ancestral realm opened up to me, and the fundamental principles of reality were suddenly obvious to me, just about the nature of reality itself and the big picture, and I felt more connected to source—whatever term you want to use, god, goddess, the great mystery—than I ever did in my years as a clergyman,” says Bruce Sanguin, who for 30 years practiced as a minister in a progressive church, preaching every Sunday and living life as a true clergyman before realizing that there was still something missing, some sort of personal unrest, something preventing him from expressing deep love. Separated from his life and duties as a clergyman, he didn’t hesitate to go when a friend invited him to an ayahuasca ceremony. Soon after, he found himself immersed in the world of psychedelic psychotherapy, undergoing at least a dozen sessions under the influence of MDMA and LSD, each session lasting four to five hours. “I was taken into dimensions and domains that ordinary consciousness doesn’t make available,” he says, explaining how it was in this space that he not only achieved a more profound gratitude for life than ever before, but also identified, and dismantled the core unconscious beliefs that were for so many years holding him back from being his truest and best self. Sanguin delivers an enlightening and inspiring message about overcoming past trauma, learning to love truly and deeply, finding peace, and practicing empathy.
Adam Brown, the author of Bright Spots & Landmines, shares his thoughts on managing diabetes in a modern world.
Adam doesn’t just write about diabetes, he has firsthand experience—16 years in fact—from his personal life, living with and managing his diabetes. His popular book, Bright Spots & Landmines, is a must-read for anyone who seeks to properly manage their diabetes, or for those who have loved ones dealing with diabetes and simply want a better understanding. The book provides useful information and diabetes tips. It answers questions that many have when they embark on their diabetes management journey, from what foods one should eat to reduce or minimize blood sugar shifts, how to handle stress, and how to improve sleep quality and exercise performance.
Adam discusses his life before and after, as he talks about his diagnosis in 2001 with type 1 diabetes. He shares his experiences dealing with diabetes, and highlights some impactful moments that occurred during his college years upon discovering bodybuilding; he was intrigued by the intense monitoring and tracking that many bodybuilders rely upon to regulate their body’s performance and overall health. After taking some nutrition classes he came to realize that eating is one of the most important tools that can help manage diabetes.
The diabetes writer discusses continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which is a method that can be used to track glucose levels all through the day and night. CGM systems can take important glucose measurements at consistent intervals around the clock, and translate those readings into actionable data, as it generates glucose direction as well as the rate of change reports, to help manage diabetes optimally. Adams explains how CGM users can take a more proactive approach, and manage their glucose highs and lows, as well as get a better understanding of how food and exercise are affecting their body chemistry.
Adam discusses fasting and time-restricted eating, as well as other issues often discussed in the diabetes community. And he details some of the CGM devices that are on the horizon, smaller and less expensive, making body monitoring even easier for individuals with diabetes.
Adam is a senior editor with diaTribe, an online community for those with diabetes, and his column, “Adam’s Corner,” is a popular feature of the site that offers truly amazing diabetes tips to many people across the globe. In his column, he shares a wealth of knowledge on mindset, foods, exercise, and strategies for getting better sleep—all of which have helped him live a fuller, healthier life as he manages his diabetes effectively.
Fatima AlZahra´a Alatraktchi holds a Ph.D. in nanophysics and is creating a buzz in the science and technology world. In this interesting, informative podcast she discusses her work and how we can learn so much from bacteria.
Fatima AlZahra´a Alatraktchi of DTU Nanotech is a celebrated nanophysicist and she was recently awarded the PhD thesis of the year award for the groundbreaking work entitled, Micro- and nano-sensors for early diagnosis of bacterial infections. Fatima’s buzzworthy PhD project was completed in collaboration with DTU Bioengineering, DTU Biosustain, as well as DTU Nanotech.
Fatima discusses her background and how she found her way into her current area of research. She recounts how she was extremely fascinated by the idea that bacteria actually communicate, talk to each other in a language that they can utilize to coordinate their activities. Over the years, her interest in this topic never waned and eventually, with a wealth of knowledge and education to her credit, she began to strategize on methods to isolate these molecules that enable bacteria communication, as a means to develop prediagnostic tools with the goal of diagnosing infections at an early stage. Fatima explains how the bacteria world parallels to the human world. She details how bacteria communicate and how they exhibit collective behavior, performing tasks to benefit the group or community and allowing it to thrive.
The nanophysics Ph.D. and science tech entrepreneur explains the ways that bacteria communicate and the sensors that she and her team have developed to understand the colonization. As she explains, bacteria behavior can even sometimes be seen with the naked eye in an exciting visual manner. The bacteria expert goes on to discuss cooperation between bacteria strains, explaining competition and domination within the bacterial communities. Fatima talks about how they work with their samples, regarding the molecules that bacteria secrete. She discusses her work in relation to the medical practices doctors use to detect infection, and as she states, it’s best to detect and treat infections early on.
Further, Fatima provides information on the types of bacteria they work with and their potential for furthering medical care. In her groundbreaking thesis, Fatima developed a method for detecting one of the most troubling and problematic types of bacteria. Her method is based upon a nanosensor and is simpler, quicker, and extremely more sensitive than any of the current methods that exist.
To put it mildly, Dr. Lawrence Bonassar is an expert on tissue engineering; prior to working as a professor at the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, he served as a faculty member of the Center For Tissue Engineering at UMass Medical School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in orthopedic research at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Center for Biomedical Engineering at MIT. He’s also on the editorial board of the journal Tissue Engineering, and head of The Bonassar Research Group.
His work is focused on bringing engineered tissues to the clinic as a way of treating tissue degradation that occurs with aging and disease. The tissues he and his team are engineering are responsible for providing mobility and mechanical functions in the body and include articular, meniscus, and intervertebral disk cartilage. He explains the complexity of intervertebral disks, which are composed of a combination of different types of cartilage and an end plate, and the challenges present in creating them in the lab and ensuring that they will fit any individual patient. The engineering of these tissues is aided by imaging technology that allows Dr. Bonassar and his team determine the correct length, width, depth, and overall shape of an implant based on a patient’s existing anatomy.
Dr. Bonassar discusses the science and technique underlying the development, implantation, and effect and function of these tissues once in the body, as well as the results they’ve seen in studies using these implants in Beagles with intervertebral disk disease. Tune in to hear all the details and learn about the future direction of this research.
Learn more by visiting https://bonassar.research.engineering.cornell.edu/.
Media coverage on the prospect of self-driving cars leading the future of transportation has been almost entirely positive, highlighting the potential benefits and avoiding discussion of the numerous questions that remain. At first, Christian Wolmar, a pundit and author who’s been an authoritative source on transport matters for over 25 years, swallowed the hype surrounding this new form of technology. But he didn’t have to look too closely to realize that the hype was undue, with too many technical and social objections to ignore.
On today’s episode, he delivers an overview of the many concerns with driverless cars, and the many challenges that would need to be overcome in order to realistically and safely consider a future in which they are the primary means of transportation. Tune in for an important and informative conversation on this emerging form of technology that’s generating excitement, fear, and uncertainty.
Visit http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/ to read all of Wolmar’s recent articles.
Unexplained and profound fatigue, a general feeling of achiness in the muscles, higher perceptions of pain to touch and pressure, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, poor sleep, never feeling rested, gut issues…the list could go on. These are many of the symptoms experienced by those who have fibromyalgia, a condition that for much of its history in the world of conventional medicine has been poorly understood, misdiagnosed, untreated, or altogether dismissed as unreal. But for those who deal with these symptoms on a daily basis, it is very much real and can make life next to unbearable. Dr. David Brady didn’t learn much about the condition during medical school, and what he did learn proved to be incorrect or overshadowed by doubt in the legitimacy of the condition. But as he continued to see patients who presented with the same or similar collections of signs, he was compelled to take a deeper look into how the condition should be characterized, understood, and treated.
As the author of The Fibro Fix: Get to the Root of Your Fibromyalgia and Start Reversing Your Chronic Pain and Fatigue in 21 Days, Dr. Brady has developed a toolbox of treatments and methods to address the needs and alleviate the symptoms of his patients, and the very last tool he ever uses is often the immediate go-to in conventional medicine: pharmaceuticals, which are not designed specifically for fibromyalgia, but merely repurposed and relabeled drugs used for other conditions, such as depression or epilepsy. Not only are these drugs largely ineffective, but linked to countless side effects. Dr. Brady discusses how he approaches the assessment of patients who may have fibromyalgia, the elimination process that leads him to feel confident in his diagnoses, and the alternative approaches he takes to the treatment of the condition, which includes heart rate variability exercises, improving quality of sleep, naturally increasing the levels of serotonin in the body, using herbal medicines that calm the central nervous system, making dietary changes, and implementing meditative and other relaxation practices in the daily routines of his patients.
Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.fibrofix.com/ and https://drdavidbrady.com/.
At the Institute of Molecular Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Christopher Reinkemeier is a Ph.D. student who’s involved with a project that’s providing breakthrough evidence of the ability of synthetic organelles to carry out complex tasks in living cells. How complex? One of the most complex and important processes that cells carry out: translation or the synthesis of proteins. In the body, translation involves hundreds of organic molecules, but the synthetic organelle Reinkemeier has helped to develop requires just five components, which, once in a living cell, recruit all of the other necessary components of translation.
Reinkemeier provides an in-depth discussion about the science behind what they’ve created, and the significance of the fact that it’s capable of modifying one messenger RNA (mRNA) for the production of one, specifically modified protein. Tune in for all the details.
Dr. Volodymyr Koman, a postdoc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), discusses his work with cell-sized robots and explains their many possible uses in our ever-increasing technological world.
Dr. Koman received a BS in Applied Physics from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, then an MS in Photonics from Ghent University, before moving on to earn and complete his Ph.D. in Photonics at the prestigious Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne. Dr. Koman has a particular fascination with cell-sized robots and his work is focused in this area currently.
Dr. Koman discusses their cell-sized robots and how they arrived at the name of ‘colloidal nanoelectronic state machines’ for their groundbreaking tiny robots. He describes state machines as simple robots with several states on board, essentially state machines that are doing computations on board of the particle. Dr. Koman describes his team’s fascination with nature, which caused them to pose questions such as, can we think like nature? Their work takes the question into the test phase, as they seek to make advanced cell-size ‘state machines’ or robots that can form tissues and create bigger structures.
These minuscule robots can sense their environment, store data, and complete computational tasks. They consist of tiny electronic circuits comprised of two-dimensional materials, riding along atop minuscule particles known as colloids. Dr. Koman explains how these tiny state machines can communicate with each other while completing tasks. He expounds upon their vision for the future of these infinitesimal robots.
Dr. Koman provides details on the structures and circuits of their tiny state machines, and how they hope to effectively allow them to transform and change shape. These machines will look very different from our current machines and from our cells, Dr. Koman states.
The cellular-size technology expert provides further information on uses within the bloodstream. One particular area of expansion for the technology could be for diagnostics. By combining these tiny objects with complex circuitry, it may open up possibilities for the creation of devices that could be utilized to carry out diagnostic journeys into the human digestive system. Colloids can exist in environments and move about in ways that other materials simply cannot, which makes them particularly attractive for specialized tasks. Dr. Koman talks about the future of robotics and his team’s outlook for their advanced tiny robots. From bloodstream to tissue, the uses and possibilities are nearly limitless.
The mutualistic relationship between the acacia plant and a certain species of ant is fascinating: the plant produces an addictive chemical substance that attracts a certain species of ant, and the ant survives off this substance while providing protective benefits for the plant. As another example of the amazing ways in which plants leverage chemicals to their advantage, tomato plants that are overeaten by caterpillars have the ability to produce chemicals that induce cannibalism in caterpillars. How do plants know to respond in these ways? How do they know which chemicals to produce and when to produce them in order to protect themselves in these ingenious ways? According to Dr. Frantisek Baluska from the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany at the University of Bonn in Germany, the answer is that plants have a rich mental life that is far more complex than previously thought. Although there is a growing body of research that suggests a form of true plant cognition, mainstream science still largely reserves words such as ‘sentient’, ‘intelligent’, and ‘problem-solving’ for humans only. But Dr. Baluska argues that plants are masters of chemistry and that this mastery indicates the presence of complex cognitive mechanisms similar to those found in the human nervous system. Dr. Baluska discusses a range of topics—all of which are the perfect mix of intriguing and informative, leading you into the world of the masters of chemistry. Tune in and visit https://www.thethirdwayofevolution.com/people/view/frantisek-baluska for more.
McKeown was a chronic asthmatic who suffered from regular wheezing and coughing for more than twenty years before he discovered the Buteyko Method. After mastering the method, he has been completely free of symptoms, as well as medication, since the late 90s. Today, McKeown is a qualified practitioner after training with Professor Buteyko, the originator of the method.
McKeown talks about his background and how his own struggles with issues such as asthma, constant stuffy nose, and mouth breathing motivated him to find a solution. As he explains, having these issues can seriously impact the quality of our sleep, and as such McKeown used to wake up very tired often, before discovering Buteyko.
Further, the Buteyko practitioner delves into the various techniques people can use to decongest their noses, to allow clearer breathing through the nose. The nose, in fact, is so important, that it is responsible for over 30 functions in the human body, so it’s clear that we want to keep it clear! As McKeown explains, nasal issues that prevent quality nasal breathing can contribute to so many problems from dry mouth/inflammation, to learning difficulties, reduced IQ, decreased productivity, and much more.
The breathing expert talks about blood vessels and how breathing affects carbon dioxide levels. Blood circulation and breath are directly connected. Anxiety, depression, and high stress can greatly benefit from slower, fuller breathing. McKeown’s book, Close Your Mouth, is a respected self-help book that offers an easy to follow, complete instruction set for the Buteyko Method, to help combat asthma, nasal congestion, and snoring. And the proof is in the results, as multiple clinical trials have proven that the Buteyko Method is highly effective and provides a true remedy for the reversal of asthma, resulting in 70% less coughing and wheezing, and an astounding 90% reduction in the need for reliever medication, and a remarkable 50% reduced need for preventer medication.
McKeown talks about how he works with clients to help them develop an exercise plan that works for them. He can measure their breathing during their first visit and ascertain how they will be able to function in various exercises and periods of physical exertion. Through the Buteyko method, many people have found relief from their nagging, lifelong problems, and McKeown is helping to spread the word to the world, to help people find real solutions to their debilitating health issues.
Gene Monterastelli, the founder of Tapping Q&A (tappingqanda.com), provides an overview of tapping as a therapy option to help people overcome obstacles in their lives.
Monterastelli earned his degree from the Catholic University of America. His vast experience in various therapeutic techniques includes hypnotism, guided imagery, NLP, parts work, as well as meridian based tapping protocols such as EFT.
Monterastelli talks about his background. He discusses how social anxiety led him to discover tapping. Monterastelli’s road to recovery and healing from his anxiety issues were aided by this interesting therapeutic technique and he decided to share his knowledge with others in his eBook. His popular audiobook, Recovering Self: A Healing Manifesto is available for everyone, at no cost. Monterastelli recounts how his social anxiety had gotten so bad before he discovered the power of tapping, that he couldn’t even call out his stop on airport shuttle buses, or help friends with favors that required a simple phone call to someone. In short, his life was in need of a solution, and he found it through tapping.
Monterastelli talks about studies regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture and how it has been proven to be a useful tool in pain management and also in battling depression and phobias. He discusses the early work of tapping therapy founder, Dr. Roger Callahan, who first decided to take the concept of acupuncture and adapt it to a form of healing using only hands and fingers to tap meridian points, abandoning the needles, to provide benefits to more people. However, the algorithms of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) are rather complex, and thus one of Callahan’s students, a man by the name of Gary Craig, simplified the technique even more and thus became the founder of what we know today as EFT Tapping Therapy.
Monterastelli talks about the tool-sets that people can utilize within the context of this therapy. He talks about the basic tenets of tapping that include tuning in to your issue (physical pain or emotion) and then tapping points. By moving from tapping point to tapping point, and talking through the problem, you can then conquer the problem. Monterastelli talks about trauma and how much tapping could be necessary to find relief and to recover. He talks about the many and various issues that tapping can be utilized to combat.
The tapping expert discusses how tapping can be used in a clinical setting. He outlines how simply being present is important in the process. And he goes into detail about some of the kinds of issues that people can tackle by utilizing tapping. Monterastelli works with clients across the globe, one-on-one over the phone as well as through Skype. Some of the main areas he provides his expertise on are as follows: stress, limiting beliefs, anxiety, smoking, learning disabilities, pain management, and even relationship issues.
During his work as a doctoral student, Roman Teslyuk noticed that there was something missing in the world of geological research and mineral exploration: objective, big data analytics. In its place were less objective forms of localized analysis that were failing to take advantage of the massive amounts of archived data gathered from past research in the field. With the goal of advancing mineral exploration by leveraging all of the available data, Teslyuk founded Earth AI, a company that’s focused on locating deposits of technology metals that are crucial components of growth in the high-tech industry, such as copper, zinc, nickel, lithium, and vanadium.
With the use of a geological AI training system that learns from geochemical, magnetic, radiometric and multi-spectral remote sensing data from previously explored regions, the AI system generalizes all of the data and develops predictions for which locations have the highest likelihood of metal deposits. It takes the Earth AI team just two weeks to cover 100 square miles of land; traditionally, it would take the same amount of people months to search different locations based only on signs of mineralization—a much more expensive and less efficient method. Earth AI’s technology currently boasts a success rate that’s 50 times greater than the industry’s. Tune in for all the details, and visit earth-ai.com to learn more.
When businesses have high volumes of contracts that need to be negotiated on a regular basis, they usually do one of two things: hire a big law firm to do it for them or use their in-house legal team. However, there are several drawbacks to both of these options. For example, when a company leaves it to a big law firm to handle, they spend more money, lose visibility on the process, and never build long-term relationships with the lawyers who do the work for them. And when these contracts are dealt with on an in-house basis, time and attention are taken away from other, more pressing and high-value tasks within the business.
According to Lane Lillquist, co-founder of InCloudCounsel, there’s a third, far superior solution that incorporates machine learning and not only provides a consistent stream of work for the attorneys who work for InCloudCounsel, but provides businesses with a personalized team of experts dedicated to the proper, efficient, and low-cost execution of their contract negotiations. In addition to discussing the ins and outs of how the service works, Lillquist talks about document abstracting, which is a process that is powered by machine learning and capable of scanning hundreds of pages of documents for answers to specific questions.
Learn more by visiting https://www.incloudcounsel.com/.
Meghna Thacker is a trusted doctor, thyroid expert, and celebrated author. Her book, Seven Steps to Heal Your Thyroid: A proven plan to Increase Energy, Elevate Mood & Optimize Weight is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve better health and wellness. In this informative, interesting podcast, Dr. Thacker shares her vast knowledge of thyroid health and wellness.
Dr. Thacker has long been a passionate healer, particularly focused on thyroid disease, motivated by her own struggles with this frustrating, troublesome condition. Her book, Seven Steps to Heal your Thyroid, provides pertinent information to help everyone who suffers from thyroid issues—to increase their energy, elevate their mood, and achieve/maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Thacker is a respected, licensed Naturopathic Physician in Arizona. She graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine after successful completion of her bachelor’s in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery from Mumbai, India.
Dr. Thacker talks about her personal history battling Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, gaining weight, losing her hair, and being frustrated with multiple symptoms when she was growing up in India. She talks about her experiences early on, medications, and the various effects of thyroid conditions. Dr. Thacker explains that it is important to find a doctor who truly understands thyroid issues because blood tests might show normal range results, but people are still suffering, thus you need a doctor who will dig deeper, to test and find a solution to the problem. The thyroid doctor talks about specific cases and patients, and how she worked to find an answer to each person’s unique situation.
The thyroid naturopathic doctor talks about diet, supplements, botanical medicines, and micronutrient analyses that provide detailed information. Understanding things on the cellular level allows physicians to better strategize on appropriate treatment. And she explains thyroid balance and how the body detoxifies.
Dr. Thacker’s holistic practice focuses heavily on helping women balance their hormones and treat their thyroid disorders naturally.
Rana Gujral, an investor, noted speaker, and CEO of Behavioral Signals, delivers an interesting overview of the current state of AI regarding communication and user experience.
Gujral has a proven track record in enterprise software, business building, and strategy, as well as emerging markets. Gujral’s successful past accomplishments include his tenure as founder and CEO of TiZE Inc., a groundbreaking SaaS platform. Gujral was an essential member of the team for Cricut Inc. where he worked to build an innovative product for their DIY community which brought them to profitability within just 2 years. And earlier, Gujral held leadership positions with Logitech S.A. and Kronos Inc.
Gujral discusses the AI that they are developing which, remarkably, understands the emotional context of what we speak. Gujral and his predecessors have long pondered the question: can you truly have artificial intelligence machines without emotions? Gujral states that this emotional element is a critical piece of voice interactions. With voice recognition accuracy now reaching its necessary apex, emotion and interaction is the next great frontier. Communicating intent is crucial. It’s not just what is being said, but how someone is saying it; context and emotion are the missing links that Gujral’s company is innovatively bringing into the mix. Gujral states that we gather more emotional context from hearing someone speak, much more than viewing facial expressions even.
The technology expert and entrepreneur talks about various business use cases and how technology is enhancing our communication. He explains how agents can speak with clients and enhance their experience by utilizing the technology, as it provides helpful input that improves communication. For example, the tech can provide input about the call in real time that may provide a range of information from, ‘you need to speak faster,’ ‘you sound angry, you should change your tone,’ or ‘the client sounds upset,’ etc., real-time information that can help improve the communication and thus enhance the experience for all parties involved.
Gujral acknowledges that it is an exciting time for AI in general. AI is here and taking a more prominent role in all business transactions, and successful, forward-thinking companies are integrating AI technologies into their technology stacks, for improved communication, efficiency, and success.
Ethan Siegel, astrophysicist, author, science communicator, and educator, as well as a senior contributor for Forbes and other publications, delivers an insightful and thorough overview of space/time, black holes, and the physics that seeks to explain it all.
Siegel is an award-winning science writer and founder of the popular blog, Starts With A Bang. And he has two books currently available, Treknology: The Science of Star Trek from Tricorders to Warp Drive, and Beyond the Galaxy: How humanity looked beyond our Milky Way and discovered the entire Universe.
Siegel discusses the recent black hole photograph, obtained by using Event Horizon Telescope observations of the center of the galaxy M87, that created a buzz around the world. As Siegel states, nothing will be the same in physics afterward. He underscores the importance of this image. He states that the goal in science is to test and try to disprove, in order to cement theories. And Siegel explains, in great detail, how this image establishes the accuracy of Einstein’s theory of relativity and other scientific ideas. Siegel explains Newton’s theories and describes gravitational principles in regard to what we now understand about black holes.
The astrophysicist discusses the space-time continuum. He goes into detail about how space is being dragged faster than the speed of light in an event horizon, in regard to the acceleration of matter and differences of temperature. And he explains the fabric of space-time, in regard to what is happening in the event horizon, detailing information about the rotation of a black hole with an outer event horizon and an inner event horizon. Siegel explains the significance of these discoveries that again underscore the importance of the recent black hole photograph that Siegel states is one of the most consequential
moments in the science of the last decade.
Fine and gross motor skills, visual perceptual skills, and self-regulatory skills all play an important role in a young person’s ability to participate in learning, playing, and socializing, but as an occupational therapist working with children, adolescents, and young adults, Lindsey Biel focuses on what she says underlies all of these skills and serves as the foundation for them: sensory processing. She provides the listener with an image of a paper plate that holds a hot dog, then a handful of chips, followed by some coleslaw; it isn’t until it’s asked to hold just a little bit of potato salad that the whole plate falls apart. “Teachers and parents need to figure out how much you can put on a person’s paper plate before they fall apart, and as a therapist, I need to start building a stronger paper plate,” says Biel. She goes on to explain how she goes about doing that, which is a process that always begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s strengths and challenges.
Biel explains that sensory sensitivities exist on a continuum, with what most people would consider “pet peeves” on one end and extreme, disabling sensitivities on the other. She also discusses the relationship between sensory sensitivities and autism, examples of the range of sensitivities people can experience, a growing body of science that points to the potential causes of sensory sensitivities, and how stress impacts an individual’s already compromised ability to self-regulate.
Having been in the field for over 20 years and authored two books, Raising a Sensory Child and Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens, Biel is a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Visit sensorysmarts.com for a downloadable sensory checklist, information on strategies for sensory difficulties, webcasts, and magazine articles, and check out Amazon or your local bookstore for her books.
According to Hakan Svedhem, the European Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter is a beast of a spacecraft, weighing in at 3.7 tons, but on board, you’ll find very sensitive instruments, capable of detecting one molecule of methane out of 10 billion molecules of carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere. In addition to these sensitive pieces of technology referred to as spectrometers, you’ll find a camera capable of generating 3D landscape images, and an instrument that can detect the presence of water molecules a meter deep in the surface of Mars.
Svedhem is a project scientist on the ExoMars mission and he joins the podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including how cosmic rays aid in the detection and quantification of water molecules, conflicting reports as to whether or not methane has been detected in the Martian atmosphere in the past, and if so, the significance of that finding, global dust storms and temperature fluctuation on Mars, and a bit about the launch of the ESA’s Mars rover slated for 2021. Learn more about this and all the other projects going on within the ESA by visiting https://www.esa.int/ESA.
In today’s world, it seems that large marketplaces and corporations dominate. Many people go straight to Amazon when they’re looking for a product, where five million-sellers compete for business. This experience, however, lacks personalization, the benefit of buying local, and the opportunity to support small communities of makers who are creating organic, small-batch products. As a maker herself, Karen Rzepecki wanted to carve out a marketplace for makers of original brands to collaborate, learn, and grow from each other, all while providing consumers with unique, local products. With this goal in mind, Rzepecki founded Mason Jars Makerplace, where there are already over 100 sellers on the platform or signed up to be.
Rzepecki talks about some of the most popular products on the Mason Jars site, many of which are recipes for and ready-made fermented goods, including kombucha, vegetables, sauerkraut, hot sauce, and honey. She also discusses the benefit of having access to regional goods and loads of DIY resources. Tune in and check out what they have to offer at masonjars.com
As the founder of CPAPBabes, Stacy Erickson Edwards is making it her mission to raise awareness of sleep apnea and the importance of receiving the right diagnosis early on, encourage people to appreciate the CPAP machine, which is the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea, and empower people to use the machine with confidence and a sense of pride.
She discusses the tendency of people to associate sleep apnea and CPAP machines with overweight, unhealthy, older people, so it came as quite a shock to her when at 32 she received the diagnosis herself. But it is precisely these stereotypes—which are not at all reflective of reality—that are so detrimental and cause people to feel self-conscious about the diagnosis of sleep apnea, reluctant or embarrassed about using the machine, and ashamed for needing it. Edwards explains that this can easily lead to untreated cases of sleep apnea, which pose a threat not only to people’s health but to public safety. Among other topics, she discusses sleep apnea in kids and how untreated sleep apnea can be misdiagnosed as ADHD, the growing number of sleep apnea diagnoses among millennials, how the personalization of CPAP masks and machines could help change the stigma attached to them and make people more excited about using them, and a common problem with auto-adjust pressure machines.
Get in contact with Stacy Erickson Edwards on Instagram and check out her website at cpapbabes.com.
At Terrestrial Energy, the team’s goal is to commercialize an advanced nuclear technology with four leading characteristics: cheap, clean, versatile, and high temperature. According to the company’s CFO, Canon Bryan, these are the ingredients necessary for a nuclear power system to reach beyond electricity and provide power for industry, heating, and transport. He explains that while nuclear energy has been a stable source of power for decades now, high upfront construction costs were too great for even national economies to accept. Terrestrial Energy is addressing this drawback by delivering smaller and cheaper plants that maintain scalability and afford greater versatility. Bryan discusses a range of topics, including public perception of nuclear energy, the safety and risks of nuclear energy versus other types of energy, how economic innovation occurs, and the promise of nuclear innovation for the future of the world. Tune in and visit https://www.terrestrialenergy.com/ to learn more.
Data is everywhere these days, and there are more ways than ever to collect it, from having our genomes sequenced for cheaper than ever before, to tracking our level and type of activity at all times of the day. But are we ultimately making the most of all this data, and are we even aware of the amount of data being collected on a daily basis? According to Bastian Tzovaras, head of research at Open Humans Foundation, there’s actually a lot more data being collected than we’re aware of, and we aren’t making the most of it. He joins the podcast to discuss how Open Humans Foundation is empowering people to get copies of their data from numerous sources for the purposes of their own growth and to power new kinds of research.
Tzovaras discusses the types of data they’re helping people collect, the importance of removing data from silos and aggregating it for the benefit of communities and society, how he’s made use of his own data through the Open Humans Foundation, new types of experiments that increased access to data is making possible, and the correlations that can be drawn by combining silos of data, such as the relationship between glucose levels and activity. Interested in learning more or joining Open Humans Foundation? Check out http://openhumansfoundation.org/.
Louise Short, MD, MSc, National Clinical Leader for Strategic Benefit Advisors (SBA) and Brown & Brown discusses the current state of healthcare and health management and how employers can embrace new innovative ideas to improve health strategies.
After earning an undergraduate degree at Harvard and an MD from Tufts University School of Medicine, and completing her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Dr. Short received further training at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City before embarking on her illustrious career in healthcare strategies.
As an innovative leader in her field, Dr. Short works with businesses and employers to develop progressive strategies and solutions that will aid families, and support them, with the goal of making good choices to help them avoid the detrimental effects of poor health.
Dr. Short talks about Strategic Benefit Advisors and its mission. She discusses their work in population health, assisting employers with improving health, medical care, costs, and productivity. She outlines the issues that employers face, such as escalating healthcare costs… from high-cost claimants to specialty drugs, chronic disease and more. Dr. Short relates her thoughts about ongoing care and the possibility of it being delivered virtually, to save time and money. And she discusses virtual coaching that is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant, which increases health awareness and health improvement.
The health enhancement strategist provides detailed information on the many ways that employers can take advantage of new opportunities in healthcare management. And she explains various health plans and provides her opinions on why some are better than others. She highlights some of the best features, from virtual care to robust chronic disease care management, and other important options such as diabetes monitoring, glucose monitoring, and behavioral health.
The best care, she states, provides personalized attention that helps people get the right care at the right time. And Dr. Short expresses her zeal for health literacy and education, helping people understand their health choices.
Some of Dr. Short’s areas of specialty include the following: population health and health management, innovation and health strategies, as well as managed care and preventive medicine/wellness.
Dr. Sandrine Miller-Montgomery is the executive director of the UC San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation and professor in the department of bioengineering whose aim is to understand and foster microbiome diversity and develop technologies that leverage the findings in the exploding field of microbiome research. For years, microbes have been generally viewed as bad for health and as things to get rid of, but a growing body of research is showing that the microbiome is actually essential for the development of our immune systems and our overall health.
Dr. Miller-Montgomery delivers an intriguing overview of the role of the microbiome in everyday life, reminding us that for millions of years prior to humans showing up, the microbiome world was adapting, evolving, and developing an incredible diversity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. She explains how the human immune system develops within the first three months of life and relies heavily upon the presence of microbes in the environment, and how shielding a child from the environment too much can actually result in illnesses and allergic reactions in adulthood. She also explains the type of work being done at the Center for Microbiome Innovation, where, rather than pinpoint a single focus on the microbiome and work in silos, over 130 scientists remain nimble in their research, sharing data, collaborating, and adapting their research to the evolution of our knowledge in the field.
The team has ongoing studies looking at the relationship between the microbiome and aging, schizophrenia, depression, diet, and more. Dr. Miller-Montgomery is a wealth of information, explaining the ins and outs of all of the above, and discussing the potential for the microbiome to serve as a biomarker for diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease. Visit https://cmi.ucsd.edu/ to learn more.
Level Sleep is a company that was founded just over three years ago with the goal of doing something no other company in the world of sleep was doing: designing and distributing mattresses that accommodate the natural curves of the human body. Founder of Level Sleep, James J Abodeely, explains the two primary goals of product development at Level Sleep: spinal alignment and uniform low pressure. He explains that until now, these two features have essentially been at odds with one another, forcing consumers to sacrifice support in favor of pressure, or vice versa. The mattress they’ve designed provides people with just the right amount of each, providing both spinal alignment and low pressure where it’s needed.
Their product has undergone a 30-person sleep trial and has been market-tested with positive reviews and a majority of consumers being patients of chiropractors—people who understand the value of spinal alignment and the right amount of pressure in the right locations, and what it’s like to deal with the chronic pain that can result from having neither. Abodeely discusses a number of topics, including the look, feel, and function of the mattress, how the recent revolution in online purchases of mattresses have led to a “been-in-a-box” model that’s actually improved the long-term integrity of mattresses, the specific details of the results of the sleep trial testing their mattress, and their patent pending adjustable Snore Relief pillow that provides superior support for the neck, reducing snoring.
Interested in learning more or getting one for yourself? Tune in and visit levelsleep.com
David Sax, author of The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter, provides a fascinating overview of the technology and how we yearn for the physical products of days recently gone by.
David’s book considers the new analog revival. In a world of digital technology, people are now craving much of what we’ve been told was obsolete. In a sort of reverse revolution, more and more independent bookstores are popping up in spite of e-books’ supposed decimation of all things ‘print,’ record stores with real vinyl are rebounding in spite of our downloadable empire of digital music, and people are even beginning to write actual letters again—on paper, believe it or not. The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter reveals the hidden truth of our society—that people like things.
David talks about his background and how an old turntable with real records intensified his interest in music, which got him thinking about technology, analog products, and our desire for the tangible things of the past. His curiosity about this stirred him to write his book, The Revenge of Analog. As David states, the world is physical, so it is only natural that we relate best to physical things that give us a deeper connection and appeal to all our senses. We love three dimensional, tangible items, and it should come as no surprise that we are yearning for the past in some ways.
The historical tech guru explains why our current technology is leaving us feeling less enthused. He talks about his own personal connection to modern technology and how he tries to limit his exposure somewhat, in an attempt to really connect to family and friends without the technological interruptions.
David discusses technology’s rise to power in regard to its promise for making lives better, but as he states, technology is messy and is never really that Star Trek version we might have expected it could be. He says that our future is never really as we predict, and that skepticism of coming technologies is actually a smart behavior, that we should evaluate technology and understand how it works for us, and whether it is truly enhancing our lives in ways that are healthy and productive.
Lastly, David talks about his upcoming book that takes a hard look at entrepreneurship. He discusses the reasons why people become entrepreneurs and how their goals motivate them to build and create.
Need answers that are buried in pages of data reports or countless spreadsheets and dashboards, but don’t have the time to sift through it all? Do you need to know how a particular sales employee is doing, how a particular consumer uses a product, or how many versions of a particular product were sold last month? These are just a couple of examples of the pieces of information that can now be delivered to you within seconds; all you have to do is ask. The name of the product that’s making this a reality and boasting the potential to revolutionize the B2B space is Aristotle, and it’s been developed by the team at Bouquet.
Adrien Schmidt, CEO of Bouquet, joins the podcast to discuss how they’re developing AI algorithms that will quickly interpret voice commands, analyze the relevant data, and deliver a clear, accurate response in real time. This system acts as a virtual assistant for data analysis around the clock through whatever channel is most convenient for you, whether that’s Siri, Alexa, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or any other instant messaging service you use. Schmidt explains that talking to Aristotle is just like talking to a colleague—there’s no complicated log in process, little room for error, and no hold times associated with the recruitment of data analysts; simply ask your question and receive your answer within seconds. Schmidt discusses how this casual data usage will benefit the B2B space, improve business operations and customer service, and lower overhead expenses. Tune in to learn more about Aristotle’s use cases, challenges to overcome, what stage they’re at in development, and what to look for in the near future. Visit bouquet.ai for more information.
Although we know a lot more about the human genome now than we did prior to the start of the Human Genome Project almost two decades ago, countless questions remain, as do research opportunities. At the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences at Newcastle University in the UK, Dr. Andreas Werner is carrying out research on noncoding RNA molecules, which comprise a significant percentage of the genome and have long been regarded as “junk” or “dark matter” elements of the genome. According to Dr. Werner and a growing body of research, noncoding RNA actually plays a significant role in the human body by helping to drive transcription, regulate the expression of proteins, and contribute to the evolution of organisms. He explains the extremely context-dependent nature of noncoding RNA especially as it relates to the expression of certain diseases, and offers an overall intriguing and informative conversation that takes an in-depth look at the science behind his research.
Rachel Hill, the founder of The Invisible Hypothyroidism (theinvisiblehypothyroidism.com), delivers an interesting overview of hypothyroidism and her personal journey back to good health.
Hill is an award-winning thyroid patient advocate. She is a noted writer and author on the subject and has received a staggering six 2018 WEGO Health Award Nominations as well as many other accolades for her writing and her popular website. Speaking of the latter, The Invisible Hypothyroidism was cited by The National Academy of Hypothyroidism as one of the best thyroid advocacies contributing to thyroid awareness. Hill holds multiple certificates in her various areas of study and training, some of which include the following: Life Coaching and Motivational Speaking, Diet and Nutrition, and Reflexology as well.
Hill talks about her background and her own personal struggles with hypothyroidism. After beginning a blog in which she shared her experiences, she became motivated to expand her work as a thyroid health advocate. Hill talks about the symptoms people might experience that could lead to a diagnosis. She shares her personal story, and the frustration she experienced during the years before her diagnosis.
Hill’s celebrated book, Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate: When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired is a must-read for anyone who is seeking a comprehensive guide to thyroid issues. The book discusses in detail her path back to good health after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. She covers all the basics and then some. Hill’s book details information on medications, supplements, blood tests, mental health, emotional support, motivation, other valuable resources for learning, and so much more. Hill talks about the range in testing that indicates a hypothyroid diagnosis, and she stresses that even someone who is borderline could still have a significant amount of troubling symptoms that interfere with one’s life.
The thyroid expert stresses the importance of finding a doctor that understands thyroid issues well and is willing to work with you in a manner that is helpful. Hill talks about medications in detail and the pros and cons of trying other medications that may offer improvements over your current meds. She talks about the lingering issues of brain fog and gut health, and how everything is connected. Ultimately, Hill states that experimentation and research regarding nutrition, exercise, and vitamins, and making adjustments along the way, can help to improve your symptoms and overall health.
Rachel’s work can be found on her twitter (https://twitter.com/Invisible_Hypo), facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheInvisibleHypothyroidism), instagram (https://instagram.com/TheInvisibleHypothyroidism) and website (https://www.theinvisiblehypothyroidism.com), as
well as in her book: Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate (http://bit.ly/2G6NImd)
Erik Rind, the founder and CEO of ImagineBC, delivers an informative overview of blockchain and the new technology that is helping users control their data.
As an experienced technology executive, Erik is passionate about the digital community and the technology tools that enhance it. Erik talks about the ImagineBC experience. In the ImagineBC community, users are able to have control over their personal information in ways they may not have imagined possible. The ImagineBC platform is built on blockchain security, and thus empowers people to shop how they want, safely and securely. Essentially, they are innovators in the space and as such, they aspire to do for blockchain what “You’ve got mail” did for the internet.
Erik talks about his background as a technologist writing software in the HCM space (human capital management) such as payroll, HR, and benefits administration. Erik’s love for history combined with his skill in software development was the foundation for his company, ImagineBC. After some initial doubts about the power of blockchain, then copious amounts of research, Erik came to the conclusion that blockchain’s potential for peer to peer commerce was enormous, “game-changing,” as he describes it. Erik talks about bitcoin and currency, but he stresses that ImagineBC is not a ‘crypto play,’ but is, in fact, a US dollar-based community.
The technology expert talks about their upcoming launch, and where ImagineBC is in their launch process. He discusses some potential clients who are interested in the ImagineBC platform, and how they can get more bang for their buck in advertising leads. Erik explains their community and how they interact with information, and how ads can become targeted, precisely connecting with real leads that are worth the time to pursue.
The technologist discusses some of their partners in the health field, and how data is utilized in a secure manner. As Erik recounts some companies betray the trust of their clients by selling their data, but ImagineBC seeks to help users control their personal information, to control how it is used, and be free to monetize it for their own benefit, not some big corporation’s benefit. As the ImagineBC website touts, “The status quo says it’s okay that Facebook and Google profit from your data. We say that money should go in your pocket.”
Virtual assistants have come a long way in recent years, but they’re still limited in the ability to interpret the spoken word and match objects with their corresponding descriptions with speed and accuracy. On today’s episode, Adria Recasens from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab discusses the research they’re doing to create a system that can outperform Siri and Alexa in terms of correctly and quickly identifying objects based on spoken descriptions, allowing for our interactions with computers to be more like interactions with other humans who speak our language.
Recasens discusses the use cases of this technology, which include higher and better-functioning robots or personal assistants, as well as image analysis in medicine. He also discusses the areas of research they plan to explore in the near future, which include teaching the system different languages and concepts.
Press play to hear the full conversation, and visit https://www.csail.mit.edu/ to learn more.
Dr. Daniel Kammen, Professor of Energy & Society, Energy and Resources Group (ERG) and the Director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL), provides an overview of the current state of energy around the globe and the changes that are happening rapidly.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Cornell and then graduate studies at Harvard, where he received his Ph.D. in 1988, Dr. Kammen embarked on his long career in the energy field. His postdoctoral work at Caltech and Harvard led him to a position of
professor and Chair of the Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at Princeton University in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs from the early to late 90s. Notably, Dr. Kammen is the Class of 1935 Distinguished Professor of Energy at the University of California, Berkeley, and he holds additional appointments in the Energy and Resources Group, the Goldman School of Public Policy, as well as the Department of Nuclear Engineering. And in 2010, Dr. Kammen was honored to be named the first Environment and Climate Partnership for the Americas (ECPA) Fellow, tapped by former Secretary of State Hilary R. Clinton.
Dr. Kammen discusses his background and training as a physicist and the steps that he took to reach his current area of study and development in the energy field. Upon seeing an ad seeking engineers for work in Central America, the young physicist convinced the group to include him as well, alongside the engineers, and thus his journey began on the path to energy studies—solar, wind, etc. Dr. Kammen discusses how energy is thought about by various governments, and how new technology and climate change issues are changing the game. He talks about how old utility models are giving way to newer models, and how solar and cleaner energy is leaping forward in the market. As he states, clean energy can make energy management and production actually easier while helping to reduce climate problems.
Dr. Kammen details many of the current problems with energy in America. As he explains, regarding the US government, the current administration is still investing in antiquated energy sources, such as coal, that absolutely cannot be a part of our future, as modern society attempts to move to more sensible, climate-friendly energy sources. The energy expert talks about the future of clean energy in regard to transportation, etc. He talks about emissions, discussing the number of emissions that are created by not only the operation of cleaner energy vehicles but also in the manufacturing of them. As he states, electric vehicles use lighter materials, composite materials, that make them more favorable, with a smaller carbon footprint simply in manufacturing, thus tipping the scales in favor of electric over gas-powered, before consideration of the batteries (which most people think is the main issue). Dr. Kammen goes on to discuss lithium batteries and sources of lithium. He states that even with the lithium and recycling taken into account, the incredible benefits of using cleaner energy vehicles is clear.
Dr. Kammen talks about the future of energy, greenhouse gases, and air quality, and how investing in new sources of energy is good for the environment, as well as the economy!
Bio: Dr. Trevor Cates is founder and owner of The Spa Dr. and author of the bestselling book Clean Skin From Within. She was the first woman licensed as a naturopathic doctor in California and currently lives in Park City, Utah where she helps patients from around the world achieve graceful aging and glowing skin. Dr. Cates is the host of The Spa Dr. weekly podcast and has her own PBS special, Younger Skin From Within. She believes the key to healthy skin is inner and outer nourishment with non-toxic ingredients. Dr. Cates’ The Spa Dr. skin care and supplement lines are formulated with natural and organic ingredients designed to help you achieve the clean and natural path to confidence and beautiful skin. www.TheSpaDr.com
Skin is the largest organ of the body, and it’s also the most noticeable. As a result, it can be a serious source of embarrassment for people who have acute or chronic issues with their skin, such as eczema, acne, rosacea, or one of the other countless types of skin maladies out there. To avoid embarrassment, many people will just try to cover up the problem, brushing it off as nothing more than an inconvenience. But what many people don’t realize it that skin health is an indicator of overall health, and skin issues almost always point to an underlying cause or process that’s occurring within the body.
As Dr. Trevor Cates puts it, “Skin is an outer reflection of what’s going on inside the body, and oftentimes it’s the first sign that something is out of balance in the body.” As the founder and owner of The Spa Doctor, the first woman licensed as a naturopathic doctor in California, and author of Clean Skin from Within: The Spa Doctor’s Two-Week Program to Glowing, Naturally Youthful Skin, Dr. Cates helps patients from around the world identify the root causes of their skin issues by letting the skin itself be the guiding diagnostic tool.
Tune in to hear her discuss a variety of different skin conditions and what they can indicate about underlying illnesses and imbalances, the six root causes behind skin issues, the role of gut health in skin health, the psychological aspect of poor skin health, and a bit about her two-week program that’s had great success for people around the world. Interested in reading her book or discovering what might be causing your skin issues?
Take the free online quiz at theskinquiz.com. Visit book.thespadr.com to get a copy of her book—all you pay is shipping and handling.
Katelyn Parsons, holistic health coach and founder of Katelyn Parsons Modern Girl Holistics (katelynparsons.com), talks about lifestyle and nutrition choices that can help us all to feel better and live healthier lives.
As a certified Holistic Health Coach and Yoga Teacher in San Diego, California, Katelyn specializes in helping career women let go of weight while feeling more empowered when around food, which provides the confidence, and powerful energy, to push forward and accomplish their dreams.
Katelyn discusses her background and the personal struggles that led to her career. From a young age, she was constantly on diets trying to lose weight, which led to bulimia that she battled until her mid-20s. After hitting a low point, she sought help and treatment, and emotional support from her family, and began her path toward a healthier life through better nutrition, using food to heal not harm. Moving forward, Katelyn wanted to share her success with others, and help people find balance in their lives.
Katelyn talks about the joyful experience of helping other women with their own struggles. As Katelyn states, her holistic health approach focuses on lifestyle as well as nutrition. She states that she looks at every person individually, and the multiple areas of their lives, in order to devise a plan to help them. She talks about how we compare ourselves to others and the importance of focusing on the path that you are on individually. The nutrition and lifestyle expert talks about internal health and detoxification, and the concept of ‘plate building’ in terms of choosing new ways to eat healthier, eating nutritious food abundantly.
Katelyn discusses the ways to stop food cravings. She expounds upon the benefits of adding healthy fats to our diets. Finally, Katelyn talks about the variations within her program and the many types of training and resources she provides to her clients. From balancing blood sugar to know how to make smart choices when shopping, and beyond, Katelyn works individually with people to help them make their transformations.
Antibiotic resistance and multi-drug resistant pathogens pose a serious danger to the health of humans and the ability to treat life-threatening infections. Since 2009, a bacteriologist and peptide chemist, Monique van Hoek and Barney Bishop respectively, have been joining forces to address this growing threat by attempting to identify natural sources of peptides millions of years of evolution in the making—peptides that provide reptiles with robust, innate immunity that allows them to survive loss of limbs, open wounds, and the consumption of decaying corpses without any negative repercussions. In particular, Hoek and Bishop have been analyzing very small amounts of Komodo dragon blood, and after testing hundreds of peptides against a number of bacteria, they’ve isolated and synthetically stabilized one peptide that has shown antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and wound-healing properties. They join the podcast today to discuss all the ins and outs of their research and the potential it holds for the future of antibiotic resistance and human health.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and visit adr.gmu.edu to learn more.
Teresa Rebelo Pinto, CENC, Center of Sleep Medicine, Portugal, delivers an overview of her work in the areas of psychology and sleep.
Teresa Rebelo Pinto has an extensive background in sleep science and psychology. She holds an integrated master’s degree in educational psychology and did her post-graduate work in sleep sciences at the Lisbon University, Faculty of Medicine. She has been working with the CENC, Lisbon Sleep Medicine Center since 2007 and currently holds the positions of psychologist and somnologist.
Teresa Rebelo Pinto talks about her clinical work as a psychologist and psychotherapist, as well as a sleep consultant for companies, non-profit organizations, and schools. She is part of a sleep psychology team that works with many different groups and ages, from children to adults, to individuals, and families. As a part of her work, she seeks to advance sleep education. She is actively involved in a sleep education initiative known as the Sleep-Schools Project that provided sleep education to thousands, on a national level.
The sleep expert talks about sleep patterns, and how they change as we age. While it is different from person to person, some people can shift their sleep schedules; however, it is difficult for adolescents who tend to want a later sleep schedule though society requires early morning schedules for school. She stresses that it is important for adolescents to get eight to nine hours per night—every night. Continuing, Teresa Rebelo Pinto discusses methods to help children get to sleep, bedtime stories, etc. But she stresses these stories should be geared toward getting to sleep. She discusses certain issues such as behavioral insomnia (children refusing to go to sleep), fear of going to sleep, night terrors, sleepwalking, and sleep apnea.
Teresa Rebelo Pinto discusses her education efforts in the community to help the public understand the importance and function of sleep. She talks about the positive feedback they received and the increase of sleep awareness they achieved. She states that while parents were very concerned about their children’s sleep patterns, they also had many questions regarding their own sleep and sleep schedules. And she discusses the function of dreaming as a means to explore different realities and problem solve.
The host of Dr. Carey’s Baby Care and well-regarded practicing pediatrician, Dr. Carey Chronis, joins the podcast today to discuss infants, sleep, and how to make sure they—and their parents—get enough of it. “A lot of it stems from how the parents sleep,” says Dr. Chronis, as he goes on to explain that most parents make the mistake of tending to an infant every time they cry or wake in the night. The question comes down to determining at what point it’s okay, and actually beneficial, to stop responding every time their infant cries, and to simply let them work through it on their own. According to Dr. Chronis, there is a straightforward answer: four months. What’s special about the four-month mark?
Dr. Chronis explains that at four months of age, an infant has yet to develop the concept of object permanence, which means that when you, as their parent, walk away from their crib, they don’t know that you’re just one room over; they don’t understand that you continue to exist—in fact, they don’t conceptualize your existence at all unless they’re looking right at you. Once an infant is able to conceptualize that you’re in the next room over, it is harder for them to accept the discomfort that may accompany your absence during what should be the sleeping hours of the night. If good sleep patterns have already been established when an infant begins to understand object permanence, it will be much easier to maintain those patterns in the long-term.
For more resources on this topic, check out Dr. Carey’s Baby Care show on CAPS-TV in Ventura, CA, and visit https://drcareys.com/.
Dr. Svetlana Pundik’s interest in neurology was sparked when she was just an undergraduate student working in a lab where the research was being conducted on post-stroke mechanisms of injury in the brain. When she got to medical school, her interest in neurology only grew, compelling her to enter a neurology residency and complete additional training in vascular neurology. In her work as a clinician, Dr. Pundik sees patients ideally within minutes of the onset of stroke in order to treat them during the short window of opportunity allotted. In her work as a researcher, she focuses on post-stroke recovery processes that take place over months and years after a stroke. Specifically, she’s looking at how to improve upper and lower extremity motor function and determine what exactly is happening in the brain when a patient does show signs of improved function.
She offers an interesting and informative look into the world of stroke medicine and rehabilitation, discussing the two different types of strokes and how the treatments differ for each, what warning signs to look for at the onset of stroke, the degrees to which patients can recover from motor and other deficits resulting from stroke, and what she sees as the future of stroke rehabilitation.
Tune in for all the details and learn more by visiting fescenter.org.
Catia Reis is a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Medicine at Lisbon University. Lisbon University is a public research university, one of the largest in Portugal. And the Faculty of Medicine is a top medical school with an established history dating back to the 19th century.
Catia Reis discusses her interest, and background, in the area of sleep and circadian rhythms. She recounts how her earlier work in marine biology stimulated her interest in sleep deprivation and fatigue, and ultimately deeper into the study of sleep. And her own personal struggles with fatigue, being tired all the time from her work, also piqued her interest in this area of study.
A circadian rhythm is essentially an approximately 24-hour cycle within the overall physiological processes of animate beings such as animals, plants, fungi, cyanobacteria, etc. In a rigid interpretation, circadian rhythms are known to be endogenously produced, however, they may be regulated by certain external cues as well, such as light from the sun and temperature. Reis explains how melatonin affects shift workers. She explains that this kind of work can be very problematic. Unfortunately, regarding shift workers, their melatonin profile may have trouble realigning properly as they work at night and try to get their sleep during the daytime hours. And a misalignment of one’s melatonin profile, and the circadian system, in general, can contribute to fractured, or disturbed daytime sleep. Additionally, it may have a profound impact on their alertness during the night shift and could be a contributing factor to other health problems. Reis discusses in detail how inadequate sleep can affect job performance and she talks about the inherent dangers of being sleep deprived on the job.
The sleep researcher talks about genetics, social behavior, and light, and how they influence our cycle. She provides information on the potential for success in the management of these influencing factors. Light, for example, is a strong signal for our internal clocks. Light therapy might be one way to help shift workers ease their bodies into an adjustment to an irregular schedule. Light has a general alerting effect, and it can aid with shifting sleeping patterns, related to the relative timing of light exposure. In light therapy, individuals will sit very near a light box for a preset period of time. Time of day is critical. Bright light exposure early in one’s day and dim light exposure at the end of the day can help shift the internal clock to an earlier position, while exposure to light later in the day may delay the timing of one’s internal clock. Therefore, the timing of exposure can assist with shifting their internal clock to accommodate needs for work, etc.
Reis wraps up by discussing her overall expectations for further research and how there is so much to learn from people as she digs deeper into her research. She underscores the importance of our sleep and talks about some of the areas she wants to explore in her field.
When Beran Parry was 40 years old, she discovered a lump in her throat; at first, she didn’t know what it was, and she also didn’t know that its existence would change her life forever—in many ways, for the better. Parry had a five-centimeter polycystic tumor that would require the removal of her thyroid gland. Although she’d almost always had an interest in health, nutrition, and exercise, this event compelled her to learn more about the thyroid gland specifically, how the thyroid hormone interacts with the body, and how to live a quality life without it.
She brings an impressive amount of information to the conversation today, discussing the most common symptoms seen in thyroid diseases, the significant impact of inflammation caused by poor diet and stress and how to go about fixing it, the role of reproductive hormones in health, and her process of patient evaluation, which often includes DNA health testing in order to better understand a number of less common symptoms.
Press play to hear the full conversation, check out https://beranparry.com/ to learn more and send your questions or comments to beran@beranparry.com.
Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D., is the co-founder of the Los Angeles-based Center for Mindful Living, author of Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and The Now Effect: How a Mindful Moment Can Change the Rest of Your Life, and creator of a six-month program called A Course in Mindful living, whereby he helps people understand and learn how to live mindfully, happily, and healthfully.
On today’s episode, he explains the personal background that compelled him to devote his life to these values and help others, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself, tips for taking steps towards attaining a sense of inner peace, and misconceptions people tend to have about mindfulness. Overall, he offers an inspiring and enlightening message you don’t want to miss.
Kunwoo Lee, Ph.D., CEO, and co-founder of GenEdit delivers an interesting overview of his company’s groundbreaking work in gene editing.
GenEdit is a future-forward company that has a primary focus on genome editing, developing advanced technologies for CRISPR/Cas9 based therapeutics. Their proprietary technology supports the delivery of unique gene editors to an array of tissues utilizing nanoparticles that are non-viral and also polymer-based delivery vehicles.
Lee talks about the origin of his company. He provides some background information about DNA sequences and discusses in detail how DNA is assigned at birth, and he explains that although there are some mutations, it has generally been very difficult to change the DNA that we are born with. As Lee states, in the past, if one was born with a genetic disease there was not much that could be done to alter that on the DNA level, but now, with new advancing technologies, there are many more options.
Genetic diseases exist in many organs such as the brain, liver, muscle, and blood. As Lee outlines, their GenEdit platform can screen the polymer-based nanoparticle library to ascertain the optimum delivery to a target organ. Their unique nanoparticles can enclose gene therapy molecules as well as CRISPR proteins.
The gene expert talks about how their system works in detail, explaining their delivery system, delivering genes to target tissue areas. He discusses their many challenges, and some of the processes they have used to accomplish their goals. He speaks about viruses and how the human body reacts. Lee talks about how they utilize CRISPR/Cas9 to precisely impact the gene that has a genetic mutation. CRISPR/Cas9 is a breakthrough technology in the field of biotech that has now become a go-to laboratory tool for many high-end researchers globally. CRISPR is, in its simplest terms, a collective of DNA sequences that can be found in the genomes of various prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria.
Lee explains muscle regeneration and nerve regeneration, and the possibilities for both, considering the technologies his company has developed, and are continuing to advance further. He discusses the permanency of gene editing and how technology is literally changing the way we think about combatting diseases. As animal testing has shown some incredibly exciting possibilities, Lee talks about his enthusiasm regarding their road forward with the technology, and the steps they must take before human clinical trials will begin.
Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg has always had an interest in the area where psychology and medicine intersect, finding it fascinating how correcting a psychological issue can translate to the correction of a physical problem. She found sleep medicine at the center of this intersection and has devoted her life to helping people improve their lives by improving their sleep. She works as a sleep psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and centers her focus on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI). She discusses a common mistake people make once they realize they’re not getting enough quality sleep, which is to start allotting more time to being in bed and opting out of activities they would otherwise be doing, such as going to the gym or engaging in social activities. Dr. Schneeberg explains, however, that by doing these things, they’re actually just perpetuating the problem.
She joins the podcast to discuss a range of other topics, including the details of how and why CBTI works, and the “three Ps model” that underlies it--referring to precipitating factors, precipitating events, and perpetuating factors. She explains each one in detail, and how CBTI helps people identify and change the way they influence sleep. The two foundational techniques of CBTI are restriction and stimulus control; Dr. Schneeberg explains how she implements both in her work with patients and the kinds of results her and her patients are seeing.
Tune in for all the details and visit drschneeberg.com for more information.
“The first thing to do is to break down those basic myths of… ‘At some point I will be happy to die’…It’s not in line with an organism's survival to think that way, so we project it off into the future, and that’s how we create this illusion of strength and being satisfied with that…what I would rather be satisfied with is…people testing technologies and deciding to take a risk today to make the world a better place tomorrow,” says Elizabeth Parrish, and testing technologies and taking risks today for the possibility of a better tomorrow is exactly what Parrish does in her role as CEO of BioViva Science.
At BioViva, the mission is to utilize gene therapy as a new tool in regenerative medicine, with the ultimate goal of genetically modifying humans to live healthier, stronger, and longer lives. She explains the process and hallmarks of ageing, how gene therapy functions as a valuable new tool in regenerative medicine by upregulating a human gene that makes cells function and look like young cells, the type of bioinformatic work they’re doing on a daily basis to make these things a reality, the use of telomerase inducers and myostatin inhibitors, and the difficulties and technicalities of developing these biotechnologies.
Learn more at https://bioviva-science.com/.
NVIDIA Clara is a platform that’s changing diagnostic imaging for the better by capturing higher-quality images and automatically identifying critical pieces of information, such as by identifying evidence of hemorrhage, measuring the anatomical parts relating to a patient’s clinical signs, or calculating the amount of blood being pumped by a patient’s heart. This is made possible by graphics processing unit (GPU) circuits and AI, which together are becoming extremely useful tools for radiologists, and ultimately allowing for more accurate, faster, and preventative patient care. For example, when an AI-powered instrument is able to automatically identify which images from thousands indicate a bleed in the brain, it can automatically prioritize that study in the radiologist’s work list so that the radiologist knows which images need immediate attention. In this way, the technology being offered by the Clara platform is potentially life-saving.
Head of healthcare at NVIDIA, Abdul Hamid Halabi, joins the podcast to discuss all the details of this technology, its implementation in clinical medicine, the potential it holds, and what’s on the horizon.
Tune in for all the details, and visit https://developer.nvidia.com/clara to learn more.
“Not everyone with the disease of addiction is able to access treatment…being a physician, that was very hard for me to digest, and the result is that we see so many preventable overdose deaths…I would like that to change, and I think reducing the stigma associated with the disease of addiction and moving more treatment to an outpatient setting will greatly increase access to care,” says Dr. Indra Cidambi. With this vision, she founded the Center for Network Therapy, New Jersey’s first state-licensed outpatient detoxification facility.
Dr. Cidambi explains that in contrast to the traditional model of inpatient care, which many insurance policies will not cover, an outpatient detoxification program will allow more patients to obtain care without the consequences of inpatient care, such as the required isolation from friends and family members, and having to take time away from work. In addition, outpatient care allows patients to recover from addiction in their normal environment, encouraging them to integrate what they learn into their daily lives.
Approximately 65% of Dr. Cidambi’s patients remain sober after 90 days, and the same can only be said for about 40% of patients who undergo inpatient treatment.
Tune in for an interesting discussion about how exactly outpatient detoxification works, the four key components of Dr.
Cidambi’s program, and so much more.
Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9
Ever since he was a medical school student, Dr. Barry Fields knew where his interests rested: in improving and extending people’s quality of life and caring for them on a long-term basis. He quickly realized that sleep medicine would allow him to do just that, and just as quickly realized that the patient to provider ratio was high, with many patients being geographically limited in their ability to seek help from sleep center-based specialists. This is what led him to become a leader in sleep telemedicine working for the Atlanta VA Medical Center and Emory University.
Dr. Fields is a wealth of knowledge in the field of sleep medicine, discussing how sleep telemedicine works and what type of patient is best served by it, environmental and genetic causes of sleep apnea, the short and long-term consequences of untreated sleep apnea, the differences between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea, and novel treatments for sleep apnea, including a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, a phrenic nerve stimulator, drug-based therapies, and the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning to facilitate the identification of patients with sleep apnea and deliver treatment modalities that best suit their data profiles.
Tune in for all the details and to learn how to contact a sleep telemedicine specialist for yourself.
Dr. Thaddeus Gala, Founder, and CEO of Complete Care delivers a riveting overview of his work in integrative medicine.
Dr. Gala is a skilled chiropractor who has given many of his career years to the goal of improving health and wellness for all. He is a sought-after lecturer on multiple topics related to wellness, including general nutrition, weight loss, management of diabetes, and more. Dr. Gala’s research has been published nationally and he is the successful author of notable publications such as the popular, “The Secret to Defy Disease and Decay,” cookbooks, and other works.
Dr. Gala talks about the events that motivated him to become passionate about wellness and natural medicine. As Dr. Gala recounts, his mother faced a serious illness that doctors had trouble explaining, but one that put her into a wheelchair. Frustrated by the fact that doctor after a doctor offered little to no help to improve his mother’s condition, Dr. Gala devoted his life to find better solutions for people suffering from chronic diseases, to help them naturally reverse their diseases without the use of drugs or surgery. Dr. Gala talks about his integrative medical clinics and his desire to be actively involved in his patients’ care.
The natural medicine expert delves into the topic of inflammation and he explains how it happens. He explains how inflammation is the body’s natural response to something it considers to be an injurious type stimulus. He details multiple examples and outlines the body’s processes. He talks about the many nutritional problems people suffer from and goes into detail about the choices we make that impact our overall health.
Dr. Gala is a strong supporter of lifestyle changes as a means to reverse disease. His philosophy is based in the whole person approach, one that proposes we should be investigating the deeper underlying causes of body disturbances to root them out and make lifestyle adjustments that will help push the body back to a healthy state and normalize body function.
Early on in Terry Cralle’s career as a registered nurse, she found herself working in clinical research on insomnia, but it wasn’t until one of the sleep doctors she was working with invited her to his sleep lab to gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to test people for a variety of sleep disorders that she made a realization which prompted an abrupt change of direction into a career in sleep medicine. “I’ve been in sleep medicine for 22 years now, and we used to say that sleep was one of the three pillars of health and wellness, along with diet and exercise, and now we don’t say that because we’ve learned that sleep is actually the foundation of health and wellness, and exercise and nutrition and diet are completely contingent on sleep,” says Cralle, who in addition to an RN is a Certified Clinical Sleep Educator.
She joins the podcast today to discuss what it’s like to play an integral part in patients’ experiences in sleep labs, the most common misconceptions and complaints people have about sleep trials, the impact of sleep on physical and mental health, the parallel epidemics of sleep deprivation and obesity, how social perceptions and pressures have linked the need for sleep with characteristics such as weakness, laziness, and a lack of work ethic, and the range of sleep disorders they test for, which includes narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, REM behavior disorder, and restless leg syndrome.
Learn more about Terry Cralle’s work by visiting http://www.terrycralle.com/.
Kevin Puylaert is general manager of North American operations and VP of business development at SOPHiA GENETICS, a company that’s offering software as a service platform for the democratization of data-driven medicine. They have already connected nearly 1,000 institutions that are sharing genomic profiles across the platform, which means any given institution that’s analyzing a genetic profile can easily determine how it compares to another institution’s analysis of that profile somewhere else in the world.
To date, they’ve looked at over 300,000 profiles, and they see about 15,000 more profiles analyzed through the platform on a monthly basis. Puylaert joins the podcast to discuss how their platform sifts through the noise often found in genetic data and standardizes the way data is generated in order to allow researchers from a variety of places to make comparisons. He explains the type of research they’re helping to advance, which includes determining whether certain genes are associated with cancer, procuring prognostic information based on a variety of DNA and RNA samples, and recommending certain treatments for patients. He also discusses the other types of work they’re doing to get closer to a system of data-driven medicine.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and visit https://www.sophiagenetics.com/en_US/home.html to learn more.
The rate of technological advancement seems ever-increasing; not long ago, we didn’t even have cell phones, but now everyone has the equivalent of a tiny computer in their pocket with artificial intelligence-powered apps and the ability to complete transactions in a completely digital and automated fashion—transactions that used to require the work of a human. We’re entering an age where driverless cars, robotic surgery, and automation in a number of fields no longer belong in the category of science fiction, but science reality. These advancements are met with excitement by many and uncertainty by many others, especially in terms of the future of jobs in the United States. Will all of our jobs be replaced by computers? What effect will automation have on our societies and livelihoods?
As a senior policy analyst for the National Governors Association (NGA), Mike Bartlett is focusing on post-secondary education and workforce development amidst this changing landscape, and preparing for the future of work is at the top of his list. He joins the podcast not to incite fear of imminent mass job loss—in fact he will put your mind at ease by explaining why that’s not necessarily going to happen—but to explain the reasonable changes likely to occur and the steps necessary in order to prepare and help people adapt to an imminently changing work environment.
Tune in to learn how the NGA is helping all 55 governors of the states and territories in every policy area, what Bartlett sees as the three biggest trends in automation, examples of how other countries have dealt with similar changes in the workplace, how to address the challenges of rural communities and ensure that residents have what they need, the Good Jobs for All Americans initiative, and so much more.
Visit www.nga.org and https://www.nga.org/goodjobs/ to learn more.
Jessica Lovering, Director of Energy at The Breakthrough Institute, delivers an interesting overview of the current state of energy production, considering the advantages of nuclear power.
As Director of Breakthrough’s Energy program, Lovering has contributed to significant research considering new innovative avenues in nuclear energy that could reduce costs and increase efficiency, while helping to alleviate climate change. For over a year, the groundbreaking, peer-reviewed paper entitled, Historical Construction Costs Of Global Nuclear Power Reactors, which Lovering was the lead on, was hailed as the top paper in the field of energy policy. Additionally, Lovering authored and co-authored an assortment of other significant policy papers such as
Atoms for Africa: Is There a Future for Civil Nuclear Energy in Sub-Saharan Africa? as well as many others on energy innovation and clean energy. Lovering has been featured in many outstanding news outlets and papers, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vox, Forbes, Wired, and others.
Lovering talks about her background and explains how it was a concern about climate change that motivated her to focus on nuclear energy. Coming out of a master’s program in environmental policy, Lovering knew that energy was the principal driver behind greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear offered a way to provide a significant amount of power with less plant construction than other forms of power. Lovering discusses the energy generation output of nuclear plants versus coal plants, natural gas, solar, and wind. Lovering recounts how she was impressed that nuclear accounted for approximately 20% of US power production and its carbon footprint was low as well.
The nuclear expert talks about safety and transparency in nuclear power management today. She explains that there are many safety features that make the future of nuclear even more appealing. She discusses small, modular reactors that are cheaper, and faster to build. She explains that these smaller reactors can rely on natural convective cooling if an accident were to occur, which provides additional safety in a worst-case scenario.
Lovering explains various reactor designs and how they work in regard to energy production. And she explains how each rate in regard to sustainability and safety. She delves into the benefits of efficiently utilizing the fuel. And she discusses how some of the newer reactor designs will be coming to the market in the near future.
Lovering is a sought-after guest speaker in energy circles and for conferences and events globally. Lovering’s expertise in the nuclear energy field has created a demand and she is happy to share all that she has learned in an effort to educate the public and improve nuclear energy.
If you’re an entrepreneur in today’s world looking to raise capital for a blockchain-based startup, your options are going to be limited by the traditional capital formation process. This traditional system is structured in such a way as to capitalize on technology that’s being leveraged on legacy systems—systems that existed prior to the rise of blockchain and distributed ledger technology. “With where technology is today and with the market demands that are needed, we need to be more creative and innovative about the capital formation process,” says Syed Hussain, CEO of Liquidity Digital, a startup that aims to introduce new ways of making funds available for the creation of assets within previously underserved markets, including blockchain technology.
By automating every aspect of the regulatory process (e.g. know your customer (KYC), due diligence, anti-money laundering (AML), accredited investor checks), structuring deals and issuance securities, creating smart contracts pre and post-issuance, and dealing with tax compliance issues, dividend distributions, on-boarding, transfers, and more, Liquidity Digital is an integral part of the entire life cycle of a startup, connecting the right issuers with the right quality investors on a global scale, and they’re doing it in a much more economically efficient way than traditional methods.
Hussain joins the podcast to discuss a bit about his personal background, the creation, and development of Liquidity Digital, the details of how it all works, and their future plans.
Tune in and learn more by visiting https://liquidity.digital/.
Mark A. Cruz, D.D.S, innovative dentist and lecturer, delivers an insightful overview of his holistic approach to modern dentistry.
Dr. Cruz is an experienced family dentist who believes in approaching all dental issues from a big picture perspective, not simply treating problems as they occur. His successful methods are evidenced by the scores of people who remain his patients for life, as well as the new patients that are coming to visit his practice regularly. Dr. Cruz received his formal education and degree from the esteemed UCLA School of Dentistry in the mid 80s and has been practicing in California ever since. Notably, he served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant Review Committee in Washington D.C. and was also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice (Elsevier).
Dr. Cruz discusses his background and the mission for his practice. He talks about IFL, Inspiratory Flow Limitation, a term used widely in pulmonology and sleep medicine. He explains how it often refers to upper airway resistance syndrome. Dr. Cruz talks about airway issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, etc. He details how sleep fragmentation in children can cause inflammation in the brain and noticeable increases in inflammatory markers that could relate to a child’s failure to thrive, cognitive problems, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and possibly more.
Many dental practices take the approach that problems can simply be treated as they occur; however, Dr. Cruz believes active prevention is critical. Dr. Cruz seeks to help all his patients avoid oral issues, and thus he focuses on education, prevention, and early detection.
Dr. Cruz goes in depth on the various airway issues and their impact on health. He discuss his interdisciplinary team’s approach to care, and their process for providing a complete method of care for all patients, bringing together multiple specialists to look at the big picture, thus providing a more comprehensive analysis.
Dr. Cruz is an active member of his community and has been practicing dentistry in beautiful Orange County since 1986.
In October of 2016, Richard Jacobs created and began hosting Future Tech Podcast, which has since become the source of over 1,800 episodes featuring some of the most highly regarded experts in some of the newest and most exciting fields in technology and science. On today’s mini-episode, Richard Jacobs answers the questions everyone seems to ask of him: why do you do this, and what do you get out of it? Tune in to hear about the lessons he’s learned, the newfound enlightenment he’s gained from the process, and why there’s no reason you couldn’t do the same.
Questions? Recommendations for Future Tech Podcast guests? Don’t hesitate to reach out at support@futuretechpodcast.com.
Wi-Fi, smart meters, cell phones, cell phone towers, and cordless phones are just a few of the many items in our environment with electromagnetic fields (EMFs)—invisible forces that interact with our body every day. To date, at least eight different effects of EMFs have been identified, each demonstrated and reviewed by 12-35 articles. These effects impact neurological and neuropsychiatric function in a cumulative fashion—the higher the number of exposures, the more severe the effects; eventually they become irreversible, and can cause anything from the inability to sleep, anxiety, the inability to concentration, depression, poor memory, and headaches. So, what is the mechanism by which this occurs and what’s being done about it?
Dr. Martin Pall, Ph.D. is a professor at Washington State University who joins the podcast to answer these questions and more. He focuses his work on understanding the relationship between EMFs and the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels, which are present in every cell membrane in the body, but play a particularly important role in electrically active tissues, such as the nervous system and heart, as well as the release of hormones and neurotransmitters. He explains that the electrical forces produced by EMFs impose a force on the voltage sensor that’s 7.2 million times stronger than the force imposed by the cells in our body. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Pall touches on a range of topics, including his concerns about imminent 5G technology, the difference between the intensity of radiation and the intensity of effect, exposure windows, and different types of DNA damage shown to be caused by EMFs.
Tune in for all the details, including tips for finding the best resources to learn more.
As a participant of the Personal Genome Project (PGP), which was initiated in 2005 at Harvard Medical School, James Turner has donated a significant amount of information to the project, including an extensive personal health survey, 20 years’ worth of notes pertaining to doctor visits, lab tests, treatments, etc., and MRI images. Once submitted to the PGP, a participant’s information becomes available to any all researchers for the purposes of driving genetic research. The program has two main goals: to perform whole genome sequencing on as many samples as possible, and to correlate the genetic information obtained with phenotypic data.
As a descendent of the PGP, the Open Humans Foundation takes a slightly different approach to the same idea; it allows participants to choose whether they want their data to be available to everyone or only select researchers, works to facilitate the transfer of information from personal devices to biological data banks, and makes use of data inspired by the Quantified Self Movement (e.g. Fitbit/Apple Watch, diet data). Turner now serves as the treasurer and chairman of this foundation, and he joins the podcast to provide unique insight on the world of genomic data and biological research driven by the people.
Press play to hear the full conversation, and visit https://www.personalgenomes.org/us and http://openhumansfoundation.org/ to learn more.
Jake A. Kushner M.D., Medical Director, McNair Interests, provides a thorough overview of his research and study of diabetes.
Currently, Dr. Kushner serves as the Medical Director for McNair Interests. He is a renowned diabetes researcher as well as a pediatric endocrinologist with a particular expertise in biotechnology, biomedical research, type 1 diabetes and other specific endocrine disorders. Dr. Kushner is the former Chief of Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology and McNair Medical Institute Scholar at the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. He has worked with the National Institutes of Health, served on the type 1 diabetes advisory council for Lexicon Corporation, and been a strategic advisor for Sanofi.
Dr. Kushner discusses his background as a pediatric endocrinologist and how he came to be interested in the research and study of diabetes. Dr. Kushner is a respected, nationally recognized expert in type 1 diabetes research. His background in medicine is significant and includes endocrinology and diabetes, specifically caring for children with type 1 diabetes, as well as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and treating children who have hypoglycemia. He explains type 1 diabetes, and talks about how it affects many people worldwide.
Dr. Kushner delves into the complex issue of insulin and how the body reacts and responds to nutrients. He explains in detail, the storage of glucose, carbohydrates, and how the body processes everything that comes into it, as well as how stress affects everything. He talks at length about the kinds of meals that people eat, and explains how specific foods are processed by the body for use, including what the body needs, especially for those who have special dietary requirements due to health conditions or disease.
Dr. Kushner is a UC Berkeley graduate and earned a medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Kushner completed his medical residency in pediatrics at Brown University. Additionally, Dr. Kushner engaged in a clinical fellowship at Children's Hospital Boston and a prestigious research fellowship at the Joslin Diabetes Center, the world’s largest diabetes research center, at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
In this informative podcast, Joan E. Nichols, Ph.D., professor, and a lead researcher, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, provides an overview of the lung, and her lab’s important work developing bioengineered tissue.
The celebrated Ph.D. discusses how she settled into bioengineering for her life’s work, and her motivation to study organs. She explains the incredible need for lungs and other organs, and how so many people are waiting for transplants to save their lives. Her lab hopes to be a part of this process, as their work is primarily in the area of developing bioengineered tissues.
Nichols explains why she chooses to research certain areas of science and outlines her interest in the variations within the human immune response to specific microbial pathogens. Her lab studies reaction and response of the lung after certain exposures to various pollutants, as well as respiratory pathogens. In addition, their research includes the study of disease pathogenesis, as well as inflammation, stem cell-based treatments, and more.
By utilizing adult and embryonic stem cells as well as advanced tissue engineering techniques to create human ex-vivo organoids/tissue constructs, they seek to create intricate human model systems to study disease pathogenesis and the complex human responses to pathogens. The Ph.D. explains the structure of the lung, covering topics such as gas exchange and the mechanisms of the lung.
As an Earth observation application engineer at the European Space Agency, Benjamin Koetz spends his time trying to figure out how Earth functions by tracking patterns from space that can’t be seen from the ground, monitoring different environmental processes, collecting data regarding human activities, and making sure that information gathered from satellites is conflated into something that’s useful for the management of natural resources.
He joins the podcast today to discuss all the details of these activities and more, including the different types of observation techniques they employ, applications for Earth observation data, the advantages of having a global view from space, the environmental trends being observed from space, food security intervention efforts informed by the data they gather, laser observation, and the resolution of satellites.
Tune in for all the details, and search the web for real-time satellite images of Earth from space.
What does dentistry have to do with epigenetics? Dr. Ted Belfor was a practicing dentist for decades before he could answer that question. In fact, when he began talking about epigenetics twenty years, no one even knew what he was talking about. Today, epigenetics is arguably the largest science of the 21st century. Dr. Belfor joins the podcast to discuss what he’s learned over the years about the overlap between epigenetics, craniofacial development, and sleep disorders.
While the environment can’t change our genes, it can determine how our genes are expressed. Dr. Belfor explains that, due in large part to our diets now consisting of over 60 percent processed foods, we haven’t been chewing and swallowing the way we were designed to, and as a result, we aren’t fully expressing our genes for facial development. Expression of these genes can be stimulated by oral appliances and breathing exercises that work to tone the airway and enhance the growth of the jaw. When craniofacial development occurs properly and airways are toned, breathing problems such as apnea and upper airway resistance during sleep simply don’t exist.
In order to help people combat these problems, Dr. Belfor has created a removable oral appliance called the Homeoblock that imitates nature by putting the force back in our chew and imitating the signaling of the periodontal ligament, which he explains is crucial to proper development. He discusses a variety of other interesting topics, including the differences between sleep apnea and upper airway resistance and why one is actually significantly more detrimental than the other, how proper alignment of the jaw improves homeostatic capacity and the ability for the body to maintain a healthy state, the consequences of mouth breathing, and how to go about getting a Homeoblock for yourself. Tune in and visit http://www.facialdevelopment.com/aboutus.php to learn more.
Giuseppe Loianno, Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department as well as the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, discusses his robotics lab’s work.
Loianno is a passionate professor with a deep interest in many types of applied engineering. Loianno runs the Agile Robotics and Perception Lab (ARPL), a lab that is heavily involved in fundamental and applied research as it pertains to robotics autonomy. Their work is primarily focused on the creation of agile autonomous machines that can navigate independently using nothing more than onboard sensors in unstructured, and dynamically altering environments, without GPS or motion capture, etc. The researchers seek to refine and develop further, active machines that can collaborate with humans and with each other, and perform at an optimum level in unknown environments.
Loianno discusses eye-tracking glasses and the control of drones with the eye. He explains the benefits of eye tracking, and how it can make drone use easier and smoother. He states that this technology is non-invasive and exceptionally easy to use. While this technology is early-stage, Loianno is hopeful that new computer vision algorithms will help further their development. As he explains, gesture and voice interaction can also be utilized to better control the drones and improve robotic development.
The applied engineering expert talks about some of their current trials and the new data they are gathering to further technological development. He envisions a complete framework that will incorporate multiple robots for control by a single user, then multiple users. Ultimately, these machines will be able to improve human work, in our environment and even in space, performing advance work that will inform humans about unknown environments, safety issues, and so much more.
Loianno discusses how line of sight control can be switched to camera control when drones are out of range. And he answers specific questions regarding the complexities of line of sight issues. Loianno discusses the necessary training that users will need to control the technology in various environments. As he states, one of the greatest attributes of this tech is the interaction with humans… in that, the robotic drones can perform analyses and relay the information in real time to the human partner, for various tasks.
Just a few decades ago, medicine was an entirely different animal than it is now—one in which exploratory surgeries were undergone more or less without hesitation in order to rule out differential diagnoses, palpation was one of the primary ways to diagnose appendicitis, and microbes were seen only as the enemy, as germs that were bad for us. Today, diagnostic imaging is arguably the fulcrum of medical diagnoses, and a growing body of research is indicating that the microbiome has an influential role in almost every function of our bodies, from growth and development to mate selection and behavior. But how are radiology and microbiota related?
That question is perhaps best answered by Dr. William B. Miller Jr., radiologist, evolutionary biologist, author of The Microcosm Within: Evolution and Extinction in the Hologenome, and lecturer on the emerging science of the hologenome. For him, the point at which he realized that diseases form reliably identifiable patterns on x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) was the point at which he began to realize that individual organisms should be seen through a lens that encompasses all of the microbes that interact with it.
Dr. Miller is an endless source of interesting information, discussing a range of topics to include the influential role of the microbiome in our daily lives, how infectious diseases produce the same patterns as metastatic cancer on MRI, CT, ultrasound, and x-ray images, repeating patterns in nature, different forms of intelligence, and how to define and understand cellular self-awareness. Press play for the full conversation, visit www.themicrocosmwithin.com to learn more, and find his book on Amazon or in the stores.
Mariano Vázquez, Ph.D., co-founder, and CTO of ELEM Biotech, discusses the many possibilities for testing and advancing treatments by utilizing virtual humans.
Mariano Vázquez, Ph.D., has spent many years as a prominent researcher at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and he has worked in tandem with many multi-disciplinary, international researchers with diverse backgrounds spanning physics, mathematics, computer sciences, and engineering. By activating the most powerful supercomputers on the planet, researchers seek to gather a more sophisticated understanding of nature by developing a computational world for their ongoing research.
Vázquez talks about their work at ELEM Biotech. Their simulations of complex systems such as the human body, open up many doors for further research and testing. Overall the company is immersed in biomedical simulations, cloud, machine learning, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system, advanced medical devices, etc. Vázquez explains that while ELEM Biotech is interested in many areas of study and development, they are mostly focused on the cardiovascular system. Their information states… “Imagine a virtual human, not made of flesh and bones, but bits and bytes.”
As Vázquez explains, they create virtual humans with the goal of facilitating the testing of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, etc. Ultimately, virtual humans are created in a cloud infrastructure, where pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, etc. can test their products and fine-tune treatments to best-fit patients. In theory, so many devices and systems can be tested, from pacemakers to valve replacements, as well as stents and anti-arrhythmic drugs. Additionally, treatments for asthma, obstructive pulmonary diseases and so much more can be set up for study.
Vázquez talks about the future study they hope to approach. He explains the manner in which they develop their models and the relative complexity. He details how they combine systems to work in coordination. He further elaborates on their desire to link systems in a more advanced way, such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Vázquez explains also, the wonderful possibilities to test devices in relation to male versus female, for as he states a pacemaker, for example, is designed for both male and female, but the hearts are different.
Finally, Vázquez talks about the research and development they expect to delve into in the coming months and years
According to a meta-analysis study in 2015 that considered 226 studies, the practice of oral and breathing exercises lowered subjects' apnea–hypopnea index (an index of the severity of apnea based on how many times and for how long breathing ceases per hour of sleep) by 50%. So, what exactly are oral exercises? It may sound a little odd at first, but Sarah Hornsby is a myofunctional therapist who teaches people how to strengthen their tongue, throat, breathe through their nose, and keep their tongue resting at the roof rather than the bottom of their mouth through a series of exercises she leads via Skype-based appointments, video programs, and YouTube videos. Her goal is to make this knowledge and resource globally accessible to the many people who are unnecessarily suffering or unaware that there is an actual fixable problem underlying their daily fatigue.
“It really is something that actually addresses root causes, and I appreciate that so much because I feel like a lot of what we do in modern medicine and dentistry is just about treating symptoms,” says Hornsby. In addition to sleep apnea, headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, teeth grinding, and chronic sinus issues are just a few of the symptoms associated with oral myofunctional and breathing problems. Ultimately, a person’s overall health and well-being can be severely compromised by something that's treatable without the use of pills or bothersome devices.
Hornsby makes for an insightful and eye-opening conversation that covers everything from craniofacial development and growth in children (and how it can be altered by the position of the tongue in the mouth), why snoring shouldn’t be brushed off as simply a nuisance, the importance of the respiratory disturbance index in evaluating the seriousness of a person’s sleep apnea, and what an initial consultation with her would look like.
Press play to hear the full conversation, find her videos on YouTube, and visit https://myfaceology.com/ to learn more.
About two years ago, a group of highly talented senior researchers from a startup named Unanimous approached Dr. Matthew Lungren, assistant professor of pediatric radiology at Stanford University Medical Center, with an inquiry: in what ways, if any, could technology designed to harness the power of collective human intelligence benefit the world of radiology or medicine in general? A collaboration between these researchers and Dr. Lungren commenced soon after, around the time when Stanford researchers released data showing that the detection of pneumonia on x-ray could be accomplished by AI with the same level of accuracy as human radiologists. The investigative question then became whether or not collective human intelligence could outperform the independent power of both AI and human radiologists.
So, what exactly is collective or ‘swarm’ intelligence and how is it better than just having a conversation with colleagues about a particular problem or decision? Dr. Lungren describes it like this: “If you can imagine a puck on ice that can be slid around, and each person has a magnetic force that they can apply to that puck to pull it toward the answer they believe is correct…eventually a decision is reached…and it’s fascinating to see how accurate they end up being as a group.” Unlike sitting around a table with your colleagues and eventually coming to a conclusion, no one knows the identity of anyone else in the swarm, which immediately eliminates the hierarchical and sociological influences of decision-making processes that involve perceived leaders or people of power; even if subtle, the dynamics that emerge from such heterogeneous groups often play influential roles on the final decisions that are made. Swarm intelligence removes that influence, and replaces it with distributed anonymity in decision making.
The possible use cases of this technology extend far beyond the world of radiology and hold promise for a future filled with better, more accurate diagnoses and decision making in medicine, but that’s not to say it’s not without its challenges and drawbacks. Press play to hear the full conversation, learn more by visiting the web page of the ones who started it all (unanimous.ai) and feel free to email your questions to Dr. Lungren at mlungren@stanford.edu.
In Canada, 27 people are going to die today because of an adverse drug reaction, and in the US, ten times that number will die for the same reason. But with the right patient-specific prescribing software and enough time for thorough patient-doctor conversations prior to choosing or prescribing a new medication, many of these deaths can be prevented.
GenXys is a company that’s developed software that considers every relevant aspect of an individual's health history, current health status, and current drug list before providing a comprehensive list of the drugs that could be used to treat a particular condition, along with information about risk factors, warnings, adverse drug interactions, efficacy, and more. Current drug interaction software programs are designed to send alerts only after a drug has been chosen, thereby acting as more of an afterthought warning for what’s already been decided. GenXys software delivers these warnings to clinicians before they even sit down for the discussion with their patients.
“In the end, what we’re trying to do is give the physician and the patient all the drug options and the information about those drugs options precisely and very, very quickly…you want to have the time in the consultation focused on the discussion, not on the software, so our aim is to make the software almost in the background, so you don’t notice it as the clinician or as the patient,” says Dr. Martin Dawes, MD, Co-Founder, and Chief Scientific Officer of GenXys. He brings a wealth of information to the conversation, discussing the current state of affairs in drug development and approval, the current process of deciding upon and prescribing drugs, and the importance of changing the status quo in these areas. Press play for the full conversation, and visit https://www.genxys.com/content/ to learn more.
Bacteria, yeast, and viruses inhabit our mouths, but the role they play in the overall health of our bodies is just beginning to be explored. Currently, factors contributing to sick mouths are being cross-referenced and studied with up to 57 systemic diseases—diseases that would otherwise seem unrelated to oral health, such as colorectal cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer, chronic high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and even dementia.
Dr. Doug Thompson runs his own practice that’s based around the mouth-body connection and aptly named Integrative Oral Medicine. “You can’t separate the mouth from the body; it’s absolutely integrated, and as dentists become more and more aware, they’re helping patients become a lot healthier,” he says. He joins the podcast to discuss the specifics of how poor oral health contributes to and indicates the presence of other diseases, and how medical doctors and dentists can collaborate to identify these connections and improve—and sometimes even save—the lives of their patients.
Dr. Thompson is also the founder of the Wellness Dentistry Network, which he uses as a platform to teach dentists how to provide better care to their patients by embracing a more holistic view of oral health and to provide resources on best practices and new methodologies in the field.
Visit https://ioralmed.com/ and https://www.wellnessdentistrynetwork.com/ to learn more.
Dr. Eric Scerri, noted scientist and author of the book, “The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance,” and many others, delivers a fascinating overview of the origin and importance of the periodic table.
Dr. Scerri is an experienced scientist who has logged many years in the field of chemistry. His formal education was primarily with the Universities of London, Cambridge, and Southampton. Interested in sharing his love of science with hungry young minds, Dr. Scerri spent a decade teaching chemistry at various private colleges in the London area. Dr. Scerri completed postdoctoral fellowships with the London School of Economics and Caltech then went on to teach again at Purdue University and Bradley University, eventually landing at UCLA in 2000.
The science expert talks about his background and how he became interested in the periodic table in his early childhood years. He recounts how the periodic table truly encompasses all the stuff from which everything is made. No other science has anything quite like it, which is remarkable and makes the periodic table that much more intriguing scientifically. He talks in depth about some of the more obscure elements and where they exist or might exist, in the universe. And he provides detailed information about the life of elements and their half-lives.
The chemist talks about the origin of the periodic table, as well as the discovery of the atom, etc. He explains many surprising insights that he has encountered in relation to the early equations that explained the complexity of the atom. He goes into detail about various equations from the pioneers of quantum mechanics that set out to explain the periodic table.
Dr. Scerri goes on to explain how superficial behavior can be misleading, and that deeper examination is required to fully explain and classify elements within scientific study. He talks about how every object is quantum mechanical, and that quantum mechanics is the more fundamental theory. Dr. Scerri discusses the various areas of his study and recounts some of the commonly asked questions he has fielded over the years in the many and various interviews he has taken part in.
Additionally, the science author explains how there is a fundamental unity of everything, and how this concept is often lacking in western philosophy and literature. He talks in detail about how science is, in fact, one unifying area, and that the individuals are less important than the overall advancement of science.
It’s only within the last decade or so that there’s been an understanding and growing appreciation of the ways in which cancer cells interact with the body, and the important clinical impacts of these interactions. Prior to this, the main focus was on developing therapies that only targeted the tumors themselves. However, due to the hyper-evolving nature of cancer cells and their ability to manipulate and adapt to the environment in ways that promote their growth, therapies designed to attack only them don’t always provide clinical benefit for the patient.
Masoud Tavazoie, MD, Ph.D., is the CEO and co-founder of Rgenix, a company with a scientific approach to this problem that models the interactions between tumors and tumor microenvironments to not only learn more about the ways in which tumors communicate with the body, but also identify specific targets on immune cells that, when provided with novel therapeutics, will bolster the body’s ability to mount an effective response against tumor growth. Since the therapies being developed by Rgenix don’t necessarily act on the cancer cells themselves but on the body’s ability to combat them, they have the potential to treat multiple types of cancer.
Rgenix currently has several drug programs in clinical development, and Dr. Tavazoie joins the podcast to discuss each of them, as well as a range of other important and interesting topics in this new and exciting realm of cancer technology.
Tune in and visit https://rgenix.com/ for more.
Imagine an experience so immersive it truly feels like you’ve been transported to another world or transformed to fit the mold of a flying bird, your seat moving in tandem with the visual experience, your feet hanging in mid-air. Imagine being able to conveniently access such an experience with the whole family, leaving with a newfound sense of insight, motivation, inspiration, and appreciation for life.
This is exactly the type of experience MacGillivray Freeman, the family filmmaking company based out of Laguna Beach, CA, aims to provide for as many people as possible. “We are really good storytellers and that’s what we pride ourselves on, so being able to have something that is not only really cool and immersive but also emotional and inspirational, we strive for,” says Shaun MacGillivray, president of MacGillivray Freeman. He goes on to explain the impressive and important impacts of their films. For example, by partnering with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Coca-Cola in a text-to-donate campaign inspired by their film To The Arctic, four million dollars were donated for a protected place for polar bears.
Shaun MacGillivray joins the podcast to discuss how the company began, how it’s evolved, what they’ve accomplished, and what’s in store for the future.
Press play to hear the full conversation, check out a handful of their films on Netflix and YouTube and learn more by visiting http://macgillivrayfreeman.com/our-story/.
With the creation of an entirely inorganic robotic system about the size of a red blood cell—just seven to ten microns in diameter—the team in the lab of Michael Strano at the MIT Department of Engineering is reaching previously inaccessible locations in the human body and various other environments found within and useful to industry, such as chemical reactors, oil pipelines, and soil matrices.
In 2018, they published landmark papers detailing two prototypes of these tiny robotic systems, one which was used as a component of aerosolizable electronics in which they were nebulized and sent through a pipe, light enough to travel along with the air flow. The robots were able to detect different chemicals and respond to light within the pipes, and then be gathered for the collection of data. The second prototype was launched into a body of water where it was capable of detecting various chemicals and responding to magnetic fields, and therefore able to detect nutrients in soil matrices that were good or bad for plant growth.
Albert Liu is a presidential fellow and member of Michael Strano’s lab at MIT, and he has an extensive laboratory background. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, explaining the ins and outs of this new technology, the challenges that come along with creating and powering such small systems, and the tradeoffs between artificial and biological systems.
Press play for all the details, and learn more by visiting https://srg.mit.edu/.
Mass producing colloidal electronics (with a video):
http://news.mit.edu/2018/how-mass-produce-cell-sized-robots-1023
Strano website:
Albert website:
Nature Nano reference:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-018-0194-z
Nature Materials reference:
Jarett Boskovich, cofounder and chief marketing officer at WowYow Inc. (wowyow.com), delivers a comprehensive overview of his AI-based company’s exciting technology.
Boskovich has more than a decade of solid entrepreneurial experience and has worked with many successful Fortune 500 companies. With a distinguished background operating in sales and marketing, Boskovich seeks to bring all of his skills to WowYow Inc., the advanced AI-based company he cofounded.
Boskovich’s company has developed sophisticated technology that can scan video content to unlatch fresh supply and demand sources that can solve an assortment of digital media problems. Boskovich talks about WowYow’s position in the digital media space as a forward-thinking visual AI company. As he states, WowYow’s AI can be used to identify, index, search, and monetize visual content, across multiple platforms and devices. It’s people, places, products and things… in useable metadata delivery. As he explains, users can literally search video and unlock the data within. Imagine seeing a pro baller’s sneakers in a game, and wanting to know what they are, and if you could buy them for yourself… WowYow can help.
The tech entrepreneur talks about the depth of data that companies can use to create business opportunities. He states that while many things can be identified in video content, not every piece needs to be, or should be, so the technology is expanding as are the safeguards. Boskovich discusses the kinds of content in which the AI can be utilized to assist consumers.
The innovative company seeks to turn the industry on its ear, to literally change how we interact with and monetize deep visual content to provide an intense, original experience for businesses and companies as well as consumers interacting from various devices and platforms. Boskovich has high expectations for his company, and the company is working continuously to expand further into augmented reality, television, gaming consoles, and virtual reality.
Moving forward, Boskovich states they will be rolling out many new platform innovations that will create all new ad experiences for consumers. As the technology expands, Boskovich will be working with his team to bridge all tech gaps to make the consumer experience more exciting and productive.
One in two people around the world who have dementia will never receive a diagnosis for it, and those that do will likely receive it too late for existing treatments to be helpful. This is a problem that’s not only depriving patients of quality time, but also costing significant amounts of money due to earlier needs for residential care.
As it currently stands, testing for dementia usually begins only after a patient or their friends and family members notice cognitive impairment, usually in the form of forgetfulness. Once memory problems set in, however, it’s usually too late to slow the progression of the disease. In addition, the current tests designed to identify and help a clinician diagnose dementia rely on rudimentary, pen-and-paper tests that depend heavily on self-reporting. Cognetivity is a company that's offering a new type of test that could change all of this.
COO of Cognetivity, Tom Sawyer, explains that much like blood pressure or cholesterol check, their test can be completed as part of a routine physical exam. The premise of the test is quite simple and involves showing patients different images for a short duration and then prompting them to say something about the content of the images they’re shown. Capable of detecting very small changes in cognitive function and mild incompetencies that no test before it has been able to, it can identify pre-symptomatic stages of dementia 10 to 15 years before most people would receive a diagnosis today. This significantly earlier detection allows for the implementation of behavioral and lifestyle changes, mental exercises, and some medications in order to delay the progression of the disease and the need for residential care.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and visit cognetivity.com to learn more.
Miriam Kalamian, EdM, MS, CNS, discusses her work as an educator and nutrition expert, and talks extensively about the connection between diet and disease.
Kalamian has devoted much of her life to the study of nutrition. She is board certified in nutrition (CNS), bestowed upon her by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. As a noted nutrition consultant and educator, she spends a great deal of her time focused on the importance of diet in an overall healthy lifestyle. And as a successful author and nutrition expert she is interested in the implementation of ketogenic therapies, and has written extensively on the topic. Kalamian holds a master of education (EdM) from Smith College and a master of human nutrition (MS) from Eastern Michigan University.
Kalamian discusses her background and what led to her current career focus. As she recounts, her world was rocked back in 2004 when her young son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Standard therapies did not stop the aggressive progression of his disease, and thus it was clear to Kalamian that she simply had to go in a different direction to fight for her son. After much reading and research, Kalamian discovered Dr. Thomas Seyfried’s extensive research that was based on the ketogenic diet as a means to fight cancer. She discusses in detail, the journey she went through with her son, and talks about the ways in which the body turns up its power to fight, when a stricter diet commands the body to work efficiently.
The nutrition expert delves into the inner-workings of the body and its abilities to handle and process foods. She talks about the effects of too much protein in a diet, and explains what happens internally. She explains how cancer cells work and how exercise and diet combine to provide benefits. Kalamian explains fatty acids and ketosis, and the removal of glucose from the bloodstream. As she states, low-impact exercise, such as a nice walk, helps to remove glucose from the bloodstream in a safe and effective way. She explains that nutrition, when controlled, can benefit the body’s health while simultaneously working against cancer.
The effects of a ketogenic diet can have a significant impact on some cancer patients in combination with their doctor’s other treatments and therapies. While keto may not be the sole solution, it certainly can enhance traditional medicine treatments.
Alyssa Crittenden, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, delivers a thorough overview of anthropology and diet.
Crittenden has spent many years deeply researching the evolution of human behavior, specifically as it pertains to nutrition and reproduction. With a keen interest in the many questions that circulate regarding what makes our human species so incredibly unique, Crittenden’s research taps into the direct links between diet composition, growth/development, as well as the formation of families and child rearing.
Crittenden discusses her opinions on diet and nutrition. As a nutritional anthropologist, she is particularly interested in historical diets as they relate to what we know today. She delves into a discussion on the paleo diet. The paleo diet, short for Paleolithic diet, sometimes referred to as the caveman diet or stone-age diet is a complete diet that requires an individual to restrict their diet to foods thought to have been readily available to humans throughout the Paleolithic era. Crittenden explains the benefits of various diets and substitutes people can make to stay true to their particular diet. As she states, while the paleo diet is popular, many clinical nutritionists don’t advocate it. From an anthropological perspective, she explains that the enlargement of human brains was related to higher quality food sources.
The Ph.D. discusses how many diets exist in our society, but most of the world does not have the same dietary options or access. She delves into some of the questions we ponder in relation to our food sources and diet and relates how our microbiome is directly impacted by not only foods we eat but also our environment. She talks about worms and insects and how many people in the world commonly eat them, though most Americans are quite averse to the idea. She explains how the harvesting of insects is more sustainable, as large animals require significant amounts of land for grazing. She details some of the statistics that relate to food growth and crop productivity. Incorporating insects into the diet, Crittenden states is perhaps one of the best ways that we can enhance our food supply, with a lower impact.
The professor discusses how access to adequate nutrition is still a privilege but not a right. Many people in the world are malnourished, unfortunately, and obesity adds another element that contributes negatively to global health.
Crittenden has worked extensively with the Hadza of Tanzania, East Africa — one of the world’s few remaining hunting and gathering populations. Crittenden’s work has been published often in academic journals and highlighted in notable media sources such as The New York Times, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Psychology Today, and many others.
It’s already been successfully accomplished in mice: the joining of sperm and egg cells that were developed from skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), and the consequent creation of healthy infants. But could the same thing be done in humans? And if so, should it?
Dr. Hank Greely is the Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law and professor by courtesy of genetics at Stanford University with expert knowledge on the social, legal, and ethical implications of various research endeavors in genetics and the biosciences. He’s also the author of The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction, a fascinating book that focuses largely on the concept of embryo selection, which, aided by the latest developments in stem cell and iPS research, could become a reality in the coming years. Imagine being able to flip through a catalog of hundreds of options of embryos—some with a high likelihood of having blonde hair and brown eyes and a low risk of developing a certain disease, and others with a high likelihood of having brown hair , or blue eyes, or a high risk of developing that same disease.
Dr. Greely discusses a range of interesting topics, including the potential for the development of skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to allow hundreds of thousands of couples to have genetic children despite not having functional sperm and/or eggs, the potential for homosexual couples to have genetic children, and unibabies—the concept of developing an embryo created by egg and sperm cells from the same individual. What would that look like, and what's the next step after unibabies? Dr. Greely discusses all this and more, so tune in, check out his book on Amazon, and watch his Ted Talk by following this link
https://law.stanford.edu/directory/henry-t-greely/#slsnav-featured-video.
Many of us have fond memories of playing with Lincoln Logs and Legos as children, constructing cities and vehicles and whatever else we felt like we needed. As an assistant professor of mechanical engineering with courtesy appointments in biomedical engineering as well as electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Rebecca Taylor gets to play out a version of those memories every day in her lab. How? By engineering and developing control schemes for ‘DNA origami’—tiny DNA-based electromechanical systems from which rafts or giant bundles or elastic hinges or any number of other conformations and features can be made. Once programmed to follow a certain pathway, these systems essentially build themselves, making for immensely powerful tools in bioengineering.
Dr. Taylor joins the podcast to discuss how exactly DNA origami works and the specific projects her lab is currently working on, which include the creation of microswimmers—tiny robots capable of swimming through the smallest passageways in the human body, such as capillaries measuring eight microns in diameter. Using DNA technology, Dr. Taylor and her team are able to control the assembly of these systems, dictating the level of stiffness, and where and how they’ll function in the body. The future direction of Dr. Taylor’s work will focus on engineering DNA origami that could act like molecular chaperones, facilitating their own more complex assemblies and changing shape dynamically, bending, twisting, carrying, and moving things into position in order to fulfill a variety of roles within the body.
Tune in for all the details, and stay up to date with the latest developments by visiting https://engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/taylor-rebecca.html.
Returning guest and theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegel joins the podcast for an eye-opening and incredibly informative discussion that will lead you to question one of the most fundamental aspects of existence: how the universe began. Scientists and laypersons alike almost always point to the Big Bang theory, which posits that 13.8 billion years ago, all matter and energy that would give rise to the entire universe as we observe it today was condensed into a single dense point before starting to expand. In simple terms, the Big Bang theory was developed by extrapolating backward from what we observe today—an expanding universe that’s becoming less and less dense as wavelengths are elongating and objects are getting further apart.
So, what’s the problem with the Big Bang theory? If you were to ask Ethan Siegel that question, he would respond with some questions of his own: “Why is the universe the same temperature in all directions to one part in 30,000? Why is the universe perfectly spatially flat and balanced between expansion rate and all energy in the universe? And why are there no high-energy relics left over from this early, hot, dense state if the temperatures got arbitrarily high?” According to Siegel and many other cosmologists who study the universe for a living, these are some of the puzzles that the widely accepted theory simply cannot account for. He explains each of these questions in detail (what exactly they mean, how they’ve come to be asked, and why it’s important to answer them), and also what we need to do in order to move beyond this theory. What would a new theory capable of replacing the Big Bang theory even look like? And how would we go about determining if it gives correct predictions? Siegel discusses all of this, drawing from a seemingly endless wealth of information and making for a fascinating conversation that’ll take you out of this world.
Interested in diving deeper into this topic? Siegel is writing a whole book on it, which is set to be released during the first quarter of 2020 (and maybe even earlier). In the meantime, check out his blog, Starts With A Bang!
In an attempt to combat the Great Chinese Famine in the 1950s, the Chinese government ordered the cull of huge numbers of sparrows in order to preserve the grain that comprised the majority of their diet, but in the absence of sparrows, the insect population exploded, decimating crops and leading to the death of millions of people; this is just one example of ecological restoration gone wrong, and the catastrophic consequences of uninformed action.
With the use of big data analytics and machine learning tools, Thomas Crowther, Ph.D. is making the most of data that was previously unavailable to us—data that will allow us to make better, more ecologically-informed decisions that will aid in the restoration of the planet’s ecosystems and circumvent the potentially disastrous consequences of ecological reform gone wrong. Whether ‘restoration’ means changing the composition of soils, removing farm animals from sections of land in order to allow for the return of natural vegetation, or simply planting trees will depend on the geographical location in question and the nature of the ecosystem present.
The Crowther Lab app is informing various restoration efforts around the world by allowing them to select and zoom in on a particular geographical region, and identify which form of action would best serve the ecological system. “We are a single location that brings together the full holistic ecological status of the system. There are lots of researchers around world working on soil microbes, soil bacteria, trees, etc., and we are providing a platform where we bring all of that information together,” explains Dr. Crowther.
Press play to hear the full conversation and learn more about ongoing research and restoration efforts by visiting crowtherlab.com
In all likelihood, you directly interact with at least three phases of matter on a daily basis—gas, liquid, and solid. But the same can’t necessarily be said about plasma, the fourth phase of matter. In fact, some people might be inclined to say that plasma doesn’t relate much to our daily lives at all…but they’d be mistaken. To understand the impact of plasma, it’s only necessary to understand the impact of satellites—spacecraft that orbit Earth’s atmosphere and allow for global telecommunications, navigation, weather forecasting, environmental forecasting, and so much more.
Historically, the noble gas xenon has been the primary source of fuel for electric satellite propulsion, but the team at Phase Four is creating plasma propulsion technology that’s allowing for cheaper, more efficient, and more flexible satellite missions. Phase Four technology allows for electric satellite propulsion to be fueled by any neutral gas (e.g., xenon, argon, and krypton) as well as novel propellants, such as water vapor, air, and methane. The ability to use such novel propellants will remove the necessity of carrying earthbound fuels into space, and allow for the use of locally available fuels, thereby making for cheaper and lengthier missions.
CEO of Phase Four, Beau Jarvis, joins the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of this new technology, as well as a number of other interesting topics, such as the imminence of megaconstellations and the potential for space-delivered internet in the coming years.
Interested in learning more? Tune in and visit phasefour.io.
Phil Deschamps, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Helius Medical Technologies delivers an overview of brain function and brain stimulation.
Phil Deschamps has been on board with Helius Medical Technologies since 2013. Deschamps has amassed an impressive 28 years of continuous experience in the growing pharmaceutical and healthcare industry and has worked with major corporations such as Bristol Myers Squibb, GSW Worldwide, and MediMedia Health. Deschamps has overseen the strategic development of multiple companies and is a seasoned veteran and noted authority in the industry.
Deschamps discusses his work at Helius and the new, advanced portable neuromodulation stimulator they refer to as simply, PoNS. He provides a detailed overview of how external stimulation of the brain works, with an emphasis on neuroplasticity. Helius focuses on noninvasive platform technologies, with the intent to provide outstanding new treatment options for many patients by amplifying the human brain’s innate ability to actually heal itself. PoNS is a medical device that looks very promising in various clinical trials. Deschamps speaks about their work with traumatic brain injuries, but he states that over time they hope to be cleared to provide solutions for many more medical areas such as MS, Parkinson’s, stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.
The medical technology expert discusses rehabilitation in regard to brain function. He describes the exercises in physical therapy that help a patient recover, and how PoNS can enhance the physical therapy to provide permanent improvements. He delves into the design of their device and how it works, but he underscores that clinical trials are ongoing and with each new trial they continue to learn more about the benefits of this new technology. Scientifically, there is much to learn still, but researchers are working steadily to progress the tech to help many patients.
Deschamps talks about their clinically significant results and their review process with the FDA. Additionally, he provides information on the various groups that they have worked with in regard to physical therapy. He discusses placebo and blinding, and the other means they use to gather the most honest data they can in their clinical trials. He expounds further upon specific trials and discusses some of their surprises, as well as some of the expectations they went into the trials with, that were met. He states that they found some significant brain changes that have been very encouraging.
Down the road, Deschamps hopes to find even more advanced ways to help patients affected by neurological symptoms caused by trauma and disease.
The age of fifth generation cellular technologies is upon us, which means faster connectivity by three to 10 orders of magnitude, lower latency by 10 orders of magnitude, virtual and augmented reality capabilities, and within a few years, connectivity to IoT, including personal computers, vehicles, manufacturing plants, and homes.
Ignacio Contreras is the director of 5G product marketing at Qualcomm, a company that has expedited the deployment of 5G technologies in response to unexpected and substantial consumer demand for greater data capacity and smartphone capabilities. He explains the evolution of cellular technologies over the years, starting from the 1980s when 1G—the first analog cell phones—was the breakthrough technology that the world had never seen before. He also details the fundamental differences between 5G and all previous generations of cellular technology, underscoring the globally transformative potential of 5G.
Launches start this year across the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and China.
Tune in and visit https://www.qualcomm.com/ to learn more and stay current on the latest developments.
On December 1, 2017, China passed a policy banning the import of plastics from several foreign countries, including the US. For over a year now, this policy has been in effect and the plastic has been piling up, with much of it actually being redirected to other developing countries. In other words, the problem of plastic waste and what to do with it is not new—it’s just shifting to other parts of the world. But it’s also forcing Americans to face what’s becoming an increasingly pressing question: how do we go about handling the millions of pounds of plastic waste we’re producing each year?
Sahadat Hossain, Ph.D., P.E., is a professor at the University of Texas Arlington Department of Civil Engineering who is working on a solution that utilizes a characteristic of plastic which makes it particularly problematic in landfills: non-degradability. Since plastic does not degrade, it takes up a significant amount of space in landfills and prevents other materials from degrading, which just worsens the problem. However, the non-degradability of plastic makes it a particularly useful material in civil engineering pursuits, and this is the focus of Dr. Hossain’s work.
His work in this realm began with an investigation into the use of plastic waste for slope-stabilizing pins, which led to a well-funded project in 2013 that proved immensely successful. With one pin containing about 500 plastic bottles, and 600 pins used in just one project, Dr. Hossain and his team recycled about 300,000 plastic bottles. Now, imagine how much plastic waste could be recycled if a similar technique was used in the construction of roadways. This is exactly what Dr. Hossain is focusing his research efforts on now, and he joins the podcast to discuss all the details of what this would entail the challenges that must be overcome and the current, ongoing application of this technique in India.
Interested in learning more? Tune in and visit http://www.uta.edu/faculty/hossain/Home.html.
Most of us are familiar with the self-righting movement of tortoises and turtles—it’s a display that serves as entertainment for some, and wonder for others, but for Alex Abramson, it served as inspiration for a new drug delivery system for insulin and other biologic drugs. He has engineered an ingestible, self-orienting pill that is designed to deliver tiny injections in the stomach wall, thereby removing the need for subcutaneous injections such as those that diabetics have to self-administer. How does it work? Once the pill is swallowed, it is designed to land at the bottom of the stomach within five minutes and orient itself toward the tissue wall where the drug needs to be delivered. Equipped with a hydration-based actuator, the pill senses the humidity of the stomach environment and inserts a drug-loaded post directly into the stomach tissue with a needle less than one millimeter in diameter. The post then dissolves and allows for systemic uptake comparable to subcutaneous injection.
Abramson is a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering at MIT, and for the past four years, he’s been working closely with Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that has sponsored this project. The project has been published, multiple studies using large animal models have been completed, and they are looking to bring the product into clinical trials within the next two years. Among other topics, Abramson joins the podcast to discuss how the shape and density distribution of the pill was inspired by the shape and density distribution of self-righting tortoises, what prevents perforation of stomach tissue with injection, why the sensor was designed to detect humidity rather than acidity, and the many benefits of this system of drug delivery that you probably haven’t even thought of.
Tune in for all the details, and follow this link https://youtu.be/w7UTwEPYD4M to watch a video on how exactly the pill works.
Addiction, relapse, and acute overdose are the three core features of cocaine abuse, and researchers have figured out a way to make lab mice completely immune to them. How is this possible? Xiaoyang Wu and Ming Xu are researchers at the University of Chicago who have joined forces to tackle the problem of cocaine addiction, for which there is currently no FDA-approved treatment.
The key to their method involves the naturally-occurring cocaine-degrading enzyme known as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), CRISPR gene editing, and skin grafting. The procedure involves removing a patch of skin from a donor mouse, genetically modifying the skin cells within that patch of skin to produce high amounts of BChE, and then grafting those genetically-modified skin cells back onto the same mouse. Once the enzyme hits the bloodstream, it reaches every location in the body that requires a blood supply, and therefore reaches the central reward center where cocaine addiction develops. By degrading cocaine faster than it can accumulate in the mouse’s system, the high levels of this enzyme protect the mouse from cocaine overdose, addiction, and relapse. Wu and Xu offer fascinating and informative insight on what could potentially be the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for cocaine addiction.
Press play for all the details.
Toshihiro Shioda, MD, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School and is a Member, MGH Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Shioda discusses his lab’s work in regard to cellular biology.
Shioda’s lab studies a wide variety of issues such as the various roles and actions of certain estrogens and antiestrogens pertaining to breast cancer in humans, pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics of estrogens as well as xenobiotic environmental estrogenic substances, and the impact of environmental materials and bioactive food elements on fetuses during early development, just to name a few.
Shioda discusses primordial germ cells in detail, commonly referred to in the scientific community as simply, PGCs. As he states, PGCs are the basis for study for much of their lab research. By generating PGC-type models, the lab team members are able to study many areas related to cellular science. Shioda has published on multiple topics related to the field. The Harvard researcher is particularly interested in the various ways that primordial germ cells produced, and tested, within his lab are similar to typical, natural germ cells. Shioda talks about the possibilities for his team’s research, and how, notably, these types of cultured cells could provide a useful model in which to intensively study germline epimutations produced by an assortment of exposures.
Continuing, Shioda talks about chemotherapy and the effects on men and women. He details some of the papers they have published on their studies of epigenetics. Epigenetics is defined as the study of heritable phenotype changes, changes that don’t require or pertain to alterations within the DNA sequence.
Shioda explains some of the difficulties researchers encounter. Specifically, in regard to fully comprehending germline exposure risks, there is a greater need for effectual, reliable models for important mechanical studies. Shioda and his research team utilize the most advanced tools related to stem cell biology as well as deep sequencing technology to produce germ cell models, with the intent of performing more toxicological tests that hopefully will provide answers to impact human health in a positive way, for cancer research and more.
“The fascinating thing about the [termite] mound is that…it’s not just this big pile of dirt; it has complex architecture, it’s differentiated in structure…and it has a function—it serves to capture wind energy in the environment, and that helps power the gas exchange needs of the termite colony located underground, so it’s literally a lung made from soil,” says J Scott Turner, explaining one of his well-known discoveries that contributed to the theory of collective intelligence. His discoveries not only led to a greater understanding of a South African species of termite and their enormous mounds which pepper the Cape Town landscape, but opened the door to many more questions which would influence the direction of his career moving forward.
As a physiologist, professor, and author, J Scott Turner has made it his life’s work to understand where and in what way physiology, adaptation, ecology, evolution and philosophy intersect. He joins the podcast to discuss what he’s learned over the years, including the different ways in which organisms construct and adapt to their environments in ways that resemble superorganism assemblage, animal architecture as expressions of physiological needs, the ways in which human gut flora interact with their environment, the cellular cooperation and mutual accommodation that’s present in the development of malignant cancers, and the fluid relationship between hereditary memory and function.
Tune in for all the details, and learn more about his work by visiting jscottturner.com or reaching out with questions via jsturner@syr.edu.
Sleep: it’s essential for our health, mental well-being, work productivity, quality of life…the list continues. Identifying sleep issues, however, can be a long and difficult process. Why? Sleep is difficult to measure, which means it’s hard to generate the data that’s necessary in order to better understand and address sleep problems. Why is it difficult to measure? According to Roy Raymann, Ph.D., true measurements of sleep—those that are more objective than simple questionnaires—are obtrusive, requiring multiple sensors on the brain, face, wrists, etc., which neglects the fact that comfort is a crucial element of good sleep.
On today’s podcast, you’ll learn about a new form of technology 13 years in the making that could very well change the way sleep is studied from here on out. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Raymann has conducted research in sleep science for more than 25 years, his work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, and he currently serves as Vice President of Sleep Science and Scientific Affairs at SleepScore Labs. He discusses the ins and outs of SleepScore’s technology, which utilizes sounds waves, algorithms, and a whole lot of data processing to detect and translate micro-movements during sleep into useful data about sleep quality. All that’s required is a small bedside device, which means no annoying sensors tacked to your head and no wires in your bed.
Tune in to hear more about the SleepScore product and the extra features it includes, and check out https://www.sleepscore.com/ to learn more.
Pedro J. Alvarez, George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University, delivers an interesting overview of the important new technologies that can help provide clean water to global communities.
Alvarez is truly passionate about science and engineering and has devoted his career to the study and research of the environmental implications and applications of nanotechnology, the water footprint of biofuels, bioremediation, antibiotic resistance control, toxic chemicals, and water treatment and reuse. He is the founding Director of the NSF Engineering Research Center on Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT) at Rice University.
Alvarez discusses his work at Rice, and his passion for bringing clean water to everyone, to support global health and economic development. The engineering expert explains the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to make plastics, and he details how it affects fertility and reproduction rates. He states that many contaminants are not regulated, and wastewater treatment often meets the bare minimum only. Unfortunately, many cans for foods such as soups, baby foods, etc., have linings that may contain BPA or similar compounds. He talks about the need for better water treatment, and discusses the micron-sized spheres that have been developed to capture and destroy BPA. Alvarez talks about their work utilizing technology and advanced materials to bring clean water to the global population, in areas where it is desperately needed. He explains how the original concepts were lacking in regard to energy efficiency and thus not adapted by industry. With new developments, energy usage can be cost-effective and exceedingly more sustainable.
The technology expert delves into the processes that they use to develop these advanced technologies. As he states, water is somewhat of a difficult space to make changes within, and some barriers do exist. He explains the scientific methods that are utilized for the treatment of water. Fortunately this advanced technology can potentially work for other polluting compounds in addition to BPA. He details the scientific technology they use for treating wastewater and also drinking water. He cites specific examples of the use of their photocatalyst that showed it was capable of successfully treating the water in select communities, eliminating pesticides and fecal matter.
Finally, Alvarez lays out their plans for future development and how they hope to expand, to help curb potential problems with contamination of water in many areas and industries. Professor Alvarez received a B. Eng. Degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University as well as MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which is more than the number of people suffering from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined. Considering this statistic, the current opioid epidemic isn’t terribly surprising. And even over-the-counter medications have a variety of side effects that can lead to kidney, liver, and GI issues over time. For many of these people, there’s a solution: Quell 2.0, a completely drug-free, wearable device that blocks lower-extremity pain signals by stimulating nerves with high-frequency electrical stimulation. No bigger than the size of a credit card, the device is worn comfortably and discretely around the calf and is the only over-the-counter therapeutic pain device that’s been FDA-cleared for use while sleeping. This is important since there is a positive feedback loop between pain and sleep; pain leads to loss of sleep, and sleep loss leads to the exacerbation of pain.
Frank McGillin, COO of Quell, joins the podcast to discuss all the details of how the product works, feedback from chronic pain patients who’ve used it, how long it takes to start working, the device’s ability to track quality of life measures to provide users with useful information over time, and the soon-to-be-launched AI-assisted Quell product that utilizes years’ worth of data to make the device smarter and more personalized to the individual pain sufferer.
Interested in learning more or getting one for yourself? Tune in and visit quellrelief.com.
Louis Rosenberg, Ph.D., founder, chief scientist and CEO of Unanimous AI (unanimous.ai), delivers an insightful overview of the many ways that AI is improving human intelligence and yielding higher quality outcomes in many industries.
Rosenberg is a seasoned scientific mind and has been instrumental in the success of many companies, public and private. He founded Unanimous AI as a means to further his interests in the study and development of collaborative systems, artificial intelligence (AI), as well as human-computer interaction. Rosenberg received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stanford University and then went on to complete his Ph.D., also at Stanford. He has spent many years developing for robotics, human-computer systems, and of course, virtual reality—an area of particular interest.
Rosenberg discusses his extensive background in artificial intelligence, and human intelligence, and the bridge between. While he states that society often worries about people being replaced by algorithms, he underscores that people are actually very smart, and the goal is to use AI to amplify human intelligence. He discusses the use of groups… a swarm functionality as he calls it. In a swarm system, people can answer questions to a problem together, which increases overall accuracy. The AI can measure general confidence level, etc. and help to zero in on the most accurate answers to a question or problem. Regarding medicine, doctors are able to reduce errors significantly by using swarm / collective intelligence. Ultimately, people are smarter collectively than on their own, and AI is helping this to become a reality in business and industry.
Rosenberg talks about the major companies, small businesses, universities and more that are taking advantage of swarm technology. As he explains, human knowledge provides an edge and AI is amplifying this significantly. He details some of their work implementing swarm-based predictive insights for upcoming products, entertainment, etc. The tech expert expounds upon their innovative technology and the many ways that everyone can get involved and utilize the swarm concept to increase their results, outcome, knowledge, etc. Additionally, Rosenberg discusses how predictive technology can help manufacturers better understand their markets.
As a noted expert in his field, Rosenberg has been awarded an astounding 300+ patents globally for his contributions to innovative technology in the areas of virtual and augmented reality, AI, and of course, human computer-interaction.
Wynand De Beer has always had an interest in evolution as a mechanism for life on Earth, but it wasn’t until about a decade ago that he really started diving into the study of it, guided by a question similar to the one that framed his doctoral work at the University of South Africa: is it possible to reconcile the Christian belief in creationism with the scientific evidence for evolution, and if so, to what degree? In the search for an answer, Wynand De Beer found himself immersed in Greek philosophy and surprised by what he was learning about cosmology, biology, and the connections between the two. He has since authored an account of all this and more, titled From Logos to Bios: Evolutionary Theory in Light of Plato, Aristotle & Neoplatonism.
Wynand De Beer offers a compelling conversation that touches on a variety of topics, including the mathematical foundations of the cosmos taught by Pythagoras, Platonism versus Neoplatonism, Aristotle as the first Western thinker to analyze biological phenomena among pants and animals, the concept that matter is shaped by the soul, physical versus metaphysical realities, how quantum behavior might be compatible with notions of a higher reality, the inaccurate conflation between evolution and Darwinism, the standard scientific explanation of the mind and the rebuttals to it, and the potentially imminent merge between man and machine.
Tune in for the full conversation and find his book on Amazon
Business operations are often bogged down by slow or inaccurate transfers of data, and project costs can skyrocket when specialists have to be called on site to redirect or explain specific tasks. Kieran Hall, head of strategic partnership development at Rokid, explains the solution he and the Rokid team have developed: Rokid Glass, an AI and augmented reality-enabled, wearable remote assistive device designed to streamline enterprise and B2B operations by speeding up the transfer of important information and allowing for two-way calls between workers in the field and specialists on off-site locations. How does it work?
By combining computer vision technologies and AI learning, Rokid has developed glasses with a built-in camera that allows off-site managers or specialists to see exactly what their workers in the field are seeing and make real-time annotations in the worker’s field of vision. For example, the specialist could circle a problem area or type directions in the worker’s line of vision. In this way, a worker’s attention can be drawn to the correct location at the correct time, they can receive pertinent information precisely when they need it, and the specialist can maintain full oversight and provide ongoing instruction from anywhere in the world. The AI aspect of Rokid Glass benefits the worker by not only providing them with important information about their environment, but even predicting and preempting them with the information they might need as they approach a new or changing work site, thereby keeping them prepared and informed.
Hall discusses other use cases of this technology, one of which has already allowed a company to reduce their information overhead by 99% and to reduce a project's completion time by 66%. Tune in for all the details, and with the official launch just right around the corner this May, stay up to date by visiting glass.rokid.com
“The average patient doesn’t understand what causes cavities, and quite frankly, the average dentist doesn’t understand it well enough, although that’s changing,” says Dr. Kim Kush, who’s been a practicing dentist in his hometown for 40 years now. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that he started realizing that if everything he was taught in dental school were all there is to it, then his patients wouldn't continue to get cavities, year after year. Rather than focusing on how to repair the damage of cavities once it’s already occurred, Dr. Kush wanted to focus on identifying and targeting the factors that cause cavities in the first place. So, what are the causes? Why can some people go their whole life without a single cavity—and without particularly good oral hygiene—while others will have new cavities every time they see the dentist—despite flossing and brushing every day?
Dr. Kim Kush has identified four main risk factors in his practice, the first of which has been validated in large clinical trials with over 12,000 people: dry mouth, diet, biofilm, and genetics. He discusses how and why each risk factor contributes to the development of cavities, and along the way provides surprising facts about bottled water, mouthwash, prescription medications, the importance of when you brush your teeth, and how almost everything having to do with dental health boils down the pH in your mouth.
Dr. Kush offers a fascinating and informative conversation on today’s podcast, so tune in and visit https://carifree.com/ to learn more.
One out of every three people in the world suffer from sleep problems, whether it’s the inability to fall asleep, the inability to stay asleep longer, or just waking up feeling tired. Of all the complaints surrounding poor-quality sleep, one, in particular, is the most difficult for people to deal with: trying to get through the demands of the day. While some people will successfully locate a sleep clinic in their area, many others won’t be able to; sleep doctors are in short supply and high demand. But what if you could train your brain to sleep better, from the comfort of your home, or whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you? Guirec Le Lous is the co-founder of URGOTech, a company that’s offering a product that will allow for just that.
URGOTech’s training material differs in no way from what sleep clinics and doctors use, which means you have the chance of receiving legitimate, medical-grade help with your sleep problem. It only takes three 15 to 20-minute training sessions per week to start seeing improvements within a month. In addition to falling asleep faster, users of URGOTech’s product have seen a 53% reduction in the number of times they wake up at night. The product comes with a headband which measures your brain activity and an app which gives you feedback on how you’re progressing along the way.
Interested in learning more? Guirec Lu Lous explains all the details about how it works and when you can expect to get one for yourself. Learn more by visiting urgonight.com.
Solar One is a non-profit organization that launched about 15 years ago with the goal of both educating people in the Greater New York community on solar energy and sustainability and making solar energy more accessible to everyone—particularly those who wouldn’t typically have access to it, such as community groups and affordable housing providers.
There are three main programs being run by Solar One: a K-12 environmental education program that’s been implemented in over 800 public schools in New York City, the Green Workforce Training Program that helps people obtain the skills necessary for entry-level positions in building operations and maintenance, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and solar installation, and Here Comes Solar, a program dedicated to making solar energy accessible to everyone by providing technical support to groups and organizations in need.
Noah Ginsburg is the program director of Here Comes Solar, which identifies organizations that are interested in utilizing solar energy, answers all of their questions, sets them up with preliminary solar designs for their buildings, creates financial savings estimates, and helps them get bids from local solar installers. The program has already helped 20 affordable housing communities go solar, and there are no signs of slowing. Ginsburg discusses several of the projects they’re working on, one of which is a community-shared solar project making it possible for renters to participate in large solar projects occurring somewhere else in the city, and to benefit by not only saving on their energy bill but by gaining shareholder status in the cooperation. For example, their subscription will entitle them to a 15-20% discount on solar credits and a vote as to what is done with any profits from the cooperation. In this way, consumers hold the power, rather than corporations.
Tune in for all the details, and learn more by visiting solar1.org. If you live in the Greater New York City area and are interested in becoming part of a cooperation, visit sunsetparksolar.org and herecomessolar.nyc.
“Even if listeners are not very familiar with virtual reality or not sure if they’re interested in it, this really is just a universal story about a kid who invents something and decides to not sell out…and then he does end up selling out, which makes for a more interesting story,” says Blake Harris, commenting on his newest book, The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality.
It’s the story of how a young, brilliant teenager named Palmer Luckey set out to develop the first virtual reality headset during a time when the concept of virtual reality was still a technological punchline—akin to the idea of flying cars and jet packs. But, driven by passion and determination, it wasn’t long before he succeeded in his invention and founded Oculus, the virtual reality company that would soon catch the attention of Mark Zuckerberg and be bought out for more money that Luckey ever sought, or ever even imagined.
Blake Harris is also the author of Console Wars, the behind-the-scenes business battle story between Sega and Nintendo in the early 90s, and he joins the podcast today to discuss a little bit about both books, as well as a range of other topics, including insider information he’s gained from years of interest in the development of the virtual reality and gaming space, the material that he wanted to include in The History of the Future but couldn’t, the backlash surrounding Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus, how the emergence of virtual reality can be compared to the emergence of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and where he sees the future of virtual reality going.
Tune in for the full conversation, reach out to him via Twitter, and stay current on his latest work by visiting blakejharris.com.
The search for a drug that can effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease remains ongoing and has been difficult to say the least—about 150 different drug trials for Alzheimer’s have already failed. But why? And what can be done about it? Erik Gunther, Ph.D. is an associate research scientist at Yale University who is asking the same questions.
He joins the podcast to give his opinion on why the search for an effective drug has failed up to this point, which leads to a discussion that touches on a host of other topics, including the beta-amyloid or plaque buildup hypothesis for what causes Alzheimer’s, what happens as the disease progresses, the role of glial cells in the clearance of plaque, the distinctly unique nature of the brain’s immune system, how the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier leads to hemorrhage and death in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, the role of sleep in the clearance of plaque in the brain, the way in which Alzheimer’s disturbs sleep patterns, and diabetes as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Gunther also discusses his current research, which has led to the identification of a neuron receptor on which the beta-amyloid protein binds, allowing for the eventual build-up of the plaque that’s hypothesized to cause Alzheimer’s. By developing a drug that also binds to this receptor, his team has found a way to block the interaction between the brain’s neurons and these toxic proteins, thereby preventing the buildup of plaque. It’s a novel approach to a long-standing problem, and he discusses how and why it could change things moving forward.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/strittmatter/ to learn more.
Should we program machines to intentionally cause someone to die? “No, of course not,” would be most people’s immediate response. But what if doing so prevented a greater number of people from dying?
The answer to the second question may be a bit more difficult to answer, which is the essence of the trolley problem in philosophy, and just one of the ethical issues that’s commonly brought up in discussions about autonomous vehicles, an emergent form of technology generating excitement from some and concerns for many.
Dr. Nicholas G. Evans is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Massachusetts who focuses the majority of his research on national security and the ethics of emergent technologies. He joins the podcast today to discuss a variety of intriguing topics, including the susceptibility of programmed cars to hacking, the challenges of accounting for novel behaviors and the dangers of not doing so, corporate surveillance, and how the longer average lifetime of vehicles could drive the next big innovation in sensor and automated vehicle technologies.
Interested in learning more about Dr. Evans’ work? Visit nicholasgevans.com and reach out to him via Nicholas_evans@uml.edu.
In just over one year on July 26, 2020, the launch window for the European Space Agency’s Mars rover (recently named Rosalind Franklin) will open. Once the mission lands on Mars, the public will have access to daily images and information about the precise location of the rover,
Jorge Vago, PhD is a project scientist on the Rosalind Franklin rover mission, and he joins the podcast to provide a glimpse into what they hope to discover, how they hope to discover it, and how this mission will be unlike any other.
Dr. Vago explains that, unlike previous missions to Mars, this one will not only explore over a half billion years further into the past, but will also drill significantly deeper than ever before—up to two meters as opposed to five to ten centimeters.
By positioning themselves in a place to study Mars in its infancy and by employing the novel strategy of digging deeper to reach samples which have been protected from cosmic radiation, they hope to collect samples which will later--after exhaustive analyses and scrutiny--allow them to announce the existence of organic molecules and the possibility of life on Mars.
Catch all the details by tuning in, and visit exploration.esa.int to learn more.
Frank Holmes, Interim Executive Chairman of HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd.’s board of directors, provides an analysis of blockchain, bitcoin, and the future of finance. Holmes is a seasoned investor and financial strategist. Throughout his illustrious career, he has helmed many financial entities, and is currently the chief executive and chief investment officer at U.S. Global Investors, a forward-thinking mutual fund and asset management firm.
Holmes talks about his background in finance. As a young analyst, he transitioned into corporate finance and pushed forward until he took his first company public. He became well known in the gold funds market and eventually discovered bitcoin and that was the beginning of his passion for the new currency. His excitement over the processing of these transactions led him to launch a company in the space.
Holmes’ passion for emerging financial markets is perfectly matched to his current role directing the board of directors at HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd., and he is leading the company forward evidenced by their significant innovation in the market. HIVE is a growth-oriented, TSX.V-listed company that has built a bridge from the blockchain sector to traditional capital markets. HIVE’s team seeks to create significant long-term shareholder value. HIVE has formed a solid partnership with Genesis Mining Ltd. to create the next wave of blockchain infrastructure.
HIVE even owns the actual GPU-based digital currency mining facilities in Iceland and Sweden that produce these new digital currencies like Ethereum. Holmes discusses HIVE’s place in the market as a proxy, and he explains the interconnectedness of HIVE to the market, in terms of flow. He discusses the enthusiasm globally for blockchain, and he outlines the arrival of the JP Morgan coin that is backed by US dollars. Holmes goes on to explain regulations and speculation as they relate to investor interests. And he talks about the benefits of cash trades in the market and the future of emerging financial markets. Holmes discusses the mobile gaming industry and the astronomical revenue that is pushing that industry. Wrapping up, Holmes discusses volatility in the markets and how to steer in the right direction to financial stability as technology changes everything in our world.
Holmes is a regular keynote speaker at various international investment conferences and his popular “Frank Talk” CEO blog is one of the most read in the financial industry.
Human beings enjoy a level of dexterity superior to most other species by virtue of what’s called the corticospinal tract, which is a projection that reaches from the motor cortex in the brain, down to the brain stem and spinal cord, and connects directly to the muscles. As beneficial as this special pathway in humans can be, it comes at a cost: even a small amount of damage can have devastating results. When someone suffers from a stroke, it is this pathway that gets damaged and leads to many possible symptoms, including weakness, loss of dexterity, clumsiness, and the inability to isolate joint movements. The key to the best recovery from stroke is very early, very intense rehab, but it can be challenging to motivate people into maintaining such intense work.
Dr. John W. Krakauer works in the Brain, Learning, Animation, and Movement (BLAM) Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he’s not only studying the differences between movement in health and movement in disease, but also exploring and testing ways of engaging post-stroke patients in the intense rehab routines necessary in order to help them regain as much movement and control over their bodies as possible. He explains how important it is to create emotionally gratifying and motivating experiences for people early on in their recovery in order to engage them in ways that will best amplify the abilities they do have—the abilities they did not lose as a result of stroke. The same idea applies to all types of neurological diseases and injuries, including traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, cerebellar ataxia, and multiple sclerosis.
At the BLAM lab, they are developing interactive, exciting, and engaging games specifically geared toward patients with neurodegenerative issues, encouraging them to perform miles’ worth of movement without even noticing it. They are also working on forming cohorts of people who have suffered from stroke and who could benefit from working together in multi-player games. The idea is that this would build a sense of competition, thereby making it easier for people to sustain the level of rehabilitative intensity needed. Furthermore, by isolating problems with particular body parts to particular characters in games, each individual’s specific problem area could be addressed in the most effective way possible. Interested in learning more? Tune in for all the details and visit www.blam-lab.org.
If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you might understand all too well the drawbacks of the helmet—it makes it hard to see, hard to hear, and feels very insulating. The team at Jarvish set out to improve this while keeping safety as their top priority. They’ve used traditional motorcycle helmets as their starting point, adding a high-resolution front camera for greater visibility in foggy or rainy weather, a sensor and alert system for detecting accidents and contacting an ambulance and next of kin, biosensors to detect the rider’s heart rate and other vitals which may indicate an impending medical emergency, and a crystal-clear sound system. The team at Jarvish has trained their AI to analyze videos and identify objects or vehicles obscured from the rider’s line of sight, as well as remove raindrops from videos and penetrate foggy conditions. All of this data is then analyzed and sent back to the rider warning them of dangers on the road ahead. It’s the world’s first truly smart motorcycle helmet, and it has the ability to save lives.
Jeremy Lu is the CEO of Jarvish and he joins the podcast to discuss all the details of this technology, how they are allowing for comfort customization of their helmets, what’s in store for them over the next year, and how their technology could be implemented in all types of helmets—bicycle, industrial, police, military, and even space helmets.
Previous press kit with most of the content, and below is the most updated crowdfunding prices and new updates:
- a NASA iTech Finalist (2019)
- Partnering with Qualcomm for its X-AR helmet.
- JARVISH Tron Electric Helmet:
The brand just launched an awesome helmet design for the X and X-AR range. The JARVISH Tron Electric Helmet with LED strips, will certainly make riders stand out on the road. Current backers have the option to upgrade their pledges to this design. The LED light could be controlled by voice command or app.
- secured over $420K in funding on Kickstarter and have continued their funding on Indiegogo.
-Discounted prices on Indiegogo campaign:
JARVISH X - USD 499
JARVISH X-AR - USD 1099
JARVISH Tron X USD 599
JARVISH Tron X-AR USD 1199
The X-AR and X models have been designed with a range of technology integrations, such as voice control, noise cancellation, built-in memory to give riders a safer, more enjoyable on-road experience. The X-AR also includes an AR-powered head-up display (HUD) for riders who prefer visual instructions.
Press play for more information, reach out with questions via jeremy@jarvish.com, and visit www.jarvish.com.
“If you don’t track it you can’t improve it… and you can’t pay enough people to go through the data fast enough to get a handle on it…but every other industry in the world…has switched over to sensors that drive software…which produces ten times the results you could ever get out of humans in the blink of an eye,” says Brett Chell, founder of Cold Bore Technology.
The company began as a manufacturer of drilling tools, and it was through that line of work that the team at Cold Bore Technology made a realization which would completely change the focus of their efforts: frack locations were missing the operating systems and IOT software that drilling locations—and really every industry in the world—rely upon for efficient, accurate data collection and operations.
Instead, they’ve been relying upon the manual collection of data with the use of notebooks and Excel sheets—an inefficient method with tons of room for errors which could end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fracking operations are complex and involve several service companies acting independently but simultaneously; this creates a constant flow of important data which must be accurately captured and organized in order for mistakes and inefficiencies to be identified and corrected.
Cold Bore Technology is offering a solution that will allow for exactly this. Despite being just a small to mid-sized company, they are now working with some of the largest oil companies in the world, delivering a sensor-based software solution and level of automation never before seen in the field.
The results? Greater operational visibility, the ability to identify important and costly errors that would otherwise continue to happen, less expensive and more efficient operations, and the ability to move data through businesses seamlessly and without anyone touching it.
Learn more by visiting coldboretechnology.com
Kevin Houston is head of execution at REM-Fit, a company that was founded about five years ago with the goal of harnessing the power of technology to improve one of the most important aspects of life: sleep. At REM-Fit, sleep is considered the most important factor in recovery, whether you’re recovering from a stressful day at work or an intense workout. The team at REM-Fit is passionate about sleep, and for the past several years they’ve poured that passion into the design, development, and continual improvement of a product which actively participates in your sleep: the ZEEQ smart pillow.
It’s Alexa-integrated and able to connect with other smart devices in your home, which means it can get your coffee brewing before you wake up, draw the shades back when you need to get up, change the humidity in your environment based on your sleep patterns, and heat your bathroom floor just a few minutes before you need to get ready for your day. The pillow is wrapped in a unique textile that’s antimicrobial-resistant, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch. Perhaps the most popular feature is its ability to stream music, white noise, guided meditations, or whatever else it is you might want to hear in your own private ecosystem. With a compartment located on both the top and bottom of the pillow, you decide how much filling you want and where you want it—a feature which truly makes it infinitely adjustable.
The team at REM-Fit takes a personal approach with every customer and wants to hear feedback, whether it’s good or bad. They are constantly looking for ways to improve their product and working on the release of a new mattress line in the fall of 2019.
Interested in learning how to get a ZEEQ pillow for yourself? Visit remfit.com
Dennis van der Wiel, co-founder at Polariks (polariks.com/en/home), provides an overview of their groundbreaking technology that can help farmers assess their agriculture and improve their production.
Polariks is all about precision agriculture and remote sensing. Polariks has developed a precision agriculture analysis method that is directly based on Hyperspectral Imaging. Their innovative technology enables better harvest planning with increased efficiency in resources, as well as early detection of diseases. And, importantly, it significantly reduces overall inspection costs.
Dennis discusses the premise of his company, Polariks, that uses reflected light to determine properties. By using their technique of light they can determine whether a plant is sick or healthy, which ultimately helps farmers to make better decisions. Dennis explains how their technology can be integrated with drone and aerial tech to make the assessments regarding agriculture.
From strawberries to grapes, Dennis discusses how their robotic and stationary systems-implemented technology can help improve agriculture and prevent outbreaks. He states that humans can easily detect coloring and other issues that could be indicative of a plant’s ailing health, but the real test comes from looking deeper, beyond what the naked eye can reveal. He outlines the infrared analysis that can assess photosynthetic activity.
The tech guru explains some of the overall goals that Polariks has in the works. He talks about the differences between outside farming and greenhouse growing. He states that greenhouses promote very homogeneous qualities and plant disease can spread quickly in a greenhouse environment. He explains that two plants side by side may both appear green and healthy, but one could already be well into a deep stage of sickness.
This is why the Polariks technology is so useful, because the Polariks technology can identify problems with plant health several weeks before even the most trained human eye can. He explains the advanced principles of their technology and how it generates much more information that can be utilized to understand plant health.
Dennis discusses modern farming techniques and he talks about the importance of regular monitoring over time, in regard to plant disease or plant health conditions, including the effects of drought. Finally, the farming technology expert provides some thoughts on predictive modeling and other advances that Polariks expects to promote as they develop their innovative technology and platform further.
John Tucker, DMD, founder of Tucker Educational Excellence LLC (tuckereducationalexcellence.com), discusses sleep apnea and treatment.
Tucker is an experienced medical professional who has treated many patients over his long career, as well as educated countless dentists on dental sleep medicine. Tucker Educational Excellence provides intensive educational programs that focus on the successful implementation of dental sleep medicine practices within the dental industry. Tucker is a respected dentist and Diplomate of The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Tucker explains that dental sleep medicine focuses on treating patients who have obstructive sleep apnea and are intolerant of their traditional CPAP therapy. Tucker describes CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, as a vacuum cleaner in reverse.
CPAP provides a continuous flow of airway pressure to your throat to keep your airway open during sleep, which is generally successful as a means to treat the spontaneous pauses in your breath that are so often connected with sleep apnea.
Tucker describes their process for diagnosing, which must come from a board certified sleep physician. He discusses home sleep testing, which is becoming more and more popular as it offers users the opportunity to stay within the comfort of their own home and bed.
Tucker talks about his experiences as a child, watching his father have snoring problems and extended periods without breathing. Tucker states that remarkably, some people they have seen, go up to a minute and a half without breathing when they are experiencing sleep apnea.
The sleep expert talks about strategies to prevent various diseases; and he stresses the importance of early intervention, accessible care that is cost effective, and the family members need to be engaged. He talks about the costs of untreated sleep apnea, and the correlation with diabetes, sexual dysfunction, stroke, and GERD.
Tucker states that 1 out of 4 Americans are undiagnosed. Tucker goes on to explain his practice and how they discover airway issues. He explains how they look into the mouth and search for what he refers to as a high-vaulted palate, as well as tongue issues, and gum issues.
Tucker Educational Excellence offers intensive learning experiences for all levels of knowledge. Their courses cover basic dental sleep medicine implementation, individualized onsite programs, as well as guided learning experiences working directly with Tucker for extended periods.
Luis P. Villarreal, Professor Emeritus, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine, discusses his thoughts on viruses, life, and the changes that motivate evolution.
Is it possible to be passionate about viruses? The answer is yes. As a scientist who is constantly experimenting, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Luis Villarreal is definitely passionate about understanding viruses, indeed, especially with regard to viruses that linger either in the genomes or epigenomes of their host. For over 20 years, Villarreal has centralized his study on the overall role of virus evolution on life. And Villarreal states that viruses have had a significant and profound influence on the origin and evolution of life.
Villarreal talks about his early years in science and the classes and information that truly sparked his desire to learn more, and how it organically led him to his life’s work. He details his study of negative-strand RNA viruses, viruses that resemble rabies and ebola—highly pathogenic. He recounts his observation of regulatory RNA that had dramatic consequences, which was the beginning of his true curiosity about viruses. He delves into his study of rearrangements of the genome by various types of retroviruses. He describes how retroviruses actually work together to create the placental network. He questions why this would happen, and surmises that in order for a mother or host to create life, they must take in a foreign biological entity, the embryo, and suppress its natural immune rejection, feed it, and host it for its lifespan, which requires a significant amount of change. Villarreal states that the virus footprint is literally all over all of these functions.
The biology expert provides an overview of cellular DNA and the many jobs that DNA can fulfill. He explains how RNA and DNA react with each other and outlines their complicated network, although he states that there is much work to be done still to understand the complexity. He discusses his thoughts on human evolution and recounts stories that relate, such as endogenization of the koalas in Australia. He explains that a particular virus that was within these koalas was becoming part of them, and thus their ability to deal with the virus in their immune systems was being changed in real time. He compares this example to human development over time and discusses theories about viruses as they relate to humans, discussing the details of modification as it pertains to viruses and survival.
His discussion of viruses and biology continues as he summarizes his thoughts on the human species and the many elements that relate to evolution and brain function, etc. On a lighter note, Villarreal muses about some Hollywood versions of viral mutations and provides his thoughts on Hollywood’s interpretation of real science turned into fiction for the movies we enjoy. He goes on to explain the astronomic scale of viruses in our environment, discussing the ocean extensively, and the microbiome.
Mark Russell, founder of Rocking Bed (rockingbed.com), talks extensively about sleep quality, and their rocking bed that is causing a stir in the good sleep industry.
Russell is a self-described career entrepreneur, and his curiosity for creation has led him on an interesting journey in business. From small business to tree service, computers to marketing, with a little software design, advertising and sales thrown in, Russell has really done it all. In this interesting podcast, Russell talks about his exciting creation, Rocking Bed, the better way to fall asleep.
Russell discusses the bed that will literally allow you to sleep like a baby again, as it gently rocks you to sleep. Russell recounts his early experiences as a child, trying to sleep in the family car on long road trips. He talks about a cruise he went on in 2004 that literally rocked his world. As he describes, he was truly amazed by the quality of sleep he got due to the cruise vessel’s gentle rocking motion. After the cruise he was driven to find a way to create this experience in his own home, and after much study and research, Rocking Bed was born.
The sleep entrepreneur discusses various studies on movement and sleep, and explains that some studies are backing what he already knew to be true—that motion helps with sleep. As he states, the rocking motion of their product is so subtle that most people who try out their product at demo/trade shows think the rocking stops when they close their eyes, and then open their eyes quickly to discover that it’s still rocking. Russell recounts some of the stories he has heard from people regarding sleep and the rocking bed, and he talks about the immense potential for special needs children who need to be rocked to even fall asleep.
He talks about the mechanics of the bed, its movement, and the potential for helping those who have trouble falling asleep. And Russell explains some of the product tweaks that they are working on to try to keep quality high but lower the price point. Ultimately, it is Russell’s hope that they can launch the bed to a larger audience as they grow their business, and help everyone… find a way to better sleep.
“Even Aristotle, over 2,000 years ago, remarked on the benefits of sleep…there’s no doubt that it’s beneficial, but we are trying to understand the specific benefits and how those benefits are occurring,” says Dr. John Peever, professor at the University of Toronto Department of Cell & Systems Biology and Vice President of research at the Canadian Sleep Society.
It’s easy to identify the benefits of a good night’s sleep—we wake feeling more refreshed and alert, and we stay more focused and productive throughout the day—but it’s a lot harder to identify how exactly those benefits occur. Part of the investigation into this question involves understanding the neurobiology of sleep, which means understanding how different parts of the brain cause different behaviors relating to sleep.
The work being done in Dr. Peever’s lab is focused on the study of rapid eye movement sleep, commonly referred to as REM or dreaming sleep. Specifically, Dr. Peever and his team are trying to determine what part of the brain is responsible for pushing us into REM sleep, what occurs once we are experiencing REM sleep, the underlying mechanism of REM sleep behavior disorder, and why parts of brain that cause REM are so vulnerable to degenerative processes, such as those that underlie Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Peever offers an exciting and informative conversation that touches on a range of other topics, including sleep’s potential to repair DNA damage, genetic predispositions for being a night owl versus an early bird, and the importance of understanding the true nature of narcolepsy. Tune in for all the details and learn more by visiting www.peeverlab.com.
John Hands, a British author who received his scholarly training as a scientist, discusses his thoughts on the origin of life in the universe.
Hands’ book, Cosmosapiens: Human Evolution from the Origin of the Universe, is a crash course of sorts that bridges the gap between cosmology and neuroscience and hits a lot of points in between. In Cosmosapiens, Hands provides his theories on how humans evolved to be such a dominating force on Earth. It delves into current themes of study such as cosmic inflation, dark energy, and neurogenetic determinism. It examines various fields of study such as string theory and often challenges the general consensus in multiple areas of science from cosmology to biology, and even neuroscience.
Hands talks about his curiosity regarding various matters of science. He recounts how it was the passing of his wife that caused him to take an introspective look, as he began to ask big questions related to our existence on Earth, such as “what are we,” and “where do we come from,” and “why do we exist.” He explains how society has sought answers to these and other questions from the supernatural, and also from science. As a curious scientist, he was dissatisfied with the current literature on these complex subjects and decided to dig deeper on his own. He states that the specialization of science has perhaps prevented us from seeing the bigger picture as a whole. He embarked on a journey of discovery on his quest to get to the beginning of it all. He talks about some widely accepted theories in science, such as the big bang theory, that have been clearly contradicted by observation evidence. He delves into a discussion of dark matter and dark energy and explains how decades of research has failed to provide answers or evidence of what that is, leaving no scientific explanation whatsoever. He discusses the obvious fallacies in Darwinism and expounds upon the details that pertain to them.
The scientific author explains the collaborative process that produces life and change. Continuing, Hands expounds further on his conclusion that humans are unique as a species. He states that it is actually reflected consciousness that makes humans unique. As neural complexity increased, human consciousness was created. Hands state, “We are the only species that not only knows but knows it knows.” Hands deliver an overview of ancient philosophies and other theories that make an effort to explain the origin of life. Hands talks about how it is important to admit when we do not know the answers, and though he has answered many questions about life in his book, there is so much we do not know.
Hands talks about interesting feedback he has received from his readers, including validation of his theories from some of the world’s leading scientists and philosophers. And he talks about his plans for future works in the subjects of science.
Michael Garfield is a paleontologist, futurist, evolutionary theorist, multimedia artist, and public speaker currently on the trail of a new unifying theory to explain major evolutionary transitions. In particular, he’s looking at the one he says humans are experiencing today, amidst unprecedented extinctions and innovation and rapid change—an environment that’s actually creating discomfort for many. He refers to the current major evolutionary transition as a conceptual one, whereby the human is seen not as separate from its environment or the systems around it, but embedded within its many layers. In his view, everything from single-celled organisms to the solar system itself can be seen as different layers of a single metabolic process; humans exist somewhere in between, as thinking organisms navigating their environment like any other.
He draws attention to the effect of technological advances and third-world development on the ecosystem within which we live, comments on the way in which AI and augmented reality will continue to impact evolutionary change, and challenges us to rethink the nature of our existence and perceived realities.
Check out michaelgarfield.net to learn more about Garfield’s theories and thought processes, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
It’s a procedure most people end up needing, and one that almost everyone dreads: wisdom tooth removal. But aside from the puffy cheeks and pain and misery that follow, there’s one other drawback that accompanies the standard protocol and actually threatens lives: the use of highly addictive narcotics for surgical and post-op pain management.
Dr. James Babiuk has been a practicing oral surgeon in Chicago for about 25 years now, and over time he’s noticed a marked increase in the number of people who have become reliant upon heavy-duty and highly addictive narcotics for pain management. He's seen first-hand how something as benign as a shoulder injury or back pain can result in long-term use of heavy narcotics for pain management and eventual addiction. As he began digging deeper into research regarding opioid use in the medical field, he learned that most people’s first exposure to narcotics is during and after wisdom tooth removal; this compelled him to take action.
Dr. Babiuk set out to alter his technique in a way that would allow him to perform wisdom tooth extractions without the use of IV narcotics and without having to prescribe narcotics for post-op pain management. This might initially sound impossible, but Dr. Babiuk has made it a reality—one that's proving to be incredibly effective. Rather than follow the standard protocol which is to expect and alleviate the pain associated with wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Babiuk’s approach focuses on reducing the cause of the pain, which is simply inflammation.
He joins the podcast to discuss all of this and more, including the need for medical providers to receive narcotic education and the long-term goals for his practice.
For more information, reach out via email at info@wisdomteethjoliet.com, visit wisdomteethjoliet.com, or call 815-254-1560.
Micah Hollingworth, co-founder and CEO of BROADWai (broadw.ai), delivers an overview of the current state of special event ticketing and the technology that drives it.
Hollingworth is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in creating, operating, and marketing live events. His innovative entrepreneurial skills include strategic planning, fundraising, and execution. And with an intensive fascination for all things technology it was inevitable that Hollingworth would launch another great tech-oriented business such as BROADWai.
Hollingworth talks about the many and varied interests that led him to launch BROADWai, along with co-founder, Jon Scott. He describes his entrepreneurial spirit as a child and the love for live theater he developed that led him to his current career. Moving to NYC about 25 years ago set the stage for his total immersion in the theater world.
The technology guru discusses the many challenges that people face when trying to purchase tickets for events. He states that difficulty in purchasing or reserving tickets for live events can often discourage ticket buyers, and providers may lose them to other events when the experience is arduous. Hollingworth explains how their technology platform works, and how it provides a smooth, efficient process for ticket buyers.
BROADWai’s technology solutions assist customers with their total experience, helping them to navigate and effortlessly plan. The platform offers a valuable exchange between the guests and the Broadway community, a customized experience in one simple, single digital transaction that incorporates everything, from ticketing to parking, as well as preshow and postshow needs to provide real-time information regarding theater policies and so much more. Hollingworth discusses their integration with other ticketing partners, and the events that they currently support. Hollingworth expounds upon the future of ticketing. He states that voice-enabled devices will be a part of their future because the voice-enabled tech market is exploding. And he talks about their voice clients that will be launching later in the year. Regarding their platform, BROADWai’s AI/ML abilities continue to evolve during each conversation and with every question asked. Their innovative platform will set the bar high for competitors as BROADWai accelerates to the edge of technology and continually integrates the latest and greatest, in order to deliver a totally frictionless experience to the user.
“In biosemiotics, we say that the human ability to interpret signs—which is the ability to think really, to think creatively and adaptively and learn new things—didn’t just emerge with animals; rudimentary sign reading emerged in the simplest forms of life with single-celled organisms,” says Victoria Alexander, biosemiotician, Director of Dactyl Foundation, Fulbright specialist, and author of The Biologist's Mistress: Rethinking Self-Organization in Art, Literature, and Nature.
What’s biosemiotics, you ask? Alexander explains biosemiotics as the study of sign use in biological systems, where signs can be almost anything in the environment—a word, a pictogram, a smell, a sound, or a chemical gradient. Signs are intelligence; we can train a computer to read signs, but can we train a computer to interpret signs that depend on the context within which they exist?
Answering this question is one aspect of the investigation into the differences between biological and artificial intelligence, which is what Alexander’s work is currently focused on. She explains that biological cells don’t just react to the chemistry around them, but interpret and respond to it.
She goes on to explain how this underlies a system of interpretation that's related to random change in a way that’s changing the direction of evolution. In this way, Alexander argues that it is within the organism that evolutionary agency is found and explained, rather than in the mechanisms of randomness and competition.
Alexander offers an exciting and informative conversation that touches on a variety of topics, including metabolic pathways, the association of properties and the placebo effect, the idea that dysfunctional semiotic habits are the cause of some syndromes and conditions, cell differentiation, self-organization in nature, and butterfly wing pattern development. Press play to hear the full conversation.
Ilan Morad, Ph.D., founder, and CEO of Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd. (aebi-bio.com) discusses drug discovery and development on the cellular level.
Morad has been fascinated with biology most of his life and began practicing molecular biology and biochemistry in 1984. He is a noted expert in gene cloning, protein engineering, purification, and characterization, as well as drug discovery and development. Morad’s company, Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd. (AEBI) is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company primarily engaged in the discovery and development of various therapeutic peptides and has developed an innovative combinatorial biology screening platform technology.
Morad discusses the origin of his company, AEBI. He details their groundbreaking screening platform and explains how it works. Their platform provides functional leads to extremely difficult targets, not merely those that best bind with the target.
AEBI’s novel technology that goes by the name, SoAP, allows them to develop drugs for many illnesses, among them cancer, and Morad expects to completely transform the drug discovery R&D phase by seriously reducing the attrition rate of any new drug candidates.
As Morad explains, peptides are microproteins. He elaborates on these and other building blocks and where they are produced and how. He discusses how they make large numbers of synthetic peptides and how they isolate them for research and development. Further, he expounds upon the roles of various peptides within the body. He discusses drug resistance, side effects of drugs, and cancer treatment. Digging deeper, he explains the properties of cancer and how the disease reacts to certain treatment, drugs, etc. Morad relates some of his thoughts on drug successes, such as the drug cocktail that has solved the problem of HIV for many patients. And as he states, drug cocktails are a possibility for other diseases. He details how cancer cells work and explains the related probabilities.
The biology expert continues his discussion of cancer and peptides. He explains how toxic peptides can be utilized to poison cells and kill them very efficiently. This strategy shows great promise for future treatment. And he explains how immune systems work and how they recognize molecules, giving special attention to how cancer cells are targeted. Wrapping up, Morad talks about the expectations for his company and the areas they are expecting to make strides in as they move into the future. Finally, Morad talks about upcoming clinical trials and his expectations for the new cocktails and peptides.
In his early twenties, Damien Blenkinsopp lived a nomadic lifestyle, rolling with life’s punches and going in whatever direction it seemed to take him. But when it took him to Thailand, it presented something which would change him forever: a mysterious illness that would leave him intermittently bed-bound and battling symptom after symptom for years on end. No matter how many specialists he visited, he couldn’t get an answer as to what was going on with his body. Not many of us have found ourselves in such a position, but the prospect terrifyingly begs the question: where would we turn for help?
Forced to answer this question for himself, Blenkinsopp embarked on a journey filled with research, self-experimentation, and conversation with any and every scientist or layperson who might provide some insight. Along this journey, Blenkinsopp created The Quantified Body, a podcast that he used as a tool for collecting information and anecdotal evidence.
Having tried countless avenues of potential relief, Blenkinsopp can attest to his personal success with two things: the ketogenic diet and the fasting diet. He has since founded Ketosource, a website dedicated to providing others with the information and insight he’s learned throughout his journey, which continues to this day.
Blenkinsopp has a one-of-a-kind story that is simultaneously inspiring and intriguing, informative and enlightening. Press play to hear all the details, including his advice on navigating medical systems that fail to provide diagnoses, the fasting mimicking diet, and how to take back control of your health by harnessing the power of data. For resources, check out his podcast and visit ketosource.co.
Jack Rubinstein, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Cincinnati discusses his medical thriller, The Perfect Dose, and how it relates to real-world problems in the healthcare industry.
Dr. Rubinstein is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the greater Cincinnati area, including Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Dr. Rubinstein talks about his book, The Perfect Dose, which is a medical thriller that highlights corruption within the healthcare system, and those who threaten scientific progress. He outlines his reasons for writing the book, specifically mentioning that he thought a fictional thriller with interesting characters and story would establish a stage for societal dialogue regarding the very real, demonstrable problems within the American healthcare system. He discusses the case of Martin Shkreli, the much-maligned, now imprisoned American businessman and former hedge fund manager who sent shockwaves across the country when he raised drug prices thousands of percent. He uses Shkreli as an example of the constant battle in the industry—helping the most people possible versus helping shareholders of pharmaceutical companies make large profits. Dr. Rubinstein points out that many drugs are funded by the government agency, National Institutes of Health (NIH), which funds academia that conducts much of the research that leads to new drug development. Then drugs are often licensed to pharmaceutical companies who may charge a very high price for the drug as they sell it back to taxpayers, the very people who funded the drugs in the first place.
Dr. Rubinstein discusses many of the drugs and medical issues in his spectrum of study. He studies select drugs that have had success in specific areas of medicine and through his research has repurposed some of them for cardiovascular issues such as heart failure. He delves further into the off-label uses of many prescription drugs. Further, he expounds upon how his book highlights many issues in the American system versus other countries outside of the US. Dr. Rubinstein talks about his experiences caring for other doctors and their family members. He speaks extensively about what makes a doctor a good doctor, and the systems and standardized treatments that play a part in reputation.
Dr. Alan Christianson is one of America’s revered naturopathic physicians and the bestselling author of several books, including The Metabolism Reset Diet, the celebrated book that teaches its readers how to repair the liver, stop storing fat and lose weight naturally. Dr. Christianson, or Dr. C as many of his patients call him, provides an interesting overview of the many factors that influence good health.
Dr. Christianson is a naturopathic medical doctor, a specialist in natural endocrinology who focuses on thyroid disorders. He is extremely passionate about bringing life-changing medical information to his patients and the general public alike. Specifically, he discusses the power of diet and how it can absolutely affect your body’s hormones. An understanding of these issues provides insight into the many interrelated issues of diet, weight, and hormone balance.
The naturopathic physician talks about the personal journey that led him to his career path. Afflicted with cerebral palsy and seizures, abysmal coordination, and the onset of obesity, Dr. Christianson had many medical and physical struggles as a child. His struggles pushed him to learn more and shift his lifestyle, which led to a new physical life and career path as well. He talks about eating well, and being active, and discusses the studies in medical school that he found particularly intriguing, such as thyroid and adrenal problems. Hormones, endocrinology, and the connection points between lifestyle and health are the basis of his intensive study.
Dr. Christianson goes deep into an analysis of thyroid issues and explains the many problems that people can and do experience regularly. He talks about compounded thyroid medicines, and Dr. C discusses T3 in detail. As he states, T3 is a thyroid hormone that is often overlooked in basic lab work. And measuring T3 is critically important for understanding the complete functionality of the thyroid. He talks about the many medical issues that patients struggle with and how his doctors diagnose and treat the myriad of complex thyroid issues.
Dr. C underscores the importance of optimizing blood levels and taking a serious look at everything that patients are putting in their bodies, even down to the vitamins that they are taking, some of which could even block thyroid function for those being treated. From circadian rhythms to diet, hormones, and the importance of iodine, there are many impacting factors that will definitely influence health, and Dr. Christianson seeks to spread this important knowledge to everyone, to improve lives and health.
The power of gene editing is putting nutritious, convenient produce in the hands of people who otherwise might not have access to it. Ryan Rapp is the head of product discovery at Pairwise, a company whose mission is to utilize gene editing technology to explore collaborations focused on gene editing in the production of real crops, such as cotton, corn, and soybeans, as well as the accessibility of healthy produce options for consumers. Still, in the exploratory phase, the team at Pairwise is looking into how to help plants make the transition to the lab, which tools in the gene editing process are most efficient and effective for their goals, and how to overcome the challenges presented.
Rather than trying to breed new crops, the team at Pairwise has been focused on improving those that already exist in order to bring spectacular options to consumers. There are many products out there that hold great potential but suffer from one or more hang-ups—perhaps it’s the taste, the convenience, or the production system. Regardless of what it is, the team at Pairwise is dedicated to fixing it and maximizing consumer satisfaction.
Rapp provides a few examples of real-world results of the type of work they’re aiming to accomplish, discusses how the production of ‘baby’ carrots has significantly increased the general consumption of carrots, explains what drives their work, and what makes a plant a good food source for human food production.
Interested in hearing more? Press play and check out their website at pairwise.com.
As shown by many studies, a major commonality among chronic insomniacs is nighttime temperature dysregulation, preventing them from falling asleep. After beginning to explore additional research on the relationship between body temperature and sleep, it didn’t take Nicolas Roux too long to realize that temperature plays a key role in the ability to obtain quality sleep and to realize that this is a seriously underrated consideration in the area of sleep health.
He’s now the head of marketing at Moona, a company established in 2016 with the goal of developing a solution for poor sleep—something which is reported by over a third of the global population—by manipulating people’s experience with temperature before, during, and while waking from sleep. So, how are they doing it?
The team at Moona has created a pillow insert that rests in the space between a pillow and pillow case that’s designed to change temperature based on the needs of the user. The insert is connected to a bedside device that provides a constant, quiet flow of water at just the right temperature and at just the right time for an individual user. For example, cooler temperatures might be provided as someone tries to fall asleep because cooler temperatures facilitate the ability to fall asleep, and warmer temperatures might be provided before someone wants to wake up since they facilitate the ability to wake from sleep gradually and naturally, rather than jarringly from a loud alarm clock. The device is backed by AI-driven software that will provide temperature suggestions based on an individual’s sleep history data, and this is something which will only improve with an increasing amount of user data.
This product is still in the beginning stages and there are currently only a limited number of prototypes, but feedback from user testing has been very positive, with almost everyone reporting the ability to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Roux joins the podcast to discuss all the details, including his own experience with the insert. Interested in learning more? Press play and check out the website at en.getmoona.com.
Andrew Koutnik, biomedical researcher, discusses cancer cachexia, wasting in general, the impact of inflammation within the body, and various other issues.
Koutnik is a seasoned researcher. His notable and extensive work studying nutrition and metabolism and their combined impact on health, disease, and even performance has generated much interest in the scientific medical community. He is actively involved in biomedical research with the Metabolic Medicine Lab at University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
Koutnik provides an overview of cancer cachexia, which he describes as a multi-factorial, dynamic, systemic wasting syndrome. And surprisingly, Koutnik states that in spite of its long history, the condition currently has no standard of care. Cancer cachexia is often characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass, sometimes with fat loss, that cannot be completely reversed by conventional and standard nutritional support and can result in progressive and significant functional impairment. Koutnik explains anabolic signals and synthetic responses as well as inflammatory responses. As he states, inflammatory signals may be inhibiting the synthesis response in the muscle. Koutnik explains, by citing specific examples, the ways in which atrophy is initiated, and why it occurs. And with up to 20% of cancer patients dying of this disease, it’s clear that advanced research is needed ongoing.
The biomedical research expert discusses the process of fasting and how it affects the body. And he provides information on past research and recorded studies on ketone bodies. Koutnik explains why adipose tissue is not always used first as an energy source during fasting. He states that in a normal, healthy response to a fasting scenario or carbohydrate restriction, adipose tissue, over time, becomes a preferential fuel. He explains that while fat is a very important fuel that we also need to use intermediary metabolites. Simply defined, metabolites are the intermediate products of specific metabolic reactions that are catalyzed by select enzymes that naturally occur within the cells. Koutnik goes into detail on inflammation issues that relate to atrophy, as it is an underlying current in many of these cases though it may not always be rapid. He talks about his theories on how the body sees and understands subtle information it is receiving regarding atrophy issues. And ultimately, he states that from a physiological perspective the body will always do whatever it can to survive.
Koutnik continues his discussion on ketones. He cites various studies that provided new and significant information on ketones and specifically, exogenous esters. He explains how antioxidant responses are related to ketone presence. He states that much of the work in this area has been implemented in rodent-based studies, and now the desire is to try to translate these studies to the human scenario, and more research is needed to understand the compatibility with previous studies.
In this informative podcast, biomedical research expert, Andrew Koutnik, discusses nutrition as it relates to type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Koutnik has dedicated his life to the study of the many biological factors that impact disease and their implications regarding treatment. His body of work has often focused on nutrition and metabolism as they relate to disease and general health. A significant amount of Koutnik’s biomedical research has been conducted at the Metabolic Medicine Lab at the University of South Florida.
Koutnik provides an overview of the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He states that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and the current thought is that an inappropriate immune response targets specific cells in the pancreas that produce and/or secrete insulin (beta cells). And because the immune system response has targeted them inappropriately, they are seen as foreign, thus the body may produce antibodies against them or attack them. There can sometimes be a rapid change and ultimately the body may no longer be able to manage glucose levels. Therefore insulin and glucose must be managed by the patient/doctor, as the body is negligent in its normal duties in this regard. Koutnik explains that type 2 diabetes is generally described as insulin resistance, where you have the ability to produce insulin but the body is resistant to the insulin that is present.
Koutnik discusses the relative blood sugar levels in diabetics and various treatment protocols for both types of diabetes from the traditional to new emerging concepts. He details dietary issues for diabetics and how that relates to their insulin and treatment, with a special analysis of ketones and an explanation of ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that can certainly be life threatening, a condition that results from dangerously high levels of ketones and blood sugar. Koutnik provides a granular overview of the many processes that the body goes through touching on details of elevated blood sugar, carbohydrates, molecules, proteins/amino acids, lipid molecules and more.
Delving deeper into other related issues, Koutnik talks about the relationship between sleep and glucose control. He explains how stress, caffeine, time of day, etc. can influence insulin sensitivity.
Koutnik details the many beneficial factors of regular exercise and how it directly impacts the effectiveness of insulin. However, he stresses that with type 1 diabetes there are numerous variables that influence insulin sensitivity. Additionally, the biomedical researcher provides an analysis of nutritional guidelines for diabetics. He talks about the effects of protein and explains the kinetics of protein. He expounds upon the benefits of a low carbohydrate diet and cites his own personal success after making the shift to low carb.
He underscores the importance of glycemic management and its great impact on the quality of life. He talks about the positive feeling that someone can get when they finally feel that they are taking control of their diabetes through diet, and succeeding! And while taking certain foods, foods we might love, out of the diet completely can be difficult, ultimately the healthy feeling that you achieve is worth the sacrifice.
For nearly a decade now, Adrienne Scheck, Ph.D. has focused her research on the effect of ketones and the ketogenic diet on brain tumors. As the author of Cancer and the Ketogenic Diet, senior research scientist at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Research Institute, research associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, adjunct professor at Arizona State University, and associate investigator in the cancer biology program at the University of Arizona, she brings an impressive amount of experience and knowledge to the discussion today.
Her research on the effect of ketones on cancerous tumors began in collaboration with Dr. John Roe, a clinician, scientist, and expert in the field who at the time had only applied the use to ketones to the treatment of epilepsy. When they studied the effects of adding ketones to an aggressive brain cancer cell line, the results were surprisingly positive: significant enhancement of the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This opened the door to many other questions yet to be investigated, such as the role of ketones as epigenetic modifiers, the confirmation of DNA within cells and how it dictates susceptibility to damage, whether or not cancer cells can use ketones as an energy source, phenotypic differences between different types of tumors, and the coming advances in technology that will lead to better data and analyses in this area.
Press play for all the details and search for Adrienne Scheck online to stay up to date with her latest research.
Over the last 20 years, there have been about 150 failed attempts to get different Alzheimer’s drugs on the market. Why? Sometimes it’s because the drugs showed toxicity in clinical trials, and other times it's because study subjects simply weren’t responding to the drugs. When the clinical target and endpoint of a clinical study is not met, the drug simply won’t move forward. But what if there are unseen variables at play that are pointing to the inefficacy of otherwise efficacious drugs? What if drugs which actually do hold great potential to treat Alzheimer’s are being rejected simply because the trials themselves aren’t being run properly, or because the right patients aren’t being enrolled?
As the CEO and founder of Vivid Genomics, these are the kinds of questions Julie Collens and her team are investigating. “There are lots of reasons why drugs can fail aside from them not working,” says Collens, as she explains how different stages and forms of Alzheimer’s can affect how a patient responds to certain drugs, as well as cognitive impairment from vitamin B deficiency, vascular dementia, or having recently suffered a stroke. Their goal is to develop and implement genetic-based tests to identify forms of variation in the disease of Alzheimer’s that are known to exist, and thereby help pharmaceutical companies run better clinical trials, perform better analyses, and get more drugs approved.
Collens describes in detail the four prototypes Vivid Genomics has already developed, how they are utilizing information from genome-wide association studies in combination with the data they’re collecting to identify predictive effects on disease, and the general challenges presented by the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn more by visiting vividgenomics.com and reach out via email at julie@vividgenomics.com.
“Democratizing access to good design is absolutely core to our mission of helping people make the world more beautiful…there are millions and millions of people out there who would like to have better design in their environments, but they can’t afford an interior designer, and for all of those people, Lexset will be a go-to,” says Leslie Oliver Karpas, co-founder of Lexset AI, a company that has built and applied an AI visual recognition system from 3D models of objects to the world of interior design.
The team at Lexset has created a synthetic data generation engine of about 80,000 different objects of furniture imaged from thousands of different angles and in different lighting conditions in order to maximize the system’s ability to recognize those objects when presented with a photo or real-world space. The system is even able to distinguish between different styles of furniture (e.g. modernist vs. industrial) and materials (e.g. wood, stone, fabric). One of the use cases of this technology is a plug-in for furniture company websites through which images of what you’d like a space in your home to look like could be uploaded, scanned by Lexset AI, and compared to the products offered by that furniture company.
Karpas offers an exciting and intriguing glimpse into what the future of interior design might look like, explaining in depth how their technology works, the positive effect of good design on people’s well-being, the objective versus subjective aspects of interior design, and use cases unrelated to interior design involving robotics.
Tune in for all the details and visit https://www.lexset.ai/ to learn more.
Erica Ramos is the director and head of clinical and product development at Geisinger, an innovative health service organization covering about 1.5 million patients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and encompassing 13 hospital campuses, two research centers, and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Ramos joins the podcast to discuss the MyCode program, a research effort that began as a Geisinger biobank in 2007 and has since become a collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to perform whole exome sequencing on the samples collected.
They very quickly realized the potential impact of the genomic information they were gathering—information with immediate medical relevancy,
such as that related to hereditary breast cancer, hereditary colon cancer, irregular heart conditions, and familial high cholesterol.
As a result, the MyCode protocol was changed in 2015 to include a return of results to patient participants for a defined set of conditions. Of the 92,000 samples they’ve sequenced, the team at MyCode has returned about 1,050 results to participants. Today, they are looking at how people respond to the information they receive, how the information is delivered, how chatbots could be used in the delivery of results to patients, and how to make genetics and genomics more accessible by primary care physicians.
To hear the full conversation and learn what’s on the horizon, tune in and visit geisinger.org/precision-health/mycode.
You probably didn’t realize that you’re likely wearing a material that can serve as the foundation of biomaterials used for a variety of functions, including drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and in vitro disease modelling. That’s right, Jeannine Coburn, PhD is an assistant professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute who is altering silk fibroin—a material found in most articles of clothing—to create unique properties that could have a number of biomedical applications. In addition to silk fibroin, Dr. Coburn and her team are working with chondroitin sulfate and bacteria and plant-derived cellulose for testing methods of tissue regeneration and studying disease processes that occur in the body.
One of the main focuses of Dr. Coburn’s lab is on intratumoral drug delivery—the delivery of drugs locally inside cancerous tumors rather than systemically as conventionally done today. In order to do this, they are considering different drug delivery modifications that will allow the drugs to act more or less with the material in which they are enclosed, thereby allowing for control over the rate at which the drugs are released into tumors. In this way, the drug delivery system would mimic that of conventional practices while minimizing the many negative effects of chemotherapy on the body’s organs.
Dr. Coburn discusses the main challenge of this pursuit—namely the problem of rejection by the body. In other words, how can they prevent the body from encapsulating and attacking the drug that it identifies as a foreign body? Answering this question leads to an informative and intriguing conversation about the body’s mechanism of immune response, inflammatory responses, and how cancer cells shut off their immune recognition and how that can be modelled in vitro for the study of immunotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.
Interested in learning more? Tune in for the full conversation and don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Coburn directly by email at jmcoburn@wpi.edu.
It might not be the first thing you associate with pulmonology, but the study of the lungs actually has quite a bit to do with the study of sleep. Dr. Seema Khosla didn’t really make this association either until she slowly began learning about the importance of sleep and the critical role it plays in our health. “It was something that I never really thought about when I was a resident,” she recalls, mentioning a time when she thought going days without sleep and pushing through it was more like wearing a badge of honor than engaging in a dangerous and detrimental way of living.
She now serves as the medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep, where she sees patients who are suffering from a variety of sleep conditions ranging from insomnia, to narcolepsy, to sleep apnea, to REM sleep behavior disorder—a disorder that causes people to act out their dreams. She discusses pulmonary-related sleep issues, including poorly-controlled asthma, emphysema, and other chronic medical conditions that can cause insomnia and fragmented sleep.
She provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of sleep studies, where real-time changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood are correlated with real-time brain wave changes, indicating disruption from certain sleep stages. Dr. Khosla also touches more broadly on how people’s attitude toward sleep seems to be changing for the better, effective options for the treatment of sleep apnea that do not involve CPAP machines, and why so many people are initially resistant to the idea of seeking help from sleep doctors. Lastly, she discusses her takeaway from a recent conversation she had with a Fitbit representative regarding plans to further implement sleep tracking technology in their products.
Tune in for all the details and get in contact by calling 701-356-3000
“Research has shown that traditional approaches in security just aren’t working,” says Dan Schoenbaum, citing large security breaches with British Airways and Target as just a couple of examples. Despite having large, sophisticated security programs, many companies simply aren’t able to prevent people from stealing their data or leveraging their websites and accessing customers’ credit card information. It’s an approach that’s been taken for the past 25 years, and according to Schoenbaum, it’s the wrong one.
When Schoenbaum discovered Risk IQ, he discovered an entirely different approach to the problem of internet security—one that focuses on what’s outside of the firewall, where the majority of attacks originate. “The heart and core of what we do is data science,” he explains. The team at Risk IQ spends their days reviewing billions of web pages, social media platforms, and mobile applications, scanning for the illegitimate ones among the legitimate.
As the COO and President of Risk IQ, Schoenbaum joins the podcast to discuss the details of all this and more, including the path that led him to Risk IQ, the ins and outs of what they offer, the changing landscape of cyber security and cyber-attacks, and what’s to come. Press play to hear the full conversation and visit https://www.riskiq.com/ to learn more.
Dr. Wei-Shin Lai, family physician, and husband Jason Wolfe, a video game developer, discuss their interesting and organic journey as sleep improvement entrepreneurs born out of necessity. They detail the process of how their company, SleepPhones (sleepphones.com) came to be, and discuss the many benefits of their soft, sleeping aid.
Confronting her own problem of getting to sleep efficiently, especially after late night work, Dr. Lai explains how she sought a better solution. She often used meditative music for relaxation but found that headphones were clumsy and awkward, and ear buds were just plain uncomfortable. As necessity is the mother of invention, Dr. Lai set out to create her own. After creating the first successful working prototype of her soft, sleeping aid, she enlisted the partnership of her husband as they soldered and sewed the first 500 units right on their kitchen table. And spreading her good fortune, Dr. Lai began to provide this sleeping solution to many of her patients who suffered from bad sleep or insomnia and were regularly taking sleeping pills to assist them with sleep.
Lai and Wolfe discuss the technology behind their product. And after eleven years in business, they have continued to advance and improve their product. As they state, many people find that the SleepPhones headband is more comfortable than competitors’ products, even the much bigger companies with large revenue.
One of the additional benefits to their product is that it is designed to sit over the ear making them supremely comfortable even for those who sleep on their side. Their super soft headband is made of their specialized SheepCloud™ fabrics, and contains very thin, padded removable speakers in which users can play any auditory preference, from music, to audiobooks, meditations, white noise, or anything else that an individual finds relaxing and helps them to fall asleep.
Dr. Lai talks about the various testimonials they have received from people who have now been able to end their use of sleeping pills. People have stated that the sleeping headphones have even saved marriages, helping people get their sleep when sharing beds with partners who snore, etc.
Wolfe discusses some of the content providers they have worked with, and he hints about the new initiative they have developed internally that utilizes AI and machine learning to discover what sound technologies are the most effective for various applications. And Lai and Wolfe discuss the many fabrics that they offer in their products, that vary for user preferences, environments, and differing climates.
Douglas W. Losordo, MD, FACC, FAHA, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research and Development, and Chief Medical Officer of Caladrius Biosciences, delivers a thorough overview of biopharmaceutical research and product development.
Dr. Losordo has spent decades digging deep into the many and various biological science issues that are relevant to advanced medical research. His work has made a significant impact in the areas of angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, progenitor/adult stem cells, tissue repair/regeneration, as well as vascular biology in general.
Dr. Losordo’s company, Caladrius Biosciences, Inc., is a noted clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company featuring multiple technology platforms that are specifically targeted to certain cardiovascular indications as well as autoimmune diseases. In this informative podcast Dr. Losordo gives an overview of his company’s work and their research. He states their primary objective is not to manage disease but to actually restore health. He outlines many of their late stage programs in the area of cardiovascular disease, clinical trials, and progress they have made. In prior studies they have found that just a single dose of their therapies makes people better long term. Trials are promising and he expects continued approvals as they bring more products to the market. Caladrius is committed to the development of innovative products for cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases that carry great potential to restore health to people with chronic, often severe, illnesses, to address many unmet medical needs.
The biopharmaceutical expert discusses blood vessel regeneration, and the research they are doing in this area of angiogenesis. He talks about their work with patients and how their process works, in detail, explaining how the cells are injected and how angiogenesis begins. Dr. Losordo discusses their experimentation with cells and the dramatic successes they see in the repair of ischemic tissue. Dr. Losordo talks about some of the many regulatory issues that impact the medical and biological science development industries. He outlines how their refractory angina program has been designated with a high designation for accelerated approval.
Dr. Losordo’s successful career in regenerative medicine therapeutics has received significant backing. He has obtained over $35 million in National Institutes of Health funding for discovering and developing new therapeutic concepts in the laboratory that provide the basis for clinical studies that may lead the way to medical breakthroughs.
Kelly Glazer Baron, PhD, MPH, DBSM, Associate Professor in the Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah, delivers a fascinating overview of sleep and its importance.
As an experienced clinical psychologist with specialty training in behavioral sleep medicine, Dr. Baron has been a leader in the area of sleep research for many years. In her clinic, Dr. Baron provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, as well as myriad other sleep disorders such as circadian disorders, sleep apnea, nightmares, sleep walking, and narcolepsy. She received her bachelor's degree from Ohio State University then went on to complete a master's degree and PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Utah.
The sleep doctor discusses her background and what motivated her to pursue this specific area of research and treatment. She talks about her two main areas of interest: how the disruption of sleep and the circadian rhythm can lead to the development of obesity and diabetes, and the advancement of wearables in regard to sleep technology. She talks about the benefits of wearables and how learning about your sleep can help you to improve the sleep you get. She answers questions that relate to circadian rhythms and what essentially makes one a ‘night owl.’ She explains that those who identify as night owls, the people who stay up later and then wake up later the next day, are certainly better off if they are allowed to exist as night owls as opposed to those who are night owls and are forced into a more 9 to 5 existence. However, she states that timing really isn’t the issue, but it is the alignment of melatonin and sleep schedule that impacts dietary behaviors. For example, people who force themselves to sleep earlier in their melatonin timing have greater meal frequency and tend to eat more calories, and if they are overweight… have signs of insulin resistance. Thus, ultimately, being a night owl isn’t a factor, but it’s really more about whether that night owl is forced to function in the morning. Dr. Baron states that if people find their ideal sleep schedule, and are allowed to maintain their natural rhythm, then they are probably better off than someone who is forcing themselves to adhere to a schedule based on what society says.
Dr. Baron discusses sleep loss and its affect on metabolism. But as she states, there are multiple factors that determine weight, and sleep is merely one. She does mention however, that many times late sleepers find that fitting exercise into their day is challenging, and thus needed movement may be squeezed out of their daily schedules.
Additionally, she details sleep devices and the benefits of sleep monitoring data. And she adds that many times the data simply confirms what a user may have suspected, such as sleep is intermittent, or they are not sleeping deep enough, etc.
In Dr. Baron’s research they are interested in helping people get rid of bedtime procrastination and other issues that interfere with good sleep. She explains the many issues and activities that may interrupt sleep or impact one’s ability to get to bed and also relax before sleeping.
Dr. Baron’s research has been generously supported by the NIH, and she has been regularly featured in top tier media such as the New York Times, US News and World Report, Men's Health, Webmd.com, and others.
In this informative podcast, Kevin Kastelnik and Guillaume Gautier, the founders of dreaminzZz (dreaminzzz.com), discuss sleep and hypnosis and the benefits of relaxation for reducing stress and increasing productivity.
After many sleepless nights amidst an incredible amount of work, Kastelnik began to dig deeper into the process of sleep. He found that poly-phasic sleep (sleeping multiple times, and typically more than two) was successful, and allowed him to absorb heavy workloads more efficiently while still feeling well rested.
Kastelnik discusses his company’s vision and their primary product, HYPNOS. The objective of HYPNOS is to facilitate access and ease of use for modern hypnosis, applying it to any type of application from service, to health, fitness, or wellness. At dreaminzZz, Kastelnik and Gautier bring together technology, methods of hypnosis, and creative innovation to launch efficient alternatives to achieve their highest priorities.
HYPNOS is the first connected hypnosis mask. It is a set of groundbreaking tools that enables users to utilize hypnosis in their professional activities, synchronized to visual and motion simulations in order to bring the benefits of hypnosis to customers.
Kastelnik & Gautier talk about the mechanisms of HYPNOS. The HYPNOS sleep mask provides light and vibration that are connected to a mobile app, which works to allow people to focus on many areas that need attention, from stress reduction to pain reduction, to relaxation, fear, and much more.
The app will deliver hypnotic suggestions that allow the users to fall asleep or achieve their objective. They talk about the various suggestions that users can utilize, which allow users to fall asleep 3 times faster than usual. Specifically, while listening to the story in the app, the hypnotic suggestions are introduced, which as stated above, enables sleep to come faster. And with quality, restorative sleep being achieved faster and more efficiently, everyone can improve their health.
The sleep and hypnosis experts talk about the feedback they are getting from their users. As they state, sleep disorders and stress are the two main areas that their more than 10,000 users primarily tend to focus on.
Finally, the hypnosis marketers discuss their product rollout globally, and the new, exciting products that they will be introducing in the coming years.
Roger Sholanki, CEO of Book4Time (book4time.com), provides an analysis of the many issues that individuals and businesses face in regard to booking and scheduling for every industry.
Sholanki is an experienced and tested entrepreneur who has spent his career focused on disruptive companies and products that seek to improve the global health and wellness industry in general. Never accepting any given situation, Sholanki thrives on challenging the status quo, and he inspires his team at Book4Time as they set the bar higher for everything from product development to customer success. He is a pioneer in the spa and wellness industry and Book4Time is the world's most innovative cloud-based management software.
Sholanki talks about Book4Time’s objectives as a business management platform focused on the global wellness industry. He states that online booking is the preference today as call booking wanes more and more. Sholanki discusses the users’ preferences, and how users research then book their reservations. He explains the details of their app and how users can benefit from its many features. From spas in hotel resorts, to the beauty industry, wellness, leisure, and more, there are many industries and services that can take advantage of Book4Time’s platform. Sholanki provides specific examples of their wide customer base and how they each utilize the specific booking and reservation application features.
Sholanki gives specific details about the app’s features and their uses. With Appointment Booking users can maximize and grow their revenue with convenient, centrally managed guest bookings as well as optimized therapist schedules. With Marketing & Retention, the app enables users to drive revenue and retention with specialized memberships, loyalty points, and even referral incentives. Revenue Management allows every user to precisely manage and track revenues over the cloud with a sophisticated point-of-sale and payment processing system. Business Intelligence & Reporting provides for centrally managed and automated business processes and best practices. Their Staff Management feature allows users to save time on staff scheduling and bolster productivity with goal tracking, incentives and more. And their Inventory Management feature keeps everything centrally managed, so you know the inventory and can manage it for all your spa locations, and so much more.
The organizational tech entrepreneur talks about feedback from consumers and the areas of their app in which he hopes to expand. He describes certain challenges that come up in the booking process and how Book4Time is solving various industries’ problems.
Dr. John Torday, MSc, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn, Harbor-UCLA, Division of Neonatology, discusses biomedical research, genomics, and life.
Dr. Torday’s extensive career in medicine and education has afforded him some choice opportunities, working and researching as a faculty member at prestigious universities such as Harvard Medical School, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the David Geffen School of Medicine.
Dr. Torday discusses some of his early experiences in the field, as well as some of the incredible advances he has seen in science and medicine. He specifically talks about the landmark observation of his career: that the cortisol hormone could accelerate human development, which was the beginning of neonatology. The implications of this observation were immense and became the fodder for much research ongoing.
The neonatology expert comments on the vast changes in biomedical research, from biochemistry to the transition to molecular biology, and the concept of genomics. He talks in depth about the importance of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of heritable phenotype changes that do not require alterations in the existing DNA sequence. He muses on the concepts of epigenetics, regarding embryogenesis (embryonic development). As he states, epigenetic inheritance is passed in more than one generation, which is a particularly interesting and vital point in regard to research. He answers questions regarding genetic expression and the idea of epigenetic heritability. As he states, environment such as habitation in water or on land, play a role in organism development. And additionally, he states that diet can have an influence as well.
Speaking about evolutionary development, the PhD discusses some of his thoughts on various species, considering land and water environments. He provides extensive details on the complex biological factors that are involved. He talks in detail about three genes he states are necessary: parathyroid hormone-related protein gene, glucocorticoid receptor, and the beta adrenergic receptor.
Additionally, he expounds upon the importance of intercepting the loss of homeostatic control, which would provide for profound advances in the way we treat disease. He discusses the distinguishing traits between species, and then recounts some of the concepts and theories he has studied regarding the origin of life.
Dragos Axinte, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Nottingham, gives us a glimpse into the complex world of advanced robotic technology.
Axinte is an experienced professional specializing in manufacturing engineering. Throughout his impressive career he has held two NATO Research Fellowships in Italy and Denmark. He has been an active part of the groundbreaking research teams at the University of Birmingham as well as the University of Nottingham. Axinte was named Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineer (IMechE) and Fellow of the International Academy of Production Engineering (FCIRP), and continues to contribute to the dialogue internationally in his industry.
As the prominent Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, Axinte works with his team to develop a range of robotic technologies that can enable engines to be inspected and repaired at remote locations, all while remaining on-wing. Axinte discusses the form and design of the robots they are creating. He mentions that they are making snake-like robots, for this design is best for entering tiny spaces that are impossible for other forms to access. He provides detailed information on how the robots access these interior spaces and exactly the kinds of jobs that they perform, such as engine maintenance, and more.
Axinte talks about the various technologies that they have developed at Rolls-Royce. He provides details on their current designs and his expectations for future redesigns and improvements. He speaks about their challenges in design and use, and the importance of making their robotic technology easy to use by untrained operators, so extensive training is not necessary. Speaking about future advances, he provides information on other operational challenges they will face in development. Axinte states that there are many opportunities to utilize their technology in the aerospace, oil and gas, and defense industries.
Axinte hopes that the future will bring more integrated use of artificial intelligence in their robotic manufacturing, and he and his team are working toward this and other goals.
Dr. Andreas Werner of the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences at Newcastle University delivers a detailed overview of current research pertaining to the human genome.
Dr. Werner is skilled in many areas; he is a biochemist, molecular biologist, journalist, and teacher, currently working as an associate professor at Newcastle University specializing in RNA biology. Dr. Werner is widely known for his innovative work in the field of non-protein coding RNAs, specifically natural antisense transcripts. Dr. Werner received a PhD in Physiology at the University of Zurich.
Dr. Werner discusses his current work studying the human genome. Our genomes show small variations that make each person unique. With modern genome sequencing, the detection of mutations is now not only fast and efficient, but it is finally affordable. Dr. Werner talks about their specific work in this space. They are leading the way, investigating how mutations affect function, of various membrane proteins, in order to better grasp the underlying mechanisms of specific diseases. Dr. Werner explains transcription. Transcription is the initial step of gene expression, when a specific segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids that use base pairs of nucleotides as a compatible, harmonious language. Dr. Werner and his team are particularly interested in the function of noncoding RNAs in the organization of the genome as well as the regulation of single genes.
The genome expert discusses some of the hypotheses that they are currently working on, and why. He explains cell structure and viral structure, and talks about the balance within cells. As Dr. Werner explains, double stranded RNA could possibly be a sign of low-level stress that occurs with aging, or other issue, and his team is looking for answers to multiple questions regarding links to degenerative disease. He talks about the importance of finding these double stranded RNAs to distinguish whether they are confined within the mitochondria and the nucleus or if they perhaps are leaking out and are interfering with protective mechanisms. Going further, Dr. Werner talks about specific inflammatory responses and some of the known and unknown factors regarding double stranded RNA.
Dr. Werner is a sought-after speaker at various world conferences on the subject of regulatory RNAs, epigentics and evolution. And he continues to work diligently toward the goal of deciphering a biological role for natural antisense transcripts.
Franklin M. Harold, noted author of The Way of the Cell: Molecules, Organisms and the Order of Life, discusses his research in complex biochemistry and thoughts on the origin of life.
Harold’s long career has impacted many areas of science. Harold received his PhD in Comparative Biochemistry from U.C. Berkeley in 1955, and has spent a lifetime as a physiologist, specializing as a cell physiologist. It is the machinery of life, not its molecular constituents, that continues to fascinate him. As a young man, Harold was heavily influenced by the work of esteemed microbiologist, Roger Stanier, by whom he was taught that bacteria are not only the smallest creatures but also the simplest, and to truly understand life, one should study bacteria, not lab rats.
Harold talks about his long career in science and biology, starting with a passion for chemistry, which he developed at the age of fifteen. Over the years, he became more interested in cellular and evolutionary biology, and embarked on a prolific career in the scientific community. Harold discusses the tenets of Neo-Darwinism, and its need for tweaking, updating. He states that the early study was primarily focused on mutations in genes, but according to Harold, that doesn’t tell the full story. He expounds on the properties of eukaryotic cells and their origin. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and organelles, and they are encompassed by a plasma membrane. Some of the many organisms that possess eukaryotic cells are as follows: protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals.
The biochemistry expert states that organisms throw off new species because their environment changes. He states that in order to see the evolution of organisms we would have to change their environment in a novel way, and give it time, lots of time. Harold remarks that the major changes that resulted in new animal species have to do with the genes that affect the web of regulation, the regulatory elements that control how much, and to what extent, a particular gene is expressed. Harold goes on to say that he believes in the theory that life must have begun with very simple chemical systems, not necessarily involving a gene, but a system sufficiently complex and interactive to be able to reproduce itself. And while he states there is zero evidence for it, nor good models, it is however a speculation that Harold finds particularly interesting.
Harold served on the research staff of the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center in Denver, and was a longtime member of the faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Harold retired from Colorado State University in 2000 as Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Matthew J. Davis, MD, associate medical director and section chief of the neurology division at Sleep Dynamics, discusses the importance of sleep and the sleep-related disorders that many people face.
Dr. Davis has devoted much study to sleep disorders in general, including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and parasomnias. He is board certified in neurology and sleep medicine, and his extensive education includes Vanderbilt University and then medical school at the University of Buffalo. In addition to his work at Sleep Dynamics, Dr. Davis is also a respected Clinical Assistant Professor in Neurology at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine.
Dr. Davis talks about his background and the keen interest he has developed in the study of sleep. As he states, the study of sleep is multi-disciplinary; it involves neurology, pulmonology, psychiatry and psychology. Today, sleep is finally being recognized as the truly important, but once overlooked, area that it is. He discusses the technical aspects of sleep issues and the new technology utilized. And as more and more data on the subject is collected, Dr. Davis seeks to use the vast information to improve sleep quality for everyone. He talks about what a truly good night’s sleep actually means. The goal, he says, is not necessarily some externally measured parameter, but is in fact simply healthy sleep that allows an individual to function well the next day. It’s not about specific hours; it’s about an individual’s specific needs, though population data will provide guidelines that are procured from averages.
The sleep expert talks about the impact of new devices and technologies that, surprisingly, aren’t always productive for achieving improved sleep. He underscores that it is not about sleep time, but more about sleep quality. Specifically, he explains that many of the devices people use to measure aspects of sleep are really just accelerometers that measure movement and don’t really provide important data on quality or depth of sleep. He cautions that these consumer devices do not measure all the parameters of sleep in a particularly useful way. From sleep staging to breathing, eye movement, heart rate, etc., there is so much that is not being measured that is critically relevant in regard to understanding whether quality, restorative sleep is being achieved.
The sleep expert talks about home sleep testing versus sleep lab testing, and the various circumstances that unfortunately taint some of the data. And he elaborates on the future of his work and the big areas he wants to make strides in, such as insomnia improvement. Dr. Davis hopes that through further research and testing they can help provide better, non-pharmacological treatments to allow people to find their way back to quality sleep.
Edward Franz Pace-Schott, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, delivers a fascinating auditory exploration of the many issues surrounding sleep, trauma, and anxiety.
Pace-Schott has spent the better part of his notable career studying anxiety and sleep related disorders. Pace-Schott’s extensive research centers on how sleep assists humans in the regulation of their emotions and how sleep is altered in psychopathology. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School as well as the Director of the Sleep and Anxiety Disorders Laboratory. Pace-Schott holds a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, earned at the prestigious Boston University.
The PhD discusses how sleep disturbance increases the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Studying people across the entire spectrum of psychological trauma, Pace-Schott looks at participants’ sleep, as well as behavioral responses to emotional memory experiments known as fear extinction and fear conditioning. By studying sleep after traumatic experiences Pace-Schott is learning more about the impact of sleep on the mental and physical. Persistent sleep disturbances can put someone at a heightened risk for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Pace-Schott details various shock-oriented experimentation that relates to fear response, called fear conditioning, citing examples such as how one might be afraid of a dark street if they had previously been attacked by a dog on a dark street. Additionally, his team utilizes experimentation techniques with fear extinction. He explains that when subjects are presented with a situation that has caused fear in the past, but now without the dreadful consequences, over time the reaction to that fear situation is decreased. Extinction, as Pace-Schott explains, creates a new inhibitory memory, that then reminds the person that this situation is not to be feared.
The sleep expert talks about ways to utilize sleep to strengthen the extinction memory, to bolster this within traumatized or phobic individuals. He details various experimentation in this area and how these issues affect the individuals. As he explains, sleep helps to increase the participants’ ability to feel less fear about previously feared subjects. Testing provides information on the brain, body, and emotions, and the expression of circadian rhythms. They found that participants seemed to do better in the morning after restorative sleep, and retention of extinction learning. Pace-Schott’s research is highly focused on sleep's influences on evolutionary ancient learning and the myriad memory processes that contribute to human emotion regulation.
Dan Abbate, CEO and cofounder of EIGHTY ONE-c (81-c.com), provides a complete overview of blockchain, security, and the new developing markets.
Abbate is a skilled entrepreneur and investor who has specialized in business process automation via advanced technology and organizational development. Throughout his illustrious career, Abbate has helped many innovative businesses overcome systemic challenges and advance forward with important, critical decisions regarding growth, revenue, operational performance, automation, profitability, systematization, organizational improvement, and much more. Abbate earned a degree from DePaul University in Philosophy and Business, and has continued his education at The Wharton School studying complex operations and financial performance.
Abbate talks about his background in 90s internet tech and how he organically moved into the crypto and blockchain area. He connected with the early movement and kept his eye on the crypto markets all along. He explains how he knew the underlying technology of blockchain, with its simplicity for ensuring security, would eventually come to dominate certain areas of transactional business.
Abbate discusses the many and varied regulations that have shaped the industry. He discusses the regulatory space in detail, and explains how it hasn’t really changed with the times. He explains the structure of his company, 81-c, and its primary objectives. Since its inception in 2016, 81-c has sought to acquire solid companies that generate cash flow, and improve them. But in 2017, Abbate made the decision to securitize their portfolio and build an operating company that was backed by the new blockchain technology. And in 2018, as the SEC stepped in and made everything a security, it became clear that they could take their operating company and utilize the blockchain to push forward in transactional business.
Blox is aware that there is a tremendous amount of value created in the world that simply isn’t accessible to most people. Thus blox is continually seeking ways to allow everyone to have a fair and equal opportunity to invest in the success of the world’s greatest thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Alon Muroch, cofounder and CEO of blox (blox.io), talks about the current state of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and the new advances in portfolio management.
Muroch talks about his background in development and coding and how he discovered blockchain by accident. He recounts his early experiences seeking out a way to transfer money more effectively. Fast forwarding to the future, Muroch discusses how his company was created out of his own organic need to find a better way to sync various wallets and exchange accounts into one place, to better manage his assets.
Blox is more than numbers and charts; it is an incredibly efficient system that helps to provide a clearer image of your crypto assets. Muroch’s company, Blox, has developed the most advanced, organized crypto currency asset and portfolio-tracking platform in the entire industry. The blox platform enables users to track, collect past transactions and pricing automatically, and more, by connecting directly to tens of blockchains as well as up to date crypto currency exchanges.
Muroch discusses the many potential problems that could arise when ordering one’s books, regarding taxes and auditing. As he states, even a small error could become a giant problem when dealing with financial issues, and mistakes can be made easily. Even the practical side of daily transfers can be a place where mistakes happen. Muroch talks about transactional data, and how to make it robust and complete, and the importance of reporting and bookkeeping to ensure all records are intact. The financial technology expert provides a wealth of information on the future of blox and their work with accounting firms.
As Muroch explains, blox provides many tools to assist with accounting and for regulation compliance. He provides details on some of the plans blox is developing, from the re-imagination of transactional data to feedback-based development in the areas of wallets, ledgers, and high-level security features.
Michael J. Joyner, MD, physician, researcher, and noted expert on human performance and exercise physiology delivers an overview of the extensive study and research he has embarked upon throughout his long career in the field.
Dr. Joyner has spent a lifetime studying the human body and how it performs and functions. Through his impressive research studying exercise physiology he has made significant contributions to the greater understanding of muscle and skin blood flow, as well as blood pressure regulation, and of course athletic performance.
Dr. Joyner has been a respected consultant to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as NASA and the groundbreaking research at his Mayo Clinic lab has been funded by the NIH since the early 90s. In this informative podcast Dr. Joyner talks about integrative physiology, how humans respond to complex challenges, and the limits of perspective. He discusses blood flow and the restorative properties of systems. He recounts some of the past experimentation regarding blood flow and circulation. He delves into detail about angiogenesis, which is the physiological process by which new blood vessels begin to form from those preexisting vessels already present, and formed in the initial stage of vasculogenesis. The doctor talks about gene therapy and drugs that have been used to stimulate blood vessel growth, but he stresses that the best means for achieving this goal is actually exercise.
Dr. Joyner discusses drug repurposing, and the history of various notable drugs that have found their purpose later, after development and trial. He talks about some of the early experimentation and important studies regarding bed rest, and how we have learned that we need to, in most cases, mobilize people as early as possible right after medical procedures and operations, etc. He expands on his thoughts about progress made in the surgical environment, and the future of technology—and how it can help us to improve. And he rounds the discussion back to his primary area of study—physiology and human performance, which he has studied intensively since the 80s.
The human performance expert discusses the latest findings regarding glucose and physical exercise. He states that exercise is really the key to fighting prediabetes and diabetes, and its effects are powerful. He discusses various trials, and drug development for many medical conditions, and the evidence that supports some of the new blood pressure controlling type drugs.
The prestigious Mayo Clinic named Dr. Joyner a Distinguished Investigator in 2010 and his lab provides major educational opportunities for students and trainees, as it continues to further the dialogue on human performance.
Brian McCarthy, Executive Vice President, Dentistry.com, provides an extensive overview of the current state of dental care.
As the operational leader of Dentistry.com as well as the Executive Vice President at Futuredontics, Inc., McCarthy has spent many years advancing the field of modern dentistry. His vision and strategic execution of goals has helped to deliver value to dentists and patients via the design and creation of multiple products that push interactions, leading to better quality dentistry for all.
McCarthy talks about a growing epidemic in the United States—the lack of oral care. McCarthy states that many Americans are simply not taking care of their teeth, and as the connection between oral care and overall wellness is significant, this is a problem. He talks in detail about how dentists in particular have been slow to adapt to the mobile web and have not taken full advantage of changes in technology. Interestingly, he mentions a study that showed 67% of US adults will expect to be able to book their healthcare appointments entirely online—by 2019. The future of online access is here, but the vast majority of dentists don’t support online booking. Seeing this need, McCarthy sought to make dentistry more accessible for everyone. In any given year, less than half of the population goes to the dentist, and McCarthy states that this is a problem Dentistry.com aims to correct.
The dental care entrepreneur talks about the many advanced products that have been developed in the dental industry, from clear aligners to other orthodontic products and more. He discusses new equipment that reduces risk, and the great advances that are happening in tooth repair. McCarthy discusses preventive care in detail, and explains how modern dentistry can offer improvements in the arena of oral care. Today, dentists offer so many features in their offices that make the experience calmer, more fun, and sometimes even spa-like. As he states, it is the age of the consumer, and businesses that recognize that are moving ahead of their competition and excelling in the industry.
And McCarthy talks about the inclusion of texting technology in the marketing efforts of many dental offices. He discusses how the concept of teledentistry can improve patient/doctor relations. Teledentistry is the use of various information technology and advanced telecommunications for dental care consultation and education. While McCarthy is careful to point out that teledentistry is certainly not a replacement for office visits, it is an opportunity to have more direct contact with those who care for your teeth, an opportunity to learn more, and to motivate individuals to work toward improving their overall oral care.
Dr. Conrad began his career studying patterns of sleep interruption and doing work in various areas of epidemiology, and lately he’s been working to improve population health and sleep conditions while entering the realm of policy and population management within larger healthcare systems.
More recently, he’s been working in conjunction with the University of Minnesota on the evaluation of school start time issues and the connection between sleep, obesity, and adolescent health. “Adolescents have by nature a delay in their sleep schedule, beginning roughly around the age of 12…independent of their tendency to surf the internet and study late into the evening, there’s perhaps a stronger drive to go to bed later and get up later,” says Dr. Iber. As quasi-experimental evidence of this, some schools that have tried out later start times have seen better academic performance, fewer car accidents, improved moods and attention spans, and better overall sleep health. Conversely, a study out of Fairfax, VA found higher suicide rates, weight gain, and decreased academic performance among adolescents who regularly get fewer than five to six hours of sleep. So, why haven’t widespread reforms been implemented?
Dr. Iber provides the answer to this question and many others, discussing a range of topics to include the latest advances in sleep medicine, such as the increased use of home monitoring and wearable devices to track sleep duration among patients who can’t make it to a sleep clinic for in-house studies. He also touches on the increased emphasis being placed on police officers, health care providers, bus drivers, and other public service members to improve their sleep health. According to Dr. Iber, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of the importance of sleep, which is nothing but positive for individuals and public health in general. Interested in learning more? Press play for all the details.
Ever since he was a kid, Alex Bates held a fascination for the inner workings of the mind and brain, and the interconnectedness of philosophy and mathematics. So when the internet began really taking shape in the late 90s, it only felt natural for him to dive into the realm of artificial neural networks. He’s since devoted his professional life to anything and everything that revolves around artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Bates discusses his role as co-founder of Sandbox, a company designed to support engineers by providing mentor networks and developing an investment and incubation community around AI and machine learning for B-to-B enterprise software. Among other topics, he explains the types of entrepreneurs they are best suited to help and the criteria they look for when making selections.
But before Sandbox, Bates was involved with Neocortex Ventures. “You can think of Neocortex Ventures as like an idea laboratory, where I have data scientists help people build ventures and I can invest as well,” says Bates. He goes on to discuss some of the most surprising and impressive recent developments in the field of AI and machine learning, including generative adversarial neural networks and the fascinating results that can emerge, such as turning artistic paintings into 3D immersive videos, and the way in which this technology underscores the value and extent of human creativity as complimentary to AI--the combination of which leads to what he calls ‘intelligence augmentation.’ Press play for more.
Peter Saunders, Co-Director of The Institute of Science in Society, London, and Emeritus professor of Applied Mathematics, King’s College London, provides a thorough and interesting overview of catastrophe theory and its many real and relevant applications.
Saunders holds a BA in Applied Mathematics from the University of Toronto as well as a PhD in Theoretical Astrophysics from the University of London. He is a sought-after lecturer and keynote speaker and has presented his findings and theories for many groups and events, notably at Queen Elizabeth College and then at King’s College.
Saunders discusses the etymology of the word, ‘catastrophe,’ and discusses the background of catastrophe theory. Saunders explains that catastrophe theory is a theory that allows us to deal mathematically with things that change suddenly. And as he states, things that change suddenly are often the most interesting. He details catastrophe theory, explaining that if you have a system that is displaying certain jumps of one kind or another that these jumps will occur in a pattern. Saunders outlines the five basic properties that tend to go together: sudden jumps, hysteresis, divergence, inaccessibility, and bimodality. As Saunders explains, when you observe one, you begin looking for the other four. He talks about the many applications of the theory and how it enables researchers to come to conclusions within their research.
Saunders explains that when a researcher is considering what has been observed, he or she makes a statement, and what is most desired is a theory that enables one to take that statement, that is based on observable actions, and do something with it. He discusses the relevance to applied mathematicians, and elaborates on how they seek to utilize what they do know, and little else, so their applications are based on truth. Saunders discusses the many possible applications for catastrophe theory, and he specifically talks about utilizing the theory to study important issues such as climate change. He provides interesting examples, regarding extreme fluctuations and how they can be indicators of increasing instability in regard to climate changes. As he explains catastrophe theory doesn’t provide absolute proof, but in fact it only provides signs and indicators. Saunders states that if you want absolute proof, the only way to get that is to sit back and let something happen, but by then it will be too late to prevent that ‘something’ from happening.
Saunders’ groundbreaking book on the subject, An Introduction to Catastrophe Theory, breaks down catastrophe theory for everyone, even those who may have only a basic understanding of mathematics. The book explains the basic tenets of the theory and discusses practical applications, often citing biological science examples due to their particular ability to demonstrate catastrophe theory’s distinctive nature. The celebrated book is a good read for theoretical biologists, scientists in general, and anyone who has an inquisitive mind and seeks to learn more about the theory and its applications.
Lynn Helena Caporale, independent scholar and author of Darwin in the Genome, discusses DNA sequencing and all things related to the genome.
Caporale is a career biochemist whose research in the areas of natural selection and genome variation has created a buzz in the scientific community. Caporale is a regular chair of various international interdisciplinary conferences and workshops. In addition to authoring books on the subject, Caporale has also been the editor of many volumes such as, The Implicit Genome, Molecular Strategies in Biological Evolution, and The Effect of Genome Sequence and Structure on Genome Variation in Evolution.
Caporale discusses her background and the personal journey to her current career. She talks about her early study of chemistry, her interest in observing the relationships in protein families, and discovering how they might have evolved as well. She details information on genetic coding and DNA sequencing, and its relevance to her work today. She explains overlapping protein coding in regard to amino acids and variations. And as she states, there is much information within the genome that we are not aware of but we’re learning more over time.
Caporale states evolutionary theory says selection acts on variations. What Caporale proposes is that selection acts on the variations of probability along the genome, just as it acts on variations in beaks and wings, and so forth. She talks about a feedback control as it relates to variation and selection in a loop. Genomes that generate variants that are more likely to survive are the genomes that would be more effective at adapting and would therefore tend to survive. Caporale cites examples to support her thoughts, such as bacteria that have code proteins. As she states, bacteria can infect us, and our immune system can see the surface of the bacterium and mount an immune response, and Caporale explains what happens when the code mutates and how that affects the outcome. Additionally, she provides extensive information on adaptations and mutations within organisms.
The biological scientist discusses human population in regard to the genome. She outlines the three important concepts that relate to her studies: cooperation, diversity, and feedback control. Caporale talks about stress responses that produce specific variation in the genome, and explains how, miraculously, enzymes can move DNA around. Caporale talks about the many different theories in the building blocks of life and she provides more information on some of the unsettled issues that relate to life and how it is created.
Jen Fisch, founder, Keto In The City (ketointhecity.com), is hungry—hungry for knowledge, and she always has been. She is a self-described autoimmune warrior and single mom who is incredibly passionate about the ketogenic lifestyle. In this interesting podcast Jen talks about her journey and the power of the ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate protein, and very low-carbohydrate nutrition plan. As we restrict carbs and sugars our bodies convert fat, instead of sugar, into energy.
Jen Fisch’s life is a busy one, but somehow she made time to release three best-selling keto cookbooks in one prolific year, The Easy 5-Ingredient Ketogenic Diet Cookbook, The Big Book of Keto, and Keto In 30 Minutes. The books are the culmination of years of intensive study and research in the area of ketogenic nutrition.
Jen talks about her journey to a new life. Diagnosed with psoriasis at the tender age of 18 and then psoriatic arthritis just one year later, Jen slowly began her path to understanding, and about a decade later she began to fully grasp the correlation between inflammation of the body and food. She underscores the importance of understanding carbs and sugar, when beginning a new way of eating. She expounds upon the benefits of keto. One of the most valuable benefits she states is sleep—when on a ketogenic diet, those sugars aren’t in the way of your ability to get quality restorative sleep.
The keto expert talks about the importance of tweaking your diet, that we must look at it like a lifestyle and continually make decisions about our diet and how it is affecting us. We don’t need to follow exact directions and rules, but we need to find our way in the journey and continually evaluate our food intake and listen to our bodies. She underscores that keto is not a cure for medical conditions, and that many people certainly need medications. But keto is a great compliment to the medications that patients are taking to improve their conditions.
Jen talks about the amazing feedback that she gets from the many people who have watched her YouTube videos and ead her books. And she states that the ability to help people is very rewarding. Jen takes great satisfaction in helping people get on board with the keto lifestyle and improve their health, heal their bodies, lose weight, and feel so much better living life.
Keith Baverstock is a physical chemist by training whose primary career interest lies in the effects of ionizing radiation on public health and genomic instability. He’s carried out research with the World Health Organization and published several scientific articles, including Genes without Prominence: A Reappraisal of the Foundations of Biology. He joins the podcast today to discuss a variety of topics, including cellular and molecular genetics, the effects of ionizing radiation on cells, mutational damage to DNA, how phenotypic expression works and the influence of epigenetics on this process, what he believes to be the basis of cancer versus other types of diseases, and why a focus on environmental causes of disease is called for. Along the way, he shares information from past experiments that shed light on important inquiries in this field, and asks questions that encourage you to think deeply about these topics and how they influence our everyday lives. To learn more about Keith Baverstock’s theories and work, visit his website at kbaverstock.org.
Certified in both sports medicine and neurology, Dr. Gabriele Barthlen, PhD, MD has directed several sleep centers and authored three books, 33 abstracts, and 15 peer-reviewed articles throughout her career. She’s also been invited to speak at over 250 lectures, and today she’s accepted the invitation to speak on the podcast about the work that she’s currently doing at Sleep Center Hawaii and the latest in the world of sleep medicine. Contrary to much of her previous work researching sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, insomnia, and a range of other sleep disorders, Dr. Barthlen now focuses almost exclusively on the clinical treatment of sleep apnea using the most established treatment options. She explains what each of those options are, how she treats patients who can’t travel to the sleep clinic, the stage of sleep during which apnea is most likely to occur, and the life-threatening consequences of leaving sleep apnea untreated.
Learn more by visiting sleepcenterhawaii.com and feel free to give them a call at 808 456 REST.
Dr. Emily Splichal knows all about your feet. In fact, she has spent a lifetime studying feet, in her practice as a successful podiatrist, and also as a foot technology entrepreneur. In this podcast we’ll learn all about the foot and the many benefits we can get from understanding what its nerves are communicating.
Dr. Splichal spends her time helping people with their feet in a clinical setting as a podiatrist, but also helping them by developing new products that provide for better posture, rehabilitation, wellness and more. Her work in the field is innovative and she is a leader in the research of movement dysfunction and neuromuscular issues.
Dr. Splichal discusses her company’s many products that improve health. The company she leads is Naboso Technology, which offers the preeminent line of insoles and mats designed for increasing ease of movement and improving posture.
As she states, Naboso’s prime objective is to improve foot function and foot stimulation from a neurosensory perspective.
The foot physician talks about the texture of their Naboso insoles and she explains how the insoles create powerful stimulation and provide benefits that everyone can experience. Dr. Splichal explains how their products work to improve neuro rehabilitation and wellness, and can assist with podiatry and orthopedics issues, pediatric development and more. She details the ways nerves in the foot relate to our posture and movement, and she explains just how important our feet truly are. If you thought feet were just for walking, then tune in to this podcast and discover the amazing truth about the power of the foot.
“As we have learned more and more about the mechanisms of toxicity and drug mechanisms, we’ve come to appreciate how different… people are from animals, and it makes us realize why drugs still fail 30% of the time for safety in people,” says Dr. Ellen Berg, reflecting on the current state and usefulness of animal-based drug testing. For many years, product developers and the pharmaceutical industry has relied upon the assumption that what’s toxic to non-human animals is more likely to be toxic to human animals; while this is true, it is not the best we can do, it does not account for the growing number of differences being identified between the animal model and human being, and it comes at a price.
As the founder of Alto Predict, it is Dr. Ellen Berg’s goal to introduce alternative approaches to product safety testing that remove the animal model and replaces it with human in vitro technologies, such as organs-on-chips, organoids, bioprinted tissues, and stem cell-based assays. She explains that despite many innovative advances in these methods over the past decade, there’s been a significant lag in adoption by product developers. Why?
According to Dr. Berg, the answer is multifold, but one of the primary reasons is because validation data showing predictivity of the assays is either limited or simply hard to access. This means that those who critically need this data in order to feel confident in moving forward with adoption of these technologies simply don’t have it, and don’t have an easy way to obtain it. The same type of problem exists with animal testing data but for different reasons: “A lot of in vivo animal data is in silos within pharmaceutical or consumer products companies and nobody has access to it, so…the lack of predictivity of animal testing has been hidden,” explains Dr. Berg.
Alto Predict is addressing this problem by building a platform that provides easy access to human in vitro technology validation data, alongside specialized analytics and data visualization tools as a way to bring business intelligence analysis to complicated scientific data. Having spent the last 15 years developing this platform, Dr. Berg has discovered many novel mechanisms of toxicity that are contributing to the safer selection of molecules with assay predictivity.
The team at Alto Predict is currently working on the beta version of the platform and have already partnered with Collaborative Drug Discovery to showcase various in vitro assays relevant to cardiovascular toxicity. Tune in and visit altopredict.com to learn more.
Adrian Bejan, J.A. Jones Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, delivers a thought-provoking analysis of the mechanics of life, energy, and the science of our natural world.
Bejan is world renowned for his pioneering work in engineering and applied science. Specifically, his extensive research has delved deep into multiple areas of science—engineering and applied physics covering thermodynamics, heat transfer and convection, as well as design and evolution in the natural world. Bejan has been celebrated for his work, receiving 18 honorary doctorates from prestigious universities around the world, and he has authored 30 books and in excess of 650 articles on various subjects in his many areas of expertise. His recent book, The Physics of Life The Evolution of Everything, is considered a must-read for the scientific community and anyone who is interested in practical science and the origin of living things.
Professor Bejan delivers a robust overview of the areas of practical science that are misunderstood, and some that are simply incorrect. Bejan lists a few of the commonly held theories that are inaccurate: that nature is complicated, that we cannot predict nature, and that we are threatened by a population explosion. He cites specific examples that prove his theories about the aforementioned. He states that many of those who speak about science publicly are not actually trained in science. As such, ideas can float around in the public discourse that may not be based in hard science.
The engineering and science professor discusses thermodynamics, which is, as he describes, everything that has to do with movement—movement that comes from power, with the power coming from burning fuels, etc. Two things are certain: thermodynamics is about everything, and changes are occurring continually in science. The physics of evolution is constantly pushing all life and manufacturing to become a better version of itself. Changes occur, and science is the reason. Professor Bejan talks about the details of the physics of evolution, touching on the topic of power, as he states that nature is full of engines. He details the structure of the greatest engines of Earth. The earth, as an engine, drives our atmosphere and heating from the sun and cooling by the sky drive the earth engine. And this immense power delivery drives all the things on Earth.
Bejan explains energy within animals and life in general. He talks about the elements of life and predictable design in nature. He states that much in science is recognizable and easy to draw, and all too often we overcomplicate the basic elements and structures of life. Bejan talks about the meaning of the word evolution, and how it is used in every language in western civilization and was certainly not invented or coined by Darwin. Bejan speaks of evolution as a ‘moving forward’ that assures us that tomorrow will be different than today—the future will be different than the past.
Professor Bejan talks about the laws of physics as they relate to evolution, and how the laws of physics help us to see oneness in nature as opposed to blinding complexity. Further, Bejan discusses our organic preference for certain forms in nature, such as the golden ratio. As he explains, there is a globally accepted preference for forms due to the fact that certain shapes are the easiest to be perceived and scanned by the human eye. From business cards to flags to computer screens, we have shaped our world with the shapes that the physics of our humanity prefers.
Professor Bejan continues to explore his interests in thermodynamics and applied physics, as well as evolution in nature, and his work is pushing the scientific world forward, advancing the understanding of life itself.
As an interested scientific mind, Kenneth Weiss has been fascinated by biology and genetic research through his long career in science. In this podcast, the Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Penn State’s biology department discusses genetics and variations.
Dr. Weiss has spent years studying the effects of genetic variations and how they impact disease. He details how genes play a part in the development of complex traits such as blood pressure and diabetes, as well as many other health issues. He provides his thoughts on the current state of genetic prediction and explains why there are significant difficulties in precision genomic medicine that relate to a myriad of impacting factors such as where we live, climate, diet and nutrition, one’s occupation, and much more. Genomes, as he states, are different from person to person, and thus interpreting general information through the use of finite genomic data is not necessarily highly accurate.
The gene expert lays out his theories on gene repair and discusses CRISPR technology, a technology that assists scientists to alter a DNA sequence and modify gene function, which many have touted as the next great leap in medical advancement. But Dr. Weiss stresses the complexity of these issues due to variations from person to person.
There are approximately 10,000 known diseases affecting modern humans—about 7,000 of which are rare, and about 3,000 more which are common. Each and every one of us is susceptible to developing or contracting a disease at any point in our lives, and most of us will. And once we do, then what? Where will the resources be?
The team at Genetic Alliance is working to make those resources comprehensive and easily accessible by the community in the form of biobanks containing tissue and blood samples, information on the progression of diseases, data on treatment methods and drug therapies, and statistics correlating phenotypic and genotypic traits. They are a 32-year-old non-profit initially established to help other non-profit disease advocacy groups work efficiently and effectively, but over the years they have worked increasingly toward creating and raising awareness of the benefits of disease registries and biobanks. Not only do they allow individuals to decide the way in which their data will be used, but they are making it easier than ever before to share that data by providing non-profit advocacy groups with free sample collection kits.
Sharon Terry, CEO of Genetic Alliance, joins the podcast to discuss all of this and more, including large-scale genome sequencing, the stratification of drug therapies, FDA interest in various gene therapy/editing registries, and at least one aspect of Genetic Alliance’s mission that doesn’t sit well with some academic institutions.
Search for information on any of the 10,000 diseases by visiting diseasinfosearch.org, and learn more about Genetic Alliance by visiting geneticalliance.org.
Abacus Next is the only fully-integrated technology as a service solution provider on the market, and their cloud-based solution is helping a wide range of professionals manage and automate the complexities specific to their business in a compliant and secure way. They specialize in helping companies that work in highly regulated industries that deal with protected and sensitive client data, and they’re not new to the field—they’ve been in business for 35 years now, evolving alongside the changing landscape of technology, and servicing about a half million business professionals across the globe.
One of their main products is the Abacus private cloud, which helps professionals get off IT and enter a full-managed private cloud, and another one of their main products is HotDocs, a document automation and assembly platform that’s currently being used by four out of the five largest banks in the world. While they primarily service professionals in the legal, accounting, finance, insurance, and government realms, their customer base ranges from Fortune 100 companies to small and medium-sized businesses.
Chief Marketing officer, Eric Cutler, has been a member of the team at Abacus Next for several years now, and joins the podcast to discuss all the ins and outs of the services they provide, including the tailored platforms they have for subsections within the legal profession—a profession that’s particularly complicated, varied, and immersed in highly sensitive data. Interested in learning how Abacus Next may be of service to you or your business? Tune in and visit https://www.abacusnext.com/
Gunther Witzany’s original area of expertise was the philosophy of language, which brought him into the world where philosophy and the sciences meet. After reading many biological papers and noticing that they used many of the same terms to describe the behavior of organisms, such as cell-cell communication, genetic code, translation, and encryption, he realized that biologists were trying to use communication and language in a mechanistic way. According to Witzany—and the general conclusion of a 60-year-long discussion in the philosophy of science—this is an error simply because language and communication cannot be explained by mechanistic terms. Why?
Witzany offers his answer to this question, and in doing so, gives his account of his concept of life as a communicative structure, meaning that organisms and their components communicate through processes and sign-mediated interactions, much like one might describe parts of human communication. He discusses the three levels that exist in every language, the role of epigenetic markings in the expression and transcription of DNA, how viruses edit code and why more of them are our friends than enemies, and whether viruses or cellular life emerged first.
Tune in and learn more by visiting biocommunication.at.
With a family history of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a variety of other metabolic syndrome problems, Dr. Adam Nally tried to keep his calorie count low and exercise five to six days a week, but it wasn’t working: he was still 65 lbs overweight, his triglyceride levels were almost four times what they should be, he was prediabetic, and he was always hungry. As a practicing family medicine physician, he was noticing the same patterns in many of his patients. “I started looking for answers for myself and for my patients, realizing that what I was taught in the traditional school just was not effective,” says Dr. Nally.
This search led him to the most recent research on obesity, which led him to eventually compile a plethora of information on the many hormones used by the body in order to control weight and the powerful influence of food on hormonal behavior. For the past 15 years, Dr. Nally has implemented everything he’s learned into his practice, removing starches and sugars from his patients’ diets and replacing them with fats and proteins. The results? He’s helped reverse over 50 cases of diabetes and continues to treat 16 diseases that respond very well to the removal of starches from the diet. The Keto Cure: A Low Carb High Fat Dietary Solution to Heal Your Body and Optimize Your Health is all about Dr. Nally’s experience over the past 15 years treating patients with this diet and “walking the walk.”
Nathan Wilmot, associate R&D director, and Keith Wilson, strategic marketing manager, of Dow Industrial Solutions, discuss the launch of their new 3D printing product. They provide a wealth of information on the many ways 3D printing is revolutionizing product manufacturing, and they discuss in detail—additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing utilizes data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or advanced 3D object scanners to conduct hardware to deposit material, via layering, in exact geometric shapes. Wilmot and Wilson talk about their work with Dow, specifically in manufacturing, regarding additives or ingredients that impact the way that water interacts with materials in a wide variety of areas such as breweries and wineries for their cooling and thermal stability, to concentrated solar power and renewable energy, etc. They talk about the innovations that they are looking to bring to the concept of additives, specifically in regard to 3D printing. They state that the company’s strength lies in the polymer space, and that is currently their primary focus. Wilmot and Wilson talk about their product launches and the development of prototypes. They discuss the filament type printers that many people use, and the new technology and new materials that are improving mechanical durability and performance. Additionally they outline how some of the new materials may require a learning curve to fully understand how to work with them, but ultimately the effort is needed in order to continually advance the 3D customized printing revolution that is upon us.
The manufacturing experts detail some of the ways that they hope to bring products to the market faster and more efficiently. They discuss the issues that they hear about through their close contact with the industrial community at large, and how Dow has continually worked to meet the needs of the community and not only solve the problems, but ask the questions that can keep them ahead of the curve as the technology changes rapidly. Wilmot and Wilson detail some of the opportunities to streamline production of parts via 3D printing. As they state, in many cases the processes that are used in injection molding, etc. utilize materials that are specific to those processes, thus Dow is seeking to make the necessary adjustments to materials, etc., to meet the needs of the new manufacturing wave.
Finally, Wilmot and Wilson discuss some of the new development in their industry and they talk about where the industry is headed as additive manufacturing evolves. Dow is striving to develop ways to make 3D printing scalable, and offer new solutions to improve mechanical performance, to increase accessibility to products in remote areas, and improve materials so they can withstand environmental conditions.
Christopher Barrett, PhD, is a distinguished professor and the executive director of the newly established Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative at the University of Virginia. Dr. Barrett talks about biocomplexity and the premise of his work.
Dr. Barrett is an established interdisciplinary computational scientist. Over his illustrious 35-year career he has published more than100 research articles examining many aspects of various scale interaction systems. Dr. Barrett is celebrated for his outstanding work, and for founding some of the most notable national and international technology programs of their kind. He has worked with the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy as well as the Department of Homeland Security.
Dr. Barrett states their mission: to look at massively interacting systems, systems built of extremely large numbers of interacting heterogenous pieces. From cells within our bodies to the cellular machinery involved, to ecology and life on the planet, and more… the Biocomplexity Initiative will cast a wide net as they study many and various systems. He states they are focused on practical applications in important areas such as epidemiology, bioinformatics as it relates to nucleotide sequences, and to basic public policy and how it affects human health.
The biology and infectious disease expert discusses how population and other social determinants, sanitary practices, etc. impact the spread of disease. He talks about infrastructure modeling, health modeling, and economic variables that are studied to see the bigger picture and make assessments about possibilities.
The Biocomplexity Initiative provides high-performance computing capabilities that will assist researchers as they develop a greater understanding of the complex relationship between human genomics, behavioral aspects of health, as well as the environmental effects, in the myriad ways that diseases may exhibit. Dr. Barrett discusses their disciplined approach that seeks to forecast, explain, and visually present the behavioral interactions of substantial, highly complex systems. Dr. Barrett’s long-term mission is to enable research and help researchers to get a better grasp of how diseases spread based on various factors such as cultural behavior, specifics of a pathogen, human transportation of disease, and other important issues. And the ultimate goal of the work is to be prepared for the worst-case scenario—global pandemic.
James A. Shapiro, professor of microbiology with the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Chicago, provides an overview of how organisms adapt to change.
Since 1973, Shapiro has been helping to shape the field of microbiology. In fact, he was a member of the initial team to successfully isolate a single gene from an organism. With a long history in the study of bacterial genetics, Shapiro has helped to craft the concept of natural genetic engineering, a process of biological evolution. As a supporter of non-Darwinian evolution and outspoken critic of the modern synthesis, Shapiro has published many works in the field detailing his analyses of the various related subjects and topics.
Shapiro discusses his basic thoughts on the concept of evolution. He provides a historical analysis on the theory that random mutations and natural selection are the essential elements of evolutionary change, and states that not only is this an oversimplification—it is inaccurate. As Shapiro states, many active biological functions are taking place, and accidents are not necessary for evolution; essentially, organisms can create their own evolution when challenged. Shapiro details some of their early experimentation with bacteria in the study of antibiotics. He states that they found in their experimentation that mutations in bacteria were able to allow bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
The microbiology expert talks about symbiotic organisms such as the microbiome, which contributes to properties of the larger organism. He discusses what happens in cells and the cellular activity that creates change in organisms. Specifically he discusses mitochondria and DNA sequences and the relational aspects in terms of biology. He explains how disparate organisms in our bodies share the same genome, yet they have different characteristics. Epigenetic changes determine which regions of the genome are being expressed. Epigenetics, simply stated, is the study of heritable changes within gene expression that do not involve any specific changes to an underlying DNA sequence, and as such affects how cells can then read genes. As he underscores, organisms sense changes and adjust to them. And interestingly, as Shapiro states, bacteria and cells in general are keenly aware of what is happening in their environment.
James Shapiro’s latest book, Evolution: A View from the 21st Century, discusses his thoughts on new ways to understand the tenets of biological evolution.
In comparison to most plants, cyanobacteria are simple and easy to work with—after all, they can be grown in glass tubes. However, there is a lot that is still unknown about them, and as such, they’re the focus of a great deal of research. Dr. Ben Long received his PhD in plant biology from La Trobe University in Australia where he spent time as an undergraduate and post-doctoral student studying cyanobacteria and trying to identify all the compounds they produce. In particular, he’s looking at the type and quantity of toxins and other bioactive compounds they produce and what can be learned about these compounds. For example, just within the last several years, cyanobacteria have been shown to produce an amino acid that may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Long brings a wealth of interesting information to the conversation on today’s podcast, detailing cyanobacteria biochemical reactions previously thought to be nonexistent, discussing the difference between the way plants and cyanobacteria fix carbon dioxide in the environment, mysterious toxins called microcystins produced by cyanobacteria, the photosynthetic efficiency of C4 plants, and the application of cyanobacteria compounds in bioreactor work, such as the ability to produce oils from them that could be used as a form of fuel.
Tune in for the full conversation and learn more by searching for RIPE photosynthesis on the web and visiting http://photosynthesis.org.au.
“Sleep affects everybody; we sleep for one third of our lives, it’s the one activity we do the most of, and it’s the one thing that if we don’t do well or long enough, will have significant repercussions on our health, on our quality of life, and on others,” says Dr. Quan, Clinical Chief and Medical Director of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham Women’s Hospital. With over half of the American population reporting that they don’t get enough sleep, he argues that sleep deficiency has become an epidemic. While many people dismiss the importance of sleep, studies have shown that regularly getting fewer than six hours of sleep per night increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, while lowering your overall quality of life and putting other people’s lives in danger.
Dr. Quan and his team are working to combat this problem with the Sleep Matters Initiative, which involves giving presentations about sleep health at various institutions and organizations, as well as administering screening questionnaires to all audience members after each presentation. If someone’s answers on the questionnaire suggest that they might have a sleep issue, then the Sleep Matters Initiative will help them contact the right healthcare provider in order to have their sleep further evaluated.
Tune in to learn more from Dr. Quan, visit www.brighamandwomens.org to find the clinic and make an appointment, and learn more at www.understanidngsleep.org.
Kamal Obbad, CEO and cofounder of Nebula Genomics (nebula.org), delivers a thorough overview of the current state of genomic data, research, and what the future holds for the study of the genome.
As a self-described Harvard graduate and Cambridge University computer science dropout, Kamal Obbad has definitely taken his own path to success. Obbad is a passionate biotech entrepreneur whose keen interest in both tech, and helping others, led to his cofounding of Nebula Genomics.
Obbad discusses the mission of his company—to make genomic data extraordinarily useful for medical researchers. Getting their start at Harvard Medical School in the lab of fellow cofounder George Church, known as the "father of synthetic biology,” the entrepreneurs set out to expand the opportunities for genomic data to be used. From data driven clinical decision making to drug design, Obbad discusses the possibilities. He provides detailed information on sequencing genomes, explaining how a genome can be read, and what information can be gathered through the process.
The science tech entrepreneur talks about how genomes are utilized in the study of diseases, and the mechanisms of genetic change. Obbad states that there are many barriers to getting genomic data, from regulation to personal fears about revealing one’s genomic data. Genomics, specifically stated, is the interdisciplinary field of biology that focuses on the structure, mapping, function, evolution, and editing of genomes. And a genome is an organism's comprehensive set of DNA that includes all of its genes. Obbad discusses data sets that are accessible and the challenges to gather the appropriate amount of data in aggregate. Obbad states, when individuals use genetic data companies such as 23andMe and others, to gather personal information they are curious about, what the individuals are really doing is paying these companies for the privilege to resell this genetic data.
Because of the many aforementioned problems and challenges, Obbad and his co-founding partners have decided to take Nebula Genomics in an entirely different direction, better for everyone involved. As they state, the future of health is in your DNA. Nebula Genomics allows users to contribute to significant medical breakthroughs and get rewarded for it, unlike other companies who may sell your data and provide you with no real compensation in any form. Nebula Genomics stands firmly on the idea that everyone should understand their genes, and truly own their personal health data. As such, Nebula Genomics has reinvented the genomic data business model, utilizing blockchain to connect data buyers with data users, and liberating genomic data by bringing records to a single network where researchers can gain critical access.
Rolls-Royce is an engineering company that makes jet engines which get distributed all over the world for use in land, air, and sea. Some engines made in the 1960s are still in use, and they aren’t actually that different from the engines being made today—that is, with one main (and important) exception: they weren’t designed with service or repair ability in mind. Without this design, repairs can be time-consuming and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is where the importance of keyholes—small holes through which repairs can be completed in the field—on jet engines becomes particularly important.
As a technologist at Rolls-Royce engineering company, Dr. James Kell explains new ways of allowing more service ability with these engines, and how this challenge has spurred new projects and designs for the construction of jet engines. For example, the team at Rolls-Royce has already created engine health monitoring networks capable of monitoring an engine’s temperature, pressure, and vibration. The newest project in the works is a permanently embedded camera network that would provide an unprecedented amount of insight into the functional health of the engines that the world so heavily relies upon.
Tune in for all the details on this intriguing topic. To learn more, visit the media section of the Rolls-Royce website at rolls-royce.com.
Sandeep Jain, MD, FCCP, pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist, as well as the founder of ListenMD, discusses sleep issues and disorders, and the technology that is helping patients who suffer to get the care they need.
ListenMD is an intelligent, innovative universal health care communication platform centered on patients that have been specifically designed for doctors and nurses, their staff, caregivers and patients alike. The platform minimizes tedious tasks and expands a doctor’s time while improving care, and—saving money. The HIPAA compliant messaging app is easy to use and it allows a patient to control access and view their appointments with physicians or other healthcare providers. More information can be found online at listenmd.com. Since the dawn of medical records, maintaining accurate information has been challenging. Jain discusses ways that ListenMD can help. As Jain explains, patients are now able to use their app to put them in the center of the data collection process, which improves their chances for better health.
Jain stresses the importance of communication in health care, especially in regard to sleep. Regarding patient care, Jain states that patients need to be looked in the eye and talked to directly so they can get the attention they deserve. Jain talks about obesity rates, how they are increasing, and thus—so is apnea.
Jain talks about the advances in auto-titrating CPAP devices used by some patients with sleep issues. He explains how the technology can vary the pressure and deliver the best breathing possible for each patient, tailored to their daily needs. CPAP is an acronym that stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy. CPAP is a useful treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine contains a hose and mask, or sometimes a nosepiece, and it can deliver a steady air pressure to control breathing and keep it regulated.
Finally, Dr. Jain provides some real advice for those who are concerned that they may have a sleep disorder, and what they can do about it. And he underscores the importance of quality sleep, and the dangers we face in our daily environment if we are performing activities, especially driving or operating machinery, when sleep deprived.
Gabriel Rene, an architect of the spatial web, director of VERSES Foundation (verses.io), delivers an overview of the current state of technology, including AI and product interfaces as we move to a Web 3.0 world.
Gabriel Rene is excited about technology. As an experienced deep technology entrepreneur and researcher, he has been a leader in the technology, telecom, and entertainment industries for over 25 years. Rene has helmed innovative tech companies, and has been instrumental in developing consumer software. He has advised many leading industry brands including Verizon, Sony, Coca-Cola, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, Universal, Boost Mobile, Conde Naste, Elle Magazine and even the Obama Campaign.
Rene talks about the history of humans and our relationship to information, transitions, and experiences. He provides his thoughts on evolution and the progression of man in regard to communication, from early years all the way up to the computer revolution that is now powering a multi-trillion dollar economy progressing through Web 2.0 developments. Web 2.0 refers to websites that push user-generated content, simplify use, etc. As the web develops, Rene states that we are moving toward spatial web.
Rene explains how the current AI boom will transition everything in our world into smart, autonomous, and self-programming products and devices. Blockchain and cloud-enabled systems and services will be able to support a secure data layer, and new virtual as well as augmented reality eyewear advancements will provide an opportunity to truly interface with an exciting, digitally-mapped, changing world, bursting with visual imagery and details never before seen.
Rene’s company, VERSES, is a non-profit foundation that is producing the universal protocols and standards for the next-generation web. No longer tied to a page, the Spatial Web will exist freely, as a single, worldwide network that can creatively link people, places, and things—in the virtual and physical realms—and enable flowing interaction, transaction, as well as full and immersive navigation between them for a more advanced way to experience our daily lives.
Rene discusses the many regulatory issues surrounding data and privacy, etc. In Web 3.0, he states, the risks must be mitigated, and security must be built in to protect privacy, etc. He explains that a type of digital force field will be utilized to implement protections and securities for all of our products within our space, to control the information that is going out. Ultimately, as Rene states, much regulation will be needed, and that we will need to hold our elected officials accountable to implement laws that can help us all to enjoy the technological advances while keeping our privacy secure.
Trevor Morin, PhD, CSO biochemistry, and William Dunbar, PhD, cofounder and acting CEO, of Two Pore Guys, Inc., provide an interesting overview of nanotechnology as it applies to scientific advances.
Morin and Dunbar’s company, Two Pore Guys, Inc., is literally transforming human and environmental health by bringing nanotechnology and precision science together to detect and quantify biomolecular targets.
The science and technology entrepreneurs discuss their products and advances in nanotechnology in regard to agriculture, human, and animal use cases. They discuss nanopores, which are sort of like tiny gateways that allow only one molecule to proceed through at a time. As they explain, this ‘passing through’ process allows for information to be gathered in detail. The sweet spot for their technology, as they explain, is identifying pathogens based on their DNA or RNA-specific sequence.
Specifically, Morin and Dunbar’s, Two Pore Guys, Inc. is a team of biochemists and engineers who work together to develop groundbreaking technology. Their innovative single-molecule-sensing platform can provide the precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of reference lab equipment while saving time and money.
The scientific pathology tech guys elaborate on how they solve problems built into field-deployable products. With singe molecule counting using an electrical output they find that their accuracy is heightened, with extremely sensitive reagents. Their breakthrough technology allows for superior detection of multiple infectious agents. Their device differentiates among a whole suite of infectious diseases with improved time performance. Additionally, as they explain, the Two Pore Guys’ platform eliminates the need for complex instrumentation and chemistries, and again, is more cost effective than traditional methods used currently. And in regard to quantifying genetic variants, their outstanding platform can detect and quantify cancer variants from liquid biopsies with the precision of droplet digital PCR, and again, at a faster rate and reduced cost than traditionally used methods.
The science innovators discuss their timetable for revealing more of their product line. As they explain, their beta unit will be available in less than two years. Morin and Dunbar are excited about the possibilities and their continual advancement of products that can enhance scientific and medical innovation.
Quite a bit is known about bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts), but not much is known about bone marrow fat cells—aside from the fact that bone marrow becomes packed with them as we age or become obese. We also know that there is a correlation between the incidence of multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow) and age, and multiple myeloma and obesity. This naturally poses the question, how might bone marrow fat cells be connected to or aid in the development of the tumor cells seen in multiple myeloma?
This is precisely what Michaela Reagan, PhD and her team at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute are investigating. She joins the podcast today to discuss a variety of interesting topics, including the details of this research, the process of multiple myeloma, how tumor and non-tumor cells enter the bloodstream from the bone, the parallels between bone cancer and osteoporosis, epigenetic changes in tumors, and where her research is headed. Press play for all the details and learn more by visiting mmcri.org and clicking on Dr. Reagan in the faculty list.
Turn on the TV or flip through the latest celebrity magazine and you’re almost guaranteed to find a blurb or picture of the latest botched plastic surgery or rumors about a celebrity’s suddenly changed look. Why are these stories so commonplace—particularly the plastic-surgery-gone-wrong stories? Wouldn’t these millionaire celebrities be able to afford the best out there?
Dr. Howard David Stupak joins the podcast to provide his answer to these questions, discuss the ironic reality and misconceptions surrounding plastic surgery, and touch on a range of topics in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes exclusively in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is known for his delicate technique and natural-appearing results.
To get in touch and find out more, contact Dr. Stupak’s Connecticut-based private practice at 203-227-1826.
The Stoppel Lab at the University of Florida opened its doors and accepted its first Ph.D. student just a few months ago, but they’re already knee-deep in an exciting endeavor which could aid in the repair of injured or diseased tissues in patients: designing natural material that has the same characteristics and structure of natural tissue and is constructed to match the wound healing rate of different patients with different injuries or illnesses.
While other scientists may be working on similar projects, the Stoppel Lab is going about this in a unique way, by using a natural biopolymer extracted from the cocoon of silkworms. When these cocoons are washed, broken down into viscous solutions, and made insoluble, they can be used to create fully formed scaffolds which will be used in different tissue structures. The acellular platform being created has many beneficial characteristics that make it convenient for use in the surgery room. For example, it’s easy to sterilize and easy to store, which means it doesn’t have to be made on demand.
Whitney Stoppel, Ph.D. runs the Stoppel Lab and joins the podcast to discuss all the ins and outs of the chemistry and physiology behind the work being done and the greatest challenges faced so far. Press play for the full conversation and visit www.stoppellab.com to learn more.
“Poor sleep is pervasive in our culture and is thought of as being…dispensable, and this has consequences that range from motor vehicle accidents to cancer,” says Michael Howell, MD, and co-founder of Sleep Performance Institute. He’s been practicing sleep medicine for years now and realizes all too well how many people don’t consider their sleep challenges serious enough to seek help when in most cases all they need is a bit of knowledge and understanding in order to identify and fix their sleep issues. He also realizes the widespread impact of poor sleep on performance in general, and the Sleep Performance Institute focuses on helping organizations achieve their best performance by helping their employees achieve the best sleep.
Dr. Howell offers an impressive amount of information on everything sleep, including natural circadian rhythms and how they vary from individual to individual, the circumstances under which overnight work schedules can be detrimental, the process of lymphatic clearance during sleep, what happens during REM versus non-REM sleep, circadian realignment strategies, why many people don’t enjoy or aren’t hungry for breakfast in the morning, and tips on achieving just the perfect nap.
The team at Sleep Performance Institute is developing a web-based application that will help people better understand their natural circadian rhythm, which is the first step to achieving better sleep that’s more aligned with the needs of individual bodies. Tune in for all the details and visit sleepperformanceinstitute.com for more.
Dr. Charles Samuels, M.D., CCFP, DABSM, is devoted to a good night’s sleep—for everyone. He has committed many years to the study of sleep and recovery and in this podcast, he outlines the importance of sleep and what to do when our sleep is suffering.
Dr. Samuels is a board certified sleep medicine expert, certified with the American Board of Sleep Medicine, as well as the medical director of the Centre for Sleep & Human Performance in Calgary. As a top researcher he has been a primary player in multiple clinical trials from Phase II to Phase IV, and he has worked with some of Canada’s extraordinary athletes on their sleep and recovery.
Dr. Samuels talks about his motivation for getting into the sleep research area, and he recalls a particular night in which he was driving on a low amount of sleep and nearly drove into a lake. From that brush with danger, he was alerted to the true power of sleep and the dangers of inadequate sleep in regard to performance. He decided to dig deeper and began to research more, which led to his development of a passion for sleep science.
Dr. Samuels’ lab, The Centre for Sleep & Human Performance, offers study and consultation for sleep apnea, sleepwalking, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep phases, movement disorders, sports performance, etc. The sleep guru provides an overview of occupational medicine, and makes a point about workweeks, stating that companies should limit employees’ workweeks to the 40 to 48 hours per week range to ensure their greatest chance for safety and good health. Dr. Samuels outlines proper training and recovery for professional athletes, and great options to help them recover, and maintain better overall health and extend their professional careers in their chosen sport or competition. As president of the Canadian Sleep Society, Dr. Samuels has a responsibility to public health and he works tirelessly to provide the general public with valuable information on sleep and recovery to help them help themselves—and achieve the best health possible.
Just like human activity has resulted in pollution on Earth, it’s resulted in the pollution of the space around Earth, leaving large volumes of space debris in orbit—debris ranging in size from a few millimeters to dead satellites weighing thousands of pounds. While even the smallest sizes of debris pose the threat of colliding with active satellites and causing damage—indeed, a piece of debris measuring just 0.7 mm recently caused a European spacecraft to lose power—the larger items of debris pose the additional threat of what’s called the Kessler effect, which occurs when the collision of objects in space results in a chain reaction that can eventually render an orbit nonoperational.
Head of the European Space Agency (ESA) Clean Space Office, Luisa Innocenti, joins the podcast to discuss all the details of the problem with space pollution, catastrophic collisions, preventative measures that are currently being taken in order to avoid collisions, and two possible ways to clean up the orbits we so heavily rely upon one that involves a net, and one that involves the use of a robotic arm moving in synchronicity with space debris.
Press play for the full conversation on these important topics and visit https://www.esa.int/ESA for more information on the ESA’s current projects.
Author of Evolution 2.0: Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design, creator of the Evolution 2.0 podcast, and electrical engineer Perry Marshall joins the podcast today for a compelling and exciting conversation about everything life and evolution, offering his opinion on questions concerning the origin of new species and the origin of life.
He discusses a variety of topics along the way, including plant versus animal hybridization, symbiotic mergers, the cognition and intelligence of cells, Donald Williamson’s theory about metamorphosis, CRISPR gene editing, epigenetics, and emergent properties. The overarching and perhaps most surprising message of all is that the theory of evolution is in the process of being completely re-worked…leaving us to question nearly everything we’ve held true for decades. This isn’t one to miss, so tune in and learn more at https://evo2.org/evolution/.
Zach Supalla, founder and CEO of Particle (particle.io), provides a detailed overview of how technology is improving the ways we can interact with and control our devices and products.
Supalla’s company, Particle, is the dominant IoT platform on the market that simplifies building, connecting and managing internet-connected hardware products rolled out on a large scale. IoT, as it is typically referred to stands for ‘the Internet of things’ and is the comprehensive network of devices such as home appliances, vehicles, etc. that contain electronics, software, actuators, and of course connectivity which allows them to connect, interact directly, and exchange their data. Particle’s innovation has truly taken business by the hand and is leading the industry toward a more connected world. And their numbers are astounding as Particle is used by more than 150,000 developers in over 100 countries and, impressively, by 50% of Fortune 500 companies.
Suppalla discusses the way his company works. Particle is the technology partner that provides the software and hardware to connect products to the internet, which allows for collection of data from the physical device and thus control it remotely. As mentioned, building an IoT product begins with getting a device online, Particle has simplified the process because all their hardware is specifically designed to get devices connected in minutes via Wi-Fi, cellular (2G/3G/LTE), or even mesh (MCL), a technology that allows a computer’s user to easily connect to an advanced wireless mesh network that utilizes Wi-Fi or WiMax.
Suppalla talks about some of the companies that they have worked with that bring real world problems to the table, problems that Particle can help to manage. He discusses one particularly interesting company called Opti that provides a truly effective and incredibly efficient solution to address stormwater runoff and protect valuable water resources. Opti’s stormwater management system is in place all over the world. Opti, as Suppalla explains, has a system that can ‘connect’ to a city’s pumps and valves to dynamically move water, so as a storm is approaching the system can move water around as needed. Opti allows for reservoirs to be controlled, to prevent flooding.
Suppalla talks about some of the industrial uses of the technology such as controlling fans for crop protection during a frost. While these niche industries may seem like they are too small to be concerned with in terms of the technology, they are actually very big, and technology can provide many solutions to these niche industry real world problems.
Further, Suppalla talks about the importance of reliable connectivity. He gives examples of how important and critical messages can be missed when connectivity is lost, even if only for a few minutes, or even seconds. Discussing the IoT world, he states that there are many and various different problems that exist and Particle seeks to intercept problems, find solutions, and improve our lives through the use of technology.
Suppalla is a recognized authority on the Internet of Things and is a sought-after speaker for many technology events such as Web Summit, OSCON, Solid, GMIC, and Launch. Suppalla holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a master’s in engineering management from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern.
Dr. Martin Scharf, Ph.D., FABSM, sub-investigator, research, and development consultant at Cleveland Sleep Research Center, delivers an overview of sleep research, and drugs for treatment of various illnesses including fibromyalgia.
Dr. Scharf has a passion for sleep, and don’t we all! A good night’s sleep is one of the best experiences you could hope for, and unfortunately… something that many of us don’t get consistently. Dr. Scharf’s passion for sleep goes beyond simply wanting a great night’s sleep however, as he has devoted his life to the study of sleep and works tirelessly to treat people at his clinic to help them achieve better health through quality sleep. Dr. Scharf began his sleep research at UCLA, where he worked under the direction of Dr. Anthony Kales, a true pioneer in sleep medicine. Dr. Scharf continued his education and received a Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in Hershey. Throughout his long career, Dr. Scharf has had a hand in the development and testing of almost every significant pharmaceutical used in treating disorders of sleep and wakefulness. He has published over 250 scientific papers. Additionally, Dr. Scharf was the creator and director of a freestanding sleep disorders clinic in the US (Tristate Sleep Disorders Center), the first of its kind.
Dr. Scharf discusses the many issues regarding fibromyalgia, its common symptoms and why the condition is misunderstood. Fibromyalgia syndrome may cause chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain that can often be associated with fatigue or other symptoms. The pain fibromyalgia sufferers feel often includes increased sensitivity in areas called tender points. Dr. Scharf provides details on the connection between fibromyalgia and the binding of Gamma. Gamma hydroxybutyrate, as it is called in its more formal name, abbreviated simply as GHB is a known chemical found in the brain as well as some other areas of the body. Gamma can also be made in a laboratory setting. It is used for depression, weight loss, and relief of several troublesome fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Dr. Scharf recounts his long extensive drug testing studies working with patients that led to a drug treatment for narcolepsy. But Dr. Scharf knew that GHB had further uses and he continued his studies. He recounts how he discovered that it increased deep stages of sleep and the release of growth hormone. Armed with this knowledge he began to look for medical conditions or disorders that would be a match and he made the connection to fibromyalgia. He talks about some of the amazing improvements that patients began to see in regard to better sleep and reduced or nearly eliminated pain.
Further, the sleep research expert talks about his other studies and clinical trials that led to new developments and treatments. He recounts the moving stories of some of the patients that testified during FDA hearings regarding GHB. Many of those who testified stated that they never wanted to return to their life the way it was before treatment with the compound. He relates a wealth of information about the controversy surrounding the drug and why date rape concerns kept the drug from being welcomed into the legitimate medical industry for much longer than it should have been, given the fact that it showed profound and dramatic improvements in those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Dr. Bruce Damer, scientist, designer, author, as well as founder and CEO of DigitalSpace (digitalspace.com), provides a thorough overview and analysis of the origin of life as well as his vast experimentation in the area of physics-based simulations for space research.
Dr. Damer is a distinguished computer scientist and active associate researcher in the Department of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Dr. Damer’s work with Prof. David Deamer led to the publishing of “Coupled Phases and Combinatorial Selection in Fluctuating Hydrothermal Pools: A Scenario to Guide Experimental Approaches to the Origin of Cellular Life” and, an article in the journal, Life, “A Field Trip to the Archaean in Search of Darwin’s Warm Little Pond.” Their collaborative research, work, and publishing has created a surge of new interest in the subject of life’s origin and kept the scientific community buzzing.
Dr. Damer talks about the origin of life and his theories. He discusses Darwin’s “warm little pond” theory, which Dr. Damer and Prof. Deamer have updated. As he explains, when you have a situation in which warm water is filling up an area, then draining, in a cyclical way, this creates an opportunity for life, an opportunity to make all sorts of biopolymers in a primordial soup as he refers to it. He discusses his research and experimentation that was able to create RNA, which is a necessary polymer of life.
Dr. Damer’s company, DigitalSpace is an innovative international corporation with a focus on the creation of virtual worlds for industrial design engineering, education as well as public outreach. In fact, it was DigitalSpace that produced notable first rounds of internet-based 3D avatar applications. From virtual events and tradeshows to advanced learning spaces for K-12 and college, complex corporate information sharing spaces for efficiency, and of course virtual worlds for artists, DigitalSpace is innovating in multiple industries.
The science expert states that the barriers to creating lifeforms in a lab are time and the amount of experiments that would be necessary. He theorizes that life often tried to start then failed over historical time periods. He details random selection and mutation, and the power of a network. He describes in detail the network effect, and elaborates on progenotes, which are the last universal common ancestors, also called the last universal ancestor. Thus, as he theorizes our common ancestor was actually a network.
Dr. Damer recounts many and various experiments that he has been involved with in regard to life and its origin. He provides a detailed overview of experimentation that has occurred regarding 3D modeling and physics-based simulations for a wide range of space missions, and he talks about their upcoming work with cubesats, which are miniaturized satellites for space research.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, DigitalSpace has been an important player in key contracts with Adobe, NASA and other federal agencies, as well as prime contractors to produce a myriad of advanced virtual environments for space mission design and training, and so much more.
John O’Connor, founder of Gene Food (mygenefood.com), discusses the importance of diet and explains how our genetic composition is literally a road map that takes us to the diet destination our body prefers.
John O’Connor is very passionate about nutrition, genetics, and startups. O’Connor discusses the idea behind his company, Gene Food—which is bio-individuality. As he explains, people are unique individuals and as such respond in their own specific way to different inputs. He talks about the current debate in the public discourse on diets, specifically paleo and vegan diets. O’Connor states that we have genetic differences as individuals, and thus there is a code that we can discover that will inform us about which type of diet will perform best, based on our unique composition. O’Connor discusses his company’s custom algorithm that can parse someone’s genetic data and assign them to one of about 20 different foundational diet categories. As an individual tailors their diet and lifestyle to their specific genetic makeup, they have a greater chance to look their best and perform their best, not to mention feeling better than perhaps they ever have. The Gene Food custom nutrition plan utilizes raw data from popular genetic information providers such as 23andme and Ancestry.com to design a custom nutrition report tailored to one’s particular genetics.
O’Connor discusses genetic variants and how diet plays an important role for everyone, specifically those who have increased risk for certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and others. He discusses inflammatory response in regard to diet, and how certain diets affect those who are at increased risk for select diseases and conditions. He details the importance of being cautious about the types of fats that people consume, especially if they are genetically predisposed to have a higher risk of a type of disease. Many of these people should consider Omega 3s and polyunsaturated fats he concludes.
The diet and nutrition expert provides and overview of SNPs which are single nucleotide polymorphisms, commonly pronounced as ‘snips’ in the scientific community. SNPs are the most typical type of genetic variation in people. Each individual SNP represents a difference in a specific single DNA building block, known as a nucleotide. Further, he delves into the many kinds of diets that they assign to their subscribers, and how their custom report provides a wealth of information on foods to avoid as well as foods to seek out, all based on one’s internal genetics.
O’Connor talks about the vision he has for his company and his future plans to roll out more health coaching, as the appetite for it is great based on the extraordinary volume of questions they receive on their blog daily. And O’Connor discusses physical environments and their impact on how one might react to food, discussing histamine intolerance and more. Interestingly, even one’s selection of their social drink of choice could make a difference based on their histamine intolerance. So whether you order a beer, a gin and tonic, or a glass of red wine, your genetic report can inform you about which one is okay, and which is not. O’Connor’s team seeks to end dietary dysfunction and find ways for every individual to eat better, in line with their genetic makeup, and feel better overall.
Sleep medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and Joe Schulz, Dale Moseley, and Adam Moseley are right in the middle of it, working with cutting-edge technology to bring relief for patients suffering from a variety of sleep disorders. In 2005, Joe Schulz was working as a sleep technologist when he founded Delta Waves, a company that seeks to encourage a collaborative effort between doctors and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and 60 other sleep disorders.
Adam Moseley is a registered polysomnographic technologist who manages a portion of the sleep department at Delta Waves, running sleep studies in the lab six nights a week, collecting data from patients for the identification of different sleep disorders, and providing immediate intervention for those with low oxygen levels and apnea. From all of the data and patient feedback they’ve received, the team at Delta Waves has gained some major insights, one of which is that the two most common complaints from users of CPAP machines have to do with fit and comfortability. By working with the top two manufacturers of adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), CPAP, and BiPAP machines, Delta Waves is able to offer patients access to equipment that’s not even on the market yet, and they’re seeing positive results: happier patients, better compliance.
Tune in for all the details and visit deltawaves.org to learn more.
Enrique Cubillo is an advocate of something you might see often, but not hear about in these terms: transport sports. He explains that transport sports recreate (like all other sports) but also serve transportation skill sets, like in-line skating, scooters, or cycling. But aside from an educator and advocate of these transport sports, Cubillo is the innovator of a set of movements referred to as “SpikeBoarding.” What’s that, you might ask?
“SpikeBoarding is everything that cross-country skiing has ever been, brought onto a skateboard,” explains Cubillo. But beyond serving as a source of transportation and helping people in field games such as field hockey and football, Cubillo explains that by operating on strength, endurance, and balance, SpikeBoarding can address the increasingly common single sport use issues that are leading to injuries. Cubbilo is also the CEO of SUSOIX, which is a manufacturing company that teaches and produces equipment for SpikeBoarding. To learn more about this sport that’s quickly gaining traction, tune in, visit spikeboarding.com, and check out their YouTube channel for some awesome videos.
Many people are unaware of how much their environment can impact their sleep; everything from light and temperature to the sounds in the room while sleeping can mean the difference between waking feeling refreshed and able to function at your best, and waking feeling sluggish, unmotivated, or depressed.
Daniel Gartenberg, PhD was practicing as a psychologist about 10 years ago when he shifted his focus toward wanting to change the structure of healthcare in a way that would address the issues that can arise with the one human behavior practiced more than any other: sleep. In his opinion, improving this behavior even just a little bit could have a massive impact on the health of society as a whole.
So what is he doing to achieve this? Gartenberg is the founder of Sonic Sleep Coach, a software platform that uses the best IoT devices available to manipulate sound, light, and temperature to deliver better results than medication can—and without all of the harmful side effects. In addition, the Sonic Sleep Coach app has the ability to collect an enormous amount of data in just a few nights in order to deliver people with customized recommendations about the root causes of their sleep problems and what they can do to address them. Ultimately, people are provided with personalized cognitive behavioral therapy assessments that go far beyond the treatment of mere symptoms.
The app is currently available for iOS and will soon be released on Android. Interested in checking it out for yourself? Tune in and visit sonicsleepcoach.com to learn more.
As a clinical health psychologist and assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Psychiatry, Aric Prather, Ph.D. focuses his work on understanding the underlying biological pathways through which sleep, stress, and other health behaviors affect our overall states of health. One of the main ways in which both sleep and stress can affect our health—as many people know—is by contributing to weight gain and obesity, and Dr. Prather works with the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessments, Study, and Treatment to better understand the specific mechanisms at play here.
He also spends his time in the lab conducting research alongside other scientists to identify markers of cellular aging, better understand the role of senescent cells in aging, study a longevity hormone that seems to be related to inflammation and oxidative damage, and determine how stress and/or lack of sleep can increase susceptibility to infectious disease. Ultimately, the goal is to collect data that might augment our understanding of how sleep, stress, and other behaviors contribute to our health.
Dr. Prather touches on a variety of fascinating topics, including the possible relationship between genetic changes and acute stressors, the potential heritability of stress behaviors, long-term impacts of early life trauma, and the surprising consistency of their findings in sleep research.
Tune in for all the details, learn more about Dr. Prather’s work on the UCSF website, and follow him on Twitter.
In late 2011, Justin Wilford and his wife’s life changed forever in an instant: their son Max was diagnosed at age four with an unclassified brain tumor leading to hydrocephalus and the need for emergency brain surgery, followed by over a month in the hospital, followed by out-patient chemotherapy. “We were shifting between utter despair and asking how we could improve his quality of life right now and for the long-term outcome,” says Wilford. Having recently completed his Ph.D. in Geography, Wilford utilized every connection he had in academia, reaching out to as many researchers and doctors as he could in the hopes of figuring out what he could do to give his son the best chance of high-quality life.
Throughout the process, Wilford and his wife met tons of parents who were in similar situations with the same concerns, but without the resources that they had. They wanted to provide other families with the resources and education that would allow their kids to thrive as much as possible—and it is from this desire that MaxLove Project was founded.
MaxLove Project is based on seven general actions denoted by the acronym “B.E.S.U.P.E.R.”, each of which is incorporated in their mission—whether in the form of culinary programs in hospitals, fun exercises lead by physical therapists and trainers, or mindfulness and meditation classes for parents. Wilford joins the podcast to discuss each and every one of them, along with details from his personal journey, what they’re working on now, and an update on how Max is doing.
Tune in and visit maxloveproject.org to get involved.
Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology & Economics Correspondent for ABC News provides interesting details on her long career in journalism and specifically the amazing story of disgraced entrepreneur, Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos.
Jarvis is a seasoned journalist. In addition to her prominent work with ABC News, she serves as host and managing editor of the popular podcast No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis, as well as host and managing editor of Real Biz with Rebecca Jarvis. Her extensive work for ABC News includes critically acclaimed shows such as World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, 20/20, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, and Good Morning America. Throughout her impressive career she has regularly interviewed innovators and visionaries such as Warren Buffett; Sheryl Sandberg; Richard Branson; Diane von Furstenberg; and GM’s first woman CEO, Mary Barra, just to name a few. From presidential elections to the Great Recession, the Madoff scandal and the crash of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, if it’s important business news, Jarvis has covered it.
Jarvis discusses the riveting story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Jarvis’ work on The Dropout, a documentary podcast by ABC Radio & ABC News Nightline that covers the story of the aforementioned Holmes, has received critical praise. The Dropout explores the ambition and fame that went awry for the world’s youngest self-made woman billionaire. It seeks to unravel the story of Holmes and get to the bottom of how a woman at the top of her game, who was often referred to as ‘the next Steve Jobs,’ could lose everything and face severe criminal charges. Theranos was a health technology corporation that experienced a meteoric rise in the medical technology industry with what was then heralded as breakthrough technology—a means to perform blood tests with extremely smaller amounts of blood than had been historically possible. However, if it sounds too good to be true it often is, as Holmes was later exposed for making false claims about the company and the tech, and was indicted on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. Jarvis explains how she became intrigued by not only the technology Theranos was proposing but also the scores of big-dollar investors who jumped on board early stage to back the so-called groundbreaking technology. Jarvis comments at length about how amazing it is that time after time so many truly smart people can be fooled by swindlers like Bernie Madoff, Elizabeth Holmes, and others like them. She describes it as “affinity fraud” in that people tend to trust those whom their friends and associates have already placed trust in. Jarvis goes on to say that Holmes was truly a brilliant woman to accomplish all that she did in high school, college, and beyond and that everyone who knew her was aware of her incredible aptitude in many areas. Unfortunately, she took a very wrong turn.
Further, Jarvis talks in general about business and investments. She explains that sometimes it is necessary to fight one’s own nature, and she cites examples of how some people have lost greater by quickly pulling their money out of the market when there is a slight shift. The lesson, she states, in terms of business and investment, is to always ask questions and get answers, and those who do often get it right.
Thomas J. King, businessman, television producer, filmmaker, and author, delivers an interesting overview of the ketogenic diet, keto products, sugar alternatives, and healthy living. King leads the successful healthy food company known as Icon Foods. Icon Foods supplies the health food industry with various natural alternatives to sugar. Icon Foods will be appearing soon at the Metabolic Health Summit.
King received a BA in environmental studies from Chadwick University and attended graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied law. King founded Stevia Brands as a company that delivers an alternative to the sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup used in so many food products and food preparation. Stevia Brands Inc. is now one of the largest importers, manufacturers and distributors of truly clean-label sweetening systems as well as natural sweeteners. Thom has been passionate about food and nutrition for a long time, and this passion led him to the ketogenic diet, of which he is a devoted fan.
King discusses his background and early years growing up in Colorado and Arizona. He talks in-depth about some of the people who were influential in his journey of discovery, such as Jim May, who was a pioneer in the discovery of herbs and compounds in Central America. This important meeting of two minds was what led to the eventual birth of Stevia, a product that we all know today and see on our grocer’s shelves regularly. Thom King continues with his discussion of all things ‘sweet’ and delves into other sugar alternatives on the market such as aspartame and sucralose, which King carefully points out, do not exist in nature and thus may confuse the body and trigger an insulin response. King talks about their custom sweetening solutions and the various compounds that his company utilizes in their products that manufacturers then use in theirs.
King’s new book, Guy Gone Keto: How to Lose Weight, Feel Great and Achieve Lifelong Fitness is an insightful literary journey into the world of keto. The essential guide and how-to book delivers a wealth of information on the topics of good health through diet, losing weight (and keeping it off), and fat burning. As someone who struggled with weight loss for years, Thom understands the frustration many may have as they try to lose weight unsuccessfully. Guy Gone Keto explains the details of how fat is burned and how a high-fat, low-carb diet can produce amazing results for most people if they stick to it and are dedicated. The book elaborates on diet and nutrition, explains how to understand food labels, and includes many recipes to help people get started on their journey to good health.
King talks about some of the success stories that people report after having major transformations in health and weight, and how they inspire him to keep moving forward delivering products and information that help people reach their personal goals. Continuing the discussion of his company’s vision, King describes some of the biggest challenges he faces when trying to make certain foods into keto-compliant versions. And he tells the story of his own personal desire to have keto-approved condiments to replace the non keto ones on the market, and how his own taste buds pushed him to create these products that later he found many others wanted as well.
Lastly, King talks about the upcoming Metabolic Health Summit that he is enthused about and the many products and events that will be there for everyone to enjoy and experience in this 4-day immersive health summit.
Carlos Olguin, co-founder, and CEO, LogicInk (logicink.com), provides an overview of the current state of wearable sensor technology that can help us to monitor our bodies and protect our health.
Olguin holds an MSc in information networking from Carnegie Mellon. Olguin discusses the range of conditions that we experience in our bodies throughout the day. He explains that wearables tend to be expensive, bulky, with high learning curves, and often require other devices to work with them, in tandem, and thus are not practical. Olguin’s company seeks to change all this, and they have with the launch of their tattoo-style wearables. Their products are placed on the skin and can deliver important information to the wearer about what is going on in their body or even alert them about environmental conditions, from alcohol-intake to hydration levels, and eventually glucose, to environmental contaminants, sun exposure and more.
Specifically, regarding sun exposure, LogicInk can help people to stay within daily recommended UV limits, as well as reveal the irreversible accumulation of UV on your skin. How does it work? The outer circle and bar will turn completely pink when someone reaches their daily UV limit for sensitive skin. And it’s all based on verified data from the World Health Organization. And the inner circle and dot show current UV exposure, in real-time. Olguin talks about the progress of their product development. Many products are currently in process and his team is working to deliver them to the marketplace, but currently they have shipped 25,000 units of their premiere product, LogicInk UV. Other electronic-based products require a smartphone—LogicInk does not. LogicInk has been developed with changing shapes and very bold colors so a user can see their UV status with a quick glance. And if they like, there is an optional mobile app to track UV exposure patterns across extended periods of time.
Olguin details how their sensors work and the data that their products deliver. He talks about the kinds of skin cancer that people develop, and the benefits of controlling your exposure to excessive, harmful sun exposure. He gives an overview of their environmental sensors and explains how they can alert users to potentially harmful pollutants in the environment. And with so much expansion and development, Olguin talks about their partnerships and investors, and his hopes for further product releases in the near future.
Tommy Joiner, founder of Content Pros (contentpros.io) delivers a fascinating overview of content creation for businesses and how quality content is essential for attracting and keeping customers and buyers.
Joiner’s company, Content Pros, produces subscription-based, high quality written content for digital marketing as well as SEO agencies/ B2B software/ service/ and product businesses. As Joiner states, their content brings target buyers to you and engages them at a tremendous cost and time savings for your company.
Joiner talks about the ways they fulfill content needs for their various clients. While many companies do want content, Joiner states that some do not have the hands on deck to produce the content they desire to push to their network, customers, and buyers. Joiner believes that quality content has to begin with high-quality content writers, and as such Content Pros seeks out the absolute best writers in the marketplace. They pay their writers more than the standard, and thus attract better writers because of that. And not only do they provide higher quality, their team turns around content orders significantly faster than most other services in the content space. Customer service matters to Joiner, and as such each of their accounts has a dedicated customer success manager, a specific assigned writer, as well as editor, which clients have access to directly.
Joiner discusses the way they build their base of quality writers and the areas of expertise and specialization their writers inhabit. As he states, their writer pool is so deep and diverse that most any client can benefit from having a writer on board who is a specialist in the subject area, instead of just a general writer as other content provider companies might put on the job. Joiner discusses the unique qualities of their writers and what he and his team look for in a new writer that they are considering.
The content guru details the various ways businesses can succeed by utilizing Content Pros’ services. Content Pros operates as an extra member of the company’s team, fulfilling their content needs in an efficient manner, and reaching potential customers or clients in an exciting way. Joiner states that many of their clients tend to work with the same writer ongoing, as that writer’s style becomes the central voice for the company’s content. Further, he talks about structure and consistency within the content and the importance of understanding what type of content yields the greatest value or return. He discusses the importance of different strategies and how long form content is often a great way to attract interest. Additionally, Joiner outlines the benefits of updating old content or posts to keep it fresh. And over time your entire content area becomes more valuable as you update.
Finally, Joiner discusses the packages that Content Pros offers for clients. Pricing options and different packages can be viewed online, and Joiner states that they offer a 100% money back guarantee, so there is no risk for anyone interested in giving the service a try. Content Pros will work until the client is truly satisfied, with no questions asked. They guarantee 100% satisfaction with unlimited revisions. And if a client simply is still not satisfied after revisions, then they can receive a full refund. With an offer like that, it seems obvious that every business would want to take a dive into the traffic-generating content space.
Mary T. Newport, MD is a physician, caregiver, author, and international speaker. Her website is packed with useful information and can be viewed at (coconutketones.com). Dr. Newport delivers an insightful overview of nutrition for health. Dr. Newport became a ketone enthusiast and nutrition advocate after seeing the benefits in her husband. She provided ketones as alternative fuel for the brain to Steve Newport, her husband, to help with his early-onset Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed at the age of 54. Her books are considered to be invaluable for those who are seeking answers about health. Dr. Newport is the author of Alzheimer's Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones as well as The Coconut Oil and Low-Carb Solution for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Other Diseases: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Diet and a High-Energy Food to Protect and Nourish the Brain.
Ketones can be an alternative fuel to sugar for your brain and body. The ketogenic diet and ketone supplements can offer incredible benefits to almost everyone for their general health and may also provide specific help for those who suffer with diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, cancer, and epilepsy. The nutrition expert talks about coconut oil, MCT oil, and ketone esters, and their many various benefits for the body. Dr. Newport recounts actual experiences with her husband that showed incredible improvements in his condition after initiating treatment, such as his ability to read again without the words, as he stated, “shaking on the page,” looking pixelated, moving about.
Dr. Newport talks about how she and her husband transitioned to a more Mediterranean style of diet with lower carbs and more unrefined whole grains. Additionally, she talks about the benefit of Omega 3 and other supplements that could produce real results. She refers to her husband’s recovery as a light that truly came back on in his brain. She discusses her book in detail and how her husband’s story, as recounted by him, made a significant impact in the Alzheimer’s community. She provides extensive details about the ways people can utilize nutrition to improve health, and she provides an overview of her world travels, speaking about disease and treatment via nutritional supplementation and diet. As she states, Alzheimer’s is on the rise all over the world, and even in countries where diets are traditionally very good. She points to sweets and carbs as possibly being the reason for the rise in disease. Additionally, she talks about the toxicity of trans fats that are used again and again for cooking. Ultimately, as she states, the trend is not a good one, as healthy nutrition is less than exemplary in many nations around the world.
Wrapping up her discussion, Dr. Newport discusses some simple things that all of us can do to improve memory and cognition, such as eliminating sugary drinks, reducing starchy foots, and lowering carbs.
There’s so much data in today’s world that it can be hard to know which is important and which isn’t, and this is particularly true for those working in the online marketing space. According to Carlos Cruz, CEO of Clicktool, many entrepreneurs in this space are letting important and potentially lucrative data slip through their fingers because they simply don’t have the tools to track it, access it, and make sense of it.
Clicktool launched just three months ago, but it’s already looking like the best data tracking tool on the market. By providing people in the online marketing and ad campaign space with simple, to-the-point, and easy-to-interpret reports on their data, Clicktool users are empowered with the ability to make smarter decisions about how to use it and where to invest their money. “Good data helps you make great decisions about what to do moving forward with any project in your company,” says Cruz, who joins the podcast to discuss all the details of Clicktool and their future plans for the implementation of machine learning algorithms.
Press play and visit Clicktool.com to learn more.
In the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, a lot has happened in a short period of time, but one concern has remained paramount for the industry as a whole: security. When an entity encounters ransomware or finds themselves on the receiving end of nefarious or fraudulent actions, where do they submit the data on the associated addresses? What sort of system needs to be in place in order to not only disincentive these events, but incentive entities to provide data which will help them protect themselves, their partners, and the global financial system as a whole? These were the questions that led to the establishment of Coinfirm and the AMLT Network.
“When we created Coinfirm, we wanted to create a bridge between the crypto-blockchain economies… and wanted to change the reality of compliant systems and how AML (anti-money-laundering) works overall—which in the traditional space is ineffective and inefficient,” explains Grant Blaisdell, co-founder of Coinfirm and AMLT Network. One of the main flaws is the inability to detect risks on an individual basis in regions of the world such as Nigeria and India, where the economies have a lot of potential but entrepreneurs are stymied by high-risk labels and the resultant inability to access the global financial system. The team at Coinfirm is working to change this by creating a system that incentivizes entities to report the data associated with both good and nefarious actions. Once Coinfirm receives that data, they implement it quickly in order to alert other exchanges and individuals of risks. So, what’s the incentive? AMLT tokens which can be used for discounted services on the AML platform.
Blaisdell offers a highly informative conversation packed with the latest and most pertinent information in the blockchain and crypto space. Tune in to learn more about Coinfirm’s implementation of the first-ever blockchain lab in Africa, how their approach is different and more likely to succeed than others, the integration of Trudatum with Central Europe’s largest bank, and what’s to come in 2019.
Learn more by visiting coinfirm.com.
In recent years, increases in bandwidth, the development of multi-camera video technology, the advent of smartphones, and the popularity of social media platforms has led to the hyper-acceleration of the world of live-streaming video. Bulldog Digital Media (DM) is a live-streaming company focused on bringing premium content and best practices to this exciting and expanding market, helping content owners, brands, agencies, platforms, and artists harness the power of live-streaming video in order to deliver the best possible experiences for consumers. With the explosion of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitch, there’s been a real interest in shared and participatory experiences—particularly among millennials.
CEO of Bulldog DM, John Petrocelli, and his team are dedicated to increasing consumer engagement and bringing these experiences to life. Among other topics, he joins the podcast to discuss the challenges in keeping consumers engaged for extended periods of time and how to overcome those challenges, the falling prices of high-quality video equipment and how this has impacted the space, and the development of a proprietary tool that’s allowed Bulldog DM to deliver four-camera HD-produced experiences on Instagram.
Tune in for all the details and visit bulldogdm.com for more
Meir Kryger, MD, FRCP(C), author and professor of medicine (pulmonary) and clinical professor of nursing, Yale School of Medicine, delivers a thorough analysis of the current state of sleep medicine and sleep disorders.
Kryger’s book, Principles, and Practice of Sleep Medicine, now on its 6th edition, is considered a must-have guide on sleep medicine, and is basic reading for everyone in the field. The essential read provides an overview of every aspect of sleep disorders, which gives physicians important information to use for their patients who are suffering from sleep-related issues.
Dr. Kryger discusses his entry into the interesting world of sleep medicine. He recounts the treatment of one of the first patients he diagnosed with a sleep disorder and his shocking revelation that, at the time, hardly anyone knew anything at all about sleep. Over the years his intensive research on sleep has evolved, from his early study of what later became known as ‘sleep apnea,’ which affects approximately five to ten percent of men and up to two to five percent of women, to other sleep-related issues.
Dr. Kryger discusses sleep apnea in detail and emphasizes the impact that being overweight has on sleep. But he stresses that tonsil size, jaw structure, and many other issues can cause sleep apnea in normal weight people quite often as well. He details the breathing process during sleep and outlines the breath stoppages that occur for those who suffer from this common disorder.
The sleep doctor details the various treatment devices on the market today, for treating sleep disorders. He discusses CPAP in detail. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy and it is a common treatment for a type of sleep apnea known as obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine contains a hose and mask, or a nosepiece, and delivers a constant and steady air pressure, which regulates proper breathing. The doctor talks about other medical issues such as hypoventilation, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), and narcolepsy—a chronic sleep disorder that is characterized by intense daytime drowsiness and sometimes even sudden attacks of sleep.
Dr. Kryger’s research has literally covered every area of sleep. He has published over 200 research articles and book chapters. Notably, Dr. Kryger was the first to establish a functional laboratory to study patients suffering from sleep breathing problems in Canada, and first to diagnose and fully report on obstructive sleep apnea in all of North America. Dr. Kryger’s laboratory created awareness for the interaction between heart failure and sleep respiration and the lab published the first systematic study of oxygen in this particular condition. His important and extensive research has received generous funding from various government and industry sources from Canada, France, and the United States.
When you think of possible treatments for insomnia, the first thing that comes to your mind probably isn’t cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but Alisha Brosse, author of End the Insomnia Struggle, joins the podcast today to discuss why it should be. Simply put, CBT involves the interrelationship between the way we think about things, how we feel about those things, and how we respond behaviorally. And when CBT is applied to sleep disorders, it also involves the physiological contributions and consequences of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
“We help people change their behaviors and attitudes so they can let their body do what it instinctively needs to do,” explains Brosse. Many people who suffer from insomnia begin to think night after night about the consequences of inadequate sleep, and how it will affect the following day. They’ll also change their behaviors, perhaps by staying in bed for longer (without actually sleeping), consuming more caffeine during the day, or cutting back on social activities at night. In CBT, these behaviors are referred to as compensatory, and are actually counterproductive to sleep.
Brosse offers an eye-opening discussion that touches on a variety of topics, including the methods and strategies used to help people who suffer from different types and stages of insomnia, a number of other conditions and factors that can either trigger a lack of sleep or be the consequence of it, and the common mistake of assuming that mental disorders always precede or are the cause of sleep issues. Tune in for all the details, check out her book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and visit her website at bouldercbt.com.
Metabolic Health Summit 2019: it’s a four-day experience where you can see 40 of the world’s top physicians, scientists, and researchers come together to present the latest research in metabolic health, share inspirational stories and successes, put on cooking demos, and enjoy overall amazing entertainment while empowering yourself with the knowledge and education to make informed and healthful decisions about your life. This year’s content will not only focus on nutrition and metabolism as key components of human health and longevity, but also how to turn the information into action, implementing it into your daily life.
Returning guest and founder of the Metabolic Health Summit, Victoria Field, offers an exciting glimpse of what to expect this year, and mentions some of the speakers she’s most excited to hear from, including the first psychiatrist out of Harvard who is using keto and low-carb nutrition as an alternative to pharmaceuticals for certain mental illnesses, and a veterinarian who's using metabolic therapies in the treatment of canines with cancer. Slated for January 31st- February 3rd of this year in Long Beach, CA, the third annual Metabolic Health Summit will be a scientific conference unlike any other.
Dr. David Heath, founder, and CEO of Cutitronics (cutitronics.com) provides an overview of the skincare industry and his company’s mission to revolutionize the way we care for our skin.
With a thirst for knowledge, Heath set out on a journey to better understand science and engineering. His long academic career awarded him degrees in physics and engineering. Throughout his Ph.D. and post-doctoral research, Dr. Heath has continually targeted specific areas of interest including transdermal medical technology. Dr. Heath’s research led him to discover that transdermal medical technology could be utilized to solve some of the significant challenges facing the cosmetic skincare industry. His innovation in the area garnered recognition from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the ERA Foundation.
Dr. Heath discusses his extensive background in biomedical engineering and the development of medical devices. He talks about his work that involved research to better understand the dynamic nature of skin, and how it led to his motivation to bring digital technology and engineering together to work with chemistry and formulation to ultimately improve skin and skincare. Dr. Heath explains microdermabrasion and other techniques that are common in the multibillion-dollar skincare industry today. He explains that the dynamic nature of skin needs to be understood in detail in order for products to be successful and that in and of itself is a challenge, as skin is somewhat complex. He discusses fat-soluble and water-soluble solutions, the benefits versus potential issues, as well as how products and technology used on the skin affect the microbiome. It is important to maintain balance he states, and we need to all be conscious of the products we use on our skin.
The skin expert discusses clinic trials, and how people may not be disciplined enough to use products in a manner such that clinic trial results can be achieved during home use. Dr. Heath discusses how they have achieved a way for their devices to dispense the amount of product that a particular user needs to see progress and eventually—results. By using progress bars or by gamifying it, users may be more motivated to keep working toward their goal. He details other technology aspects of the industry, and as he states, consumer compliance is critical in order to get consumers to use products properly, such that they will see benefits.
The skincare doctor provides some information on the prevalence of skin specialists and diagnostics in the US versus Europe. He states that their handheld devices help to extend specialized care into the home, to make it easier for individual users to take care of their skin in the proper way, as their specialist would recommend.
The Cutitronics team seeks to continue launching disruptive technology into the skincare market, to help everyone achieve better results in their quest for healthier skin.
Miroslava Cuperlovic-Culf, senior research officer, National Research Council of Canada, delivers a detailed analysis of her intensive research at the cellular level of life sciences.
Cuperlovic-Culf earned her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from UC Santa Barbara and her postdoc in biophysics from the University of British Columbia. Cuperlovic-Culf is extremely interested in the development of applied research collaborations in all the life sciences. She has tremendous experience that has yielded patents and publication of her work in biomarker discovery and (clinical) validation, metabolomics, cheminformatics, as well as bioinformatics.
Cuperlovic-Culf discusses the ways that she and her team use machine learning in their research within the life sciences. Specifically, she details how they collect data and use machine learning to analyze it. She discusses disease development, and the methods they use to dig deeper into this area of research. Their work delves into the metabolic analysis of cell cultures, and has many potential applications and advantages to the currently used methods for cell line testing. Research shows that metabolite concentrations represent important, sensitive markers of both genomic and phenotypic changes. Cuperlovic-Culf discusses their research of potentially deadly brain tumors. As cancer is known to have an appetite for glucose, and other specific energy sources, Cuperlovic-Culf studies metabolism within cells to better understand genetic changes.
The biophysics expert gives an overview of the various metabolic signatures of cells. Specifically, cancer cells have several detailed metabolic features, which have been explored for targeted therapies. She talks about the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as their lactic acid content, etc. which is not typically seen in normal cells. And by utilizing simulations, Cuperlovic-Culf and her team can get a better idea of where the cell is going so to speak, to learn more about its development in hopes to find new ways to treat disease. The PhD discusses other diseases that have important metabolic components as well, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and type 3 diabetes, etc. Dr. Cuperlovic-Culf states that once we understand the relationships we can develop better, more-focused drugs for treatment.
Cuperlovic-Culf speaks about the incredible wealth of data that is unfortunately still missing, and as such much more research needs to be done. She discusses microorganisms in soil and how they interact, in regard to biodegradability. Cuperlovic-Culf states that she wants to further her research, to look at metabolites beyond metabolism, how cellular processes are being inhibited, why, and what it all means for disease development, and hopefully drug development as well.
Ed Lorenzini, president, and CEO, and Scott Chase, CTO, of Analyze (analyzecorp.com), deliver a useful overview of data analytics and how it can help every business target new potential customers, as well as retain existing customers.
Ed Lorenzini has over 30 years combined military and commercial experience and is a retired Air Force officer. He is a proven leader as evidenced by his long, successful career. Lorenzini’s interests are in behavioral analytics, intelligence fusion, and intent recognition. Scott Chase, CTO, has spent his career focused on distributed computing and large scale data analytics. Chase has a particular interest in federal-sector cybersecurity analytics and is an innovator in the space. Together, Lorenzini and Chase have built their business, Analyze, into a powerful data analytics company.
Lorenzini talks about Analyze’s specialization in predictive analytics, especially in the area of consumer behavior. He explains how they use AI in the development of the front end of their platform, Analyze Clients. Analyze Clients produces essential consumer insights with only names and addresses. By bringing together millions of records into a huge database of cloud-based knowledge, the platform allows users to enter a customer's first and last name, address, and then zip code, and begin to analyze it all, in order to build a detailed analytical report on customers. He discusses how advertising companies are utilizing their service for direct mail, calls, and more. As Lorenzini states, they have invented a way to develop an automated, custom algorithm on the fly.
Chase talks about the many variables that exist within available data on consumer households, and how over 200 of the 380 variables are consumer lifestyle variables, for example: owns a dog, subscribes to magazines, enjoys boating, etc. Chase explains that they can use the available data to build a model based on specific lifestyle variables that will allow businesses to understand whom their product will resonate with.
Lorenzini discusses consumer buying patterns and the various demographics that exist. He explains that the data is good at helping businesses understand their consumer base and to make assessments about growth and marketing. He explains the changes that have taken place in ecommerce and the digital economy overall. The founders of Analyze cite examples of some success stories from users of their platform, some that have seen as much as 300% revenue growth based on customer insights they began receiving via the platform.
Data analytics combined with consumer behavior can bring dramatic major benefits to companies seeking to expand, and data insights can help entrepreneurs and business owners develop successful strategies for growth.
An unbelievable amount of useful data is stored in our genes—data which could help us make better decisions about our health and guide us toward lifestyle changes which could decrease our chances of developing certain diseases. With a price tag between $10,000 and $30,000, however, the process required to generate this data, which is referred to as genomic sequencing, simply isn’t a feasible option for most people.
Just a few years ago, the team at Veritas Genetics set out to change this, believing that anyone should be able to obtain this genetic info for under $1,000. In contrast to the technology used by companies like Ancestry and 23andMe, Veritas Genetics’ technology sequences the entire genome—all six billion bases. “We generate more data in a week than all of the data 23andMe has generated in the last 11 years,” says Rodrigo Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer at Veritas Genetics. He explains that one of the primary benefits of this extra data is that it confers the ability to identify completely new information within the genome, rather than simply ask questions to which we already have the answers.
A report form Veritas Genetics can inform you about your risk or predisposition to the development of certain diseases, whether or not you are a carrier of certain conditions which could be inherited by your children, and what types of substances you may have sensitivities to. Once your genome has been sequenced by the team at Veritas, you can refer back to all of the data at any point in the future, which may become particularly useful in light of findings from new research.
Interested in getting started today? Tune in and visit veritasgenetics.com to learn how.
Elsa Montagnon, BepiColombo Spacecraft Operations Manager, discusses the latest mission to Mercury, its complexity, and what scientists hope to discover.
Elsa Montagnon is an interplanetary spacecraft operations expert. She earned her engineering degrees from the Ecole Centrale Paris and Technical University of Munich. Montagnon joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1999. Before her work as the BepiColombo spacecraft operations manager, Montagnon was the flight operations system engineer on ESA’s groundbreaking Rosetta mission. The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's premier, advanced agency that serves as the entrée to space. The ESA formats and oversees the development of Europe's space capability to track progress and make sure that the investment in space is properly benefitting the people of Europe as well as the world community.
Montagnon discusses ESA’s collaboration with a partner Japanese space agency, JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. She gives an overview of the BepiColombo’s mission: to explore planet Mercury. She states that Mercury was visited twice before by man-made machines, missions that introduced many questions for researchers as would be expected. She details the importance of putting satellites into different orbits to maximize their findings. Their mission intends to launch a lower orbit survey of the chemical composition of Mercury’s surface, etc., with JAXA’s higher orbit survey satellite that will analyze the magnetosphere and other important issues. A magnetosphere is a region of space that surrounds an astronomical object in which various charged particles are manipulated or impacted by that object's overall magnetic field.
She explains some of the difficulties with a mission to Mercury, due to its close proximity to the sun and the complex trajectory needed to make the journey there. She describes the year-by-year trajectory that must be made in order to approach Mercury, specifically discussing energy and orbit. Survival itself is a challenge in such a high-temperature environment. Near Mercury, the energy from the sun is approximately ten times that of what we experience on Earth. As such, much research and effort goes into coatings and thermal blankets that are absolutely necessary to protect any craft that is approaching Mercury due to the excessive temperature.
The space-engineering expert discusses some of the extra advantages of a Mercury mission, such as the ability to study solar flares and gather new information about the sun. Montagnon explains that the latest mission has literally just begun and that the Mercury arrival will not happen until 2025. She discusses the technical aspects of some of the instruments that will be utilized during the mission, and how they track the mission and the data. Montagnon states that there is a full laboratory on board that allows for exploration and discovery, as scientists seek to take full advantage of every aspect of the mission from beginning to end, from capturing never-before seen views of Venus and other important mission activities.
Cedric Savarese, founder and CEO of FormAssembly (formassembly.com), delivers an overview of his company’s platform and how it is revolutionizing the way we use data and manage forms in an ever-increasing digital world.
Savarese’s company, FormAssembly, is a prominent provider of data collection and management solutions. Savarese oversees the company’s direction and overall growth. Savarese is a skilled business entrepreneur with a passion for technology and innovation. He earned a master’s in computer science from the prestigious Université Paris Descartes.
Savarese discusses the premise of FormAssembly as a platform that enables users to collect data via online forms and surveys for business improvement and efficiency; but Savarese stresses they also have a primary goal of helping users to be responsible stewards of this personal data. He gives an overview of the data that is available and collected online and how it is compiled. From surveys to online competitions to college applications, there is a wealth of data online, and as our society becomes more and more dependent on devices, more data will be coming, with a large percentage of it available for collection.
FormAssembly helps customers streamline, change or improve processes across a variety of departments, groups, and organizations. And their streamlined visual editing and publishing simplifies the creation and management of complex forms. The platform features forms that utilize conditional logic, calculated fields, save functions, and much more, to help business people create successful online forms. The FormAssembly advantage enables users to create and integrate, with a full spectrum of forms for sales, payment collection, authorizations, and beyond—all available through a complete self-service platform. Savarese discusses privacy issues, confidentiality, and other standards that are regulated when sensitive data is handled. As he states, compliance and regulation are key issues in the field.
Savarese details intake processes and database issues that are part of their industry. Ultimately, efficiency is paramount and Savarese is convinced that the FormAssembly platform can provide easy convenience to individuals and businesses everywhere. Additionally, he discusses the many use cases for their platform, from the small community theater that needs help with their form to collect donations and sell tickets, to Fortune 500 companies with immense funding behind them that prefer to use the FormAssembly platform to save time, and money. Finally, Savarese delivers an overview of the user experience and the type of users that come to their platform, general best practices, their platform’s built-in filters, and some interesting past experiences he and others have been through in regard to data and form usage.
One of the major roadblocks to human tissue engineering has been the ability to vascularize tissue, confining the majority of tissue creation to that which doesn’t have a strong blood supply in the body. The team at Aspect Biosystems, however, is working to change this by developing innovative strategies and opening their platform to collaborative efforts with academic partners around the world. For instance, they’ve partnered with UCLA in the development of new vascular technology as well as researchers around the globe who are working on the creation of kidney and skin tissues.
Tame Mohamed is the CEO of Aspect Biosystems and joins the conversation today to discuss all of this and more, including their muscle portfolio composed of intestinal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue, liver drug testing platform, and pancreatic tissue program for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. He also explains the ins and out of the technology behind their work, and what to look forward to in the near future.
Press play for the full conversation and learn more by visiting aspectbiosystems.com.
The FCC estimates that in 2014, over 10,000 lives could have been saved if only there had been a way for 911 telecommunicators to identify the specific location of 911 callers. It may come as a surprise to many that the technology currently used by 911 systems dates back to the 1960s, and is, therefore, unable to accommodate lifesaving data, such as the location of a caller, the severity of a car crash, or the number of individuals who may be trapped in a burning building.
Considering that over 650,000 911 calls are made across the US every day—many of which are being made by callers who are experiencing the worst moments of their lives—RapidSOS, an advanced emergency technology company, has asked the following question: how do we upgrade these outdated analog voice systems to rich data networks that don’t just overload the system with info that isn’t ultimately lifesaving? They’ve spent the past four years holding various focus groups with hundreds of 911 centers across the country and partnering with major tech companies in order to provide this lifesaving data during emergencies.
RapidSOS now manages 60 percent of US 911 traffic and provides data to over 2,200 different public safety agencies in major US cities, and have seen response times improve by anywhere from 30 seconds to seven minutes; when even a single second can be the difference between life and death, this technology is rightly considered lifesaving.
Michael Martin, founder of RapidSOS, joins the podcast to discuss the implementation of this new technology and their plans for international expansion. Tune in for all the details and visit rapidsos.com for more.
Dr. Brandon Milholland, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Genetics, delivers a thorough overview of the aging process, why we age, and how lifespan has been viewed historically.
Dr. Brandon Milholland earned his Ph.D. in genetics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, one of the nation's most respected centers for research, medical education, and clinical investigation. During his time there he collaborated with other associates from two different teams to research the specific biology of aging. Dr. Milholland has particular expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, and big data. He has published seven papers in peer-reviewed journals, and there are, upcoming, an additional six manuscripts currently under review or already in press. Dr. Milholland received his BA in natural sciences from the prestigious University of Cambridge.
Dr. Milholland discusses his interest in aging, and his transition into the private sector, consulting with pharmaceutical companies. His passion for studies on aging has led him to write on the subject and continue his research. He talks about the lifespan and life expectancy of past generations and cultures, and the differences between the two in how people interpret them. He details how infant mortality rates have affected overall historical records, and discusses how famine and epidemics have impacted past generations and cultures, in terms of lifespan and aging. Dr. Milholland discusses the possibilities of age anomalies in which people outlive the typical age of expected life and historical records that list extremes.
The genetics expert outlines some of the reasons why life expectancies have increased. He discusses theories as to why age plateaus. As he explains, one reason for possible decreases in life extension is that as we age many biological systems may be beginning to fail, but medical treatment often focuses on one major issue alone, not the combination of potential problems. Dr. Milholland discusses aging at the cellular level, and how that impacts the body. He talks specifically about somatic mutation, which is genetic alteration acquired by a particular cell that can then be passed to the descendants of the mutated cell through the course of cell division.
Dr. Milholland specifically delves into the subject of telomeres. Telomeres become shorter each time a cell divides, and when they get too short, that cell can no longer divide thus it becomes inactive or dies. And unfortunately, this process can be associated with many health issues from aging, to cancer, and potentially poses a higher risk of death.
Dr. Milholland delivers information on his research, and other studies, regarding life expectancy, and whether life span is improving or not. As he states, there are many theories and opinions on the matters of aging, and more research is needed.
Dr. Florian Neukart, principle scientist at Volkswagen, delivers a comprehensive analysis of quantum computing and simulation utilized for research.
As principal scientist at Volkswagen Group, Dr. Neukart, focuses on intensive research in the fields of quantum computing, quantum machine learning, artificial intelligence, as well as materials science. He is a skilled computer scientist, mathematician, and noted scientific author. His particular study in the area of reverse-engineering the mind by systematically replacing the biological brain with manufactured components, such as quantum nanobots, electrodes, etc. has drawn a lot of interest in the scientific community.
Dr. Neukart discusses quantum systems and their extensive research utilizing quantum systems for simulation. By simulating molecules and atoms, Dr. Neukart hopes to gain a better understanding of materials’ properties, which could prove very useful for battery materials, regarding cathode and anode. Traditional, non-quantum, simulations leave a lot to be desired, and Dr. Neukart is excited about the accuracy in simulation that can be provided via quantum computers. He details the specifics of algorithms and artificial neural networks in relation to quantum computers with the goal of developing algorithms that are more accurate, and learn faster.
The quantum computing scientist details the movement of specific atoms and electrons, and the process during simulation of working with nuclei to better understand the energy surface of the molecule, to learn more about materials’ properties. Dr. Neukart explains how they use machine learning in their study, and the specifics of training models with quantum chips, to eventually be used in products. Dr. Neukart outlines the types of quantum computers they use in their research and how they work, as well as the potential difficulties each may present.
Dr. Neukart discusses the third area of interest in their research, beyond materials simulation and machine learning, and that is optimization. He discusses optimization in terms of traffic mobility, citing specifics with transportation services such as taxis, subway, buses, etc. He explains how optimization models can reduce wait times for passengers and increase productivity and efficiency. And this is an area where quantum computing can truly accelerate innovation.
Dr. Neukart earned his Ph.D. in quantum computing and artificial intelligence from the Transilvania University of Brasov, and a master's degree in information technology from the CAMPUS 02 University of Applied Sciences in Graz. Additionally, Neukart holds a master's degree in computer science from the Joanneum University of Applied Sciences in Kapfenbergn.
Chris J. Davis, a founder of Filmio (film.io), discusses his company’s innovative platform that allows content creators to come together with fans and investors to build creative projects that are truly outstanding.
Davis’s company, Filmio, brings creators and fans together in a new and innovative manner to build a space where everyone participates, anyone can create—and all share in the benefits. Filmio seeks to end the monopoly and release the grip that Hollywood has long held on the industry, a grip that keeps most people out and only granting access to the few. As studios have become more and more beholden to their big corporate owners they have distanced themselves from their real audience, the fans, and consumers who view and buy the content. Hollywood continues to make sequel after sequel, refusing to bring new fresh ideas in, but instead simply choosing to remake the same concepts with bigger visual effects that just drive up the costs. Davis believes the time has come to make a paradigm shift, to find a new direction toward better creative built on fresh ideas.
Davis talks about Filmio as a decentralized ecosystem that facilitates the funding, creation, and distribution of film, TV, and VR projects. He gives us an overview of his background as a classically trained artist and how he organically took steps toward his company’s birth. With a keen interest in the blockchain, Davis wanted to find a way to use technology to assist other artists to create and launch projects of their own, in their own way. Davis outlines the early days of Filmio and how it came to be the company that it is today. He talks about the many stories they heard of creators being frustrated with the Hollywood system, and their desire to find a way to circumvent the road blocks. With Filmio, fans, creators, and investors can come together to build success and launch great new ideas. He talks about the advantage of having ideas vetted by the crowd before money is spent. And the beauty of this is that ideas get support early on and those supporters stay with the project all the way through funding and into the launch.
Davis discusses the need for content, with new companies popping up all the time to grab a piece of the lucrative streaming content space. Filmio can provide the technology and support to get content creators up and running. Davis explains the vetting process that allows users on their platform to evaluate and vote a project forward to the next level for development or consideration, etc. When a project hits a certain threshold, tokens are used to vote projects forward. And even when projects move into production, creators can come back to the platform and continually update the supporters with director interviews, location photos, or more, which further engages their original supporters.
Davis talks in-depth about the tokens and their platform’s ecosystem, how it works, and what are the benefits to fans and creators. Additionally, he discusses his upcoming event at Sundance and his excitement about talking to filmmakers there, to create a larger community on their platform where everyone can thrive.
Have you been interested in trying a keto diet, but had trouble getting going and sticking with the strict rules? Or maybe you’re just worried about the infamous “keto flu.” Gary Millet, founder of Kegenix, joins the podcast to discuss a way around these challenges: by consuming exogenous ketones in liquid form and simply reducing your carb intake, you can enter a state of ketosis within a matter of an hour, making the path forward much easier.
The team at Kegenix has combined MCT oil and ketone salts into a substance that not only delivers exogenous ketones but also stimulates your body’s own ability to produce ketones—extending the state of ketosis far beyond what you’d get by just taking ketone salts. They’ve also created the first ketone meal replacement that not only contains all of the macro-nutrients and vitamins that a keto meal would have, but can be made into pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and more. In the works are products designed to specifically address different goals, such as weight loss or increased and sustained energy.
Millet touches on a range of interesting topics, including the important difference between ketone esters and ketone salts, what’s really happening in the body when people experience the “keto flu” and why exogenous ketones can help you avoid it, and what happens when the body uses ketones as fuel versus glucose as fuel.
Tune in for all the details and check out realketones.com for more info.
As a pediatrician, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and author of The Toddler Brain: Nurture the Skills Today that Will Shape Your Child’s Tomorrow, Dr. Laura Jana is dedicated to one thing in particular: helping anyone who takes care of children figure out how best to do exactly that. Much like her book, the conversation on today’s podcast touches on a range of topics, including how to help children who have difficulty falling asleep, the importance of establishing nighttime routines that incorporate habits of hygiene, how and why the use of technology affects the sleep cycle, when breastfeeding becomes more of a comfort for a child than a nutritional necessity, and the most common mistakes she sees parents make that could be having a harmful effect on their children.
Tune in for the full discussion and check out the following resources for more information:
Eric Steckelman is the Chief Growth Officer at Evoke Giant, a healthcare-oriented marketing organization that provides a range of services for enterprise-wide and emerging or startup clients in the health and wellness sector. Whether they’re helping their clients establish commercial objectives, refining their strategies, helping them connect with customers, educating consumers, customers, and providers, or building brand equity and loyalty, the team at Evoke Giant has one ultimate goal in mind: improving patient care.
Just a couple of years ago, they partnered with the Cancer Education and Research Institute in New York to increase engagement and educate people on cancer immunotherapy. Featuring 30 stories in 30 days, the campaign shed light on the day-to-day experience of cancer immunotherapy from the perspective of providers, patients, and nurses, garnering a huge social media presence.
Evoke Giant is always looking for new opportunities to engage with the healthcare space, so tune in and visit www.giantagenecy.com to reach out with questions or ideas and learn more.
“Existing solutions like supervised machine learning are very reactive to what the attacker is currently doing, so there’s always a cat and mouse game; the unsupervised machine learning that we are building….doesn’t have existing assumptions of what the fraud looks like, and that itself is actually more robust in terms of detection,” says Fang Yu, CTO and co-founder of DataVisor, a company whose mission is to protect large social and financial institutions from the increasing number of sophisticated cyber-attacks.
When the nature of cyber-attacks can literally change on an hourly basis, the technology which relies upon the characteristics of past fraudulent behavior is insufficient. DataVisor’s technology mitigates this problem by reviewing billions of accounts and identifying patterns of fraudulent behavior.
Yu offers a detailed and informative conversation about DataVisor’s services, which are currently protecting over four billion user accounts globally. She also discusses the advanced techniques used by fraudsters, the importance of early fraud detection, and an upcoming enterprise version of their technology which will allow clients to adjust the models themselves and have more leverage over the algorithms.
Tune in, learn more by visiting datavisor.com, and email your questions to info@datavisors.com.
Ron Spence, MBA, noted research scientist, and Barbara Turner, celebrated holistic health coach and author, discuss the amazing quantum energy mobile app that is impacting lives and creating a swirl of excitement due to its incredible potential.
Turner discusses her broad background in nutrition and health, including her early writing of e-books that dealt with health issues that her personal family members or friends had experienced. Upon discovering a particular email that gave an overview of an energy biofeedback app, she became intrigued to dig deeper into the nexus of health, and app technology. She outlines the Limbic Arc, touted as one of “the world's first quantum-energy wellness products managed with the click of an app.”
Turner gives an overview of how users subscribe and access the Limbic Arc that gives them access to 150 unique, quantum-energy wellness products, including valuable training from leaders within the Limbic Arc system. The 15-year-old parent company that is the source of origin of Limbic Arc works with literally thousands of physicians and healthcare professionals around the world and seeks to take this groundbreaking new technology to the public for the first time ever.
Spence, who is a master affiliate at Limbic Arc, elaborates on how their technology offering is centered on quantum theory. He recounts some previous remarks by Tesla that speak about a non-physical phenomenon, and underscore the value of Limbic Arc. Spence explains the origination of Limbic Arc by Dr. Vaughn Cook and his early experiences with the platform. He talks about the ear-ringing (tinnitus) problem that he has had for many years, and how the Limbic Arc platform helped him to access energy that eliminated the problem almost immediately. Spence details the biochemical exchange and how information energy exists at the subatomic level. He gives an analysis of his theory about cellular receptors as they relate to disease and illness, and explains the many problems with blockages within the body, sometimes brought on by toxins and other agents that block micronutrients.
The Limbic Arc has two major parts: a library of valuable information fields that exist in the internet cloud—logarithmic expressions assigned a link with items in the physical world as done by a specialized, proprietary system; and the other part is the app in which users can access and then manage their unique library of Limbic Arc products, called InfoBoosts.
The energy expert, Spence, details how the quantum field works, and the specifics of the limbic system. He states that many of our problems are related to a deficiency in something. He details the importance of breaking blockages and how the app can immediately connect users to energy that can sometimes provide dramatic changes in their lives. Ultimately, Spence states, there are many things that live in our subconscious mind that can be very beneficial to our lives and well-being if we learn how to harvest them.
Azizi A. Seixas, Ph.D., assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine, in the Department of Population Health and the Center for Healthful Behavior Change, provides an interesting overview of the power of sleep, and the problems we could face when sleep is low quality or we simply don’t get enough.
Dr. Seixas has devoted his career to understanding and addressing the sociocultural and environmental determinants of chronic diseases. Dr. Seixas received an MA from Fordham University and was an advanced doctoral candidate in clinical psychology there. Additionally he received an MS in clinical psychology from The University of Dallas, and a BA in philosophy and premed studies from College of the Holy Cross.
Dr. Seixas discusses the four behaviors that he considers the pillars of health: physical activity, diet, stress management, and sleep. He states that of the four, sleep has been shown to be implicated in cardiovascular disease, metabolic health conditions, brain health, daily function, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Seixas’ research focuses on three areas: multilevel determinants of sleep and cardiovascular disease disparities; the long-term health results of cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities; and developing adaptive, group-tailored, specific and personalized behavior modification interventions, incorporating machine learning analytical tools, to improve overall health and general well being. Dr. Seixas addresses the important sociocultural and environmental determinants of various chronic diseases and behaviors, that often prevent access to basic care in certain disadvantaged communities that are burdened by adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a disproportionate manner. Dr. Seixas‘ work looks at the barriers that hinder diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders within racial/ethnic minorities and seeks to evaluate the efficacy of behavioral models targeted at improving a commitment to sleep and CVD recommended types of therapies.
Dr. Seixas talks about the ways they reach out to the community, by literally going to retail community shops, such as barbershops and hair salons, to talk to people and work with them. He discusses the sleep education and social support that they offer to at-risk individuals. By introducing a home-based sleep study, and allowing people to avoid going to a clinic for the study they have found a way to offer more significant help to communities, targeting at-risk individuals, testing them, and helping put them on a path toward better health.
Dr. Seixas was awarded a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) career award to research as to whether inadequate sleep and/or obesity could possibly explain a notable proportion of CVD risk disparity between blacks and whites, through secondary data analysis of the Sleep Heart Health Study.
Dr. Seixas details how simply getting more quality sleep can affect so many areas in our lives, from sex drive to mood, functioning to mental clarity, and so many other serious health issues.
In addition to his work that focuses on population health insights, he is also working on developing precise and personalized behavioral medicine solutions that use artificial intelligence to optimize behavior change and adherence to pro-health behaviors.
Shivam Bhalla, CEO, and Amedeo Lattari, COO, of Troolr (troolr.com), provide an overview of their new platform that is helping users and service providers connect to get jobs done.
The Troolr founders discuss their vision for making every task efficient and easy, no matter where you are or what you need to get done. Troolr delivers convenience and efficiency. With Troolr, users can easily find reliable local professionals and compare them based on reviews and overall experience. And Troolr makes it simple to communicate directly with the professional you need, without a laundry list of-of questions. You find, connect, and then meet up with the professional of your choosing and get your job completed.
The CEO and COO talk about their platform and the services that many of their providers deliver. Troolr is open to most types of services, in a peer-to-peer based platform, from blue collar to white collar services. Essentially, if there is a demand, Troolr seeks to provide for that by bringing many quality service providers into their extensive network. They talk about the ways in which prospective users can review potential candidates for the job—from reviewing their work history, educational background, social media, reviews, etc., and of course, there’s a photo of the service provider so you know who you’re dealing with. And with thousands upon thousands of businesses already inhabiting their great new platform, information is valuable to help users select the perfect person or team for the job.
Bhalla and Lattari explain the volume of data that they gather that helps users to understand which service providers are being chosen. They state that the local services industry is part of a $400 billion dollar market, and yet it is completely fragmented. And while the market already does have several viable gig-oriented platforms, such as the well known, Angie’s List, Bhalla and Lattari have found through their extensive prelaunch research that there is still plenty of room for newer platforms like Troolr to thrive in the market.
The founders detail the two major types of users that come to their platform seeking service providers. First, there is the browser, a user who likes to browse the providers online, find who they are seeking, and connect directly. The other type of user prefers to create a call to action, to post their job and have service providers reach out to them. They talk about the detailed profiles that service providers can post on Troolr, and how that offers more value to the user in a qualitative manner. And as they gather more data, eventually they will be making recommendations on their platform about industry standard rates, which will help to ensure that service providers are paid a respectable industry standard rate for their skill and experience.
Bhalla and Lattari discuss their growth plans for the future. They expect to soon release an on-demand system. For example, if you need someone immediately, for plumbing or other need, the platform will provide information on those who are available right now, not tomorrow. Because when you need it now, you need it now.
Alberto Savoia, innovation expert, disrupter, and author of, The Right It: Why So Many Ideas Fail, and How to Make Yours Succeed, delivers a lively analysis of the many ways businesses fail, and succeed.
Savoia is a seasoned tech expert and business consultant who is in high demand at conferences and events. He is a lecturer and innovation consultant at Stanford University and was a key player at Google in the highly sought-after position of innovation agitator. During Savoia’s early career as an engineer and eventually as an engineering executive and CTO he worked for innovation giants such as Sun Microsystems, SunLabs, and Google. Joining Sun Microsystems and Google as well back when they were just start-ups, Savoia’s knowledge and leadership was instrumental in both companies’ steady climb to success. Perhaps it can be said that Savoia’s biggest asset is his ability to help businesses stimulate and foster groundbreaking innovation that yields high-impact product development.
Savoia talks about his background, starting with early success in the video game space that led to his tenure at Sun Microsystems and eventually Google. He discusses his start-ups and some of his successes and failures. And it was his first failure that inspired him to eventually write his popular business book, The Right It. After suffering a failed start-up Savoia returned to Google, but was still motivated to dig deeper, to help others understand their businesses and succeed in the market. Savoia details how he studied failure, talking to anyone and everyone who would discuss their business failures. From hard data to personal interviews, he amassed a wealth of information that led him to some clear observations about business success and failure. One primary point Savoia nailed down was that most business failures are not because of problems with personnel or execution, but because the company has launched the wrong product. It’s simply the wrong idea. Savoia states that you want to be sure you are building the right it, before you build it right. Savoia gives a detailed analysis of how company owners and entrepreneurs can find their way in a crowded marketplace, and get an understanding of how their product might fair in the market—in the future—before they get there in terms of development and manufacturing. Savoia cites multiple examples of companies’ successes and failures. He outlines the concept of pretotyping, which is ultra-rapid prototyping, essentially a way of envisioning your product before it is developed and built.
The technology expert provides examples of the many ways that companies can collect data. He delivers an interesting overview of his theories through an example of McDonalds, if they were to introduce a new product, such as spaghetti. He explains that a good way for McDonalds to pretotype is to simply put it on the menu, before it exists. When customers order it, they get a free lunch—no spaghetti, but everyone wins. McDonalds collects valuable data up front before investing in their spaghetti product, and the customer gets a free lunch. Savoia states, if there’s a market, there is a way. Thus it is important to find out what the market wants.
Savoia cites examples of companies that spent fortunes up front but then failed. Savoia stresses that you must have the right idea, of course, but the timing of delivery of a product is also critical. It’s important to remember that you can fall in love with your idea and be blinded by that, ignoring the negative data, and heading full speed toward potential failure at launch.
And finally, Savoia explains that he practices what he preaches for he actually pretotyped his book before writing the full version. And seeing his shortened version of the book takes off, he then knew that he needed to launch it fully.
Savoia is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing him as a true pioneer in the area of business innovation, such as: Wall Street Journal Technical Innovator Award (2005), InfoWorld Top 25 CTOs Award (2005), Software Development Magazine Jolt Award (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), InfoWorld's Technology of the Year Award (2005, 2006), JavaOne Duke Award for Technical Excellence (2005), and many more.
Beth Zupec-Kania, RDN, CD, noted ketogenic diet and nutrition expert, lecturer, and top consultant for The Charlie Foundation, provides extensive information on good nutrition and how the ketogenic diet helps fight certain diseases.
Nutrition expert, Beth Zupec-Kania, is a registered and certified dietitian and nutritionist. She has amassed over 25 years of experience as a consultant and coach for medical professionals, patients, and individuals, on the power of nutritional ketosis for combatting select neurological disorders, and certain types of cancers and metabolic-based health problems. Zupec-Kania has been associated with The Charlie Foundation for many years where she continues to spread the word on the power of nutrition and keto for everyone. Her impressive resume, global reputation, and research in the field are but three of the many reasons why over 250 medical centers have attended her seminars and workshops for medical professionals at The Charlie Foundation.
Zupec-Kania’s primary work is promoting ketogenic diet therapy as a means to help children with inherited metabolic disorders. Additionally, she seeks to offer solutions and nutritional assistance for anyone who is required to exist on a blenderized diet, which is a diet of foods and liquids that are thinned in a blender for those with special conditions. Zupec-Kania works with her patients to make a personalized plan that is tailored to their specific nutritional and medical needs.
The nutrition guru recounts her motivation for devoting her life to nutrition and health. Zupec-Kania’s father was a cancer patient and she witnessed the harsh chemo and radiation sessions that her father endured that seemingly offered little or no help at all in regard to his condition. Motivated to help others and find a better way, at college prep school she declared her area of study as nutrition and her journey began.
Zupec-Kania discusses the ketogenic diet’s rise at the Mayo Clinic, first introduced as a method for treating epilepsy patients. Zupec-Kania states that keto was also being studied at about the same time in Germany, as a treatment for cancer. And after many years, the medical community is now beginning to accept keto as a means of treating select types of cancer.
Zupec-Kania outlines the various beneficial mechanisms of a ketogenic diet. She discusses cancer and states that it is an inflammatory process. As the ketogenic diet has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect it is a good option for people with certain types of cancers. She explains how glucose feeds tumor cells and how a ketogenic diet can help to cut off cancer cells’ energy supply. Zupec-Kania remembers patients with whom she has worked and recounts stories of those who saw improvement after beginning, and sticking with, their ketogenic diet. She states that while the power of keto is obvious, unfortunately, many doctors and healthcare professionals are still not aware of the benefits it may provide to their patients.
Zupec-Kania outlines her process, as she works with patients to devise a tailored strategy for their degree of ketosis, which takes into account all their medical factors, goals, and general issues. She provides detailed information about exogenous ketones and benefits they may provide to some individuals. And Zupec-Kania explains medium-chain fats that are ketotic producing, such as coconut oil and MCT oil, etc.
Zupec-Kania discusses cancer patients who have experienced dramatic improvements, sometimes even putting their cancer into remission. Results are varied, of course, but most patients express, at minimum, feeling better overall when on a ketogenic diet. Zupec-Kania stresses the importance of starting early, however, and not waiting, for an early start to a ketogenic diet can sometimes have a profound impact on certain diseases and conditions.
Dr. Xi (Charlie) Ren, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, delivers a detailed overview of his lab’s mission to provide regenerative therapeutic solutions to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
Xi Ren focused on developmental biology during his graduate study, specifically, vascular and hematopoietic systems. He later joined the Laboratory for Organ Engineering and Regeneration at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Xi Ren was named Instructor in Surgery at Harvard Medical School in 2016. During his tenure, he developed systematic strategies for engineering functional vasculature based on decellularized organ scaffolds. Xi Ren became a member of the faculty at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in 2017. Xi Ren earned a BS in biological science, as well as a Ph.D. in cell biology from the prestigious and highly ranked, Peking University in China.
Xi Ren discusses his work at the Ren Lab, specifically the interface of biomaterial and stem cell engineering with a primary objective to successfully provide regenerative therapeutic solutions to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. The Ren Lab’s other prime areas of interest in exploration and research are vascular engineering, extracellular matrix engineering, cardiopulmonary engineering, and whole organ decellularization and regeneration. The Ren Lab is working to develop biologically selective and chemoselective approaches enabling extracellular matrix modulation and functionalization to stimulate injury repair in vivo and whole-organ bioengineering in vitro. Xi Ren talks about the shortage of lungs and livers and how his lab is working on ways to bioengineer lungs and livers with very similar structure and composition to their native counterparts, for transplantation. He discusses the details of organ structure and the difficulty of developing biomedically-engineered models of native organs.
The biomedical engineering expert talks about the limitations in his area of research and the importance of gathering excellent cells for lung reconstruction. And while stem cell biology is progressing, limitations still exist. He details the ways cells are used in regard to regeneration, discussing scaffolding, functionality, phenotypes, etc., and other issues. Xi Ren discusses bringing different cell types together to do a single job, to make a good functional organ, and the importance of organization in the process of organ regeneration. He details the methods utilized to work with purified cells and maintain them, and how it is possible to work with multiple cells within a specific organ.
Xi Ren talks about vasculature regarding transplantations, and how many organs’ key function is in their interaction with blood. He discusses the various vasculatures of multiple organs and their distinct characteristics that play a role in functioning. Further, Xi Ren expounds upon some areas of research he expects to see expand in the future.
The vascular network permeates literally every tissue and organ, and displays unique structures and properties to meet organ-specific functions as well as physiology. The Ren Lab’s research seeks to understand the molecule profiles behind organ-specific vascular phenotypes with the ultimate goal of engineering organ-specific vasculature.
Just around the corner is the publication of Exosomes in Health and Disease, an enormous compilation of data on exosomes and their role in almost every disease you can imagine. What’s an exosome, you might ask? At just a fraction of the size of even the smallest bacteria, exosomes are tiny vesicles communicating with and carrying information to cells anywhere in the body. We’ve known about them for decades, but a recent discovery holds huge implications for our understanding of epigenetics, epigenetic inheritance, and the causes of diseases.
Denis Noble, physiologist, researcher, and former Chair of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford joins the podcast today to offer a fascinating conversation about the presence of epigenetic data within exosomes, their ability to control the genome of other cells by simply communicating with them, and the profile components that could indicate cancer or a particular disease state.
He also discusses the techniques used to extract such small vesicles from blood plasma and the challenges that this process has brought about, the transmission of epigenetic information by exosomes through the germline, symbiogenesis, and more.
Tune in for all the details.
“It all stems back to my Fit2Fat2Fit journey, where I learned just how wrong I was with my approach to trying to transform people; I could give someone the best meal plans, I could give them the best workouts, I could give them the best hacks to optimize their brain and their body from a physical perspective, but none of that matters unless a person knows to how to overcome their own mental and emotional challenges…so that’s what I hope to bring to the fitness industry,” says Drew Manning, who simply couldn’t understand why it was so difficult for his clients to stick to a meal and exercise plan in order to lose weight and get fit.
What did he do? He decided to truly “walk the walk”: he quit working out and indulged an unrestricted typical American diet filled with processed foods for six months, gained 75 pounds, and saw his health rapidly decline before working his way back to being fit and healthy. What he learned along the way is that the aspects of mental and emotional health are largely overlooked in the health and fitness industry, but absolutely essential to becoming healthy and fit.
Drew Manning will be speaking on this topic at the 2019 Metabolic Health Summit slated for January 31-February 3, and his latest book, Complete Keto, will be released on February 12th. It's a compilation of the latest and greatest keto research and contains a 30-day program that relies heavily on lessons from his Fit2Fat2Fit journey. It’s available now for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Tune in for the full conversation and check out fit2fat2fit.com for more.
As a board-certified family nurse practitioner working in a sleep medicine clinic, Ellen Wermter has seen a wide variety of sleep disorders, including severe cases of sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. She joins the podcast to discuss what she sees from this unique perspective—one that isn’t often portrayed at all or portrayed correctly in the media. For example, she explains that narcolepsy is not only underrecognized but also misunderstood by many people; contrary to popular belief, the main presentation of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness—not unexpected episodes of falling to the ground and entering a deep sleep.
Wermter discusses how “excessive daytime sleepiness” is defined and identified clinically, the causes of narcolepsy—which are likely both genetic and environmental in nature—and one of the newest types of treatment for narcolepsy, which is not yet FDA-approved, but can be used in the US through a program called PEACE since it's been shown to be successful in Europe.
She also discusses sleep paralysis and cataplexy, which happen when the REM stage of sleep intrudes on the waking hours, one of the lesser common symptoms of sleep apnea, and how sleep studies work—despite the challenges.
Tune in for the full conversation, and find resources by visiting the Narcolepsy Network, Project Sleep, the National Sleep Foundation, and local support groups.
Dr. Martin Giera is an associate professor at Leiden University researching clinical metabolomics, the study of metabolites and how they take part in biochemical processes. Ultimately, the goal is to gain a deeper understanding of human physiology and the physiological processes of specific diseases, which could open the door to novel treatments and diagnostic processes for cancer and other diseases which we don’t currently understand.
Dr. Giera discusses a range of topics, including the role of the microbiome in metabolism, the Warburg effect, how the metabolic differences between different types of cancers indicate the need for personalized therapy for cancer, and what’s on the horizon for him and his team in the coming months. Tune in for all the details.
Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS, chief medical officer of HEAL Clinics (healclinics.com), specializing in diabetes remission and weight loss, delivers a thorough analysis on the nutritional and medical significance of carbohydrate reduction.
Dr. Westman has a deep level of experience in medicine with a specialization in lifestyle-related conditions and illnesses, such as obesity and diabetes, as well as other medical issues, treatments, and research. He is the co-founder and chief medical officer of HEAL Clinics. Dr. Westman’s clinics are the creators of HEALcare, a comprehensive treatment plan for obesity, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes that integrates personalized keto dietary and nutrition coaching with group behavioral coaching, as well as any needed medical care. HEALcare is a non-medical weight-loss program implemented by specialized counselors who have already brought about dramatic, significant changes in their own lives by adapting ketogenic lifestyles. HEALcare is medically supervised and thus offers complete obesity and diabetes treatment program.
In addition to his intensive work at HEAL Clinics,
Dr. Westman is also the director of the Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, and medical director of the Duke Center for Smoking Cessation. Dr. Westman is a board certified doctor in internal medicine as well as obesity medicine. He is the co-editor of, Obesity: Evaluation and Treatment Essentials, and co-author of The New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great, and Cholesterol Clarity: What the HDL Is Wrong with My Numbers?
Dr. Westman discusses his intensive research as an internal medicine and obesity doctor focused on the body’s ability to create its own ketones by cutting out carbohydrates. He explains the difference between exogenous and endogenous ketones, and some of the fallacies and breakthroughs in nutrition-based research. Dr. Westman talks about his early work at Duke University and experimentation in clinic trials that motivated him to devote more time to studying how nutrition impacts the body. He states that over the last few decades, research has demonstrated that cutting carbs has a significant impact actually. By cutting out the carbs, the body begins to burn its own fat. The big shift in thinking came when the medical community began to understand that the governmental guidelines issued in the 70s promoting carbohydrates were not truly the best advice. The outdated guidelines promoted avoiding fats and eating healthy carbohydrates, neither of which was based in evidence.
Dr. Westman talks in-depth about the specifics of keto, and how the reduction of sugar, eating healthy fats, etc. is good for the body. He talks about the impact of keto on the body and the importance of still considering calories in regard to weight loss. It’s possible to ingest too much of a good thing, meaning that even if the foods and oils are extremely healthy, a very high caloric intake can certainly prevent weight loss from occurring. As everyone has their own metabolism, individuals will experience variations as they work toward finding their perfect diet for great health. Dr. Westman discusses Harvard research and Duke University studies that deal with weight gain, metabolic rate, etc., as well as the importance of caloric deficits for losing weight. But ultimately, most people can probably eat more and still lose weight when on a keto diet, as opposed to other diets.
Dr. Westman details how he works with patients, outlining his preferences such as beginning work with diabetes patients before they are put on a medication regimen. Dr. Westman states that all patients should be given a choice, and that diet and lifestyle changes can reverse the condition without medications. He talks about metabolic rate in regard to eating habits, such as intermittent fasting, etc. Regarding keto, and carb-cutting success, Dr. Westman discusses the early studies and trial and error approaches to cutting carbs such as were developed by Dr. Atkins, and others. And he adds that proper carb intake amounts for individuals seeking to achieve optimum health and weight loss/management are certainly related to age and activity level. Younger, more active people, as you would expect, can eat more carbs daily and still see results. Older and/or more sedentary individuals may need to restrict carb intake more significantly.
Dr. Westman is currently the president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, and a fellow of the Obesity Society and the Society of General Internal Medicine. His extensive clinical research includes more than 45 peer-reviewed papers on the efficacy of ketogenic diets and lifestyle in the management of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and obesity.
Peter Csathy, founder and chairman of CREATV Media, LLC (creatv.media), delivers an insightful overview of new media and technology, and the immersive experience.
Csathy is an experienced media and technology entrepreneur—equal parts connector, advisor, investor, entrepreneur, executive, and strategic thinker. He spent his early career in traditional media then expanded along with the advancing technologies into new media and digital platforms. His long and impressive resume includes important leadership roles with multiple highly successful companies in the tech and media space. Csathy is the former CEO of many leading media companies and is an internationally recognized media and technology expert.
Csathy has received many accolades for his books covering the topics of his expertise. Forbes referred to his book, Media 2.0 (18): An Insider's Guide to Today's Digital Media World & Where It's Going, as "an invaluable guide to the new media universe" and Variety stated it was “brilliant and compelling” and a “must-read.”
Csathy talks about CREATV Media’s mission as a media, entertainment, and tech business advisory firm working with companies that are pushing boundaries and the edge of creativity. CREATV Media is an advanced advisory service firm in the media/tech space and is recognized as an industry leader. Csathy’s firm offers specialized access to an impressive network of media, entertainment, and technology leaders, and powerful influencers. Csathy states that his team is comprised of connectors, dealmakers, and ‘opportunity’ spotters.
Csathy discusses some of his early companies and investments in the media, music, and tech space. He delves into the changing immersive space, that goes beyond VR, and takes it into a real world experience, bringing the technology into the field where users can walk around and interact with others. Csathy details his exciting immersive projects with Vortex Immersion Media, Inc., an advanced tech company of which he serves as chairman. Vortex Immersion Media produces innovative dome experiences, in which users can experience music and visuals in a 360-degree environment that envelope you in a 3D, virtual reality type experience.
The media expert talks about his vision for future immersive experiences, such as immersive escape rooms where people can literally escape to other worlds or environments for relaxation and play, etc. He explains how the technology can truly impact our perceptions in a real way, physiologically. Csathy gives an overview of some immersive experiences hospitals are implementing for children with illnesses, providing immersive environments that allow them to experience snow covered mountains, or other natural worlds that provide relief and comfort, and are fun. And amazingly, the children experience physiological impacts that actually reduce their physical pain in the same manner that drugs do.
Csathy discusses innovative media such as Netflix’s release of “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,” one of the first truly interactive movie experiences ever released on a mass scale. Netflix created multiple experiences, variations on story lines, that allow a viewer to choose the path the story takes. As technology continues to advance, the opportunity to bring new, immersive experiences to users is immense. An immersive experience can bring new audiences to art and expressive media. Csathy discusses his excitement about using advancing technologies to essentially bring many musical artists back into the public eye in a unique manner, experiencing their artistry in entirely new ways—opening up younger generations to great music of the past.
The media guru expounds upon some of the technology that is changing the Hollywood industry, and his expectations for media in the coming years. Additionally, he discusses some of the topics and issues he writes about in his book, as well as in periodicals of note. Csathy’s thoughts and perspectives on the nexus of technology and media are regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, Venturebeat, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, TheWrap, Billboard, USA Today, and many more. Csathy is a board member and advisor to multiple media and tech companies.
John Hamilton, CEO of UNLTD (go-unlimited.co), a company that is blazing the trail forward in the design, creation, and branding of high-end virtual reality experiences, delivers an interesting overview of the advances in virtual and augmented reality.
Hamilton talks about his background, and starting out in the film industry as a producer and distribution executive. He recounts how his first interaction with a true VR experience so impressed him that he was hooked, and had to find a way to explore this exciting new area, bringing all of his business experience to the burgeoning VR and AR (augmented reality) media platforms.
Hamilton’s company, UNLTD, seeks to push the boundaries of the industry, creating new experiences that combine all available technologies in the space. Virtual and augmented reality are exciting new mediums—hybrids between interactive media, immersive and dramatic cinematic content, and mobile experiences. UNLTD offers branded and original VR/360/AR content for groundbreaking immersive and interactive media that includes film, gaming, series, apps, and advertising. Specifically, UNLTD has expertise in directing and developing VR arcade installations, content production, virtual reality, augmented reality, interactivity, 360 visual effects, and 3D environments.
Hamilton explains the details of VR, AR, and mixed or hybrid reality experiences, and how each works. He details how an individual experiences each, from screen to headset, etc. or combinations that come together to create a completely immersive experience. He talks about his earlier work in VR for film and branding, and how he and his partners shifted their focus to encompass new media experiences for multiple industries from oil & gas, to medical, and beyond. He states that their primary focus, and the source of their greatest revenue, will be in the enterprise market. Enterprise marketing is essentially a development strategy to retain an existing customer base while generating new active leads via integrated, multichannel campaigns. Hamilton talks about their clients and the reasons why they come to UNLTD to rebrand or get moving in a new exciting direction to grow their business.
The VR guru discusses how they bring their unique storytelling skills to every new project, for not only an immersive experience, but also one that cannot become boring, due to the creative story that is developed for the experience. Hamilton cites specific examples of their work and projects. He provides an overview of a particular oil & gas project UNLTD developed that is essentially a game simulation which allows users to perform the requisite checks to ensure all is in working order, from checking a manifold for proper connection, to reviewing inspection dates on equipment, and much more. He states that this type of simulation is a highly effective way to train people in a safe environment before they even take one step onto a ship, so they can be prepared for their jobs in onloading or offloading or whatever it may be.
Hamilton enthusiastically discusses a new experience/show called Trinity, which his team has developed and is very excited about. Trinity is an immersive, interactive, virtual reality sci-fi experience that incorporates live-action characters, big budget movie VFX, and the most trendsetting interactive design. He outlines some of the details of their volumetric capture and how they were able to go back and forth between live and volumetric. Volumetric video is a progressive technique that captures a three dimensional space, such as a specific location or performance. With this process you can acquire data that can then be viewed on flat screens as well as via 3D displays and VR goggles.
UNLTD generates tailored, branded and original VR content for truly interactive media experiences, including films, games, series, advertising, promotional stunts, rides, as well as for educational and medical applications, and other industries.
David Korsunsky, founder and CEO of Heads Up Health, delivers an important overview of the current state of health information and steps we can all take to organize our health data.
For more than 15 years Korsunsky has been a business leader, leading technology firms and forming strategic alliances. Recently, Korsunsky served as Director of Technical Alliances at VMware, Inc. where he led partnerships with global EHR companies such as GE, EPIC, Cerner, McKesson, Allscripts, and others. Korsunsky is active and believes in a healthy lifestyle, and it was his passion for good health that inspired him to find a new way to innovate in the healthcare space. Korsunsky sought to create a means for everyone to take charge of their health, by accessing important markers that elucidate where they are on the path to optimum health.
Korsunsky talks about his sources of inspiration, from nutritionists to select nonconventional health advocates, who introduced him to a trove of information that was not always the go-to for traditional medicine practitioners. Realizing how his own personal medical information was literally scattered all over the place from healthcare office to office and patient portal to portal, Korsunsky knew there had to be a better way. He had a tremendous desire to find a way to connect his lifestyle choices with the blood work that would bear out his theories on diet and exercise, etc. Korsunsky founded Heads Up Health, a company that seeks to empower people, helping them to transform their health through the use of state of the art tracking tools. His team of experienced and knowledgeable health-conscious technology experts wanted to clean up the current system fraught with confusing medical records, underutilized health-tracking technologies, and poorly managed health data. Korsunsky saw a way to implement a software solution to clean up the mess and get to the heart of the matter—improving health for everyone by connecting them to their own data.
The healthcare tech expert discusses how important trend lines can be totally missed by physicians when health records are scattered and unorganized. And when physicians cannot see the full picture over a long period of time, they are unfortunately less aptly equipped to make the best decisions on long-term care plans for treatment or general health advice. Korsunsky states that the onus is upon the patient, in most systems, for them to be their own advocate and investigate deeply into their own personal medical issues. He details how these markers of our health, the look into our blood work and body chemistry, are essentially our longevity numbers and it is important for individuals to know where they stand, to understand what needs work or improvement.
Korsunsky outlines how their platform works and how users can enter their medical data and get active right away at tracking their health and making improvements. He discusses some of the important aspects of their system, such as tracking HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) scores, which as he states is significantly better than simply looking at blood sugar. He explains how their platform actually collects data while we sleep, from heart rate to core temperature and beyond, to calculate a score and overall assessment of our recovery during sleep. Additionally, he elaborates on public data sets and useful information that he wants their users to have access to through the platform, to allow them to be notified about pharmaceutical news and more that could affect them.
Korsunsky discusses their growth as a small company on the rise. He details how it is important to build out their system slowly and organically. Currently, they have tens of thousands of users and are growing via word of mouth. As their product is an intricate product its pace of growth is carefully controlled by Korsunsky and his team of developers.
Korsunsky enthusiastically discusses the personal fulfillment he experiences when he hears stories of users who have learned to successfully manage or reduce certain chronic health problems by getting a handle on their data and working toward solutions to improve health. Based on his team’s core belief that superbly organized data is a critical key to improving and optimizing health, Heads Up Health has created a central space where anyone can manage and explore the important information that is crucial to maintaining great health or improving their health issues
Elle Russ, wellness advocate and author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution, provides a wealth of knowledge on thyroid issues and explains how millions of people remain undiagnosed and suffer needlessly.
Elle Russ is a sought-after guest on many wellness-oriented shows and interviewee of wellness-related blogs and magazines. Her celebrated book, The Paleo Thyroid Solution, is a bestseller on Amazon and has made her a noted voice in the paleo, primal, and ancestral health movement. Russ is also the popular host of The Primal Blueprint Podcast, a top-ranked health show created by food blogger, former distance runner, triathlete, and well known New York Times Bestselling author, Mark Sisson.
Russ discusses her serious bouts with hypothyroidism, how it impacted her life, and how none of her doctors were offering much help. With over 30 symptoms, Russ started digging deeper to discover the root of her health maladies. She details how so many common issues from depression to cholesterol problems to high blood pressure are directly related to the thyroid. As she states, the thyroid is the master gland of the human body, without a doubt. From metabolism to production of hormones, the thyroid is the source from which many bodily functions and systems are maintained or regulated. Brain fog, exhaustion, inability to lose weight, etc., the list goes on and on, and the thyroid is the key to so much in our body and its systems.
Russ elaborates on the many and various antibody tests, and others, that help to define potential thyroid issues. As she states, over 20 million people in the US suffer from thyroid-related issues, but sadly 60% are undiagnosed and struggle with symptoms from which they can find no relief. Her book covers many important topics such as paleo protocols for preventing and reversing low thyroid function, the correct blood tests to diagnose hypothyroidism and how to treat it, how to diagnose and treat Reverse T3 issues, how to lose weight gained because of hypothyroidism, and much more.
She discusses the importance of nutritional experimentation and elimination of foods that contribute to problems, as well as many other issues that have a direct impact on health. She talks about brand name versus generic pharmaceuticals and details some specific drugs in which the generic version could be contributing to more or other problems or symptoms. She outlines specifics of T3 and T4 drugs and hormone replacement therapy. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland. There are many factors that are important, but one particularly important issue is to make sure your drug choice is suited for you, and that your lab work provides proof that whatever combination therapy you are on, that it is working for you. She discusses the many inaccurate assessments the healthcare industry has made regarding thyroid and thyroid drug issues.
The thyroid health guru talks about fluctuating signals and lab indicators, and the importance of seeing the big picture when interpreting results and implementing treatment and drug plans. And importantly, she underscores that physicians need to look at multiple test results and not just one or two to properly diagnose these issues. Russ relates how her struggle to find the answers to her own health problems really motivated her to help others, and that is just what she does day in and day out.
Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy (sfbacct.com), delivers an informative overview of mental health issues and contributing factors that play a significant role in how we sleep and the quality of our sleep.
Dr. Tompkins is an experienced licensed psychologist, board certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. He is an accomplished author and outspoken advocate for mental health. Dr. Tompkins has held, and currently holds, significant leadership roles with various, important mental health centers and educational institutions. He is co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as Diplomate and Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Additionally, Dr. Tompkins works as a trainer and consultant for the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior.
Dr. Tompkins discusses his nearly 30-year career in mental health, treating primarily anxiety and mood disorders. He states that most people with these kinds of disorders do experience difficulty with sleep. He details CBTI (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) and his work with teens who have anxiety and sleep disorders. Insomnia is defined as a difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, which limits the amount of restorative sleep that we all need. He explains how sleep disrupters, such as stress or travel, impact the sleep cycle. Further, he states that those who struggle to get quality sleep often worry about it, which increases anxiety and exacerbates the problem, or they try to adjust their sleep schedule, which often does not work because regularity of a sleep schedule is critical for the body to get into a working pattern such that restorative sleep can flourish.
Dr. Tompkins’ book, The Insomnia Workbook for Teens, lays out a step-by-step process for achieving better sleep, proven-effective strategies to help the sleep deprived get to sleep and stay asleep. The book explains the many and varied reasons we experience insomnia, and offers advice on how to target and deal with sleep disrupters such as caffeine and sugar. Teens especially need quality sleep as their lifestyles today are fast and furious, and it is difficult to rise to the challenges of each day when we’re sleep deprived and left feeling exhausted, grouchy, and unprepared for daily tasks. Dr. Tompkins coauthored the book with his esteemed colleague, Dr. Monique Thompson, also a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Thompson holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. She is a certified cognitive therapist and also a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She treats a myriad of mental health issues such as depression, various anxiety disorders (social anxiety, phobias, and panic), and sleep disorders, as well as attention problems, life transitions, and more.
Dr. Tompkins provides an overview of one of their primary goals: focusing on sleep efficiency, which is entirely different than simply looking at quality or quantity of sleep. He discusses various stimulus control strategies and other methods that people can utilize to help get them back on track with their sleep. He states that nearly 80% of the individuals they help with primary insomnia can often benefit from sleep restriction, essentially getting them to stop trying to catch up on sleep, but to focus on having consistent go to bed, and get out of bed times. Additionally he discusses other effective techniques such as breathing exercises, mindful meditation, muscle relaxation, and more. Dr. Tompkins talks about wind down routines and relaxation in general, and the importance of getting one’s body and mind to a state in which all systems are ready to fall asleep willingly.
The sleep specialist and mental health educator discusses the particular issues that teens face, as they are literally going through an organic change in brain development that causes them to want to begin sleep later in the evening and then sleep in later come morning. And with elevated stress in teens’ lives, and the use of social media, all can keep teen minds activated, which leads to sleep disturbances or a general difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep. He details the types of skills that they teach in CBTI to help teens with their various sleep issues.
Dr. Tompkins discusses melatonin and other supplements, but he stresses that chronic insomnia sufferers may not benefit from melatonin, etc. Ultimately, insomnia sufferers must find a way to focus on wind down time and a consistent schedule of sleep. Additionally he talks about genetic inheritances that may contribute to sleep problems, such as chronotype (when we feel like sleeping naturally) and mental arousability, which many insomniacs tend to be prone to.
Dr. Tompkins is the author of multiple scholarly articles, chapters on cognitive behavior therapy, and books covering related subjects. He treats adults, adolescents, and children with anxiety disorders, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder, health anxiety, stress, insomnia, repetitive behaviors, elimination disorders, Tourette’s and tic disorders.
Mark Fischer-Colbrie, president and CEO of Labcyte (labcyte.com), provides an extensive overview and introduction into the groundbreaking developments in liquid handling and transfer for experimentation.
Fischer-Colbrie is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the development and launch of innovative products for diagnostics, medical devices, therapeutics, and specific technologies for advancing companies. And since 2008, Fischer-Colbrie has helmed Labcyte as its president and CEO. Other notable positions in his storied career are as follows: senior vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer at Adeza Biomedical Corporation, a successful women’s healthcare startup that sold for $450 million; and as vice-president, corporate controller, and advanced technology business manager at a disk drive manufacturer that grew from a small startup to a behemoth $1.2 billion in revenue. During his tenure at Adeza, Fischer-Colbrie was an inventor on 4 patents and 6 patent applications and headed the business development area of the company for three years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and an MBA in marketing and finance from UC Berkeley.
Fischer-Colbrie discusses Labcyte’s mission to advance scientific innovations with sound. Labcyte seeks to redefine liquid handling for drug discovery and development, genomics, personalized medicine, synthetic biology, and more. He states that because the novel process of transferring liquids is governed by sound waves, it allows for replication of every single transfer in the same way with such precise uniformity and consistency that it generates better scientific data and more significant results during experimentation for various industries. The accuracy has provided experimenters an opportunity to explore new avenues for experimentation that were not previously available with traditional techniques.
The scientific research innovator elaborates on the many problems and errors that arise when using standard pipettes in experimentation, such as liquids being in touch with surfaces, drops, cross contamination, sterility, etc. Labcyte’s innovative technology eliminates all these problems and errors and provides researchers with a more precise way to conduct experimentation and research. And this new technique is enabling new drugs to be discovered that simply could not have been with the old, less accurate, potentially error-prone techniques.
Fischer-Colbrie explains how a wide variety of experiments can be engaged in now with the more accurate Labcyte process. He explains the minute details of how the system works, covering topics such as surface tension, viscosity, and targeting. He outlines how the advanced technology system has been adopted by pharmaceutical manufacturers across the globe for its unique ability to precisely experiment in ways that were not possible previously. He speaks about the tremendous precision of data that is now becoming available thanks to the process, that will impact uses for artificial intelligence.
Fischer-Colbrie highlights some specific examples of how Labcyte’s acoustic technique benefits industry, from increased precision and accuracy, to cost savings due to the elimination of expensive chemistry and pipettes, and through a significant reduction of time needed to conduct experimentation and gather results. Additionally, he states that the advanced technique will decrease the need for animal testing as well.
Fischer-Colbrie is currently chairman of the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and also a board member of the Analytical, Life Science & Diagnostic Association. He was selected as National EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013, the country's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.
Before becoming a full-time and successful writer, Som Bathla worked as a corporate lawyer for 17 years. Realizing it was time for a change, he set his sights on a new goal and began figuring out what it would take to get there. He did the same thing just a couple of years ago when he decided to do something about the fact that he was overweight: he began by making a decision to run 10 kilometers within 12 weeks, and then started figuring out how much preparation he would need to do, how he’d need to change his daily routine, and how he’d need to change his diet. Perhaps most importantly, he had to remain disciplined, and strike a balance between preparation and recuperation.
Bathla joins the podcast to discuss the main themes of his book, The Science of High Performance: Develop Mental Toughness, Boost Willpower, Master New Skills, and Achieve Your Goals Faster and offer the audience insight on his personal journey, the challenges he’s faced, and how he’s overcome the greatest obstacles. He also discusses the psychological concept of “flow” and the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic value.
Tune in for some inspiration and check out his book on Amazon.
Everything is skewed—whether in the businesses we own, the places we’re employed, the groups of friends we hang out with, or our daily routines, and achieving success can be as simple as locating those skews and learning how to capitalize on them. That’s the idea behind the 80/20 principle and the subject of this mini-episode with Richard Jacobs.
He explains how he’s applied the principle through an analysis of his business and various product offerings, which has resulted in higher profits, improved efficiency, simpler procedures, and perhaps most importantly, happier clients. Along the same lines of thought, he explains how to use this principle to guide you toward the experts of the experts—the “superhumans”—in any given profession.
Established just two and a half years ago, the Human Data Commons Foundation aims to address two primary questions: how do we make the best decisions around the best and most powerful sources of data available to us, and how do we put structures in place that encourage people to share their data in a way that protects their privacy and places them at the center of agency in how that data gets used?
“Companies realize that the more data they have, the better machine learning algorithms they can produce…and that brings with it enormous power…and enormous peril…there’s a lot of systemic injustice that can be perpetuated through these…and our intention at the foundation is to bring more attention to that,” says Scott Nelson, founder, and chair of the Human Data Commons Foundation.
One way in which they’re doing this is by publishing annual “report cards” that review data usage, privacy policies, terms of service, and the amount of agency given to users by the top companies in wearable technology such as Fitbit. The ultimate goal is to democratize, make more transparent, and advance human consciousness and conscious evolution through the responsible and ethical use of data.
Nelson touches on a variety of topics, including the main challenges to the implementation of new structures and processes in established company cultures, the role of blockchain technology in personal data protection, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and how a couple of German projects could pave the way for the implementation of open-source, ethical data platforms in the U.S.
The average annual turnover rate for sales reps is about 36%, and 70% of companies need at least six months to bring a single sales rep on board and up to speed. What if these percentages could be significantly decreased by a third party company’s ability to quickly obtain and analyze all of an old rep’s customer contact information and accounts so that a new rep could hit the ground running—essentially picking up where the last left off?
This is just one use case of SigParser, a technology that employs machine learning algorithms to parse through business emails and extract the most pertinent information, including customers’ first and last names, phone numbers, and addresses. Once obtained, the information is loaded into the company’s customer relationship management system (CRM). Considering the fact that nearly 80% of contact information never makes it into a company’s CRM system, SigParser is an invaluable tool for building customer relations and increasing sales.
There’s also a stateless API version of the product for companies that want to be able to grab contacts but can’t have a third party processing and storing the data for them. Interested in learning more or finding out how SigParser can help your company? Paul Mendoza, CEO of SigParser, joins the podcast to explain all the ins and outs, so tune in and visit sigparser.com.
As the medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics In New York City, Dr. Dyan Hes specializes in what’s become an epidemic over the past several decades: pediatric obesity. According to the CDC, approximately 19 percent or 13.7 million children in the U.S. are obese, and while it’s true that genetics can contribute to this in some families, as a whole the genetics of the human population has not changed enough to account for it. And it’s not just the U.S.—it’s a first-world problem that’s quickly spread to third world countries. So, what’s the deal?
Dr. Hes makes for an insightful and eye-opening conversation by sharing her expertise on the subject and the experiences she’s had with her patients, who range from infants to young adults suffering from one or more conditions due to obesity, including pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, and joint pain. According to Dr. Hes, kids are being given too much of the wrong types of food and not enough of the right types, especially from school cafeterias.
On top of that, many school districts don’t have enough funding to provide physical education beyond 45 minutes per week. Add to the mixture an overall increase in sedentary lifestyles and reliance on technology, and you have the ingredients for this current epidemic.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn how to take the steps to start turning this around. For resources, visit the Obesity Action Coalition and American Board of Obesity Medicine websites and seek out local wellness programs in your area. To learn more about Dr. Hes’ work, visit gramercypediatrics.com.
According to David Moore, PhD and faculty member in the Psychological Field Group at Pitzer College, there’s good reason to believe that “genes” as we’ve come to commonly understand them don’t actually exist; they aren’t segments of DNA which start and stop at discrete points, they don’t fulfill just one role in one context, and their expression or lack thereof is not immune to environmental influences. In fact, most molecular biologists would say that there is no single agreed-upon definition of a gene.
Dr. Moore joins the podcast to explore the topic of epigenetics: the phenomenon by which our experiences and environmental factors influence our genes and contribute to our characteristics. These environmental stimuli include the food we eat, how we exercise, the drugs we consume, our experiences in childhood, the level at which we socially interact as adults, and socioeconomic status. For example, a 2004 study conducted by Michael Meaney and Moshe Szyf showed an association between the level of grooming a pup receives from its mother and reactivity to stress in adulthood: the more grooming a pup received, the less reactive it was to stress stimuli as an adult. This finding, labelled by the authors as “epigenetic programming,” has been challenged by many, yet evidence that supports it continues to grow.
This is just a snippet of the fascinating conversation Dr. Moore offers, which touches on topics such as in utero epigenetics, whether epigenetic states can be changed or reversed once they’ve been established, how the most common antidepressants have been shown to produce epigenetic changes, and the controversial idea that epigenetic changes are inheritable. He also discusses his most recent research, which involves studying mental rotation in human infants—an ability considered the single biggest sex difference in cognition that’s unrelated to reproduction.
Tune in for the details and visit http://pzacad.pitzer.edu/~dmoore/ to learn more.
Alex Vincart, Ph.D., is the CTO of Enkidoo Technologies, a platform that’s bringing small to medium-sized businesses and independent retailers access to the same AI and automation technologies harnessed by major corporations, benefiting them with better tools and better visibility for managing inventory. By connecting point of sale systems and aggregating large amounts of historical sales data, Enkidoo optimizes company supply chains and provides them with a reliable way to predict future sales.
With each product offered through Smart Assistance, Enkidoo provides a streamlined and seamless process for business owners who want to do what they set out to from the beginning: foster the business itself without feeling bogged down by the constant operational demands.
Tune in for a discussion about the ins and outs of Enkidoo services, what’s rolling out in the next six months or so, and an interesting use case that combines IOT and AI.
Interested in learning more? Check out enkidoo.ai.
Caroline Klatt entered the world of ecommerce and retail when she was still in high school and quickly realized the primary objective: drive up sales by finding and encouraging consumers to make purchases. For decades now, companies have been trying to accomplish this by investing most of their funds in digital ads and then following up with potential customers via email. According to Klatt, however, this approach has not only become outdated, but ineffective; in a society where everyone is using messaging apps through their phones at almost all hours of the day, retailers must integrate themselves in consumers’ lives in the same way—by messaging them directly.
As the CEO and co-founder of Headliner Labs, Platt is giving retailers the ability to do this in a scalable and fully-automated way using artificial intelligence, and the result so far has been a 96 percent open rate, meaning potential customers are opening messages from retailers, communicating with them, and ultimately making purchases. Beyond the first layer of AI, retailers have the option of directing potential buyers to a live agent in order to maintain that ever-so-important personal touch and one-on-one communication.
Press play to learn how you can benefit from the services offered by Headliner Labs and what to look forward to in the coming months. Visit headlinerlabs.com for more.
Approximately 120,000 people in the U.S. alone are waiting for an organ transplant, and there are many more who could benefit from one but haven’t made the list because there simply aren’t enough organs available. But what if the supply could be increased by utilizing the organs of another species? The process is called xenotransplantation, and its what Dr. Joseph Tector and his team have been working on for years now.
As the director of the University of Alabama Xenotransplant Program, Dr. Tector explains the main roadblock to xenotransplantation: rejection by the receiver’s antibodies. However, he and his team have genetically modified pig organs in a way that—in conjunction with immunosuppressant drugs—will decrease or eliminate the human antibody response, thereby preventing rejection. Ten people on the waitlist have already been tested and shown to have no detectable antibodies to the pig cells, making them candidates for transplant.
Press play for all the details.
A shortage of about 100,000 physicians is expected in the US by the year 2025, which will force many people into long waiting periods and delays in the detection and treatment of potentially life-threatening conditions. In terms of providing health care in a timely manner to the growing population, we are reaching the limits of human capacity. So, where do we turn? According to the team at Geisinger, the answer is machines.
Brandon K. Fornwalt, MD, PhD, and associate professor and director of the Geisinger Department of Imaging Science and Innovation, and Aalpen Patel, MD and Chair of the Geisinger System of Radiology join the podcast to discuss the problems with the current system of medicine and diagnostic imaging, how the implementation of machines and machine learning can help, and the specific projects they’re working on to improve patient outcomes and help physicians to be more efficient.
In a recent project, the team at Geisinger trained a computer model to predict death in patients by using over 700,000 videos of the heart. The result? The machine made predictions with an accuracy level far superior to that of clinicians, allowing for early intervention for heart attack and stroke. Tune in for a compelling discussion, detailed description of other projects in the works, and Geisinger’s long-term goals.
To learn more, check out geisinger.org.
Imagine visiting your primary care doctor and receiving a whole read out of your genomic data within 10 minutes for as little as $10, equipping your doctor with the information needed in order to deliver you individually tailored medical treatments and therapies. Thanks to the work being done at Roswell Biotechnologies, this is well on its way to becoming a reality.
As the founder, president, and CEO of Roswell Biotechnologies, Paul Mola realizes the need to sequence genomes at scale in order to obtain the level of understanding and interpretation needed for making precision medicine a reality. What we really need, he says, is a “genomic encyclopedia” of genetic variances and corresponding phenotypic descriptions, treatments, and drug therapies. Until now, the high cost and slow process of genomic sequencing has stymied this development and kept enormous amounts of useful information largely inaccessible and unaffordable for the average person.
Mola has discovered a viable solution by merging nanochemistry with CMOS technology (which is the same technology that’s used to manufacture computer chips), which allows for direct electronic monitoring of the process by which DNA is copied. It’s time-saving, cost-effective, and scalable, and there’s nothing else like it out there. Rather than taking 24 hours and costing $1,500 to sequence a genome, the Roswell solution will take just an hour and cost $100, and packs a ton of opportunities for improvement down the road.
Tune in for all the details and visit roswellbiotech.com to learn more.
Having practiced medicine for over 20 years now, Dr. Sandeep Jain has witnessed firsthand how the increasing predominance of electronic medical records has lowered the amount and damaged the quality of communication that occurs between doctors and patients and between members of a patient’s health care team. He argues that electronic medical record keeping has not only made communication across systems impossible by limiting doctors to their organizations or hospitals, but also subtracted from the patient experience by forcing providers to document excess data rather than simply listen to the patient. The problem is only worsened by the fact that doctors are monetarily incentivized to document through this system in a particular manner.
“Important, essential insight becomes a needle in a haystack, and doctors have to hide needles of information in a lot of hay because that’s how they make their own hay…money,” says Dr. Jain. But what if the needles could be shared without the hay and across systems so that a patient’s entire care team could be on the same page at the touch of a button? These were the ideas that compelled him to found ListenMD, a secure, HIPPA-compliant app that allows patients and every member of their treating team to communicate with one another in real time, sharing those essential bits of information that would otherwise get buried in the excess. The app also allows providers to delay less important messages and prioritize urgent ones, which keeps disturbances to a minimum and lessens the barrage of data doctors already deal with.
There are many other features and perks of the app designed to simplify, streamline, and improve patient care. Tune in for more information and download the app to try it for yourself.
Dr. Daryl Gioffre, celebrity nutritionist, author, alkaline and ketogenic diet expert, gives a detailed presentation on the power of good nutrition and how everyone can make improvements for increased energy, better health, and longevity.
Dr. Gioffre has a lot of interests. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, a certified raw food chef, live blood microscopist, and reiki master. And as a former self-described sugar addict, he has found a way to lead a healthy life and has a passion for sharing his knowledge with everyone. Dr. Gioffre is particularly interested in the root causes of inflammation and chronic illnesses. His method involves moderation, using cutting-edge nutrition practices to achieve and maintain the best health possible. Dr. Gioffre is the founder of the Gioffre Chiropractic Wellness Center, as well as the popular brand and website, Alkamind. His celebrated book, Get Off Your Acid – 7 Steps in 7 Days to Lose Weight, Fight Inflammation, and Reclaim Your Health & Energy has been attracting a lot of attention and intensifying the dialogue about good health and nutrition.
Dr. Gioffre discusses his path to good health, including his past issues with weight and nutrition, especially sugar. He states that as he followed the evidence, to understand his addiction to sugar, that that evidence led him to acid—acid was inflammatory to his body. He describes how he integrated nutritional elements into his diet, such as green juices, and reclaimed his energy, life, and lost weight dramatically, not to mention eliminating his sugar addiction in the process.
The nutrition expert discusses specific green juices, which are comprised mostly of vegetables and are highly alkalizing. He states that all green juices are certainly not created equal, so it is important to understand what makes a green juice healthy. In order for green juices to be alkaline they must be high in minerals, high in fiber, and low in sugar. He talks about the benefits of highly concentrated powders comprised of organic greens, which is an easy way to get a large amount of the right kinds of organic greens into your body without a lot of effort. Dr. Gioffre explains how taste buds can shift about every two weeks, so what you are putting into your body will affect how you respond to new foods and beverages. Thus once you make the switch to healthier options, your body’s taste buds will come on board and begin craving the good stuff. Dr. Gioffre states, shockingly, that research has shown sugar is literally eight times more powerful than cocaine. Therefore it is a powerful addiction to overcome, but once you start to put the good foods into your body in a larger volume than the bad foods, your body will help you make the shift, as cravings will adjust to the new good nutrition.
Dr. Gioffre underscores the importance of balance. He states that the first step toward better health is a changing of one’s diet, but it is equally important to reduce stress as stress can create acid, and finally… it is important to find a way to make the new changes sustainable. He talks about Alkamind, and the many products they provide for people who want to take charge of their health, and improve their well being. He details how anyone can implement a new nutritional program, and utilize healthy minerals to neutralize acid. He states that the more healthy minerals we can put into our bodies, such as kale and avocados, etc., the better chance we have to neutralize the acid in our body.
Dr. Gioffre talks about his daily and nightly regimens, and how he personally supplements for improvement of health. He discusses the importance of oxygen, and improvement of our breathing. He details the 3-6-5 power breath method, which is essentially breathing in through the nose for 3 seconds, holding it for 6 seconds, and then exhaling out the mouth for 5 seconds. He stresses the importance of doing this every morning to oxygenate, alkalize, and energize our blood. Dr. Gioffre states that hydration is equally important, and that “the solution to pollution is dilution.” Drinking more water is something most everyone needs to do daily. Additionally he describes other important healthy additions to our lives such as particular types of exercise, and he reiterates the critical importance of eating the right foods and letting green goodness, healthy minerals, begin to repair the body.
The successful nutrition advocate talks about his program for good health and some of the people who come to him for specialized input. He discusses the importance of making the transition to good health with an advocate on your side as it is sometimes difficult when the body starts to detoxify—help is a good thing. A support network or person can help people maintain their program and have a better chance for success.
He discusses the pros and cons of the keto diet, and notes how keto is an acid forming diet, and is not sustainable. Thus Dr. Gioffre’s program pulls from the keto diet, only its best elements— the healthy fat component. Avocados, raw nuts and seeds, healthy oils, etc., are all excellent healthy fat elements that anyone can introduce into their daily diet to help achieve optimum health. Good fats are essential, but too much animal protein turns to sugar, and can be acid forming. By combining vegetarian elements and keto, Dr. Gioffre’s program can boost energy, create better health, and help prevent disease. And he triple underscores one critical point, that it is never too late to begin, and that everyone, literally everyone, can find ways to improve their health by making simple changes and working toward their goal.
Jennifer Kan, postdoctoral researcher at the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, provides an overview of the exciting new possibilities that could arise as researchers utilize bacteria to create silicon-carbon bonds.
Kan’s research and interest lies at the intersection of science and engineering. Kan is excited about her work as a postdoctoral scholar in the laboratory of Frances Arnold, the first woman to be awarded the $1.1 million Millennium Technology Prize, for her groundbreaking work on directed evolution. Directed evolution is a process that allows for the creation of desired traits within enzymes. According to scientific findings, silicon and carbon are quite similar in regard to their chemistry, with both maintaining the capability to produce extended chains of molecules, such as DNA and proteins.
Kan talks about the lab’s work and mission: to engineer proteins to do incredible things that have not been seen in nature. Via directed evolution, researchers have used a bacterium to create a silicon-carbon bond in a natural manner, which previously had only been accomplished synthetically. She states that while silicon is the second most abundant element on our planet, for some reason living organisms have never integrated silicon into their native biochemistry. But in the lab, Kan says it is possible for proteins to activate this chemistry. Interestingly, this groundbreaking discovery may have cleared a path toward integrating computer chips with the human body, though Kan stresses that potential possibility is a long way off in the future, so for now we’ll still have to experience this in Hollywood movies only.
The researcher and biochemistry expert states that silicon is extremely prevalent in our lives and products and that it is truly the core element that makes modern life possible. Kan discusses the benefits of binding silicon to carbon, and how that bond is crucial for the manufacturing of materials that are necessary in our world. She explains the incredible significance of this new development in science—utilizing biology to make these bonds—and how it can open the door to programming life.
Kan states that scientists must ask the right questions, in regard to biological systems, in order to analyze and discover their potential with respect to chemistry.
The lab’s work could create a seismic shift in how medicine and materials are manufactured and produced. Kan feels that there will be a number of valuable applications for this work, for many reasons, two of which are cost reduction, and the newer process is better for the environment compared to the old way of making silicon bonds.
Kan explains how their work involves creating metabolic pathways, convincing bacteria to use the silicon-containing building blocks to create things that are potentially useful for biology. She discusses the many possible uses for this scientific achievement, notably—the use of bacteria to create silicon-containing drugs. She talks about the incredible environmental benefits and how this process can diminish the need for the use of toxic chemicals.
The chemistry expert talks about some of the other innovative uses of their silicon bonding work. She outlines the possible molecules that could be experimented with in her lab, and how the introduction of new elements can literally change functionality. Kan details some of the complexities of the chemical processes and elements, and what her lab’s team hopes to find as they dig deeper into the bonding experimentation. Additionally, Kan lays out their schedule and timeline for this new, exciting work, and talks about their latest publishing and interesting findings. Now that they can actually see what is happening within the proteins, Kan hopes that soon they will be able to complete the story so to speak, and more fully understand how silicon bonds can be made in proteins.
Murray Thom, director of software and cloud services at D-Wave Systems, The Quantum Computing Company (dwavesys.com), delivers a thorough overview of quantum computing and its many uses.
Thom is a seasoned professional in the technology and computing arena. He is heavily involved in multiple areas that are key to D-Wave’s operations, and success. Thom plays an instrumental role in the R&D at D-Wave, including design and manufacture of crucial components and elements. Additionally he provides important technical support to the sales team that relates to his in-depth knowledge of applications, algorithms, and more.
D-Wave Systems is the first quantum computing company and they are continually striving to make rapid advancements in the computing space. Notably, D-Wave recently released its 1000+ qubit D-Wave 2X system. And the impressive system was installed at the NASA/Google Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Lockheed Martin. The dramatic results from Google on the D-Wave 2X showed a 100,000,000 times speed increase over a traditional system for specific types of problems.
Thom talks about D-Wave’s mission: to unlock the power of quantum computers for real world solutions. He states that for nearly 20 years the company has been building quantum computers and servicing the clients, users, and developers who need them. Thom discusses some of their collaborative work with clients and customers over the past decade that has led to great advances and early applications for their quantum computing systems. He details some of their specific client projects, such as their work with Volkswagen on traffic flow optimization.
D-Wave’s quantum computer utilizes quantum dynamics to accelerate and create innovative methods for solving optimization, material science, sampling, and machine learning problems and issues. Through a process known as ‘quantum annealing’ it stimulates the tendency of real-world quantum systems to access new low-energy states. To consider optimization in terms of high and low points within a landscape, every coordinate represents a potential solution and the elevation represents its energy. And the optimum solution is the one with the lowest energy that corresponds to the lowest point across the landscape.
Thom outlines how quantum computers are different. A traditional computer stores information as ‘bits’ with assigned values of either 1 or 0. A quantum computer works with information that is preserved in quantum bits, known simply as qubits. And a qubit can hold a value of 1 or 0, essentially any quantum superposition of these two represented states. This is how quantum computers can process enormous volumes of information so easily. Quantum memory has incredibly impressive capacity. Though it seems small, it can store a tremendous amount of information, which enables users to search massive solution areas and find answers fast. Thom details D-Wave’s exciting project known as Leap, which is an environment for developers to literally build and operate their own specific quantum applications. Leap is cloud-based, and as such it provides real-time access to an operational quantum computer. Developers and researchers are provided the opportunity to work with open-source tools, and are given access to interactive demos, coding examples, and detailed information articles. Leap provides an open pathway to incredible collaboration within the active online community.
Thom cites specific examples of how quantum computing solutions impact advertising buys and budgets, and overall optimization, and the decision-making process of business leaders with respect to their advertising and marketing. From providing hotel recommendations to travelers, to optimization of workflow in factories, Thom discusses the numerous ways that quantum computing is changing how businesses operate.
Conventional systems are inept in many ways and quantum computing is stepping up to provide more advanced problem-solving assistance. Quantum computing provides the potential to solve many complex and extremely technical, scientific, defense, and commercial problems and Thom expects that it will deliver results in a myriad of industries and areas.
As an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, Dr. Steven Y. Park sees many patients with chronic issues, but it wasn’t until he started ordering sleep tests that he discovered many of these patients were also suffering from sleep apnea. Since then, he’s continued to collect data on the connection between sleep issues and chronic ENT conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety, diabetes, and digestive problems.
According to Dr. Park, breathing problems can be brought on by and contribute to a variety of factors, many of which could help us better understand, manage and treat common illnesses. He joins the podcast to discuss variations of apnea, how exactly it’s diagnosed, what happens physiologically during episodes of apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), fragmented sleep that involves restless legs and teeth grinding, how simple snoring can lead to apnea, and tips for handling different levels and types of sleep disturbances.
Tune in and check out his book Sleep, Interrupted: A Physician Reveals the #1 Reason Why So Many of us are Sick and Tired for more.
Michael Breus, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, author of several books on sleep disorders, and regular guest on The Dr. Oz Show joins the podcast to discuss the latest in what nearly half of the country has some sort of struggle with sleep. He fell in love with clinical sleep medicine just a couple days into the rotation during his medical residency and has since been established as what many would call the ultimate sleep expert.
There are three major areas at the forefront of current research on sleep medicine: the connection between sleep and cannabis, the connection between sleep and the gut microbiome, and the relationship between sleep and school-aged children. Dr. Breus touches on each one, as well as a range of other topics, including the role of genetic chronotypes in sleep, five steps to getting the best sleep, and why a high-carb snack before bed might actually benefit you.
Interested in hearing more? Press play and visit thesleepdoctor.com for a range of articles on a variety of topics on sleep.
Mark Thomas, co-founder and CEO of ZenSports (zensports.com), provides a detailed overview of their groundbreaking new sports betting platform.
Thomas is a savvy technology entrepreneur and the enthusiastic CEO of ZenSports, an exciting new peer-to-peer, decentralized sports betting marketplace that utilizes modern cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Thomas has extensive experience in the tech space, notably as an original co-founder and CEO of Reesio, a top venture-backed startup in real estate technology that was successfully launched then subsequently acquired by News Corp's Realtor.com. Additionally, Thomas founded Thomas Executive Resources, a recruiting agency that flourished, which he later sold in 2008. Thomas currently owns and operates a diverse real estate investment company as well: Mark Thomas Realty Holdings. Self described as a serial entrepreneur, Thomas is passionate about startups, tech, investing, and real estate.
He brings many skills to the table as CEO of ZenSports, including executive leadership and business development, marketing, product management, recruiting, and finance. He has successfully worked with many venture capitalists and angel investors and is well versed in strategic planning.
Thomas discusses his background and motivation for entering the blockchain and cryptocurrency arena. His interest in advancing tech, and sports, pushed him to launch ZenSports, which as he describes was a meetup recreational sports app in which users could meet and play sports for money. As Thomas became more interested in the expanding cryptocurrency market, and he began investing, he was intrigued and wanted to dive deeper into the emerging digital financial and blockchain space. He saw a way to weed out the middlemen through decentralization in the sports industry. Thomas decided to utilize blockchain to create a better world within the sports industry, one that was more open to everyone. They set out to develop a better sports betting product utilizing blockchain and cryptocurrency to weed out the middlemen and bookmakers and keep it focused on users and the action. The platform puts betters in control of their action, in control of the bets they want to place, directly and immediately. ZenSports offers peer-to-peer sports betting in an active marketplace in which anyone can create and accept sports bets with anyone else in the entire world, with bookmakers no longer needed or necessary.
The technology guru details the workings of their platform—how the system functions and operates. As he explains, users of the platform can input the kind of bet they want to place and the platform will match them up with those in the network who are willing to take that bet. When a match is made, the platform will lock them into a contract so the bet is secured and official, so neither side can back out of the bet, etc. Additionally, makers of the bets are responsible for submitting the results of the bets. Their system involves a created token economy that can sit a small escrow fee aside, and in case the results submitted are incorrect, the taker of the bet can dispute those results. Disputes are settled in the marketplace as all other betters vote on what the actual outcome was. Thus the majority of the marketplace votes on the correct result, keeping the bets accurate and efficiently managing the system.
Thomas talks about the other betting platforms in the market. He states that what sets ZenSports apart from the pack is that they are truly focused on traditional sports betting, their platform is 100% peer-to-peer, and their system is completely decentralized via the use of cryptocurrency and blockchain. While other competitors are doing some of these things, no one else is really mastering all three the way ZenSports has, which gives them a competitive edge and opens their platform up to more action in the biggest market of all.
The sports betting aficionado gets specific about their platform’s details and the minutiae of how users can configure it to really work for them in an exciting way. He states that in the truest sense, ZenSports is really a matchmaker, matching people who have similar interests in sports betting who want to bet and enjoy the process. Thomas talks about some of the new developments that are on the horizon for ZenSports. He says they are working on their cryptocurrency token, to streamline transactions and keep it simple to use. Additionally, they are adding more and more sports and leagues to their app, as well as new features nearly weekly. Thomas states that they are constantly doing user testing so the product they deliver is not only thoroughly enjoyable but also top of the line and tested for success and precision. Easy and fun is what it is all about, and Thomas is pleased to bring the ZenSports platform to sports lovers everywhere.
Dr. Rosalyn Abbott, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, provides an insightful overview of her research into cell and tissue engineering and the potential for diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs.
As a Ph.D. in bioengineering, Dr. Abbott has a keen interest in cell and tissue engineering, biomaterials, adipose microenvironments, disease modeling, and tissue regeneration. In her Carnegie Mellon lab, human adipose microenvironments are developed and tested for responsiveness to stimuli hypothesized to alter disease mechanisms, for example, the transition of obese tissues to insulin resistant type II diabetic tissues; metabolic behavior; and therapeutic potential. Dr. Abbott and her skilled team of researchers focus on integrating biomaterials with tissue engineering techniques and perfusion bioreactors. Interestingly, silk is used as an organic biomaterial to aid long-term culture of adipose microenvironments in vitro. The team’s long-term goal is to use these selected adipose tissue systems to inform preventative as well as therapeutic measures for patients who are affected by the metabolic syndrome. Dr. Abbott’s lab is particularly interested in the utilization of tissue engineering to study metabolic dysregulation during the complicated transition of obesity into insulin resistant type II diabetes.
In addition to running her lab and being an assistant professor in biomedical engineering with an additional appointment in materials science and engineering, Dr. Abbott has been an active member of many important research and academic environments. She received her BS and MS degrees in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. And her PhD in bioengineering was achieved at the University of Vermont. Additionally, she was a postdoctoral fellow in the biomedical engineering department at Tufts University, where she gained recognition for her work in the development of adipose tissue engineered models.
Dr. Abbott discusses her lab’s history, and work—engineering fat. She talks about the major challenge of designing drug therapeutics, which is the fact that our basic understanding of human disease mechanisms is based on animal models or simplified cell culture models. She informs us that fat, or adipose tissue, has long been thought of as a passive organ with the sole purposes of storing energy or insulating the body, but recent research has discovered that fat plays a more dynamic role in the body in regard to disease. Specifically, fat communicates with other tissues, and obesity is a chronic state of inflammation that causes stress on the rest of the body.
The bioengineering PhD talks about chemicals that affect the body, such as those we ingest from packaging, etc. She discusses the impact of bisphenol S, commonly known as BPS, that we take into the body when using containers for drinks and food made from some plastics. She recounts some experimental evidence that was revealed by testing exposure to certain chemicals, and how it related to accumulation of additional adipose tissue.
Dr. Abbott discusses the process of lipolysis, and specific proteins. Lipolysis is the breakdown of lipids and it involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. The process occurs in adipose tissue and lipolysis is the means to mobilize stored energy during periods of fasting or exercise. She states that adipocytes (cells that are specialized for the storage of fat that are found in connective tissue) can last for up to ten years in the body, so the rate of turnover is dramatically slow indeed. She explains how adipocytes communicate with each other, and gives an overview of some of the other cells in the system. She discusses adipose-derived stem cells that are often located near the stromal vascular fraction, a heterogeneous collection of cells that are contained within adipose tissue.
The PhD talks about the work her lab engages in to understand the transition of obesity into insulin resistant type II diabetes. They seek to understand how this expansion in adipose tissue relates to larger systemic changes within the body, and how it all affects other diseases. Their question is what is being communicated that is causing all these detrimental problems within the body, and Dr. Abbott hopes to find more answers that will lead to solutions and treatments by understanding fully the pathways to certain diseases. Additionally, she is hopeful that their research will also lead to better drugs for treatment. As their mission states, there is a crucial need for monitoring physiologically relevant, sustainable, human tissues in vitro in order to better understand the development and causes of metabolic diseases.
Dr. Timothy Chase, NY cosmetic dentist, delivers a detailed overview of modern dentistry, oral health, and good home practices we can all benefit from.
Dr. Chase has over 25 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. He specializes in natural tooth preservation and oral health. He is celebrated for his unique ability to provide dental work that looks natural and organic, not overdone or clearly ‘worked on.’ Dr. Chase’s dental office, SmilesNY, has been featured in numerous magazines and on popular TV programs. At SmilesNY, Dr. Chase works with his patients to restore both the aesthetic appearance and functionality of their bright smiles. He provides a myriad of treatments, services, and procedures such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, smile makeovers, dental bonding and contouring, and the popular, Cosmalite. He is skilled in all types of restorative treatments including inlays and onlays, implants, bridges, dental fillings, metal-free porcelain crowns, and even full mouth restorations.
Dr. Chase earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and he completed his general practice residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Hospital. His innovative work has made him one of the top cosmetic dentists in New York.
Dr. Chase discusses his practice and unique approach. He details the many ways that oral health is overall health, in that what happens in the mouth can impact the entire body. He stresses the importance of taking care of teeth and gums and making regular appointments for care. Specifically, he discusses the various diseases that can arise and the treatments and procedures that can be implemented to combat them. He states that bleeding gums, when we brush or floss, can be an indicator that something is going on, for it is not natural for bleeding to occur. Additionally, he says that sensitivity issues to cold, etc. are a possible indicator, and should be considered for further review. Odors and bad breath are also indicators that perhaps one should schedule an appointment right away, or simply increase the regularity of their appointment scheduling.
The cosmetic dentist provides an overview of the technical aspects of reviewing teeth, specifically x-rays and a newer process called transillumination. A dental transillumination test can reveal problems in teeth that could be difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye or even with x-rays. Decay will appear in the image as cloudy shadows. Healthy tooth structure will appear lighter, because light shines through it more easily. A dental transillumination might also expose fine cracks within the teeth. He explains how some of the newer viewing options provide greater detail and more accurate information, whereas traditional x-rays may sometimes make it difficult to clearly tell whether something is a cavity or just a shadow.
Dr. Chase discusses new scientific discoveries that show that bacteria in the mouth varies greatly between people, and how some bacteria is extremely more destructive than other bacteria. He details how some newer mouthwashes can directly impact the flora in the mouth and make it less destructive. He stresses the importance of using mouthwash that contains no alcohol because alcohol dries out the mouth, and can reduce saliva, which is a natural protector of the teeth.
The dental expert answers questions about his particular approach to dentistry. He talks about increasing frequency of visits, and how the increase can help curb potential problems. Additionally, he discusses products such as electric toothbrushes and more advanced mouthwashes. He underscores the importance of brushing for at least two minutes, which may seem like a long time but it is necessary for thorough cleaning. The benefits of electric toothbrushes are many, but some of the top points he discusses are: thoroughness of cleaning and proper time allotment. Dr. Chase points out that electric toothbrushes tend to give their users a better cleaning overall, and some of the models have timers that allow the user to know when it is time to move on to another section of the teeth. Further, he talks about teeth whitening and the products that have been proven to be safe, as well as those products that are questionable in regard to safety.
Dr. Chase served as a clinical instructor at New York University Dental School where he was responsible for the training of undergraduate dental students, as well as doctors from many countries around the world, on the current techniques in restorative dentistry. Dr. Chase is a faculty mentor at Spear Advanced Dental Education Center in Scottsdale, AZ. He is a proud member of The American Dental Society, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, The Academy of General Dentistry, and The Spear Faculty Club.
PJ Di Giammarino, CEO of JWG, details the complex and sometimes convoluted topic of regulation, in an ever-increasing digital financial world.
Di Giammarino has over 20 years of experience in new technology designed to solve complex financial services problems and issues. For over a decade Di Giammarino has been the CEO of JWG Group, a prestigious think-tank that is internationally recognized by regulators, financial institutions, and technology firms. Di Giammarino has a vast network of the industry’s leading technology specialists, policy makers, and global market leaders, all of whom he brings together to find solutions to global challenges through intensive collaborative working groups and collectives. Di Giammarino is recognized widely for his work with the MiFID Implementation Group and a wide range of RegTech forums. Prior to founding JWG Di Giammarino worked with Barclays Capital, Booz Allen, and McKinsey. He is a vocal and active member of many advisory groups and organizations including the International Organization for Standardization through the ISO UK committee for financial services, IST/12, and Di Giammarino serves as the Secretary for the FinTech Technical Advisory Group as well.
Di Giammarino talks about his firm and their immersion into RegTech, helping financial services define, understand, comply, and advance. He discusses the importance of bringing banking out of the analog era and into the new digital era and applying regulations and controls to help ensure the safety of transactions and accounts. RegTech, as he explains, pertains to the application of AI and new technologies to the financial sector and businesses in general. Di Giammarino states that banking has become very technical, and regulators have been forced to adjust and become technically savvy themselves, to meet the demands and keep pace with a rapidly changing digital financial sector.
Since 2006, JWG has held 400 working groups to focus on a variety of regulatory topics. He discusses the many action points that have come out of the G20 and others, and how the new changes are creating a glut of work for regulators and financial sector strategists. Di Giammarino talks about JWG’s mission of using technology to apply to the new and voluminous regulatory data, to bring efficiency and streamline the process of adapting to changes. JWG’s team scours the massive bundle of regulatory information and brings it into a manageable initiative that businesses can follow and implement.
The financial regulations expert delves into the many specific areas of regulation, and the tools companies can utilize to keep up. Transparency, as Di Giammarino states, is the answer to the crisis, as everything has to be on a report. With tighter regulation many more reports are generated on various subjects and areas, from trading activity, to how you know your customer, to money laundering checks, to how to manage capital and potential exposures. By defining more accurate language and standards, compliance is easier to implement and maintain. JWG’s team of independent analysts assists senior executives within public and private sectors to determine how regulations can be implemented in the correct way. Essentially, their skilled analysts and technology leaders help financial services take control of global regulatory change by implementing a technology-enabled standardized approach.
Di Giammarino talks about how regulators across the globe are now communicating and sharing ideas, for the greater good of security for everyone. He states that the role of new technology is not really firm-by-firm, but is actually theme-by-theme. Continuing, he lays out the idea that whereas some regulators have an appetite to automate their rulebook, others are more focused on using blockchain to manage the problem of money laundering, thus the areas of interest and focus are varied.
Lastly, Di Giammarino discusses fear and greed, as the motivators of regulation. Regarding fear, the sheer volume of regulations has grown to the point that many businesses are afraid that they may be missing things that are critical. In terms of greed, the costs are often excessive, with a large amount of manual effort needed. Di Giammarino details the many ways that his team can facilitate the processes for security, data loss control, and management, etc. through the use of AI and technology.
Di Giammarino has been a consistent author and international public speaker for more than two decades on the role of new technologies for the financial services infrastructure.
Dr. Natasha Lilly, DVM, CVA, animal diet expert and founder of the Royal Animal Health University (royalanimalhealthuniversity.com), delivers an interesting overview of pet nutrition and the importance of a well balanced diet for our furry friends.
Dr. Lilly has a profound passion for animal well being and care. She attended California Polytechnic State University on the pre-veterinary track studying animal science, and completed her DVM work at UC Davis with a concentration in equine medicine. Dr. Lilly has extensive experience in equine sports medicine and animal acupuncture. Frustrated by traditional methods of treatment, Dr. Lilly sought new ways to provide care. She began working for an established acupuncturist and complementary medicine DVM in Chicago—Dr. Barbara Royal. Dr. Royal’s approach to animal health combined conventional and holistic medicine practices. Holistic veterinary medicine is a branch of veterinary medicine that implements alternative medicine in the treatment of animals that strongly stresses the importance of empathy and very minimal invasiveness. Dr. Lilly worked at Central Coast Pet Hospital and Emergency, where she practiced acupuncture services. She has knowledge and training in Chinese herbal medicine through the Chi Institute.
Dr. Lilly discusses their diet software for dogs and cats. Based on the groundbreaking work and diet analysis of Steve Brown, Dr. Barbara Royal and Dr. Natasha Lilly have incorporated his unique Animal Diet Formulator into their care plan. (Steve Brown is a revered nutritional researcher and formulator of the first commercially available fresh-raw pet food in the United States.)
The animal diet expert talks about the kinds of foods people feed their pets, and surprisingly, home-prepared food is often the worst because it is extremely out of balance for the pet’s nutritional needs. Though with recalls and commercial pet food problems, she came to the conclusion that home-prepared food could be balanced and healthy… if pet parents could learn how to balance it for maximum nutritional benefit. She discusses the importance of considering the biology and physical traits of the species in regard to their optimum nutritional intake.
Dr. Lilly details how their formulator works, and how it can be set up to comply with American or European guidelines. She discusses how her team at the Royal Animal Health University works with clients to educate them on the software, so they get a comprehensive understanding of what it offers and how to utilize it.
The animal care educator discusses their website and the benefits that it offers to pet owners. She talks about some of the problems with animal diets, and mistakes some pet owners make when attempting to feed their pets. She elaborates on animal diets, and how it is important to incorporate things that many of us don’t eat, such as spleens, livers, kidneys, etc., because our pets are biologically designed to eat whole animals. And animals enjoy this type of organ meat and it is natural for them. Additionally, she discusses how smell is a factor in pet food, and the ways that smell can be enhanced to entice your pet to eat their food. She talks about the ways pet owners can add butter, or lightly sear the food, to enhance the meal and get pets excited to eat.
Dr. Lilly discusses weight issues with pets and the importance of getting weight under control to avoid heath issues. Additionally she discusses some of the absolutely unacceptable foods for dogs and cats; she stresses that pets should never be fed chocolate, onions, or grapes. When formulating fresh foods, Dr. Lilly states that carbohydrates can be lowered, which makes a big difference in pet diets. She also states that all carbs are not created equal, and some sources for carbs are far better than others.
Dr. Lilly describes their upcoming commercial software that provides a wide variety (over 1500 ingredients) for commercial companies who want to utilize the formulation software when preparing pet food brands for market. She discusses individual recipes as well, and consulting services for pet owners whose pets have specific conditions. Dr. Lilly is passionate about pet health and the Royal Animal Health University is steadfastly dedicated to a holistic, common sense approach to contemporary animal care.
Robert S. Rosenberg, D.O., FCCP, sleep medicine and sleep apnea specialist, discusses sleep apnea, CPAP compliance, and CPAP care.
Robert S. Rosenberg, D.O., FCCP, has more than three decades of experience in sleep medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is board certified in sleep medicine, pulmonary medicine, and internal medicine. He has served as the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona, as well as the sleep medicine consultant for Mountain Heart Health Services in Flagstaff, Arizona. Dr. Rosenberg is a sought-after speaker on the subject of sleep and other medical topics and is a regular guest at medical conventions. He is a published author and columnist whose work has appeared in many top periodicals such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Women’s Health, Prevention, Woman’s World, Parenting, and Ladies’ Home Journal, as well as many others. His books Sleep Soundly Every Night, Feel Fantastic Every Day, and The Doctor’s Guide to Sleep Solutions for Stress & Anxiety are in wide release and are considered by many to be must-reads for doctors and patients alike.
The sleep expert discusses sleep apnea and the solutions to the problem. As he states, obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, is when your airway basically collapses during sleep. So for those who are predisposed to sleep apnea either due to obesity, large tongues, heredity, etc., the problem could exist. Dr. Rosenberg mentions that of the nearly twenty million with sleep apnea, only about twenty percent of those have been diagnosed. And with sleep apnea, the oxygen drops, carbon dioxide levels rise, and the sympathetic nervous system (known as fight or flight) is triggered which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. This unfortunate chain of events puts extra strain on the heart, brain, and other areas of the body. He delves into a detailed analysis of the areas of the body that could be affected by obstructive sleep apnea and the ways it can be prevented or treated.
Dr. Rosenberg’s opinions and findings on the subject of sleep have made him a frequent guest on television and radio shows. Additionally, he publishes a monthly newsletter for healthcare professionals that condenses the most current research in sleep medicine, as well as an informative monthly newsletter on a myriad of sleep topics for the general public. Dr. Rosenberg is an affiliated professor of sleep medicine at Midwestern College of Osteopathic Medicine and he is on the board of directors for the American Sleep Association. In this discussion, Dr. Rosenberg details the health problems that sleep apnea can contribute to, and how sleep apnea is highly underdiagnosed.
The sleep doctor talks about the new CPAP offerings on the market and their benefits. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is a positive airway pressure ventilator that applies mild air pressure on a continuous basis to keep airways open in people who have difficulty breathing spontaneously on their own. As he states, the new offerings are smaller and quieter, and many people find that they are much more comfortable than the large cumbersome devices of the recent past. He discusses how the pressure is variable and changes based on a person’s specific requirements. He also talks about the various ways someone can delay the functioning of the device if they want to fall asleep without it intruding on them, and then it will begin after they have had time to begin resting. Additionally, he talks about the heated tubing that new systems offer to help prevent dryness, providing quality moisture into the air.
Dr. Rosenberg discusses maintenance of the machines and systems and hoses. He talks about the benefits of the SoClean sanitizing product. SoClean is an efficient and effective way to clean CPAP machine equipment. The SoClean system kills 99.9% of CPAP germs and bacteria in the mask, hose, and reservoir and does not require disassembly or chemicals.
The sleep health expert details oral appliances, which are devices designed to adjust the jaw, bringing the lower jaw forward which in turn brings the tongue forward, and in many cases, this is enough to prevent some people’s problem of sleep apnea. Oral appliances are designed specifically for individuals. Dentists will make molds of their patients’ upper and lower teeth in order to tailor the oral appliance for individuals. The oral appliances are adjustable, worn at night, and for many people, this specially crafted device is a great option to prevent sleep apnea and avoid CPAP.
Additionally, Dr. Rosenberg discusses some of the patients he sees, and their stories of past frustration with their care and devices. Dr. Rosenberg’s goal is to find ways for these patients to be healthy and enjoy their sleep, with whatever device or system or method is necessary, and he works with people individually to ensure they get the best quality care.
Dr. Thomas O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN, and author of You Can Fix Your Brain: Just 1 Hour a Week to the Best Memory, Productivity, and Sleep You've Ever Had, provides a scintillating overview of the mind to body connection and how we must sometimes question conventional medical wisdom in order to find real solutions.
Dr. O’Bryan has spent his life focused on promoting good health for everyone. He is an internationally recognized, celebrated keynote speaker who covers important topics such as food sensitivity, environmental toxins, the development of autoimmune diseases, and wellness. Dr. O’Bryan works with patients to understand their history and make changes that will improve health. His intriguing docuseries, Betrayal: The Autoimmune Disease Solution They’re Not Telling You is an investigatory series that delves into why our immune systems attack our own tissue (autoimmunity). The successful, critically acclaimed series has garnered much attention and has been viewed by many people from all walks of life as individuals struggle to find answers in a complex medical world.
Dr. O’Bryan talks about his early medical education back in the 70s, and the influences on his life that pushed him toward his career goals. He discusses his first introduction to neurological switching and the ways that electromagnetic pollution can affect the brain and nervous system. He recounts his experiences with acupuncture, which he refers to as early AI, and what acupuncture points can reveal regarding overall health. He tells stories of specific patients who experienced remarkable discoveries that greatly impacted his medical path.
Dr. O’Bryan discusses the four categories of health that he describes as a pyramid of health. He describes the pyramid’s base, which is comprised of the basic structure such as chiropractic, pillows, massage, how we sit, how our shoes wear down, etc. He discusses the other sides, such as biochemistry, which is essentially what we eat, what we breathe, the drugs we take, etc.; the emotional/spiritual; and the electromagnetic. Dr. O’Bryan states that every medical problem needs to be looked at through all these lenses, to fully understand it, and to solve it. Interestingly, he says that difficult-to-solve medical problems are often connected to the emotional or spiritual realm. He cites specific examples of patients who have done their best to take actions to get healthy, but sometimes the emergency brake, as he describes it, is on, meaning underlying electromagnetic pollution or emotional issues could be blocking the path to good health.
The mind to body connection expert discusses paradigm shifts. He states that while the United States is annually, without fail, ranked either number one or two in the world for leading health technology, that the US is also ranked in the bottom five out of 58 industrialized countries in healthcare effectiveness. Thus, as he states, our healthcare system doesn’t work. He stresses the importance of challenging the prevailing dogma, to question the things we were taught to believe about healthcare. With a prepared mind, and tenacity, Dr. O’Bryan states that we can all challenge conventional wisdom and find new avenues to improve our health. Dr. O’Bryan’s book, You Can Fix Your Brain: Just 1 Hour a Week to the Best Memory, Productivity, and Sleep You've Ever Had speaks to this very issue. To those who are concerned about any type of brain ailment or issue, ranging from chronic conditions to the more common, brain fog, or perhaps brain fatigue, the book outlines a path to combating specific issues through prevention as well as treatment. Regardless of the brain issues, one is dealing with, for most issues, Dr. O’Bryan’s book provides a plan that can make a difference in brain clarity, vitality, and energy. The methods provide a process to improve memory, decrease fogginess and exhaustion, etc. It’s an overall guide to improving a cognitive function that helps the reader to consider what they eat, what’s in the environment, and how to take better care of themselves, and it only requires about one hour a week to begin seeing improvements that could be drastic after six months of regular work.
Dr. O’Bryan recounts his connection with celebrity actor and comedian, Fran Drescher, author of Cancer Schmancer. He discusses her work and commitment to the cause of helping people find a path to better health and how it overlaps with his own personal work in the field. He states that they both agree that in regard to health problems, you must always consider the big picture in order to find your way to a solution. Dr. O’Bryan states that once you identify which side of the ‘pyramid’ you need to explore in order to address your health issue, then you determine which biomarkers you need to check, to find out where your imbalances may be. And he stresses the importance of taking whatever drugs you need for your current issue, but that it is critically important to also dig deeper into how you got there, to find the underlying issue or issues. We must discover what happened, what created the dysfunction originally, to get to the source of the problem.
Saagar Govil, CEO of Cemtrex (cemtrex.com), discusses the way we work, how we work, and the innovative technology-oriented products that his company develops that will revolutionize our work environments.
Govil is an experienced business professional and has led the Cemtrex team as its CEO and president since 2011. He was recently honored by Business Insider, ranked seventeenth in their prestigious list: “Top 100 of Silicon Alley.” Additionally, Govil was named to Stony Brook University’s, “Top 40 Under 40.” Govil has a long history with Cemtrex, having previously served as their vice president of operations, where he was responsible for sales and marketing, production, as well as engineering. Govil has extensive experience as an applications engineer adept with individualized customer support on-site, and the design of ready to go engineered systems for a wide variety of projects. He holds a B.E. in Materials Engineering from Stony Brook University, NY.
Govil discusses the history of Cemtrex as a technology company active in the industry for more than two decades, and he outlines the kinds of clients to which they typically provide technology support. He talks about some of their innovative IoT products such as the Cemtrex SmartDesk, which is an advanced workstation that combines all the needs of the modern office into an intuitive sit/stand desk. Govil states that most people have seen incredible innovation come to their computers and personal devices, etc., but that nothing has changed for decades in regard to the office desk and our general workspace. Their groundbreaking product offers 72” of touchscreen, a stark gesture system that allows for touch and touchless gestures to assist workflow, a wireless phone charger, seamless document scanner, built-in keyboard and trackpad, a high-performance PC, integrated phones, and more. Govil explains how touchscreens accelerate workflow and increase interaction efficiency. And as we’ve seen in big budget Hollywood science fiction movies, it is now possible to utilize gesture controls by simply waving your hand in the air—Cemtrex has brought the future to our fingertips. He outlines the intricate details of how the technology works with their top of the line Windows environment and explains how SmartDesk users can configure their workflow with the Cloud, which increases efficiency and decreases clutter.
Cemtrex is a diversified technology company that seeks to continually drive innovation in a vast range of sectors, from smart technology to virtual and augmented realities, and beyond. Govil’s team’s mission is to introduce technology that will bring real value to people’s lives. Cemtrex, as Govil explains, continually looks for the greatest, brightest new technologies to integrate into their products.
Govil talks about the rollout of their products and the many backorders they are filling as the release begins. Their immersive experience maximizes productivity and Govil is excited about the benefits their integrated technology will bring to individuals, making the work day more efficient, and easier.
Govil talks about some of the early feedback he has received and potential changes that could come in future versions of their products. As the interest in their product has been intense, Govil expects to see more and more companies coming forward to revolutionize the way their workforce works. With a stated goal of helping people work smarter, and helping manufacturers streamline operations, Govil and his team at Cemtrex hope to bring new levels of intelligence and security to the modern business world, through their value-added, innovative technology-oriented products.
Matt Lipscomb, Ph.D., founder, and CEO of DMC Limited (dmcbio.com) delivers a thorough overview of the current state of industrial biotechnology.
Dr. Lipscomb is a veteran of the industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology field. He has experience working in a range of development stages from early R&D to commercial deployment, in many areas. Some notable past experience includes his tenure with OPX Biotechnologies, where he was a founding employee and served in various roles providing technical leadership and facilitating capital raises in excess of $60M. Dr. Lipscomb was highly respected for his leadership in the execution of a successful DOE (Department of Energy) ARPA-E Electrofuels program for the production of biodiesel from H2 and CO2. Dr. Lipscomb has ample technical expertise in multiple areas of research and production including process development and process modeling, microbial fermentation, technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of bio-based processes, and analytical chemistry.
Dr. Lipscomb provides some background on the genesis of DMC as a spinoff from Duke University, where the core technology was first developed by fellow DMC founder, Mike Lynch, MD, PhD. Dr. Lipscomb discusses the recent history of industrial biotechnology, including the technical challenges and barriers. He outlines how DMC’s technology was designed to help bring down costs, to circumvent barriers to development. By bringing down costs during every phase of a project, from inception to delivery of commercially relevant metrics, DMC facilitates the development of multiple specialty chemical products. Essentially, as Dr. Lipscomb states, deployment of their Dynamic Metabolic Control technology significantly reduces the cost and development timeline.
The biotechnology expert details specifics of the industry. As he explains, there are petroleum derivative products, which include the bulk of common products we use, and then there is another class of products made from methods such as fermentation or extraction from plant materials. He discusses the structural complexities, and cites specific examples of how some products are developed. Dr. Lipscomb delves into the chemical and economic modeling that DMC can provide, assisting product developers to bring their products to market more efficiently, and at reduced cost to the manufacturer.
Dr. Lipscomb details some of the bacterial processes, including a discussion of the various feedstocks used, etc. for development. He outlines the fermentation process and how the end result/product is derived. And he explains why certain processes are more challenging, discussing yield, volume, microbes, applications, cost, etc., with the ultimate issue being price point in the market. For as Dr. Lipscomb explains, the product must be delivered at a price point that is sustainable in the marketplace.
The DMC cofounder talks about some of the exciting new products that are coming to market. As he explains, one of the advantages of the DMC technology is that they can be very precise in what they create. And in regard to their value proposition, DMC seeks to develop products in a directed fashion, making things that other companies have difficulty developing, and in an economically efficient manner. DMC’s extremely low cost development will make metabolic engineering efforts accessible to everyone, and will create many new commercially viable bioprocesses and deliver sustainable routes to brand new products, as well as existing ones.
Andrej Nikonov, CEO at Cognostics AG (cognostics.de), discusses the science of thinking and the many ways AI can expand human knowledge and capability.
Andrej Nikonov, as CEO, is driven to discover new ways to apply physics and mathematics to real-world problems. Nikonov has a particular interest in stochastic processes and differential equations, evolving networks, and network theory-based models of physical systems. Regarding stochastic processes, in probability theory and other related fields, a stochastic process is a mathematical object typically defined as a collection of random variables.
Nikonov earned a bachelor's (equivalent) in physics from Universität Hamburg and a master's degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics from University of Cambridge. Nikonov continued his advanced studies of physics and mathematics at Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München.
Nikonov discusses the ways his company combines technologies, cognitive sciences, and artificial intelligence. Essentially, Cognostics is the science of thinking. Nikonov states that we live in an age of exploding complexity with change happening at an ever-increasing pace. Nikonov stresses that their goal is not to replace human thinking but to evolve it further. Nikonov’s company, Cognostics’ primary goal is to expand the limits of human thought. Cognostics seeks to create products and develop technologies that will enhance human cognitive ability and the human experience.
Nikonov talks about the areas in which they are highly involved, such as healthcare, education/universities, finance, government democracy, etc. He discusses their thorough e-learning environments that assist many businesses and entities to create AI-supported learning. He cites examples of how the system works within the healthcare space, giving an overview of patient diagnostics, communication, and how learning is applied in regard to patient treatment success and options. And he explains how doctors interact with their systems and tools.
Cognostics offers multiple products. Their Atlas product offers a unique approach that integrates advancements in learning methodology with the most current machine learning capabilities to create an abundant, interactive and intelligently structured specific knowledge space. Its machine intelligence proactively and freely seeks out developing areas of knowledge from the public as well as private sources. And Atlas exhaustively researches valued publications and databases or the open web to regularly update its knowledge graph.
Their Logos product delivers businesses, governments, and NGOs an opportunity to make more thoroughly sound decisions. The Cognostics structure pulls from decades of viable neuroscientific research regarding how the brain copes with complexity, to get to the root of problem-solving and to develop a visual reasoning architecture that can enhance basic thinking skills, assisting users to make better, meaningful decisions. Through the use of machine intelligence, the Logos suite of cognitive tools can significantly enhance the depth with which even the most diverse and complex issues can be examined cognitively.
Nikonov provides some insight into the new areas that Cognostics has branched into and hopes to further develop, from private projects to projects developed in tandem with the German government. From allocation of resources to long-term planning, the Cognostics’ system can provide many ways to assist companies and organizations with their growth and structure via the use of tools and technologies. Additionally, Nikonov expounds upon the other areas that he is enthusiastic about, specifically regarding machine learning that will transform human decision-making, deep learning, and knowledge management.
It’s easy to tell when we haven’t gotten enough quality sleep—we’re groggy in the morning and sluggish throughout the day—but it’s not nearly as easy to identify why. Is it stress? Lack of exercise? Could it be related to diet? While any one of these factors might be to blame, Ronald M. Bazar suggests a different player in the game—one that may not have occurred to you: your cell phone.
Over the past few decades, electronic devices have become ubiquitous, leading to an unprecedented amount of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Meanwhile, more and more research is showing evidence of how this is negatively impacting our sleep and health. If you find that hard to believe, consider the fact that most insurance companies refuse to insure manufacturers of cellular devices against liability since there is no way to ensure that the radiation they emit won’t cause health problems down the road. So what's the solution?
Having worked in the sleep industry for decades and having dealt with his own sleep issues, Ronald M. Bazar has become a sleep expert by researching almost every topic on the issue of sleep, reading articles and books, and trying all the tips and tricks. He’s decided to aggregate all the data and information he’s acquired over the years and put it into a single book called Sleep Secrets: How to Fall Asleep Fast, Beat Fatigue and Insomnia and Get a Great Night's Sleep. Now those who just can’t get a good night’s sleep finally have a chance at finding a solution that works. Tune in for more.
Susan Choe, venture capital expert, founder, and managing partner at Katalyst Ventures (katalyst-ventures.com), discusses the importance of funding start-ups that can make an impact on our world in a positive way.
Choe is a seasoned expert with 20+ years of solid experience in applied AI/data-driven business models in interactive content, online finance, and marketing industry segments across Asia and North America. Her approach to venture capital is about supporting and financially funding innovators who are making a difference in the world through technology, in multiple areas. In addition to running Katalyst Ventures, Choe is also the co-founder and managing partner of Visionnaire Ventures, the firm of which she led the first capital raise and subsequent deals with Taizo Son and renowned CFO of Movida, Fuyuki Yamaguchi. Choe has played an instrumental role in the success of a number of companies, founding Outspark, a leading online games publisher, heading up joint ventures with multiple corporations, and maintaining operating roles at many top online tech companies, including Yahoo’s international operations. Choe is keenly interested in helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through successful investment, service, and business model strategies.
Choe states that Katalyst Ventures is an early-stage AI fund, focusing mostly on firms that are data-driven. She discusses the reasons why Katalyst Ventures explores this particular area of the market, and at what stage they get involved. She explains that many of the companies and entrepreneurs that they invest in have at minimum one commercial partner already on board, and have tested out their products at least at a very preliminary stage. She talks about access to relevant data and the companies and entrepreneurs use of algorithms and natural language processing in their ventures. She cites specific examples of some of the ventures that Katalyst finds most interesting, and she details the intricacies of how they use data and AI. Choe’s firm seeks out solid companies with a fantastic plan for moving their company or idea forward. They work closely with the entrepreneurs to help them solve challenges, and offer strategic advice along the way, as Choe believes that entrepreneurs and business owners can actually change the world.
Choe outlines the various ways that Katalyst Ventures assists entrepreneurs and breakout companies. And as a financial advisory service company, they provide assistance in many areas, from the obvious—venture capital, but also with accounting, operations and systems services, helping visionary entrepreneurs get a solid footing in the market. Katalyst Ventures’ Accounting Services branch offers outstanding operational and financial leadership and company-building expertise, as Choe understands that early-stage companies may not yet have the current volume for a fulltime financial analyst or expert on board. Regarding their Operations branch, Katalyst Ventures can provide top-level assistance to help oversee operations in the early stage, to keep the momentum moving, but in a sound manner. And their Systems Support branch has the operational knowledge and years of expertise to assist entrepreneurs with all of their IT needs. From project evaluation to leading the project, finding appropriate vendors, etc., Choe’s firm can offer valuable assistance that can make the difference in the critical early stage of a company or start-up’s development.
The venture capitalist gives a historical overview of data and how we have come to use it in concert with modern technology such as AI and machine learning. Medical and operational tasks can be enhanced through the use of predictive technologies. Choe describes how the new technologies can be used to predict possible signs of illness as well as help to inform and educate physicians in the medical field. As she states, regarding data in the medical field, doctors can share data if regulations allow, which creates a larger network that is more aware and efficient.
Choe talks about her passion for assisting companies that have the greater good in mind. She cites examples of companies and startups that are doing great work, especially in the medical field, helping those in need. She discusses the results that her fund has achieved with various companies they have helped to capitalize. Choe states, of the seven Katalyst Ventures’ company investments, five are in the high growth mode. And as the fund pushes forward with new investments, Choe continues to look for entrepreneurs who bring together the right mix of potential profitability and usefulness to society.
Dr. W. Chris Winter, MD, renowned sleep specialist, author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It, and founder of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine (cvilleneuroandsleep.com), delivers a delightfully interesting overview of humans and our sleep patterns, including some practical advice on how to fix our sleep problems.
Dr. Winter knows sleep, so much so that celebrated journalist and media personality Arianna Huffington dubbed him "The Sleep Whisperer." With over twenty-five years in the field, Dr. Winter has been fully devoted to assisting people, helping them attain better sleep via his clinic, as well as private and/or group consultations. Dr. Winter is an in-demand sleep expert who has been contracted by professional athletes and noted personalities all over to assist with sleep, which is vital for our good health. His book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It received rave reviews around the globe, considered by many to be an extremely helpful guide to understanding sleep and figuring out how to correct sleep issues. The book received the sought-after accolade badges of ‘#1 New Release’ and ‘#1 Best Seller’ for sleep books on Amazon.
Dr. Winter discusses his early interest in sleep research that developed back during his undergraduate days. From university sleep studies to studies centering on circadian rhythms and light, to how sleep affects astronauts traveling to Mars, etc., there are so many possible areas of study, diverse and interesting, and Dr. Winter states he has a great interest in all of them.
Dr. Winter acknowledges that insomnia is not really an inability to sleep, but in fact is a state of hyperarousal or hyper fear. Patients with insomnia, as Dr. Winter explains, have a sense of this hyperarousal or fear as they move closer to the time for sleep. They may doubt their ability to sleep or feel aggravated, and worry about the possibility that they will simply just lie there and not experience sleep. However, biologically speaking, insomnia is theoretically impossible, for the body will force sleep onto individuals, at least 5 or 6 hours per 24-hour cycle. Dr. Winter speaks about reframing the problem from a different perspective in order to solve it, and he details the various types of so-called insomnia that people report. Regarding insomnia, Dr. Winter explains that there has been an exponential explosion of writing on the subject of neuroscience and the importance of sleep. He discusses the current high-energy world we live in and how it impacts our sleep, and our ability to get the kind of sleep we need.
Dr. Winter discusses the media’s understanding of sleep issues and how there is a lot of confusion out there regarding the subject. And he states that many of us don’t truly understand how we sleep or have a sense of the kind of sleep we are getting. The sleep doctor states that consistency is what our brains enjoy most, so the idea that everyone needs to sleep from 11pm to 7am is fallacy. Regardless of our sleep schedule, as long as it is consistent and regular, the brain can process that in a healthy way. It is the constant changing of sleep schedule, such as staying up late some nights, but going to bed early others, and doing that on and on, that can create a problem.
The sleep expert talks about the importance of understanding how we feel each day, to get a sense of how sleep is impacting our overall feeling. He discusses fatigue and why it is different from sleepiness. Thus the concept of ‘more sleep’ is not the answer; fatigue is the issue often. He cites specific examples from the many people he has helped, and discusses how some are simply given drugs by their physicians to help them sleep, but that the problem is not being addressed at its core. And he debunks many of the trendy sleep theories that do not follow scientific findings.
Dr. Winter outlines ways that people can take 20 or 30 minute rest opportunities during their days. Putting away the devices, turning out the lights, and finding a horizontal position are the basic steps toward inserting a rest break into our day. And as Dr. Winter states, whether you sleep or just lie there during these breaks, it doesn’t necessarily matter, for it is still a period of relaxation in which you are giving your body an opportunity to sleep if it wants to.
The sleep doctor relates some of the book reviews he has received, and how even the occasional bad review is something he appreciates, for his expectation is that those reviewers might mention his book to their doctor and that will start a dialogue that just might get them on a track to finding better sleep in their lives.
Dr. Winter is board-certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Additionally, he is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (under the American Board of Medical Specialties) specifically as a sleep medicine subspecialist. And he is a prominent member of multiple sleep and sleep research societies, and respected groups. Dr. Winter is an Echols Scholar graduate of the prestigious, University of Virginia and received his medical degree from Emory University. Upon graduation, Dr. Winter completed his neurology residency at the University of Virginia. As Chief Resident, he won a national American Academy of Neurology Teaching Award. Finally, Dr. Winter completed his Sleep Medicine fellowship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Rob Frizzell, co-founder, and CEO of OmniPreSense (omnipresense.com) delivers a detailed analysis of the sensor and monitoring market, and how new technology and improved short-range radar systems will bring efficiency and increased safety.
Frizzell is a seasoned technical marketing director with a reputation for bringing varied products to market. His wealth of business experience in multiple areas has allowed him to successfully navigate many competitive markets. Frizzell is an expert in project management, product launch, and translating products into customer design-ins, as well as revenue growth pricing strategy. He has worked with many successful companies and their powerhouse products including HP (tablets, notebooks), Asus (tablets, notebooks), Lenovo (tablets, notebooks), Sony (PS3, DTV), Samsung (DTV, smart phone), LG (DTV, smart phones, tablets) and Panasonic (DTV, BD player) as well as many others. Additionally, Frizzell is a technical expert with semiconductors covering touch MCU, RF, high-speed communications, power and flash memory. He has a strong passion for bringing products to market and helping businesses succeed.
Frizzell presents an overview of the work his company, OmniPreSense, is doing with short wave radar sensors. He states that his team saw a niche in the technical market as little attention was being given to radars, short-range radar as a sensor. Frizzell ‘s Silicon Valley startup develops and sells short-range radar sensors for a myriad of practical applications and implementation with traffic monitoring, drones, robotics, and IoT (smart city, smart home) applications. IoT stands for ‘Internet of Things’ and it is an ecosystem of connected physical objects that are accessible via the internet. OmniPreSense’s innovative solutions allow these systems to view the world in a millimeter wave spectrum. Frizzell states that safety is increased when smarter tech with improved operation lets systems act a bit like a camera, having knowledge about what’s out there, in front of it, etc.
The radar technology expert discusses the many markets, from drones to robotics, to traffic monitoring, etc. that can benefit from their short-range radar solutions. He states that in addition to the monitoring and coordination, the technology can provide real, hard data for users to implement into their future planning. And he gives an overview with specific examples of various radar designs that can be specialized and configured to specific tasks. He discusses the difficulties with drones due to regulations that are still being worked out with governing bodies. But he stresses that drones will certainly be flying overhead in large numbers, in the coming years.
Frizzell discusses smart cities and how technology can revolutionize traffic movement and efficiency, as well as improve on safety. He provides specific examples related to traffic dangers that could be circumvented with smart cities technology. He details some useful information about the additional ‘awareness’ of smart cities technology, such as the ability to extend crosswalk timers to allow for elderly or others who may need extra time to safely cross an intersection. And on the other side of the coin, the awareness could possibly allow traffic to move quicker off the light by curtailing a crosswalk signal if all pedestrians have safely moved out of the crosswalk.
Frizzell’s team has more than 50 years of experience bringing products to market. The radar sensor expert details some of the exciting new features they plan to build into their technology in the coming years, and the many possibilities for improving the way we live and experience environments.
Steve Griffiths, Ph.D., MS, chief operating officer, and SVP, Enterprise Analytics at Optum (optum.com), outlines the many changes and improvements that his company, Optum, seeks to bring to the healthcare industry.
Griffiths has a long history of leadership as a health IT executive and his passion is firmly rooted in actionable health care intelligence that brings innovation and change to the increasingly complex health ecosystem. Griffiths uses his experience in the health industry to assist providers as they push to improve practices to value-based care. Griffith believes it is important to treat people, not symptoms, and this care philosophy is the cornerstone of his work. Griffiths has many years experience in the health industry, most recently with Optum, but before his tenure there he was the director of healthcare informatics at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Griffiths holds a BS in Mathematics and Statistics from St. Olaf College, an MS in Biostatistics from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration from the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities.
Griffiths provides an overview of Optum, a health services company within United Health Group. He explains the various divisions of Optum and its main branches: Optum Health, Optum Rx, and Optum Insight. As Griffith explains, Optum provides health services across the entire health care system. Their health branch assists individuals and families, helping them attain the high-quality care they deserve, as well as assisting with the management of their prescriptions and health care finances. And Optum works with industry organizations, health plans, and providers as well, tackling the many and diverse challenges in modern healthcare. Their OptumRx branch acts as a pharmacy care services company that seeks to improve and maximize efficiency in pharmacy benefit management. The Optum system allows doctors to make informed decisions, staying current on all the latest developments. And their Data and Analytics branch utilizes the latest groundbreaking technology in artificial intelligence including natural language processing, machine learning, and neural networks to tailor healthcare solutions for specific needs. Optum essentially helps to transform hard data into insights. Griffiths refers to their data analytics as Optum IQ, as that is the center of the intelligence that drives all of their businesses, through the use of data, analytics, and expertise—all supported by technology.
The technology guru delves into the applied spaces that they see AI advancing, across the spectrum of healthcare industry entities. He discusses the predictive nature of technology that may direct a course of action, such as identifying diabetes patients sooner, predicting possible opioid usage, predicting probabilities for heart failure, and more, essentially assisting doctors, helping to provide a clearer, fuller picture of patients’ health profiles. Additionally, Griffith adds, the data can provide for more efficiency in the overall healthcare process as well, which helps everyone to get the care that they need faster.
Griffiths outlines the specifics of using AI to additionally verify patient information and identity, to ensure safety by helping to avoid human error in records and processing, etc. The AI healthcare technology expert talks about the future advances that are coming in the industry as the tech develops further. From advances within cloud services to clinical programs and clinical prediction of disease, prediction of future costs, and more, the many possibilities for improved care are exciting and Griffith expects Optum to be at the center of innovation within the industry.
More than 60 million Americans have been prescribed some type of psychotropic drug; many of these Americans are children who have shown trouble focusing in school, motor or vocal ticks, obsessive-compulsive behavior, or a range of other signs of varying intensity. Doctors generally aim to treat the symptoms, but what about the underlying cause of the symptoms? And if the cause could be identified, would a psychotropic drug still be the preferred form of treatment?
Craig Shimasaki, Ph.D., joins the podcast to discuss surprising new discoveries on this topic. He’s currently the CEO of Moleculera, a company that opened its doors in 2013 after five antibody targets were discovered in the central nervous systems of children who developed sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after a strep infection. When antibodies attack our joints, we call it rheumatoid arthritis, when they attack our pancreas, we call is diabetes type I, but what do we call it when they attack our brain? According to Dr. Shimasaki and the team at Moleculera, we should call it an infection-triggered autoimmune response known as “molecular mimicry,” which applies not only to OCD but to a subset of ADHD and autism diagnoses as well.
Moleculera has created a blood test that can identify specific markers which, in conjunction with a patient’s clinical signs, indicate whether or not a case of ADHD or autism has an immune-related cause. The patients who fall into this category have improved or seen total resolution of their symptoms after a course of anti-infectives and immune modulatory treatment. Over 1,200 doctors have already ordered the test, 7,600 patients have been tested, and Moleculera continues to accept blood samples from anywhere in the world.
Dr. Shimasaki offers compelling and informative insight on a range of topics, including how the treatment works and what exactly it consists of, whether or not immune dysregulation could also be involved in schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic depression, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and all the details of what Moleculera has in the works, such as the use of machine learning to develop a predictive algorithm for treatment efficacy, and a pharmacoeconomic model that would demonstrate the cost savings of this new method of testing for and treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Tune in and visit www.moleculeralabs.com to learn more.
Online clothing purchases today are premised on the idea that all you need to know is your size or measurements in order to guarantee a good fit, and while men can often get away with this, the reality is that women’s clothing purchases are much more complex. The fact that more than 30-50% of all online apparel purchases are returned is a testament to this, but even those who have the luxury of shopping in person struggle with getting the feedback they can rely upon and feeling confident with their purchases. More than 71% of millennial women send selfies to their friends when trying on clothes, but the chances that they’ll get a response from every friend while they’re still in the store are low.
Now there’s a solution: LookyLoo, an AI-powered social commerce platform that allows users to post photos and receive direct feedback on fashion choices from a cloud of other consumers. Meanwhile, the AI (better known as “Lucy”) learns based on how you and others to vote, leading to stronger, personalized, and specific recommendations. What looks good in fashion is contextual to location and age group, and Lucy takes this into account for every user.
“Fashion is art, and for a lot of people it’s an opportunity to be something beautiful,” says Chia-Lin Simmons, founder of LookyLoo. The app is already enormously popular, and the team at LookyLoo is looking to the future. Where’s that, you might ask? Cosmetics.
Tune in for all the details and find LookyLoo on Twitter and Instagram.
At one point or another we’ve all dealt with it: being unable to fall or stay asleep, or just waking up feeling absolutely exhausted in the morning, wishing we had the energy to do the things we love. For some of us, these problems are chronic and seriously disrupt our quality of life by leading to failing social lives, poor productivity, and even depression.
Danny Flood was one of those individuals until he decided it was time to do something. He experimented with a variety of tricks and techniques to see what worked best, and then compiled them all into a book so that others could benefit from what he’d learned. He joins the podcast to discuss some of the main highlights of Hack Sleep: How to Fall Asleep Faster, Increase Your Energy, and Wake Up Refreshed, which include the importance of keeping the circadian rhythm in sync (and some tips on how to do so), the role of adenosine and adenosine triphosphate in sleep, biphasic and polyphasic sleep schedules, foods that naturally boost melatonin, and recommendations for power napping.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a lack of sleep, Danny Flood is likely to have at least a few tips that'll help. Tune in for more and look for his book on Amazon.
Global CO2 concentrations have risen from approximately 270 to 400 ppm over the past 150 years with no signs of slowing, and at the current rate, the planet is expected to warm by roughly five degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This will lead to a number of detrimental effects on the environment and human society, not the least of which is a major impact on our current system of agriculture. At the root of this system is the process of photosynthesis, which is the best understood process in all of plant biology, but has always functioned outside of human influence…at least until now.
Donald Richard Ort is a professor at the University of Illinois whose area of expertise lies in the area of photosynthesis and the ability to reengineer it to be adapted for global climate change and to improve its efficiency in agricultural situations. This will be no easy task, considering the fact that CO2 concentration and temperature play competing for roles in a plant’s ability to photosynthesize and survive.
Professor Ort joins the podcast for an informative and compelling discussion on a variety of topics, ranging from mechanistic computer models used to predict how to optimize photosynthesis under certain conditions, artificial photosynthesis via biomimicry, why breeders have selected for upright leaf angles in grasses over the past several decades, the modulation of chlorophyll concentration in leaves, and SoyFACE, a research facility at University of Illinois where CO2 concentration and temperature are being raised in a controlled environment to learn more about and prepare for what’s coming in the near future.
Tune in for the full conversation, and stay up to date on the latest research at soyface.illinois.edu.
As the co-founder and president of LunaDNA, Dawn Barry shares a vision of creating the first ever community-owned human health database comprised of donated DNA, medical, and environmental information, resulting in a scope and scale of data that’s never before been possible. The aim is to provide donors with control, privacy, and transparency over their data, which means that every donor will know where and to what type of research their information is going, and will always maintain the right to delete their data at any time.
Aside from the intrinsic value of empowering research, giving back, and contributing to new discoveries that could enhance all of our lives, donors will acquire shares in the company and receive compensation in the form of dividends with each donation made. The ultimate goal is to reshape research and accelerate breakthroughs in health and quality of life by aggregating and organizing data from a variety of sources, not the least of which are understudied populations.
The team at LunaDNA is patiently awaiting qualification by the SEC; once received, the platform will be open to the public. They’re thinking long-term, with a plan to implement additional portals for sharing electronic health records, and lifestyle and fitness information through APIs such as Fitbit. Interested in learning more?
Hit play and visit lunadna.com to sign up to receive the newsletter.
There’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of seeing your favorite sports team in person while surrounded by hundreds or thousands of other fans rooting right along with you, but for the 100 million Americans who don’t live in the same town as their favorite team, this experience is difficult if not impossible to come by. As the president and founder of FanWide, Symon Perriman set out to change this.
FanWide is the world’s largest fan club network that’s connecting likeminded sports fans—regardless of where they live or travel—in a way that until now has only been possible for those who live in the local market. How are they doing it? By creating a virtual stadium at every sports bar around the country where fans can interact, play games, and cheer on their team in unity. But that’s not all: FanWide incentivizes fans for showing up to events by providing rewards such as free beer, contest entries, and the potential to win cryptocurrency tokens that can be spent on game tickets, sports merchandise, and sports apparel.
“I found that sports were one of the few things that really transcend where you’re from, what language you speak, your gender, your ethnicity…if you can find fans from the same team, it builds up that immediate bond or connection, and we’re providing…an easy way to have that bond and find those people from the same tribe or background through our digital platform, and then bring them together in real-world events,” says Perriman.
Tune in for all the details and visit fanwide.com for an event near you.
One of the biggest challenges for any data-centric organization is in understanding the type of data that exists and knowing how best to manage it. When document classification is done incorrectly or not done at all, a variety of possibilities emerge that threaten network security and smooth business operations. Wide permissions on documents open the door to fraudulent activity, and conflicts between the business and IT side of an organization about how to handle certain types of data can cause further problems that increase vulnerability to attacks and data breaches. This is where DocAuthority can help.
By creating an automatic inventory of all organizational data with 99.9 percent accuracy and identifying unprotected sensitive documents, consistent document classification and network security concerns are taken care of in a way that allows business processes to continue uninterrupted. As the CTO and founder of DocAuthority, Ariel Peled joins the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of the products and solutions they offer, as well as new products and initiatives on the horizon. Tune in and visit docauthority.com to learn more.
Mike Michalowicz, author, entrepreneur, investor, and business-success consultant (mikemichalowicz.com), delivers an insightful overview of the methods and practices that entrepreneurs can use to grow their businesses and build upon a solid foundation.
Mike Michalowicz doesn’t believe in wasting time; in fact, there is no time to waste when you are a sought-after speaker, consultant, and prolific author of multiple books on business and entrepreneurship. Only in his third decade of life on this earth Michalowicz had already founded and sold two multi-million-dollar companies and was looking for more opportunities to dive into. Riding high on his confidence from recent successes he dove headfirst into angel investing where he proceeded to lose most of the financial security he had put away, but… like a true entrepreneur, he dusted himself off and built it all back again with new ventures and a wise plan to grow strong companies from the ground up, block by block, to success. Michalowicz has received much exposure for his line of successful books and also for his method known as the “Profit First Formula,” which is a means for businesses to ensure profitability from their very next deposit forward and ongoing.
Mike is the celebrated author of Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, Clockwork, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, and others. He discusses his desire to end entrepreneurial poverty, and his drive to share the secrets that can help businesspeople succeed, and build their dreams. Michalowicz’s first book discussed the concept of hiding profit away, referred to as ‘profit first,’ which caught the attention of business leaders and publishers, and was one of his first methods that business leaders responded to positively.
Michalowicz details the stages of sales in business and how business owners can take steps that bolster their finances and ultimately their confidence to move their businesses forward, have balance in their lives, and more control of their path. He outlines the variables in business, such as productivity and efficiency, and the importance of choreographing all resources to achieve results and allow a business to run more automatically.
Michalowicz also stresses the importance of actually taking time to ‘think,’ to process your ideas as they come, and prioritize new avenues for growth. He cites the example of bees and their environment and how each bee understands its role in the ultimate goal of producing eggs, and compares that to efficiency and understanding in business activities that produce higher productivity. Additionally, he discusses the importance of discovering where your survivability and thrivability exist, to understand what your brand promises, and what is the one activity that makes that promise a reality. He discusses the brand, FedEx, and how their success ultimately is based upon their primary function: logistics and delivery of packages on time. Thus it is important to identify what your brand promises and always deliver it.
The business-success author underscores the importance of having people on your team who can coordinate all the resources and line them up to achieve results via fulfilling customer satisfaction, delivering on promises, innovating, and more.
Michalowicz has moved into his third million-dollar venture and is always looking for new opportunities. He is a former columnist for The Wall Street Journal, former MSNBC business makeover expert and consultant, and is a sought-after keynote speaker on innovative entrepreneurial issues. As a celebrated business author and journalist his methods and practices have become popular tools utilized by entrepreneurs everywhere. His books are go-to manuals for many successful business leaders and his book, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, was referred to by BusinessWeek as “the entrepreneur’s cult classic.”
Jason Andrew is the CEO of Limelight Health (limelighthealth.com), and a health and technology innovator and visionary. Andrew discusses Limelight Health’s goal to deliver the most efficient, compelling quoting and underwriting platform for the employee benefits industry.
Andrew’s extensive background as an agent in Silicon Valley where he was engaging daily with game-changing technology motivated and inspired him to launch innovative tools for the health insurance industry. He is an experienced startup entrepreneur with a passion for solving problems in the health insurance, health education, and wellness industries.
Andrew is a recognized health insurance and health reform expert and sought-after leadership advisor in the industry who excels at bringing key individuals together to solve complex problems and innovate. Notably, Andrew served as CEO and founder of Stone Meadow Benefits & Insurance Associates, CEO and co-founder of Coverage Partners, VP business development and co-founder of PK4Tech, and as VP and managing producer of Lawson-Hawks Insurance Associates.
The healthcare and technology expert discusses the current state of operations in his industry. He states that many facilities are utilizing systems and platforms that are 20 or 30 years old and are simply antiquated, unable to keep up with the changing times and technologies. He discusses some of the problems in the industry, and underscores how communication between industry players is critical. And he explains the importance of using API data. API, which stands for application programming interface, allows a service or product to talk to other services or products. Therefore, an API allows data and functionality to be introduced or opened up to other developers and businesses, and it is a common way in which companies exchange their data and services.
Andrew discusses the stage of their production and funding, and his expectations for the future. He states they have customers using their products and more and more companies are coming forward to overhaul their outdated systems, which increases efficiency for companies and consumers alike. He discusses the ratings of various plans from dental to life to health, and how their platform allows for a better grasp of products that are available.
Limelight Health’s mission and primary goal is to deliver ongoing industry innovation and provide time-efficient, current, accurate data to the industry and health community at large. Through their work with comprehensive quoting and decision support, Limelight Health is able to generate successful, fluid end-to-end integrations with the most current technologies.
Charles Martin, PhD, data scientist, machine learning AI consultant, and chief scientist at Calculation Consulting, delivers a thorough overview of the technologies that are helping companies expand their customer base and increase revenue.
Martin is an experienced professional in machine learning, deep learning, data science, and AI software development. He has a long history in the technology field and was instrumental in the development of machine learning systems for major corporations and companies such as GoDaddy, Aardvark (acquired by Google), eBay, and Blackrock. Martin assisted Demand Media in their successful mission to become the first $1B IPO since Google. His specialization in software engineering and ML experience has made him a top consultant for many companies. Additionally, Martin is a full stack developer for web, object oriented, and numerical programming. Martin earned his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry from the University of Chicago.
Martin gives an overview of his company and explains how they specialize in AI and machine learning with a keen focus on translating research into products. Calculation Consulting operates primarily in three areas, strategy, data science, and product development. In regard to strategy, the company seeks to find ways to design new products and predict revenue streams from aggregate data. Regarding data science, their team provides data solutions by applying machine learning algorithms to discover the essential patterns that can drive traffic, engagement, and sales. And in product development, Calculation Consulting builds and deploys contemporary, end-to-end, highly sophisticated, cloud-based software systems.
The technology visionary discusses some of the areas his company excels in, such as semantic search and matching. Semantic relates to ‘meaning’ in language. Semantic search improves search accuracy by more fully understanding a searcher’s intent via the contextual meaning. By utilizing concept matching, synonyms, and natural language algorithms, a semantic search can produce a better interactive search and deliver more specific personalized results. He discusses some of the prototypes he has built in this area of the tech field. Martin expounds upon the ways that research has progressed especially thanks to Kaggle, the successful online community of data scientists and machine learners that is powered and owned by Google, Inc. Kaggle enables its many users to locate and publish data sets, to intensely explore and build models in a web-oriented data-science environment, work in connection with other data scientists, enter their work in competitions, and so forth. Martin explains how Facebook, Google, and Amazon alone have put thousands of their top engineers to work on these types of open source projects to develop the most innovative research and turn it into real tools and products.
He discusses some of the top open source tools for natural language processing, and his techniques for running them in actual production, working with queries, etc. in the real world. He explains that the process of pulling all this information together, understanding how to utilize the techniques, methods, etc. is an area of their particular expertise.
Martin explains in detail the methods of analyzation and how the technology is useful in a practical business work environment. He discusses their project phases and how they assist companies, citing specific examples of companies they have helped, to use neural networks to solve business-specific problems. Martin discusses click-thru and view prediction models, and gives examples of businesses that Calculation Consulting has assisted in their quest to learn more about customer behavior to increase revenue. Specifically, Martin details ways to increase click-thru efficiency using machine learning, and other tips to drive interest and sales.
The machine learning specialist relates how, today, there are so many problems that can be solved via machine learning technology. He discusses online traffic and clicks and the successes he has had growing companies with the technologies, some of which have seen their revenue streams expand to amazing new levels. Further, Martin discusses the reservations that some high-level managers and even CEOs may have about making the transition to the new technologies, in spite of the exponential advantages for their companies. But Martin states that while some companies are slow to move, those with the right mindset, who hunger to jump into the AI arena, are clients that he and his team at Calculation Consulting can help to reach new levels of success in business.
Jane Antony, postdoctoral researcher, Stanford Medicine, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, delivers an important and thorough overview of the current state of cancer research and methods that may lead to promising new discoveries.
Antony worked toward her Ph.D. through a unique joint program of the National University of Singapore and Imperial College London to bolster her study and understanding of cancer cell biology. She has been an active member of various research groups in Singapore and the UK that focus their efforts primarily on cancer biology, ovarian cancer, metastasis, signal transduction, and therapeutics. Her current work pertains to the identification of innovative therapeutic targets in invasive breast cancer illuminating differential signaling schemas in tumor heterogeneity. Antony is constantly curious, with a passion for understanding the link between metastasis and cancer stem cells.
Antony discusses her current cancer research. She states since cancer is an intrinsic disease, whatever you use to target it will impact the normal healthy tissue as well. Generally, a disease's etiology, or cause, can be classified as intrinsic, extrinsic, or idiopathic. Antony’s particular interest is in regard to metastasis and how cancer spreads. Antony states that many cancers can be removed surgically and can utilize therapies that shrink the cancer cells, but if it spreads to other organs it becomes more difficult to treat. Antony gives a detailed analysis of what is currently known about DNA as it relates to cancer growth. She describes the different types of cancers, how they metastasize, and typically where they travel to, or could. Additionally, she provides an in-depth overview of the current therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. In regard to radiation therapy, it certainly has an effect on normal cells as well, and chemotherapy, unfortunately, becomes less effective over time and multiple treatments.
Antony talks about some of her work and areas of particular interest such as tumor suppressors. Understanding how tumor suppressors are involved in the development of cancer, specifically genes that regulate Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) can quite possibly provide some important answers. A gene of great interest is the OPCML, which is present in healthy, normal cells but is switched off in cancer, which makes treatment very difficult with lowered chances for recovery. Understanding how this gene functions in cells is a critically important issue. Targeting genes that regulate RTKs can lead to possible gene-based cancer therapies for patients.
Antony details other important developments in research, such as limiting dilution assays (LDA). LDA is designed to define an undetermined frequency of effector cells within a population. They are dose-response assays that enable detection of a positive or negative immunoresponse in each unique culture within replicates that vary in the number of actual responder cells tested. By calculating stem cell frequencies researchers can study how stem cells are evolving throughout treatment.
Antony describes her findings in regard to stem cells and various types of cancers. She states that in blood cancers, the methods are somewhat different, in that bone marrow is removed and then reinstated after treatment has flushed out the affected area. Obviously, this is a treatment advantage of liquid cancers, for solid tumor cancers cannot benefit in the same way due to their form. And she talks about an assortment of other interesting trials that are underway that may provide further answers of great benefit to science and medicine.
Antony is a postdoctoral member of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), as well as a member of the EMT International Association, and an associate member of the American Association for Cancer Research. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the National University of Singapore, a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine.
Dr. Sabrina Leslie, Associate Professor of Physics and Quantitative Life Sciences at McGill University, leads listeners on an interesting journey into the complex and important world of molecule imaging and research.
As an experienced researcher and respected university leader at McGill, Dr. Leslie founded her single-molecule imaging laboratory in 2012. The lab was instrumental in the development of novel techniques to discover and explore complex interactions and dynamics of macromolecules. Dr. Leslie has pursued doctoral studies in optical physics, has completed extensive research on biomolecules in liquids, and explored her passion for imaging in a health sciences context. She is a recipient of a Mary Fieser Postdoctoral Fellowship, and her work at Harvard led to the invention of a single-molecule imaging technology known as Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC). And it was this groundbreaking work in the field that thrust her onto the international stage as a noted pioneer in single-molecule investigations with a broad range of applications. Dr. Leslie earned her Ph.D. in Optical and Atomic Physics at the University of California at Berkeley
Dr. Leslie discusses her lab’s intensive work deconstructing molecular interactions to answer questions in biology and develop new drugs for medical and therapeutic applications. She talks about the importance of time scales, speed of camera, and resolution, in their work as they seek to visualize the interactions in real time. By using cameras they are able to watch molecules for a long time and deconstruct the methods of operation.
Collaborating with biochemists and cancer scientists, as well as applied mathematicians, the Leslie Lab’s single-molecule investigations of protein and DNA interactions, have provided significant new information about gene regulation mechanisms. Specifically, Dr. Leslie’s work has also been focused on exploring a wide range of interactions and dynamics of proteins and DNA, as well as other macromolecules, and with regard to molecular shape and environment.
The macromolecule researcher details her lab’s groundbreaking work with the imaging technology known as Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC). As she explains, the process works by essentially squeezing the tiny molecules into little traps so that the essence of the molecule is completely held in focus, viewable from all angles. And by utilizing fluorescent labels they are able to closely track them for observation.
She details some of their current research regarding DNA binding with a focus on applications and therapeutics, etc. As they continued their experimentation they began introducing other molecules and polymers, to fill up space and then observe how DNA probes find their target sites. As she states, they have a particular interest in the nexus between the physics and the biology, where structural elements can have an impact on the biochemical reactions. Further, she talks about some surprising discoveries regarding proteins and droplet formation simulation.
In concert with biochemists in Montreal, Dr. Leslie’s team is instigating CLiC studies of non-membranous organelles (NMOs). Liquid droplets form when proteins and nucleic acids phase-separate from cellular material, similar to how oil separates from water. Importantly, there is significant evidence suggesting that misregulation of MMOs is associated with select diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Lastly, Dr. Leslie expounds upon some of the areas of research they are most excited to dig into, such as gene editing, and she gives an overview of their collaborations with pharmaceutical companies on oligonucleotide therapeutics. (Oligonucleotide therapeutics is an inventive class of biopharmaceutical products composed of short strings of synthetic nucleotides that resemble the actual building blocks for DNA.)
Rayne Steinberg, chief executive officer of Arca Funds (arcafunds.com), discusses the complex and constantly evolving digital marketplace, financial products, and ways that qualified investors can successfully navigate the vast sea of new currencies and platforms.
Steinberg is a seasoned securities structuring and risk management professional. He has played an instrumental role in many businesses, including his influential contributions as co-founder of WisdomTree. Steinberg was responsible for raising capital, building and overseeing the sales team that successfully raised $50 Billion in ETF AUM. Steinberg earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton School of Business.
Steinberg discusses his early journey into the business, including his time as co-founder of WisdomTree. He explains the financial products and fee structures, and how high fee was a problem that made it difficult for industries to disrupt themselves. His interest in crypto was that it was an asset class for people to invest in, but it was also a novel wrapper in which to wrap many and various financial service products. Specifically speaking, ETFs are wrappers that are comprised of multiple securities representing an overall investment strategy.
Steinberg explains his company’s model and intentions. Arca Funds applies to sound, institutional-grade asset management processes to the future-forward crypto and blockchain-investing arena. Arca Funds’ primary focus is on stable regulation and security, compliance, as well as custody and risk management. Steinberg discusses how our current system has largely been centralized, with individuals giving their trust to authorities to maintain their transactions, etc. Thus, the new model of crypto represents a reconfiguration of that system, as its approach is one of decentralization. He gives an example of how in the new digital ecosystem, individuals are the custodians of their own passcodes, and so forth, placing a higher level of responsibility upon the individual. As Steinberg states, with the new freedom in the digital market comes new risks as well, and Arca Funds was designed specifically to help individuals bridge the gap between the old and new, to find their footing in these rapidly expanding digital markets. The Arca Funds platform allows for safe experimentation as users gain experience in the markets.
Steinberg outlines many of their products. Arca launched a series of quality funds designed to offer greater diversified and compliant exposure to the expanding crypto asset class. And down the road, they plan to develop unique tokenized products that will significantly disrupt and replace the aging landscape of centralized, expensive financial service products that are not easily converted into cash. And as there is the risk in the markets, Steinberg states that their platform is only available for high net worth individuals and qualified buyers, as is defined by regulators. He explains the intricate details of their various products’ structures, and who they would be attractive for, and why. And he details how Arca Funds is able to assist in the qualifying of asset products that come into the marketplace. From Bitcoin to Ethereum, regarding hedge funds, and so much more, Steinberg’s Arca Funds evaluates the many opportunities and provides real, sound information on them. And as the products are not just security products but are also technology products, Arca Funds’ team utilizes a thorough process to get to know the products, and the technology, as the digital market is quite complex for the average user. As such, Arca Funds’ returns typically better the averages.
The Arca team systematically and thoroughly combines their many decades of institutional asset management experience; a broad history of successful, relevant business creation; and the technical expertise to create real value for the individuals they service.
Michael A. Grandner, PhD, Arizona College of Medicine, provides an overview of the many aspects of sleep, how it impacts functioning, and the ways we can improve the quality of our sleep.
Dr. Grandner is an experienced researcher, noted speaker, and respected colleague at many prestigious institutions. He serves as the director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, and as director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic at the Banner-University Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Grandner is an assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and medicine in the UA College of Medicine, assistant professor of psychology in the UA College of Science, as well as an assistant professor of nutritional sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He is certified in behavioral sleep medicine by the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Grandner discusses the connections between sleep and health and how it plays an important role in many and various areas of functioning. He states that a lot of their research focuses on finding ways to help with sleep improvement. He looks at quality and quantity of sleep, timing, when people are sleeping, and why. He gives details on the range of ways they study sleep in their laboratory. He talks about the various types of emerging technologies that can assist them with measuring the aspects of sleep. As sleep exists deep in the brain, it is impossible to perfectly measure sleep, thus Dr. Grandner states that they must measure around it, guessing at other measures such as movement and brain wave activity, etc.
Achieving healthy sleep is crucial for great overall health, cardiovascular health, and is also an important factor in obesity, diabetes, and psychological well being. And as such, when we don’t get enough of it, or the quality level is low, functioning can be impacted in many ways. Interestingly, Dr. Grandner points out that many people actually degrade their own opportunity to achieve quality sleep by reinforcing periods of insomnia. As he states, the best thing to do when you’re in bed and can’t sleep is to get up. Lying in bed and trying to fight it only reinforces the state, essentially teaching your brain that bedtime is a time for brain activity and thought. Thus getting out of bed and taking on some sort of activity till you feel ready to sleep could prove helpful.
Dr. Grandner outlines some of the research and interesting studies his team is involved with currently as well as other studies on the horizon. Current research focuses on the ways sleep and sleep-related behaviors could be connected to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, neurocognitive functioning, mental health, and even longevity. Their projects have been funded by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the American Heart Association (AHA).
Their community-based studies consider a vast swath of issues from social environment, access to care, stress, diet, and exercise, as well as aspects of cardiometabolic functioning, to look at the ways sleep is related to each. Dr. Grandner seeks to develop new tools to help people gauge the kind of sleep they are getting and how to improve it. In regard to sleep, Dr. Grandner states, it is not something that you can command. We need to give ourselves the right environment, mentally and physically, that will allow sleep to happen. He discusses the quality versus the quantity, and the ways to evaluate that, as well as the importance of regular sleep patterns.
Dr. Grandner discusses the internal body clocks that govern function, and the various types of personalities and genes that play a role in sleep schedules. He discusses the sleep-wake system versus the circadian system, which relates to the biological process that displays an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of approximately 24 hours. He explains how hormone shifts and rhythms can be changed, shifted, and blunted, and how light can help with making adjustments, in regard to the winter blues, seasonal affective disorder, etc.
Dr. Grandner has published over 100 articles and chapters on myriad issues relating to sleep and health. His significant work in the field has been cited over 2,500 times. Dr. Grandner is associate editor of the recognized journal, Sleep Health, and he serves on the editorial boards of various other journals: SLEEP, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and others. He is a sought-after speaker on the connection between sleep and good health and as such has been invited often to the National Institutes of Health, and has presented for the US Congress.
It’s true: we’re wired to eat, but what should we be eating? Is there a one-for-all holy grail of diets that we just haven’t found yet, or is an “appropriate” diet something that varies from person to person? How much should we be exercising, and does stress really contribute to weight gain? The answers you get will probably depend on who you’re asking. Today’s podcast focuses on Robb Wolf’s opinion on these and a variety of other topics.
As one of the world’s leading experts in paleo nutrition, author of two books on The New York Times Best Seller list (The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet and Wired to Eat), and former research biochemist, it’s safe to say his opinions carry a lot of weight. Tune in for an intriguing and eye-opening conversation that touches on the role of diet, lifestyle, genetics, epigenetics, socialization, and the gut microbiome in overall health and quality of life.
Visit robbwolf.com to join his newsletter and access a plethojump-start materials that’ll help jump start your journey to health.
Here is the article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2679460
Talk of the need for a renewable, clean energy source is everywhere these days, but until now, aluminum hasn’t really been a player in the discussion. Why not? Josiah Nelson asked the same question when a mistake in the lab led him to observe an unexpected reaction between water and aluminum that’d been stripped of its outermost layer. The result? An intense bubbling created by the oxidation of water, leaving nothing behind but hydrogen and aluminum oxide.
He soon realized he’d stumbled upon something that could change the world: a 100% renewable way to make hydrogen and electricity with efficiencies comparable to fossil fuels at about one-fifth of the cost of non-renewable and unclean hydrogen-generating processes. That’s not all: this process of hydrogen generation is scalable and reliable enough for industrial manufacturing.
It didn’t take long for him to join forces with Tirthak Saha in the founding of Trolysis, a company devoted to bringing this technology to market and ultimately powering the world. With the demand for hydrogen hovering somewhere around 90 billion metric tons per year in the US alone, Nelson’s claim to have found the holy grail for renewable energy enthusiasts might just be legitimate. Both Nelson and Saha offer an exciting and engaging discussion about the Trolysis technology, the underlying chemistry at play, and the three main problems with other methods of hydrogen regeneration. Hit play and learn more at trolysis.com.
The traditional pathway to what’s considered a “successful” career is becoming less and less popular, and for some who find themselves under circumstantial constraints, it’s nearly impossible. But at the intersection of the rapidly changing worlds of employment, education, and technology, seeking alternative routes to a successful life has never made more sense, and perhaps never been so potentially lucrative. But how do we know where to begin, and how do we know what type of support will be necessary along the way?
According to Hamoon Ekhtiari, the answers might be simpler than we think: “We need to have a Google Maps for the future of working and learning; just like Google Maps helps us navigate the physical world, we need something to help us navigate the unpredictable world of work and learning,” he says, and as the CEO of FutureFit AI, this is exactly what he’s creating. Imagine being able to locate yourself in terms of the skills and experience you currently bring to the table, set a career, income, or educational destination, and then sit back while AI algorithms use millions of data points to deliver a variety of potential pathways based on your specific requirements; it’s quite literally like a roadmap to your future life. That’s not all: you’ll also receive mentorship, support, and coaching for arising needs or unexpected roadblocks along your route.
FutureFit AI is currently working with numerous employers, enterprises, and government institutions that want to help their employees upscale and rescale their jobs alongside the changing landscape of work and technology, expanding the realm of possibilities to include more than just promotion-based career advances. Interested in learning more? Tune in and visit futurefit.ai.
John Kupice, chief executive officer of H-Source (h-source.com), provides an interesting overview of the important work his company is doing to help hospitals and clinics save money so they can do what they do best—provide quality healthcare to their communities.
As Kupice explains, H-Source is a hospital to hospital/ medical facility to medical facility marketplace. As he states, shockingly, the medical marketplace in the United States has a ten billion dollar waste problem, regarding medical supplies and products with an expiration date, and an additional five billion in non-controlled pharmaceuticals. Kupice’s company, H-Source, has created a cloud-based marketplace in which hospitals and medical facilities can exchange equipment and products, etc., instead of throwing them out or having them end up in landfills. As Kupice describes, H-Source is sort of an Amazon meets Linked In approach to a forward-thinking marketplace that is changing the industry.
Kupice is the CEO of H-Source and serves on its board of directors as well. Prior to becoming the company’s chief executive, Kupice assisted its founder with the capital raise and development of their business model. Kupice has a storied career in business, notably leading many formidable companies in multiple industries. He was VP of Development for TruCare Solutions, Inc. where he played a vital role in the consolidation and analysis of crucial patient outcome data for alternative treatment modalities. Outside of the healthcare industry, Kupice was chief executive officer for a successful entertainment technology company and was instrumental in attaining company goals regarding reseller and supplier relationships, capital acquisition, and merger and acquisition of competitors. Additionally, Kupice put ten years in at Ernst & Young, LLP, most recently as national director of the Lawson Practice where he provided program management and implementation assistance for clients in a myriad of industries, including healthcare. Kupice holds a B.A. in accounting from the University of West Florida.
Kupice discusses the many and various types of products that are regularly thrown out from catheterization laboratories and operating rooms, etc. due to physician preference, supplier demands, and other issues. Through H-Source, hospitals and medical facilities can now recover up to forty cents on the dollar or more for their items, whereas previously they were total write-offs, tossed out at a total loss, donated, or sold off at lower rates, perhaps ten to twenty cents on the dollar or lower. Kupice outlines how hospital margins are narrowing, with rising costs, especially in labor costs, and thus mid-sized to large hospitals are having significant problems staying in business, keeping their doors open. Thin margins are making hospital administrators critically rethink every expenditure, and all waste and H-Source is seeing an influx of new customers regularly.
As many hospitals have been forced to downsize their labor staff, Kupice states that some are actually bringing new staff on board, specifically to utilize H-Source and its tools to find ways to cut other costs and create value. Kupice muses about how the changes are bringing key players together to create a unified healthcare industry that works more efficiently and provides savings for everyone. But beyond the dollars and cents, and the economic metrics, there is another wonderful aspect of H-Source’s marketplace, and it pertains to jobs and patient care. As many large hospitals can benefit by selling off items and cutting their financial waste, small community healthcare facilities often become the buyers of these items. Allowing small community facilities an opportunity to buy as they need, and avoid costly large orders, it often makes the difference between keeping a part-time nurse on staff and letting him or her go. Thus, the economics and savings create better financials for small facilities that enable them to keep their staff gainfully employed, which means more quality care for small communities in need.
H-Source’s innovative marketplace model is improving the healthcare industry across the board, from the largest city hospitals to the small town community clinics. And Kupice is excited about the future possibilities that will help bring quality healthcare to more people by cutting waste and increasing opportunity.
Troy Hickerson, global nutrition activist and co-founder of Active For Good (activeforgood.com), delivers an important, informative overview of the crucial work that needs to be done, and what we can all do, to save malnourished children globally.
Troy Hickerson is a passionate business leader. For nearly twenty years Hickerson has applied his in-depth knowledge of problem-solving and opportunity creation to help small to mid-sized companies utilize technology to succeed. As a cloud services expert, Hickerson wanted to find a way to merge his technology experience with his personal goals of serving those who suffer from extreme poverty and malnutrition. As Hickerson states, one-quarter of children in the developing world are malnourished.
Hickerson splits his time between assisting startups and established businesses with service business operations, positioning and strategy, business model analysis, and problem-solving, and pushing his organization, Active For Good, forward on its mission to assist in the global nutrition problem. Hickerson explains the connection his organization makes between the world’s populations, between those who want to lose calories and those who need calories. Through a series of programs Active For Good runs, for every calorie someone burns when they are working to stay active can equate to a calorie of food given to a malnourished child. By creating activities and teams, users of the platform are motivated to help themselves while simultaneously helping others in the world.
Making a difference is what Active For Good is all about. Hickerson talks about the important issues that Active For Good tackles in its mission to create change and help people globally. Active For Good was initiated by the founders of MANA Nutrition, a non-profit organization that manufactures RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food) used to combat severe acute malnutrition and childhood death. Hickerson explains how MANA ships over 500,000 packets of RUTF per day as they provide life-saving therapeutic food via partners such as Save the Children, World Vision, Doctors without Borders, UNICEF, and USAID.
Through the Active For the Good app, wellness teams, individuals, and employee groups can take the challenge, sign up online, and get started with healthy activities that will not only improve their health but will generate much-needed revenue so life-saving nutritional foods can be delivered to those in need. Activity is tracked through Google Fit, Apple’s HealthKit, or similar tracking tools, and company employees, friends, or whomever, can engage in competition that keeps it fun while working toward personal goals, and goals for humanity. Through the point system, points count toward meals for children. And the app shows you what the process is like and creates an educational opportunity to learn about the areas of the world where people are truly in need.
Hickerson discusses the enthusiasm he sees in people when they get a sense of how their small actions can make an enormous impact on children’s lives globally. As he states, nutrition is critical in a child’s developing years, and there can be severe consequences if a child is malnourished, even if they survive. Thus the Active For Good mission provides an opportunity for companies, groups, and individuals to lend a hand to those who need it, which is a vital part of the human experience.
Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, MD, founder, and CEO of Diet Doctor (dietdoctor.com), delivers an informative presentation on the nutrition to health connection.
Dr. Eenfeldt is a Swedish medical doctor who specializes in family medicine. As founder and CEO of Diet Doctor, Eenfeldt leads a team of forty coworkers. For more than ten years, Dr. Eenfeldt has maintained the biggest health blog in Sweden with a tremendous following, and he is the author of a best-selling book on nutrition that is now available in eight languages. Throughout his extensive career as a family physician, he has treated many patients with low-carb, high-fat diets and has helped many people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. With a sense of urgency to get his message to a larger audience, Dr. Eenfeldt sought new opportunities to spread the word thus Diet Doctor was born. Diet Doctor is growing daily and is the largest low-carb and keto website in the world, now with more than 350,000 visits daily.
Dr. Eenfeldt discusses how nutrition is not really a major focus of study in medical school curriculums, and as such medical students interested in the nutrition to health connection must largely study it on their own. He talks about the effect of nutrition and diet on individuals as they age. With conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure, diet becomes even more important he states.
As their mission states, taking back your good health in an often-unhealthy world requires some critical thinking, and acting differently. We must put our trust in science and nature and avoid the fads and quick fixes. Changing lifestyle choices and increasing good nutrition can truly make an impact almost as quickly as you begin, but it takes dedication. Diet Doctor seeks out the most credible, trustworthy science and practical knowledge about health, and provides it to readers and subscribers in an easy, interesting manner. Their goal is to make low carb an option for anyone who wants to give it a chance and see a difference, to empower people to tune into their health and make positive changes. For as they state, regardless of any attempt to do so, you cannot outrun a bad diet.
The Diet Doctor CEO talks about successes he is proud of, as many patients are able to decrease or discontinue certain medications when their test results show that his methods have brought their lab levels back into normal ranges. Dr. Eenfeldt talks about the many ways that his website provides valuable information and options for individuals, and he discusses some of his hopes for the future in healthcare and nutrition, including a possible clinic that can offer direct community outreach.
Dr. Eenfeldt discusses some of the current trends in the diet and nutrition area. He talks about the fallacy of fats, and how avoidance of natural fats is not a good thing. He discusses the trend of moving back to natural fats such as real butter and eggs, and the trend of moving away from the concept of calorie counting. He states that calorie counting doesn’t work. But with a low carb diet, when you remove the sugar and remove the starch, people tend to eat less spontaneously, and the benefits naturally occur. And with a low carb diet that drives insulin levels lower, the body burns excess fat more easily.
The Diet Doctor discusses hormonal changes and how it affects a low carb diet. He cautions against empty calorie drinks and foods that offer no nutritional value. Additionally, Dr. Eenfeldt provides his analysis on aging and hormonal issues that can certainly make the challenge of maintaining the weight of our youth a bit more difficult. But Dr. Eenfeldt is a firm believer of the view that as long as our health is good and we feel great, it may be best to accept that our bodies have changed outwardly somewhat. Our health is the most important thing of all, and nutrition is the key to reaching optimum health. Ultimately, diet and lifestyle are the essential key elements to achieving good health, and Dr. Eenfedt is dedicated to the mission of bringing quality health education and methods to everyone.
Emeran A. Mayer, MD, Ph.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, delivers an informative overview of the brain to gut connection. Dr. Mayer serves as director,G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience (CNSR); co-director, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center; and is an experienced professor of medicine, physiology, and psychiatry.
Dr. Mayer attended the Ludwig Maximilian’s University in Munich, Germany where he received his MD/ Ph.D. Dr. Mayer completed his residency at the Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, Canada and his GI fellowship training at the UCLA/VA Wadsworth Training Program. With a lifelong fascination for research, Dr. Mayer has applied his extensive knowledge toward a career studying the clinical and research aspects of brain-body interactions, with a particularly intensive focus on bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut in regard to health and disease.
Dr. Mayer discusses his long career and findings that led to the decision to write his new book, The Mind-Gut Connection. He details particular studies that influenced the material that is discussed in-depth in his books, such as one study that involved testing of individuals who were given a probiotic cocktail and then observed regarding their symptoms and brain function. His surprising findings in this study pushed him to include the gut microbiome in all of his studies thereafter.
Dr. Mayer is considered to be one of the world’s top expert investigators of the many brain-gut microbiome interactions in GI disorders, with specific regard to functional and inflammatory bowel disorders as well as obesity. Dr. Mayer’s exceptional work has been noted worldwide and as such he has enjoyed continual funding for his important research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1989.
The digestive research expert reveals his findings on multitudinous studies of microbial function. He details the use of interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in his studies, specifically regarding gastrointestinal maladies such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and others. His findings indicated that the CBT was instrumental in improving symptoms for IBS significantly. Dr. Mayer’s work concluded that the brain has incredible influence on microbial composition. Dr. Mayer relates how the autonomic nervous system affects the environment of the gut, thus stressors in our lives have a direct impact on our digestive system’s functioning, from secretions to peptides, to blood flow, and beyond.
Dr. Mayer speaks about causality and the models that they have studied to explain microbiome disorders. He discusses the circular process in which the brain sends signals to the gut, the back and forth signaling that impacts functioning. Further, he discusses in detail gene expression profiles, proteins, metabolites, etc., and the connections between various elements of his research, as well as the collective research, being done globally in regard to these brain/gut issues.
The neurobiology researcher provides some background on other studies that focus on teaching the brain to send different signals, as well as diet in regard to gut microbial function. Dr. Mayer states that plant-based diets are by far the best diets for functioning, and the microbiome in general, according to epidemiological studies. He discusses how metabolites are affected by diet, and how gut function will revert when special diets are changed or discontinued. He provides detailed information on specific diets and his thoughts regarding them. As Dr. Mayer states, exposure to antibiotics and dietary patterns of pregnant mothers, etc. all impact microbiomes. He explains the differences that exist in the microbiomes of various and diverse populations of people, and how diet can impact our gut functioning rather quickly once changes are made, for example switching from fast food to a Mediterranean diet, etc.
Dr. Mayer is the director of the Gail and Gerald Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress, and is currently PI of a NIH Center grant on the sex differences in functional GI disorders, on a consortium grant of brain-bladder interactions, and a RO1 grant on brain imaging in IBS. As a leading expert in microbiome studies, Dr. Mayer seeks to continually dig deeper into the connections between the brain and the gut in his quest to find new ways to improve health for everyone.
“A little west goes a long way,” says Andrew Walker, echoing the slogan of the company he and his wife founded about six years ago. With just one brick and mortar shop in Los Angeles, California, Little West is a favorite among those seeking a variety of superfoods alongside the company’s main focus: locally-sourced and nutrition-packed juices. The menu includes 14 different no-sugar-added, cold-pressed juices packed with minerals, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory roots with varying levels of sweetness to meet anyone’s preference. They also offer a variety of cleanses and kits, some for beginners and some for those seeking more advanced, “master” cleanses.
Walker discusses the details of the Little West juice-making process, the differences between each cleanse offered and why one may be better suited for some individuals than others, the importance of preparing for and coming off of cleanses, the benefits of small-batch cold pressing versus the methods used by most other juice bars, and the connection between food sensitivities and gut health.
Interested in trying it for yourself? Tune in and visit littlewest.com to order from anywhere in the nation.
Organ failure is the ultimate cause of almost every death, and while organ transplantation can be a successful option, the need for organs significantly outweighs the supply. For the past 50 years or so, efforts have been focused on immunosuppression strategies and the development of mechanical devices capable of mimicking the function of biological organs and processes. However, even when available, these solutions aren't permanent or without the risk of complication. Now there's a new solution in the works, one with a lot more promise: bioengineered organs.
As an associate professor and member of both the Next Manufacturing Center and Bioengineered Organs Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University, Adam W. Feinberg joins the podcast to discuss how living cells and tissue components can be designed for implantation into the human body, allowing for tissue regeneration with the use of the body's own cells. Though it'll still take years to get there, the grand vision is to 3D bioprint partial or entire organs for transplant, which is a technology that's recently received funding from the FDA.
Tune in to learn more about the current projects Dr. Feinberg and his team are working on, the successes they've already had, and the challenges they plan to overcome. Keep up to date on the latest developments at regenerativebiomaterials.com and engineering.cmu.edu/organs/index.html.
Doron Pinhas, the visionary chief technology officer of Continuity Software (continuitysoftware.com), provides a detailed overview of the constantly evolving IT world and explains why businesses and entities need to ensure that their computing services function properly 24/7. For in today’s demanding tech world, people have high expectations and accept no excuses.
Since 2005, Pinhas has helped lead Continuity Software as its innovative CTO. Pinhas has more than 17 years of extensive experience in the future-forward, exciting areas of data and storage management, operating system design and development, real-time applications, and open system and networking architecture definition. Notable past experience on his impressive resume includes significant time as chief operating officer at Xpert Integrated Systems LTD., a leading Israeli SI. While at Xpert Integrated Systems LTD., Pinhas was instrumental in the development and formation of the Business Continuity Solutions division. Additionally, Pinhas is a veteran of the Israeli Defense Force where for 10 years he served as senior product developer and system architect.
Pinhas discusses Continuity Software’s mission: to help large enterprises provide 24/7 computing services. The company is comprised of a team of IT infrastructure and data protection experts who have the essential skills to help companies prevent unplanned IT outages across their entire IT infrastructure, including high availability, cloud, and disaster recovery environments.
Pinhas details the specifics of computing services, and the problems enterprises and companies face. With over 400 clients worldwide, all of which are Fortune 500, or equivalent, it’s clear that Pinhas and his team are providing value. He recounts how large entities have literally tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of servers globally, and how it is becoming more and more challenging for them to keep up and maintain their services as they grow exponentially. Continuity Software is a proven leader in IT Resilience & Service Availability Assurance. Their award-winning solution enables IT teams to take control, and prevent infrastructure outages and detrimental data loss incidents. Getting ahead of the curve in regard to early, active detection of IT resiliency risks allows enterprises/companies, etc. to mitigate their exposed risk via remediation of configuration errors and deviations from policies— before the problems become problems, and before they become potentially costly issues.
Pinhas provides examples of many companies’ services, outages, etc. that can be devastating problems in a 24/7 demand society. As people and customers in general are more connected, Pinhas explains that service delays and outages are simply no longer acceptable. Today, a large volume of social media complaints can sometimes even elicit direct comments from a CEO, also via social media, to explain, apologize, etc; whereas in our recent past not so many years ago, as a society, we were much more forgiving of these issues. Those days are long gone.
With millions of moving parts and thousands of servers, Pinhas explains that testing and redundancy in IT is extremely involved and important. He outlines a handful of the types of problems that could arise due to failures and system errors, as well as power outages, etc. However, according to Pinhas, there are many ways to intelligently circumvent these failures by improving resiliency and redundancy every step of the way in the entire system, and Pinhas’s team works to help clients modernize their IT systems. From server updates to software upgrades, and so much more, Pinhas explains that although the problems are complex, they are not insurmountable. With proper management, it is entirely possible to maintain order and control quality.
By combining the knowledge, tools, and approaches of computer science, engineering, and environmental studies, several students at the Data Science Institute at the University of Virginia are implementing drones in the collection of geospatial data involving ozone levels across the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is just one example of the practical applications of interdisciplinary studies, and the nature of the work being led by Philip E. Bourne, who serves as Stephenson Chair of Data Science, Director of the Data Science Institute, and professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia.
Intrigued by the development of data science and its increasing number of important applications in modern society, Dr. Bourne runs an institute that thrives off of the benefits of interdisciplinary work and carries out projects in the fields of digital humanities, social sciences, finance, transportation, environmental studies, biomedicine, and engineering.
Dr. Bourne discusses a variety of exciting topics, including aspects of evolutionary computation, what distinguishes data science from computer science, ethics associated with the use of data, the connection between the study of proteins and precision medicine, and how an analysis of electronic health record and DMV data could lead to more accurate, potentially life-saving interventions in trauma surgery.
Tune in for the full conversation and reach out with questions via email at peb6a@virginia.edu.
We’ve all been there: wrestling with that conundrum of what to order off the menu, and feeling unable to decide which sounds the best while trying to visualize the options. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just see the options right there on the table before us, prior to ordering? Now we can, and Kabaq is making it happen.
Established just two years ago by Alper Guler, Kabaq is a company that’s putting to use what so many major tech companies are investing in to enrich our lives: augmented and virtual reality technology. Realistic, actual-size depictions of various food items can now be visualized in 3D with the use of a tablet or your personal phone by scanning item-specific codes through social media platforms such as Snapchat and Facebook.
“We believe the next generation content is 3D...and we are creating the next generation content for food,” says Guler. But this content includes more than just an image of the food, he explains; Kabaq is taking it a step further by augmenting the space surrounding the 3D preview with stories and information about the food and the way in which it was sourced.
Kabaq is already working with 150 restaurants and is growing in popularity as positive feedback continues to flow in. Interested in checking it out for yourself? Hit play and visit kabaq.io to learn more.
It's something that many large employers struggle with: the organized distribution of benefits to thousands of employees. While there may be a benefits strategy in place and hundreds or even thousands of different employee offerings, far too many employers keep these benefits siloed within different administrative systems, with no efficient way to organize or communicate the distribution of them.
This is where YouDecide can help, a consulting technology and voluntary benefits outsourcing firm that organizes and aggregates employer benefit offerings, providing employees with large discounts on a variety of insurances, including auto, pet, legal, accident, life, disability, and long-term care. It’s a win-win result: employees save money on high-quality, necessary benefits, and employers gain a level of consistency and streamlined communication in the distribution of high-value benefits.
Peter Marcia is the CEO of YouDecide and joins the podcast to discuss the ins and out of the services they provide, the primary challenges faced by large employers, and how changes in the healthcare space over the past several years have enhanced the growth and success of his firm. Hit play for the full conversation and
visit youdecide.com to learn more
Author Survivor and former chartered physiotherapist
Jane McLelland, physiotherapist, alternative cancer treatment expert, and author of How to Starve Cancer expounds upon the wrong turns that many people, unfortunately, take when they set out to fight their cancer. She provides a thorough and extremely important overview of the steps that anyone can take to dramatically improve their chances for survival when faced with a dire diagnosis.
Cancer survivor, Jane McLelland, talks about her background as a physiotherapist and her diagnosis back in 1994 with cervical cancer. McLelland tried all the traditional cancer treatment drugs and methods but made no significant progress. She recounts that it was not until her mother died of secondary breast cancer just two years later that she began to dig into the science of metabolism and get to the root of what was really keeping cancer alive and thriving. She states that when her own cancer moved to her lungs and she advanced to stage four cancer, that her time was considered to be limited, and thus she accelerated her research to find a solution. And as more chemotherapy was not going to help, she knew it was time to try another approach entirely. She discusses some of her research and many of the cancer-fighting regimens she put into place, such as intravenous vitamin C infusion, which some research has shown to be very effective at blocking glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that cancer cells use to thrive.
McLelland’s groundbreaking book, How to Starve Cancer, is an incredible testament to the power of the human spirit. In her book, McLelland breaks down the steps she took to literally starve her cancer of the elements it needed to prosper. McLelland discusses her long journey back to health and the many crucial topics her book covers such as the varying fuel pipelines that must be blocked for each type of cancer. She talks about supplements that can be added to accelerate the cancer fight, and the low-toxicity drugs that exist to fight cancer, many of which have been all but forgotten as researchers tout the newer ‘game changers’ and put all their eggs in that basket.
McLelland details the nature of cancer and how it exhibits incredible determination to flourish, for example, if cancer cells are no longer able to fuel on sugar, they will literally rewire themselves to survive on alternative fuel sources to create more protein and thus create more daughter cells. By preventing the cancer cells from gathering more fuel, patients can put the brakes on the system. McLelland discusses the sections of her book that provide specific detail on proteins, fats, glucose and the cancer cell’s fuel supplies that must be cut off in order to fight the disease. She provides very detailed information on the science behind the metabolic cocktail options that individuals can tailor to their specific cancer. McLelland’s book will help people to find the key metabolic pathways they need to understand in order to fight their cancer. Using herself as a testing laboratory, she experimented to find the best drugs and supplements to starve her own cancer and has gathered this information into a map of sorts that individuals can use to guide their own journey and fight.
McLelland talks about the importance of drugs in the fight against cancer. She states that diet is crucial, but diet alone rarely can achieve the best results, and that it is a combination of diet, supplements, and low-toxicity drugs that provide the proper combination of ingredients. She goes into depth about protein, fat, and carbs, the three essential elements of the human diet. She explains the ways that cancer cells use each to further their survival and the production of daughter cells.
She discusses how the pharmaceutical industry’s testing process is flawed, in that it works on one solution at a time, which is a slow process that needs to be accelerated. She states that her cocktail approach is a means that individuals can begin to implement now, to fight their individual cancers. Additionally, she provides information on the alternative drugs that can be used to fight cancer. These drugs are considered to be ‘alternative’ because they are drugs that were created for different diseases and conditions other than cancer, but McLelland states they can be used as part of a successful cocktail to combat cancer. McLelland talks about the keys to combatting the disease, rethinking the traditional methods somewhat and using all the existing methods together in a more intelligent manner. She mentions that reducing the traditional chemotherapy to much lower doses actually stimulates the immune system, which would not happen with the high doses that traditional cancer treatment recommends in most situations.
McLelland states that the wealth of research she offers in her social media and in her book provides critical information that is backed by science and evidence. McLelland’s method as described in her book takes on the common misconceptions that exist in the theories of cancer treatment. The book delves into the mystery of cancer and answers important questions that can elevate anyone to a higher level of understanding as they forge ahead on their own journey to beat cancer.
Remarkably, McLelland states that in her opinion there is almost no cancer, even at stage four, that cannot be reversed with the proper alternative treatment and protocols. Hope exists!
Jodi Goldstein, the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Executive Director of Harvard Innovation Labs (innovationlabs.harvard.edu), delivers an overview of the innovation marketplace and how students and entrepreneurs can utilize testing and technology to advance their ideas and solve real-world problems. Harvard Innovation Labs includes the Harvard i-lab, the Harvard Launch Lab for alumni, and the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab for alumni, faculty, and student-focused life science ventures.
Goldstein has over 20 years experience as a formidable startup executive, an enterprising co-founder, and investor. Her specific expertise in consumer and e-commerce, mobile, and luxury goods businesses, combined with her strong management skills have allowed her to carry many projects and initiatives to new heights of achievement. Notably, Goldstein had leadership roles in venture-backed startups such as iMarket (that was later successfully sold to D&B), PlanetAll (that was built up then acquired by Amazon for $100M+), as well as Mobicious, Send.com, and Hoteluxury.com.
Goldstein discusses the many companies and projects she has worked with and led to success. And she outlines some of the potential pitfalls that entrepreneurs can fall prey to. Goldstein explains that entrepreneurs and innovators need to test their early ideas in regard to practicality and validation, to assess their relative value in the marketplace. She outlines the value that industry leaders can bring to their respective companies by utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual augmented reality, and blockchain.
Harvard Innovation Labs’ mission states that knowledge is certainly the engine of innovation, but the combination of connection and collaboration is the critical fuel needed for forward progress. By unlocking unrealized value, Harvard Innovation Labs can have a tremendous impact on markets, the world, and the individuals who utilize the valuable input and services they provide. Goldstein’s work involves helping students and entrepreneurs take their ideas and apply them to solve real-world problems.
Goldstein discusses the diverse areas in which Harvard Innovation Labs provides expertise and assistance. She provides an overview of their extensive ecosystem in terms of what it offers. For example, the i-lab is a full-service space for currently enrolled Harvard students who are interested in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities. Launch Lab X is their innovative new accelerator inside the i-lab that is designed for eligible Harvard alumni who are already pushing forward their promising early-stage startup ventures. And the Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab is for Harvard students and faculty, as well as alumni who are working on important life sciences and biotech startups and ventures. From medical to advanced technology, Goldstein describes how their innovation techniques and methods have helped creators and entrepreneurs walk their own unique path to breakthroughs and successes.
Goldstein holds an MBA from Harvard and a BS in International Business from the University of Vermont. She has been featured in Fast Company and The Boston Globe and is a regular contributor to Fortune as part of its Entrepreneur Insider network. Her broad range of skills and experience has prepared her for the challenges of leading Harvard Innovation Labs to continued success as they engage with the global community. And she is motivated to implement new strategic initiatives that can potentially expand their student and alumni range, presence, and impact while simultaneously serving as the chief liaison to the organization’s prominent stakeholders, as well as the national and international community.
Gastric bypass surgery is the most effective form of treatment for morbid obesity and a familiar term to most of us, but until recently, the underlying mechanism that makes it so successful has been largely misunderstood. Most people—including health professionals—attribute the weight loss that follows from this surgery to reduced stomach size and therefore reduced food intake and malabsorption, but the evidence is pointing elsewhere: to the changes in gut microbiota that occur after the surgery.
Hasan Celiker is the founder and chief executive officer of Xeno Biosciences, a company that’s using what they’ve learned about the effectiveness of gastric bypass surgery to develop an alternative and significantly less invasive form of treatment for obesity: an oral pill that mimics the changes in gut microbiota that occur after the surgery, allowing for weight loss and a significant reduction in conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Celiker delves into the details of digestive mechanisms, the differences between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and the role of each in the microbiome, how and where in the body Xeno Bioscience’s pill takes effect, and the metabolic changes brought about by both the pill and the surgery. Hit play and visit xenobiosciences.com to learn more.
Criminal cyber activity has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, leading to the existence of more malware than ever before. With so many hacker forums and cyber criminals offering their services on the dark web, committing cybercrimes no longer requires an extensive amount of knowledge or experience; you just need to know who to talk to.
Having spent over 14 years working in the field of cybersecurity, Adam Kujawa has witnessed the evolution of cybercrime. While it might seem like he’s seen it all, he’s the first to admit that the landscape is constantly changing, requiring cybersecurity measures to remain a step ahead of the cyber criminals. He joins the podcast today to discuss the work he’s doing as the director of malware intelligence at Malwarebytes, a security solution company developing layered defense software for individual consumers and enterprises with the ultimate goal of creating a malware-free existence for the world.
Tune in for an informative and insightful conversation about the current types of malware, ransomware, and cyber-attacks, sandbox security mechanisms, security countermeasures carried out by criminals, and the recent increase in cyber-attacks in the business arena.
Learn more and check out free trial services at malwarebytes.com.
Cavin Balaster, founder of Feed a Brain (feedabrain.com) and Adventures in Brain Injury (adventuresinbraininjury.com), author, and sought-after speaker, delivers an informative and important discussion on brain function and the nutritional protocol that can deliver dramatic results.
Cavin Balaster made a miraculous recovery from an accident that could have easily taken his life instantly. In 2011, he survived a two-story fall and was comatose for twelve days. Balaster was diagnosed with a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and his chances for recovery were not good, bleak actually, at less than 10%. Emergency medicine and the work of many skilled, truly outstanding healthcare professionals and specialists saved his life, without a doubt. Balaster acknowledges that he would absolutely be dead if it were not for their incredible work over a long period comprised of many crucial moments in his recovery. But after he began to wake from the severe brain fog, and recover somewhat from the memory loss, double vision, infections, etc. when he was able to begin doing some research on his own, he started on a mission, a goal to take back his life to the best of his ability. He states that once he was cognizant of his predicament and the gravity of it, he felt he was faced with a choice: to wallow in despair considering the impact of his injury or consider it to be an adventure. He chose the latter.
Balaster recounts the early months of his life after the fall and subsequent severe brain injury. As he describes, the entire ordeal, as we can only imagine, was overwhelming to say the least. He talks about the extreme, and frightening, brain fog that he experienced early on and how he actually had no memory of what happened and no way to understand where he was or who the white lab coat people were. His brain fog was so intense that he imagined he might have even been kidnapped and the lab coat people were using his body to test and experiment on. Clearly, it was not a good time for Balaster. But slowly, his brain fog began to clear so he could begin to understand where he was, and what was happening to him.
After defying death through the help of his incredibly wonderful team of intelligent and supportive healthcare providers, and waking from the coma, Balaster dug deep into functional nutrition, functional neurology, neuro optometry (developmental optometry), physical and occupational therapy, and other targeted therapies. And it is these methods and practices that he attributes to his incredible recovery, at such an accelerated pace. Balaster talks about his first discovery of the nutritional connection, and how his nutritional protocol was restoring his clarity. And he describes the technical aspects of how the intestinal process is coordinated with the brain. Balaster discusses his hunger for education on the various subjects that were affecting his life and recovery. He began taking online courses at multiple universities to further understand how the brain works, and how it is fueled—neurometabolism. He details some of the many and various nutritional supplements to his diet from bone broth, to licorice, to L-glutamine, as well as fruits and vegetables, etc., and how he began to see incredible improvements right away. Balaster discusses the details in his book, covering ketogenic metabolism, color charts for fruits and vegetables, and the carbohydrate ratings of foods.
Balaster documented his process to neuro-rehabilitation in an attempt to more fully understand and heal his body and brain. He discusses his blog, Adventures in Brain Injury, and the international attention he received from his postings and research. Balaster talks about the work he has done with clients who have severe injuries, and the nutritional coaching he provides to the patients and their doctors that has led to many remarkable changes and improvements. As Balaster recounts, his work with patients is tremendously rewarding.
As the author of How to Feed a Brain: Nutrition for Optimal Brain Function and Repair and as a successful podcast host on the related subjects, Balaster has now devoted his life to helping others who are struggling with health issues, sometimes very severe ones as his was. Through Balaster’s journey he has gained incredible knowledge regarding the optimization of brain function and he seeks to share his experiences, information, training, and services with the community.
Scott Eaton, chief executive officer at Algomi (algomi.com), provides an overview of the complexity of financial markets and how traders and investors need aggregated complex financial data to capitalize on and secure their interests.
Eaton is an experienced executive who has helmed many top-tier institutions. Some notable point on his extensive resume include: chief operating officer of MarketAxess Europe, managing director at Unicredit Bank AG, as well as executive managing director at BroadStreet Group.
As Eaton states, Algomi is a software company that provides technology to financial markets. Algomi delivers information-matching solutions for the optimization of fixed-income liquidity. The company is backed by investments from prominent industry leaders such as Euronext, Lakestar, AllianceBernstein, and S&P Global. Algomi’s team is international and maintains offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong.
The Algomi platform can assist business leaders to improve their workflow and liquidity via data aggregation, pre-trade information analysis, and of course execution facilitation. Eaton expounds upon the ways that Algomi brings infrastructure to some of the world’s largest fixed-income participants, helping them to turn complex data into actionable knowledge.
Eaton discusses Algomi ALFA, their innovative fixed-income data aggregation and market surveillance tool that aggregates liquidity data from all the major electronic venues, messaging platforms, and dealer inventory feeds, and thus provides easier access, and an opportunity to see the big picture with more detail. Traders can apply filters and see the data that is important to them, making their time more efficient and potentially more successful. By finding the liquidity more easily, Eaton states that Algomi ALFA benefits both buyer and seller, assisting with the execution of trades.
The financial markets expert delves into the many ways that buy side traders can utilize their platform. He details the processes involved with trading, specifically outlining the methods used when dealing with bonds, and he explains how bond market liquidity has been impacted, post-financial crisis. Further he talks about the issuance of corporate bonds and discusses schedules versus discreet needs, investor interest, borrower cost and more, in regard to timing and issuance. He discusses strategies investors and traders can utilize when making bond decisions, and how the aggregate data directly can impact the decisions they will make.
Eaton discusses the innovations happening at Algomi in regard to data feeds, as well as their extensive work with custodians and custody data to help facilitate asset management. Through Algomi’s understanding of financial markets and experience of workflow development, Eaton’s team collaborates with clients and third party providers to birth new ideas and products that greatly facilitate market function, and bring infrastructure to some of thargest fixed-income participants in the world.
You might already be familiar with the process of taking pictures of your work schedule each week, checking it repeatedly to make sure you don’t miss a shift, and tracking down all your coworkers’ phone numbers when you need coverage at the last minute. This is not only a hassle for hourly employees, but it’s an inefficient way of managing shifts in general and makes it more likely for a company to find itself unexpectedly understaffed. With nearly 60 percent of today’s workforce comprised of hourly workers and having worked as one himself, Himanshu Misra recognized a need for change; as a senior data scientist for Branch, that’s exactly what he’s trying to implement.
Branch is a mobile-first technology platform that allows hourly employees to easily and digitally access their schedules, be notified of changes to their schedules in real time, communicate with their coworkers, submit requests for time off at the tap of a button, and pick up shifts to expand their earning potential. At the same time, Branch is helping enterprise customers attract and retain the best hourly employees and providing them with a time-saving tool for efficient shift management. By developing demand prediction models based on historical and real-time data and machine learning algorithms, Branch customers can avoid all of the consequences of improper staffing and unsatisfied staff.
Branch already has customers in a variety of industries, including banking, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and travel, and are currently holding a number of pilots with new companies. Tune in for all the details, including what’s on the horizon for Branch.
Visit branchmessenger.com to learn more.
Jeremy Born, founder, and CEO at CoinGenius (coingenius.ai), delivers an informative overview of the current state of cryptocurrency intelligence and the developing tools that allow for a deeper understanding of the changing digital financial markets.
Born is a serious blockchain enthusiast and passionate digital strategist. He is an experienced professional in the technology space with a specific interest in leveraging AI and machine learning to solve complex business problems, as well as predicting outcomes of alternative assets such as bitcoin. Born’s experience before founding CoinGenius was in the various blockchain, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence companies such as YINC, which focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology service providers, and JABB Interactive where he served as their executive director. During his tenure as senior managing consultant at Brandify Labs, Born furthered his work in branding and customer services as they relate to cognitive, artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and blockchain. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School and received his BS in business administration and management from Chapman University.
Born discusses his background in trading and how he had passed crypto by for a while, but as he began to dig deeper he became extremely interested. Once he took the leap and fully invested his time, and later money, he found that the tools and information available was seriously insufficient and woefully inept. He wanted to apply all of his knowledge in AI and machine learning to his new passion to fully understand what was contributing to the volatility of the market in this exciting, burgeoning digital area. As he recounts, the market changes so quickly in this space that insufficient data and the need to research could cause someone to miss a great opportunity—the need was apparent: information needed to be aggregated, and new tools were a necessity.
The artificial intelligence and financial markets expert discusses the types of events that trigger volatility and market fluctuation, and he acknowledges that the market is still highly unregulated. Thus, access to the constantly incoming information is paramount. Born’s way was a new way of looking at data that allowed for smarter, quicker decisions to be made and thus CoinGenius was born to fill the void.
CoinGenius is an AI-powered cryptocurrency intelligence engine specifically built to empower traders with fast, real-time data needed to make intelligent investment decisions that can yield results. Born underscores that they do not make recommendations, but they do arm people with quality information. The platform allows for smarter trades and utilizes analysis, deep fraud detection, and real-time trade alerts. As Born’s company acknowledges, investing in cryptocurrency can be challenging but with the proper tools, the trading options are better. At the core of the market, every digital asset and coin is greatly impacted by, and produces, a large amount of internal and external signals. Having the proper tools can help to order the volume of information so traders can home in on what’s important.
Born gives an overview of where his team is in the process toward release of their platform and the steps they have already completed to make the full launch in early 2019. Born discusses that first they plan to do a mobile release, but other options will be coming. As many apps are on the way in this market, it can be overwhelming, but Born stresses that none of them are truly bringing everything together under one platform, that also covers multiple asset classes as CoinGenius does.
The ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, whether or not you should skip that first meal of the day...you’ve probably heard a lot of arguments for and against each, so how do you know what’s “right”? What will provide YOU with healthful longevity? Valter D. Longo is a biogerontologist, cell biologist, and author of several books, the latest of which is The Longevity Diet. He joins the podcast to discuss his views on these issues and shed light on some of the main arguments in his book, each of which is based on the scientific evidence that’s available today.
The Longevity Diet is divided into two sections: the first utilizes an approach that’s based in part on findings of epidemiological and clinical studies to decide how best to eat on a daily basis, and the second discusses the benefits of the fasting mimicking diet. He’s a proponent of diets rich in legumes and vegetables, 12-hour daily fasts, and making time for breakfast each morning.
While he admits that the ketogenic diet may benefit some individuals with particular health issues or diseases, he references a Harvard study that followed 120 subjects over a 30-year span and drew conclusions about the long-term effects of high fat, high protein, low carb diets: significantly shorter lifespans, and higher rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease. He also discusses how daily fasts that exceed 12 hours lead to a mechanism by which the body essentially begins eating itself, and how the concept of “irrational exuberance” is largely at play in many people’s devotion to diet fads.
Ageing: it’s an inevitable part of life, it affects us all, and there’s just no way around it. Or is there? “Ageing is a major societal problem that we’re turning our attention to in the biotechnology industry as something that’s treatable...and that we can modify biologically to improve the health span of people in our country and worldwide,” says Dr. Joshua Hare, co-founder, and chief science officer at Longeveron. Founded four years ago after receiving a technology license from the University of Miami Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Longeveron is a biotech company bringing over 20 years of clinical research and 40 years of basic research to address the problem of ageing.
The team at Longeveron proposes that allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells can be used to treat ageing frailty, a condition that affects 50 percent of people over the age of 65. Dr. Hare discusses the evidence in support of his hypothesis, the regenerative and reparative potential of these stem cells, how to determine the best method of delivery, why ageing frailty is a condition that’s particularly likely to respond positively to these types of stem cells, roadblocks to the development of research in this field, and what he thinks will happen over the next few years.
Tune in for the full conversation, and visit longeveron.com to learn more.
Dr. Stuart Williams, founder of Bioficial Organs (cvregen.com), delivers an interesting overview of the future of bioengineered organs and tissues, and the medical advances that we are seeing daily. Williams has extensive experience in the areas of biomedical engineering, surgery, physiology, as well as materials science and engineering. He is the former director of research for the Department of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College, former faculty at the University of Arizona, and founder of the University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering Program. In 2007, Williams was appointed as the scientific director of the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, a collaborative partnership between the University of Louisville and Jewish Hospital. Williams received a Ph.D. in cell biology from the University of Delaware and did his postdoctoral training in pathology at the Yale School of Medicine. His strong interest in medical devices and regenerative medicine paved the path toward his development and patent of one of the first methods to use fat-derived stem and regenerative cells for therapeutic use.
Dr. Williams discusses the Bioficial Organs Program and their work to create human tissues and organs for clinical therapeutics and in vitro drug efficacy and toxicity testing by utilizing a patient’s own cells. He gives a detailed overview of the fascinating process of creating organs and tissues from biological parts. As Williams explains the human body has at least eleven different types of organs and tissues, some that are extremely complex, but some that are simpler, that can be created via the Bioficial process. He explains how the complexity is often based in the number of specific cells that are used to perform functions. As he states, the liver and the kidney are perhaps more difficult to bioprint than other organs, but that parts of tissues, such as skin, are easier to tackle successfully in regard to regenerative medicine. He discusses work they are very excited about, including their active lab program to use 3D bioprinting to create an artificial pancreas, in order to produce insulin on demand in a patient.
The biomedical engineering expert discusses specific organs that can regenerate, and those that cannot. Unfortunately, for example, the heart does not have cells within it that will repopulate a damaged area, but it may be possible to put organoids into a damaged part of the heart such that they may take up residence and begin to create a functional part. Williams discusses his extensive work focused on developing new and successful ways to remove patients’ cells and build new blood vessels from those cells that can be reinserted into the body. He cites examples of some specific work with patients that helped to advance the regenerative medicine field.
Dr. Williams discusses their exciting new plan to move bioprinting to the international space station, which will allow them to avoid the effects of gravity that can adversely impact some of their work. He relates how the fetus is formed in amniotic fluid, and thus is somewhat defying gravity as it can move about freely in its environment. And this study of those conditions, in fact, creates more questions as well as answers to how growth happens regarding organs, and the conditions and mechanisms that are involved in that complex process. Further, he discusses the shapes of organs, and how it may not be necessary to recreate organs in the same shape in which they naturally occur in the body. Additionally, he muses about regeneration, and why some organs will regenerate, but others will not, and he states that he is very interested in studying all of these issues in detail to find the answers.
Dr. Williams has authored more than 300 scientific publications and his work has generated 22 issued US patents with nearly countless patents pending. He’s the founder of six biotechnology companies and is a fellow of the American Heart Association as well as the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
Most women who’ve been pregnant are familiar with the strong, sometimes strange food cravings that occur to them—cravings that might not always be for nutrient-dense, healthy, and unprocessed foods. As a mother herself, Erica Mock is all too familiar with the battle between satiating those cravings and eating healthy during pregnancy, but she has an interesting take on the matter, stating, “Our bodies have an incredible innate intelligence. I craved sushi every day, started supplementing high-quality omega-3 supplements, and the cravings went away…the body knows what it needs.”
And what does the body need before, during, and after pregnancy? High-quality, nutritious, individually-curtailed, and of course deliciously mouth-watering foods. This is exactly what Erica Mock set out to provide for women when she founded twenty-fiveEIGHT. Customers can simply visit the website to choose from several subsections and menu options, including foods that increase the volume and quality of breast milk, vegetarian foods, homemade black sesame almond milk, bone broths made from 100% pastured animals, a dairy-free chickpea noodle macaroni and “cheese” dish, and a flourless seed bread that’s excellent for digestion. All foods on the menu are organic and local, and Mock has been mindful enough to opt for the most sustainable packaging materials so you can feel good about your purchases.
The company is still in the beginning stages, with a launch party scheduled for just after the holidays this year. Tune in for all the details—including a sweet story that explains how she came up with the name of the company. Visit twenty-fiveeight.com to learn more.
McLean Wilson, co-founder, and manager of Spark Invest (sparkinvest.com) discusses the many new opportunities that exist in the marketplace for the average investor, and how his company is helping promising companies to take the next step to their success. Wilson is a seasoned alternative investment and asset-based lending expert. He has extensive experience in asset management and capital raises for alternative investments, as well as structured transactions, transactional operations, recourse and nonrecourse purchase agreements, negotiation, and management. Wilson’s knowledge of the aforementioned, along with his keen understanding of the underwriting processes and the elements of secured and unsecured transactions makes him exceptionally qualified to lead his team at Spark Invest.
Wilson’s considerable past accomplishments in business include his tenure as vice president of SouthStar Capital, an asset-based lender strategically focused on factoring. While at SouthStar, Wilson structured and funded many equipment leases and purchase order financing transactions. Other notable points on Wilson’s extensive resume include his work as an investment advisor with ING Financial Partners and Money Concepts Capital Corporation and Wilson’s focus was on financial planning, investment planning, and portfolio management. He holds a bachelor of science and a master of science in civil engineering from Clemson University and is a registered investment advisor representative.
Wilson explains that his company, Spark Invest, is an equity crowdfunding platform that provides an opportunity for average retail investors to invest in early-stage nonpublic companies that are poised for growth. He states that Spark Invest has higher expectations and qualifications for the start-ups and companies that are given an opportunity to exist on their platform. They typically need to have proof of concept, to have ideally already raised some capital, and have a good use for their capital. Simply having a ‘good idea’ is not enough for Spark Invest, as the Spark Invest team is comprised of many entrepreneurs who have extensive experience with starting companies, closings, and exit strategies, and understand what it takes for a company to launch and succeed. As Wilson acknowledges, they really don’t want companies on their platform that they would not personally feel great about investing in themselves. Wilson explains their vetting process and gives detail on the specifics they look at, such as audited financials, etc., to ensure that the companies who are given the opportunity to exist on the Spark Invest platform are quality, vetted, legitimate, and promising companies worthy of an investor’s time, and dollars.
In the past, these types of alternative investments in promising private companies were only available to qualified institutional investors, but thanks to a major change in securities law, these companies can now be owned by the public without the usual standard initial public offering, or IPO. This opportunity works well for new companies who have a great concept or product that has already had some success and are now looking to take on investors, but want to avoid the typical VC investor who might mandate that the entrepreneur become an employee of the VC upon taking in their investment dollars. Additionally, the platform is a unique opportunity for smaller investors to make investments in promising new companies that they typically have not had access to in the past. Thus, the platform can be beneficial to all parties involved.
Wilson discusses some of the types of companies and ideas that they like to bring to their platform, as well as some that they don’t. He explains their marketing, and how they attract some of their most interesting companies. And he provides detailed information on the various investment platforms that exist and how Spark Invest takes a different view than some of their competitors, as they monitor the kinds of companies that come into the platform and prudently review their financials. While Spark Invest is interested in many types of companies, Wilson states that they are certainly drawn to practical companies that are solving problems via incredibly innovative ideas. Through Spark Invest, intelligent retail investors can invest in companies that may someday yield higher returns than traditional platforms are able to offer. And the platform allows investors to choose the level of risk that they are comfortable with.
As it currently stands, the only way of making metal parts in small and medium volumes is through the use of CNC machines, which is a fast and accurate yet wasteful method. In fact, 90-95 percent of the metal blocks purchased for this purpose are ultimately thrown out.
3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing), on the other hand, allows for a less wasteful process and extremely geometrically flexible products, but cannot produce the necessary surface finishes. Until now, there’s been no way to use the most beneficial aspects of each process by combining them into one system. This is where Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies comes in, a company that has introduced the first-ever commercial system that integrates the best of both worlds.
As the CEO of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, Dr. Jason Jones offers a detailed explanation as to how exactly their machine works, gives examples of several interesting use cases and argues that the system itself represents the ability to overcome the biggest hurdle that faces 3D printing today. “Additive [manufacturing] has been developed in isolation from mainstream manufacturing...by combining it with CNC machines, there’s automatic uptake into mainstream manufacturing, which is exciting,” says Dr. Jones.
Press play to hear the full conversation, and visit hybridmanutech.com to learn more.
Right now in today’s vast agricultural fields, teams of semi-autonomous, low-cost, and intelligent robots are scanning fields of corn and providing measurements that will allow breeders to better characterize the environment and breed better seeds. The next task will be for these robots to autonomously collect more complex information that will allow for earlier detection of plant diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
Drones are commonly used for the collection of data in large-scale farming today, but the robots that are being designed in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Illinois can detect what’s unobservable by drones by harnessing a higher level of resolution that can only be achieved from working under the canopy. What’s the third task planned for these robots? Acts of manipulation, such as weeding and pruning, which will be unprecedented.
As an assistant professor working on this project, Girish Chowdhary discusses how the deployment and development of these robots will cause us to rethink the way we do agriculture and allow for the globe to be fed in a sustainable way from small gardens with multiple plants. However, he also discusses some of the biggest challenges, which involve the varying and unpredictable nature of outdoor environments. Will robots be able to learn to operate intelligently enough to mitigate uncertainty and unforeseen changes?
Tune in for the full discussion, reach out to Girish via email at girishc@illinois.edu, and visit daslab.illinois.edu for more information.
Rachel Burke, the ketogenic enthusiast and founder of Aussie Keto Queen (aussieketoqueen.com), discusses the ketogenic diet and lifestyle. Burke’s journey to better health was a long one, as she spent many of her earlier years battling weight, feeling uncomfortable with her body, and being unhappy about it all. From the tender age of just 10 years old, she began weighing herself and struggling with her weight issue. She spent a significant amount of time, unfortunately, experimenting with this diet plan and that diet plan, magic diet shakes and pills that really weren’t so magical, along with massive amounts of exercise, but nothing seemed to work for the long haul. It was all of these years of frustration that finally brought her to nutritional ketosis—which was a game changer. After she made the decision and stuck with it, keto transformed her life. Burke describes how she reached her goal weight even sooner than she expected, and how she has more energy than ever before. In addition, when checking with her doctors through the process she found that the ketogenic lifestyle was not only helping her to lose weight but that her overall health markers were improving too. Burke is living proof that you are what you eat.
Burke recounts how she was so satisfied with her results that she wanted to share all that she had learned, through her exhaustive research, with everyone. She began posting her favorite recipes and helpful tips online, which led to the site she currently inhabits, aussieketoqueen.com, which is full of helpful information for those who want to find their own success. With tens of thousands of visitors to her site on a regular basis, it’s clear that there is a keen interest in the ketogenic diet and lifestyle. She discusses the importance of mindset. As Burke states, changing one’s mindset is perhaps the most important step, and it is not something that happens for everyone immediately. For some, it takes time, a gradual change, but committing to the nutritional life change pays off in the end for those who are ready to make a difference in their diet and health.
Burke talks about how, in Australia, that doctors and nutritionists are now beginning to advise patients and clients about the possible benefits of switching to a ketogenic diet. She discusses the options people have when eating out and trying to stay focused on their ketogenic diet. And she expects that perceptions will continue to change as ketogenic options become more widely offered everywhere.
The nutrition and health advocate states that it is really all about finding what works for you as an individual considering your own body, lifestyle, work, and timetable, etc. Burke provides an overview of her site’s recipes, the types of foods she prefers, and also what she recommends. From the basic meat and veggie options to sweeter options, her website offers something for every keto-conscious eater. And while she does not recommend many sweets, she includes some sweets recipes as the keto community appreciates a full range of food options. However, as Burke states, when people really take on the keto nutrition lifestyle and are eating ketogenic regularly, they often find their taste buds change a bit and begin to taste the natural sweetness in foods more obviously. Some have found that this effect is so pronounced that they no longer crave traditional sweets.
Burke discusses her future plans for ketogenic consulting and what she is excited about. She states that the ketogenic lifestyle’s impact on her friends and family has been so profound that she is determined to bring all that she has learned to a wider audience, and help everyone reach their personal goals for health and wellness.
An estimated 10 percent of all people have some level of kidney disease--a disease that’s most commonly associated with diabetes and high blood pressure. The numbers are only growing, but much of the research has been limited in the sense that the progression of kidney diseases in humans is difficult to track.
For example, polycystic kidney disease--a very common one that’s genetic in nature and affects millions of people--is usually diagnosed in the later stages, only once the changes can be visualized via ultrasonographic imaging. At that point, many people are faced with just two options: dialysis, or a kidney transplant. But the team at the University of Washington’s Freedman Lab are doing something that’s never been done before: using pluripotent stem cells to grow kidney organoids which have many of the same properties and characteristics as human kidneys in order to create the genetic mutations that are seen in this disease and to study the origination and progression of it.
The creation of organoids aren’t just limited to kidneys though; given how powerful pluripotent stem cells are, they can be developed into any organ in the body. Just imagine being able to conduct experiments on miniature brain and liver organoids, for example. In the long run, this technology could result in the creation of more complex structures with the capability of replacing functional human organs altogether.
Benjamin Freedman is the head of the Freedman Lab and offers an in-depth discussion on the observations his team has made so far, and hypotheses as to what exactly is at play in the development and progression of common kidney diseases.
Tune in for a compelling conversation and visit freedmanlab.com to learn more.
Just a few years ago, Angela M. Poff noticed that a lot of leading scientists and clinicians were studying ketosis and metabolic therapies for different diseases, but weren’t getting together to share their ideas and have productive conversations; this all changed when she decided to found the Metabolic Health Summit in 2015, which now serves as a hub for those who want to work together to develop ideas and move new information in the field to the next level.
The goal of the 2019 Metabolic Health Summit is to foster a global conversation about the ketogenic diet and how to implement it in the real world and will feature several personal stories from those whose lives have been affected by the adoption of the keto lifestyle. The conference is not just for scientists this year; it’s for everyone. The best scientists and clinicians will lead sessions dedicated to different uses of the ketogenic diet, including for Alzheimer’s, mental health, obesity, migraines, cancer, and longevity.
Poff also works as a research scientist at the University of South Florida, where she focuses primarily on the effects of metabolic therapies on cancer. In particular, she studies how the ketogenic diet affects cancer models, the role of exogenous ketones in the development of cancer, and the role of metabolic targeted agents, such as dichloroacetate and metformin. Poff discusses a variety of topics, including how and why hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be successful in treating tumors and the biggest roadblock to continued research in the field.
If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, Poff suggests visiting clinicaltrials.gov and working closely with your oncologist.
Visit www.metabolichealthsummit.com for more information about the upcoming Metabolic Health Summit conference.
Stemina Biomarker Discovery was founded about 11 years ago by Elizabeth Donley, who aimed to use the study of metabolism (metabolomics) to understand how the underlying biological and biochemical reactions differ between various disorders. Donley works primarily within the neurological disorders division for NeuroPoint DX and is focused on applying metabolomics for the detection of autism spectrum disorders. The most recent paper on the subject looked at amino acid dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders and showed a strong association between low levels of branched amino acids and concurrently high levels of three other amino acids. The association accurately identified 17 percent of kids with autism and suggests that the outcome for those affected by autism spectrum disorders could be improved with a high protein diet.
The metabolic markers are identified by subjecting a sample of blood to mass spectrometry, which will show whether or not a child is positive for any of the 13 metabotypes that have been identified to date and that describe 30 percent of kids who fall on the autism spectrum. As it currently stands, the average age at which a child will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is 24 months based on behavioral characteristics, but many children do not receive diagnoses until they are much older, which means that time that could otherwise be spent using valuable behavioral therapies is being lost; it is Donley’s goal to change this.
The team at NeuroPoint DX plans to launch its first panel before the end of the year and has already received lab certification to accept blood samples from children in 45 states. They’re currently raising money to support further testing and validate the second panel, looking for partners for distribution, and exploring options in foreign markets.
Tune in for the full discussion and send your questions to info@neuripouintdx.com.
Dr. James V. Hardt, president and founder of Biocybernaut Institute, Inc. (biocybernaut.com), shares his personal experiences with biofeedback and brainwave work in general, and the incredible documented results that biocybernaut training can deliver for improved health and wellness. Dr. Hardt is a celebrated research scientist with an established history of over 40 years in the study and research of biofeedback. Hardt has authored or co-authored countless scientific research papers on the subject and he currently has more than 30 patents for the core technology, headset, training methodology and brain-centered portion of various virtual reality applications. Much of his extensive research has been supported by private and federal grants as well as generous contributions from respected organizations such as the Fetzer Foundation, and others. Hardt is a valued guest and keynote speaker and he has presented presentations at many prestigious national as well as international events. His findings have been published in numerous scholarly journals such as Science, Psychophysiology, and the Journal of Experimental Psychology, just to name a few. Dr. Hardt received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Carnegie Institute of Technology, as well as a master’s degree, and Ph.D., in psychology from Carnegie-Mellon University.
Dr. Hardt states that a biocybernaut is to inner space what an astronaut is to outerspace. The name biocybernaut is derived from linguistic components: bio, cyber, and naut. Naut is a Greek suffix that is defined as someone who ‘goes on a voyage or adventure.’ Cyber, which is derived from the word ‘cypher’ is used to denote ‘calculations’ and is, today, commonly referred to in computer calculating technology. Biocybernauts go on an inner adventure into the depths of their awareness. He recounts an interesting story that details his first experience with this type of training, in a research study many years ago. He describes that he became so interested in the research study that he requested to have additional time in the chamber that the study participants utilized. While taking his own time in the chamber, after hours, he was subsequently forgotten about, and was kept in the chamber for several hours, and during this time he experienced profoundly moving states and alpha surges that supercharged him to research and study the field further, which led to his eventual founding of the Biocybernaut Institute.
As is similar to meditation, the biocybernaut training is an attempt to tune into the interior state of mind. Brainwaves rule our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Dr. Hardt explains that when we change our brainwaves we can actually, fundamentally change who we are. He discusses some of his federally funded projects that delved into the study of biofeedback in regard to anxiety. As Hardt explains, anxiety is more prominent in women than men, and in both sexes, it increases with age in those who suffer from it. His findings showed that the biocybernaut training provided new benefits to those in the study at 6 months and also at 12 months. Dr. Hardt relates how the training expands awareness, so individuals see themselves more accurately and in greater depth. With traditional meditation, the process is effective at increasing alpha waves, but it can be quite slow, as it can take 21 to 40 years to be rated ‘advanced’ in Zen meditation. The benefit to biocybernaut training is that it uses technology to speed up the process, to detect and amplify alpha waves up to 100,000 times, so the signal is large enough to be worked with by computers. Feedback is given when the alpha waves increase, and the tones get louder, essentially producing a symphony of your own mind’s creation. Essentially, biocybernaut training allows the brain to know what it’s doing, while it is doing it, and as a result, the brain can improve in a myriad of ways. Dr. Hardt details how creativity, IQ, as well as emotional intelligence (EQ) can all be dramatically increased through the process and training.
The meditation and brainwave expert discusses the importance of clearing emotional traumas and how they can be major impediments to brainwave improvement. And the biocybernaut training provides effective means to remove emotional trauma baggage that can limit an individual’s progress forward. He discusses the pillars of training and the means for achieving profound improvements in one’s life.
Dr. Hardt has devoted his life to the study of the electrophysiological basis of advanced spiritual states. He has traveled the globe in pursuit of his research, and to India especially to study advanced Yogis, with his technology. From Zen masters to Christian prayer, Dr. Hardt has continued his relentless pursuit of advanced brainwave and meditation connections that allow people to become the best form of themselves that they can be, reducing limitations and addictions, experiencing more joy, less anxiety, improving health and awareness, and developing more meaningful relationships.
Dan Faggella, the founder and CEO of TechEmergence (techemergence.com), delivers an insightful overview of the power of AI and how companies can utilize it to move their business forward. TechEmergence is a sophisticated artificial intelligence market research and media platform. Its CEO and founder is passionate about AI and machine learning and believes that the most important ethical considerations of the next three decades will be the creation or expansion of sentience and intelligence in our technology. Dan Faggella is a writer and keynote speaker. He has written for multiple publications that focus on the nexus of business and technology such as the popular Bay Area-headquartered, TechCrunch; the Boston Business Journal; VentureBeat; VICE MotherBoard, the online magazine and video channel dedicated to technology, science, and humans; as well as many other respected sites and publications.
As Faggella states, TechEmergence is the platform that answers the question, “What do the new capabilities of AI mean for me?” And TechEmergence is the definitive platform that allows business leaders to better understand how AI is impacting their business and industry, and most importantly, what they should do about it. As they state, TechEmergence is the industry source for authoritative market research and competitive intelligence for the many and varied business applications of artificial intelligence. Their critical mission is to provide executives and decision-makers the knowledge that they will need to maintain competitive insight, to engage in informed AI technology procurement, as well as strategic planning that centers on AI. Faggella discusses their mission of leveraging AI for business and policy leaders, and how they deliver usable, critical information that provides valuable insight.
Fagella discusses some of the inevitable future trends that are, in his words, “almost unstoppable.” He recounts how companies often know that AI is important and is something that they should incorporate if they haven’t already, but the basic tenets of what they need versus what they think they need are often quite divergent. As he states, many times whatever makes its way into tech media and creates a splash is precisely what business leaders naturally gravitate toward, though their true needs may lie elsewhere. He acknowledges that consumer interaction and chat is beneficial but that there could be other areas a business may want to engage beforehand in regard to AI. He explains how cost is a significant factor, for implementation of quality AI in a business framework requires technologists such as data scientists, time, testing, and tinkering, and therefore smaller companies might fare better to wait until their capital expenditures in the AI sector can be more robust.
Fagella discusses some of the major forces of AI, such as user interface and usability, and how the needed skill level has constantly changed over the years. He states that while the implications for AI are enormous, that we are still only in an infantile stage, early phase two as he describes it. And unfortunately, the user interface of much AI that is being driven to the market is designed for those with wizard skills, so it will take some time for it to be ironed out and simplified such that the basic user can implement all that AI can offer. Fagella underscores the strong correlation between market share and large amounts of data, and how venture capitalists are excited about controlling the voluminous data that is continually being generated in the marketplace and shows no sign of slowing down.
Maximilian Freiermuth, CEO of Genesis Cloud (genesiscloud.com) discusses the accelerating market of cloud computing, services, advantages, and the future of public clouds in the marketplace. Maximilian Freiermuth has a serious goal—to make Genesis Cloud the largest public cloud on the market. He discusses the birth of Genesis as it rose from the founders of Genesis Mining who provided the necessary resources to start and scale their revolution in cloud computing. Genesis Mining is a powerful leader in the bitcoin mining space. In bitcoin mining, ‘miners’ purchase computing chips that are designed specifically for the process and they use them to run the specially crafted software. The software essentially forces the system to engage in and complete complex and difficult calculations, and when the process goes as planned, these miners are rewarded with bitcoin for their efforts.
Freiermuth’s company, Genesis Cloud, is focused on achieving tremendous growth, and its roots are firmly planted in hardware accelerated computing, as well as cryptocurrency and blockchain services. As they state, they have a variety of the largest GPU data centers in the world and they are bringing them together with an advanced, modern infrastructure for applications in machine learning, and select hardware accelerated applications as well.
Freiermuth discusses cryptocurrency mining and the general assumptions people make, some of which are correct and some incorrect. He talks about the importance of keeping operating costs low in order to be profitable in the space. And he details the costs of building data centers that can achieve the results necessary for growth. Freiermuth provides an overview of their services regarding infrastructure, etc., from renting computers within their existing data centers to use and direct at one’s discretion, to rendering, such as with studio movies, etc. that require long renders to create visual scenes, which would be a more service-oriented task. And with the latter, the cost savings can be incredible as cloud-generated rendering of computer graphic scenes can sometimes be produced at a significantly lower cost than creating scenes in a real-life setting.
The cloud computing authority discusses some of the supercomputing conferences that they will be attending and their goals for future progress and advances. One clear benefit for smaller companies is that they can take advantage of the expanding AI opportunities in business by utilizing Genesis Cloud’s computing power. By partnering in this way with Genesis Cloud, smaller companies will not need to incur risky capital expenditures for purchasing massive computing equipment themselves.
Freiermuth hopes to find new ways to offer services and support to the many individuals and companies that can certainly benefit by utilizing public clouds. And the Genesis Cloud team feels that no idea is ever too big to be considered, and they continually push themselves to advance and grow, as leaders in the booming cloud industry.
John Prisco, president, and CEO of Quantum Xchange (quantumxc.com), provides a very detailed overview and analysis of the ever-changing data security industry, and how quantum computers are forcing every business and government agency to rethink how they send and receive sensitive data.
Quantum Xchange provides impeccable defense to commercial enterprises and government agencies that seek to keep their high-value assets safe and secure currently, and on into the future. As quantum computers will significantly change how organizations secure their most sensitive data, Quantum Xchange will continue to be a sought-after partner for any entity that requires the most premium security.
John Prisco has over 30 years of solid experience in the areas of cybersecurity, telecommunications, and quantum physics. He has championed successful revenue growth and provided quality leadership and management to a multitude of companies such as Triumfant, GeoVantage, and Ridgeway Systems. Prisco is devoted to Quantum Xchange’s mission, and its valued customers, partners, investors, and the many quality employees who have helped make Quantum Xchange the gold standard in data security.
Prisco discusses how his company is a respected provider of unbreakable quantum keys and secure communications, and how they are enabling organizations to send unbreakable data over any distance utilizing the laws of quantum physics. He elaborates on quantum key distribution, which is a secure communication process that implements a cryptographic protocol involving components of quantum mechanics. Via quantum key distribution, two parties can produce a shared random secret key known only to them, which can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. As Prisco explains, the keys will change their state if an unauthorized party were to attempt to eavesdrop on them. Anything intercepted will be completely unusable by the breaching party and will not unencrypt any of the secure data whatsoever. The security expert gives a thorough analysis of the process that parties use to decide upon their encryption, as he details the transmission of photons, overall security, and the classification known as teleportation.
Prisco discusses the future of computing and progress that has been made in a relatively short time, and what advances are on the horizon. Large prime numbers that form the structure and base of today’s public-private key encryption protocols, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) will be easily and quickly factored by quantum computers and will leave mission-critical data exposed, and very much at risk.
Prisco states that with their system, even one photon that is tampered with will be evident to the end user. He explains quantum random number generators that work on photonic principles and provides an in-depth analysis of the wave nature of light that impacts the security of data in the process. Further, the data security executive discusses the future of data security and how his company, Quantum Xchange, will continue to address the shortcomings inherent with modern-day encryption.
Tyler Cartwright, founding member of Ketogains, LLC (ketogains.com), shares his incredible journey back to good health and fitness, and the many ways that his keto-focused company can help people reach their fitness and health goals more efficiently. Cartwright is walking proof of the benefits that are available through the Ketogains’ methods for he began his path back to good health at 505 pounds. Together with the support of his wife who had reached 300 pounds herself, they have found success over the past decade, both having reduced their weight significantly through diet and exercise. Cartwright has successfully stayed within 10 pounds of his current weight of 205 pounds and his wife, now down to only 160 pounds, has maintained her new weight for several years thus far.
Cartwright discusses the origins of the ketogenic diet. He and his Ketogains’ partners observed that while keto was not a new concept, as weightlifters and bodybuilders have long been using it to cut weight and meet goals, it was not, however, is properly introduced as a means to better health and fitness for the non-athlete. He delves into the various diets, from paleo to keto, vegan to vegetarian, and discusses their individual merits, frameworks, and strategies to success. Additionally, he discusses micronutrients, the advantages of taking in a sufficient amount of protein, and the benefits of chewing and digestion. And he explains how many have misinterpreted the ketogenic diet, making the assumption that keto means ‘eat as much as you want’ when it simply does not, for as he states, caloric intake still matters.
As the Ketogains team acknowledges, ketosis is a healthy side effect of their general macro and micro recommendations, but it is not the goal. Ketogains is a unified community-driven exploration of the path to physical excellence through ketosis. The team at Ketogains states that a ketogenic diet can assist most anyone to achieve personal goals of better health; increased endurance, strength, or speed; an increase of muscle mass; or the goal of simply sculpting a leaner body. It is an evidence-based path towards one’s ideal body recomposition.
Simply explained, a ketogenic diet is one that causes ketone bodies to be produced by the liver, that then shifts the body’s metabolism away from glucose and on towards fat utilization. He stresses the importance of energy balance and calories, in coordination with a successful ketogenic diet. He discusses the challenges of rapid weight loss that sometimes perplex people after they feel like they have plateaued, but have often become, perhaps unknowingly, more sedentary. Cartwright explains the methods he and his team use to help those who find themselves gaining weight again, in spite of their efforts to do the right thing in regard to diet and exercise. He states that at this point they begin to look very carefully at exactly what someone is eating, down to the details such as how much is being consumed, their micronutrients, clinical diagnosis, as well as genetic or metabolic factors. Additionally, he discusses various products and supplements, insulin levels, and exogenous ketones. He also discusses ketone esters and their new popularity in the market. He cautions however that exogenous ketones are not a successful way to lose weight, but that successful weight loss is more often through hormonal balancing and caloric intake.
Cartwright’s career focus, which he is passionate about, is in working with clients who seek to change their lifestyle, behavior, and the nagging mental impasses that stand in the way of their success. Cartwright has experience working in bootcamp environments and individually with those just starting their journey, as well as others who have had some success and want to go further, and also those who feel they need to change what they are doing altogether, to find a new approach. He is keenly interested in biochemistry and bioenergetic factors, as well as the psychology of change and non-surgical fat loss through various methods including the ketogenic diet. Cartwright is recognized as a Specialist in Fitness Nutrition (SFN), a Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT), and a Specialist in Bodybuilding (SB) by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Ravi Sahu, CEO, and founder of Strayos (strayos.com) delivers a detailed analysis of the data revolution in the mining and civil engineering industries that is helping companies to safeguard jobsites, and save money by increasing efficiency. Sahu is a seasoned technology management executive with more than a decade of hands-on experience helping technology business models to respond to changing markets and their growing, diverse customer needs. He is a global executive and management professional who has collaborated with teams and held various leadership roles with a myriad of businesses and has successfully executed sizable IT engagements for many of his prestigious Fortune 500 clients. Sahu specializes in business advisory services and methods, strategic management, sales, pre-sales, growth strategy, competitive enablement, operations, and value creation strategies that can deliver strategic business outcomes. Globally educated, Sahu holds multiple degrees (MBA, BE) in computer science.
Strayos is a 3D computer vision and machine learning platform for the mining industry that seeks to optimize drilling and blasting operations. By using drone technology, etc. Strayos can assist industry leaders with drilling and blasting decisions by collecting data for analyzation and processing. Strayos’s data analytics software is designed to maximize the operational excellence within the civil engineering and mining industries. As Sahu states, mining is a costly industry but through the use of data analytics provided by Strayos’s software, managers can significantly reduce costs. The Strayos platform makes it possible to collect and upload images from any drone, and to generate orthomosaics, 3D Models, point clouds and digital surface models (DSM) from collected aerial data. Sahu details the need for precise calculations, such as geotechnical attributes, when considering drilling sites, and how access to the data in advance can greatly improve effectiveness. He expounds upon the rate and frequency of drilling and mining and how that is directly impacted by a particular industry’s current needs for materials, etc. He describes the benefits for job site automation and data analytics that Strayos’s platform can provide for any company in the civil engineering and mining fields.
The Strayos mission is to transform how the world is essentially discovered, designed, and digitized by aiding and empowering a job site's workforce to deliver added value through powerful data. Strayos has significantly impacted the design and execution of blasting operations by optimizing efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and safeguarding job sites with shot planning and blast analytics tools. And for civil engineering, the Strayos platform enables builders to build with more confidence, offering valuable analytical tools within their zero-distortion dashboard that can track job progress with complete accuracy and make precise adjustments, which can save a lot of time and decrease costs by improving efficiency. Strayos enables the actionable intelligence from drone data that can impact nearly every aspect of operations.
The data expert discusses the cost-effectiveness of transportation services such as loading and hauling, from fuel costs to road grades and ramp designs, all which can have a significant impact on a company’s yearly bottom line. Sahu discusses the aspects of computer vision in regard to drilling and how drilling strategies can be adjusted based on deviations and new data as it comes in. Sahu states that the size of the data set will definitely impact the performance efficiency with regard to time. Ultimately, according to Sahu, his team’s mission is to find the areas in an industry where production is not optimized, or could use improvement, and implement their solutions to maximize and optimize every aspect of the process.
Dr. Charlton Woodly, founder of Woodly Foot & Ankle (woodlyfootankle.com), delivers an informative overview of the many problems, injuries, conditions, and treatments for feet and ankles. Dr. Woodly is a seasoned, board-certified podiatrist with over 14 years of experience in surgical treatment, a sought-after specialist in minimally invasive procedures and a HyProCure Master Surgeon. Dr. Woodly treats a vast array of foot and ankle conditions, including common injuries, sports injuries, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, toenail fungus, and more. And he has additional specialization in HyProCure, which has been proven to have an impact on the condition of flat feet by increasing motion and distributing weight throughout the entire foot. Dr. Woodly is an expert in platelet-rich plasma therapy to combat heel and ankle pain, as well as with dermal fillers that can replace natural foot cushioning that has been worn and degraded over time.
The foot and ankle expert discusses his early work in open surgical procedures that utilized large incisions, then screws and pins for holding bone in place. While the procedures worked effectively, Woodly was concerned that heal time was often long and that his patients experienced pain. He sought a better way and was motivated to begin bringing minimally invasive procedures to his patients, procedures that only required small incisions that could be performed during an office visit and were cost reducing as well. He discusses the techniques used for remodeling joints, anesthesia, and recovery times. With less cutting, less swelling, and less pain, the advantages are significant and patients are very pleased to have these more advanced surgical techniques as an option for them for a wide variety of foot and ankle problems and injuries.
Woodly explains the advantages of HyProCure, which is a minimally invasive procedure. HyProCure can be placed in the naturally occurring space between bones to immediately realign and stabilize the hindfoot. The procedure utilizes a titanium stent that helps to prevent foot rolling and hyperpronation that causes pain. He explains that the HyProCure procedure offers a successful alternative for people that can offer long-term improvement. He details the importance of stretching and proper shoes to further increase mobility and decrease issues.
Woodly provides insight into plantar fasciitis and the laser treatments that can provide relief by relaxing muscles in the back of the leg and decreasing inflammation. Additionally, the process reduces the need for cortisone injections, which as Woodly explains can be very painful for patients.
Woodly talks about his practice and how he tries to treat all patients the way he would want to be treated himself, thus he prides himself on thinking outside the box to provide techniques and procedures that allow his patients to have multiple options to solve their foot and ankle problems.
Dr. Woodly has a medical degree from New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his internship and residency at Gouverneur Healthcare Services and the Jacobi Medical Center, both within the city of New York. He is currently on staff at Weatherford Regional Medical Center in addition to his extensive work at Woodly Foot & Ankle, and he is a member of both the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association
Sleep: we all know we need it, but many of us don’t realize how badly. Missing just a night or two of quality sleep can increase our susceptibility to the common cold, and chronic sleep loss can lead to much more serious conditions. With 60-70% of the global population failing to get the right amount of sleep, sleep deprivation is now considered an epidemic—one that’s affecting people across the age spectrum. However, seeking the right type of treatment is expensive, time-consuming, and often hard to come by.
Dayzz is a mobile app that aims to tackle this problem head-on by providing individuals with personalized sleep training programs while collecting data that will ultimately contribute to a greater understanding of the myriad sleep disorders affecting people.
Mairav Cohen is a clinical psychologist and the chief science officer at Dayzz, and she joins the podcast today to discuss a variety of interesting issues on the topic of sleep, such as how to know what the “right” amount of sleep is for you, how exactly the Dayzz app gathers information from its users, whether or not there are health benefits to being a “night owl” versus a “lark,” the impact of cortisol and melatonin on sleep, and what’s in store for Dayzz. Press play for more.
If it doesn’t end up in a landfill, the trash you throw into the dumpster will end up in an incinerator and release a number of toxic chemicals when burned, reducing air quality and contributing to carbon emissions. Existing waste collection and recycling companies are doing their best to recycle as much as possible, but their technology is limited, and with the relatively new restrictions from China on recyclable materials, we’re dealing with a larger volume of waste than ever before. There’s simply not a market for so many common waste materials, such as straws, plastic film, and fabrics.
Michael Schmidt is the executive vice president of strategic growth and development at Gold Medal Environmental, a company that’s providing a landfill-free solution for commercial, residential, and construction materials. How does it work? Gold Medal Environmental uses a system backed by technology that captures the chemicals released during the decomposition of waste. Once captured, they are converted to supplemental coal, an EPA-recognized source of fuel. This will reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and prevent significant quantities of toxins from entering the atmosphere.
It’s already been proven effective in Europe and is on its way to North America.
On a global scale, aviation accounts for two percent of carbon emissions, which may not sound like a lot, but is equivalent to all of the carbon emissions produced by Germany each year. Avinor is a state-owned company and the main airport operator in Norway tasked with maintaining and ensuring adequate air travel services in over 45 airports and reducing carbon emissions from air travel. Abdul Basit Mohammad is the senior advisor at Avinor and is joined by project manager Olav Mosvold to discuss how exactly they’re doing this and the ways in which it could be improved.
Reducing energy consumption is the first step in reducing emissions, and this is done first and foremost by maintaining efficient traffic flow with minimal interruptions. Beyond efficiency, Mohammad and Mosvold discuss the viability of the electrification of aircraft and the use of biofuels as solutions to the problem of energy consumption and carbon emissions.
American and European aircraft producers, as well as traditional jet engine producers, are conducting research and development projects focused on the economy of electrification, which has been promising: not only is the maintenance cost of electric motors lower than traditional jet turbines, but electricity itself is a lot cheaper than jet kerosene.
Tune in and visit avinor.no for the latest news and information on upcoming projects.
Since the first car sensor was created in 1968, vehicles have become exponentially more electronic and software-driven. In fact, some even have hundreds of sensors generating gigabits of data each day. In their vision of building a marketplace for connected car services and the monetization of cars, the team at Tantalum is taking advantage of all this data. For example, the ability to collect data about the way people drive (whether they’re speeding, obeying the traffic rules, etc.) will have a big impact on their risk profile, which in turn could lower their insurance premium rates.
Another use case is voice recognition for parking experiences, whereby saying the demand, “Park my car” uses location-based data and payment information already embedded in the app to create a seamless and simple experience all around. Other use cases include roadside assistance, improved fuel experiences, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and an automated 911 feature.
Tune in to hear Ozgur Tohumcu, the CEO of Tantalum, discuss all of these exciting use cases and more, and visit tantalumcorporation.com.
Second, to the air conditioner, swimming pool pumps are the second largest consumer of electricity in the home and are overused when issues with water chemistry require pools to be emptied and refilled. In addition, dirtier water requires more energy, so money can actually be saved by keeping pool water clean and chemically balanced, to begin with. A pool owner must consistently and carefully measure five water parameters: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH, and alkalinity. However, it can be difficult and expensive to monitor and correct issues once they arise, leading to a lot of chemicals, water, and energy waste.
Now there’s an easier and more sustainable option offered by My Sutro: a small, floatable sensor that’s connected to the cloud on a 24/7 basis in order to monitor all five parameters, identify imbalances and send alerts when there’s something off with the water. If there’s a deficiency in one or more chemicals, My Sutro will deliver them to your doorstep. Ravi Kurani is the CEO of My Sutro and explains a variety of potential use cases for this product, including those that deal with drinking water, groundwater, and agriculture.
My Sutro has a handful of devices currently deployed across the U.S. for testing, and are planning a big launch just in time for the 2019 swimming season. Stay up to date on the latest and purchase your own sensor by visiting mysutro.com.
When an obese, arthritic, 12-year-old dog walked sluggishly through the doors of her hospital with a cancer diagnosis and a life expectancy of about four months, Dr. Barbara Royal wasn’t discouraged, or saddened, or intimidated by the work ahead of her; she was enlivened by an opportunity to grab from death’s door a life that had living left to do. The dog managed more than to merely hang on for four months; he lived vibrantly and energetically—running, playing, jumping…doing all the things dogs should do—for four more years. But this is really only half of the story. Similarly inhibited by their failing health and missing out on life while facing a murky future, this unexpected transformation encouraged his human companions to pause and ask, “Why not us too?” Within just a few months, the two had dropped over 100 pounds between them, hiked the Grand Canyon, and visited their grandchildren four states away—something which their health had never once allowed them to do. What’s the secret? It turns out there’s not much of one at all.
The impact of a species-appropriate diet and an integrative approach to medicine became powerfully evident to Dr. Royal not through years’ worth of education and the tens of thousands of dollars she spent on it, but by virtue of her own research and through her experience as a zoo veterinarian. The typical veterinary school curriculum in the U.S. includes only a minimal amount of education on nutrition and is taught by biased parties—representatives from major pet food companies—who stand to gain by pushing their product as the only proper diet for domestic animals. “The companies are trying to sell their food and judging things based on money, and I understand that, but my job is really different; my job is to judge things based on health,” says Dr. Royal. “Food really should mean something to us...we’re putting it in our bodies...people say, for $30 they can buy a bag of kibble and feed their Great Dane for a month...but what are they feeding them, and how can that possibly be good? If it’s that cheap, then someone’s cheating somewhere.”
Nutrition is the fulcrum of every choice Dr. Royal makes as a veterinarian, but she’s not blind to the fact that many people simply can’t afford everything she recommends. She reflects on that reality, stating, “Most of my patients say that I save them money in the end, because...every bit of the food is worth what they’re paying for; they’re not buying a bag of food where 50 percent…is sugar, or chemicals, or carcinogens…and that’s going to decrease the amount of medication and the number of times they’ll have to go to a veterinarian.” When it comes to nutrition, a little can go a long way, and she’s willing to work with every client who walks through the doors with their eyes open to the options that lie outside the confines of conventional Western veterinary medicine.
At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive that the booming, multi-billion-dollar pet industry would be churning out such high rates of illness and disease. When Dr. Royal graduated veterinary school, cancer was more or less a rarity, and now one in two dogs will receive the diagnosis. On top of that statistic, arthritis, obesity, allergies, and diabetes are at an all-time high. Why are our pets getting so sick? Driven largely by pet food corporations, the pharmaceutical industry, and expensive surgical procedures, this industry thrives off the structure of Western veterinary medicine—a structure designed to maximize productivity, leaving practitioners and technicians racing the clock and relying on generic treatments and medications in the absence of thorough, holistic, and individualized evaluations.
It’s a different story at The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, where the literal structure reflects the interests of the animals; there are no exam tables, half doors divide sections of the hospital, and the walls are lined with the natural defenses of antimicrobial tree bark. At least 30 minutes are spent at the beginning of each consultation addressing every aspect of the animal’s diet, which equips Dr. Royal with the foundation she’ll need in moving forward with treatment, whether that means acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal, metabolic, laser, massage, or rehabilitative therapy. She pays keen attention to the behavioral characteristics and preferences of every animal, watching and speaking their language—a skill she honed out of pure necessity while working with wild animals in captivity. If a particular form of therapy is not well-suited for a particular patient, then she’ll reassess and try another. It is this method that has rendered Dr. Royal such an immensely successful veterinarian. “If I were a conventional practitioner and I didn’t have the tools I have...I would be feeding food that’s inappropriate for the species, and I would be seeing diseases chronically come back...and that would be very hard on my soul,” says Dr. Royal.
The interplay between the human-animal bond and the way we view the health of our animals versus the health of our own bodies will frame the core of Dr. Royal’s discussion at the 2019 Metabolic Health Summit: cancer. How can we help an animal use their own metabolism and ancestral cleanup tools to fight cancer, when should we avoid putting them through multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, and in what way might these answers parallel those in human medicine?
Tune in to hear this enlightening discussion and visit www.royaltreatmentveterinarycenter.com to learn more about the services offered by Dr. Royal and her team. For resources in your area, visit the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website at www.ahvma.org and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society website at www.ivas.org. For reading on the subject, check out Dr. Royal’s book, The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets on Amazon.
Dr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified internal medicine physician and weight loss expert who has passionately devoted his life to bringing good health and wellness to everyone. Dr. Kalayjian delivers an interesting and useful overview of his methods to achieve weight loss and health improvement.
Dr. Kalayjian has a medical degree from Touro Medical College and he completed his internal medicine residency in the Yale New Haven Health System at Greenwich Hospital where he served as a chief medical resident. A prolific publisher, Dr. Kalayjian has released a wide variety of important case reports and findings in the areas of binge eating disorder, food addiction, and achalasia— a rare disorder that makes it very difficult for foods and liquids to pass into the stomach. His therapeutic focus includes obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Kalayjian recommends a combination of intensive lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, stress management, and mental health care to many of his patients seeking improved health.
Dr. Kalayjian discusses the emotional and metabolic issues that could make weight loss more challenging for some. He recounts stories of patients who have run into difficulty losing weight even after undergoing dramatic procedures such as gastric bypass surgery, etc. As Kalayjian explains, there are many reasons why weight loss can be difficult and he works with patients that have diverse issues that present challenges for them.
Kalayjian provides a basic overview of his four-month program, starting with comprehensive lab work, an initial ninety-minute session and weekly follow-ups for up to eight weeks. Additionally, lab work is redone to assess changes, and subsequent consultations follow. Kalayjian monitors weight, body fat, blood pressure, body/fat/water mass, heart rate, glucose and more, to get a complete picture of a patient’s body and how it is functioning. He states his average weight loss for the program is about 35 pounds, with extremes of as little as four pounds lost, and 120 pounds as the maximum lost. Kalayjian discusses how his process first begins with figuring out what is causing the obesity in a patient, and only after reaching his conclusion can he then get them started on an appropriate diet, such as low fat, or low carb, ketogenic, etc., that will yield the results they are seeking. And while his patients are working toward their goal, Kalayjian also offers opportunities for them to socialize in various ways with others who are also seeking weight loss, to create a sense of community, one that provides support. He details the process as patients move into months three and four that may involve some fasting, dietary restrictions, time-restricted feeding, and exercise. Additionally, he talks about the problems people have when they plateau and some options, such as intermittent fasting and hunger assessments that may help them get past it and begin losing weight again.
The diet and nutrition expert details the important role that metabolism plays in weight loss. And he explains how some of the TV show weight loss programs that push fast weight loss have permanently damaged participants’ metabolism by approaching weight loss the wrong way. As he states, weight loss is a process and he advises one pound per week for most patients, to ensure a safe, effective, long-term strategy that can provide lasting results.
Kalayjian explains that the vast array of ‘eat more, move less,’ ‘count calorie,’ and other conventional programs and ideas really do not work for most people. Kalayjian’s goal is to provide a better way for his patients to find success in their weight loss plan, to lose the weight and keep it off for life. He recounts how his wife offered encouragement that nudged him to embark on his own personal weight loss journey, an experience that has helped him to better understand how to help others. He takes his patients’ journeys very personally and feels that if they fail, he has failed, so he makes it a point of never letting them fail, even if they have specific metabolic difficulties that may make their path to success a bit of a longer one. Kalayjian explains that diet and nutrition have been proven to not only impact weight loss, but also many other diseases and pre-disease conditions, and he is incredibly passionate about helping patients improve their health and be well.
Derek Künsken, the author of The Quantum Magician, delivers an interesting account of his background and path to science fiction writing. Künsken is a passionate writer of science fiction and fantasy predominantly, and his love of all interesting subjects, people, and places keeps him fueled and always pushing to create more. Since he was ten years old, Künsken has been singularly focused on his desire to write and create. Künsken talks about his journey from early childhood through his university work in molecular biology, to working with street kids in Central America, and how he finally came back to his first love—writing. He discusses his work, from short fiction to novels, and highlights the relevant physics that are featured heavily in his writing as he weaves tales about extreme situations in the universe and the existence of life in other environments.
Künsken contrasts the novel world vs. the movie world and how film and TV don’t usually, because of the time limitations, delve deep into hard science. He describes that in the novel world, it is much easier to go into detail and explain the science that is involved in the subject matter, sometimes simply because there is just more of an opportunity in the written novel to elaborate and get into the fine details. And he delivers an interesting perspective on early science fiction film and television. In his discussion, he explains how Star Trek, the TV show, didn’t go deep into any actual science of the technological devices they used but rather took an interesting look at the impact of such scientific technology on those who were able to access it.
Künsken gives an overview of his method for creating The Quantum Magician, and discusses what intrigued him, and compelled him to write the novel. He explains that it was actually his own personal anxiety about the progress and direction of technology that was a motivating factor. He wanted to look at the uncomfortable questions that could come forth, such as what happens when people are given the opportunity to engineer their children before they are born, by changing their DNA, and how would a society function in space with no police presence, etc. From biological quantum computing to eleven-dimensional space and wormholes, to time travel and beyond, Künsken describes how he wanted to allow himself to push his most thought-provoking scientific and technological ideas. And he details his process for implementing the math, science, neurology, and technology into his work, describing his use of research coupled with his own personal knowledge from his university studies.
The science fiction author provides his personal thoughts on the genre in general and some of its common tropes and structures. He states that science fiction is particularly good at delivering cautionary tales. He talks about the unintended consequences of advanced science in a practical sense and how society may interpret the use of this science and technology as it advances, and the legal implications as well.
As a guest speaker at many world conferences on scientific topics, Künsken states that he is constantly meeting interesting minds in the scientific world, and he explains that amazing new scientific ideas and theories are being pushed forward at an astounding pace by these inventors of the future.
Adam Cooper, co-founder of GasMob (gasmob.co), provides an interesting overview of how technology is changing everything we do, even how we fill our gas tanks. To say Cooper is pumped about the future of GasMob’s fuel-filling technology would be an understatement as he is brimming with ideas about the many benefits his company’s app can offer to individuals and businesses everywhere.
Co-founders Adam and Brad Cooper grew up in the thriving metropolis of NYC, specifically Manhattan, and through the years they observed that the increased need for residential properties in a city with a finite amount of land, surrounded by water, was creating a desperate situation for motorists who sought an easy fill-up. In fact, Adam Cooper states that there are as few as fifteen gas stations remaining to serve an estimated 1.4 million households that own a vehicle that requires gas. With massive real estate projects taking over most of the incredibly valuable lots once inhabited by petroleum resellers, the majority of gas locations exist, inconveniently for many, either on the northern tip or western edge of the island. Cooper discusses how he wanted to find a solution to the long lines, inconvenient locations, and the hassle, thus GasMob was born. With a background in finance and a strong passion for technology, Cooper reached out to his current partner, a respected oil and gas family, to launch the service.
Cooper talks about their platform and their initial foray into offering custom solutions as an amenity for residential and commercial properties, as opposed to a simply on-demand market model, though Cooper does expect to fully expand into on-demand further as well. Cooper provides details about how the service works for users, from initial sign up, to scheduling, and how property owners are pleased to have an additional amenity to attract residents. Cooper relates how it is as simple as opening your gas tank cover, locking your car, and letting GasMob handle the rest—filling your tank in the scheduled window you select and locking up your gas tank afterward, all while you enjoy your day or engage in work, never having to consider it or be hassled to do it yourself.
Cooper discusses the development of the app and how his team at GasMob is closely following every technology advance to continually update and improve their services. GasMob was brought to life by a team of talented developers led by a CTO who understands that technology and innovation go hand in hand. And as technology advances, their team continues to seek opportunities to partner and expand.
The gas delivery guru discusses GasMob’s push to partner with entities that can help to capitalize their future endeavors as they continually innovate and target emerging markets. He talks about their work with companies who have fleets and some of the newer companies that could be in need. He describes their delivery trucks, the sizes and dimensions, and how their delivery vehicles are designed specifically for each unique purpose. Additionally, Cooper provides specific detail on the backend portal that fleet owners can view to dig deep into the individual analytics for their entire fleet. And as Cooper states, currently the company’s focus is to provide the absolute best service for fuel delivery, but he expects that the future will see GasMob expand into other auto-related services as well.
John Fennelly, CEO of Lionbridge (lionbridge.com), delivers an informative overview of the translation services industry, its global expansion, and how technology is changing the industry. Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. is a successful software and professional services company that specializes in language translation, e-learning translation, localization, software testing, internationalization, interpretation, software development, software testing, and content development services and strategies. Lionbridge’s CEO discusses the history of Lionbridge and their goal to provide a more personalized way to translate.
CEO John Fennelly is a seasoned leader and pioneering innovator in localization and translation services. His strong leadership has helped to produce significant organic growth at Lionbridge, now with over 6,000 employees on board ready to assist businesses, helping them connect with their customers anywhere in the world. Before Fennelly’s tenure at Lionbridge began he was the CEO of HireRight, a proven leader in the HCM technology space, where he led a major turnaround effort that culminated in record revenue and earnings growth leading to the profitable sale of the company. Fennelly has a long history in the information services and technology sector, working at notable companies such as Thomson Reuters, SunGard, and others.
The translation entrepreneur highlights the many ways Lionbridge can help companies succeed globally. He details the value of rolling out new products globally to customers in a manner which all documents, websites, user guides, and more are translated with accuracy for the intended readers, wherever they are, in whatever language that is needed. He discusses his broad team of close to 30,000 translation freelancers who work diligently to ensure quality is delivered for every client and their company or business, by understanding a company’s brand and unique messaging. And he details the importance of grasping various factors such as the differences between literal and nuanced translations that will resonate with the local market, driving interest and consumer connections.
While English is widely used as a base language for many businesses, there is still high demand for direct translation into a large number of varied languages globally. Fennelly states that the history of translation services was largely based in the translation of technical documents, the ancillary parts of the system or product, but now with so many voice-activated devices coming to the market, the translation of those is changing Lionbridge’s space rather dramatically.
Fennelly provides his thoughts on the future of translation services, and how machine learning is an integral part of where the business model is going now that voice-activated services are able to interact with people in their native language. And Lionbridge plays a major role in helping companies train their machines.
Lionbridge believes that at its core, communication is always human, and the specialized Lionbridge community works tirelessly to add understanding to your data, and nuance to machine translation.
As companies continue to seek new opportunities, customers, and markets for their brand, Lionbridge seeks to move forward with them, assisting them with connections, delivery, and training for translation services at the highest level. Fennelly talks about the need for translation companies to transition from service-based to technology-based companies, and how some are falling short as technology expands at a blistering pace. As Fennelly states, companies that can successfully navigate that transition will be well positioned for success, and those that cannot will suffer.
As a traditional internal medicine physician, John Limansky began to notice that many of the most common and chronic diseases suffered by his patients were based around diet and lifestyle, and he soon acknowledged the importance of not just treating the symptoms of any particular illness, but understanding the underlying mechanism that contributes to so many of them.
Dementia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes...the list goes on...but what do they all have in common? They’re driven at least in part by dysfunctional mitochondria, which is due to lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, and nutrition. With this understanding, Dr. Limansky began to realize the necessity of treating people one-on-one, which means starting with an extremely detailed questionnaire and assessment, gathering information on an individual’s genetic and metabolic profile, and then creating a tailored plan based on that patient’s current state of health and overall health goals. In order to share the knowledge and insights he’s gained over the years with people worldwide, he founded biohackmd.com, a website that allows anyone to access resources for learning biohacking techniques and implementing the optimal diet for leading longer and more healthful lives.
Dr. Limansky touches on a range of insightful topics, including the problem with the standard treatment for prediabetes and diabetes, the effect of exercise and sleep patterns on insulin sensitivity, tools for achieving and maintaining health goals, and the surprising benefits of sitting in a sauna for just 20 minutes a day, four times a week. Hit play for the full conversation, visit biohackmd.com, visit him on social media, or reach out with questions at john@biohackmd.com.
Gillian Szollos had always struggled with obesity, but it wasn’t until she began having seizures in 2014 that she realized something was really wrong, and that something needed to be done about it. The medications she was prescribed did nothing but worsen the seizures and produce unbearable side effects; she was at the end of her rope, and willing to try anything. That’s when her husband stumbled upon a seizure support group that introduced him and Gillian to the ketogenic diet. One of her doctors laughed it off as being effective only for children, while her other doctor had never heard of it; after just two weeks of adhering to a keto diet, Gillian was completely seizure-free and has remained so for four years now.
Unlike the pharmaceuticals she’d been taking prior--which caused horrific side effects--the ketogenic diet came with a 90-pound weight loss, increased energy, and the resolution of her pain associated with fibromyalgia. To this day, Gillian remains an outspoken proponent of the ketogenic diet, aiming to share her story and what she’s learned through her website, Keto for Life, which can be found at www.ketoalldayeveryday.com.
Gillian touches on the importance of remembering that we are individuals with different epigenetic and metabolic expressions, stressors, and lifestyles and that these factors impact how any one individual will respond to the keto diet--even she’ll admit that it’s not for everyone.
Visit her website to learn more, and look for her at KetoCon this June in Austin, TX.
There are a variety of exogenous ketone products on the market today, many of which are consumed by athletes and people looking for a natural source of energy to increase their endurance and physical performance. Most of these products, however, have to be consumed in relatively large volumes and have high quantities of artificial sweeteners. That’s not the case with HVMN Ketone--the world’s first ketone ester sports drink shown to increase endurance, athletic performance, and cognitive ability.
Brianna Stubbs, Ph.D., is a research lead at HVMN Ketone and joins the podcast today to discuss the difference between the ketone salt products that have been on the market and the ketone ester used in the HVMN Ketone drink, and why ketone esters are far superior to ketone salts. By virtue of the fact that ketone esters are more potent than ketone salts, the drink can be consumed as a quick shot, rather than an unpalatable 16 ounces of liquid filled with artificial sweetener and a salty undertaste.
Research on the benefits of ketone esters and the ketogenic diet, in general, has shown that beyond the ability to improve cognitive and physical performance, increased ketones in the body can boost brain metabolism and slow or prevent the progression of cognitive deficits such as Alzheimer’s.
Interested in learning more or trying it for yourself? Tune in and visit hvmn.com.
For over 10 years, Ross Taylor tried to stick to a high-quality ketogenic diet while travelling the world for work; he quickly realized that accomplishing the two simultaneously was no easy task. “It’s easy when you’re not home to find proteins or vegetables...but getting enough fat--if you want to make fat your primary source of calories--is not always easy when you’re not home,” says Taylor. It was from this idea and this idea alone that Taylor and his wife decided to found a company--uniquely named DropAnFBomb--with the goal of producing natural, high-quality, low-carb, high-fat snacks well-suited for the individual who’s constantly on the move and determined to stick to a healthy ketogenic diet.
DropAnFBomb sells nut butters and six different oils, each conveniently packaged in a pouch for easy portability. Free from fillers, artificial sweeteners, and really anything you can’t pronounce, these products just made sticking to the keto diet a whole lot easier. They started the company from the ground up, with no background experience in the food industry whatsoever. Taylor discusses the challenges they’ve faced, the successes they’ve had, what’s on the horizon, and how to try out these snacks for yourself. Tune in for all the details and check out www.dropanfbomb.com.
Susan Stevenson, executive director, and Craig Mickanin, director, of the Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company, Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland, deliver an informative overview of the incredible advances in gene therapy and transformative technologies that are rapidly changing the techniques medical professionals utilize to fight disease. Sue Stevenson is an experienced director with an extensive history in the pharmaceuticals industry. Her focus is in biologics, life sciences, validation, and cell biology. She holds a BS in chemistry from Western Maryland College as well as a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the distinguished Wake Forest University.
Craig Mickanin holds a BS in biology and history from the prestigious William & Mary University, the second oldest college in the nation, and a well-respected cutting-edge research university. The Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) is the innovation engine and the NIBR team collaborates across various scientific and organizational boundaries, working for therapeutic breakthroughs for all patients.
Novartis’s stated mission is to utilize science-based innovation to address the world’s most challenging healthcare issues. Novartis seeks to discover and develop breakthrough treatments and successful ways to deliver them to the world’s population in need of care. Research and development (R&D) are at Novartis’s core and a key component to their primary strategy. Stevenson describes Novartis’s mission goal as it relates to disease treatment and prevention, specifically regarding cell and gene therapy. She discusses a few of their gene therapy methods, including the process of removing some of a patient’s cells, to modify those cells to, in essence, fight a particular tumor type, and then reintroducing the cells into the patient’s body so that the cells can get to work destroying the tumor. This cell therapy is an example of ex vivo therapy. Stevenson also outlines some of their early development on injectable options for cell delivery and the clinical studies that are going on currently.
The biochemistry Ph.D. details their exciting work that she hopes will bring truly amazing medical advancements to patients worldwide, such as restoring blindness, restoring hearing, and curing cancer, as well as some other in vivo studies that are showing promise.
Mickanin discusses his early work and provides some insight into how technology advances have helped buoy the transformative aspect of the field. He discusses current stem cell studies and the extent of their use in the industry. Mickanin details some of the aspects of the CRISPR technology, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Mickanin states that the system allows researchers to induce double stranded breaks into virtually any genome with specificity, and Novartis has been investing significant resources into the research. And Stevenson adds how their use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology will aid them in the process of introducing cells that can prevent disease or disease complications. She lays out the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas9 and her hopes for its use ongoing, in future discovery and delivery of treatment options for patients.
Mickanin provides an overview of how ex vivo strategies and in vivo strategies are determined, and the issues that are involved when making a choice as to how to move forward with either for treatments. Stevenson discusses the expectations for the future and MIT studies that indicate perhaps as many as forty new gene therapy medicines may be released by the year 2022.
Dr. Vincent “Ben” Bocchicchio, doctor, author, and health-oriented fitness expert delivers an interesting and important analysis of the body, exercise, and diet connection, and how we can all make positive changes that will improve our health significantly. Bocchicchio has over 40 years of experience in the fitness and health industry. He is a sought-after expert whose practical methods for achieving optimal health combine science with effective body conditioning and technology for top results in weight loss, and fitness. Dr. Bocchicchio was the pioneer developer of slow resistance training, a fitness technique that literally revolutionized the way people exercise.
Bocchicchio’s book, Fifteen Minutes to Fitness: Dr. Ben’s Smart Plan for Diet and Total Health, outlines a sensible and rational approach to diet and exercise. Bocchicchio’s method produces significant results by working with physiology and it is a must-read for fitness and health professionals. Bocchicchio discusses his early years as a serious athlete and the fitness experts who influenced his journey. He talks about the history of health and fitness and the struggle to bring good fitness ideas into mainstream consciousness.
The fitness guru discusses the development of his celebrated slow resistance training techniques known as ‘smart training.’ He describes his program as high intensity and it has garnered successful results for many of his clients and followers, from elite athletes to the average health-conscious person. As he details, his program requires just two 15-minute sessions per week to see a real impact on health and energy, as well as increase of metabolism. Bocchicchio provides insight on his thoughts behind the development of the smart training techniques. Bocchicchio states that he wanted to look at how our earlier ways of living impacted good health. He talks about how early humans did not have carbohydrates but had to exist on fish and fowl that required humans to hunt, which was an intensive workout.
Bocchicchio provides some detailed information on insulin resistance and the negative impact of carbohydrates, and how our bodies truly don’t need them. He describes the process of fat cell storage, and how the prevalence of sugar in so many of our foods is leading to health problems. Essentially, Dr. Bocchicchio states that the consumption of carbohydrates is akin to ingesting insulin. And while a full diet and exercise plan is the best option, simply cutting carbohydrates is one step that everyone can take for their health. And Bocchicchio goes in-depth about the methods our bodies use to burn fat and sugar, and how fasting can provide an opportunity for the body to initiate an intensive energy burning process. When we eat, as Bocchicchio states, we are sending a metabolic signal to our bodies to store energy, and when we fast we are telling our bodies to burn energy. He outlines how intermittent fasting can be an option for people who want to stimulate their burn.
Bocchicchio details the many types of exercise and workout plans that people invest their time into, and he stresses the importance of high-intensity exercise because it releases adrenaline, which in turn forces the body to release stored fat. He explains that steady state cardio exercise is good for overall health but that it will not change one’s metabolic status or make the body leaner. He states that in order to achieve the best results for metabolic purposes, essentially pushing the body to burn more energy, that we must work harder at a high-intensity level, which can only be done in short blocks of time due to the intensity it requires.
The diet and fitness expert delivers an intensive overview of other factors that drive insulin resistance and the dangers of sugar loading. He talks about exercise techniques and gives specific examples of methods that everyone can use to improve their exercise regimens and general health. He discusses safe, productive, and intermittent exercising and the benefits of keeping a regular routine. Bocchicchio explains his personal workout routine and the advantages of working each set of muscles to failure, thus pushing the workout to a high-intensity level that maximizes the metabolic benefits. And he wraps up his thorough analysis of health and fitness by discussing some of his partnerships with various fitness groups and brands, as well as the tools one can use to exercise efficiently and intensely, for optimum health.
Siegfried Hekimi is a professor of biology at McGill University and head of The Hekimi Lab where he and his team specialize in the study of aging. Hekimi delivers an informative overview of the complex, and often unknown, processes that produce aging, and the work his lab is involved with to try to uncover the mechanisms that accelerate, and retard aging, and why they do.
Hekimi studied biology at the University of Geneva. After Geneva, Hekimi began work at the celebrated Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) of the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, UK, where he developed his method for using 'the worm' for translational studies on the biology of aging. While at Cambridge Hekimi identified the first mutants that supported the theory that aging could be manipulated genetically and that the process of inducing mild mitochondrial dysfunction can slow down the aging process of animals. Hekimi has worked and taught at McGill University for many years and is intensely focused on the important work his team is doing in the lab.
Hekimi discusses their laboratory work in genetics and the study of aging, as well as the process of drug development to combat aging. By using mutants of the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans as well as the mouse to study aging, Hekimi hopes to develop new methods for medical intervention on the aging process. The Hekimi Lab focuses on gene activities that have a direct affect on mitochondrial function, and they are particularly interested in the biosynthesis and function of ubiquinone (UQ, Coenzyme Q, CoQ), the obligate, diffusible relay in the complete mitochondrial electron transport chain. The lab’s mission is to develop drugs that can alleviate diseases linked to ubiquinone deficiency.
Hekimi discusses some of the surprising outcomes of his research, one major point being that free radical increase actually fights aging and prolongs life span, contrary to past scientific thought. He talks about his correlation between this study and research to mitochondrial damage, etc. He explains that free radicals are only potentially toxic because they are produced by various processes, and there are mechanisms within the cells that defend against this potential damage. As Hekimi explains, free radicals are in fact signaling messengers, which ultimately help cells stay in homeostasis by talking between compartments, etc.
Hekimi states that the consumption of antioxidants has actually been shown to have no beneficial effects, contrary to widely accepted public opinion. He discusses his research with calorie restriction and metabolism, and the effects of mitochondria functioning at a slower rate. Some studies suggest that increased life span may actually be achieved by decreasing energy expenditure. By producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy carrier in all living organisms, more slowly, life span may possibly be increased. He talks about naked mole rats that live incredibly long lives, and yet their base level of free radical damage is exceedingly higher than mice or some other animals, which is further demonstrable evidence that the nature of free radicals is greatly misunderstood in the public consciousness. He explains that the same amount of damage happens in the mutant species but it happens over a greater span of time. Why this is happening in some and not others is one of the many questions that brilliant minds like Hekimi pose in their extensive laboratory research.
The molecular biology expert explains the complexity of their research and how there are still very many unknowns in the general understanding of why aging occurs, why cellular damage happens and cannot be repaired, etc. He details some of their methods utilizing CRISPR and other work on drug development for mitochondrial diseases. Asking questions and searching for answers is precisely what Hekimi and his team focus on daily, and they hope to find causative links to explain why we age and how to slow the process in regard to disease and overall longevity.
Mark Stephens Meadows developed his first simple chatbot in 2001, but what he’s working on now is much more than that: as the CEO of Botanic Technologies, he’s working on designing multimodal bots for conversational interfaces with several use cases, including gaming and healthcare.
Designed as a combination of multiple AI systems, these bots have the ability to exhibit different facial expressions and use different tones of voice, thereby creating a more meaningful, human-like interaction for the user. Meadows explains what it is about bots that produce both trust and mistrust in humans, why people are likely to provide more information to and take advice from a bot than a human, and the single biggest design concern--how to avoid the uncanny valley effect.
He also discusses what he believes to be the three primary ethical issues arising from the use of artificial intelligence, which formed the basis of Botanical Technologies’ venture called Seed. “...Because we have these ethical questions in front of us, we make a system that is completely transparent, completely open-source...and allows people to authenticate bots...Seed is a Marketplace for developers and the users of the bots to ultimately democratize artificial intelligence. We need to democratize artificial intelligence because we see a lot of things that could go wrong if we don’t,” says Meadows. So, what exactly could go wrong? Tune in for specific examples and an overall compelling conversation.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 1,600 people in the United States die from cancer every day, many of whom were receiving the current standard of care, which is radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Thomas Seyfried is a professor in the biology department at Boston College and strong proponent of using metabolic therapy as a form of treatment for every type of cancer, arguing that it’s more effective and less toxic than radiation and chemotherapy.
So, what exactly does metabolic therapy entail? It’s based on a simple concept: growth requires fuel, so in order to stop the growth of cancer cells, their sources of fuel--namely glucose and glutamine--must be reduced or eliminated. Reducing the availability of glucose and glutamine results in an increase in ketones, which can be effectively used by the body’s normal cells but not by cancer cells. Seyfried explains how the primary difference between cancer cells and normal cells makes this an effective form of treatment for cancer, discusses how to achieve a state of therapeutic ketosis, and describes what to do once a state of therapeutic ketosis has been achieved.
He also explains what’s standing in the way of widespread implementation of metabolic therapy in modern medicine, and the main problem with the gene theory of cancer and personalized targeted therapy for cancer. “The whole paradigm has to change, the whole concept of what people view cancer as has to change before we understand how much more effectively we can build therapies that don’t harm anybody,” says Seyfried. Tune in for the full conversation, and check out his book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer.
What’s the ultimate cause of cancer? It’s not an easy question to answer, and according to Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping Over the Truth: The Return of the Metabolic Theory of Cancer, there’s no single cause, but a series of complex interactions and events that depend at least somewhat on our environment. Christofferson explains this in terms of epigenetic responses, which result in the turning off or on of certain genes--allowing some to be expressed and blocking others from being expressed. Diet, toxins, medications, and even loneliness are just a few of the factors that could trigger epigenetic responses and ultimately contribute to the determination of whether or not someone will develop cancer.
Christofferson offers an insightful conversation that touches on a range of topics, including the benefits of using metabolic therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, the therapeutical differential between cancer cells and healthy cells that’s produced by the ketogenic diet, the use of aerobic glycolysis by cancer cells as opposed to oxidative pathways (the Warburg effect) and how this can be taken advantage of in the treatment of cancer, how and why the repurposing of drugs--in particular Metformin--holds promise as a form of cancer treatment, and why brain cancers seem to be most responsive to metabolic therapies.
Click play to hear the full conversation, and check out his book to learn more.
Toby Simpson, co-founder, and CTO of Fetch (fetch.ai) delivers an informative, detailed overview of the future of data in the digital world, and how artificial intelligence is pushing innovation forward in a collaborative way. Simpson brings over 30 years experience in software development with ten as CTO across three companies to Fetch’s management team. He is a seasoned software developer and manager and has developed and built multiple highly successful computer games for various platforms. Simpson was an original developer at the established AI company, DeepMind, that was notably acquired by Google in 2014. And as the CTO of Ososim, he developed and designed a simulation engine capable of delivering collaborative learning experiences for the corporate market. At Fetch, Simpson utilizes his knowledge of software complexity and decentralized problem solving to design the next generation of advanced economic software agents as well as the environments in which they exist and prosper. Pairing digital intelligence with cryptoeconomics, Simpson seeks to build a more balanced and efficient future economy for everyone to contribute to.
Simpson discusses his passion for virtual environments, advanced machine learning, and AI, as he recounts memories from his early background that stimulated the birth of Fetch. He explains the concept of autonomous economic agents, which are adaptive, independent programs that can work for the individual, for an entity, or themselves for any reason they’re tasked. Fetch is a distributed network that is made up of nodes that essentially act as a service and directory for these autonomous economic agents. Fetch is the world’s first truly intelligent ledger as it allows data to act autonomously. Via machine learning and AI technology, the Fetch platform can enable data to work in a cooperative manner and thus solve problems immediately and deliver results to the user.
The data expert describes how Fetch is a decentralized digital world in which all useful and pertinent economic activity takes place. The digital entities (autonomous economic agents) can freely transact and coordinate tasks independently of human intervention and can thus represent themselves, individuals, or devices and services. He expounds upon the particular elements of the Fetch platform, such as the open economic framework. As Simpson explains, the digital world in which agents live is called the open economic framework. He describes this world as the ultimate value exchange dating agency of sorts in which each agent sees a space-optimized in real-time solely for them. And Simpson states that the open economic framework is their gateway to the digital world; it provides the senses for the agents, offering them the opportunity to see, explore, transact, and receive other information about what is going on in its digital world. Further, Simpson elaborates on the platform’s smart ledger, which is a next-generation type of learning ledger that can provide a collective intelligence to support agents’ individual intelligences, such as market intelligence, etc.
Simpson outlines some of the specific areas of industry in which the Fetch platform can offer incredible support and assistance, such as transportation, supply chain management, and hospitality. He discusses their corporate partnerships and the future expectations for Fetch. Simpson provides details on their successful private testnet that is currently working with over 100 nodes, that they are using to build real applications. And Simpson discusses their use cases and his future expectations for economic opportunities to exchange value. Additionally, Simpson enthusiastically details their market and how the Fetch platform can facilitate many individuals, entities, and businesses globally.
Shmuli Goldberg, VP of marketing at LawGeex (lawgeex.com), delivers a complete analysis of the inherent problems of the contract review and approval process that businesses contend with daily, and how artificial intelligence is making the work easier via automation. Goldberg has abundant experience in the areas of legal operations, analytics, and optimization with the special focus on helping legal teams reach their maximum potential. He served as senior technology evangelist at ClickTale, as well as director of marketing at Feedvisor. Goldberg is a regular guest and speaker at varied industry conferences across the globe.
Goldberg’s team at LawGeex works on advanced contract solutions for business. LawGeex offers award-winning software that automates the process of review and approval for everyday contracts. With a specialty in transformation of legal operations, LawGeex implements artificial intelligence solutions to aid legal teams with automation, thus facilitating in-house legal work, making it easier, more efficient and impactful—automation that enables their customers to focus on their overall mission and goals with less time needed for paperwork. Industry leaders acknowledge that inefficiency costs time, wastes money, and it lowers employee morale.
Goldberg discusses the many problems that are specific to contract review and approval, and how LawGeex employs the most advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and text analysis to assist with the review, comprehension, and ultimately approval or disapproval of a legal contract. He discusses the LawGeex platform and how it assists users to analyze their contracts’ contents and thoroughly compare to their legal team’s predefined criteria and input, or to their industry’s accepted benchmarks. By giving experienced lawyers the opportunity to focus on more complex work, and removing the grunt work from their day, attorneys can have more productive, satisfying days.
Goldberg states that it is inevitable that artificial intelligence will have a standing legal position going forward. He states that the use of technologies will become an accepted standard and future cases will set precedent as those who do not use basic available technology for important tasks such as diagnosis in the medical field, etc. could possibly be found to be negligent when problems arise. And Goldberg elaborates on how most bar requirements insist that attorneys utilize the latest technology in their legal work.
Goldberg explains the specificity of their platform and how users can detail a long list of things they would like to see in a contract as well as things they do not want to see in a contract, and how the LawGeex AI-enabled software will deliver the results they seek.
The legal AI expert discusses the future of contracts and legal claims. And he explains how AI and human work will coexist almost always, as deviations within software will typically require human interaction. As Goldberg explains most automated tasks go forward swimmingly, but in the event, there is a problem, humans decide the best course of action.
Amy Berger, MS, CNS, NTP, founder of Tuit Nutrition (tuitnutrition.com), provides an extensive overview of nutrition as it relates to good health, disease, cognition, and well being. Berger talks about her family medical history and her concern that there was a lot of disease in that history. She discusses how she grew up as a chubby child and how weight loss solutions that actually work are so important. She recounts her own personal experiences with weight, knowing what it’s like to feel upset when you are counting calories, eating low fat, and exercising, but you still aren’t losing the weight, and your energy and mood is incredibly low. And while Berger learned through her own experimentation that reducing sugar and total carbohydrate intake was the key to successful weight loss, she states that through her extensive research she has found that weight loss is actually the least impressive task that carbohydrate reduction can accomplish.
Berger is a certified nutrition specialist and nutritional therapy practitioner who served her country in the United States Air Force. Berger’s expertise comes through years of research into low-carbohydrate nutrition, which can help people take back their vitality while eating delicious foods. As Berger states, staying well doesn’t require anyone to starve themselves, deprive themselves of tasty foods, or spend every day at the gym working out constantly. Berger’s business has a strong online presence where she provides a wealth of insightful, detailed information on a wide swath of health and nutrition-oriented topics, from metabolism and weight loss to insulin-related topics, thyroid function, and much more. Berger is the author of The Alzheimer’s Antidote: Using a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease, Memory Loss, and Cognitive Decline, a must-read for anyone who is concerned with improving health, vitality, and cognition, and finding ways to fight disease. She holds a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport.
Berger discusses her extensive research into what she refers to as “nutritional intervention” that can potentially support brain health and assist those who have Alzheimer’s disease. She mentions that those who implement certain nutritional changes in their diet see noticeable improvement in cognition, behavior, and memory. She discusses the science behind the cellular conditions that arise which create a sort of “energy crisis in the brain.” She talks about how cells that aren’t getting energy from glucose anymore can still, remarkably, get energy from ketones. Ketones are a hybrid energy source and Berger states that they are the key to many issues.
Berger gives an incredibly detailed overview of insulin issues and discusses how normal blood sugar can still contain extremely high levels of insulin, which can potentially cause gout, hypertension, and more. Thus, many people who aren’t actually diabetic can still have lots of chronic health issues due to high insulin levels.
Berger discusses hyperthyroidism and the issues that pertain to it, such as depression, inability to lose weight regardless of exercise and proper diet, hair loss, a feeling of being cold constantly, constipation and more. And she talks about the dietary myths that exist about various foods, especially proteins. And sadly, as Berger mentions, many doctors are simply not providing adequate testing to truly understand some patient’s issues related to the thyroid.
The nutrition expert discusses ketosis in depth and how it works for the body. She expounds upon the topics of fat consumption, variability in individuals, and measures people can take to ensure they are getting the most from ketosis. She talks about how some people get hung up on the ratios in their diet, but that each person needs to look at their diet and consider the issues individually, as everybody is unique to some degree.
As Berger’s voluminous research has shown, there are many myths that exist in regard to how the body processes food and what nutritional habits can or cannot do. And many times the key to understanding obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, mood disorders, and other health issues lies in getting a deeper understanding of our bodies in relation to our diet.
The hologram is a picture of the world as recorded by Wi-Fi,” says Philip Holl, explaining the bachelor’s thesis he completed at the Technical University of Munich. By recording all Wi-Fi signals that pass through a certain plane, Holl was able to create a 3D picture--or a hologram--of every object through which those signals passed. While it was done primarily for academic purposes, the use cases for this technology include indoor and outdoor tracking.
As a Ph.D. student, Holl has shifted his focus into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning and is currently working on using artificial intelligence to solve fluid optimization problems. For example, in order for a robot to pick up a glass of water without spilling it, the robot must understand how the water will behave within that glass.
Holl also discusses a recent project in which he developed AI-based algorithms for determining whether rare events in physics can be classified as real, or are merely background events from other sources. Tune in for an in-depth explanation of all of Holl’s work, and feel free to reach out with questions.
Kenneth Wu, CEO of Milk and Eggs (milkandeggs.com), a local farms food delivery business, provides a detailed overview of the current state of farm fresh foods, delivery, freshness, and environmental impact. As founder and chief executive officer of Milk and Eggs, Wu manages the company’s overall vision and planned growth strategies. As he explains, Milk and Eggs is an online farmers market with a delivery arm. Wu oversees the company’s investor relations as well as the general business development. Wu is a seasoned entrepreneur with over twenty years of business experience with a specialty in startups and new business ventures.
Wu was the founder of AirSplat, the largest retailer of shooting sports equipment, tactical accessories, and gear where he oversaw the company’s development, growth, and management. And Wu served as president of 2WheelBikes, a popular cycling equipment and accessories retailer. Other notable entrepreneurial successes in Wu’s long history of business expansion include his founding of Battle Arena, a virtual sports entertainment center and Cast Gear, a prominent tactical clothing and gear retailer.
Wu explains the process that makes Milk and Eggs work so successfully. He details how their produce and foods originate fresh from farms and foodmakers and are delivered to the consumer. He gives an overview of the methods they utilize to deliver the freshest goods in an efficient manner that is better for the environment as well. And as Wu explains, Milk and Eggs can keep prices low because there is no waste, inventory, middlemen, or large inefficient distribution centers and stores that require massive, costly real estate. He outlines the company’s focus on real foods, produce, etc. and discusses why they stay away from what he refers to as “center aisle” products such as chips, sodas, toilet paper, etc.
The farm fresh entrepreneur discusses their product lines and some of the specialty offerings they provide—curated boxes of items such as farm box, seasonal box, and office meeting box—each delivering different items for niche markets or desires. Additionally, he discusses their unique meal kits that are developed in coordination with local nutritional authorities, for those who really want to maximize their health benefits.
Wu details their focus on local artisanal products and the immense positive feedback they receive from consumers on these specialty products, from the access to foods that would normally require extensive travel, to the freshness of the ingredients and foods. He enthusiastically states that many of their customers truly praise the quality of their foods and have stated that the level of freshness is much higher than what they can find at their local grocery stores and markets. Wu describes the time frames that typical foods sit around before being purchased or consumed, and how Milk and Eggs has dramatically reduced the ‘sit time’ on foods, which is instantly obvious when consumers taste the freshness.
The food freshness expert talks about the problem of waste in the food industry and how it is a huge drain on our ecosystem. He talks about the percentage of food that is classified as ‘imperfect’ and what his company and others are doing to cut down on waste. Wu’s goal is to ensure that all food is used by donating to local food banks that support the community and those in need. And Milk and Eggs uses
minimal packaging and reusable insulated delivery bags to further cut waste, and any plastic bags they use are specially designed to be biodegradable to decrease pollution and cause no harm to wildlife.
Pamela Silver is the principal investigator of the Silver Lab (silver.med.harvard.edu) and an Elliot T and Onie H Adams Professor of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School. Silver delivers an incredibly interesting and important overview of the biological advances that can help to reduce climate change and improve other pressing global issues through science.
Silver is a member of the Harvard Wyss Institute and the Harvard University Graduate Program in Systems Biology, as well as the Harvard Medical School BBS Graduate Program and the Harvard Biophysics and Chemical Biology Graduate Programs. Her passionate interest and curiosity with systems to synthetic biology drive her team’s research at Silver Lab.
Silver’s team works in the arena of systems and synthetic biology to develop, design, and build biological systems in mammalian and prokaryotic cells. Working in a vast and diverse swath of methods and approaches from the computational to experimental, Silver states her team’s overarching mission is to address complex scientific questions that may impact the world and its population on a grand scale. Silver Lab works on many projects annually, from the reconstruction of entire new genomes to the hopeful development of principles for building synthetic cells that act as sensors, bio-computers, and memory devices, as well as the building of novel subsystems such as proteins with designed properties for general therapeutic use.
Silver discusses her diverse work that tackles health-related issues, sustainability issues, climate change, and beyond, solutions to improve the way we live and interact with our world. She states her philosophy that biology is the best chemistry and talks about her work to replace many chemical industry processes with biological solutions in an effort to decrease stress on the environment overall. She details her “bionic leaf” project, which is a system that uses solar energy to essentially split water molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria to generate and produce liquid fuels. The system can convert solar energy to biomass and the possibilities for this scientific advance are truly revolutionary. And she notes the particular importance of science-based solutions and the landmark Paris Accord (Paris Agreement), which is a multinational agreement on global warming and greenhouse-gas emissions, as climate change is truly accelerating.
The biology innovator discusses the future probability of seeing more hydrogen-fueled automobiles and the current pushback against them, from the issues regarding the centralized production of traditional fuel sources, shipping concerns, and politics. And she explains how the push to move electric cars forward has perhaps stymied the hydrogen-fueled industry.
Silver describes how some of the bacteria that exist within the bionic leaf can be engineered such that they can utilize all the tools for gene editing and gene engineering, and thus place genes into them that program the cells to make things, from molecules that look like biofuels, plastic precursors, and even feedstock for other elements.
Commanding the knowledge regarding how to program cells in a completely rational way can be extremely valuable for many advanced scientific areas from stem cell design, to drug therapy, and the environment. Silver’s lab strives to utilize a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches to further develop and improve what biology can offer us, in a myriad of ways.
It’s been about 150 years since the largest known coronal mass ejection (CME)--the ejection of millions of tons of plasma from the sun into space at a speed of 300 kilometers per second. On average, CMEs occur every 100 to 200 years, which means the next big event is inevitable. While it won’t threaten life on earth, it will put every satellite system at risk and threaten the safety of astronauts in space.
As the head of space weather at the European Space Agency, Jussi Luntama discusses the 2018 Lagrange mission that aims to monitor solar activity and more accurately predict the presence and direction of a coming CME. The team working on the ESA Lagrange mission will park a spacecraft at Lagrange points, which are points where the gravitational pull of the sun and earth balance each other out. This will cause the spacecraft to trail the earth’s orbit at a distance of 150 million kilometers for eternity or until intentionally moved, and will allow them to view solar activity from a perspective that’s different from the one they have when looking at the sun from the earth.
Tune in to hear Jussi Luntama discuss a variety of interesting topics, including the relationship between CMEs and periods of high and low solar activity, the effects of CMEs on power grids, and the launch of the Lagrange spacecraft planned to happen between 2023 and early 2025. To learn more, simply type “Where no mission has gone before” into a Google search engine.
Ann Louise Gittleman is an award-winning and New York Times best-selling author of over 30 books on a variety of topics, including weight loss, diet, and detoxification. Her most recent book, Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days, relies on the premise that the gallbladder is not a throw-away organ; it is an essential one that’s connected to the health of the thyroid gland and metabolism.
Dizziness, radiating leg pain, and insomnia is just a few of the seemingly unrelated symptoms that can occur after gallbladder removal, but how do we compensate for this loss, and how can we prevent removal, to begin with? Gittleman offers answers to these questions and many more. Her theory that there is a critically important connection between the gallbladder, the thyroid and metabolism are backed by Harvard researchers who found that people who improved their gallbladder health saw a 53 percent increase in metabolism. An additional study out of Finland showed that people who have reduced bile flow are seven times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism.
Gittleman discusses a range of topics, including the right and wrong types of high-fat diets, why some people might want to stop drinking kombucha, green, and white tea, and the effect of electromagnetic radiation on cortisol levels--something she refers to as “electropollution.”
Tune in for a compelling and eye-opening discussion, and visit radicalmetabolism.com for more information and free downloads.
Whether you’re planning a business event, festival, or wedding party, Splash can help by providing sophisticated event marketing software that allows for more predictability, personalization, and greater returns on investment. As the CEO and founder of Splash, Ben Hindman has learned that the most important aspect of any event is not about getting more people in the room, but about getting the right people in the room.
In order to ensure that, Splash offers invitation software, a beautifully designed landing page and registration experience, reminders and automated emails, promotions, check-in apps, and post-event follow-up apps. Hindman discusses a range of topics, including the importance of design in event planning and recommendations on how to start planning your next event. “I’m really passionate about the in-person experience, I think it creates more focus, people pick their heads up and really look and listen...it brings them into the now,” says Hindman. Tune in for the full conversation, and learn more at splashthat.com.
Looking to deepen your understanding of the human microbiome or understand how it could be affecting your overall health? Dealing with a chronic gut issue such as IBD or ulcerative colitis? Trying to manage a gluten or lactose sensitivity? uBiome is a biotech company that was established in 2012 with the mission of advancing the science of the microbiome and making products that will allow individuals to understand how the microbiome contributes to their health and wellness, as well as a variety of illnesses and conditions.
Since 2012, uBiome has amassed the world’s largest data set on the human microbiome, having collected over 250,000 samples; that number only continues to grow. They currently offer three kits: Explorer, SmartGut, and SmartJane. Based on a user’s goals and conditions, they will order one or more kits, submit a sample of their microbiome from one or more sites on their body, and complete a detailed survey that addresses their fitness routine, diet, sleep patterns, stress patterns, and daily activity. The team at uBiome will use this information in conjunction with the sequencing data from their sample in order to provide an assessment of how their microbiome changes over time and contributes to their health.
As the Vice President of Product Technology at uBiome, Sara Bird provides an informative and interesting discussion about the ins and outs of everything offered by uBiome, the ways in which the microbiome plays a role in myriad conditions, the increasing use of microbiome data by physicians, and how to get started with your own uBiome kit today. Visit ubiome.com to learn more about each product offered.
There are a wide variety of medical tests and samples that are time, temperature, and handling sensitive; if either one of these factors isn’t properly maintained, then inaccurate results will be delivered, putting the health and lives of patients at risk. With an error rate of 35-40 percent, blood samples taken for the purposes of monitoring chemotherapy are the most vulnerable to becoming compromised by environmental variants encountered before they even reach the machine for analysis, and a variety of other medical samples have an average error rate of between five and eight percent.
Lab Sensor Solutions is a company that’s developed a system to address this by closely tracking the temperature and location of sensitive medical samples with less than a five-minute delay. How do they do it? Since such sensitive samples should be kept in close proximity to the courier who’s transporting them, Lab Sensor Solutions places Bluetooth-enabled, low-energy temperature sensors inside the containers holding samples, and connects those sensors to the courier’s own mobile device. If a sample has been sitting too long, has reached too high or low of a temperature, or is on a route that will take longer than the sample will stay viable, then an alert will automatically be sent to the courier, the dispatcher, and the supervisor on shift.
Prior to the implementation of this system, there was no way to identify when a sample was at risk of spoiling, but now the team at Lab Sensor Solutions is seeing on average three to five corrections a day and a significant increase in overall compliance. They already have 12 customers all around the country and are continuing to expand. Tune in and visit Lsstracks.com to learn more.
You might already be familiar with it--the quarterly or annual struggle to gather your company’s data and retroactively determine whether or not you’ve met your goals, only to forget which metrics you were really trying to improve or find yourself asking, “What went wrong, and how do we fix it?” But did you know that setting and tracking your company’s progress toward goals during the time period within which they should be met makes it 90% more likely for you to actually achieve those goals? Yaguara is a company in the business of helping companies do just that.
As the CEO and founder of Yaguara, Jonathan Smalley calls his company a “fitness tracker” for businesses, one that helps tie real-time data into the process of accomplishing company goals by measuring progress in real time and predicting based on historical performance and current progress how long it will take to accomplish those goals. The team at Yaguara also provides insight and recommendations based on the data collected, such as which media sites a company can reach the most customers, and what each individual within the company can do to to further the overall progress of the company.
There’s a lot on the horizon for Yaguara, including new content-based templates, new modules, improved algorithms for improved recommendations, and paid pilots in markets outside of e-commerce beginning in 2019. Tune in and visit yaguara.co for more!
Jonah Myerberg, co-founder and CTO of Desktop Metal (desktopmetal.com), discusses the current state of technology in 3D printing and how it is revolutionizing engineering and manufacturing. Myerberg oversees the technical direction of Desktop Metal’s 3D printing solutions. He founded Boston Impact, an engineering consulting firm, in 2013, and has worked at the top level of many successful businesses focused on high-performance battery development, including Renovo Auto and A123Systems.
During his tenure with A123Systems, Myerberg helmed the motorsports business unit that focused primarily on the development of high-performance batteries that were later adopted by many leading Formula One teams such as McLaren, Force India, Mercedes Benz, and Red Bull. Additionally, he was a race engineer for Porsche on their 919 teams and also for Mahindra Racing on the Formula E team. Myerberg has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University, as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and manufacturing from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.
Myerberg states that his primary goal is to make metal 3D printing more accessible to manufacturers and engineers. Myerberg’s company, Desktop Metal, specializes in bringing new capabilities to the world’s first office-friendly, metal 3D printing solution. They provide high-resolution printing that can be in-house and built to exact specifications and scale. Desktop Metal’s Studio System abandons the traditional lasers and loose powders typically associated with metal 3D printing, which allows for higher safety standards. And businesses appreciate that power and an internet connection can get them going, simply and efficiently, without third-party equipment.
Myerberg compares and contrasts plastics 3D printing and metal 3D printing and details the variables with both, outlining polymer printing techniques for plastics versus the solid-state techniques needed for metal printing. He explains how his company has taken advantage of polymer techniques to bring that technology to the office environment for metal 3D printing.
The 3D printing and engineering specialist expounds upon the technical manufacturing knowledge that is needed in the mechanical engineering world. He discusses the new tools that are being utilized specifically for 3D printing, such as Desktop Metal’s Live Parts, which is proprietary software they developed that allows engineers to input their specifications and constraints in order to allow the software to actually grow the part between the holding points, establishing the geometry via the software. This saves time and creates a very efficient process as engineers can spend more of their day on engineering tasks, and less time on solving parts problems.
Myerberg lists some of the many advantages of 3D metal printing, such as reduction of total number of parts by streamlining the geometry, and significant decreases in the weight of parts overall by utilizing layer construction and other methods. And Myerberg provides his insight into the future of 3D metal printing. He gives examples of some of the companies they work with who are helping to drive the technology forward as they collaborate.
Nav Dhunay, president and CEO of Imaginea Ai (imaginea.ai), presents a detailed overview of artificial intelligence technology that is bringing more efficiency and productivity to businesses globally. Dhunay brings a diverse background and experience to the position of president and CEO of Imaginea Ai. Dhunay has made significant achievements in the fields of artificial intelligence and clean technology and is a respected voice in multiple fields, including technology and energy. He is a sought-after expert in the area of early emerging trends in evolving technologies. Dhunay has strong ties to Silicon Valley and an intense drive to push for innovation within his companies by fostering an environment where experimentation and collaboration are encouraged. Dhunay’s prime areas of focus are in technology, corporate development, management, business operations, strategy, product development, startups, and company culture.
Dhunay’s company, Imaginea Ai, is an artificial intelligence company whose mission is to help industries work better, faster, more efficiently, and smarter. The Imaginea Ai platform was crafted with the idea that innovation arrives through the liaison of global talent, leading-edge products, and highly driven commercial organizations, and by allowing AI to be fully integrated. Dhunay states that AI is not accessible to everyone so his company wants to change that dynamic in terms of access to clean data and affordability, etc. He explains that by increasing the global pool of data scientists, costs can come down across the board.
Dhunay talks about Imaginea’s platform specifics, and how it provides an opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful, technology-driven partnerships in order to tackle real-world problems. By linking with global AI technologies and specialist talent, and allowing buyers and sellers to transact with complete transparency and security, Dhunay’s team seeks to truly democratize AI.
Dhunay discusses the importance of tech talent and nurturing data scientists. He gives an overview of how 99-cent apps have truly changed the way some businesses work by simplifying tasks through the use of these apps. And he explains how cryptocurrency and blockchain has innovated the platform by simplifying transactions and processes. And Dhunay speaks about the possibility that Imaginea Ai may soon develop their own token or work with other top cryptocurrency that is currently in the marketplace, in order to further accelerate access to their platform.
The AI expert provides details on some of the areas that he and his team at Imaginea Ai are excited about, such as the marketplace that Dhunay refers to as a smart market, which is a place where data scientists can commoditize their artificial intelligence. Dhunay explains that he wants to give data scientists this opportunity to share the work they create, outside of their job, to provide them additional revenue, and to give the community more AI options to utilize for their work-related tasks and functions. Dhunay states that he hopes to give the community a one-stop-shop platform that benefits the creators, and the users, as artificial intelligence technology is applied on a mass scale to dramatically change industrial operations worldwide.
Sarah Hill, chief storyteller, and CEO of Healium (tryhealium.com) provides a thoughtful overview of her exciting industry that is helping people to get in touch with their feelings and emotions and influence them in a positive way through the use of technology. Hill is the CEO of StoryUP XR, the visionary company behind Healium. She is a former television journalist for the NBC, ABC, & CBS affiliates in Missouri and a savvy media technologist with over 25 years experience building successful platforms. Hill has a strong journalistic background and many years experience as an interactive reporter often focused on the world’s negativity and trauma, and as such she is a national Edward R. Murrow, NAB Service to America, and twelve-time mid-America Emmy award-winning storyteller. She began working directly with augmented reality filters during her live TV newscasts in 2011 focusing on a variety of XR inputs such as heart rate variability and respiration trackers.
Hill’s journalistic passion has taken her all over the world as she has delivered powerful stories of the human spirit originating in the Amazon, Congo, Zambia, UAE, Guatemala, and China. She holds a bachelor of journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Hill’s company, Healium, is the first augmented and virtual reality (AR & VR) channel that is powered by biometrics. Hill details the Healium headband and how it measures gamma asymmetry that is associated with our feelings, such as love, joy, appreciation, openness, etc. Healium’s platform allows users to engage and take a more active role in their personal well being, to become more self-aware of the power of their feelings.
The Healium experience is delivered through wearables including a low profile brain-computer interface (BCI). As stress is now considered to be an actual epidemic, Hill expresses the urgency to develop methods to alleviate stress and connect with our emotional state. Hill states that their platform helps users achieve a heightened sense of self-awareness, via biometrics, as the data helps to make users aware of the power of their emotions. She discusses neuromeditation and Dr. Jeff Tarrant’s fascinating work as his team uses state-of-the-art biofeedback technologies to monitor the brain and body in order to train the nervous system to return to a more optimal state.
Hill discusses some of the published studies that concluded Healium’s platform demonstrated a reduction in anxiety for various users. She recounts stories of individual users who have shared their experiences learning about and trying Healium for the first time. And she details some of their comments regarding the experience, their recalled memories, feelings of altered states or relaxation and others while using the platform.
The Healium low-profile headband known as a brain-computer interface senses electrical activity in the brain and a virtual reality headset then immerses the user into the experience. Additionally, the Healium augmented reality experiences are designed to work without goggles as well, with a simple smartphone. Hill shares her thoughts on the overall experience that users receive and how her team is extremely concerned that every user’s experience is a positive one.
Alysa Hoffmeister, senior product marketing manager at Cutera (cutera.com), discusses the expanding, changing, and exciting face and body aesthetic industry and how her company, Cutera, is solving problems and providing industry professionals with the tools to satisfy their patients’ needs. Hoffmeister explains the work they do at Cutera, developing advanced laser light and energy-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide.
Hoffmeister is a seasoned medical device professional with a strong background in the industry. She is a results-oriented leader with extensive experience in sales, sales management and training, product/marketing management, and customer retention, as well as new business development. She is a powerful strategic sales professional who excels in advanced marketing for robust revenue growth. Her incredible experience includes tenure at Syneron Candela as their senior territory manager where she focused heavily on dermatology/plastic surgery and CO2RE Intima for OB/GYN. Additionally, Hoffmeister was VP of sales & marketing and general manager NA for DIP-Tech, territory sales manager and senior director of marketing at Alma Lasers, and the women’s health care and general imaging ultrasound senior account manager for Philips.
The aesthetic technology-marketing expert explains some of the technology behind their products, such as the effects of laser contact with the skin, blasting melanin, etc. She discusses the technical aspects such as wavelength and depth that pertain to laser work for tattoos, freckles, and other skin issues that concern patients.
Cutera develops devices that give medical aesthetic professionals the ability to evolve in the expanding and competitive face and body aesthetic industry. Cutera’s one-of-a-kind devices offer professionals the opportunity to innovate and provide new and exciting options for their patients, solutions that get results. As Hoffmeister explains, Cutera partners with physicians to fully understand their needs, in order to properly deliver ideal solutions that exceed their expectations and ultimately provide superior patient satisfaction. Cutera’s products are engineered at the highest level for maximum performance, safety, and efficacy.
Hoffmeister provides information and details about Cutera’s other products, such as their non-invasive radiofrequency devices that are utilized for fat destruction. But as Hoffmeister explains, their process is slow (about 12 weeks) and effective, a more measured response that targets the fat cells with heat, over time, so they can be eliminated through the body. She discusses their many products and how solutions need to be unique, tailored specifically to individual patient’s needs, and how Cutera’s goal is to make that possible. She details how Cutera’s solutions can target trouble areas for patients, reducing pockets of fat wherever they occur.
And Hoffmeister expounds upon the many areas that are popular and growing in the aesthetic care industry, but as she mentions, non-invasive fat reduction is by far the number one procedure in demand in the industry overall. She discusses the Cutera expansion and how demand for their products is booming, but Cutera is not a company that rests on its laurels and as such their research team is continually working to develop new, innovative products for the future, to help improve patients’ lives.
Ravi Sharma, the co-founder, and CEO of OOTify (ootify.com) delivers an informative overview of the important work his company is engaged in that seeks to bring quality mental health care to everyone who needs it. Sharma has a wealth of experience in multiple sectors of industry and is a proven leader in business, technology, and investing, but his passion and primary goal is to improve mental health options for everyone. Sharma’s background includes his tenure at Western Asset Management Company where his skills in on-boarding quality lenders, drafting underwriting guidelines for investment mandates, loan level due diligence for credit and compliance, and more, helped lift the company to a higher level of success. And in just 3 years at Western Asset Management Company, Sharma grew the loan portfolio to more than $1 billion, targeting double-digit returns. Before his successful time with Western Asset Management Company, Sharma helped to build and then exit several tech companies. He is a strong advocate for mental health and clean technology.
Sharma describes OOTify as a mental health marketplace that seeks to match individuals with the best possible providers for their unique needs. OOTify is a community of professionals, mentors and peers focused intently on personal development and helping individuals build healthier relationships. Part of the company name, ‘oot,’ is derived from the Hindi language; it means, simply, to ‘lift up,’ and OOTify’s mission is certainly all about lifting people up. OOTify allows users to connect with mental health professionals, a life coach, or verified mentor, easily and swiftly, via their phone. Sharma describes the many options users can take advantage of on the platform, such as audio, video, or messaging, connecting with trained professionals who can help, right from the comfort of the user’s phone. It’s on-demand online therapy that seeks to improve lives. Sharma discusses ‘the fabric,’ which is his term for the community forum that is a compilation of different threads that is modified by multiple, qualified individuals who provide support. Users can benefit from hearing and reading about others’ experiences, engage in Q&A with experienced professionals, and more.
Sharma describes how OOTify’s powerful mental health technology utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to match mental health providers, life coaches, and other carefully screened professionals to users through their open marketplace. OOTify will assist with the intake process via their AI chatbot, streamline it, and improve the process of delivery of quality mental health care. And Sharma discusses the importance of quality matching, which is why OOTify’s intake process is essential. For as Sharma states, while the most educated and celebrated authority on a particular mental illness may seem perfect on paper, credentials, and experience aside, that individual may not be right for everyone because it is critical that the mental healthcare seeker connect or vibe well with their mental health care provider.
The healthcare technology advocate discusses the massive amount of feedback he has received from healthcare professionals who appreciate how OOTify is leveraging technology to bring care to individuals. Healthcare professionals acknowledge the power of the OOTify application as it hosts powerful productivity tools such as HIPAA compliant video, audio and messaging, and also assists with billing and scheduling. OOTify stresses however that the AI does not make any care decisions for those seeking help, but rather is leveraged to help providers match with new clients, gain insight via client data metrics, and generally be more efficient overall, so they can spend their time helping people as opposed to doing administrative work.
Sharma details the OOTify rewards program and other ways in which they seek to acknowledge and support those providers who receive exceptional feedback and high ratings from users. He provides information on some notable acknowledgments of their groundbreaking mental health technology work that they have received from respected institutions such as the USC Keck School of Medicine.
OOTify partners with prestigious institutions such as the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, and others, as well as many respected businesses and community leaders. And the community is supported by technologists, businesses, many other academic institutions, non-profits, teachers, parents, and nearly everyone who grasps the importance of providing quality mental health care.
Jolene Creighton, founder, and editor-in-chief at Futurism, LLC (futurism.com), provides expert insight into the state of our advancing technologies and what the future holds for society. Some of Creighton’s past accomplishments include her tenure as co-founder of From Quarks to Quasars and her noted work as a freelance writer with Hattiesburg American. She was an instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Creighton’s Ph.D. work was focused on digital media & discourse analysis at the University of Southern Mississippi and her master of art study was at SUNY Brockport where she studied English language and literature/letters working toward her thesis on digital communication and viral storytelling. Creighton received her BA from Keuka College in Keuka Park, NY.
Creighton is a noted public speaker and writer in the field of science via digital, print, and video output. She has taught more than two dozen university courses on writing and communication. Creighton’s work as editor-in-chief at Futurism brings together her many varied interests and profiles her expertise on the topic of future science and its applications across various media.
Creighton discusses the pace of change as technology is accelerating, and the additional power that is packed into our devices as they decrease in size but expand in capability. She touts the many benefits of the changing technology landscape such as the nearly instantaneous reporting of news and events through media platforms such as YouTube and others that have revolutionized the news dissemination avenues.
Futurism is a media publication that covers the science and technology that is currently shaping our future. Creighton discusses their overall intention for the platform. Futurism’s mission is to deliver captivating news and further the dialogue about forward-thinking products and narratives that make an impact on our world. Futurism, as Creighton explains, seeks to bring thought-provoking news items that bridge the expanding areas of science and technology. She details the interesting case studies and questions that surround the safety, science, and responsibility of autonomous vehicles as they dramatically expand into development and use in our society. She discusses the vigorous scientific debate that revolves around vaccinations, and other significant areas of science and medicine, and more, and how fear of technology can sometimes keep people from accepting proven science that can improve their lives or help to keep them safe.
The futurist technology advocate also discusses some of the more dubious applications of technology such as social credit systems that rate the quality of someone as a citizen. She details how China is using algorithms to judge individuals and how parenting could be one way to increase someone’s score, as bizarre as that idea may seem. She provides information on the government policy and research that goes into the development of technology and the checks and balances that are in place to ensure that technologies benefit people in a safe and effective manner.
As technologies can be utilized for good and bad purposes and are being generated at a blistering pace, it is important to ensure that the development and release of technologies are monitored by multiple entities for the good of society. However, Creighton stresses that the overpublicized ‘worst case scenarios’ that technology detractors speak and write about are typically absurd and unrealistic, and have little to no chance of becoming reality. In essence, she states that most advancing technologies will be used to benefit our lives in multiple ways.
Andrew Smith Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Cerego (cerego.com), delivers an informative overview of the ways we learn and how technology and AI is improving learning and increasing retention. Lewis’s passion for research was spawned at the Bronx High School of Science, and it was his insatiable curiosity for learning that carried him on to become one of the founders of Cerego’s learning method. Lewis and his team launched Cerego to create an open platform that could improve memory and quantify knowledge. His obsession with advanced learning was the motivation behind his successful launch of three education and technology companies, including the notable Princeton Review of Japan.
As Lewis states, their mission is to make people smarter and improve learning through the use of AI and cognitive science. Lewis’s company, Cerego, is an advanced platform that can successfully drive a business or collaborative team’s training, learning, and skill set acquisition opportunities. Simple to use, yet multidimensional within, Cerego’s platform reinvents the basic elements of learning software by focusing on precisely how people learn as opposed to what they learn, for a more immersive learning experience that gets results. Cerego is revolutionizing the learning and training process for many companies and universities, and others are coming forward steadily to adapt Cerego’s successful platform for their teams. Lewis explains the importance of meta-cognition and the concept that very smart people may not necessarily be efficient learners, and Lewis intends to improve learning for everyone with his technology.
The platform’s algorithms deliver a schedule that efficiently guides learning for each individual, to help them achieve the maximum success in a manner that works for them by integrating detailed learning data, detailed scientific models of memory decay, and of course—the individual’s own personal learning history. Cerego users have achieved stellar results, as Cerego utilizes evidence-supported cognitive science algorithms working at the root of the platform to deliver instructional and quiz content to users at the right time, before the information is forgotten, which supports their learning and increases retention.
Lewis discusses the error corrective model, which is essential the platform’s ability to learn and improve how it delivers its information pursuant to each individual’s unique process. And he expounds upon some of the specific advantages, such as success rates for users and how in addition to the elevated number of users who now pass their tests more easily and quickly, their retention of the learned information is greatly increased as well. Additionally, instructors are reducing training time and repurposing that time on more one-on-one personal student interactions.
Lewis discusses the company’s focus on K-12 education, higher education, corporate, and government applications. Lewis explains how higher learning through technology teaching methods helps to create better, more satisfied employees and more successful, empowered students. Additionally, employers can access the learning data on individual employees, which can help employers place their employees into specific job functions, tasks, and areas in which they are best suited and will excel.
Until now, the products marketed for various stages of childhood have been designed in a generic, one-size-fits-all way that ignores critical stages of growth and development. But things are done differently at SmiloBaby, a direct consumer baby and child brand that’s backing the design of its products with science in order to create the safest, most innovative, and most effective products.
As the CEO and co-founder of SmiloBaby, Joshua Weisman explains their two core products, the first of which is a palette support pacifier. Using finite element analysis to study how generic pacifiers deform in the mouth during use and lead to malocclusions and crossbites, the team at SmiloBaby has created a pacifier that supports the palette during the first 16 weeks of life when it grows by 30 percent. The second core product is a feeding bottle with a patented valve and nipple shape that’s been designed based on finite element analysis and a study of fluid dynamics. The result? A bottle that reduces air intake, thereby preventing common problems that result from generic bottles, such as ear infections, colic, and gas ingestion.
With a team comprised of pediatricians, pediatric dentists, and lactation consultants, parents can feel confident that they’re giving their child the best when they buy from SmiloBaby. Tune in to learn about their other products, and visit smilobaby.com to make some purchases of your own.
In 2003, Jimmy Moore weighed 410 pounds and was dependent upon multiple prescription medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and respiratory issues; he was just 31 years old. Fast forward to today, and he’s living his best and most healthy life, and as the author of Keto Clarity: Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet and the creator of the popular podcast Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb, he’s doing everything he can to help others through their own health struggles.
He joins the podcast today to focus on the common struggles faced by most who transition to the keto diet, including the “keto-flu” which can cause fatigue, an insatiable appetite, headaches, and muscle cramps. “If you’re getting any of those symptoms, that is a telltale sign that you need four things in abundance,” says Moore. What are they? Tune in for the answer and an explanation as to why they’ll get you through the toughest part of transitioning to the keto diet, as well as Moore’s invaluable tips and insight on a number of other topics.
Retinad VR is a company that was born out of a major problem that emerged in the VR industry about four years ago: the inability to measure and understand user interactions, sentiments, and behavior. Alexander Haque, CEO of Retinad, and Maryam Saboor who works as a strategic consultant for Retinad join the podcast today to discuss the acquisition of novel metrics, such as head, hand, and eye movements that produce what’s called a kinematic fingerprint.
With over 10 million VR headsets in use, the amount of data uptake has phenomenal potential but is too voluminous and messy to be useful unless it can be organized and analyzed in a way that makes sense--and that’s where Saboor’s strategies come into play. So, what insights has the team at Retinad gained so far? To put it simply, part of what they’re learning is what differentiates a good versus a bad user experience with VR. Contrary to the belief that a 360° scene should be enough to engage a user, the team at Retinad has learned that what a user really needs is something that’s not visual at all: audio.
Hitting users with an audio queue within the first five seconds of a VR experience encouraged them to move around and increased completion of the VR experience by 80%. This is just one of several surprising findings and interesting topics discussed, so tune in for the full conversation. To learn more, visit retinadvr.com.
HealthTap was founded about eight years ago with the goal of improving the accessibility of quality healthcare advice, guidance, and the right type of medical care at the right time. With more and more people turning to their mobile devices and an increasing reliance on social media these days, what better platform for a healthcare resource than a mobile application? As the co-founder of HealthTap, Dr. Geoff Rutledge figured there wasn't one, and he's been delighted with the progress and success that he's seen so far.
HealthTap allows anyone who has a question about their health to immediately receive an answer pulled from the largest library of content from doctors. And if a user has a new or unique question, they can simply submit it and receive a tailored response from a physician within a matter of a few hours--all at no cost. To date, over six billion answers have been provided by doctors via HealthTap.
Do you need to go to the ER? Should you schedule an appointment with your primary doctor tomorrow? Or would you be better served by scheduling an appointment with a specialist in a few weeks? Many of us find ourselves asking these questions, and until now, not everyone has had a way of getting a quick and reliable answer. And this is just the first level of guidance provided by HealthTap; once a user has been directed to the right level of care, HealthTap will guide them through the process of actually receiving that care.
With over 140,000 doctors signed up on the HealthTap platform and several on call in 47 states, users can find some peace of mind in knowing that with the tap of a button, they can speak with a physician in less than one minute. This is unlike anything that’s been done before and holds great promise for patients and the healthcare industry in general--not just in this country, but around the world. Tune in and visit healthtap.com to learn more.
Brian Curtis, CEO of Concentric Power (concentricpower.com), delivers an informative overview on the technology, sustainability, and efficiency issues that impact the energy grid we rely upon. Curtis has more than 20 years of experience in a wide range of skilled areas such as engineering, finance, and strategic management in the energy and technology industries. He has a wealth of international experience and has partnered with many companies on multiple projects. Curtis was involved with notable projects in China such as the building of an ammonia processing plant in which he stayed on as plant general manager during the launch of their business and product line and as a venture partner with VC firms where he supervised clean energy investment strategies. Additionally, he worked closely with the U.S. Department of Energy with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as well as many other clean energy startups. He has extensive experience as a power plant design engineer and as a refinery engineer.
Curtis founded Concentric Power in 2011 to focus on sustainable infrastructure and energy independence for companies in critical industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. Concentric Power is his second start-up. He holds a B.S. in mechanic engineering from UCLA, where he specialized in electro-mechanical systems design and control. Additionally, he holds an MBA from MIT.
As Curtis states, Concentric Power’s primary focus is on sustainable infrastructure for agriculture and industry applications, essentially firm power applications such as natural gas, battery storage, etc. coupled with renewables. Curtis discusses the traditional grid and the sources of power that exist based on geographical locations. And he explains how the trend will be to utilize energy sources that are localized, and how that will affect the power generation and supply overall. He discusses hybrid technologies and the impact on the environment, and his interest in how the technologies are coming together for more efficient energy production that may be greener and more sustainable overall as well.
The energy engineering expert provides an analysis of the shortcomings of intermittent power sources such as wind and solar, and the battery storage, pumped hydro, thermal, and other technologies that are needed to store intermittent sources for those nonproductive times. Curtis provides his expertise and insight into some of the issues that could present ongoing problems in the energy sector as renewable sources become more mainstreamed, such as the software and control of the systems. He discusses the complexities involved with running a coordinated system of varied energy sources, and how Concentric Power has developed a software program that utilizes machine learning to assist with the management and coordination. He provides information on the costs of energy production in various locations, from high to low, and the importance of smart components to work with the next generation grid as the energy production advances continue to move ahead.
Additionally, the energy expert discusses the details of efficiency and ways that energy producers can make savings along the way and be more productive and successful. He outlines some other projects that he and his team are working on that relate to the grid, such as microgrid projects that deal with renewables and sustainable energy production.
Robert Hernandez, associate professor of professional practice, and digital journalism professor at the prestigious USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, provides a delightful overview of the future of immersive digital journalism. Robert Hernandez’s skill and experience covers a multitude of areas such as changing news industry ethics, information and communication technologies, new media, online journalism, pop culture, the practice of journalism, and social media as it pertains to journalism.
Hernandez is a veteran of web journalism with a strong focus on the nexus of technology and journalism. His primary goals are to empower people, increase opportunities for better informed reporting and storytelling, to engage the community, improve overall distribution, and increase revenue. Hernandez’s belief is that ‘open source’ shared knowledge between journalists will improve the quality of journalism, and he continually works to build communities of digital journalists and technology-oriented writers. He is an active participant and supporter of VR journalism and media diversity. Hernandez has served on many national boards such as Chicas Poderosas, InquireFirst, the Online News Association, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Hernandez has worked professionally on several top projects that are heavily involved with augmented reality, as well as wearables/google glass and virtual reality. His latest project is an immersive experience that is appropriately named and trademarked as, JOVRNALISM™. His project work has been featured in The New York Times, on NBC, NPR, and in USA Today, and other significant publications and media outlets.
Hernandez discusses his professorial work with the Oculus platform, 360 video, and how many make the transition soon after working with 360, to VR. For as Hernandez explains, 360 is more common in newsrooms, and due to economics it has a wider reach. He explains the 360 camera in detail, in regard to framing of the story and the composition, and how he relates this important information to his students. As he discusses, the 360 camera becomes almost another subject in the reporting, as it is a thoroughly immersive experience.
The technology journalism professor gives an overview of some of the advanced technological platforms that are launching on YouTube and other media that allow users to split views and utilize VR tools such as Google Cardboard to essentially go inside the video, for full immersion. However, as Hernandez explains, the technology is so shockingly interesting that first time users may be distracted by the amazing experience, so much so that they may miss key elements of the actual story being told. But he states that a good story will resonate with people, regardless of the technology, for that is the key to solid journalism.
Hernandez recounts a particular experience in which he covered a coming storm and how the graphics and semantics, coupled with the advancing VR technology, provided reference points to help people understand the scale of the storm to fully grasp its potential danger. He discusses how immersive experience helps people to more fully believe the story, but cautions that those with nefarious intentions could use the technology to manipulate as well.
Hernandez’s JOVRNALISM has received multiple awards from respected institutions such as the Online News Association, Society for News Design, and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and others.
Having had a 20-year career as a US Navy Seal, Chuck McGraw brings invaluable qualities and insights to his role as Chief of Operations at TLDR Capital, a company that focuses on advisory services in the blockchain industry and fields of cyber and physical security. While managing the day-to-day operations carried out by the globally distributed and decentralized team at TLDR Capital, McGraw focuses on identifying and implementing procedures and processes that are agile and resilient enough to withstand an ever-changing external environment, which is something that his training as a Navy Seal well-equipped him to do.
Decentralization is a concept that’s increasingly being applied to real-world operations, but what does it really mean? What’s the difference between a team in the traditional sense and a decentralized team, and what are the benefits of the latter? McGraw explains it with a simple phrase: “centralized planning, decentralized execution.” While centralized planning involves all members of a team coming together to develop a plan under a shared understanding of the vision, mission, and objectives of the company, decentralized execution involves allowing individual members of a team the authority to make autonomous decisions in order to carry out that plan.
Among other topics, McGraw discusses the problems that hinder corporate growth and the productivity of decentralized teams and lends advice to entrepreneurs looking to form their own companies. Tune in for the full conversation, reach out to McGraw through his LinkedIn page, and visit tldr.capital to learn more.
There are at least two main challenges facing entrepreneurs today: finding a solution to a problem in the world that has not yet been effectively addressed, and obtaining the money and know-how to actually build a company based off of that solution. According to Lyron Bentovim, the second challenge stymies the creativity and innovative thinking that the first challenge requires, and as the CEO of The Glimpse Group, he’s working to change that.
The Glimpse Group is a platform company currently hosting 10 fully-owned startups that have the same or similar goals, the same level of technological understanding, and a shared desire to work collaboratively in developing augmented reality and virtual reality products. While creativity and innovation flow freely in this environment, the team at The Glimpse Group takes care of everything else--from the operational and business development aspects of building a company, to capital raising and management--so that the focus on building and taking products to the market remains unhindered.
This is something that’s never been done before, and it’s taking off incredibly well. Tune in for all the details, including what exactly The Glimpse Group looks for in taking on new startups, visit theglimpsegroup.com to learn more, and reach out to Bentovim at lyron@theglimpsegroup.com.
In the US alone, approximately five to 10 million people require a brain injury assessment and potential intervention every year; globally, that number rises to somewhere between 75 and 100 million. These numbers may shock you, but what’s perhaps even more shocking is that as it currently stands, brain injury assessments are highly subjective, relying more upon a particular clinician’s capabilities and experience with diagnosing brain injuries than on any form of objective measurement. This has not only led to misdiagnoses, but an extreme overuse of CAT scan technology.
Michael Singer is the CEO of BrainScope, a company that’s developed an AI-based, non-invasive, handheld device capable of helping clinicians objectively and reliably determine whether or not a patient actually needs a CAT scan to look for bleeding in the brain, and identify whether or not a patient has suffered from a functional brain injury, such as a concussion, which is something that CAT scans can’t do.
Developed in coordination with military and clinical partners, the BrainScope device is applied to a patient’s forehead in order to measure the electrical activity in their brain and provide as assessment as to whether or not the patient is at risk of a bleed in the brain, and whether or not the patient has suffered a concussion. As a whole, this device provides a panel of capabilities that allow clinicians to feel more confident in making decisions about what’s best for an individual patient.
Tune in for all the details about this exciting new technology, and visit www.brainscope.com to learn more.
Andrew Hubbard, CEO of Ai-London (ai-london.com), delivers a thorough discussion on the many new tools that businesses and individuals can utilize to expand their use of cloud service-based technologies for investment, insurance, and beyond. Hubbard’s realization that people of all ages and backgrounds wanted to engage with insurance companies digitally drove him to push Ai-London to solve the problem and open up new avenues for discovery. Hubbard explains how the information and policies were once completely geared toward underwriters, insurance agents, and claim specialists, but was woefully lacking in the digital and mobile arena. He talks about how Ai-London seeks to move core systems into the cloud in order to truly innovate and turn the industry on its ear.
Ai-London is a strategic management solutions company that works with life, savings and investment providers who seek to place customers directly in the center of their strategies and systems. Ai-London offers software assets, process and project management skills for business, as well as a full range of technology support services. Hubbard’s company focuses on four primary performance areas: organizational efficiency, digital transformation strategy, line of business convergence, and customer experience. And the company seeks to offer strategies that focus significantly on the management of risk.
Ai-London offers multiple software options that deal with policy administration, customer-based compliance, and innovation. Their Ai-PAS system that deals with policy administration are an end-to-end comprehensive system that covers the lifecycle of the policy. It offers web services, batch management, product configuration and more that provide for an optimized business model and successful business results as they pertain to current and future investments. Their Ai-CXP system (customer-centric and compliance-conscious) establishes secure records for customer engagements with a focus on the insurer/customer transaction. And their innovation software, Ai-LAB, is an advanced incubation platform for firms that desire to engage in digital and social media type initiatives. It encompasses many digital insurance products, such as those that are social media oriented or short-term, utilizing blockchain.
By innovating and reinventing the social media aspects of investment and savings opportunities, Hubbard outlines how his company is helping to launch many investment strategies and situations that help not only businesses but everyday people who may want to help friends and family or social causes. Hubbard details the ways blockchain has expanded opportunities for many transactions and how industries are excited to begin using blockchain as it offers careful recording of information that is secure. Hubbard states that from an industry point of view, sponsoring independent innovation hubs is a means to break through the barriers to adopting blockchain, and AI.
The technology innovator discusses some pitfalls and issues that may develop in the use of AI as it pertains to his industry. And he details some of the successes of his company’s platform, AI LAB, as the technological advances of cloud services expand and develop.
Disclaimer: "The opinions stated herein are those of Warren Katz, and do not reflect the position of the US Air Force."
Warren Katz, CEO of Techstars (techstars.com), provides a detailed analysis of the current state of technology startups, and the assistance his company can deliver to steer them in the right direction, help them reach their goals, and launch their products faster. Warren Katz is the managing director of Techstars Autonomous Technology Accelerator with the US Air Force, a partnership designed to increase active engagement between promising startups with state-of-the-art counter-drone technologies, and the Department of Defense.
Katz was President of Neurala, a top artificial intelligence company that is focused on AI with continuous learning. Additionally, Katz co-founded MÄK Technologies, which was later acquired by VT Systems of Alexandria, Virginia. Katz is a mentor to many industry leaders as well as an angel investor who notably invested in Harmonix, GrabCAD, Neurala, Oblong, Bevi, LovePop, and PetNet. He holds bachelor’s degrees in both mechanical and electrical engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Katz discusses his work with the US Air Force to help them keep pace with emerging commercial technologies. But beyond the US Air Force, many private sector companies are also looking to Techstars to accelerate their connections to the latest technology. Techstars’ team combs through thousands of startups and selects an elite group of the most viable and commercially relevant, that are either currently manufacturing or about to manufacture groundbreaking technology. After the selections are made, Techstars vets those selected and assists them with advanced development toward their launch. Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed while helping companies access the technology they need. And Techstars Corporate Partners provides powerful industry expertise by offering hands-on mentorship, as well as strategic business development, and access to abundant resources to help startups accelerate their overall progress toward their goals. And with 150 countries involved, 10,000 mentors, and 300,000 alumni, it’s clear that valuable connections are being made.
The technology expert discusses some of the hard problems that the Department of Defense (DOD) faces in its struggle to bring the best tech on board. He states that while the DOD has big pockets, their money does not flow as easily as some private industry companies, and the wheels for progress are often slower moving. For these and other reasons, Katz states that many of the best tech startups are choosing to work in the private sector to avoid headaches and to accelerate their progress. Thus, Katz is helping the US Air Force to streamline their process, to make it easier for the best and brightest startups to say yes to working with them first. By combining outside money with the startup, the DOD can accelerate their process as well, and be less drained financially as two separate teams are working to advance the technology and deliver robust products.
Katz gives an overview of some of the most exciting technology startups that he is working with. From blockchain advances to invisible ink and specialty drones, the technology products are diverse and offer amazing advances for the public and private sector. He discusses drones that attack other drones, technology that can map cellular and WIFI signals and locate unauthorized or enemy equipment, drone-based radiation detectors, and more. As technology and autonomous products continue to advance, Katz expects to see many probes and unmanned devices taking their place on the battlefield and in the private industry world as well.
James Albis, founder and CEO of SnoHub (snohub.com), provides a complete overview of the snow removal business and how his company’s digital app is creating jobs and helping to alleviate the snow problem that faces millions of people annually. As a boy, Albis saw an opportunity in snow removal. Teaming up with a neighborhood friend when he was just ten years old, Albis shoveled many driveways in the winter and earned a decent amount of extra cash, enough to make a ten year old pretty pleased. Fast forward many years and Albis, now a businessman, found himself pondering why snow removal was still a continual problem for so many people living in areas that get pounded by the winter weather annually. His desire to solve this problem motivated his launch of SnoHub.
SnoHub is a fully automated snow clearing service that, finally, solves the snow-clearing crisis in a super convenient, easy way. It’s a simple to use app for customers and contractors alike that benefits everyone. Snow clearing is no longer difficult, for as Albis states, SnoHub has solved an inefficient problem through the use of mobile technology. Albis explains how their service covers the full range of customers’ needs, from snow blowing to snow plowing, snow shoveling, and deicing. It’s a compulsory, gig economy type of service as Albis explains, and his app solves the problem by bringing literally thousands of new snow removal workers into the solution. From a person with a truck and pro equipment to the college student with a good shovel and strong arms ready to work, SnoHub brings every willing body into the snow removal equation when they are needed!
For customers who need snow removal, SnoHub offers the benefit of easy contracts with no long-term commitments, easy ordering of the service on demand, preorders for when you know the storm is coming, order tracking, and full documentation of completed work with before and after photos. Additionally, SnoHub can alert customers via SMS and phone contact, and their advanced secure channels allow for concise, convenient, and confidential communication throughout the entire process from early ordering all the way through to a final tip to the contractor for a job well done.
For contractors, the benefits are also plentiful. Contractors who work through SnoHub can reserve jobs, up to five at a time in advance of a coming storm or during the storm. They can receive bonuses for meeting specific SnoHub goals, which could put extra money in their pocket. Contractors benefit from the same easy means of communication, via phone or SMS notices. They can view jobs in advance, calculate their time and distance to jobs, and earn extra for completing additional services clients may request, and count on easy payments for their hard work in just three to four days after completion.
Albis discusses some exciting partnerships that he is bringing SnoHub into, such as equipment providers that SnoHub’s contractors can utilize in their work. And Albis stresses his desire to work with American companies as SnoHub strives to bring more workers into the snow accumulation problem through the creation of many viable job opportunities. And for the future, Albis hopes to broaden his company’s services, as they have the database of customers who will probably also need additional services during the non-winter months as well.
Payam Banazadeh, the co-founder and CEO of Capella Space (capellaspace.com), shines some light on the important topic of satellite surveillance. Banazadeh’s company, Capella Space, is a venture-backed Silicon Valley company that builds satellites capable of imaging earth day and night, in all weather and light conditions. Banazadeh was named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017 and Capella Space has been touted by The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Inc. as one of the top-25 disruptive companies in the world. Banazadeh graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in aerospace engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.
During his time at UT, he received the Texas Outstanding Scholar & Leader Award for his formidable academic skills, performance, and exceptional leadership. Additionally, he holds a graduate business degree from Stanford University. Banazadeh received the NASA Mariner Award for his work on two multi-million dollar missions and the prestigious NASA Discovery Award for outstanding achievement in the formulation of novel concepts for the development of projects for NASA.
Banazadeh co-founded Capella Space with William Woods with the common goal of developing a means to monitor the planet more accurately and efficiently from space, which could have far-reaching applications for multiple industries. He discusses the frustration they shared as the world watched the unsuccessful search for Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 on live TV. Banazadeh and Woods collectively felt that there should be a better way to monitor the planet, and track objects such as airline flights, etc. He discusses some of their initial findings, reasons behind the ineffectiveness of satellites, such as satellites’ inability to monitor in a comprehensive manner during cloudiness or darkness.
He describes how traditional satellites utilize optical imaging, which cannot see through either—clouds or darkness. Capella Space’s satellites use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to achieve their excellent capabilities. SAR is a type of radar that can create 2D or 3D images of objects, such as landscapes, and it uses the motion of the radar antenna over a specific region to provide a sharper spatial resolution than traditional beam-scanning radars. Clouds and nighttime are no longer an issue, or a problem, with Capella Space’s advanced technological satellites.
Banazadeh gives a detailed explanation of the power and energy necessary to bounce satellite signals with the SAR system, and how Capella Space’s satellites inhabit lower orbits to facilitate the power/energy and distance issues. He provides details on the measurements and imagery that exist with the SAR-based satellites versus traditional satellite technology that has been utilized in the past. He talks about the minute details that are visible with their company’s offerings in the satellite technology arena, such as reflectivity, texture, and moisture information that is incredibly helpful for applications in many industries.
Banazadeh states that their strategy is not to observe the entire globe but to look at important, key areas globally where changes are occurring, changes that could severely impact security and industry. Capella Space’s satellites can identify and classify most objects that are one meter or larger in size and can be accessed anywhere in the globe at any time, day or night. Additionally, they provide new imagery hourly and can easily penetrate clouds, fog, pollution, haze, and nearly every atmospheric condition. And with penetration and accuracy at such a high level, it’s clear why Capella Space is attracting attention and praise for their outstanding leadership in global surveillance.
Isaac Dallas, co-founder, and CMO of XSPACE (xspaceapp.com) provide an overview of the future of product content generation for ecommerce, and how augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will play a significant role. As co-founder, Dallas is intently focused on using visualization to simplify business. In addition to his work in the business arena, Dallas is a strong advocate for education reform initiatives and was a key player in a strategic Harvard and Apple sponsored project that seeks to create advanced programs to assist children with problem-solving skills and strategies for learning. Dallas is a graduate of Illinois State University where he specialized in marketing analytics.
Dallas’s company, XSPACE, provides a simplified end-to-end solution for product information and visuals. XSPACE’s platform ensures that businesses continually provide high-quality images and product descriptions to their customer base. The XSPACE platform will help your brand cut costs, save time, and give customers exactly what they want and need to make a purchase. XSPACE delivers an updated database of products to business websites and streamlines the product management process through their efficient and affordable solutions.
Dallas describes their platform’s automation and the benefits and savings of automating. By introducing an efficient way to deliver 360-degree photography to businesses, customers have greater control over their shopping and buying experience, for about the same cost to a business as their average spends on traditional 2D photography. The platform could contribute to significant savings over the long run, sometimes as much as 70%, and value-added options of 3D, AR, and 360 capabilities will help to build brand trust with customers in the marketplace.
Dallas discusses the next wave of product marketing and the technology that will continue to impact how customers consume. He provides detailed information on browser issues, and viewing options that are available for presenting product displays online. The online and display marketing expert delivers an analysis of available market data that provides insight into average sales increases, as well as the dramatic decrease in product returns.
He explains the tremendous upside for sales that exist as businesses convert their inventory to more experiential imaging. For example, in regard to furnishings, as consumers can look at multiple products in a room, they are then more inclined to purchase all of their individual furnishings through the very same store. From sizing, to mix and match options, it’s clear that 3D, AR, and VR are providing unique customer experiences that boost revenue.
“A lot of what ails us comes from improper inputs...food, how much light we get, how much exercise we get, how much sleep we get...if you can get your environment and diet right, you can reverse some disease processes and greatly improve symptoms of other disease processes,” says Craig Emmerich, founder of keto-adapted.com and author of Keto: The Complete Guide to Success on the Ketogenic Diet, Including Simplified Science and No-Cook Meal Plans. Having been on the ketogenic diet for 12 years now, Emmerich can speak first-hand about the progressive improvements in his health, as well as the challenges faced by many who are just starting out.
The Keto-Adapted program has received over 1,000 testimonials from clients who have seen significant improvement in their disease processes and symptoms after adhering to the ketogenic diet, including those who suffer from MS, Parkinson’s disease, IBS, acid reflux, eczema, and diabetes. Several people with MS and Parkinson’s disease have reported such significant improvements in their symptoms that they’re no longer dependent upon any medication. And of course, the ketogenic diet carries with it the added bonus of weight loss.
Tune in to hear Emmerich discuss some of the highlights from his book, such as the three phases of keto, as well as the most difficult aspects of starting and sticking to the ketogenic diet (and some tips on how to do so successfully!) Check out the blog at mariamindbodyhealth.com and learn more at keto-adapted.com.
In recent years, the idea of merging 3D printing with print electronics has become an area of both interest and skepticism. It is feasible, or is it just a gimmick? As the CEO of nScrypt, Ken Church set out to prove that it’s not only feasible, but applicable and relevant. In order to do this, the team at nScrypt is designing and manufacturing industrial printers that will be capable of producing the products we use everyday. But that’s not all, they are also printing biological materials such as collagen and red blood cells. This will pave the way for the printing of more complex tissues and organs, and will relieve biologists of the technological burden of the printing process and the software that’s behind it.
Most recently, nScrypt has began working with a new startup that’s using pancreatic cells to create spheroids, a biologic drug that has already shown to lower blood sugar levels in mice from 600 to 120 when administered subcutaneously. Church discusses a variety of topics, including thermoplastics in 3D printing, the steps involved and the challenges to overcome in printing organs, and nScrypt’s plan to have careful experiments conducted on the bioprinter in the international space station, which is set to launch February 2019.
Tune in for all the details, and visit www.nscrypt.com to learn more.
Victoria Field began researching the ketogenic diet and understanding it as an underutilized tool in medicine and science after seeing the amazing results it had on her epileptic dog, who had previously been on anticonvulsants for years without good results. When a simple change in diet relieved her dog of seizures and replaced the medication altogether, she began wondering what other types of diseases a ketogenic diet could help manage--not just in dogs, but humans too.
In 2014, KetoPet sanctuary was established with the goal of rescuing and improving the quality of life of dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer. With the implementation of a ketogenic diet, they’ve seen a 55% success rate in extending lives past prognosis. They also focus on educating the public on species-appropriate foods not often found on pet store shelves, and providing people with tools for easy implementation of ketogenic diets. One such tool is the KetoPet calculator, which is available on ketopet.org and helps owners develop tailored ketogenic diets based on a variety of factors, including the overall goal they wish to achieve and the state at which their dog’s disease has progressed.
Geared with the knowledge and evidence gained from the work done at KetoPet, the team at Epigenix decided to apply the same principles to the world of human health and medicine. The team at Epigenix is currently partnering with oncologists to explore the effect of combining ketogenic diets with the standard of care for patients suffering from cancer, and the results from pilot studies have been incredibly positive; within just four weeks of adhering to a ketogenic diet, one patient had regained the ability to speak and read.
Field discusses the importance of taking a dynamic approach to treating diseases in humans and animals, the importance of empowerment that is provided by nutrition-based therapy, and the upcoming Metabolic Health Summit conference, an organization which she is proud to be named co-founder. The conference is open to anyone interested in learning more or getting started on a ketogenic diet, as well as scientists and physicians looking to hold clinical trials to more thoroughly analyze its effectiveness. Find all the details about the conference at metabolichealthsummit.com, and learn more about ketogenic diets at epigenixfoundation.org and ketopet.org.
Ben Godfrey, founder, and general partner of SportVEST (sportvest.io) delivers an overview of sports investing in a digital blockchain world. Godfrey manages the vision and direction of SportVEST with a focus on accelerating the company’s market share and SVE token valuation. He is an innovation expert and has a track record of strong customer relationships, partnership building, and smart staff development and hiring practices for the sports and blockchain communities. Godfrey is especially interested in promoting the investment pipeline for the best visionary opportunities within the sports sector. He brings over 20 years of solid experience in global finance and investments to SportVEST and has worked for some of the top financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Merrill Lynch, and others.
Godfrey’s company, SportVEST, is a blockchain-based venture capital fund that invests in the future of sports with the goal of creating a novel asset class. Godfrey discusses how he was curious as to why there were seemingly so many great sports business and technology concepts that were having trouble raising funds, and how he set out to create improved fundraising protocols through an innovative venture investment platform. The SportVEST venture fund uses tokenization. SVE is an asset-backed ERC20 digital token built on blockchain technology with token holders forming limited partners in the fund. The SportVEST mission, at its core, is to provide improved VC measurement tools while also bringing better liquidity to investments in the sports sector such that the SVE token holders can decide on the optimal time to acquire profits. And as Godfrey states, the sports economy is valued at approximately $600 to $700 Billion, thus the need for capitalization for sports-oriented startups within the sports economy is immense.
Godfrey discusses the benefits and advantages of utilizing blockchain and tokenization for investment as opposed to traditional investment platforms. Godfrey explains that when you sell the token to an investor, the token represents a share in your fund, but liquidity is a big difference, as investors can get in and out in about one year. This is a significant upside for investors who don’t want their funds tied up in investments for three to five years as is required by many traditional investment platforms.
The blockchain investment expert provides an analysis of the various areas of the sports economy such as clubs, teams, athletes, merchandise, memorabilia, fan content, wearables, media, IP, data, gaming, AI, VR, fantasy sports, ticketing, events, and gambling, etc. And he discusses how some companies in the sports industry and economy are able to move more efficiently by working through this future-forward platform. And as Godfrey explains, the ease of their investment strategy is another advantage for interested investors. Godfrey details how his company not only helps these sports-focused companies with the investment side, but they also provide hands-on support for growth revenue streams, development, scalability, and more.
The investment expert explains the process for registering, from thoroughly vetting the white papers they provide to contacting the general partners for investment contracts. He explains the importance of transparency in the process and how they take special care to ensure that each investor fully understands all the details every step of the way.
Georgios Depastas, co-founder and business lead of Kalepso (kalepso.com), imparts technology-based wisdom on the value of data security and his goal to keep private, sensitive data safe for all of us. Depastas holds a master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Greece National Technology University of Athens, and a master’s from Cambridge University. His experience in real-time data analytics at Barclays motivated him to launch his company, Kalepso.
Kalepso offers the strongest dynamic encryption at rest, in motion, and in memory. Their platform utilizes machine learning to optimize queries execution, and differential privacy to perturb the query result size in order to avoid communication volume leakages. And their oblivious RAM re-encrypts database rows each time data is queried, to avoid access pattern leakages. Kalepso uses military-grade protocols, at the lowest level for individual records encryption.
Depastas discusses their cloud database system, which allows companies to use their data as they always have, but with significantly more security. He provides information on how the Kalepso platform delivers protection against all attacks, even potential quantum attacks. Depastas outlines how Kalepso’s protection is through dynamic encryption, and how each additional query triggers re-encryption, for maximum security and protection. By utilizing differential privacy and introducing ‘noise’ to the query results, so potential hackers or data thieves cannot infer sensitive information that needs to be critically secured. Depastas lists some of the most current encryption levels and the security variants with quantum computing.
The data security expert gives his opinions on blockchain and its many uses, such as immutability, and how he expects blockchain’s robust, tamper-proof qualities to be utilized in Kalepso’s next line of technology and products. Depastas discusses the expense of storing volumes of information on the blockchain, and the fragility, in terms of blockchains that are not quantum resistant at current. And he mentions how authorization issues will be an area where blockchain can be of use for Kalepso. Depastas states that their current platform has been peer reviewed and undergone white hat hacker testing, and none of the hackers were able to find any vulnerability in the system or their core technology.
Depastas discusses the alpha and beta versions of their Kalepso security products and their upcoming collaboration with the National Bank of Greece to roll out a new proof of concept. And as they expand they will be seeking to introduce more products to the market and continue their global outreach. Cybersecurity is a complex issue and there will always be challenges ahead as Depastas and his team innovate to meet the needs of individuals and businesses.
Sahil Gupta, co-founder and product lead of Soundskrit (soundskrit.ca), delivers an engrossing overview of the future of audio and microphone technology. Gupta received a B.S. and master’s of engineering in electrical and computer engineering from Cornell University. Gupta worked intensively in the MEMS lab on the DARPA N-ZERO program to develop important zero-power wireless sensors. His standout work received the highest honors in the advanced, elite program and is currently patent pending. DARPA is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. It is an agency of the United States Department of Defense that is responsible for the development of new and emerging technologies for use by the military. And DARPA’s N-ZERO program focuses on two primary areas—unattended sensors (that can monitor a physical environment continuously with near-zero power consumption) and radio receivers (that are always alert for radio transmissions, also with near-zero power consumption).
Soundskrit’s mission is to make audio important, so it will no longer be an afterthought. Gupta states that Soundskrit has developed a microphone that can zoom in on the essential sounds that you deem are most important, in a similar manner to how cameras can zoom in on images. Soundskrit’s microphone separates sounds coming in from various, different directions and provides improved speech recognition in addition to more advanced, higher quality recordings. Their bio-inspired design directly measures particle velocity of sound as opposed to its pressure, and that makes a significant difference. Gupta discusses the scalability of this technology and how it relates to sound quality in terms of frequency.
As he explains, it is often challenging to gather all the information in the lower frequency range, thus Soundskrit is perfecting ways to enhance the low end. Gupta details the fascinating auditory systems of insects such as spiders, crickets, and flies, and how they use sensors to monitor the air that passes across hair on their bodies, to detect approaching predators. It was this type of intricate insect ability that inspired Gupta to develop Soundskrit’s primary audio technology.
The audio tech expert discusses autonomous vehicles and other devices that could utilize the technology as it can literally zoom in on sounds to discover their exact source, which facilitates the efficiency of the process for repairing or preventing potential mechanical problems. And Gupta talks about some of the amazing concepts that we could see in the future, such as blended audio—audio that could allow, for example, someone who is walking with headphones to be more aware of incoming sounds that they should hear, such as sirens, etc., for their own safety.
Gupta explains how the technology Soundskrit has developed could be used in many future applications and devices. From smartphone improvements to conference line and meeting room technology, smart home devices and more, Gupta expects to see sweeping changes that will dramatically improve audio and microphone usage.
Alexis Smirnov, the co-founder and CTO of Dialogue (dialogue.co), discusses the changing times in regard to healthcare and how virtual healthcare options are becoming more commonplace. Dialogue is the top Canadian telehealth service and Smirnov is passionate about the future of healthcare. Smirnov has many years of experience in the design and development of social analytics systems, search engine technology, conversational mobile apps, and more. He has played an integral role in the building of products and services for various startups and Fortune 100 companies. Smirnov is continually intrigued by transformational technologies and the practical methods to bring them to market, and his passion for tech led him to his work as CTO at Dialogue.
Smirnov discusses how technology is changing the way we receive healthcare. His company, Dialogue, was founded in 2016 by co-founders who saw an incredible need for access to better health care, and they set out to solve the problem via technology. Dialogue offers virtual healthcare solutions for employees, and impactful benefits for businesses and their platform provides forward-thinking, premium, affordable health care options for Canadian companies and individuals. The Dialogue team is comprised of many skilled entrepreneurs, developers, sales experts, designers, customer service specialists, engineers, and quality assurance experts who work collaboratively to devise the best strategies to tackle modern healthcare issues. And their medical team features some of the most highly respected healthcare professionals in Canada who practice virtual healthcare and seek to bring the best care to everyone.
Smirnov describes the problems of traditional healthcare settings in regard to treating patients, and how a virtual care team can alleviate some of the burdens on the system, long waiting times, and more. He describes how many companies will choose to offer virtual healthcare as a corporate benefit, as many employees may find it helpful to have treatment and advice from qualified healthcare workers right on their smartphone… in an app. He discusses the use of photos in the treatment process, such as a skin issue, for example, in which a user could photograph their particular skin issue, send the photo via the app, and get a doctor or health care worker’s advice on treatment right away. He states this method could sometimes allow care to come within minutes, as opposed to days or weeks in a traditional setting. And by cutting overhead through the use of technology, doctors can often reduce their time with paperwork and give more time to patients, which as Smirnov states, is what everyone wants.
Smirnov details how many companies are seeing the benefits of offering this virtual healthcare option to their employees, and as such Dialogue is growing at an incredible rate. He expects that the transition from physical first to digital first healthcare will create a booming industry for virtual care providers. As doctors and hospital administrators learn more about the service, Smirnov mentions that they are always surprised that the system has not been put in place earlier, and they quickly gravitate toward the service as they see that the benefits are boundless.
Steve McCloskey, founder, and CEO of Nanome (nanome.ai) delivers an interesting overview of their virtual reality solutions for scientists and engineers—solutions that could potentially stimulate discovery of disease treatment and even cure. McCloskey studied nanoengineering at the University of California, San Diego where his work was primarily focused on emerging technologies applied to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). While at UC San Diego, McCloskey worked with Ken Vecchio, the founding chair of the nanoengineering department, as they set the foundation for the Nanoengineering Materials Research Center. They were instrumental in the development of thermodynamic processing methods for iron-based superelastic alloys. McCloskey’s passion for the field led him to launch Nanome as a vehicle to build virtual reality solutions for scientists and engineers working at the nanoscale. Specifically, Nanome’s team spends a significant amount of time exploring protein engineering and small molecule drug development.
McCloskey’s company, Nanome, transforms our interaction with, and understanding of, science, by providing a virtual world where users can experiment, design, innovate and learn at the nanoscale. McCloskey explains that Nanome’s vision is to create an immersive interface where people can see things intuitively, and better interact with science via virtual reality and other tools. McCloskey states that their current technology allows users to view at the atom level, but he is working to develop further, to achieve success at the subatomic level. Additionally, he discusses the energy minimization force field as it relates to forces that are being calculated between atoms as they push and pull apart.
McCloskey discusses one of their top products that he is particularly excited about—CalcFlow. CalcFlow allows researchers to study and visualize vector calculus in an interactive environment. The platform enables mathematical modeling, manipulation of 3D graphs, as well as the editing of parameters while you work. He elaborates on the advantages that CalcFlow provides for research and experimentation, such as its ability to bring mechanical engineering design into the dynamic in an observable manner. And the process is exceptionally great for optimization and delivery into the 3D printing environment.
The nanoengineering expert describes how the introduction of blockchain to their platform will allow more people to work globally toward solutions to many problems that humans face, from technology to medical and beyond. McCloskey details how the platform can provide an opportunity for a larger group of people to study and hopefully find solutions for tropical diseases, diseases that big pharmaceutical companies have no interest in, due to the fact that their ability to profit is lower. Through the use of open-source models and automated licensing, and even closed source, the use of blockchain truly is changing the rate of discovery, as the global community can be involved.
As the technology is expanding, McCloskey expects that virus modeling will become easier, as entire viruses can be viewed with atomic detail, enabling study at the systems level of the biology. And by simulating cells at every level, the possibilities for discovery are enormous.
Dr. Brian Lenzkes, founder of Low Carb Advisor (lowcarbadvisor.com), details the many advantages of a ketogenic diet and lifestyle. From weight loss, alertness, more energy, and a feeling of general well being, Dr. Lenzkes lays out the undeniable benefits and the science behind the diet that Americans are turning to for good health. As an internal medicine doctor in San Diego, Lenzkes has long been interested in clinical nutrition. His physician group has been in operation since 2004, and when he is not practicing medicine he can often be seen at speaking engagements around the country, discussing modern health. Lenzkes received a BS in Biology at UC Irvine. After attending USC Medical School, Lenzkes completed his residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego and was named Chief Resident there before launching his private practice at Internal Medicine Associates.
Lenzkes discusses his personal struggle with weight gain in spite of following standard medical advice for weight loss. As a physician, Lenzkes was determined to find ways to reduce his patients’ reliance on drug companies by working with them on nutrition and a healthier lifestyle in general. Working from personal experience, Dr. Lenzkes was, and is, strongly motivated to bring the ketogenic lifestyle to his own patients who are seeking nutritional advice, as well as to the general public. Lenzkes provides an overview of the connection between fasting and good health. He talks about the many medical problems that he sees regularly as an internal medicine physician, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, hypertension and weight gain, and their connection to insulin resistance. He discusses the advantages of cutting out sugars and processed foods and returning to real, wholesome natural foods.
The nutritional expert and respected physician describe the innumerable benefits of the ketogenic diet and lifestyle. The diet offers safe and healthy weight loss, control of blood glucose levels, improved brain function, and the potential to literally reverse many chronic health conditions. The keto diet transitions the body into a fat-burning metabolic state called nutritional ketosis. In nutritional ketosis, the body uses few carbohydrates for energy—it begins using ketones that are produced by the liver from the breakdown of fats. It’s the process of burning body fat for energy by eating the proper foods. He describes the cycle of hunger and eating, and how it is quite often directly related to higher triglyceride levels. A triglyceride is an ester that is derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. He explains that a ketogenic diet will drop triglyceride levels nearly in half in a surprisingly short amount of time, which will lower hunger and even allow for fasting to be tolerated easier.
Lenzkes delivers an analysis of the effects of carbohydrate loading on the body. He talks about the benefits of higher fat, higher protein diets and how they can actually decrease hunger. Additionally, he expounds upon the growing medical problem with the fatty liver, how the body stores fat, and the carbohydrate connection, as well as what medical experts can do to advise patients on nutrition, to combat the problem. He talks about the paradigm shift in medicine that is coming, in regard to nutrition. Lenzkes gives an overview of his ketogenic program and the many options from fasting to carb cutting and beyond. He discusses the challenges people face when they take on a ketogenic lifestyle, and how variations within the diet may be necessary for people to find the best way to their true success.
Lenzkes states that experimentation is key, as different foods and plans work better for some than others, but the nutritional benefits will be incredibly rewarding once someone finds the plan that works best for them. He discusses how carbs break down into sugar, and the hidden carbs in many foods that people know to be healthy foods even. He talks about how the key to health and fitness is often unnecessarily overcomplicated when the basic tenets of controlling sugar and carb intake are easier to grasp and adopt than many people realize. He details how a drop in insulin level will, in most cases, immediately begin to improve fatigue, mood, cognition, depression, and so much more. Ultimately, as Dr. Lenzkes states, the power exists within us all to change our nutrition habits and reverse potentially dangerous medical issues and conditions, and it is his personal goal to help everyone take steps toward achieving their best health possible.
During the past decade, the human microbiome has slowly come to be recognized as an integral factor of human health, one that’s been misunderstood for far too long. Whether it’s an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, habitual overeating, a central nervous system disorder, or irritable bowel syndrome, Dale Pfost believes there’s a connection to be found with the microorganisms that live inside each and every one of us. With active research being conducted on this topic, his opinion is backed by evidence and shared by many.
Pfost now serves as the CEO of MicroBiome Therapeutics, a company founded nine years ago with the goal of bolstering the health of the microbiome in order to bolster the health of people. So, what’s the main contributor to the health of the microbiome, and what do we need to do in order to address it? Pfost believes the number one problem is our diet, something which has changed dramatically over the past several decades; we’re overeating, yet we’re simultaneously underfeeding the microorganisms that enable us to live healthy lives.
What’s the solution? The team at Microbiome Therapeutics has just launched BiomeBliss, a perfectly formulated blend of prebiotics designed to feed microorganisms the nutrients they need but often don’t receive in sufficient amounts (if at all). Based on the most recent double-blind, randomized clinical studies, BiomeBliss has produced three results: satiety (absence of hunger), increased GI health, and lower glycemic indexes.
Tune in to learn more about this fascinating new area of research and what BiomeBliss can offer you, and reach out with questions via the website at mbiome.com.
Over 100 million people in the US are now living with diabetes or prediabetes, a disease that causes poor quality of life for most. Eduardo Jorgensen set out to address this problem by establishing MedicSen, a company that’s developing a predictive algorithm capable of alerting patients up to an hour in advance of a hypoglycemic event.
The MedicSen software receives information from wearable devices such as glucose monitors and is able to predict a patient’s future glucose levels based on certain parameters, such as food intake, activity level, and levels of insulin versus glucose in the body. By alerting the patient without any input aside from food intake documentation, this technology will provide patients with relief from the constant stress and worry that accompanies diabetes. Furthermore, it’s an interactive system, which means that patients can ask it certain questions, such as whether or not it would be safe for them to consume a soda or go for a hike. But that’s not all: currently in the works is a needle-free drug delivery device in the form of a patch.
Tune in for all the details, visit medicsen.com to learn more, and reach out to Jorgensen at eduardo@medicsen.com.
Over the past several decades, advancements in space technology have led to an unprecedented number of satellites being put into orbit, which has led to a number of exciting new insights and findings. However, it’s come at a cost: with a few thousand tons of space debris from old and nonfunctional satellites orbiting the earth at a rate of about seven kilometers per second, each individual piece of debris poses the threat of colliding with another, or with a new satellite. This is a problem that must be addressed in order to continue using satellites safely.
Professor Guglielmo is the director of the Surrey Space Center at the University of Surrey in England, and he joins the podcast today to discuss this problem and the ways in which he’s trying to solve it. He explains that when large particles of debris collide with one another, a cascade effect of collisions ensues, worsening the problem. And of course, if a large piece of debris were to collide with a new satellite, the satellite would be destroyed. According to Guglielmo, then, the largest threat is none other than the largest pieces of debris.
Tune in for all the details about the work that’s being done at Surrey to develop a solution, and the biggest challenge facing the development of that solution. Learn more at www.surrey.ac.uk/surrey-space-centre.
Prasanna Singaraju, engineering chief and CTO of Qentelli (qentelli.com), provides an overview of how Qentelli’s solutions are delivering a new standard in quality engineering and DevOps for Continuous Delivery. Continuous Delivery is a DevOps software development practice in which code changes are built, tested, and prepared for release into production. Singaraju states that Qentelli helps companies re-engineer their applications that are built upon existing, older technology stacks. He discusses how they utilize DevOpps (a software engineering practice that seeks to unify software development and software operation) and automated testing.
Singaraju has a wealth of experience in radio-frequency engineering and infrastructure, data, communications, quality assurance, and project management. As CTO, he brings a passionate interest in sustainable innovation, application engineering, and value-driven solutions to Qentelli. Singaraju has an illustrious background in his industry and has a strong reputation as an integrator and world leader in IT, product and program management, as well as customer support.
Qentelli’s focus is on the nexus of quality engineering and intelligence, and Singaraju leads their innovations group with an active approach to the design and implementation of the various solutions and products they deliver. The company seeks to offer high-end software development and quality assurance to bring higher level applications to businesses.
Singaraju discusses Qentelli’s goal of assisting companies, with higher speed delivery of applications for their operations. From banking to retail, airlines to restaurants, Qentelli’s solutions are practical and usable for many industries. He provides details of their successful transformations for businesses, and how they are able to improve feedback and increase the quality of applications. Starting with ecommerce all the way through to back-of-store, point of sale systems, to payment, Qentelli delivers end-to-end solutions for business application success.
Singaraju describes many of the problems that businesses face in this space, and how Qentelli’s solutions apply. He states that any business that utilizes applications to serve their customers is a business that they can help improve. Singaraju outlines their multi-level approach, which includes examination of a company’s overall processes, technology, and methods of implementation. And Singaraju details the specifics of bringing real-time, absolute visibility into the quality assessment as a means to achieve predictable outcomes in the overall application lifecycle.
Jessica Chang, co-founder, and CEO of Wee Care (weecare.com), delivers an informative overview of the current state of childcare and how quality day care services are desperately in demand. Chang’s Wee Care Preschool has established a successful early childhood program for children 3 months to 6 years of age. Their comprehensive curriculum provides strong academics, creative play, as well as physical activities, all within a warm, safe, and nurturing environment. Their stimulating, structured program ensures quality interaction between the children and their teachers, as well as child to child. Children can learn valuable social skills as they interact with one another.
Chang states that Wee Care helps parents find quality, affordable, convenient care. Additionally, they assist preschool teachers, caregivers, and stay-at-home moms who seek to start their own licensed home daycare center, as Wee Care’s online technology platform provides the structure they need to succeed. Chang discusses the rising cost of day care for parents, and also the low pay caregivers often receive, and her concern for all parties involved. Chang’s desire is to solve the problems on both sides. Chang’s, Wee Care, offers best practices advice and support, and assists with setting up the foundation for new daycare center operators. Wee Care can provide structural support to newly formed daycares and thus decrease the administrative time for operators. This allows many who choose to work with Wee Care in this manner to operate their daycare and still have another career.
The Wee Care Preschool environment offers many opportunities for learning new skills during various activities. Group activities, circle time, play time in designated play areas, science centers, and individual teacher/student skill building are all part of the program. Wee Care focuses on pre-math and reading readiness throughout the day at each of the classroom levels. Also, climber time and outdoor play activities provide physical movement and important motor skill development.
Chang gives an overview of the trends in daycare, and she details how more and more women are starting their own businesses. She discusses how technology and the desire to control your own time has motivated many people to seek employment that works for them, on their schedule, by their own rules. Thus, Wee Care is experiencing tremendous growth as individuals are enthusiastically taking on new challenges and opening home businesses.
The daycare and child development expert provides information on licensing and the standards that new daycare operators must meet in order to be approved. She underscores the advantages of working with Wee Care, as caregivers can focus on what they love, which is working with children and teaching them, while Wee Care handles the administrative obstacles that may seem daunting to some new business owners. She states the importance of curriculum, and how Wee Care takes the stress out of this by providing the curriculum in advance so caregivers and teachers can simply implement it. Finally, Chang outlines the importance of cultural diversity and languages, and how they enrich the learning experience for children overall.
Ramsay Brown, co-founder, and COO of Boundless Mind (boundless.ai) delivers an insightful overview of the apps that influence our behavior and the mechanisms of behavioral engineering that could change our actions. Brown believes that machine-learning techniques have advanced to the level that we can now predictably and predictively take behavioral engineering seriously. Brown states that Boundless Mind can help companies understand how people are acting, and change the way they behave. Additionally, they can assist individuals who want to make a behavioral change in their own life. He discusses some options that they offer to help people change the way they interact with social media as well, options that allow people to build healthier relationships.
Brown and his team at Boundless Mind believe that technology is becoming more addictive, and coercive, and some of the technologies that are moving at the greatest pace toward persuasive domination are unfortunately not always great for human prosperity. Through the study of human behavior mechanisms, Boundless Mind has developed their AI platform such that any app that seeks to help humans thrive can now do just that, powered by state of the art mechanisms that bring together brainpower and machines. Essentially, the Boundless AI platform works to combine neuroscience and data, to deliver tailored in-app user engagement programs that consistently outperform other methods and approaches.
The AI platform allows administrators to pick a common action that has value for users (opening the app or completing a specific task), and then they can pick a particular enhancement, such as a visual cue that acts as a reward for completing the task. Finally, the users are connected to Boundless Mind’s API through one of their supported software development kits, known as SDKs, or REST (Representational State Transfer) API, which aligns each user onto an individualized program tailored for them. It is software that changes user behavior and strengthens engagement following neuroscience, which has proven that habits are programmable, but individuals require tailored programs.
Brown discusses optimized reinforcement techniques, and their partnership with a large pharmaceutical company in which Boundless Mind has delivered a means to keep patients on track with their medications. By using the mechanisms of basic neuroscience their platform can help to reward patients for taking their medication and thus increase retention. Brown digs into the hard science behind predictability and patterns of reinforcement as it applies to modification of behavior.
The behavioral modification expert provides an overview of how we interact with our apps in the smartphone world, and how all apps are designed to be persuasive. He explains that we are constantly making choices as to which apps we give our attention to, and how those apps are influencing our decisions, and ultimately how we feel about ourselves. Brown believes that when we are equipped with tools that understand our motivations and aspirations, that our smartphones can become instruments that enable us to grow into the kind of people we aspire to become. By loading up our smartphones with apps that appeal to our better selves, who we aspire to be, and deleting apps that impact us negatively, Brown feels that we can transition to a healthier life. Brown’s team ultimately seeks to work with other companies that share their vision of bringing positive, healthy changes to our behavior.
Dr. Bret Scher has been a cardiologist for over 15 years now and says that one thing’s been made clear: our health care system is badly broken, failing to address the main issues affecting people and to provide solutions that will actually work. As the lead practitioner at My Boundless Health, Dr. Scher is trying to change this.
“The goal of the work I’m doing...is to help people get access to information that is not being promoted by our contemporary health care system and to get access to a practitioner who can spend more time, think outside the box, and see the bigger picture to really try to find the right solution for each individual,” says Dr. Scher. At My Boundless Health, the focus is on a lot more than just lab results and medications; it’s about nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, and social interactions. Ultimately, it’s about listening to the patient and making adjustments according to the changes in their life or status of health.
Dr. Scher takes a two-tiered approach by first giving people easy access to as much information as possible, and then working one-on-one with patients in order to develop an intense, individually-tailored program that will best suit their needs. Dr. Scher discusses a variety of topics, including overmedication, the details of the initial screening process of his program, and some of the most difficult aspects of getting people into more healthful states of being.
Tune in for the full conversation, and learn more by visiting myboundlesshealth.com or lowcarbcardiologist.com.
There’s been a lot of talk about quantum computing lately, but what exactly is it, and what are some practical applications that it may have? These are just a few of the topics discussed by William Hurley, CEO of Strange works, which is a company that launched earlier this year during a South by Southwest Keynote presentation and raised $4 million just in seed money.
The main goal of the company is to make quantum computing technology more understandable to the layperson and more accessible to developers. Right now, the Strangeworks platform offers developers and enterprises a way to become familiar with the technology by performing quantum experiments, as well as a timeline of the likely advances in this technology. Hurley believes that within 24 to 36 months, quantum computing will be usable and produce real enterprise outcomes.
Quantum computing has come a long way in the past few years, but it has a ways to go. Among many other topics, Hurley discusses what he believes to be the two main factors holding back quantum computing: high cost and the unsolved problem of error correction. Despite the challenges, the potential of quantum computing is exciting and has the potential to change the world.
Tune in for an informative and compelling conversation, join the community at quantumcomputing.stackexchange.com, and reach out to Hurley with questions via email at whrley@strangeworks.com.
Jade Nelson, speaker, coach, epilepsy advocate, community health educator, and author of My Keto Toolkit, delivers a passionate account of her journey to better health through lifestyle changes and the ketogenic diet. Nelson shares her story and details on her remarkable path to healing at her website (jadenelson.net). Nelson’s book, My Keto Toolkit, is equal parts a survival guide and overview of her path to becoming a ketogenic epilepsy warrior. Nelson shares her 31-year journey with an epilepsy diagnosis, her personal experience with self-care, the ketogenic diet, health insurance and more. The informative book provides tips, resources, and information on favorite products, as well as many personal recipes, etc., that can help people to take the first step toward a healthier life with more energy and a feeling of well being. It is a guide to a lifestyle that will truly be life-changing.
Nelson describes how a strict ketogenic diet worked for her, but that other might achieve positive results from variations on the diet, such as a modified Atkins, or simply a low-carb approach. Nelson describes the incredible changes she felt once she took the plunge into a ketogenic lifestyle, such as feeling more alert, having an abundance of energy, feeling happier, and living with a general sense of wellness within the body. Overall she was simply less emotionally drained, and she no longer needed those daily naps; her life was restored.
The nutrition authority offers valuable information on the importance of tweaking one’s diet to ensure it is providing the maximum health benefits. She discusses the process of gluconeogenesis, which is what happens when the body receives more protein than it needs and converts it into glucose, which can push someone out of ketosis. Nelson explains that the process of discovery and experimentation can lead ketogenic dieters to a plan that is optimum for them, as everyone is different internally to some degree. She stresses that the ketogenic diet will cause many to feel satiated more often, not as hungry as they might have been before beginning the diet, and the importance of monitoring the diet, especially if one’s body fat is low to ensure that body muscle is not adversely impacted.
Nelson outlines some helpful tips for those who are on the go. She states that there are more ketogenic products available in the marketplace today, including many travel items, oils, and supplementary foods that are grab-and-go and convenient. She explains that there are many ways to supplement meals when eating out or traveling, options that can round out the ketogenic diet and allow everyone to keep on track with their ketogenic routine and stay in ketosis. Additionally, she describes some of the ketogenic products that she has had success with but stresses that it is real food, not products, that is the key to success in a ketogenic lifestyle and diet.
The ketogenic educator discusses ketogenic specifics for women and some of the important issues to consider to ensure that their diet doesn’t adversely affect their natural cycle. She warns that excessively low caloric intake and insufficient nutrients can possibly cause some women to become amenorrheic, which is the loss of their period, so women should be aware, and adjust their diets accordingly to avoid this problem.
Nelson discusses her path to success on the ketogenic diet, and the many people she has worked with on an individual basis, as well as her coaching and live event speaking engagements where she outlines a wealth of information on the diet and nutrition in general. She encourages people to reach out to her through her website as well as through instagram (@thetraininsideme) and on facebook.
Kit Tran, chief marketing officer at HyreCar (hyrecar.com), delivers an overview of the rideshare industry and how his company is helping to build a bridge between drivers and vehicle owners. While many people are excited to get into the potentially lucrative, make your own schedule career of rideshare driving, 40% of those who desire to drive are denied the opportunity because their car simply doesn’t meet Uber or Lyft’s standards. Thus, HyreCar is there to bridge the gap, offering solutions for drivers and vehicle owners who want to work, and make money, respectively.
HyreCar is an app that allows car owners to rent their vehicles to ridesharing drivers who either don’t have a vehicle of their own, or their vehicle fails to meet the standards of their rideshare employer, or they simply prefer to not use their own vehicle. It’s a startup company that brings together a sharing economy model and on-demand economy model that benefits all parties involved.
Tran’s company, HyreCar, was launched as a means to empower entrepreneurs by leveraging technology, and HyreCar seeks to become the undisputed leader in automotive asset sharing. In an on-demand economy, drivers can make one thousand dollars per week or more, so demand for vehicles is on the rise. Vehicle owners who have an extra vehicle to spare, or drive infrequently with the vehicle they do have, can make a substantial amount of money by renting out their Uber or Lyft approved vehicle. In fact, owners can sometimes make $14,000 per year, possibly even more.
Tran speaks about HyreCar’s higher mission, which is enabling people to get on the path to financial freedom. He shares some stories of their successes in this area, as their service has allowed many who were once homeless or underemployed find a solution to greater financial stability. He gives an overview of their service, covering the terms and various background checks that potential drivers must go through in order to work with HyreCar. As HyreCar is a tech platform that is designed to work in tandem with the rideshare companies, HyreCar’s vehicles must be used for ridesharing specifically.
Tran discusses future opportunities for HyreCar and drivers alike, as they continue to evolve to meet the growing demands of the industry. Tran states that their primary goal is to build bridges to financial freedom, and through that lens they look at many potential paths they can take to improve lives and meet demands. He discusses possible opportunities, as drivers or owners may want to expand and create their own fleet of vehicles and thus find even more avenues to financial success. For as Tran states, an easier path to ownership benefits everyone.
George Church is an American geneticist, chemist, molecular engineer, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, and professor of health sciences and technology at Harvard and MIT. Church provides an informative and thorough overview of his work in genetics and gene therapy, which is the use of genes to treat or prevent disease. Church’s Harvard Ph.D. work included the initial methods for direct genome sequencing, as well as molecular multiplexing and barcoding. His innovative research and experimentation led to the first genome sequence (pathogen, Helicobacter pylori) in the mid-nineties.
His work has provided important and significant contributions to practically all next-generation DNA sequencing methods and a long list of companies who are leaders in the field. Church’s lab's research on chip-DNA-synthesis, gene editing, and stem cell engineering led to the founding of multiple application-based companies in the areas of medical diagnostics, and synthetic biology and therapeutics. Church is the director of an IARPA (Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity) BRAIN Project and NIH Center for Excellence in Genomic Science.
Church discusses some of the new companies that he is involved with that are researching many scientific areas. He details one of his passion projects that seeks to impact human cells such that they will be resistant to all viruses. He talks about various endogenous viruses that exist within specific genomes, and exogenous viruses, and the methods of his lab is studying, particularly in regard to transplants. He explains that virus and disease transmission is a great concern in organ transplantation from pigs to humans, and how it is important to eliminate all endogenous retroviruses that could potentially cause disease once organs are transplanted. While the concept of animal to human organ transplant is not a new idea, Church explains that it has taken 20 years to develop new technologies for gene editing that can enable simultaneous changes in dozens of areas within the genome in order to make transplantation potentially possible.
The genetic expert talks about current research in the study of longevity and his interest in using gene therapy for the reversal of diseases and conditions such as obesity, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart and kidney damage, etc. He discusses the categories that his lab looks for that can be manipulated, and he provides an overview of classic gene therapy for diseases that someone is born with, as well as the FDA approval needed. He provides examples such as how mitochondria is impacted by aging, and why important levels drop, and how gene therapy can provide a means to restore cells to more optimum levels for better functioning.
Church expounds upon the current options for genome sequencing and where he expects the advances in genetic research to lead us. He details how the price is coming down such that many people may soon have access to important genetic information that can greatly impact their lives, inform their decisions about having children with partners, and so forth. Church discusses epidemiology, therapies, and methods that apply to genetic research, and how the future will possibly see gene therapy become as commonplace as vaccinations are today.
Matt Angle, Ph.D., the founder & CEO of Paradromics, Inc., provides an informative overview of the current state of neuroscience and technology as it pertains to people who have sustained a loss of ability due to injury or disease.
Angle completed his graduate studies at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, a research institute of the Max Planck Society in Heidelberg, Germany. His post-doctoral work at Stanford University was focused on the design of novel interfaces between nanomaterials and cells, with the intention of developing next-generation electrical recording technologies and products for the field of neuroscience.
Paradromics seeks to advance bidirectional data streaming capabilities that flow between brains and computers. Their complex neural interface technologies are designed to help physically disabled patients reorient and reconnect with the world outside. The Paradromics platform brings together research and clinical applications. Angle discusses his team’s work and describes their primary goal, which is to create a modem for the human brain. He describes how blind, deaf, or paralyzed people have been somewhat cut off from the world, and he explains the motivation that fuels his work at Paradromics as his team pushes to find ways to assist these people to reconnect. He details the basic examples of how their technology could work, such as robotic limbs that move based on brain waves for those who are paralyzed, and cameras that provide visual experiences, or input to the brain, for those who are blind.
The neuroscience expert provides details on brain implants currently in trials that allow up to one hundred electrodes to be implanted into a person’s motor cortex that can give a paralyzed person control of a robotic limb or a mouse on a computer screen, etc. Angle hopes to build a higher data rate version of the current technologies, and increase the advantages that these amazing technologies bring to the lives of those who have sustained injuries and/or losses of function. Angle describes in detail some of their specific technology, and the methods and materials used, such as microwire-based recording techniques. He talks about the impact of the use of microwires, as they are only about one-fifth of the size of a human hair, and thus they can be inserted noninvasively into brain tissue. He states that it comes down to how many neurons can you record and how many neurons can you stimulate. He discusses the value of direct electrical recording and the importance of recording for simplicity of implementation and preservation of safety.
Angle provides his analysis of the importance of the collection of data and how it impacts the simplicity of models that a researcher/designer can use to describe a particular system and build more sophisticated hardware. Angle states that more, and better, data makes an analysis easier, not harder. Finding the simplest models for use in the decoding of brain data will be advantageous for the development of new and innovative products and systems that will enable users to have more control over their world. Angle states that the Paradromics team’s goal is to have a completely implantable device ready to go by the end of the year 2020, with clinical trials beginning as early as 2021. He discusses how their technology may play a part in correcting neural activity to help treat conditions and diseases with electrophysiological signatures such as chronic depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even schizophrenia.
Angle founded Paradromics in 2015 with a team of skilled engineers and neuroscientists. His company received supplemental early-stage support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is an agency of the United States Department of Defense that develops emerging technologies for use by the military.
Dutch fashion-tech designer, Anouk Wipprecht, discusses her work and the many ways that technology and fashion are becoming one. As a successful designer and innovator in the fascinating field of fashion-tech, Wipprecht’s passion is to design garments that bring together the physical and psychological. Fashion-tech is a bridge between multiple areas of study and design and is the nexus between fashion design, science and engineering, robotics, and user experience design. It seeks to lift fashion design to an experiential level, rising above simply garments to be worn for comfort or style.
With fashion as interface, Wipprecht’s designs push conventional design to higher levels that interact with the surroundings and introduce considerations of expanding technology, personal space, and more. Wipprecht has formed many exciting partnerships with major companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Google, Audi, and Cirque Du Soleil, as well as the 3D printing company Materialise, as she continues to influence how we will dress in the ever-expanding technological future.
Wipprecht discusses her thoughts on the ways she wants fashion to speak for those who wear it and how the technology aspects offer more opportunities for the wearer. She talks about the interesting spider dress that she created while working with Intel and details her use of the Intel Edison, a computer-on-module designed by Intel to be utilized as a development system for wearable devices. The spider dress contains sensors and moveable arms that create a more defined boundary of personal space while pushing style in a new direction.
Wipprecht describes her smoke dress, a dress that contains a small, battery-operated fog generator. The dress was unveiled at the Dutch Electronic Art Festival in Rotterdam. The famous smoke dress can produce up to a quarter hour of continuous output or 150 puffs of five seconds each, and it can react to the number of people within the general area.
The innovative designer discusses her work with entertainers such as Fergie, Britney Spears, and others, and collaborations with movie studios on CGI-based movies. Wipprecht delivers an overview of the important work she is doing to help children with ADHD, such as her unicorn horn hat that contains a camera and electrodes that helps to measure brain signals and attention. She explains the process and how the camera records when brain signals indicate that the user is paying attention, which helps to further the advancement of their development.
As technology continues to become part of our very existence, electronic systems can now be included in materials that allow processors and sensors to transmit and receive information. Wipprecht’s technological couture is poised to lead us into the future of wearable tech.
The current gold standard for measuring and tracking brain health is not only hugely expensive, but time-consuming, invasive and cumbersome for the patient, and not as accurate as it could be. Aura Analytics is a health tech company that’s providing a new, inexpensive, and highly accurate method for early detection and longitudinal tracking in brain health, which encompasses Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other disorders affecting fine motor and cognitive function.
CEO and co-founder of Aura Analytics, Daniel Jones, explains how their product works: patients complete a simple, three to five minute set of tasks on a mobile device app that asks specific questions targeting task-specific areas of the brain. The tasks solicit a speech sample from the patient, which is immediately sent to the cloud and subjected to a series of machine learning algorithms that generate and deliver to clinicians in real time objective, finite results.
Built on 25 years worth of data from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, the Aura Analytics technology has shown a level of accuracy in the 90th percentile of all currently used methods of measuring brain health. Patient feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive, and Aura Analytics is now partnering with major pharmaceutical companies and health systems to carry out large-scale clinical trials and gain more widespread acceptance.
Daniel Jones expects their first major breakthrough with the FDA to happen in about 18 months, and in the meantime, his efforts are focused on gaining external validation and eventual clinician and consumer adoption. Tune in for the full discussion, and visit auralanalytics.com to learn more.
Most sleep solutions on the market today overlook a critical contributing factor to our quality of sleep: what we do during the day, which includes what we eat, what we do in our free time, and what we do while at work. “The most surprising factor...is how many people actually suffer from sleep disorders….not a lot of people are talking about it but as soon as you give them a stage to talk about it, they are seeking solutions because there are not very good solutions on the market today to treat real sleep disorders,” says Amir Inditzky, CEO of Dayzz.
Dayzz is taking a holistic approach to the problem of sleep by assessing an individual’s lifestyle and sleeping patterns, collecting data about that individual in a variety of areas during all times of the day, and then creating a highly detailed assessment and training program that not only combines several different sleep solutions in a way that’s tailored to the individual, but also allows for adjustments along the way in order to provide the most well-suited plan.
Interested in finding your solution? The first version of the Dayzz app with be available on your mobile device early this November; simply download the app and get started by answering a few questions about your lifestyle and the problem you’re trying to solve, whether you suspect it’s insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or circadian sleep disorder. So far, Dayzz app users are seeing better results on average than those who’ve sought help from a sleep doctor or clinic--which are hard to come by in the first place. Tune in to learn more and hear the most recent feedback from Dayzz focus groups.
Despite the use of technologically advanced patient monitoring systems in hospitals, subtle changes in the vital signs of critically ill patients are often inadequately interpreted by medical professionals or else undetected altogether. When a single patient in the ICU can generate gigabytes of data per day, it’s no wonder this is a problem, but that doesn’t mean it’s one that can’t be fixed.
Dr. James Blum is Chairman of the Advisory Board at CLEW, a company that’s implementing artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems capable of identifying subtle changes in a patient’s vital signs in order to predict the need for specific types of medical intervention hours in advance of an actual medical event. CLEW provides details about what specific problem a patient is likely to experience within a certain period of time, and which means of intervention are likely to be needed. In contrast, technologies developed along similar lines by other companies merely predict that something may go wrong.
CLEW is close to bringing the first iteration of its product to market in ICUs, which focuses on identifying the need to increase doses of blood pressure medications in order to prevent respiratory failure. Since its inception, the team at CLEW has discovered a need for this technology outside of the ICU, on a hospital-wide basis with two primary goals in mind: improving clinical outcomes for patients, and increasing hospital-wide efficiency.
To learn more, visit clewmed.com.
Empyr is a card-linked online-to-offline (O2O) commerce platform that generates serious revenue for websites and apps while rewarding their users with cash back at local merchants. Websites and apps use Empyr’s API or private-label solution to display offline offers, such as 10% cash back at a local restaurant or retail store. Consumers earn cash back simply by linking any debit or credit card and using it to pay at the store, eliminating the need for coupons or vouchers.
The website or app where the consumer linked their card earns revenue from the offline purchase, and the merchant is able to attribute actual sales to a specific website or app. Empyr’s technology is made possible through partnerships with all three major credit card associations including Visa and MasterCard. Each year in the US over $3 trillion in offline commerce is being driven by websites and apps, but most of that is not being tracked or monetized, representing a large untapped opportunity. With Empyr, online to offline is solved.
GraphenTech is based in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and founded by an HP experienced engineer. The team that joins him is composed of about thirty professionals expert in innovation, blockchain, and graphene. The 77G token is a security token to participate, support and benefit from the upcoming revolution of graphene. GraphenTech, 77G’ producer, is an industrial company that aims to become a worldwide graphene producer. More than being just a graphene provider, GraphenTech will revolutionize the graphene market by introducing his own graphene-based cryptocurrency, 77G.
VINA makes tech products to connect, celebrate, and empower women. We're the creators of: Hey! VINA - An app that connects women in 168 countries around the world to new friends. Think, Tinder for (girl) friends. Vinazine.com - A media outlet for women of the VINA community to give and get advice to live your best life. LadyBrag.com - A platform that encourages women to recognize and share their achievements and allows us all to celebrate them. Backed by NEA, Tinder/Match Group, Greylock, Wildcat, and Social Starts.
FOR WOMEN WHO DO IT ALL We know you have about a million things to do. And every day means a different list of places to go, items to check off, and people to see. We also know the last thing you need is one more thing to worry about. Leota was created to free you from those endless minutes spent staring at your wardrobe and instead give you a closet full of perfect. We’ve got you covered. Leota makes the most comfortable, versatile, wear-everywhere fashion on the market for women who do it all.
Our wrinkle-free, washable, vibrant and comfortable apparel has landed the brand in Oprah, Bravo, and People. Known for its empowering authenticity, size-inclusivity, and ethical manufacturing, this woman-owned and operated brand is game-changing in fashion and has the cult following to prove it. Leota is available at fine boutiques globally and online at www.leota.com.
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Born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1949, medical doctor and professor Tim Noakes has spent a lifetime studying the intersection between athlete performance, diet, and health, focusing primarily on carbohydrate metabolism. But it hasn’t always been easy, and after decades of promoting a high-carb diet as the key to heightened and sustained power output, Noakes had to do what every good scientist must: admit he was wrong when faced with evidence that contradicted what he’d believed to be true. Shortly after, he received a diagnosis of type II diabetes, which he without hesitation attributes to his own adherence to a high-carb diet for so many years.
In 2012, Tim Noakes founded The Noakes Foundation, which funds quality research on low-carb diets and their role in type II diabetes reversal. The foundation has also started the Eat Better South Africans campaign, which allows South Africans in even the poorest communities to adopt a high-fat, low-carb, extremely healthy diet for just three dollars per day. Most recently, the foundation has developed The Nutrition Network, which is a certification and training program for doctors who want to prescribe a high-fat, low-carb diet to their patients, but don’t know how to go about proving that such diets are truly safe and effective--especially for those suffering from type II diabetes.
Noakes has a wealth of information and insight to offer, and decades of experience from which to draw. Tune in for all the details, and visit thenoakesfoundation.org to learn more.
In 2015, Ofer A. Lidsky, co-founder and CEO of DNATIX, helped develop Excellent Brain, a product that provides neurofeedback solutions for enhancing focus, attention span, and overall learning capabilities. It’s for everyone but has been shown to be especially effective for those with ADHD, a disorder that affects six million kids in the US alone and is considered one of the biggest problems in the educational system today.
Excellent Brain is making neurofeedback training accessible like never before; whether you’re in school, at a clinic, or simply relaxing at home, this platform is easy to utilize. Comprised of 30 sessions total--each requiring only about an hour of time each week--the program interactively engages users in numerous entertaining games designed to enhance and maintain focus.
They’re focused on reaching three main markets: those who struggle with ADHD, those who want to improve their performance in sports by more easily attaining a state of being “in the zone,” and then those who fall into the elder category and wish to strengthen or maintain mental capacity. Excellent Brain is currently being offered at no cost to schools in Israel, and those who have used it report higher grades in school, improved performance in sports, and longer-lasting attention spans, all of which can revolution a person’s life.
Press play to learn more about this exciting new program, and visit www.excellent-brain.com for additional information or to purchase the program itself.
Miguel Freitas, Ph.D., has been studying probiotics for 20 years and now serves as Vice President of Scientific Affairs at Danone USA, a company that offers multiple probiotic-rich products that primarily beneficially affect the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently having undergone a big transformation in the US, Danone now includes plant-based products in addition to dairy products, all of which are extremely well-known, such as Silk, Activia, and Danone yogurt.
Freitas discusses what it is about yogurt that makes it a particularly good medium for beneficial bacteria, the necessary distinction between probiotics and general cultures, the different strains of beneficial bacteria and how each interact with the body differently, the involvement of the human microbiome in disease and the gut-brain interaction, and how probiotic research has evolved in recent years based on new information we’ve learned about the microbiome.
Tune in to hear the full conversation, and visit danonenorthamerica.com to learn more.
“If you want to invent something, you need to know what the problems are first” was the single piece of advice from his mentor that compelled Justin Barad, MD to embark on the journey of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. As a practicing surgeon, he encountered what he believes to be the biggest problem facing the healthcare system today: the way in which healthcare providers are trained and assessed. With the goal of incorporating his lifelong passion for software and technology into his passion for and career in medicine, Dr. Barad founded and developed Osso VR, a virtual reality-based training and assessment platform for surgeons, operating room staff, and medical equipment sales representatives.
Designed to suit the needs of both experienced and inexperienced medical and healthcare professionals who have no prior experience with virtual reality, Osso VR allows these professionals to keep pace with the rapid development of technology in the medical field, such as surgical robots, 3D printing, and patient-specific implants. The old training methods of practicing a procedure once or twice in the lab or on a cadaver just aren’t cutting it in today’s world, and arguably put patients at greater risk during procedures. With the advent of Osso, medical students and residents can simply put on a VR headset and practice a procedure under real-world conditions as many times as necessary, boosting their confidence and ultimately improving patient outcomes. In addition, Osso VR is increasing the adoption of newer and high-value medical technology and procedures, and democratizing access to surgical education around the world.
Osso VR is already being used globally by medical schools and residency programs. Among other topics, tune in to hear Dr. Barad discuss the implementation of cutaneous haptic feedback in the Osso VR platform, the specific types of skills and procedures being taught, and the application of computer vision in simulations. To learn more or rach out with questions, visit ossovr.com.
Bryan Wade, CEO of Sigstr (sigstr.com), provides an overview of email marketing and outreach, and how his company is helping businesses maximize their marketing efforts and bring in new accounts. For over a decade email has been Wade’s sandbox; he has a wealth of experience in the areas of email marketing, sales, and new business development. Wade was highly involved in the expansion and success of ExactTarget, the email marketing behemoth that was eventually acquired by Salesforce. At Salesforce, Wade served as the chief product officer of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Now, as the CEO of Sigstr, the Indianapolis-based email signature marketing platform, Wade seeks to continue his work in helping businesses and corporations get their message and vision out to their customer base, to expand into new markets, and never miss a single opportunity to market successfully.
Sigstr’s mission is to convert every employee email into a successful marketing campaign. And with Sigstr’s dynamically targeted CTA banners, businesses can highlight their important events, promote their content, and align their brand with targeted audiences that get results. Sigstr’s platform offers many options for businesses and companies seeking to expand their marketing outreach, penetrate new markets, grow their operations, and connect with value customers. For account-based marketing, Sigstr provides a home to view target accounts and get a better grasp of how your efforts are impacting account penetration and development. Sigstr allows users to create targeted promotions to drive accounts and guide them.
For event marketing, Sigstr will ensure that you are always targeting the right audience for a particular event or gathering that is on your upcoming calendar. Sigstr will help you track attendees and make sure that your exclusive VIP list is on your preferred guest list. And for sales and content marketers, the Sigstr platform assists with sharing your premium marketing content through employee email signatures, achieving greater visibility with your highest regarded accounts, and tapping into new networks. As the most valued relationships exist right in employees’ inboxes, Wade explains how the Sigstr platform can ramp up your marketing efforts with powerful products such as Sigstr Pulse and Sigstr Campaigns.
Wade discusses the nuts and bolts of how their system works, from the initial gathering of data, which includes names, titles, phone numbers, etc., to the marketing aspect, where specific dynamic banners are created that sit below the signature to garner attention and generate responses. He breaks down the particulars of what their dynamic banners address, from call-to-actions such as invitations to events and webinars for new prospects on your email list to new product launch information, etc. for customers. Wade describes how Sigstr’s platform is customizable and is processed centrally by Sigstr, allowing marketers to simply connect, while Sigstr does the work to update, change, or inject new information into outgoing emails.
Wade outlines some of the exciting features Sigstr’s platform can implement such as the use of animated gifs and click-through analytics. Through extensive research, Wade’s team at Sigstr has sorted through massive amounts of useful data and testing to zero in on the most successful methods email marketers can implement, and incorporated it all into the Sigstr platform. One of their findings was that human faces or call-to-actions within the email received higher click responses than any other data or imagery. And as Sigstr is customizable and expandable, Wade states that their clients are able to run dozens of different campaigns concurrently, to put their metadata to work, and thus maximize outreach.
Warren Levitan, co-founder, and CEO of Smooch (smooch.io) provides an analysis of the current state of consumer-to-business communication. Smooch’s mission is to humanize the connections between consumer and business. As there are literally billions of messaging accounts globally, messaging is the dominant online activity. Levitan’s company, Smooch, seeks to make interaction with trusted brands highly useful, more intimate and immediate, for a more human experience overall. As consumers now demand more personal and human type communication, businesses have high expectations for software vendors to innovate and discover new means and methods of delivering these customizable customer experiences.
Levitan discusses the frustrations that consumers feel when their needs are not met when personalization is low during contact with companies. He outlines the problems with call queues and disconnected architectural systems that leave consumers irritated when they have to continually retell their stories, describe their issues/problems, to each new person as they work their way toward a solution. Thus, Smooch has developed new ways to make personalization extend throughout the consumer experience, increasing efficiency, and thus allowing for a smoother experience overall. Smooch seeks to introduce messaging services that consumers are already comfortable with (iChat, Facebook Messenger, Line, WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.) into the business setting. Therefore, users and consumers can initiate business transactions through their favorite means of communication, and this enables their basic information to be recorded by the business, thus allowing each continued conversation in the future to start from a point of understanding, instead of starting from scratch.
Levitan describes some of the exceptional benefits that their system affords. For example, a hotel guest who needs a service during their stay and could be detained on the phone multiple minutes waiting for one employee to talk to another employee who can solve the issue, can now simply connect via their preferred chat, leave a message, and continue with their day. And he provides information on how AI can help to expedite consumer requests, as consumers are able to use natural language to ask for services.
The communication expert talks about consumer accessibility and how messaging is the key to efficiency in business, which leads to customer satisfaction and business growth. By reducing consumers’ workload, personalizing messages, and simplifying processes for them, consumers’ frustration is decreased, which leads to higher retention rates. Levitan muses about the many successful businesses that have enhanced consumer experiences by simplifying and personalizing, such as 1-800-Flowers.com and the Four Seasons hotel chain. Levitan outlines how businesses of any size can easily configure their channels to Smooch and connect to one of Smooch’s customer service platforms.
Levitan’s team wants to help businesses achieve the best consumer experience possible, and their platform allows for communication connections to happen in literally as many messaging services as are needed, regardless of the amount of consumers who are using any one service. Levitan discusses the importance of integrating backend information into the consumer-business experience, which allows businesses to jump-start the conversations and potentially target consumers’ interests and/or problems quicker. And as the technology evolves, Levitan hopes to open new channels and further their global access.
Dr. Roger Smith, chief technology officer for Florida Hospital's Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement, delivers a very interesting and exciting overview of the incredible advances in robotic-assisted surgeries. Dr. Smith has a storied career in the medical science and technology field. Smith was the CTO for U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation as well as a research scientist at the prestigious Texas A&M University. He is a graduate faculty scholar at University of Central Florida. Smith is highly focused on innovative technologies and medical education, along with treatment and services. He has served as VP and/or CTO for several companies and corporations and has published hundreds of technical papers on the advanced topics of corporate innovation, military simulation, computer gaming, and of course medical education.
As Dr. Smith explains, one of the Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement’s goals is the education of physicians and surgeons on new techniques and tools for the healthcare field. When Intuitive Surgical of Silicon Valley releases the ‘da Vinci’ robot, they selected the Nicholson Center to partner with them, to serve as their premiere education center. As such, the Nicholson Center is one of the top locations for the advanced training of robotic surgeons. And as the technology has evolved, Smith states that many specialized robots have been developed for areas such as orthopedics, spinal and neurological procedures, etc. While the Nicholson Center utilizes many different robots for teaching, the da Vinci is by far the most utilized. Smith discusses how the robotic technology has enabled many more procedures to be completed per day, allowing more patients to receive treatment much quicker than in the traditional surgical environment. And this process allows surgeons to spend more of their day performing surgery with less downtime, although the efficiency may not be ideal for all surgeons, as some may feel more comfortable with longer breaks between surgeries. Thus, it depends on the surgeon’s personality and their preferred methods.
Dr. Smith provides an overview of the three basic types of surgery. He describes open surgery, in which surgeons open up an area that is larger, to enable the use of instruments; laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive / keyhole surgery) which is a surgical technique whereby operations are performed through small incisions; and robotic surgery, which is essentially robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Smith states that the prostatectomy procedure for men and hysterectomy procedure for women are the bulk of surgeries performed via the use of da Vinci. As the camera and instrument inserted are completely stable with robotic assistance, surgeons can be even more precise than with traditional manual-only procedures.
Dr. Smith states that the robotic system is so sophisticated that it can detect a surgeon’s hand tremors due to their advancing age or perhaps too much caffeine, and filter out these involuntary movements. Essentially the robot can tell the difference between a surgeon’s hand movements due to the aforementioned involuntary methods and when the surgeon is making an actual surgical movement. The amazing technology thus enables brilliant surgeons to no longer face early retirement simply due to aging hands; their minds can perform the work perfectly, with a little help from the steady hand that the robot provides.
Dr. Smith talks about the new upcoming technologies that are on the horizon. He states that machinery is getting smaller, and electronics are improving rapidly, which is enabling more companies to access the market to compete with da Vinci. Another wonderful outcome of the advancing technology is that new methods and equipment are being released into the marketplace that will allow surgeons who use radiation during procedures to now stand behind protective glass that keeps them safe.
For as the small amount of radiation used in a patient procedure is of no concern to the patient, it is, however, a potential health hazard for the surgeon who is exposed to radiation during procedures daily, for decades, through hundreds or even thousands of surgical procedures. Additionally, Smith discusses the use of AI for surgery, and how data and AI can provide guided advice to the surgeon as he or she performs it. Thus, technology continues to impact our world in literally every area of operation, no pun intended.
Powering the next era of genomics through #blockchain technology – protecting identity, personalizing healthcare, transforming lives Shivom is spearheading The Next Era of Genomics and powering the transition to value-based precision healthcare. Our focus is on the transformational convergence of OMICS technologies with blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enable secure and personalized medicine with global scalability.
Using Blockchain, Shivom offers the first ever integrated solution for patients and genome data donors to empower everyone to have their genome sequenced and safely stored - with donors retaining full ownership of their data, their DNA identity, how it is shared and even being able to monetize its usage. We are creating a revolutionary and data-driven medical genomics ecosystem that will enable an open web-marketplace for other providers to add their health apps and medical services and will additionally build a state-of-the-art and not-for-profit drug discovery and precision medicine organization.
This is catalyzed by our vision to change people’s lives and open-up access to personalized health and wellbeing opportunities for all. The time is now to use genome sequencing so that anyone in the world can access the best in regular preventive care and health promotion
Georgios Depastas, co-founder and business lead of Kalepso (kalepso.com), imparts technology-based wisdom on the value of data security and his goal to keep private, sensitive data safe for all of us. Depastas holds a master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Greece National Technology University of Athens, and a master’s from Cambridge University. His experience in real-time data analytics at Barclays motivated him to launch his company, Kalepso.
Kalepso offers the strongest dynamic encryption at rest, in motion, and in use. Their platform utilizes machine learning to optimize queries execution, and differential privacy to perturb the query result size in order to avoid communication volume leakages. And their oblivious RAM re-encrypts database rows each time data is queried, to avoid access pattern leakages. Kalepso uses military-grade protocols, at the lowest level for individual records encryption.
Depastas discusses their cloud database system, which allows companies to use their data as they always have, but with significantly more security. He provides information on how the Kalepso platform delivers protection against all attacks, even potential quantum attacks. Depastas outlines how Kalepso’s protection is through dynamic encryption, and how each additional query triggers re-encryption, for maximum security and protection. By utilizing differential privacy and introducing ‘noise’ to the query results, so potential hackers or data thieves cannot infer sensitive information that needs to be critically secured. Depastas lists some of the most current encryption levels and the security variants with quantum computing.
The data security expert gives his opinions on blockchain and its many uses, such as mutability, and how he expects blockchain’s robust, tamper-proof qualities to be utilized in Kalepso’s next line of technology and products. Depastas discusses the expense of storing volumes of information on the blockchain, and the fragility, in terms of blockchains that are not quantum resistant at current. And he mentions how authorization issues will be an area where blockchain can be of use for Kalepso. Depastas states that their current platform has been peer reviewed and undergone white hat hacker testing, and none of the hackers were able to find any vulnerability in the system or their core technology.
Depastas discusses the alpha and beta versions of their Kalepso security products and their upcoming collaboration with the National Bank of Greece to roll out a new proof of concept. And as they expand they will be seeking to introduce more products to the market and continue their global outreach. Cybersecurity is a complex issue and there will always be challenges ahead as Depastas and his team innovate to meet the needs of individuals and businesses.
Dominic D’Agostino, Ph.D., delivers an informative overview of the potential positive impact of ketogenic diets for disease prevention and treatment. He discusses how many cancers such as endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer are associated with hyperglycemia, which is a hallmark of type II diabetes.D’Agostino is a tenured professor at the University of South Florida. Working with students at the Morsani College of Medicine and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, D’Agostino’s primary focus is in the areas of neuroscience and neuropharmacology, medical biochemistry, and physiology.
As a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, D’Agostino aggressively pursues his research in methods to optimize and maximize the health, safety, and resilience of soldiers in combat, as well as astronauts. As a laboratory scientist D’Agostino and his team develop and test various metabolic-based strategies for seizures, epilepsy, cancer, and select neurodegenerative diseases. His primary focus for over a decade has been centered upon the many potential anticonvulsant and neuroprotective mechanisms of a ketogenic diet as well as ketone metabolite supplementation.
D’Agostino is an active member of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, Society of Neuroscience, Aerospace Medical Association, American Physiological Society, and the American Association of Cancer Research. He holds a Ph.D. and BS from the esteemed Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers University, respectively.
D’Agostino discusses his current and primary focus on brain cancer and how the ketogenic diet has historically been used to treat epilepsy, thus brain tumor patients experiencing seizures may see significant benefit from a dietary change to this low-carb, high-fat, protein-adequate diet. He talks about the Warburg effect, the phenomenon in which cancer cells produce extra energy via increased oxygen-dependent glycolysis that is then followed by lactic acid fermentation with a secretion of lactate. D’Agostino provides information on cell metabolism; the ATP molecule, which is the nucleotide specifically known in biochemistry as the ‘molecular currency’ of cell to cell energy transfer; as well as mitochondria and the links between diet and some cancers.
The nutrition and health Ph.D. outlines other important and relevant studies, such as the work of Valter Longo, the Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist who is known primarily for his study of the role fasting and nutrient response genes play in disease and cellular protection. Additionally, he discusses the protective effects of short-term dietary restrictions as well as fasting, and the potential importance of ketones for metabolic health.
While weight loss is essentially a good side effect of a ketogenic diet, the metabolic benefits provide even more advantages, in addition to the healthy effect of losing weight. He discusses the beneficial impact of decreasing glucose availability to tumors and implementing dietary restrictions as part of a treatment plan for some cancers. The shift in brain metabolism from glucose to ketones can actually reduce neuronal hyperexcitability and oxidative stress, which can enhance brain energy metabolism. D’Agostino feels this methodology can be used to treat a vast array of pathologies, including cancer.
Additionally, D’Agostino presents an important analysis of the microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses that inhabit a specific environment, especially in regard to microorganisms living within or on the human body. He provides his opinion on the variations in microbiomes and how the optimal microbiome can differ based upon food eaten, geographical location, and other factors, and how a ketogenic diet and periodic fasting can help purge the overgrowth of the microbiome, and help return the body to balance. And D’Agostino discusses the glucose-ketone index, and how individuals seeking a healthier dietary balance and increased energy can monitor their index to ensure they are reaching ketosis with regularity for maximum health benefits.
BitAML is a compliance advisory firm working in the fast-growing and dynamic cryptocurrency financial sector. We offer compliance advisory services and consultation for regulated cryptocurrency companies, including bitcoin ATM operators, exchanges, traders and trading platforms, hedge funds, crypto-cannabis, and other innovative solutions providers.
Our tools and services are designed to make it easier for you to understand and implement relevant, up-to-date compliance practices in the cryptocurrency industry. Cryptocurrency has been around for just short of a decade, and as an industry is still very much in its infancy. Thus, it’s occasionally unpredictable, and newcomers to space need expert guidance navigating compliance landmines at all levels of government.
BitAML’s attention is laser-focused on this unique need, establishing a cryptocurrency knowledge base our clients can turn to in order to clarify compliance needs in the constantly shifting cryptocurrency field.
Gozo is the industry-first blockchain-enabled multi-token crypto wallet, loyalty reward points clearing house, and travel club. By leveraging blockchain technology, Gozo is providing greater efficiency, liquidity and travel savings to the consumer. Gozo’s simple and consumer-friendly interface allows users to harness the power and complexity of blockchain to track and exchange valuable loyalty reward points into crypto tokens or even local fiat currency.
As a tokenized loyalty reward platform, travel providers will also reap the benefits of Gozo’s blockchain platform. Businesses can customize the Gozo tokenized reward platform to fit their loyalty reward plan for their customers, providing the business with greater network efficiency, consumer transparency, and ultimately overall cost savings and reduced financial liability.
Currently ranked number 12 on the New York Times Best Seller list and recently featured on NPR and the Wall Street Journal, The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life offers a riveting account of evolutionary history that’s challenging the way we’ve understood it for over 100 years.
The author, David Quammen, joins the podcast today for an intriguing and informative conversation about some of the ideas explored in his book, including the recently discovered phenomenon of horizontal gene transfer across species boundaries, how retroviral DNA has inserted itself and continues to function in the human genome, and how the processes of bacterial transduction and transformation have led to the global epidemic of antibiotic resistance.
Available on Amazon, Audible, Kindle, and in your local bookstore, The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life is a must-read book, not just for science experts, but for anyone interested in the mysteries of science and the history of life. Hit play to learn more.
Alex Membrillo, CEO at Cardinal Digital Marketing joins host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast. Alex Membrillo is the CEO of Cardinal, a digital marketing agency focused on growing multi location companies. His work as CEO of Cardinal also recently earned him the honor of being selected as a member of the 2018 Top 40 Under 40 list by Georgia State University as well as 2015 and 2016 Top 20 Entrepreneur of metro Atlanta by TiE Atlanta, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2016 Small Business Person of the Year and Digital Marketer of the Year by Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).
Competition across the internet is fierce. What can you do to get a leg up? At Cardinal, we help our clients ignite their growth by delivering customized search engine marketing solutions that increase their leads, conversions, and authority. We’ve partnered with some of the most recognizable healthcare, legal, and corporate brands in the country – including Papa John’s and Cox Media Group – helping these multi-location organizations strengthen their brand and broaden their reach. While we’re most proud of the work we do for our clients, we’re also honored to have been chosen as a Best and Brightest company to work for (2016, 2015, 2015) and as an Inc. 5000 agency (2016, 2015, 2014).
Chris Hanson, the founder and CEO of Aromyx (aromyx.com), delivers a wealth of information on the complexities of olfactory senses and how technology is providing new ways to digitize taste and smell. Hanson holds a bachelor’s and master’s from Stanford University and he has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing for top Fortune 500 companies. He is a proven leader with a track record of success transforming sales numbers for major companies such as Seagate Technology in Russia, IBM, and many Silicon Valley technology startups. He serves on advisory boards and committees for major corporations and was an integral part of the development team behind the military’s sensor system that is used to detect deadly IEDs and nerve agents. Through the work with sensors his interest in olfactory sensing progressed, motivating him to launch Aromyx to further advance the digitization of the sense of smell.
Hanson discusses in detail the many types of sensory data that can be measured with advancing technology, such as haptic data related to sense of touch, but he states that taste and smell data simply has never been measurable in the past. Hanson’s company, Aromyx, has developed a sophisticated system, the first of its kind that enables scent and taste to be captured digitally. Their EssenceChip places olfactory and taste receptors onto a digital readout biochip. Measurable data can be useful for improving quality control and yield improvement for corporations in the food & beverage industry, agriculture industries, consumer packaged goods, and many more, especially when AI can be applied to the data. Aromyx’s system essentially removes what was once immeasurable data existing only within the human mind, to an external chip that allows the power of scent and taste to be shared easily. Hanson discusses Aromyx’s methods and how they were able to access the DNA from 402 olfactory receptors within the human nose and then clone it into a biosensor.
Hanson outlines how their technology provides an opportunity for quality control testers to compare new batches of foods and beverages, etc. against their ideal batch that they have internally rated as being exceptional, thus raising the bar for all their manufacturing. The taste and smell authority expounds upon some of the most intrinsic values of their digital nose, such as the fact that their platform maintains objectivity, whereas human testers often provide skewed, subjective results, not to mention the high cost of human employment. Additionally, seasoned and experienced human testers in quality control departments retire and their internal knowledge that provided for such exceptional batch quality unfortunately retires with them. Aromyx’s nose technology never retires and always delivers consistent objective results, over one batch of testing or one million batches.
Hanson talks about the deconstruction of smell and taste and how technology is enabling this process. He describes how quality and success are often increased when industries can move from a trial and error method to a computable one, and Aromyx’s technology is providing the means for smell and taste-based industries to rise.
Dr. John Callahan, chief technology officer of VeridiumID (veridiumid.com), leads an informative discussion on the current state of biometric security. Dr. Callahan oversees the development of VeridiumID’s biometric solutions that seek to put an end to identity theft, which is a growing problem in our ever-expanding digital world. His team is comprised of highly sought-after software developers, computer vision scientists, as well as sales engineers. Callahan’s background includes work at the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research Global, London UK, in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Maryland, College Park.
The digital world in which we live requires most people to utilize devices and platforms that could potentially expose sensitive data. Breaches are a grave concern and thus security is an incredibly important issue that every individual, every business, must consider. VeridiumID has developed a system in which users can choose to be identified via biometrics, unique characteristics and traits (face, fingerprints, voice, etc.), and discard the archaic, insecure system of password identification. VeridiumID’s platform offers multiple choices for the biometric identification. He discusses how the software is programmable such that a user, should they choose to identify with fingerprints for example, can opt for one, two, three, or even four finger requirements for ID verification.
VeridiumID is an easily configurable software-based platform for biometric authentication. It works with a front-end mobile software development kit (SDK) that allows users to embed biometrics into their business mobile app. An SDK is a set of particular software development tools that enable the creation of applications for a specific software package. And the VeridiumID system’s biometric vectors are encrypted for maximum security through the process of visual cryptography. Callahan discusses the level of premium security that unique characteristics can provide, with the iris at the top as most secure ID point, followed by the fingerprint, face, and then voice.
The security authority details specifics of their platform that provide a tailored approach to authentication that can meet any company’s specific needs, such as step-up authentication for access that requires additional security, perhaps for financial transactions, or other highly confidential information. Callahan delivers an overview of various threats such as presentation attacks, sometimes referred to as direct attacks or spoofing, that are designed by criminals to try to defeat biometrically-secured systems.
As the future will certainly bring new modalities for identification and security, Callahan predicts that biometrics will move toward highly specialized, unique authentication methods such as cardio patterns, etc., and portable devices will become more secure as the technology advances. Additionally, the security expert details self-sovereign identity that utilizes blockchain technology to allow users to hold and secure their own biometric data, which helps to decrease the risk it could be stolen. VeridiumID, as Callahan states, will continue to partner with other technology industry leaders in order to bring the most advanced security solutions to users worldwide.
Phil and Anthony Butler make a father-son team that’s ambitiously leading the efforts at MARS BioImaging as CEO and CMO, respectively. They have their sights set on improving the current state of medical imaging in an unprecedented way through the use of spectroscopy and 3D imaging.
Modern x-ray technology has the ability to identify tissue density and shape, but not to distinguish between different types of material, or to identify cell-specific labels attached for the purposes of research or drug therapies. The use of spectroscopy, however, enables us to see inside the body at the atomic level, which is a capability that’s paving the way for a deeper understanding of disease processes and prevention, as well as applications in personalized medicine.
Most recently, the team at BioImaging has been looking at samples of excised plaque from patients who’ve suffered from a medical event such as stroke or heart attack. By scanning these samples using spectroscopic technology, they are not only able to determine the amount of fat versus calcium versus tissue but obtain and rotate in 3D space color-coded images of these samples.
Tune in to learn more about the groundbreaking applications of this technology in clinical medicine and research, and send your inquiries to info@bioimaging.com.
Crypto, of Course, is an online training and education resource for anyone interested in the rapidly expanding fields of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ether and Ripple, utility tokens, and other crypto products have exciting potential, regardless of the current speculative frenzy.
UBITQUITY, LLC is a company based out of Dover, Delaware, USA, with our partners and advisors located worldwide. What do we offer? We offer a simple user experience for securely recording, tracking, and transferring deeds with our SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) blockchain platform. We are helping financial institutions, title, and mortgage companies benefit from a reduced title search time, increased confidence, and transparency. We recently launched our B2B (Business-to-Business) platform prototype for secure document storage/integration within and outside the United States and our alpha release will be available summer 2016.
Real World Solutions The ensuing environment of real estate financing and title transfers, has resulted in massive amounts of document errors and fraud, stemming from the unprecedented complexity of today's housing industry and the historic defaults occurring during the recent financial crisis in the country's housing/financial sector. To streamline and address this costly problem going forward, Ubitquity has created a platform for recording every pertinent step of a real estate transaction, including permanent storage of key documents, through a simple, secure portal, which permanently records the transaction on an immutable ledger called the blockchain.
Since problematic title transfer of ownership still causes innumerable financial and emotional hardships to citizens, financial institutions, and municipalities annually, blockchain technology is not only desirable but vital for improving economic development. Our platform includes secure document storage specifically designed to enhance transparency, reduce cost, and improve overall efficiency.
Dan Romero, vice president, and general manager of Coinbase (coinbase.com) presents his take on the future of bitcoin and cryptocurrency in a constantly evolving and expanding global financial market. With over 20 million users and $150 billion traded, Coinbase is the largest digital currency wallet in the world. The Coinbase wallet and platform provides merchants and consumers an opportunity to freely transact with new and emerging digital currencies such as bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin. Coinbase offers an open financial system not controlled by any single country or company, which allows for greater economic freedom, and expanded innovation and efficiency, and ultimately—more equality for individuals regardless of their geolocation.
Simplifying payments for anything, anywhere in the world, opening up financial opportunities for everyone globally, and reaching a wider audience with your ideas and products are some of the areas of focus in which Coinbase excels. Coinbase seeks to open new markets, increase innovation, and help equalize the financial playing field in order to lift billions of people out of poverty. Romero discusses the many regulations that oversee the use of cryptocurrency, and how Coinbase provides their information to users in a simplified form to make sense of all the regulations and tax reforms that have an impact on the industry.
Romero discusses the expansion of trading volumes globally, and the factors that are changing the market as cryptocurrency becomes more commonplace in transactions. He states that growth in the industry is tremendous and that Coinbase is investing heavily in innovation and customer support as they push forward with their primary goal of keeping the Coinbase platform efficient and ease to use.
The alternative currency authority expounds upon micropayments, sending wires and global payments, and how cryptocurrency is creating an efficiency and ease in transactions within many and varied sectors of business and e-commerce. Romero discusses CyryptoKitties and other gamer-oriented characters that are exploding in the industry and how Coinbase is tracking the progress and staying relevant. From Pokémon to Beanie Babies, to Magic: The Gathering, people are interested in collecting digital characters and it’s a billion dollar industry.
Romero offers his insight on the acceptance of bitcoin in the retail market and when bitcoin may become adopted by the mainstream environment in general. And while bitcoin may not be needed in every retail transaction, he expects wire transactions and others that have more complexity to be areas in which bitcoin will thrive. As Coinbase expands, Romero hopes to further connect the average user to bitcoin such that the marketplace will flourish with new products and innovations that make life easier.
Danny Tomsett, CEO of FaceMe (faceme.com), delivers an interesting overview of the current state of technology in regard to digital human personas and chatbots. Tomsett’s company’s mission is to enhance emotional connections in the digital world. FaceMe’s platform is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and is designed to amplify a brand’s ability to engage with users by creating real-time, tailored interactions with interesting personas that can build true connections. As FaceMe’s digital personas connect via a human face, consumers and users are more engaged, as they would be when talking to a real human being, and connections bring value. With body language, expression, and tone, meaningful experiences can be delivered that will enhance customers’ positive feelings for their experience and increase opportunities for business success, as well as customer retention.
Tomsett explains that while FaceMe is not a chatbot company, their platform sits atop the chatbot so to speak and is able to take the text generated via a chatbot and synthesize that in real-time with voice, body language, expression, and tone. Tomsett states that basic chatbots are perfect for rudimentary transactions such as asking about a bank balance or something dry such as that, but for transactions that may need coaching, advisory input, persuasion, or empathy, etc., FaceMe provides a much more sophisticated, grounded emotionally-connected experience. The neuroscience of how we connect to body language, expression, and emotion can be portrayed in a digital human without having to go off script. Digital humans are life-like but not to the extent that anyone would assume they are real humans, but Tomsett explains that it is never necessary to fool anyone, nor do they try. For although users understand the life-like digital humans are not, in fact, human at all, the users can achieve a connected experience that is satisfying nonetheless.
The AI experience expert discusses some of the limitations of traditional chatbots. One area in which chatbots may fail is with intent. Tomsett explains that many times a user will interact with a chatbot and not get the result he or she is looking for, and in most of these cases a user will simply leave the chat and not provide any feedback. But a digital human provides a better chance of mitigating this sort of user information dead end and thus has a significantly better chance of providing the content that the user was seeking, retaining their interest and keeping them engaged.
FaceMe’s visual customer experience utilizes machine learning with multimodal inputs such as context and situational awareness, as well as emotional understanding, which enrich the user’s connection. Additionally, the platform utilizes multi-modal computer vision to achieve facial, speech, and object recognition that thoroughly improves the AI. And it can support up to a staggering one million conversations simultaneously, 24/7, anywhere, on any channel, thus scalability is never a problem.
Tomsett expounds upon other unique qualities that the FaceMe digital human persona experience brings, such as encouragement and a space that is free of judgment. Thus, if a user has questions or curiosities, they can put forth their ideas or questions and feel free; they can receive encouragement and never have to feel any anxiety about feeling judged if they are less than confident about their knowledge in a certain area. This quality greatly enhances a user’s experience, providing a safe, caring environment to freely ask questions and receive real-time advisory input.
Tomsett imparts that as their digital human experience handles the bulk of the front-end connection with most users and consumers, this enables system administrators and technical support staff to have more time to deal with customers who have more complex issues and concerns. Over the next decade, Tomsett expects to see AI leading the way in consumer interaction with possibly as little as 15% of interactions being with actual humans. And he states that digital humans will penetrate and engulf the marketplace in many areas from digital commerce, to retail, healthcare, education and beyond.
Mike Dannheim, co-founder of Sensie (sensieapp.com), provides a useful overview of the many ways his company’s platform can identify stress and help sufferers alter it or eliminate it altogether. Sensie is built on evidence-based solutions that seek to improve emotional health and general well being. Sensie’s platform applies artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to sensor data from the gyroscope and accelerometer in order to detect micro-movements that characterize the body’s response to stress.
As our bodies are often indicators of our well being, the signs of stress can be apparent in our speech and physical movements. Sensie’s sensors will discover a person’s state of harmony or disharmony and provide signals. Within the app, the iPhone can be used to measure factors such as movement that could indicate disharmony, or a state of comfort, etc. According to various research studies, when the body is in balance, muscles are stronger and overall movement is fluid, and the exact opposite is true in times of high stress.
Dannheim explains how Sensie’s platform can probe in search of the underlying cause of the stress, whether it’s emotional (such as fear, anxiety, or sadness), or otherwise, and help the user to reduce or alter the current state to achieve balance. Dannheim discusses how he consulted with Dr. Anne Jensen, who studied the effects of nonconscious beliefs at Oxford University, to create some of the mechanisms on which Sensie’s operational techniques are founded. Essentially, Sensie operates in a similar manner as a lie detector test. It seeks to discover potential conflicts that could be initiating one’s stress. Utilizing memory reconsolidation,
Dr. Jensen’s approach helps users to change their memories in order to reduce their inherent stress. Memory reconsolidation is the process of accessing and reorganizing the information in a memory, which allows the mind to gravitate toward a healthier version of the memory. Dannheim provides a detailed overview of the step by step process that the Sensie app uses to check for stress and eliminate it by offering input, advising on gestures to perform to help detect for the presence of stress, and of course by providing further tools to help combat the stress.
The stress-reduction technology expert details how movement and posture, as well as muscle tension and relaxation are all factors that are intrinsic to our emotional states, from well being to stress, anger, etc. And as the Sensie app measures fluidity, it essentially connects the dots to enable the app to recognize when stress is present, which is the first step in the guided process it uses to bring someone back to balance. Ultimately, whatever Sensie detects, from sadness to anxiety to anger, it offers real solutions and techniques to reduce stress by making physical and mental changes.
SumAll automates operations for independent businesses using the power of data and AI. Over 350,000 users trust SumAll to automate social media marketing. Our product connects data from more than 40 platforms (revenue, web analytics, social, and email marketing) to generate and post the optimal social media content to drive business success. Our newest products - found at sumall.ai - automate inventory purchasing and staff scheduling for brick and mortar businesses like cafes.
By connecting to the mobile point of sale system in a physical establishment we can gather historical sales data that, along with other proprietary inputs, feeds into our sales forecasts. Based on these forecasts we can effectively predict the needed inventory levels and place orders on our users behalf. We’re proud to save owners time and money that they can reinvest in growing their business. Founded in 2011, SumAll is headquartered in New York City. We’re passionate about helping small businesses succeed and believe in the power of data to change the world
As far as personal assistants go, Siri, Alexa, and Google seem to have a monopoly, but as Peter Voss explains, these chatbots utilize simple statistical technology that dampens their capacity for memory, learning, and deep understanding. This prevents us from being able to carry on meaningful conversations with them, manage the data they hold or control the data they share with others.
For the past 15 years, Voss and his team at Aigo have been perfecting a technology that exceeds that of traditional chatbots by more closely imitating the cognitive architecture of our own human brains. In addition, Aigo is not biased toward any one corporation, which means that its recommendations are tailored to your personal preferences, history, and goals; it serves your agenda, unencumbered by the agenda of any one corporation. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, Aigo will come to fit you like a glove.
Tune in to hear more about this exciting next-level technology and Aigo’s current and upcoming events—one of which is a token sale that’s building a community of people who will not only use Aigo but teach it additional skills in natural language (and make money while doing it!).
Visit aigo.ai to learn more.
“I am informed, I am proactive, and I am taking charge of my health by using this medical blue book,” says Fern Zimbalist, author of The Medical Blue Book. She is an author, educator, and an expert in the tourism industry, but above all else, she is a patient advocate who currently devotes her life to helping people take responsibility for their own health. Zimbalist is helping individuals form their own customized medical blue books, comprised of lab reports, imaging reports, disks, timelines, patient portal websites, referrals, and research.
In the absence of a single medical database which compiles the entirety of an individual’s medical history, Zimbalist understands the importance of being prepared and organized in order to get the most out of a doctor’s appointment. And her book doesn’t just serve the patient and their health--it saves doctors a tremendous amount of time that would otherwise be spent tracking down and obtaining patient records.
Tune in for the full discussion, and reach out to Zimbalist by email at zimbalist89@gmail.com.
AlphaNetworks is an IBM Watson powered blockchain entertainment platform that brings dynamic pricing to media, and tokenizes the user experience. It combines aspects of the over-the-top services like Netflix, online video aggregators like YouTube, and premium cable models like HBO to create more efficient recommendation and payments mechanisms and a new kind of user experience. Our goal is to create the “rails” for a new era of media distribution.
Geetanjali Bendale, Ph.D. candidate in bioengineering and member of the team at the Regenerative Neurobiology & Neuroelectronics Laboratory (RNN Laboratory)—UT Dallas, provides a thorough overview of the current advances in nerve regeneration and repair. Geetanjali Bendale received a master’s in bioengineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her intensive research focuses on complex nerve regeneration mechanisms and the methods for restoring functional recovery via the use of bio-mimetic cues. Bendale is currently working toward her Ph.D. at the RNN Laboratory under the guidance of Mario Romero-Ortega, Ph.D. Dr. Romero is an associate professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas and adjunct faculty in the surgery department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the UTA Research Institute, and he is a partner researcher at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
The RNN Laboratory is interested in understanding the mechanisms involved in axon guidance and target recognition during development, as well as after an injury. The lab’s focus is in the application of this knowledge within translational applications. Some of their specific work pertains to spinal cord injuries and neuroprotection, neuroma prevention, peripheral nerve gap repair, and regenerative peripheral neurointerfaces as applied to the overall command and feel of robotic prosthetic limbs.
Bendale discusses her work at the RNN Laboratory, specifically detailing their study in nerve regeneration and the development of a biosynthetic nerve implant, which can be used to find new molecules and growth factors that aid in nerve regeneration. She details the body’s intrinsic response to nerve damage and how many nerves in the limbs can regenerate naturally, but if an injury is severe, she states that the nerve may need some assistance such as a graft perhaps. And she describes the various nerve grafts that are currently FDA approved and being used in clinics today. Additionally, she outlines how the tube structures of these nerve repair conduits work and the time it takes for growth to be generated that leads to complete repair of the damaged nerve.
As much research has shown, only a small window of time exists in order to repair nerves properly, in fact, as Bendale comments the time frame could be just a few hours, so after a nerve damage injury occurs timing can be critical. She explains how signals are sent between the proximal and distal ends of the nerve and why this communication is key to repair.
The bioengineering specialist provides an overview of one of their upcoming studies that will center on new molecules that help with strengthening, sensory axons, and motor function axons. And she details how the signals and axons coordinate to accomplish the goal of repair, and precisely which molecules are best suited for aiding in recovery. Further, Bendale explains how their research found that due to the architecture of their biosynthetic nerve implant, the growth of select axons was continuous, which was a significant achievement in the area of nerve repair.
The EOS Alliance will assist all EOS community stakeholders to find their voice and be heard in the community, so the EOS mainnet can evolve to serve humanity’s needs.
Bancor Protocol™ is a standard for the creation of Smart Tokens™, cryptocurrencies with built-in convertibility directly through their smart contracts. Bancor utilizes an innovative token “Connector” method to enable formulaic price calculation and continuous liquidity for all compliant tokens, without needing to match two parties in an exchange. Smart Tokens™ interconnect to form token liquidity networks, allowing user-generated cryptocurrencies to thrive.
For more information, please visit the website and read the Bancor Protocol™ Whitepaper.
Brett Bernstein, co-founder, and CEO at Gatsby (gatsby.ai) delivers an informative overview of the current state of consumer marketing and promotions. From healthy foods vending machines to healthcare, Bernstein’s background and knowledge in business are as diverse as it is deep. He has spent his career launching products and businesses that cut to the heart of the consumer/brand experience. And Bernstein’s interest in influencer marketing and promotions fueled his desire to launch Gatsby. Bernstein and his team are focused on bringing real solutions to online brands to help businesses engage in social media in a more authentic and interesting way, to assist them with the creation of promotions that are elegant and intriguing, that bring more traffic— and conversions.
Bernstein recounts how he came to the realization that there was a hole in the market, especially regarding e-commerce. For as every brand is social, and nearly every buyer has a social media presence, Bernstein observed that businesses were wasting time and resources by not fully putting their efforts toward the activation of the brand’s consumers and customers who are already engaged.
By connecting businesses with real social customers and offering a powerful toolbox to custom-brand outgoing promotions that are subtle, but get results, Gatsby is reinventing the way we do business. Gatsby provides online innovation that can help leverage existing customers and interested parties to open up more opportunity. As Bernstein states, through their innovation and automation, Gatsby-backed promotions yield higher quality results. Bernstein acknowledges that Gatsby gathers information and works with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, but it is Instagram that they find most intriguing, as 80% of their registrations and interested parties are activating via Instagram. The days are gone in which consumers look to traditional advertising to influence their buyer behavior.
As most consumers are now hooked into technology at a higher level, they are observing and monitoring brands in multiple ways through a wide swath of avenues, thus contemporary brands must be authentic, and businesses have to bring their A-game. Consumers want brands that are unique, have a story to tell, and they crave human connection. Thus they prefer brands that people are talking about, that their friends and social media influencers value.
The branding and promotions expert provides an overview of the few easy steps that any business, big or small, can take to get plugged in immediately to the Gatsby platform and begin driving their sales and conversions to a higher level. And he gives a detailed description of the various tools and methods that users can choose to tailor their Gatsby performance and experience to their unique needs.
Powered by a team of veteran game-industry experts and blockchain specialists, Refereum helps developers and publishers reward players and influencers for playing the games they love. Cutting out the marketing middleman by directly rewarding influencers and gamers to promote and play video games.
Ryan Fyfe, co-founder and CEO of WorkChain.io, expresses his thoughts on the changing digital world, blockchain and cryptocurrency. WorkChain.io is a groundbreaking cloud and blockchain rooted software company that seeks to embolden individuals, institutions, companies, and businesses by providing solutions that deliver secure work records that they can depend on. Specifically, WorkChain.io has a heavy focus on cryptocurrency and one of the areas they champion is in helping workers have more control over their money. By automating the steps from ‘work completed’ to ‘paycheck delivered’ their technology improves processing time and creates efficiency.
Fyfe is a self-described entrepreneur, investor, and blockchain enthusiast who is passionate about changing the way the world works. He has over a decade of experience in web development and internet marketing with a keen interest in building cloud-based products for business. Fyfe was the founder and former CEO at Humanity.com as well as Shiftplanning.com, and his work has served the interests of more than half a million users across 87 countries. And he is a seasoned professional who has worked in all stages of web system development, e-marketing and application development.
Fyfe discusses the archaic system of payroll processing that he feels needs a complete revolution. He recounts many of the excuses that people give for not immediately converting to a real-time payroll system, such as responsibility issues of employees, to the idea that businesses need more time to manage their invoicing, expenses, and accounting. Fyfe provides his insights into other crypto projects and the unified goal of decentralization as blockchain becomes more dominant in the marketplace. Fyfe’s mission is to further the validation process such that workers can be approved for the work they have done right away, which will allow employers to advance funds immediately. From a socially-conscious perspective, Fyfe hopes his methods will eventually phase out predatory lending companies such as check cashing stores that take an enormous percentage of workers’ paychecks.
The blockchain expert discusses various forms of cryptocurrency, from bitcoin to stablecoin, and the ways they can be implemented into systems. He explains how stablecoin is perhaps more appealing to some due to its dollar-backed system and low volatility. Fyfe delves into the trending issue of crypto-responsibility, in other words, is the workforce responsible enough to manage their funds within a new delivery system. He highlights the pros and cons that various minds have put forth in the ongoing debate, but Fyfe’s opinion is decidedly in favor of the workers’ right to have their payments when work is done so they can save it, invest it, or spend it—whatever they want, for after all, they’ve earned it. Fyfe provides an overview of the general acceptance of these new methods of payment and delivery, and he outlines how businesses and governments of other countries and territories are embracing the system somewhat faster than those in the United States, which have demonstrated a level of reluctance.
The cryptocurrency enthusiast breaks down the steps that WorkChain.io’s solutions offer to employer and employee, and how smart contracts allow a sort of escrow type of relationship to flourish that delivers payment for services rendered, without delays. He muses about the many types of employer-employee contract work that can benefit from the system, from Uber drivers and other gig-based work, to shift work and beyond. As the technology is expanding and acceptance is growing, WorkChain.io is launching more preview products to continue opening the minds of skeptics, for as our digital world progresses, digital solutions to problems will become the norm.
Darryll DiPietro President and CEO at Coincierge Club join host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast. Coincierge offers three very unique products designed to interact with each other, yet provide value independently.
Club – service backed cryptocurrency built on the Waves blockchain
Wallet – mobile private key cryptocurrency wallet capable of holding
over 18,000 different cryptocurrencies
Pro – point of sale application built on Android designed to provide
secure, chargeback proof transactions for free to the vendor.
Mat Piaggi, community manager at Lisk (lisk.io), delivers a detailed overview of his company’s open-source project work in the ever-expanding blockchain space. In Piaggi’s work with Lisk, he seeks to build strong connections and bridges between brands, consumers, and communities. He has a broad range of experience with emerging startups in Germany, New Zealand, and Australia, and as community manager, he strives to bring parties together to form a global community-based movement built upon Lisk’s methods and tech advances. Piaggi’s interest in cryptocurrency in regard to market trading increased his desire to learn how blockchain could benefit many types of industries. Piaggi earned his bachelors degree in communications from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.
The blockchain is a type of add-only transaction in regard to a collection of accounts. Specifically, this collection, or ledger, can only be written onto, or added onto, with new information, while previous information that is stored in blocks cannot be mutated, edited, or even adjusted. Blockchain utilizes cryptography to bring together contents of the new blocks with each currently existing block, such that a change to the contents of a block in the chain would nullify the data in all subsequent blocks.
Piaggi’s company, Lisk, is comprised of 50 plus people who are technology experts from all over the globe. Lisk seeks to create scalable, customizable solutions for applications businesses and industry leaders can utilize. Piaggi discusses how his goal is to lower the barrier of entry for the technology, making it more accessible to everyone, and to facilitate the user experience, making it easier to use for anyone irrespective of how tech-savvy they may be. Piaggi discusses how their platform is easy to use for developers who already have a basic understanding of JavaScript, which is the widest used coding language in the world.
The blockchain expert provides an overview of Lisk’s major technology products—Lisk Core, Lisk Elements, and Lisk Commander. As he explains, on the network side, List Core is essentially the “brain” of their products. Lisk Core is a tool for technical users who choose to access Lisk’s primary network blockchain data, to secure network infrastructure or succeed in achieving delegate forging access. Lisk Elements is a collection of libraries that will allow developers to customize their own sidechain. And Lisk Commander allows developers to conduct their sidechain development and start up their projects.
Additionally, Piaggi details the user-interface side of Lisk’s development products such as Lisk Hub, which functions as a wallet and allows users to interact with a wider ecosystem. Piaggi explains that as Lisk is an open source project, there is greater transparency and trust, better community engagement, and higher security due to extensive testing.
Piaggi discusses some of the future developments that will be on the horizon in the coming months and years, such as bringing Lisk Core over to the main net and lifting the entire sidechain development kit over the hump, adding features, as they move to and past their 1.0 iterations. And as the close of 2018 approaches, Lisk will be involved in many international conferences and community development meetings to expand their reach further.
Davis Sawyer, co-founder and chief product officer at Deeplite (deeplite.ai), delivers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the many ways in which deep learning is enabling AI to bring faster, more efficient technology to our low-power devices.
Sawyer’s company, Deeplite, seeks to implement their patented technology to allow industries to maximize the productivity of deep learning systems and to enable AI for new opportunities on low-power devices. Deeplite’s AI-driven optimizer accelerates deep neural network processing and makes it more energy-efficient. Their faster, leaner neural networks enable AI to be more accessible, easier to scale, and more economical as well.
From translating speech to text automatically, to powerful photo classification and recognition, AI has enhanced our daily lives in an increasingly data-driven world. However, as Sawyer describes, there are still many fundamental challenges that must be addressed to fully integrate AI into our lives for maximum productivity. One challenge Sawyer discusses is how to put sophisticated computation on low-end devices such as smartphones, to bring the tech to the edge of computing.
Deeplite’s mission is to fully integrate the AI technology so smartphone users can get the most powerful tech and computational processing for whatever their business or industry endeavors may be. Sawyer states that you can make a world fit for AI or you can make AI fit into the world. And at Deeplite, Sawyer’s team takes the approach that it is best to look under the hood so to speak, to look at the fundamental calculations to see if there can be improvements in order to do a better job of delivering solid results.
Deeplite is working to optimize deep learning models to assist companies that are using these models in their business structure. Through reinforcement learning, Sawyer’s product essentially provides a means to compress models automatically for a more cost-effective, faster path to usable AI solutions for business. Sawyer discusses the many areas in which Deeplite’s technology can increase productivity and efficiency.
Sawyer discusses robustness, privacy, and latency concerns in regard to advancing AI in business and daily life, and he details how autonomous vehicles are one industry area in which Deeplite is lending a hand. Deeplite’s engine can produce optimized models that cut down AI computational time, which increases the efficiency significantly. With sometimes as many as six hundred million parameters and huge data sets, the problems, as Sawyer details, are sometimes scalability, and the need to create algorithms where understanding is not sacrificed, but is in fact enhanced.
Sawyer discusses informational resiliency in deep neural networks. He explains the process of stressing a network, forcing it to meet constraints, etc., putting environmental pressure on intelligent systems, and seeing how they successfully adapt. It is this kind of discovery that pushes Sawyer and his team at Deeplite to dig deeper into the methods of utilization for deep learning systems, to enable them to continue developing better tech products to advance the many ways we use and benefit from technology.
Mahek A. Shah, MD, senior researcher and faculty member at Harvard Business School, discusses the shift in healthcare to a value-based system. Dr. Shah’s background in investment banking, solving large-scale problems for clients, stimulated a passion to take a similar mindset and approach to healthcare improvements. Dr. Shah’s mission is to bring more humanity to the healthcare system by creating higher value for patients, providers, payers, and people worldwide—bridging the business world with health care delivery.
As a senior project leader and senior researcher at Harvard Business School, Dr. Shah oversees Harvard’s Value Measurement for Health Care projects, which critically analyze time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) globally in order to fully grasp the true, actual costs of healthcare delivery. Additionally, Dr. Shah advises executives who manage large health systems and companies, educating and arming them with tools to measure their outcomes and overall costs.
By working for improvements at the patient level, on the front lines of healthcare delivery, Dr. Shah hopes to make big strides in the advancement of healthcare systems. Shah’s team works specifically with individual conditions, from chronic to acute, and by studying the way patients are managed they can offer advice and consultation for dramatic improvements. Their critical analysis of procedures and processes can provide key insight to healthcare managers, etc. helping them to understand how they can create value in their system. As Dr. Shah explains, true value exists at the patient level, and healthcare systems need to focus more intently on the needs of their customers—the patients. Dr. Shah details how the current model incentivizes based on ‘fee for services’ such that physicians are rewarded for selling services, but this model does not ensure that the patient’s needs are truly serviced. The key is to get systems to move forward to a value-based healthcare platform, much like other industries have implemented with great success.
While Dr. Shah believes that most people in healthcare have chosen that path in order to provide what is best for patients, the system of providing that care can be complex. Dr. Shah underscores that it’s a very important time in healthcare as there are so many moving parts. As he explains, if value is defined as the outcome that matters to patients over the cost of delivering that outcome then an analysis of this will make it is possible to find ways to increase the value equation from a directional standpoint.
Success, as Shah states, is measured by functional outcomes, and systems should be looking at what the true cost is to deliver those outcomes, at the patient level. He discusses the importance of regular follow-ups after procedures and during recovery, and how costs can increase when follow up is not part of the system’s plan. Dr. Shah details three criteria he looks for in healthcare-based projects, to ensure that they are meaningful, actionable, and hopefully replicable to other areas of a system’s organization. As healthcare systems improve it will be the analytics that can deliver valuable insights into their operations, and most importantly, at the point of care for the patient.
K.D. Edwards has had a passion for writing for as long as he can remember, and has earned a reputation as a master at worldbuilding by authoring The Last Sun, the first of what will eventually be a nine-book series called The Tarot Sequence. Right around the corner is the release of the second book in the series, The Hanged Man, and fans can’t seem to wait. Edwards joins the podcast to discuss what drew him to the modern sci-fi genre, his writing style, and process, authors who’ve influenced and encouraged him in his work, and fan feedback--a lot of which is in the form of artwork inspired by his stories.
Tune in for the full discussion, and reach out to K.D. Edwards through Twitter @KDEdwards_NC.
Despite huge successes in issuing over 110 patents and having 250 pending licenses, Leigh Rothschild says his latest venture is the most exciting one yet: Qmage, a free app that will revolutionize the way we interact with digital images. By incorporating audio, video, text files, URL links, and e-commerce links into tens of thousands of digital images, Qmage is allowing anyone with an iOS device or QR code scanner to access it all at with a single click.
With applications in the photo, greeting card, automobile, real estate, and retail industries, this technology has the potential to find its way into almost every aspect of our lives. Imagine being able to scan a greeting card and immediately hear audio or watch a video created and uploaded by your loved one, or scanning an image of a house for sale and immediately experiencing a virtual tour or communicating with the realtor. Rothschild also discusses plans to incorporate an augmented reality feature, which would allow users to scan an item of clothing and not only receive all of the associated information, but actually see what it would look like on them, and get suggestions for accessories that might go well with it.
The Qmage app is currently in the beta form of development and is expected to be released soon. Learn more at www.qmage.com and reach out to Rothschild at leigh@qmage.com.
Jim Segermark is the CEO of InSitu Biologics, a biotech company using hydrogel technology to offer post-operative patients with the option of a non-opioid regional painkiller. Composed of three compounds found naturally in the body, the gel is injected with bupivacaine, which is then pushed out by water over time and released into the body, providing for three to five days of a complete analgesic effect on the area of pain. Once the bupivacaine has been released entirely, the body easily metabolizes the gel within about two weeks.
Though it has not yet been tested in human clinical trials, this biohydrogel has shown to be effective in the laboratory and holds promise for post-op patients who want fast, effective, long-lasting, and opioid-free pain relief.
Segermark discusses the potential applications of this new product, which include using the gel as a vehicle for birth control and erectile dysfunction medication rather than bupivacaine, and custom-tailoring the gel to release multiple medications at certain times and for specific durations, thereby meeting the needs of patients on an individual basis.
Tune in for the full conversation, and visit www.insitubiologics.com to learn more.
For almost 10 years now, Jagannath Padmanabhan has been conducting interdisciplinary biomedical research focused on how our bodies react to biomedical devices, why these devices are almost always ultimately rejected, and the role of mechanical forces in the rejection process.
More recently, Padmanabhan has been working as a post-doctoral research fellow in the surgery department at the Stanford School of Medicine, where he collaborates with surgeons to collect a variety of biomedical implant devices that have been rejected by and removed from the human body. By studying the cells on these devices, the team at Stanford is gaining insight into the types of cells that are involved in the rejection process and how to go about increasing the amount of time before the rejection process sets in.
Among other topics, Padmanabhan discusses the link between wound healing, scar formation, and implant rejection, how the manipulation of implant device surfaces could increase their lifespan in the human body, and the role of mechanical stimulation in accelerating the rejection process. Tune in to learn more about his current research and its potential applications in clinical medicine, and reach out to him by email at himjaganpa@standford.edu.
Steven Morris, CEO, president, board member, and founding partner of BIOLIFE4D, provides a thorough overview of the biological and technological advances that are revolutionizing modern healthcare. Morris’s company, BIOLIFE4D, is a trailblazing biotech company with a mission to utilize advanced life sciences and tissue engineering to 3D bioprint viable human hearts, using a patient’s own cells, that are suitable for transplant.
Morris has over 20 years of experience in precision machining and manufacturing, which includes 15 years as president of Inland Midwest Corporation (IMC) that specifically caters to the medical technologies industry. IMC completed a merger with MedTorque Inc. in 2015. In addition to his successes at IMC, Morris launched Creative Manufacturing Consulting Solutions (CMCS), a company focused in the areas of operational optimization, industry and regulatory compliance, as well as quality system optimization and development.
While at CMCS, Morris led over two years of in-depth research into the technology of 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. Combining his medical manufacturing experience with intensive research, and partnering with experts in the field, he created BIOLIFE4D with the goal of bioprinting usable human organs for human transplantation. As heart disease is the leading cause of death in the USA and nearly all developed countries, the life-saving technology of BIOLIFE4D is clearly in great demand. Morris discusses the alarming statistical numbers that give credence to the serious state of heart disease globally, and as he explains there are several key issues his team at BIOLIFE4D seeks to tackle, such as increasing the supply because many people die annually simply from their inability to be granted a transplant. Additionally, Morris discusses the high rejection rate for human heart transplants and the many dangers patients face. For as patients up their intake of immunosuppressants in hopes their bodies will accept the new organs, they also increase their risks for developing a disease, etc.
The regenerative medicine expert delivers a detailed overview of the bioprinting process BIOLIFE4D uses. He explains the means in which they build their bioprinted organs layer by layer with essential cells. As the cell layers fuse the DNA informs the cells that they should function as heart cells and so the process begins toward the formation of a solid organ. He discusses the importance of vascularization to provide blood and nutrients to the organs, and how his company is leading the way to major releases coming soon, with a fully functional miniature heart for human drug trials possibly emerging as early as next year. Morris explains the compassionate exemption, which is a regulation that allows for those who are in immediate need for an organ, facing death without a transplant, to go forward with alternative options such as bioprinted organs.
Morris outlines the inherent problem of scarcity that exists in the organ donor world. For as the list of patients in need, waiting for an available organ, is long, the amount of available organs is scarce. He explains that many people who hope to get on lists to wait for an organ may be excluded due to other medical conditions or age, as the medical community makes assessments to give the available organs to the candidates with the highest chance for organ acceptance and recovery. Due to these stringent requirements, potentially millions are left with no options, but Morris is committed to change this disturbing reality and is pushing his company to bring a bioprinted human heart option to everyone in need. Morris hopes to deliver a fully functional human heart for transplant within the coming years, and hopefully within three to five years.
Noted science fiction writer, Yoon Ha Lee, author of Revenant Gun and other works, delivers an interesting analysis of the science fiction world in which he thrives. Yoon Ha received a B.A. in mathematics from Cornell University as well as an M.A. in math education from Stanford University. His work in fiction has appeared in publications such as The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction; the popular online sci-fi magazine, Tor.com; and Clarkesworld Magazine, as well as many anthologies.
Yoon Ha was inspired to become a writer by his very passionate 3rd grade teacher who challenged students to be creative. Learning about the craft of writing at such an early age pushed Yoon Ha to try his hand at it, and by the end of middle school he had completed his first novel. And while Yoon Ha recounts that this first effort was not very good, he continued to work at his craft and wrote several more through his high school years. Yoon Ha discusses his work and the technical merits of writing that he sought to improve as he was cutting his teeth in those early years as a burgeoning young writer. From improving his prose to world building, Yoon Ha sought to enhance his work in every way possible. He details how characterization is an important aspect of novel writing, as readers like to relate to the characters personally, through the characters’ eyes. And he explains that while world building is important, perhaps the building of characters is the most important task of writing novels.
Yoon Ha discusses his first successful novel, Ninefox Gambit, and the reasons he feels the novel worked, and why it was commercially successful. Yoon Ha describes the unusual world that he built in that novel and the physics elements, as well as the cat and mouse dynamic, all of which he felt contributed to the popular interest in the book. The sci-fi author outlines his road to commercial success in the publishing world and he acknowledges that the many years he spent improving his craft helped get him there. As he built a significant following for his creative short stories through the years, his publisher sought to take his work to the obvious next level—marketable books. Yoon Ha speaks about his own personal reading lists and how the reading and study of a broad range of disparate topics helps to expand his own mind and ultimately expand his creativity. From military to math, Yoon Ha found that literally any subject matter could help to broaden his mind as a reader, which of course helped to improve his craft. He talks about some notable authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander, David Eddings and others, and recounts how their work impacted him as a young reader, and how his experience growing up as a Korean-American affected his perception and connection to some works. And as the work he was devouring as a young reader was largely from a western perspective, Yoon Ha thought to bring an East Asian influence to the sci-fi genre.
As the publishing field expands, Yoon Ha states that diversity is increasing, which allows more types of stories to be told, which in turn allows a larger audience to see themselves represented. The popular author describes some of the relative differences he sees between Korean culture and classically typical American culture, and the symbolic elements of both. Wrapping up, Yoon Ha provides an overview of the elements of his latest work, the novel, Revenant Gun. And he talks about his website (yoonhalee.com) and the many samples that interested readers can browse there for free.
Marc Bookman, founder and CEO of Opu Labs (opu.ai), delivers an overview of how technology and AI can assist people with their skin health. Bookman’s company, Opu Labs is the proprietary creator of the Pocket Skin Clinic, a skin care analysis service that uses smartphone selfies and artificial intelligence to deliver important and informative skincare advice. Pocket Skin Clinic can provide input on ways to improve skin conditions with specific skincare product types recommendations. The platform works by utilizing facial recognition technology to capture unique scans of one’s face on a daily basis. Opu Labs’ specialized machine-learning-based artificial intelligence can then perform a complete analysis of skin type, condition, coloring, and more, to deliver a comprehensive report with recommendations. Pocket Skin Clinic tailors products and ingredients to someone’s individual skin condition, essentially, recommendations for the specific person, not a blanket recommendation that applies to millions. By providing targeted and specific information, Pocket Skin Clinic users can take steps to improve their skin problems, enhance their skin’s vibrance, and begin a regimen that will provide for healthier skin.
Bookman reminisces about his early days of market testing, and the dawn of online and mobile device advertising, and as his research led him to look at hair products, automotive, and others, it was skincare that really had the most amazing numbers, in terms of the advertising potential. Today, with over 60,000 skincare products listed on Amazon, Bookman states that it is easy to see why many people become overwhelmed when searching for the skincare product that may work for them specifically. From ‘no parabens’ to ‘organic’ and ‘all natural’ to allergy issues and beyond, people have very specific needs and Bookman’s team seeks to address these needs by using their tech to narrow the focus for folks who want products that work, but cause no harm. Bookman discusses the difficulty in discerning whether skincare blogs offer real scientific and user-based information or simply product-promoting information. And in this area, Opu Labs mines extensive amounts of product information and data and ranks it so their users can access the most current, most relevant and real information that pertains to their skincare issue.
Bookman discusses their target market, which is essentially, based upon his estimations, about one third of the overall skincare market. He states that younger consumers, mostly women, who are just getting into the market and trying to learn about products that can help them, are a group Opu Labs’ research and analysis can benefit. Additionally, consumers who take a serious approach to skin health in much the same manner as fitness enthusiasts do with cardiovascular health, are another prime group Bookman seeks to assist. Additionally, Bookman describes other groups that Opu Labs can offer skincare assistance to, in terms of research and information, such as pregnant mothers who are pressed for time and may choose to travel less than normal, and rural users who may not find product lines and stores, etc. to be easily accessible. As technology evolves, Opu Labs intends to stay on top of the advances in order to continually improve the information and product advice they bring their users.
Joshua Armah, co-founder and CTO of Distributed Intelligence, provides an extremely detailed roadmap for businesses, large or small, who want to better grasp how to successfully advertise to their target audiences and increase revenue. Armah’s company, Distributed Intelligence, is a consumer behavior platform that seeks to leverage social physics to help businesses better understand their data, and customers. Armah’s company focuses on advertising and is launching an ad platform that seeks to revolutionize advertising metrics and performance. Armah is a dynamic technology professional who specializes in computer programming, artificial intelligence, and automation for innovation in software and online platforms. He has extensive experience in online marketing and sales, and is an expert in AI and supervised learning.
As Armah explains the current advertising system in the online space is based on a ‘cost per impression’ or ‘cost per click’ model, but the data that an advertiser gathers may not always be accurate due to users providing inaccurate or misleading information. Therefore, Armah’s company has developed a model based on ‘cost per lead’ that allows advertisers in their network to gain real results, not frivolous input or data they cannot use. And by incentivizing media platforms with higher revenue, and generating curated content for highly targeted audiences, advertisers can generate solid leads. Armah likens the use of AI in advertising to electricity, in that all advertising platforms will need AI to position advertising in the marketplace via the use of artificial intelligence agents. These ‘agents’ are autonomous entities that observe via sensors and act upon their environment working and directing activity to achieve set goals.
The marketing and advertising expert provides a detailed overview of keywords, click-throughs, and how trending topics play a role in advertising. He discusses how AI can be used as a tool to visualize public web data and aggregate it for the end user such that they can then utilize it for their value proposition on advertising campaigns, etc. Additionally, Armah details the importance of choosing proper media platforms for your targeted advertising, and he offers multiple examples of media buys that advertisers may find particularly beneficial to their growth and outreach.
Armah explains the trends in marketing such as outbound marketing and inbound marketing, and the tracking of analytics. He touches on the important issues advertisers must consider, beyond the collection of who is buying what, but deeper issues such as the psychology behind why people are buying specific products. And in addition to the psychology of buying, advertisers need to know that their potential customers are real and have been verified, for as Armah notes, some online platforms may not have verified their users. He also states that although many valuable tools do exist to help boost advertising campaigns, such as IBM’s successful Watson Marketing, some businesses are not up for the technical learning curve, and this is one area where Armah’s team at Distributed Intelligence can build a bridge between tech and user.
As Armah’s team moves forward, advancing their marketing and advertising technical products, Armah seeks to build their system into one of the world’s best advertising platforms that will truly give access to real human behavior. Armah addresses the phenomenon of social physics, which is the use of mathematical tools that are inspired by physics to fully grasp the behavior of human crowds and to understand big data. And as social physics is the root of successful advertising platforms, Armah seeks to leverage it to fully understand buying patterns and customer behavior to provide their clients with an unparalleled advantage in the market.
Jeff Catalano, Entrepreneur/Founder of PORTE Token and Payment Porte joins host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast. Payment Porte helps you send cross boarder payments quickly at a fraction of the cost.
Rachel Gregory, CEO of Killin It Keto (killinitketo.com), delivers an informative overview of the ketogenic lifestyle and the diet that has proven itself as a means to a healthier life. As a board-certified nutrition specialist, strength coach, conditioning coach, and athletic trainer, Gregory has the knowledge and training to enable her to assist individuals who want to improve their overall health. She has abundant expertise in the scientific application of the ketogenic diet and is the author of, “21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge.” Her recent clinical trial conducted with CrossFit athletes, in which she analyzed the effects of their use of a ketogenic diet, was the first of its kind and was recorded in the International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine.
During the trial, she measured outcomes between a CrossFit athlete group that stayed in ketosis versus the control group that did not. Her findings showed that the CrossFit ketosis group was able to benefit from the dietary change as they lost significant body fat but still retained lean muscle mass to the same degree of the control group. And the increase of performance measurement was balanced between the groups as well. Gregory is a former collegiate triathlete and has experience working with Division I collegiate athletes, WNBA stars, and many top bodybuilders. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition & exercise physiology from James Madison University as well as a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from the University of Miami. Gregory makes regular rounds on the national conference circuit presenting her research and the benefits of the ketogenic diet and lifestyle.
The ketosis authority states that a ketogenic, lower carb, diet not only provides a weight loss opportunity, but it can help to reduce inflammation and also provide more stabilized energy throughout the day, avoiding spikes and periods of extremely low energy. She provides an introduction to the organic process that led to the creation of her primary product, the 21-day keto challenge that is detailed in her book. And with the 21 day challenge, her clients and followers can digest the health-improving information in small amounts over 21 days as Gregory slowly educates them in many topics and ways to realize their physical health goals. From alternative foods to performance enhancement and energy, Gregory’s 21-day course offers excellent input to help anyone reach higher levels for better health and performance, whether they are an average body type or a world-class athlete.
Gregory discusses the many simple ways anyone can take typically high carb meals and turn them into low carb meals by making easy ingredient substitutes. From fried rice to pizza, her book and course lists many different recipes that can help secure powerful results but still keep the full flavor in the foods for great taste. Additionally, Gregory provides copious amounts of keto-specific information on quick foods from reasonably healthy fast food restaurants such as Chipotle and others. After someone goes through the 21-day challenge successfully, Gregory offers individualized training and education to help people continue to push forward toward their health goals.
She discusses how, over time, the diet and lifestyle becomes easier for most everyone making the transition. And while those who come to the ketogenic lifestyle well versed in the basics of nutrition may find the adjustment to be rather simple, still anyone who wants to learn and implement the keto strategies can do so, regardless of their background.
Phix covers every conceivable brand touch point phix Solutions Group is an experienced team of marketing technologists with a passion for delivering one of a kind brand experiences for disruptive companies in growth industries. Our custom technology solutions ensure the extension and conversion of the brand experiences we help to deploy with metrics that prove the investments our clients make.
Everything we do connects your brand to people - your employees, channels, customers, and fans! phix Solutions Group is made up of phix Solutions, our technology, strategic insights and brand experience arm and phix Activate the enterprise arm of Proforma, one of the largest promotional products and printing providers in North America. Together we cover every conceivable brand touch point with consistency, speed, accuracy and unprecedented cost efficiencies.
Blockchain technology enables a new digital asset class, which Global Blockchain Technologies believes, will drive the new economy. Global Blockchain is an investment company that provides investors access to a mixture of assets in the blockchain space, strategically chosen to balance stability and growth. Blue chip holdings such as Ethereum and Bitcoin are complemented by best-of-breed "smaller cap" crypto holdings, many of which are not yet available to other investors.
LQDEX (pronounced "liquid-ex") is a decentralized trustless cross-chain digital asset exchange. It allows trading of digital tokens across multiple blockchains without counterparty risk. The system does not use atomic swaps and does not require modifications to the existing blockchains. It runs on its own high-speed POS blockchain without miner fees.
Lightstreams is a blockchain project that specializes in the private peer-to-peer content distribution of information between groups of people and communities. Lightstreams revolutionizes the manner in which information flows. By using, blockchain and decentralized storage together put individuals back where they belong – in the driving seat. Whether it’s for sharing data within a close circle, selling it on the open market (via PHT tokens ), or simply as a secure storage means, Lightstreams is poised to reinvent data privacy in the digital age.
BHIRED is a revolutionary Blockchain recruiting/staffing marketplace which enables Trust, Transparency, and Accountability in the Human Capital supply chain. Our platform/market place reduces dependency on third parties, removes middlemen and rent-seeking, subscription-based centralized business models. Through the use of DLT, our community-driven platform connects candidates, employers and service providers directly providing one source of truth.
Secured by blockchain technology, enabled by geolocation and enhanced by augmented reality, Geon Network represents an entirely new way to distribute value worldwide. By creating a platform that allows to build on Geon Network's core functionalities as well as easy integration in third-party solutions, the aim is to set a standard for a new wave of geolocation-enabled, augmented reality applications that for the first time in history will allow geolocation and augmented reality technologies to facilitate value transfers unaffected by the limitations of financial institutions.
Token IQ is a leading SaaS blockchain technology company focusing on delivering a turnkey solution for the tokenization of securities and asset-backed investment contracts. Its technology enables issuers to convert rights to an asset into smart and fully compliant digital tokens on a blockchain with the goal to eliminate a middleman, reduce fees, and create a frictionless environment.
Token IQ’s solution makes capital formation more efficient while unlocking liquidity for traditionally non-liquid asset classes. Companies of any size and industry can now launch a digitized offering and seek investments with confidence.
For more information visit www.tokeniq.io.
As the CEO of vSpatial, John Sallaway is helping companies bring their employees together in a more meaningful, engaging, and immersive way. With the use of AR and VR technology, vSpatial is a telecommunications app that allows people working from anywhere on the globe to interact and share data with their coworkers as if they were doing so in the same room. With the option of having multiple monitors open at once, the ability to communicate with multiple people simultaneously, and the power to control the movement of data with the swipe of your fingertips, the vSpatial app outperforms traditional methods of two-dimensional PC and tablet-based communications.
The vSpatial app is available through both Oculus and Steam, and the number of users continues to grow. Several enterprises are currently using the app as trial customers with the goal of implementing this technology to conduct company-wide meetings--an option that will cut company costs in terms of airfare and hotel stays for employees, as well as time spent on travel. This technology is bridging the gap between two major demands of the fast-growing millennial workforce: the ability to work remotely, and the ability to feel genuinely connected to others.
Tune in to learn about what’s on the horizon for vSpatial, and how the role of VR and AR technology, in general, will affect the way in which people interact in virtual workplaces.
Visit vspatial.com for more details, and feel free to email your questions to jsallaway@vspatial.com.
Founded Dragon Foundry, a game studio developing revolutionary real-time cross-platform games for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android mobile. Managed all aspects of the studio and its growth, including recruiting over 30 people across engineering, product management, design, and art. Developed and launched the award-winning Nova Blitz real-time card game.
- Raised two rounds of investment funding
- Closed partnership & publishing deals with major publishers, including Electronic Arts
- Reduced content development costs by 60% compared to similar titles
- Delivered 0 minutes of downtime by developing a scalable automated live game service
Nova Token - Nova Token holders earn new cards through proof of stake. Stake your NVT on a game, and when the game releases new cards, you’ll earn copies of them based on the amount of NVT you stake. And because these are tokens on the blockchain, you own them, and can: Play with them and sell them to other players Distribution of cards is based on proof of stake. A minimum NVT holding is required, and the more NVT you stake, the more copies of each card you'll receive.
Lambda is a fast, safe, and scalable blockchain infrastructure project, which provides decentralized applications (DAPPs) data storage capabilities with unlimited scalability and fulfills services such as multi-chain data co-storage, cross-chain data management, data privacy protection, provable data possession (PDP), and distributed intelligent computing through logic decoupling and independent implementation of Lambda Chain and Lambda DB.
In addition, as a blockchain infrastructure service, with the use of Sharding technology, Lambda Chain provides the capability of processing millions of requests per second (RPS), which increases with the expansion of the system scale; with the use the sub-chain technology, it provides future-oriented technical service capabilities with unlimited scalability.
Official Website and Social links:
Official website: http://www.lambda.im
Telegram Community: https://t.me/HelloLambda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lambdaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lambdaim/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lambdaim
Driving Next Generation Sequencing into Endocannabinoid based Clinical applications. Courtagen Life Sciences is a CLIA and CAP certified sequencing facility sequencing over 400 patients a month related to Epilepsy, Autism, Mitochondrial disease and Drug Metabolism. These diseases are tied to the EndoCannabinoid system (ECS) and we have the largest collection of patients clinically sequenced related to the ECS. Medicinal Genomics designs Cannabis Safety testing equipment and reagent such as qPCR technologies for microbiological testing and DNA purification tools specific to cannabis.
iPowow is the leaders in Participation TV; a real-time platform that engages viewers and connects them with the content on the television screen. Using their second screen devices, viewers are able to interact directly with the main broadcast, commenting on the TV story and at times influencing the outcome. The iPowow platform provides a perfect opportunity for brands to connect directly with the consumer through sponsorship integration on both the main broadcast and second screen.
iPowow’s real-time metrics and detailed analytics measure viewing habits across the networks and shows, leveraging valuable information in terms of viewer demographics, as well as levels of participation and engagement within the broadcast. With viewer engagement levels averaging 12%, iPowow redirects the viewing experience back to the main broadcast, increases show ratings and generates a new revenue stream for sponsorship and network ad sales.
iPowow broadcast and brand partners include A&E Network; COMCAST; Channel 7 News; ESPN; Fox Sports; NBC Universal; Red Bull Media House; Reelz; Golf Channel; USA Network; Vodaphone, Quiksilver, and Yamaha.
REX is on a mission to do good for real estate consumers while also providing homes for those in the greatest need, wherever they may be. For a total fee of 2%, REX takes care of everything both buyers and sellers need, while removing traditional agent commissions of 5-6%. Our intelligent data-driven marketing, seamless transaction engine and licensed REX Agents to sell homes faster, create better experiences and yield huge savings for buyers and sellers. Plus, for every 50 homes we sell, we provide a home for a family in need. To date, REX has funded the construction of two homes for families in Cambodia.
Powered by AI-Driven technology and expert agents, REX fees are 70% less than traditional and 50% less than discount brokerages.
The DigitalBits Project is an open-source software project used by the DigitalBits blockchain network. In addition to supporting fast & low-cost micropayments & remittances, Enterprises are also able to tokenize assets on the DigitalBits blockchain. Users are able to trade on-chain and the technology will automatically-trade (with multi-hop) in less than 5 seconds.
Loyalty points & rewards are one of the asset categories that the decentralized DigitalBits blockchain is able to support. There are over $100Billion in unused points currently in the US alone and 1/3 of points issued each year (representing approx $16Billion in value) are never used.
Felix Bauer, co-founder, and CEO of Aircloak (aircloak.com) delivers an overview of security and privacy issues in an increasingly digital world. Felix Bauer studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge before bringing his talents to the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems in Germany. He founded Aircloak in 2014 with co-founders, Paul Francis and Sebastian Probst Eide. Bauer is renowned for his work in privacy and security and is a regular guest speaker on the subject.
Aircloak enables organizations to analyze and work with personal data in a safe and legal manner via their unique approach to data anonymization. As data collection on literally every person and business alike is becoming more common and often expected, Aircloak seeks to be the bridge between data and security concerns. Estimations indicate that human data is growing at a rate ten times that of common business data, and with artificial intelligence mining for more and more data, privacy is a crucial principle for all businesses and organizations. Bauer describes Aircloak’s principal product as a proxy that sits in-between a database and an analyst, which allows the analyst to work with any kind of sensitive data, to query the data, but the output is then anonymized to protect the privacy of the individuals or entities. This groundbreaking technology allows important and useful data to be utilized without breaching privacy regulations or laws.
From medical to financial applications and beyond, Aircloak’s software is opening doors to data, but doing it the right way, the safe and legal way. Bauer discusses how their software can give marketing and data professionals access to valuable insider information in databases while maintaining absolute security and privacy protection of the identity of the individuals within those databases. Aircloak delivers the results marketers and data professionals are seeking in a manner that is 100% compliant with all regulations.
The privacy expert delivers an overview of the process that their software utilizes to pick through data. He details how their software responds to queries and pulls the requested information, then analyzes all the relevant information for identifying data that should not be disclosed. The software scrubs the data essentially and removes all the identifying information that is legally required and mandated to be kept private, confidential, and secure. Additionally, Aircloak’s software is designed to fight against breaches, such as instances in which someone may be issuing lots of queries to try to single out a particular answer that is private. And to keep their software working at the highest level, Aircloak has established a program that invites individuals to make an attempt to hack their software and access private data.
If there is a successful breach, Aircloak’s team gets to work to fix that breach immediately. However, it should be noted, out of 33,000,000 attempts, only two have been able to breach even minor data. Alarmingly, according to Bauer, 60% of the US population can be identified directly with access to only birth date, zip code, and gender. With data collection expanding exponentially, Aircloak’s solutions are in high demand. From small organizations to large corporate businesses, the Aircloak system can be set up quickly on most systems to allow valuable data to be utilized right away.
Megan Ramos began volunteering on research projects with Dr. Jason Fung almost 20 years ago, while she was still in high school. At that time, Dr. Fung was just starting his career as a nephrologist, and has since become the well-known author of The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight and The Complete Guide to Fasting.
Ramos’ journey with Dr. Fung really took off while they were researching the effect of fasting on weight loss and overall health. “Fasting...saved my life...it is such a great tool to help get people into a place of good health before they start to experience complications because it takes us a while to change our dietary habits,” says Megan Ramos.
In 2012, Ramos founded Intensive Dietary Management, a program for which she continues to serve as director, guiding people through the process of achieving health through fasting. Among other topics, Ramos discusses the different fasting regimens that are best suited for different individuals, the ways in which people who are new to fasting can ease into it, the main challenges that are likely to be encountered, and the ways in which to avoid the physiological side effects that can occur within the first couple weeks of fasting.
Learn more at www.idmprogram.com.
Dataperformers is an applied AI research company based in Montreal, CA, offering two main solutions for businesses: Stellar AI and SpecterNet. Mehdi Merai, CEO of Dataperformers, explains that the growth rate of startups is much greater than it is for manufacturers, with many seeing 300% growth in just six months. “The problem is that the data that financial institutions are using today are not up to date and the models are not made for a continued flow of data,” says Merai.
This is where Stellar AI comes into play, which works to match data from external sources with internal data in banks and other financial institutions, allowing for a more thorough profiling of companies, the ability to predict servicing and financing needs, and for the prioritization of tasks within sales departments.
SpecterNet, on the other hand, utilizes deep learning and computer vision technology in order to detect, track, and identify objects in video content, providing marketing companies with a tool for in-store analyses such as threat-risk detection and customer behavior analytics.
Tune in for the full discussion, and visit dataperformers.com to learn more.
We are not trying to replicate TV or create an experience that takes you away from TV, we are trying to make TV better by making it social,” says Fabrizio Capobianco, CEO of TOKtv. Television started out as a social activity, but for a number of reasons, including easy access to entertainment via mobile devices, many people these days are experiencing television alone. But for Fabrizio Capobianco, the social aspect of watching sports is vital to the experience of watching sports as a whole...and the 32 million users who have joined the TOKtv network seem to agree.
Created in 2012, TOKtv is the world’s largest social network in sports and has partnerships with the biggest football clubs in Europe. The TOKtv app allows people to connect with friends and fellow fans via a voice platform, take pictures with their friends as if they were sitting side-by-side in the stadium, and broadcast videos of themselves by simply shaking the mobile device--perfect for celebrating a goal.
The app also helps sponsors activate relationships with fans through chat boxes and monthly voting contests. For example, sponsored monthly voting contests that used Twitter as the voting platform saw about 60 votes per month; using the TOKtv platform, sponsors saw closer to 20,000 votes per month--a true testament to the engagement of the TOKtv community.
Tune in to learn more.
Amit Golan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Minute, a real-time AI video analysis platform that’s helping publishers and content creators increase user engagement and generate more revenue on their video content. Today, video content is often hiding behind static images or titles that represent the video articles, meaning that users can’t actually see the content. But with the use of AI, computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, and crowdsourced information, Minute is able to analyze a video and automatically identify the most engaging and visually compelling moments within it.
By making sure that users are exposed to the seconds leading up to those moments, Minute dramatically increases user engagement and click-through rates 95% of the time, without showing the highlight itself. With the use of a prediction algorithm, Minute is able to automatically identify, replace, or deactivate any videos that result in decreased click-through rates or engagement--which only happens 5% of the time.
Tune in to learn more about Minute’s other products and ongoing projects.
Nancy J Kelley, JD, MPP, president & CEO of Nancy J Kelley + Associates, provides an overview of the current work in genomic research. As an executive and lawyer, Nancy J Kelley has over twenty years of executive management and board experience, with a critical focus on healthcare, life science, and research, especially as they relate to business and legal, government, non-profit, and academic areas. Nancy J Kelley + Associates’ mission is to aid science and medicine through building and strategic planning, to push for scientific and medical breakthroughs. Their team works to advance translational genomic research that could potentially cure disease as well as improve the quality of life.
Nancy J Kelley discusses her involvement with Genome Project-write (GP-write) an international project comprised of 200 scientists from 15 countries and over 100 institutions. GP-write’s focus is to gather a full understanding of life, to reduce the overall expense of engineering and testing large genomes in cell lines, and create new tools and specific technologies for engineering biology. She relates how the project has a goal of understanding the blueprint to life provided by the Human Genome Project, but an equally important goal is to develop new technologies. The Human Genome Project was an international project with a primary mission—to determine the exact sequence of nucleotide base pairs that, together, make up human DNA, as well as to identify and map all genes of the human genome.
The science executive explains that researchers must build genomes in order to fully understand how biological systems operate. And this understanding will have long-term implications in nearly every arena, from food, to new materials, to energy, healthcare and beyond. Through this work, researchers hope to find new ways to make cell lines resistant to viruses. Nancy J Kelley states that synthetic biology, or as she refers to it—engineering biology—is a growing field that businesses and governments are extremely interested in. And although the GP-write project is slated for a ten-year run only, her expectation is that GP-write will open the doors for continued study and developments for many years to come.
We’ve all been there, pouring over the unvetted, nonsense job listings on numerous, over-saturated online job boards. Or perhaps as the hiring manager, peeling through unqualified resume, after even more unqualified resume. Nowhere is this more felt, perhaps, than the fintech world. Industry leaders can all agree, it’s no secret finding solid applicants is a particularly grueling task in this competitive space.
Today we sit down with Ed Donner, CEO, and Cofounder of New York, tech start-up, untapt. Untapt is making job-hunting and hiring in tech as easy and streamlined as it should as possible. They are using built-in artificial intelligence to match talent with job openings. Untapt uses AI and algorithms to go through thousands of resumes at a time, to predict how certain applicants would do in a particular position. This is not only saving precious time but also saves on costly recruiter fees and commissions.
Tune in to find out how untapt is changing the way we hire and search for jobs in the ever-growing field of fintech jobs.
Dimitri Titov, a scientist at the European Space Agency, delivers a fascinating account of the groundbreaking discovery of the Mars Express mission. Titov received his PhD and then pushed his career forward as a senior researcher at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He then brought his talents to the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, a research institute in astronomy and astrophysics that is located in Göttingen, Germany. Titov is internationally known for his important work on the atmospheres of terrestrial planets.
Titov discusses the successful mission of the European Space Agency’s Mars Express spacecraft, of which he is very involved as project scientist. Decades of speculation about the existence of liquid water on the red planet were brought to a conclusion as the project discovered a 12-mile wide lake beneath an ice cap on Mars’s southern pole. While the Mars Express faced many difficult analytical issues throughout its mission, the discovery was considered a breakthrough in planetary science and our general understanding of the evolution of the planet and its potential for habitability.
Titov discusses the process of using cratering records in an expansive geological survey of the red planet that provides information on the ages of different geological units, and with the use of spectrometers water can be seen in Mars’s atmosphere. Additionally, scientists can use particle plasma instruments to note water escaping the planet, which changes its atmospheric condition. But the discovery of this liquid water trapped beneath a Mars ice cap solidifies theories that many scientists have posed.
The planetary scientist explains that while science has not yet discovered why the atmosphere changed so dramatically over time on Mars, theories abound that propose it may be due to its smaller size and thus inability to maintain consistency of atmosphere effectively. By measuring the escape of atmosphere on the planet, Titov and the scientific community hope to understand the reasons for the change and how it came to happen.
He discusses the use of subsurface penetrating radar that can send electromagnetic pulses to the surface of the planet, which can then allow researchers to listen to the echo as it penetrates several kilometers below surface. And through analyzation of the time delays on the echo, researchers can get an estimation of relative thickness of layers to better understand the composition, etc. Bright reflections in the radar signals indicated to scientists that the presence of water did exist, for as Titov explains, only liquid water could produce this in the signals.
The science expert details how a comparative analysis of gravity, magnetic fields, and various other factors on the different terrestrial planets can provide information about the complicated behavior of these complex systems. Titov provides analysis on some of the theories as to why liquid water exists below the ice cap surface. He explains that as water on Mars moves directly from the solid state to the gaseous state, bypassing the liquid state altogether, that the subsurface water indicates that the pressure is perhaps higher subsurface than on surface. Additionally the chemical content of the water probably differs as well, and all those factors help scientists to understand the possibilities of life below Mars’s surface. As the research expands, and new information comes forward, the fifteen-year-old Mars Express mission continues to bring new discoveries.
Link:
- Mars Express - https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express
- Discovery of water on Mars - http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_detects_liquid_water_hidden_under_planet_s_south_pole
- Image of dust storms on Mars - https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Highlights/A_storm_rolls_in
- Image "detecting buried water with radar" - http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2018/07/Detecting_buried_water_with_radar
Here you can find an image of Dmitri, if needed - http://sci.esa.int/solar-system/48602-esa-scientists-honoured-by-the-egu-in-vienna/
Hannah Sutter, CEO and founder of Natural Ketosis (naturalketosis.co.uk), delivers an overview of the healthy benefits of ketosis. Ketones are produced when we eat few carbohydrates and sufficient amounts of protein. Carbohydrates are the main source of blood sugar and excess protein is converted to blood sugar. Fat is converted in the liver to ketones, and these ketones enter the blood stream and are then utilized as a fuel source by cells within the body, just as glucose would be. And as the brain cannot be directly fueled by fat, ketones can benefit brain function as well. Most people get much of their energy from carbohydrates, but when the body begins to fuel itself on ketones, a higher level of energy can be achieved. And tapping into ketones can often provide people with a boosted level of mental clarity as well.
Sutter explains how her interest in ketosis drove her to dig deeper into foods that were available for the ketosis-minded, and unfortunately, what she found was that there were few choices on the market without artificial sweeteners and artificial ingredients. Sutter set out to change that. Sutter’s company, Natural Ketosis, provides portion-controlled, fat burning food delivered right to your door. She discusses the natural foods and ingredients of the snacks, meals, and full dinner options they deliver, including the many benefits of prebiotics as well. Prebiotics are high-fiber foods that can act as a food for human microflora, and they are often used to improve the balance of these types of microorganisms. Interestingly, this can add a slight sweetened taste to some foods as well, and as sugar intake is lowered in one’s diet, it only takes a small amount of sweetener for as the body adjusts our perceptions are changed.
The process of being in ketosis provides so many healthy benefits such as weight loss; a reduction in stored body fat; an increase in energy levels; stabilization of blood sugars; improvement in hair, skin and nail quality; and a more substantial feeling of being full after a meal with reduced sugar cravings overall. The nutrition expert explains how many people can benefit from a ketogenic diet, from those who struggle to lose weight, to fitness enthusiasts, to diabetics and people who suffer from seizures, and really anyone who wants to have a healthier diet and renewed energy.
She explains that it may seem difficult for some people to make the switch to the healthier diet, but she advises for people to view it as a lifestyle rather than just a diet. For if people see it as a way of living, they will probably stick to it longer, and the longer they maintain it, the better effects it can have on their overall health and energy.
George Frankel, founder of Eternal Reefs, delivers a thought-provoking overview of his company’s mission to preserve and protect the reef environment for future generations through the use of memorialization. Frankel’s company works with families that have chosen cremation to create an artificial reef known as a reef ball that includes their loved one’s cremated remains. The reef ball will be adorned with a plaque listing their dearly departed’s name and is then placed on the sea floor in a permanent location to create new habitats for fish and other sea life.
Frankel discusses his feelings on the “real magic,” as he refers to it, that happens when family members take part in the creation of the reef. Traditional funerals really only allow family members to make a few early decisions, cut a check, and then wait, making the families feel powerless and unneeded in the process. Eternal Reefs’ process involves the family members, which gives them a sense of purpose, and a feeling that they have some control. Frankel explains the good feeling that he sees families exhibit after they truly see that their loved one’s reef ball is contributing to the environment and supporting sea life. It gives them a good feeling and an internal warmness to know that their family member is part of that, eternally.
Frankel refers to the ocean as a “nutrient rich desert,” in that there are literally millions of microorganisms floating and seeking a place to land, to establish a base. The textured outer surface of the environmentally safe, cast concrete reef ball is designed specifically to create an ideal home for these living sea entities. And as the concrete is ph neutral, it works perfectly for living creatures, allowing aquatic life to flourish in and around it.
Eternal Reefs offers multiple sizes for families on varying budgets, from their smaller 750-pound reef ball that is two feet high and three feet wide to their largest which is 3800 pounds and is five feet high and six feet wide. From South Padre Island, Texas to Atlantic City, New Jersey, Frankel’s company services the needs of caring families who want to make a difference and give back to the environment. Frankel explains how sea temperatures and various other factors impact the types of aquatic life that inhabit their reef balls. And as he explains, within a year, most reef balls are so alive with life and natural-made structures that the reef balls begin to look like real, living reef systems.
Over time, these reef balls morph into a complete reef environment that is practically indistinguishable from organically grown actual sea reefs. Frankel details how the placement locations of their reef balls are heavily regulated and that they only place reefs in approved areas that have been selected for new reef creation. Thus, family members can feel confident that their departed loved ones will be contributing to a need.
Frankel discusses how many families feel that the reef ball creation process is an opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of loss and the circle of life, a teaching opportunity that creates a learning experience for young minds to grasp important ideas about how their world works. And as many people are now seeking more environmentally conscious means to deal with the burial of loved ones, Eternal Reefs offers a solution that makes sense from a conservation angle.
Technical skills alone aren't enough anymore. In this talk geared toward engineers, technologists, and founders, Wes reveals the top mistakes technical leaders make when describing their ideas–and shares frameworks to help better market your product.
Headliners will learn:
Wes is a marketing consultant with 10+ years of in-house experience at Fortune 500 brands and venture-funded startups. Prior to consulting, she led digital marketing and brand management at Flite (acquired by Snapchat), Bare Escentuals, L’Oreal, and Gap Inc. Wes also serves as a mentor for Backstage and WeWork Labs.
Over the past decade, workforce demographics have changed significantly, and for the first time ever in the US, more females over the age of 30 are having children than those who are under the age of 30. Furthermore, 33% of all Americans have either directly experienced a fertility treatment or know someone who has. Tammy Sun is the CEO of Carrot Fertility, a company that recognizes these changes and is working to meet the demands they bring by helping leading technology and finance companies deliver customizable, affordable fertility benefits to their employees.
“We believe that in a short amount of time--fewer than five years--millennials will come to work expecting fertility coverage...and we are working with Coinbase to deliver on this,” says Sun, who is joined by Nathalie McGrath, Head of Corporate Partnerships and People at Coinbase. McGrath can already testify to the need for and healthful benefits of providing employees with fertility coverage, which includes everything from basic evaluations, fertility preservation, and IVF, to more complex processes such as surrogacy.
Tune in for the full discussion and visit carrotfertility.com to learn more.
“One of the biggest issues we face is that often when people think of scrap or recyclables, they think of waste, and scrap and waste are two very different things,” says Robin Wiener, President of the Washington DC-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Wiener goes on to explain that while waste is material that has reached the end of its useful life and will end up in a landfill, scrap material gets recycled into commodity-grade products. In fact, more than 40% of the raw material needs of global manufacturing is met through scrap products.
As an annual purchaser of over $5.6 billion worth of US-based scrap materials, China has played an integral part as a major consumer of US-based recyclable goods. But in the face of a massive environmental crisis, China is implementing serious change, including increased restrictions on the import of goods. Weiner discusses the cause and effect of these restrictions and the way in which the US is responding. As part of the effort to mitigate these changes, ISRI is working closely with US-based manufacturers to increase the use of recyclable materials in their manufacturing processes, identifying the challenges that prevent certain goods and products from being recycled, and exploring solutions to those challenges.
Also discussed is the US Department of Energy REMADE Institute, whose efforts in enabling early-stage applied R&D to reduce embodied energy and carbon emissions are closely tied to recycling. Wiener addresses a range of interesting and informative topics--all of which implicate the future of the US and the world at large.
To learn more, visit www.isri.org.
Online shopping these days is more popular than ever, with many people relying on content sites for product reviews and recommendations before deciding to make purchases. But with Google Search and Amazon having a monopoly over the direction of product links within publisher articles, along with an over-reliance on banner ads leading consumers to install ad blockers, the publishers who provide consumers with valuable content reviews are losing revenue.
This is where Narrativ steps in, a company that’s utilizing AI to allow multiple advertisers to bid to get connected with publisher content, freeing publishers from the burden of making deals with advertisers themselves or worrying about which retailer actually carries the product. This is also providing consumers with a wider range of websites that are selling the product they’re interested in. By identifying more websites and retailers that are willing to pay to have their name injected into a content article, Narrativ is ensuring that consumers will be directed to websites that have products in stock, and locating retailers with the best rates--ultimately increasing revenue for content publishers.
Since using Narrativ’s links for the majority of the products they review, New York Magazine's content commerce site, The Strategist, has seen a significant increase in revenue. Tune in for the full conversation, and visit narrativ.com to learn more.
Jason Sosa, founder and CEO of Blackbox AI (blackboxai.com), delivers an overview of his company’s visionary approach to improving the way we work and connect. Blackbox AI’s mission is to help corporate and industrial teams better understand and enact advancing technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Blockchain, Computer Vision and other technologies to solve challenging business problems.
As Sosa explains, Blackbox AI is a decentralized talent platform that allows entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best by providing a means for them to modify their skills from anywhere in the world. With talent comprised of PhDs, executives, and technologists, Blackbox AI strives to bring leaders and business minds together by using machine learning to optimize information and match teams and projects to those who are best suited for the tasks, regardless of where they are physically located in the world. This is the backbone, Sosa states, for creating smart contracts. Regarding payment, Blackbox AI utilizes a token system that creates a trust transaction for people in the network who are working together. Blackbox AI looked to cryptocurrency to solve their problem of building a brand new economic model that they refer to as ‘boosted capitalism,’ a system in which workers find a deeper meaning in the work they do. Essentially, Blackbox AI seeks to enable people to open up their network, work on the projects they choose, from anywhere they exist.
The groundbreaking vision of Blackbox AI empowers people to have a third alternative regarding work. As opposed to just working for corporate as many do, or working for yourself (which comes with a whole host of issues such as the need for marketing and legal, and so on), Blackbox AI offers a solution that capitalizes on the best parts of both systems. By decentralizing the traditional work platform, connections are extended deeper creating an optimum situation in which team members and project operators, managers, entrepreneurs, executives, and technologists can come together.
The technology-based alternative work expert discusses how his company protects against fluctuations in the economy by holding client revenues in reserve to be available for liquidity into the AI ecosystem. Blackbox AI’s platform is helping to solve the feast or famine problem that freelancers often face as they go from lean periods to periods of excessive incoming work. Sosa refers to his platform and network as a type of co-op with guard rails that embodies a level of higher trust amongst respected, intelligent individuals seeking to accomplish their goals and commit to projects that interest them.
Dan Baird, CEO of Wrench.AI (wrench.ai), embarks on an intricate analysis of the future of marketing strategies and consumer data as AI opens the secret door to better client and consumer profiles. Dan Baird’s entrepreneurial spirit as a self-described launch strategist has driven him to create and launch multiple startups in a wide variety of sectors. From oversized beanbags to fundraising entities, when it comes to launching businesses, Baird has always been curious about the journey as well as the destination. His company, Wrench.AI collaborates with entrepreneurs to help simplify their product launches and thus build a better gateway to success. Through the use of AI-powered software, Wrench.AI is a tool that combines aggregate data and information about existing customer and client bases to provide a deeper understanding of how they think, and what type of products may interest them.
Wrench.AI is the clever combination of a marketing agency that specializes in equity crowdfunding and a software company focused on delivering simple, accurate code. Their primary goal is to provide a simplified process in which companies can utilize the incredible power of their data to automate manual processes and maximize their marketing efforts via AI and machine learning. Wrench.AI seeks to create data-driven solutions that push business marketing, sales, and efficiencies forward while reducing the exorbitant costs of acquiring capital. Wrench.AI is engaged with many types of B2B organizations such as commercial real estate firms, funds, merchant and online lenders, credit unions, cash advance companies, mezzanine financiers, packaged goods companies, and many more.
The entrepreneurial strategist states that through the combination of digital marketing strategies and existing public data, Wrench.AI offers a more precise and detailed look at where the true potential lies within potential investor and client lists. As Baird explains, the AI provides a wealth of information that gives incredible insight into groups and individuals to understand how informed they are about product lines or services, and as such provides an indisputable inside edge with marketing.
As Baird states, every company on the planet has a marketing and sales division and Wrench.AI’s platform enables them to nail their goals more efficiently. Baird remarks how the AI can, amazingly, reverse engineer specific personality types based on words and language to provide a keen insight into who your target demographic or potential lead, or customer actually is at the core. Utilizing this information and data offers an opportunity to go forward into a point of contact or engagement with a potential customer or client armed with knowledge of their specific grasp of a particular product, line, or service, as well as their potential for buying. Also, by pairing individuals with similar personality traits, Wrench.AI allows for conversations and engagement points to be streamlined, which creates a greater opportunity for success, and most assuredly a decreased stress interaction.
Baird muses that as the AI develops, the question companies will pose is, how can we do bigger, better, and fewer innovation strategies in the future and Wrench.AI is poised to be there for companies to help them push their marketing forward to the next level.
Patrick Gray, CEO of HashChain Technology, a global blockchain company focused on mining cryptocurrencies, was an early adopter in the space. Gray saw the potential of blockchain and cryptos early on and has rode the waves up and down in this turbulent industry. Part of this “ride” has led to the established mining operations HashChain Technology currently operates, as well as the acquisition of super companies focused more on growing their blockchain presence in the space, including recently acquiring NODE40.
In this interview Gray explains his passion for the blockchain and crypto space and why he believes, there needs to be long-term, “ride or die” mentality for the old-timers, as well as a continued push to see new investors.
Gray also lets us in on how HashChain will continue both the aggressive scaling of mining operations while continuing to diversify beyond being just a cryptocurrency mining company to a full-scale blockchain company.
Orvium is the first open source and decentralized framework powered by Blockchain for managing scholarly publications' life cycles and the associated data. Orvium improves the quality and effectiveness of scientific publishing while returning the benefits of science to the society.
Dr. Ryan Lowery, CEO of Ketogenic.com, delivers an informative overview of how a ketogenic diet and lifestyle can greatly enhance health. Dr. Lowery’s passion is to bring the healthy benefits of a ketogenic lifestyle to everyone, on a global level. Lowery holds a masters in exercise and nutrition science and he has published over 100 papers, abstracts, and chapters on nutrition, physical training, diet, and general exercise.
Along with partners, Dr. Jacob Wilson and Sam Beeler, Lowery founded the Applied Science and Performance Institute (ASPI), an advanced research and performance facility focused on bringing science and application together through innovation and study. In 2017, Lowery, along with partner Dr. Jacob Wilson, published, The Ketogenic Bible, which is now heading to print in multiple languages, to further Lowery’s goal of achieving a global reach for his message.
Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body produces and utilizes ketones as its number one energy supply. A ketogenic lifestyle is based primarily on, essentially, what’s going in our bodies. Ketones, specifically, are chemicals made by the liver. They are created when there isn’t enough insulin in the body to turn glucose into energy, so the body uses fat instead. As the liver turns fat to ketones, it then sends them pumping through the bloodstream, which muscles and tissues utilize for powerful fuel.
Lowery discusses his goal to show the science behind the diet and lifestyle, so that people understand this is not a fad but is backed by real science that can produce real results for better health. Lowery is seeing a shift, as people move to the ketogenic diet, but not everyone is experiencing full ketosis. He discusses how athletes have traditionally been utilizing ‘sideline sugar’ as a performance tool, but Lowery provides that their brains are actually starved for a true, pure energy source. The brain cannot use fatty acids for production of energy when levels of blood glucose are compromised, thus ketone bodies can be utilized to deliver an alternative, extremely viable source of energy to the brain.
Lowery discusses how the body breaks down fat and the chemical science behind the process, and how we can use this to reconfigure our nutritional cycle in our carb-adapted world. He gives an overview on some simple measures anyone can do to get that ‘full’ feeling without loading up on calories, such as starting a meal with a healthy salad, and hydrating regularly, before and during the meal. And as carbohydrates raise insulin levels, a carb-heavy diet creates tiredness, a general lethargy, that depleted energy feeling. As Lowery describes, it’s a vicious cycle that doesn’t need to happen.
The nutrition expert delivers an overview on exogenous ketones and the improvement the body can experience in insulin sensitivity and other areas, especially during intermittent fasting. By supplementing exogenous ketones, one can get their energy up, and extend fasting periods. He discusses the various chemical formulations and their individual benefits, from energy improvement to boosting sleep quality.
Ultimately, as Lowery states, there is a big psychological aspect to beginning a ketogenic lifestyle, as we often feel like we’re giving up so much. But Lowery suggests that the better way to look at it is to not dwell on the losses, but to look at all the things you can have on a ketogenic diet, and to remember the vast amount of benefits that the diet brings to good health.
Chris Weilemann, CTO of CloudSight (cloudsight.ai), provides a detailed overview of CloudSight’s visual cognition and understanding API (application programming interface). CloudSight is a tech company based in Los Angeles that specializes in continuous real-time hybrid intelligence for visual understanding. They seek to create tailored solutions to a host of challenging problems by bringing together human and machine intelligence. They have developed image recognition API that provides actual understanding for digital media. Essentially, it’s a means for processing media to deliver a visual understanding of that media.
Weilemann discusses how their API goes beyond traditional classification and machine vision, as their analysis is many times what normal methods could produce, a fine-grain detail analysis of what is actually going on in imagery. And the uses for CloudSight’s tech are varied, from catalog discovery and product discovery to fully understand an inventory, to digital media management to better grasp and understand the content of a large volume of media.
The data expert explains how their system works, utilizing several microservices of AIs that work independently to gather data and learn from their own failures as they go, and by leveraging hybrid intelligence. Thus the combination of machine learning and human being input maximizes the end results in a successful manner. In any industry, from clothing and fashion, to sports, to manufacturing, CloudSight’s team can build custom models to provide the data analysis needed to improve productivity overall. Analysis and tags are actually becoming so specific and full of detail that the results from CloudSight’s image recognition AI are mind boggling and impressive.
As their technology pushes forward, Weilemann expects to see new advances in speed regarding the microservices and how the API handles data and operates, and advances in what could be possible with the new technology. And he expects more detailed work to be viable with computer vision as the embedded technology increases at lightning speed in our tech-forward world.
Cypherium is a highly scalable & permission-less hybrid blockchain platform based on proof-of-work and Byzantine fault tolerance consensus. The design goal of Cypherium focuses on achieving the apex of scalability, decentralization, and commercialization viability.
Cypherium’s unique consensus mechanism provides unprecedented transaction throughput and contract execution time through PBFT while leveraging an ASIC-resistant PoW system for decentralized node election. By providing fundamental building blocks for developers to create groundbreaking applications, and an intuitive interface for users to access these functionalities, Cypherium aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for the future of blockchain technology.
For more information, visit https://www.cypherium.io
Dr. Alejandro “Alex” Chavez, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University, provides a detailed overview of the advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology. CRISPR/Cas9 is a genome protection system utilized by many microbes to prevent foreign DNA and nucleic acids from infiltrating their genomes and potentially causing damage. Gene editing (changing the sequence of DNA) is not a new development, but the CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows for greater efficiency with gene editing at a lowered cost. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, and the Cas9 essentially acts, as Dr. Chavez states, like a targeted missile. It works by taking small pieces of a genome and utilizing Cas9 to target or hunt down other copies of the sequence. As researchers learned more, the push to increase human gene editing, to target and attack specific genes reached an intense demand, for the potential for medical and scientific breakthroughs is immense. As Chavez explains, once Cas9 learns that a particular sequence belongs to a virus it will then seek it out, bind to it, and cut it, thus rendering it ineffectual. And as the defense effect takes hold, it strengthens other DNA in a system increasing resistance overall. Dr. Chavez discusses how the use of Cas9 has to be extremely specific, as Cas9 is so hard-working that it’s essential that it be carefully planned so as to attack only the intended target. The cell biology expert provides an overview of restriction enzymes and the targeting and cutting of DNA. As he states, with CRIPSR, researchers can target literally anything they want, making it more efficient in research as a precision tool. Dr. Chavez explains the remarkable possibilities that CRISPR technology has created, as it can be utilized to turn single genes off, one by one, to see what happens, thus allowing for a systematic pattern of research. But as CRISPR is excellent at cutting genes off, there hasn’t been an easy way to use CRISPR to turn genes on, so as the cell biology professor explains, their research features study in this area. He expresses the importance of seeing the gene in various ways, to have two different pictures of what the gene is doing. Chavez’s lab built a tool that allows researchers to use CRISPR to turn genes on, which gives researchers a deeper look into the gene’s actions and how it works. Chavez discusses Cas9 variants in terms of how they are utilized, their specificities, and how they cut DNA. He explains that while the variations are many, most researchers use Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) due to its overall efficiency, for as Chavez states, it’s a jack of all trades. The genome researcher provides information on some future developments on the horizon, such as in vivo recorders that make physical copies of events within the genome, and the packaging of CRISPR for sterilization in medical procedures. Additionally, he explains how CRISPR specificity can allow more targeted cutting such that an exact area can be cut to specifically kill only the part of a bacterium that is harmful. With the advances in CRISPR, Chavez’s lab is diving deeper into study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as others, to understand the biology of diseases.
CEO of Block66, Joe Markham, sits down to discuss how they are breathing life into the mortgage industry with a platform that utilizes Blockchain Technology to streamline the process and provide transparency through the lending process.
The mortgage lending industry has faced its share of problems – from fraud, to lengthy application, approval and funding. Block66 aims to be the first platform offering a thoroughly scrutinized collection of borrowers, pulling applicants’ financial and personal information such as pay stubs, tax documents and credit information directly from the source and uploading and storing it on the Blockchain. The idea is to make the entire process much more streamlined and it should lower the costs, as well as the risk to lenders. Each loan is featured as a pool of “proof of loan” (PoL) tokens that is then resold to investors, giving the lenders liquidity and allowing a credible and vetted group of investors to participate.
Join us for an interesting look at the way Blockchain Technology is innovating the mortgage lending process.
At Paxful, you get the opportunity to not only contribute your skills to the development of our innovative service offerings, but also the chance be a part of a company that is truly disrupting finance for good. Paxful is the world’s largest Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Marketplace and a universal money translator. Powered by people and blockchain technology, not big banks, we offer support for a payment system that empowers merchants and e-commerce shoppers. This opens up a new market of 2 billion people who have no access to banking services but do have the ability to buy bitcoin via one of the 300+ payment methods enabled by Paxful.
Sweetbridge is a blockchain-based economic framework that transforms supply chain and logistics collaboration through a fast, fair and flexible value exchange that unleashes working capital for the benefit of all participants. The Sweetbridge economy is a trusted, transparent digital economy that co-exists with existing national economies. Sweetbridge’s blockchain protocols harmonize the rules for market-access, property-rights protection, and compensation for individuals and companies, across existing national economies and boundaries. Thus, Sweetbridge enables both existing and new forms of global trade and settlement.
Changing self-care with B-wom, a digital coach for women's health. B-wom offers personalized, data-based care programs to address common female health issues, from incontinence to sexual pain and postpartum recovery. Plans include guided exercises, daily habits, and recommendations, tracking and motivation, all in mobile. Their vision is to give every woman in the world the access to better healthcare thanks to a better understanding of their bodies.
NOIZ is a decentralized ad exchange platform based on the blockchain. It provides data transparency and solves the problem of an ad fraud by using a Proof of Engagement concept that validates user data. NOIZ also gives consumers control over their data privacy so they're constantly aware of what information is shared through the ad exchange network. All parties involved are connected to social impact projects, thus improving the communities in which consumers and brands exist.
Tim Bean, CEO of Fortem Technologies, provides a detailed overview of the future of airspace, drones, and drone hunters. Mr. Bean has over two decades of business and technical experience as a leader in multiple technology start-ups in Silicon Valley. Bean oversees the strategy for Fortem Technologies, and handles everything from product creation, through sales, to customer support. Bean has a vast array of knowledge in sales and engineering, with specific expertise in cyber-defense and mission-critical infrastructure applications.
Bean’s company, Fortem Technologies, is known for specialization in AI-enabled airspace security and safety. Notably, the company is a leader in real-time intrusion detection. Fortem Technologies can provide military-tested solutions that have the capability to alert, identify, and classify drones, unmanned aircraft vehicles (commonly referred to as UAVs), or other intruding or unlawful invaders.
The airspace security expert discusses the many areas where Fortem Technologies’ advances can deliver effective results. He details how US airspace is the most crowded but the safest in the world primarily because of the tight regulations enforced by the FAA, as aircraft are in communication and cooperate with each other to ensure that safety is paramount. But as some aircraft, and helicopters in particular, fly at a lower altitude, the airspace may become increasingly dangerous as drones become more ubiquitous each coming year. For these reasons, Bean states that airports are a prime area where their technology can provide for higher levels of safety. Additionally, Bean lays out the other areas in which Fortem Technologies is embedded, such as border security, oil and gas refineries, nuclear facilities, stadiums and events, essentially any place where airspace needs to be secured.
Bean provides an overview of how their technology works to secure airspace. He explains the steps needed in the security process, from first identifying what is in the airspace to the integrated response for that situation. Utilizing RF listening (radio frequency) to catch RF signals between operator and drone allows for easy pick up of what Bean refers to as “careless” operators, who probably have wandered into secure airspace unknowingly. He points out that the true challenge in today’s security is to combat criminal or terrorist drones that fly autonomously and emit zero RF. From espionage to terrorism, these types of drones pose a serious threat to airspace security and potentially public safety. To meet the challenge, radar is often employed to detect unidentified and potentially dangerous or criminal intrusions into highly secure areas.
While jamming signals is an obvious way to deter nefarious drone type activity, this procedure is not legal in many countries due to regulatory laws. Bean’s company, however, provides a means to engage illegal drones, dogfight them, net them, and carry them away to a neutral space. Bean discusses the detailed laws that are emerging in regard to protection of critical infrastructure from nefarious drone activity, and how the laws are changing as technology pushes further. Many issues come into play and a particularly important one is the regulation of flying ‘beyond a visual line of sight,’ which Bean discusses in detail. As he states, the FAA is in support of these regulation allowances, and as the terms get worked out we may soon be getting our hot, delicious pizzas delivered via drone.
Imbrex is pioneering the real estate industry using advanced blockchain and data distribution protocols. Imbrex's objective is to democratize real estate information and improve the transaction process. Through blockchain and peer to peer technologies, imbrex provides unrestricted, free data while laying the groundwork for tokenized transactions.
imbrex, a revolutionary new global listing platform where it’s free to list and search for properties. A platform where you won’t be bombarded by ads. Where you’re in complete control of your data. Where transactions take days, not months. A platform that pays you to participate. Imbrex connects vendors, buyers and agents over a powerful open network that rewards you for your contributions. Imbrex combines three innovative technologies – The Blockchain, Data Distribution and Digital Currencies – to create the world’s most advanced Global Real Estate Listing Service. And it’s completely free.
Instead of money, imbrex uses a digital currency, the imbrex token, which enables frictionless transactions. Users are paid in imbrex tokens to list properties or provide market data, and tokens can be exchanged within the platform for features and services. Imbrex is hosted on a global peer-to-peer distributed network, so there are no paywalls or access restrictions. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can list properties and view listings – at no cost.
Invention Evaluator helps you assess the commercial potential of new technologies. Our analysts provide hundreds of corporations, universities and research centers around the world confidential unbiased technology analysis reports that summarize the technical merits, intellectual property research and the commercial potential of any idea or IP asset, in ten business days for $995.
Visit inventionevaluator.com for a sample report.
Eli Goldstein, co-founder and CEO of SkyCool Systems (skycoolsystems.com), delivers an informative overview of his company’s incredible technology that produces cooling by utilizing the cold environment of outer space. His company, SkyCool Systems, works to provide clean, renewable, breakthrough technologies that allow for more sustainable and cost-effective cooling that is efficient and decreases water loss. Mr. Goldstein’s interest in energy systems and science led him to pursue and secure his PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He has since worked extensively in the field as well as in academia. Mr. Goldstein has spearheaded experimentation and testing in thermal modeling and continues to work toward advancing the science.
SkyCool Systems’ patented heat panel is easily installable to any roof. Once installed, the panel receives fluid that is cooled passively by sending heat to the sky. Through the use of a specially developed film that prevents heating from the sun, it is able to cool below the existing air temperature. Goldstein explains the technology behind SkyCool Systems’ patented product. As he details, their specially developed film is specifically designed to mirror, and not absorb heat from the sun. While avoiding the heat absorption, the panel’s film is able to emit light in the infrared that is transparent to our atmosphere, and thus it can go all the way into space. This process allows SkyCool Systems’ panel to utilize outer space as a cold resource. Thus, unlike any other material exposed to the sun, SkyCool Systems’ panels, via their patented technology, are able to cool down, in spite of the sun’s tremendous heat. While the technology is available and successfully working to lower temperatures for structures, Goldstein muses that someday it may be possible to even have clothing that is made from materials that work off the same infrared transparency model.
As SkyCool Systems’ technology moves further into the marketplace, an immediate application will be to merge their panels with commercial air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems, to allow for more efficient and productive cooling from those traditional systems. Via ‘sub-cooling,’ SkyCool Systems’ technology can increase the cooling of the traditional systems’ refrigerants with an overall goal of improving efficiency by ten to twenty percent. Goldstein explains the radiation aspects of his technology with the example of a space heater. As a space heater uses thermal radiation to provide heat to someone even though they are ten or twenty feet away, SkyCool Systems’ technology can perform in a similar manner, but with cooling as opposed to heat.
From supermarkets to convenience stores, office buildings to data centers, Goldstein discusses how SkyCool Systems’ innovative process can increase cooling efficiency, decrease electricity usage, and do it all without needing to evaporate water. And as tech companies’ data centers typically use hundreds of millions of gallons of water for their cooling systems, SkyCool Systems’ process is a unique solution to decrease this massive water waste.
Goldstein discusses how the use of these methods for cooling dates back to ancient civilizations, as early Persian civilizations utilized the technique to actually make ice in desert climates. By making well-insulated buildings with a hole in the ceiling that allowed for exposure to the sky, these early civilizations discovered the powerful effects of night cooling to assist them with food storage, general cooling, and more. From cooling medicines to structures, to combination work with solar thermal systems, and beyond, Goldstein’s work is just the tip of the iceberg, literally and figuratively, of where he plans to take SkyCool Systems’ technology.
Andy Weir, the software engineer-turned-science-fiction author, leads a delightful discussion about his journey to Mars (on paper) and how his dream of writing sci-fi became a reality.
Andy Weir was a successful software engineer for many years until his first novel, The Martian, was released, and thereby released him from work commitments other than writing full time. The success of the novel allowed him to continue his passion, working as a writer, developing other ideas and concepts. Mr. Weir’s step into the science-fiction world was an organic one, as he has been fascinated with space and physics since childhood, and he is now able to bring it all together into his work as an artist.
As an admitted “space dork,” Weir discusses his keen interest in the real world science problem of how to put humans on the planet Mars. From transportation to and from, to surviving while on the planet, Weir’s interest in the potentially possible mission was one of simply curiosity, and not a concept for a novel. As Weir dove into the thinking and planning behind his ‘mental mission’ to Mars, he began to work through the pitfalls and system errors that could occur on such a mission. As he calculated the contingency plans for such system failures he began to think that the whole milieu—from the travel, to the problems encountered, to the fight for survival if there was a system failure—all might make for a pretty interesting novel. Thus, The Martian was born.
The sci-fi author discusses the thoroughly interesting step-by-step approach he took that, to his surprise, led to a publishing deal with a major publisher. As Weir describes, he began posting chapters online, as he finished them, thinking that he would entertain his small following of about 3,000 readers and then move on to his next fun story idea. But as the interest grew it was, in fact, his readers who encouraged him to take his work to Amazon, and once it hit Amazon’s massive online marketplace, the numbers started to fly. And it wasn’t long thereafter that literary agents and Hollywood producers came calling… at the same time.
Weir discusses the entire process, and his technical involvement along the way, of how the book became the movie. As the screenwriter was selected and the deal secured, Ridley Scott and Matt Damon came on board and the project was off and flying (to outer space)! Weir recounts an amusing story of how one former NASA flight director who was, during his tenure, in charge of mission control at NASA, stated that reading the book actually stressed him out, for Weir’s accuracy regarding potential mission problems was a little too real.
After the best-selling success of The Martian, Weir’s publisher was ready for more. Weir details his frustrations as he worked for a year on another novel that he felt was simply not coming together, and thus he eventually scrapped it. But from the ashes arose a new idea for another novel and he was off and writing again. While Weir admits he was not happy to have lost a year on the writing of a novel that was never to be, he does acknowledge that the end result was better for everyone—readers, his publisher, and himself. His new novel, Artemis, described on his website as a “near-future thriller—a heist story set on the moon,” was enthusiastically received by his publisher and they took it to the presses. Weir states that his success in the science-fiction publishing world, while somewhat an enigma, possibly hinges on scientific accuracy and of course, making them laugh, for humor captures every reader and keeps them turning the pages.
Kevin Costa, CSO and scientific co-founder at Novoheart (novoheart.com), a stem cell and biotechnology tissue engineering company, delivers a wealth of information on the study of heart problems and diseases via tissue experimentation. Costa is director of cardiovascular cell and tissue engineering at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Costa received his training at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, he was a faculty member and associate professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University. Through extensive work in biomedical engineering, with advanced study in cell and tissue biomechanics and cardiac tissue engineering, Costa developed one of the earliest engineered cardiac tissue systems. His work is funded through many prestigious grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Whitaker Foundation, and more.
Novoheart’s primary goal is to innovate and impact drug discovery and the evolution of heart therapeutics with their proprietary bioengineered human heart constructs, to advance them further, into transplantable grafts for cell-based regenerative heart therapies with significantly improved safety as well as efficacy. By growing pieces of tissues that can emulate certain aspects of the human heart, Novoheart can perform laboratory testing to better understand how drugs and therapeutics might interact with a human heart. Costa explains how 90% of drugs ultimately fail and never make it to clinics to help patients, even after a decade of work with several billion dollars spent on research. He discusses how animal testing is perhaps the primary reason for drug failures in development, for animal testing is not exceptionally predictive of how a particular drug will work in a human body. And for fear of potentially extreme cardiac side effects, human testing is rarely if ever done; thus, Novoheart’s testing on their laboratory-produced human tissues allows for more reliable testing that will be indicative of the actual human use of a drug.
The cell and tissue engineering expert discusses many of the areas Novoheart is innovating. One such area is Novoheart’s trademarked MyHeart platform, which involves multiple assays that vary in complexity. He explains that heart disease and cardiac toxicity can arise in the electrical and contractile properties of the heart, thus Novoheart has designed engineered tissues to directly address problems and issues that pertain to both of the heart’s major properties.
Novoheart has developed a proprietary method for differentiating human stem cells into the ventricular myocytes of the heart muscle cells that work with the large pumping ventricles of the heart. Their focus is on these types of cells as the ventricle area is where arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and contractile defects occur in human patients. Costa discusses the specifics of various branches of their work. He details how their methods allow them to gather detailed real information on contractility due to sensors that are integrated into their tissues, thus allowing them to measure twitch force and other variables that would be significant factors in assessing a real human heart’s function and force, etc. And in regard to pump function, they devised a way to grow tissue around a silicone balloon to measure pressure and volume.
The biomedical engineering expert discusses the value of laboratory-based trials for testing drug effectiveness, as the lab environment allows for optimization and experimentation to hone a more ideal solution, whereas, in human drug trials, any failures will generally end the trial immediately. Costa gives an overview of some areas of testing that he is particularly excited about, such as methods they have developed to study assays created from diseased patient cells. Their process will allow them to study the efficacy of compounds on their tissues that show symptoms of the disease in order to find methods or treatments to end those symptoms, and then utilize that information to treat real patients. The work is complex, but Costa’s team strives to develop and innovate various methods to study diseases that impact heart function and performance, and as their work advances he hopes to continue to discover new means to improve heart health.
As an author, George Howard has published two books on the music industry (Berklee Press), regularly contribute to Forbes, the NYT, and have authored hundreds of widely-read articles on marketing and strategy that have appeared in publications such as The Huffington Post, Time, The Music Business Journal, and others.
Music Audience Exchange (MAX) is reshaping the future landscape of music. Across billions of streams, video views, social shares, and live shows, there are massive, diverse communities of fans forming around more music and more artists than ever before. MAX has built a platform that deeply understands these audiences, and has created a model that gives brands the opportunity to enrich (not interrupt) the fan experience. The MAX Platform™ is built on proprietary data science that maps specific audience attributes to a database of 765 genres, 2.4 million artists, all 4 content types (audio, video, social, live), and a network of channels that reaches 98% of music fans in the places they're already going to for music.
GHS - Advise on the integration of technology, marketing, intellectual property with an emphasis on awareness and revenue. Capabilities include Strategic Advising, Integration of Traditional and New Media (social, mobile, location-based) marketing, Branding, Technology, Legal, M&A, Business Development, and Training.
Wpromote is The Challenger Agency and they specialize in digital marketing and customer acquisition. Their team of 300+ digital marketers breathe in marketing and exhale ROI. They are energetic, dynamic, and passionate, and enjoy sharing this passion with everyone. Wpromote focuses on delivering the best digital marketing campaigns possible so that our clients sleep soundly at night and our employees are proud of what they have accomplished!
Ashish Malik, CEO of Bee Vectoring Technology (BVT) (beevt.com), delivers a fascinating insider analysis of the current state of crop protection via bees. Mr. Malik is the former VP of global marketing for biologics at Bayer CropScience where he worked on the portfolio of biological assets and strategies to advance integrated crop solutions. Before his tenure at Bayer, Mr. Malik was SVP of global marketing at the California-based AgraQuest, an international supplier of advanced biological pest management solutions founded upon natural microorganisms. Mr. Malik received his MBA, specializing in finance and marketing, from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business and his bachelor’s in engineering from Swarthmore College.
With a passion for safe, healthy foods, Mr. Malik sought to bring his interests to a larger audience with Bee Vectoring Technology. BVT is a top technology company that utilizes commercially-reared bees to establish sustainable, efficient, and effectual crop control. Highly focused on agricultural innovation as well as targeted pest and disease management solutions, BVT seeks to advance global crop production while decreasing the use of chemicals.
Farmers seek to expand their productivity per acre of land, but consumers are demanding fewer chemicals in the process. Thus, pollinators that help to create a higher yield with a more organic footprint are in demand. As Malik states, his company uses bees to pollinate, to deliver a safe, biological product to the flowering crops. And it is this biological product that then protects the crop from disease and pests ongoing. BVT’s system thus reduces the chemical input, eliminates water waste, and often increases efficiency.
The crop pollination expert explains that BVT is continually studying the ratios for success, such as how many hives per acre are necessary to deliver the right amount of biological product to maximize yield, and protection. Additionally, efficiency is also connected to temperature, as bees tend to be more productive in warmer temps. And as fruit quality and health can be improved through BVT’s methods, use of their system can increase revenue per acre, as well as fruit shelf life.
BVT utilizes bumblebees to implement their pollination solutions. Working with commercial bee-rearing companies, BVT’s product is composed of a tray that carries the microbe that can be inserted into the commercial beehive delivered to the farmer. And with honey bees, the tray would be positioned outside the beehive. Honey bee keepers who work with the BVT system are given an opportunity to increase their revenue per hive.
Malik discusses the various strategies for positioning the hives and how placement can increase productivity. But workers, tractors and farm equipment, etc. must be considered regarding placement, as the bees should not be disturbed in order for them to be able to work efficiently. And he explains how the bees systematically cover an area, as the first wave of bees will deplete the nectar in the closest flowering crops, and then the second wave will go further or deeper. Therefore, consideration of placement is always important, and refinement of the entire process is critical as well to achieve the best results. Malik states that crop protection, and agricultural inputs (products permitted for use within organic farming) are a $50 billion dollar industry, so clearly, efficient, more organic pollination is here to stay.
Dr. Lisa Amini is the director of IBM Research Cambridge, which includes the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab. Watson is a complex question-answering computer system that is capable of providing answers to questions that are directed in natural language; it was developed in IBM's DeepQA project. Dr. Amini has extensive experience in deep information extraction, representation, and reasoning as it pertains to knowledge, semantic analysis, and decision science. Her past work includes the development of strategies for utilizing science and technology in intelligent urban and environmental systems, specifically centered on sustainability issues, resource management, transportation, and data.
Dr. Amini discusses how the Watson products focus on specific products that can be benefited by machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and image analysis. Beyond the interesting gaming aspect that gained Watson much public attention, Amini explains that the AI’s uses for business applications are quite diverse and multitudinous. She gives an insightful overview of the current AI algorithms that exist in the market and how they perform extremely well utilizing large volumes of data, training on that data, learning from patterns and responses, and image recognition, etc. As the AI expert details, the AI often needs volumes of data in order to make assessments or recognition of an image, and the innovation will come from pushing the AI to make inferences without the need for voluminous data. For as human knowledge comes from multiple sources and signals such as reading documents, recognition, talking to other informed individuals, etc., their learning is more broadly focused. And this multi-modal learning is essentially where Dr. Amini and her team are seeking to make improvements with AI technology.
The AI innovator discusses how her team is using advanced information theory techniques to understand how information flows within networks. By studying how models are trained regarding the neural network, researchers can build more scalable models that may provide better output. She explains that one valuable element of natural language processing is the analyzation of text, to understand the importance of relationships in order to bring that information to the user in a more qualitative manner.
Dr. Amini speaks about the questions that arise in human understanding, and how it is important to know ‘what causes what’ in terms of gathering a broader grasp of information. She discusses her hopes to see advances in machine learning applied to areas that would enable us to learn representations of causal structure and causal information, as well as in areas of security in order to provide more robust solutions. From healthcare to security and everything in between, Dr. Amini sees great potential for AI advances that will improve the ways we receive, use, and implement information.
Dispatch Labs is building a revolutionary business-ready blockchain protocol: an advanced platform that facilitates the upload and control of programmable files (artifacts). It gives dApp developers a new freedom to pursue big ideas unencumbered by data limitations. It’s a foundational technology that will set blockchain on the path to fulfilling its promise as a world-changing movement.
“There’s a lot to be discovered if you let evolution run its course and be creative,” says Risto Miikkulainen, CTO of Sentient and professor of computer science at the University of Texas. As the author of over 380 articles covering research topics in neuroevolution and neural network models of language processing and vision, Miikkulainen is an expert in his field.
Among many topics, he joins the conversation today to discuss the distinction between neuroevolution and standard neural networks, the novel solutions and unanticipated discoveries that result from evolutionary optimization, the application of neuroevolution to robotics, and Sentient Ascent--a website optimization system built by the team at Sentient, whose job is to optimize the design of websites in order to increase the level of user engagement.
Tune in for all the details.
Grant Geiger is the CEO and co-founder of EIR Healthcare, a company that centers its work at the intersection between the technology and infrastructure spaces in healthcare. One of its most recent projects is MedModular, a patient room focused on updating the technological and structural aspects of the inpatient experience. EIR Healthcare’s MedModular rooms can be built within 30 days and delivered directly to a facility for installation or insertion into the existing infrastructure.
Featuring static LED screens, pre-treated materials that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and hospital-acquired infections, lighting that’s tied to the circadian rhythm, and sound-dampening panels, these rooms have already shown to improve patient experience and ultimately shorten hospital stays.
“Technology is changing faster than you can open up a facility or building…and the infrastructure and needs to support a hospital are completely different than they are for commercial buildings,” says Geiger. This is precisely where EIR Healthcare is stepping in to provide solutions and keep up with the technology and healthcare demands of today’s world.
Tune in and visit www.eirhealthcare.com to learn more.
Tara Shimer discovered the ketogenic diet about three years ago and was immediately astounded by the level of scientific and medical credibility it had already garnered. Aside from reduced inflammation, sustained energy, and quicker muscle recovery, Shimer says that “The main benefit is the cognitive function, I feel like my brain fires on all cylinders...that was the hook for me.” Since then, Shimer has used the passion she gained by experiencing the transformative effects of the ketogenic diet to become the founder and CEO of the Keto Baking Company.
The Keto Baking Company currently offers one product line called Gra-POW!, which is low-carb, high-fat, and low-protein cookie granola that comes in four different flavors: snickerdoodle, peanut butter and jelly thumbprint, peanut butter cut, and salted caramel brownie. But with such a low carb count, where does the sweetness come from? Shimer explains how and why the use of erythritol as a sweetener is superior to sucralose and other sweeteners.
Tune in to learn what’s on the horizon for the Keto Baking Company, check out their products at www.ketobakingco.com, or reach out to Tara tara@ketobakingco.com.
Russell Korus, Founder and CEO at EZ Exchange joins host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast.
EZ Exchange is building a path to mass adoption of cryptocurrency. Their platform is built by veteran stock market developers, stock market security experts and customer experience practitioners to make buying, selling and trading digital currency easy and safe. Around the clock phone, chat and email support helps to remove the barriers of entry for new users, while experienced traders enjoy advanced functionality. Their talented team has extensive experience and includes some of the foremost experts in blockchain and cryptocurrency development in the world.
For more on EZ Exchange, visit www.ezexchange.com
Matt Herrick - Co-founder at Deedcoin joins host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast.
Deedcoin brings blockchain to the real estate sector in a way in which everyone can benefit. By providing an option for agents and customers to be on the same network, Deedcoin streamlines the real estate industry and reduces costs. Deedcoin is the first token to apply to the entire real estate industry, not just investment real estate portfolios or a specific product for agents. Deedcoin is not just useful for property investors, it is for anyone that owns or plans to own a home.
The Deedcoin token uses blockchain to create a true free market system to redefine the real estate industry. Through the creation of the DEED token, which replaces commission at a ratio of 10 DEED to 1% of a properties price. Simply think of Deedcoin in tens, each ten Deedcoin are used for 1% of a property total cost, regardless of the property price, because DEED functions as a percentage. Deedcoin removes the centralized control of the real estate industry from large powers such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and mega-brokerages along with their antiquated 6% commissions. Initially sold at $1.50 per Deedcoin at the ICO (Initial Coin Offering), each token saves a holder $225 on the average U.S. home ($225,000). Each Deedcoin can save exponentially more on higher value properties.
The real value of Deedcoin is the ability to save users 80% or more on real estate commission when they buy or sell property. Unlike the vast majority of ICOs, Deedcoin is already a useable platform. The Deedcoin network is now partnered with brokerages in over 163 cities across all 50 U.S. states. This network makes Deedcoin useable to reduce commissions on a national level before wide scale public token distribution has even begun.
While some investors want to take a space ship to the moon (which we understand) Orthogonal thinker wants to be able to swim in a clean ocean. They believe success and high returns are intrinsically linked to the value that technology and services bring to people and the planet. The need is great, the market opportunity profound, the profits exponential.
Orthogonal is the Berkshire Hathaway of socially conscious capitalism. They are an operating company and collective group which invests in and incubates a range of companies that operate in future-forward industries such as cannabis, hemp, food science, plant medicine, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Their mission is to create good in the world through business that will manifest a positive impact for people and families across the world. As a holding company, Orthogonal, Inc. controls equity stake in companies in return for operational resources, a management ecosystem, and mentorship.
Subscribe to their newsletter at orthogonalthinker.com
Mapfit Inc was founded in 2015 with the mission to reinvent and rebuild how map data is aggregated, processed, and distributed. Since then, they have built a mapping platform which ingests imagery, telemetry and spatial data sets, autonomously correcting hundreds of millions of map data points in hours. They use cutting-edge maps with seamless APIs, frameworks, and data licensing at a fraction of what competitors charge.
The Host Games Platform will decentralize online casino gaming and allow people to become the host of their own mini casino. Hosts can create real-money games, invite people through social media, and generate revenue – all for near-zero setup cost. Their proprietary high-speed gaming protocol is fully scalable, flexible, and programmable, and will allow innovators to expand the online casino gaming market faster than ever.
Samantha Monk, director of AI at Meltwater (meltwater.com), an online media monitoring company, leads an informative discussion on the power of media monitoring. From news to social media, Meltwater monitors nearly everything that is relevant for their 28,000 clients worldwide. Meltwater utilizes AI to search billions of documents in real time, tracking impact and sentiment analysis to give businesses greater insight into their competitors, and a deeper knowledge of their industry in general. For as Meltwater sees it, a broad understanding of competition within a specific industry can lift a company into an advantageous position.
Of particular interest to Monk currently is Meltwater’s newest product, Outside Insight. Outside Insight is an online resource created to assist executives and decision makers, business minds and investors as they reposition themselves into an emerging digital world. By using machine learning, Meltwater’s data scientists can scour enormous data sets to spot trends and signals that could be extremely important for clients to be aware of and respond to. From tracking competitor growth, earnings reports, to potential supplier difficulties, their platform can help companies and businesses move forward while circumnavigating potential roadblocks and impediments to growth and success.
The media expert details some of Meltwater’s recent successes, such as their monitoring of the relationship between news and social media sentiments regarding cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency pricing. By using their internal models and studying investor outlook and various sources of media coverage, Monk states that Meltwater was able to calculate a 12-hour forecast of pricing, with only a very small margin of error. Monk expects to release these types of investor-oriented products for individuals and the banking and financial sector in the coming months and years.
The AI director states that powerful insight and forecasting is possible due to a combination of three important aspects which are as follows: computing power is significantly greater and growing, AI is advancing, and the sheer volume of data that companies are leaving online is increasing. She details how the insightful information gathered can be pushed to clients via traditional reporting methods, apps, or dashboard tools, whatever works for a client’s particular needs. And while the local mom and pop doughnut shop may not find the data useful, most businesses are dropping a significant amount of data online; thus many companies and businesses will certainly be able to put Meltwater’s data to use, to help advance their growth and avoid potential problems. And by cross referencing external data with their own internal data and feedback, companies and businesses can more easily find their way, on a path to efficiency and success.
Gabe Batstone is the co-founder and CEO of contextere, a software company that solves industry-oriented problems by providing answers, improvement strategies, and optimization via AI powered solutions that focus on human performance. The multifold strategy underlying contextere’s advances for business involves increasing value for industry through an escalation in productivity and improved safety, while subsequently reducing any equipment downtime. By integrating data analytics, machine learning, augmented reality, and wearable devices, contextere seeks to improve workflow and increase efficiency.
Batstone holds a bachelor of applied arts specializing in geographic information systems from Ryerson University, Toronto and a masters in business administration from the University of Baltimore. Additionally he has completed postgraduate studies at the United Nations Institute for Training & Research, Harvard Law School and the University of Chicago. He has over twenty years experience in the field of emerging technology in a variety of areas.
Batstone’s company’s innovation is vital to the industrial workforce involved with the installation, repair, and maintenance of complex equipment. From steel to aerospace, to oil and gas, and smart cities, etc., contextere seeks to make broad and sweeping improvements that will assist industry and aid its workers. As Batstone states, enabling human workers to have digital conversations with complex equipment will assist in their efficiency in the repair and maintenance process. Batstone hopes to see a shift in information delivery. As he discusses, technology tends to reside in the data centers, front offices, and corporate environments, but the intelligence and information from technological data needs to be integrated deeply into the areas where industrial workers are actually able to access it.
The industry innovation CEO discusses the challenges with generational learning differences, for example, as baby boomers may choose to learn by actually reading manuals and textbooks, millennial workers tend to prefer augmented reality, digital, and visual-based learning approaches. Bridging the gaps in learning is often an important part of the equation for industry success.
The contextere CEO explains their goal of providing personal agents to workers that will give them real-time insights as they conduct their daily tasks on the job. Through digital data and alerts, the AI can assist in offering maintenance solutions based on past successes and failures, safety alerts, and so forth, thus keeping the worker more informed and safer, while increasing overall efficiency exponentially.
As Batstone explains, computers are excellent at providing information, but it is still humans that are far superior regarding judgment, in regard to making that assessment on what should be done and how. Batstone details how industry assistance solutions via AI are literally as simple as mobile texting the insightful information to workers to aid them in their tasks. While the future may bring augmented reality glasses and more science-fiction, futuristic looking environments, the current task is to deliver insights from the AI to the workers, to capitalize on efficiency, markedly improve safety, and improve job satisfaction as well. Through cultural transformation, Batstone’s company works to advance business systems and processes as technology evolves.
NEM is the world's first Smart Asset blockchain. Built from the ground up for enterprise-grade performance, NEM's blockchain technology delivers a world-class platform for management of almost any kind of asset: currencies, supply chains, notarizations, ownership records, and more. And all that power is exposed through a simple and secure developer interface, so you can deploy your blockchain solution in record time.
NEM’s Smart Asset system allows anyone to totally customize how they use the NEM blockchain, with a powerful set of features including name-spacing and full on-blockchain Multi-sig control. Any application can access these features through NEM’s simple API allowing easy integration within mobile apps, existing business infrastructure, or contract logic. The NEM public blockchain provides an open and self-scaling platform for developers, or they may make use of their own permissioned and high-speed private blockchain using the same NEM technology.
Reaction Commerce is the first open source, real-time platform to combine the flexibility developers and designers want with the stability and support businesses need. Their mission is to continuously rethink the commerce experience.
DNAtix is a cutting-edge genetics and blockchain company providing anonymous and encrypted genetic services including analysis, storage and transfer of digitized DNA sequences through a Direct-to-Consumer platform (D2C). Their Vision, create a genetic ecosystem that invites all players in the genetics field to cooperate together to advance Genetic applications and solutions.
The company’s proprietary and open source technology will be used by developers, as well as researchers and institutions, to further develop their inventions and services. With the DNAtix direct-to-consumer platform, users will be able to test, store, and transfer their data utilizing blockchain technology.
Dr. Sudhagar is a researcher working for the Department of Materials Engineering at Swansea University in the United Kingdom, whose work is currently focused on the application of quantum dots in the energy, environmental and healthcare sectors.
So, what exactly is a quantum dot? Dr. Sudhagar explains that a quantum dot is an inorganic semiconductor material that ranges from one to 10 nanometers in diameter--which is 14,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Following quantum mechanical behavior, the quantum dot has many applications, including land harvesting, cancer nanomedicine, and solar energy. For example, placing a quantum dot in water and under sunlight causes the water to split into its component parts of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. In addition, it is significantly cheaper than similar, organic materials, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Also discussed is one of the challenges presented by the existence of toxic cadmium sulfide in quantum dots. How do we go about garnering the uses of quantum dots while preventing the toxicity of cadmium sulfide? Dr. Sudhagar provides two solutions. Tune in to hear his answers to this question and many more.
Dong Lin, Ph.D., is a researcher at Kansas State University who’s exploring new ways of creating graphene--one of the strongest materials in the known universe that’s flexible, lightweight, cheap to make, and that carries a wide range of potential uses. By using a cold substrate and 3D printing technology, Lin and his team are creating a graphene aerogel that’s almost as light as air, in fact, it’s composed of 99.8% air, yet remains as strong as steel.
Lin is partnering with a professor of chemistry at Kansas State to tackle what he sees as a major application of this graphene aerogel: energy in the form of higher-capacity, more efficient sodium ion batteries. This is important because improving battery performance could ultimately lead to lower energy consumption worldwide.
To reach out with questions about Lin’s ongoing research, feel free to send him an email at dongl@ksu.edu.
When you walk into the Square Roots Kitchen in Chicago, IL, you’ll be in for a new type of dining experience: immediately greeted by a 32-inch touch screen panel, you’ll have the ability to scroll through the main entrees, view a detailed list of the ingredients and macro-nutritional content in each, customize any item and receive real-time nutritional transparency, and filter the entire menu by dietary allergens.
As an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Square Roots Kitchen, Derin Alemli noticed a gap in the market for a customizable, high-quality ingredient dining experience. He noticed that traditional methods of dining out and ordering food weren’t reliable enough, with too much room for human error--something that can become more than just inconvenient for customers with dietary needs and restrictions.
To find out more, visit squarerootskitchen.com, or to reach out with questions, email Derin at orders@squarerootsquestion.com
As a practicing attorney for over 20 years and the founder and chair of McLane Middleton Privacy and Information Security Group, Cameron Shilling has one primary focus these days: performing risk assessments for companies that are looking to come into compliance with US security law and the US or international privacy laws. With an increasing number of security breaches in recent years and the unavoidable regulatory audits, penalties, and fines that accompany them, companies are becoming more and more aware of the need to take preventative measures against the loss and theft of information, and to protect people’s privacy.
This is where Shilling comes in, stating, “When we work with clients we’re not doing data security in line with just compliance...we’re really looking to move them to a data security posture that makes them a less vulnerable entity.” Among other topics, Shilling discusses the ways in which foreign laws--particularly in Europe and Canada--are having an impact on US-based companies, how his team is working toward developing an industry best practice policy for their clients, and the vital components of a thorough risk assessment.
To learn more or take the steps toward getting a risk assessment for your business, contact Cameron Shilling by phone at 603-289-6806 or by email at cameron.shilling@mclane.com.
Freckle is a mobile first-party data company that helps brands, publisher's and intelligence firms solve business problems through deterministically validated customer data. Freckle IoT is the global leader in multi-touch, offline attribution. Our proprietary cross-device solution supports all advertising mediums including mobile, desktop, social, radio, search, TV and out of the home. Using opted-in, first-party data, Freckle IoT helps brands measure the effectiveness of their advertising by independently matching media spend to in-store visits while remaining media agnostic.
Killi is the first consumer application built on top of the blockchain that allows consumers to take back control of their identity from those who have been using it without their consent. A by-product of this control allows consumers to enter into direct financial contracts with brands and agencies redistributing wealth back to the rightful owner - the consumer.
Download now in iOS and/or Android and follow @Killi_io
The MiDATA Personal Data Ownership Platform is a new "C2B" (Consumer to Business) tool that creates a MASSIVE WIN for both Consumers and Advertisers. Their customers are both B2C and B2B, but our platform is designed to bring them together to create a new model of "C2B" - Consumer to Business - by using blockchain to allow Consumers to own, control and get paid for the value that arises from their aggregate personal data.
As an IBM Innovation Partner, their model is not to "sell" the Consumer's data for them, in fact, no one ever sees (the owner's) data - selling it is counterproductive to data privacy - instead, they use AI to create predictive purchasing models based on aggregate Consumer data, as a better way to match Advertisers with Consumers who are ready to buy their offerings.
TrustToken is a platform to create asset-backed tokens that you can easily buy and sell around the world. For example, gold to gold tokens or dollar to dollar tokens. The company’s first asset token is TrueUSD, a stablecoin that you can redeem 1-for-1 for US dollars. TrustToken was founded in 2017 and consists of a team from Stanford, UC Berkeley, Airbnb, Goldman Sachs, PayPal, and Google, and is backed by a16z crypto, BlockTower Capital, Danhua Capital, Founders Fund Angel, GGV Capital, Jump Capital, Stanford-StartX, and others.
For more information about TrustToken and its TrueUSD product, visit http://www.trusttoken.com.
iCash is a Team, a Technology, and a Token. All three elements are united in the service of using peer-to-peer Smart Contracts to empower direct and trusted interaction across boundaries with low fees and decentralized authority. iCash introduces the Proof of Trust (PoT) protocol as a multi-platform blockchain application that enables decentralized Smart Contract settlement and validation at scale.
The most celebrated aspect of blockchain technology is that information is stored in an immutable ledger without the need for a central authority or intermediary. Despite this, not enough attention is paid to the negative impact created when an input to the blockchain is not trustworthy. The nature and scale of blockchain activity necessitates trustworthy inputs.
While Proof of Work and Proof of Stake provide distributed trust for data storage, the introduction of PoT provides distributed trust for data input. By adding a trustworthy application protocol layer, real-world interaction and events can be verified before being entered into the blockchain.
Madhu Konety, founder and CEO of IceCream Labs (icecreamlabs.com), provides an informative overview of the consumer experience, and how AI and machine learning platforms are stepping up the game, delivering consumers better options. IceCream Labs is an AI (artificial intelligence) company that uses machine learning, and deep learning to solve business problems. Madhu Konety has over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur and technology professional and has worked with small startups as well as large companies throughout his career. He founded the software business, Musambi, which was later acquired by another company. Konety has served as senior investor, product manager, and software engineer for multiple highly established companies. He received a master’s in business from Stanford University, an M.S. in computer science from Virginia Tech, as well as B.E. degrees in IT from Bangalore University and B.M.S College of Engineering.
IceCream Labs provides an AI powered platform that delivers advanced intelligent merchandising solutions for sellers, ecommerce retailers, businesses and brands. Their platform utilizes deep learning that yields results with precision, which could potentially increase revenues by up to 400%. The IceCream Labs platform inputs multiple sources of product data. The data is processed using deep learning models that enrich and optimize the product content, and this process can be easily integrated into most solutions a business or company may already have in place.
The commerce expert states that the biggest, and most important, challenge for many businesses is to have great quality product content for the entire product department. Consumers need to feel confident that their online searches for product information deliver thorough and accurate information about the product or products they are interested in purchasing. He explains how IceCream Labs’ platform uses AI to enrich and organize product content, and to create relationships between the data via machine learning to deliver new experiences for consumers. Konety provides examples of how their platform considers literally thousands of data points to bring consumers a more immersive experience. He illustrates the process in detail by providing information on specific shopping experiences. For example, the platform’s analyzation of the collected data in aggregate can bring product options to a consumer even when they are not exactly sure what they are looking for. If the consumer needs to purchase a chair or sofa, etc. but doesn’t necessarily know if the style needed is bohemian, modern, or other, the platform can help guide the consumer to the appropriate purchase by presenting style boards that the consumer would consider to be acceptable.
Konety explains that their platform works with any product line and by utilizing AI it can present suggestions to aid consumers in their purchasing, and can be modified for specific interests, needs, etc. Essentially, the platform can function as an intelligent salesperson that understands the interconnections between all the data points. As IceCream Labs moves forward, they hope to incorporate customer buying data, and of course with strict adherence to privacy laws. Konety discusses his team’s work within the home, fashion, and food spaces, and how the importance of complete product data can enhance consumer experience and help to increase retailer profits. And results can be dramatic, with overall sales of a product sometimes leaping from 25% to as much as a whopping 200%.
Konety discusses how their solutions empower the human connection as consumers have greater knowledge and extensive options at their disposal to enable them to make better, more informed decisions.
Robin Raskin is the founder of Living in Digital Times (LIDT), a team of technophiles who bring together top experts and the latest innovations to look at the intersection of lifestyle and technology. LIDT produces a number of notable conferences and expos at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) and at conferences and events worldwide. The company’s trademark events include The Last Gadget Standing, Digital Health Summit, FashionWare, Fitness Tech Summit, Kids@Play Summit, The Digital Money Forum and others.
In a previous lifetime, Raskin honed her tech chops at a variety of technology publications. She was editor of PC Magazine and began FamilyPC and YahooTech!. Author of 6 books, magazine publisher, blogger, TV and radio personality, Raskin has been at the forefront of an ever-changing topic: what it means to be digital. She lives in NYC and the Hudson Valley, with her husband, her three drops in now and then children, and closets full of obsolete technology.
Tammy Camp was listed on Fortune Ledger's "40 under 40" list of esteemed leaders in the crypto ecosystem. Stronghold is the on-ramp and off-ramp to the Stellar Network. They represent USD, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Lumens on the Stellar Distributed Exchange. Stronghold is building a new financial ecosystem where institutions and individuals can seamlessly manage and trade their assets.
The Myntum Project is developing a blockchain-based digital “hot” vault to secure critical digital assets for consumers and businesses. Myntum’s data flow will leverage the security principle of 2CIA—Confidentiality, Continuity, Integrity, and Availability of digital assets—and harness it to the immutable, traceable power of the blockchain, the Web 3.0.
Bharanidharan Rajakumar, CEO of TRANSFR VR (transfrvr.com), delivers a detailed discussion on the ways we learn and how virtual learning can help to improve skill level and job performance. Rajakumar has extensive experience and success in the development of user-friendly learning systems and was the founder of an automated tutoring platform for the education startup, LearnBop.
Rajakumar’s company, TRANSFR VR, creates training simulations in virtual reality that enable employees and team members to develop the advanced skills needed to succeed on the job. The simulations are mentor-based VR training programs that provide truly personalized training to individuals that quicken learning and help with retention. From bartending to surgical skills, the spectrum is wide in terms of the innumerable career areas that could benefit from Rajakumar’s learning simulation platform. With over 75 billion dollars spent on corporate training in the US, Rajakumar sees a particular need for training to be efficient and specialized in order for businesses to get the most bang for their buck. Manufacturing, hospitality, and nearly every industry has a need for quality training to enhance team member’s skills, and TRANSFR VR is innovating to meet the needs, industry by industry. Rajakumar discusses the growing need for math skills on the job in multiple industries and how his platform allows companies to train employees using precisely the kind of math, in the exact work situation, that is tailored to the specific company. This kind of specialized training increases learning as employees use the actual tools and perform specific tasks in the virtual environment, just as they would on the job. Tailored training far surpasses general textbook math work.
Rajakumar’s company’s core technology can assess mastery of skills as it collects infinitely more data on users’ interactions in the platform. As Rajakumar explains, on a traditional 2D screen, the data collected is more basic, such as what is being clicked on, how much time is being spent on a question, etc., but a virtual environment allows for an assessment of what the user is actually doing. With TRANSFR VR’s virtual approach, applicants and employees feel less ‘test anxiety’ and are therefore more able to focus on their learning. As transparency is brought to both sides, stress levels are significantly reduced, which can lead to better results for employer and employee alike. Additionally, in regard to potential employees, they can experience the tasks of the job as they would in the real world, which expands their knowledge of what the job will be like. This advance knowledge helps to inform the candidate about the job such that they can more easily decide if it is a job they would like to pursue. And the obvious benefit to employers is that incoming employees will be more aware of the tasks required, how the job functions, etc., which tends to minimize turnover.
Rajakumar’s platform is in demand internationally, but as his company is still expanding his plans are focused on engaging companies domestically for now, and especially in the areas that require mathematics and culinary skills. In any industry, employees and candidates require training to become proficient. Traditional methods of learning push us to learn at the same rate, but the truth is, people learn at their own rate, and Rajakumar’s platform allows that to happen. People can make mistakes, try again, and never feel situational stress as they learn at their own rate, on their way to achieving a mastery of the skills needed.
As opposed to many other leaders in AI, the team at Qualcomm is a leader in edge computing that’s conducted research for the past decade focused on optimizing, improving, and embracing machine learning and general AI algorithms on mobile processors without the need for a connection to the cloud. So, what’s the advantage of on-device computing versus AI cloud players? Aside from improvements in energy consumption, there are actually three that are driving product development: performance, privacy, and reliability.
Since 2008, Qualcomm has been looking into neural networks and deep learning, but the past three years have brought an influx of compute capability and an abundance of algorithmic data, which lead to Qualcomm’s release of one of the first mobile AI platforms and the Snapdragon 820 processor. Since then, Qualcomm has made numerous new developments and optimizations. Tune in to hear the details and to learn what’s on the horizon.
To reach out for collaborations or find out about the latest developments, visit developer.qualcomm.com.
While it may not be immediately obvious, LinkedIn is one of the pioneers of machine learning. How so? Shivani Rao, applied researcher for the machine learning and relevance group at LinkedIn explains: “Every single product, every single feature, every single decision that’s made involves data...and the AI algorithms have centered around personalized recommendations that are relevant to you based on your skills and activity on LinkedIn. Personalization is the key...and it requires data.”
Among other topics, Rao discusses exactly how users receive a personalized experience via recommendations, the challenges encountered by LinkedIn and the ways they are being addressed, the tools that allow users to automatically send updates to recruiters, and the LinkedIn learning product which allows users to choose the skills they want to follow, ranging from management and leadership to C++ usability.
Tune in to hear the details, and visit Shivanirao.info for the latest news, outreach activities, and research.
Founded by three students studying artificial intelligence at Boston University around 2006, Neurala is a company that’s using graphic processing units (GPUs) for artificial intelligence. Having identified the need for increased compute power, the team at Neurala found a way to essentially hack a GPU, making it more like a brain processor.
Since then, Neurala has developed technology that enables machine tool learning and is importing this technology to smart device applications, ranging from consumer apps on smartphones to enterprise solutions enabling complex inspections of structures.
“I believe our mission is to bring the AI industry to the next step, and the way we are doing that is by providing a different way to train this neural network...which resembles humans rather than the way they have been trained...which has been cumbersome...with systems that cannot improve anymore once being put on a device,” says Massimiliano Versace, co-founder and CEO of Neurala.
In 2005, there were limited options; CPUs were being used but were already plateauing in terms of processor speed. Now, there is the availability of NPUs, or neural processing units, which are broadening the landscape of AI technology, its applications, and the impact it will have on our world.
Hit play to hear more about the differences between the brain and neural networks, Versace’s outlook on the direction of the AI industry in the coming years, and the work being done by his team. Visit neurala.com to keep up on the latest developments.
James Sherer is an attorney and partner at Baker Law who joins the discussion today to discuss a variety of topics, including the ways in which AI is impacting hiring practices, healthcare, and data for sales. He also addresses the tougher questions, such as the ultimate goal of employing AI in these industries, and how to identify and mitigate algorithmic bias.
So, what are the main challenges and concerns that come along with the use of AI, and how far have we come in truly understanding the nature of its implementation in the industries so integral to our everyday lives? In which direction are we headed? Sherer gets into all of these details and more, so tune in for the whole discussion. To reach out with questions, email jsherer@bakerlaw.com or visit bakerlaw.com.
Blockpit aims to solve the complex topic of correct taxation in the fast growing market of cryptocurrencies. The goal is to bridge the gap between consumers and tax authorities on a global level by providing an easily accessable platform that will continuously evolve and adapt to the latest regulations. In addition to that, Blockpit will provide customized monitoring solutions for blockchain assets in different environments.
BlockSafe Technologies, Inc. is a US company incorporated in Wyoming with headquarters in Edison, NJ. The company has licensed patented technology from Strikeforce Technologies, Inc. and plans to enhance it with additional product offerings. Their team is comprised of people experienced in cyber security sales and operations. Our company is planning on an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) to raise funds for further product development and operations. BlockSafe solutions are built on multipatented and patent-pending technology and backed by 17 years of delivering cutting-edge cyber security.
Blockchain Defender™ — Security for permissioned blockchains such as those used by enterprises and industry consortia.
Exchange Defender™ — Security for crypto exchanges.
Crypto Defender™ — Security for crypto wallets on desktop, mobile, and cloud-based platforms, designed to prevent the harmful actions of malware.
Sebastien Roy is the CEO of Lean Systems. He is an experienced operation research developer with a wealth of embedded systems experience. Lean Systems is an optimization platform that enables fleet managers to increase overall productivity with a schedule and routes solver solution. Lean Systems’ solver can schedule large fleets in the optimum way to produce efficiency and increase savings, and it can do this in only a few minutes at a cost that is scalable. And their platform can easily be integrated into any current information system.
Lean Systems’ work involves the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to many problems that transportation companies face, such as pilot training, crew training, and more. Roy explains as fleets grow, so do the potential cracks in their training procedures. Resources and people get shuffled around and efficiency and quality can be compromised. With AI automation, Roy states tasks that once may have taken several days, such as scheduling for a fleet, can be done in a significantly shorter block of time. AI can consider multiple options, stops, destinations, etc. at once, which leads to faster, and better, scheduling, with greater compliance to crew preferences.
Roy details how one problem in the scheduling chain can create a domino effect of problems down the line, such as when a particular flight is cancelled or delayed and how that impacts crew and possible alternatives, etc. at the cancelled flight’s destination points. Roy states that their platform can produce results that allow for an actual decrease in fleet size with an increase in efficiency and productivity of the fleet overall, as the AI can more easily address last minute problems with weather and maintenance.
The transportation efficiency expert addresses the traditional problems with fleet scheduling for the road and in the air. One issue that is perennially problematic is the scheduling of regulated maintenance, as maintenance schedules are mandated according to the number of actual flight hours of an aircraft. The problem loop exists as fleet managers need to book flights in order to know when an aircraft will need to go into maintenance but must consider maintenance schedules before booking flights.
Roy’s company’s platform allows fleet managers to use AI to run preemptive maintenance scheduling and thus decrease the hours needed for planning while increasing fleet efficiency. Overall, transportation companies can sell more flights while improving general crew satisfaction.
The LendingCoin (TLC) offers decentralized peer-to-peer funding via blockchain technology. Initially, funding will be limited to refinancing real estate within the United States but the long-term plan is to finance real estate purchases, refinance commercial and residential properties.
CoinSmart has changed the landscape by making cryptocurrency accessible to Canadians with all levels of crypto experience. Breaking down the barriers of complex and confusing crypto transactions, CoinSmart offers simple solutions, learning tools for all levels, and 24/7 client support. The user-friendly platform features enterprise-grade security, cold wallet storage, and easily-generated tax-time reports.
For more experienced investors, CoinSmart offers advanced charting, order book functionality and dedicated SmartReps for wealth clients. All clients benefit from competitive fees, as well as CoinSmart’s same day funding, withdrawal, and verification SmartGuarantee.
Maciej Kranz helped pioneer the Internet of Things industry through more than 30 years of computer networking and technology innovation experience in multiple industries. He authored the New York Timesbestseller, “Building the Internet of Things,” and its companion book, “Building the Internet of Things – A Project Workbook.” He also oversees a newsletter and leadership forum for IoT insiders.
As a faculty member of Singularity University, frequent keynoter, and sought-after media authority, Kranz is recognized worldwide as a pragmatic visionary on industrial IoT and corporate innovation. Currently, Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Cisco Systems, Kranz previously built the company’s IoT business from the ground up as General Manager of the Connected Industries Group.
Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, Advenit Makaya, provides an informative overview of the scientific research into materials and processes that could allow structures to be built in space, from existing materials.
As an engineer at the European Space Research and Technology Centre of the European Space Agency, Makaya’s work centers on the development of various technologically advanced materials and processes specifically for space applications. Makaya holds a master’s degree in general engineering from École Centrale de Lyon as well as a master’s degree in materials processing from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.
Makaya explains that his work involves current applications of materials and processes for spacecraft manufacturing, but also focuses on groundbreaking concepts for long-term objectives.
One area of particular interest and specialization for Makaya and his team is the development of processes to utilize the innate materials of a particular space destination. By using indigenous materials that are already available on a particular planet, costs can be reduced, and efficiency increased, as less material must be loaded and hauled from Earth. Makaya is currently investigating the process that would allow space travelers to 3D print bricks from existing moon dust, which would certainly save time as cargo hauling from Earth could take months, or years even, to reach a specific space destination. Through multiple missions to the moon to collect data, then samples, Makaya’s team is provided with essential information, such as the make-up and composition of the soil, etc. to further their study and bring research into reality. And while one might expect that materials would be wildly different on the moon, though proportions and composition, etc. of materials varies, the materials on the moon and Earth are quite similar in many ways. Essentially, Makaya states, there have been no unique materials discovered on the moon, which bodes well for advancing their processes to accomplish the manufacturing tasks in space.
The space research engineer discusses material differences that do exist between Earth and the moon, such as roundness versus sharpness. He explains that the moon’s particles are sharper than the Earth’s and as such adjustments in approach and manufacturing processes must be made. As the moon has no atmosphere, it has no protection from the sun’s radiation. Therefore, all existing materials on the moon are impacted in different ways than they would be on Earth, and thus even though the sand on Earth and the sand on the moon are quite similar in composition, their environment takes its toll.
The researchers have successfully produced multiple miniature blocks, which were used to build model structures such as domes and trusses, etc. for future habitats in space, which has demonstrated the feasibility of the process. Further challenges will be to ensure the process works in a low gravity, extremely dusty environment with tremendously varying temperatures, especially considering the highly charged materials that exist on the moon. Makaya discusses the primary objective—to create structures that house and protect the occupants and equipment, but he shares the importance of psychological issues as well, such as allowing light in for the overall morale of inhabitants. But he warns that this is an area that is highly complex, as light-allowing structural material poses a potentially greater radiation risk for occupants. As Makaya’s study and research continues, the goal will be to take the engineering and science into practical application on the moon, and multiple countries worldwide are taking an interest in doing just that.
David M. Ewalt, author of Defying Reality: The Inside Story of the Virtual Reality Revolution, which covers the history, development, and future of emerging tech, leads us on a virtual world journey covering the state, and future, of emerging technology.
David is an award-winning business journalist and author. He is a noted expert on the nexus between gaming and technology. David is a special projects editor for Reuters and is a former senior editor of Forbes magazine. David also writes for major periodicals such as The Wall Street Journal, New York magazine, and The Boston Globe, to name a few.
David Ewalt’s keen interest in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality drew him into further study and research of trends and future movements in emerging tech. Ewalt explains how virtual reality truly offers businesses an ideal means in which to demo their products to potential customers worldwide, by offering an experience that heightens a user’s understanding and feel for the product. From fashion to automotive and more, virtual reality offers a remarkable adventure that goes far beyond facts and pictures. Connecting people with a palpable physical presence is perhaps what takes virtual reality far above other means of communicating, as the human brain can be lulled into feeling the experience is somewhat real.
While the value of virtual reality for commercial businesses, and of course the porn industry, is obvious, Ewalt suggests that virtual reality experiences can dramatically increase interest in humanitarian causes as well. For as interviews or documentary style clips are filmed to be experienced in virtual reality, the viewer is often more engaged in the story and subject, and certainly the people as they tell their stories, which can increase one’s empathy or interest in the issue.
The technology journalist suggests that we are heading for a future society in which a large percentage of people will be wearing smart glasses with virtual assistants, icons, and virtual reality options into virtual worlds for literally everything. And as virtual reality may cause some to retreat into their basements to never be seen again, Ewalt’s expectation is that the technology will enhance most peoples lives in many ways such that the tech will surge.
As young technologists who grew up watching The Matrix or reading William Gibson move into the entrepreneurial mindset, virtual reality options for our world will become more pervasive, and perhaps ubiquitous. Ewalt states that products are still in the Model T phase but the rate of advancement with the technology is dizzying, with new improvements happening monthly. And with hardware improvements, and better content for business and play, and the introduction of virtual reality into other traditional businesses, innovation will explode.
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, HBUS is the exclusive US strategic partner of Huobi. With more than $50 billion’s worth of virtual currencies traded, Huobi is one of the world’s leading virtual currency service provider. HBUS believes that distributed ledger technology, or blockchain, is about more than virtual currencies and ICO tokens. For just as few could have foreseen the rise of social media when the Internet emerged three decades ago, the most revolutionary digital assets built upon distributed ledgers are likely yet to be conceptualized.
It is with this vision in mind that HBUS strives to be a reliable and efficient marketplace for a rich selection of high-quality virtual currencies so that our users can be part of the open and competitive market that discovers blockchain assets with genuine potential to revolutionize the future of finance.
Samiron Ray, principal of Comet Labs (cometlabs.io), provides an overview of the interesting AI-based startups that are emerging in the marketplace and how his company selects who to back. Comet Labs is a venture capital fund that was founded in 2015 that invests primarily in early stage artificial intelligence and tech companies that are stepping in pace with some of the world’s largest industries. To date, Comet Labs has invested in 35 companies in this space. Comet Labs’ senior leadership believes that AI and robotics will allow humans to rethink how industries perform and accomplish tasks. Samiron Ray states that increased computing power, large volumes of data, deeper research, and advances in generative adversarial networks have supercharged the landscape. And Ray’s company is interested in how robotics can advance many types of businesses, including some of Comet Labs’ traditional investments in agriculture, transportation, insurance, and others. Ray explains how AI can assist established companies with automation but also transformation with new workflows, from assisting sales with follow-ups and engagement to tasking and streamlining.
In terms of their investment strategy, Ray explains that Comet Labs looks for companies that have a team of strong technologists with a deep understanding of their industry and what it takes to sell into that industry. Additionally, they look for extremely valuable technology that could provide large returns as well as companies with proprietary data advantages that have exclusivity. Ray acknowledges that some labor jobs will be lost, but he mentions that, although the media doesn’t cover the topic, many new jobs will actually be created with advancing AI as well. For an AI moves into more industries, a need will arise for qualified personnel to train and maintain robots, to work creatively thinking of new services and applications for the technology.
Ray discusses defensibility, and how they assess individual startups in regard to what makes them defensible against another, specifically speaking, what makes the company’s data unique, valuable, and hard for their competitors to access. As AI training is based on data, Ray’s company looks at, and favors, proprietary data over volume, for the companies they find interesting. And in regard to the training data for AI, Ray stresses the importance of explainability, in industries where privacy is concerned as they work with extremely confidential information, as well as bias issues that must be carefully examined.
Ray explains that AI companies are not just streamlining and automating workflow, but are actually reinventing the core economics of industries. End to end strategies is of particular interest to Comet Labs as they consider where to make their capital expenditures. Personal passion from the founders, AI talent, knowledge of customer psychology, and industry expertise are four valuable qualities that Comet Labs looks for in emerging startups.
The Bioquark CEO provides an informative analysis of the study of biologic solutions to human health in the 21st century. Bioquark, Inc. is a life sciences company that develops proprietary, combinatorial biologic products for health issues, including the repair and regeneration of organs and tissues, as well as for reversion of degenerative diseases. Pastor’s company looks to organisms in the natural world for clues to human diseases and conditions. Pastor’s team is particularly interested in the complex regeneration process of the salamander, and select worms that can amazingly revert cancerous cells back to normal tissue.
Bioquark’s mission is to find the connection point that will bring these complex health processes in line with the study of human health, for advances that could help fight disease or perhaps eradicate it. The life sciences company seeks to take bold steps forward in the areas of neurology (for central nervous system damage, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord issues, etc.), cancer, and metabolic disorders (diabetes, and others).
Pastor will provide an overview of their study of localized cells and why it’s important to figure out the signaling and regenerative processes these cells use to grow new cells that are regionally specific. And he’ll explain how Bioquark’s work is furthering the historical study of the human egg, as the egg contains all the signals necessary to start its journey to become a human embryo. Ultimately, Pastor hopes to find ways to bridge the gap between what we know about organisms and their ability to regenerate tissue, and wound healing in humans. Finding the answers that lie within that gap may hold the key to startling advances in human health.
Altia Systems® is a venture-backed company based in Cupertino, CA., and is the creator of the PanaCast® system and software products. PanaCast® 2, the world's first Panoramic-4K Plug-and-Play camera system that delivers a 180° wide field of view, which replicates the natural human visual perspective. Funded by Intel Capital and other leading investors, Altia Systems' PanaCast 2, 2s, 3D VR and Live systems deliver real-time 180° Panoramic-4K, Panoramic-5K, and 4K 3D video streams from integrated, synchronized and optimized multi-camera arrays.
PanaCast systems and Intelligent Vision (artificial intelligence) software products are used by more than 1,500 companies worldwide, including 400+ universities, for video collaboration, education, AR/VR, live broadcasting and machine learning for autonomous systems. PanaCast system devices are designed and assembled in the U.S. and have received prestigious awards such as CES Innovation Awards Honoree, Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation, GOOD DESIGN award, Gartner Cool Vendor in Unified Communications, and more.
Nucleus is an Internet of Things (IoT) based customer identification platform that allows brick-n-mortar retailers to identify any customer who walks into a store, in real-time, using Nucleus' proprietary ION sensor technology.
Nucleus ION sensors don’t depend on any RFID, WiFi or Bluetooth, or even facial recognition technologies to operate. Nucleus empowers retail stores with the intelligence layer of customer data, that was till date only limited to online e-commerce experiences.
Nucleus has spent 3 years in creating the world's first IOT based contactless customer identity management system (over blockchain) while building the largest universal loyalty program using crypto-currency. Retailers are slowly evolving from fearing smartphone-toting shoppers who “showroom” (browse products in-store and then purchase online, often from competitors) to exploring new ways to connect with them to enhance the in-store experience.
Nucleus empowers retail stores with the intelligence layer of customer data, that was till date only limited to online e-commerce experiences. The Internet of Things (IoT) is in your retail stores, buildings, home, in your car and phone, and, increasingly, on your body. It’s connecting citizens to their cities, linking patients to health services, bringing companies in closer touch with their customers and capturing our imaginations.
In Phase 1, Nucleus will focus on Brick & Mortar Retail, then focus on Physical Security in Phase 2, and evolve into a massively interconnected devices ecosystem in Phase 3. Founded in 2014 at Harvard University, Nucleus (formerly known as Bell Boi Inc) is backed by Tim Draper, Reliance Capital, IndusAge Partners and several other prominent industry players. Nucleus has over 30 employees spread across San Francisco and India.
Jason Yanowitz - Co-Founder at BlockWorks Group joins Future Tech Podcast to discuss the blockchain revolution, value chain, and his company BlockWorks Group. BlockWorks Group is a blockchain event and advisory group. Their mission is to separate fact from fiction in the emerging blockchain space. Through events, advisory work and network of accredited solutions providers, They act as a strategic partner for companies looking to understand how blockchain will impact their business.
Carnegie Mellon biomedical engineering professors Steven Chase and Byron Yu provide a stimulating overview of computer-brain interfaces that could eventually lead to stunning advances for those who have lost control of movement, due to injury or disease.
The professors’ work is heavily focused on highly advanced computer brain interfaces that might allow a human to control robotic limbs, etc. simply by thinking. By studying the activity of neurons within the primary motor cortex, Chase and Yu seek to expand on recent successes to enable people who have ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injuries to take back control of some movement. As the professors explain, through this process, damaged tissue can be bypassed. They provide some details on the current clinic trial procedure that requires a surgical implantation of electrodes that essentially allows the patient to control functions via a plug. With as little as one hundred neurons, control can be achieved to some degree, but control of more neurons and further research will be necessary to perfect the computer brain interface to a level of sublime sophistication.
The Carnegie Mellon professors detail some of the areas of interest and desired applications of computer-brain interfaces. As they explain, for example, stroke victims may lose motor control of one side of their body. And researchers are looking at the possibility of sending control signals to the side of the body where control has been lost from the same side of the brain that is still successfully controlling the intact side of the body.
The work is complex and although thought can enable some control, this is not a complete solution, for as they explain, many of the computations utilized for basic tasks involving movement actually circumvent the thought process entirely. Thus, the conscious monitoring of motor control is somewhat limited. As the professors explain, reanimating limbs would be the ideal scenario, but stimulation of muscles often directly impacts fast twitch fibers more than slow twitch fibers, which, unfortunately, leads to rapid muscle fatigue. Therefore, much more research is needed to perfect these complex solutions to extremely complex problems.
In their opinion, the next decade will deliver clinical translations, as devices will be used for therapy for select types of patients, for control of spelling devices, for control of cursors to allow for computer usage, and also for wheelchair control. However, it may be a long time before advanced robotic control is delivered such that the computer brain interface can offer absolute control of robotic limbs, possibly with sensory input that is sent back to the brain. And ultimately the Carnegie Mellon professors hope that brain-computer interfaces will allow researchers to learn and understand the intricate workings of the human brain.
Jonah Sachs, author of Unsafe Thinking, provides a detailed discussion on how we typically face changes in our world. As Sachs describes, the world is changing rapidly and while most of us realize that we need to grow and adapt, and ultimately evolve with these changes, doing so can be quite difficult. Humans love predictability and pattern so the question remains, how do we make room in our lives for change and for rising challenges? How do we embrace these changes and break through to new innovative ideas and concepts?
Sachs discusses the ‘backlash effect,’ which occurs when someone shares evidence with another that directly contradicts that person’s beliefs. The person, upon seeing the evidence, will actually dig in their heels and believe even more strongly than before, in spite of the contradictory evidence. Sachs states that although millions upon millions of dollars have been spent to find ways to persuade people, new science suggests that the best and most effective technique for success is for individuals or groups to discuss the values and beliefs that they do share, and how those can bring them together. Sachs mentions some of the great blunders in which companies failed to see what was about to happen in their own industry as change became imminent. He mentions the transportation industry’s inability to see peer-to-peer ridesharing on the horizon, and Blockbuster’s inability to foresee internet and streaming revenue. Sachs discusses the potential key to success in business—significantly more investment in future innovation, and less investment in past successful business models and practices. As he explains, many times business leaders feel anxiety over change and innovation and instead of allowing it to challenge them they fall back upon past successes. But the key might simply be to allow these anxieties to fuel our creativity and boldly embrace change.
The change author explains that starting slow may be the way to move forward, and how experimentation could unlock real successes. Low arousal moments could be important time slots to enhance our creativity and let new ideas flourish, but often in our culture we fill these moments with social media or other things that obstruct us from advancing new ideas. For it is sometimes actual down time, such as a shower or a long run that allows innovative ideas to burst forward.
Sachs discusses how companies should be willing to create work environments that encourage pushing new ideas forward, allowing for unsafe thinking that creates challenges in a work environment that is no longer mired in old business mindsets. Risk taking and allowing employees to disagree and break rules can lead to major success. Sachs relates how being an explorer is actually much better than being an expert. Sachs states that growth and learning truly expand when we do things that we’re terrible at, as the challenges guide us to new ways of thinking.
The author explains how spending time with those who disagree with us, as opposed to those who share our beliefs, can open up new avenues of thinking and help us grow much more than we probably would expect. Unsafe thinking isn’t so much about literally going off the rails, but it is in fact about pushing ourselves deeper into challenging areas and mindsets that are more difficult, perhaps far outside of our comfort zone.
Samira Kiani, M.D. (PI), leads an eye-opening discussion on the groundbreaking medical advances that could be on the horizon with gene editing. Dr. Kiani is the principal investigator at Kiani lab located on the campus of Arizona State University. She holds a doctorate degree (M.D.) from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Dr. Kiani gained extensive experience in CRISPR/Cas9 technology while working toward her post-doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Integrative Synthetic Biology. Kiani studied the development of synthetic gene circuits used to reprogram various functions and general behavior of mammalian cells based on the advanced CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
As Dr. Kiani explains, gene editing, specifically changing the sequence of DNA is not a new concept; however, the tools used to study gene-editing processes were expensive and perhaps cost prohibitive for some labs. But the CRISPR/Cas9 technology ushered in a new era, as gene editing could now be done rapidly, and at a much lower cost. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. With gene editing, Kiani states that the technology could allow researchers to repair or disable genes. By using CRISPR, Kiani and other researchers are able to work with double-strand DNA breaks.
Dr. Kiani provides an overview of the Cas9 protein, which is a DNA cleaving enzyme that can be manipulated and targeted to any specific DNA sequence via a small guide RNA (gRNA), and it can be adapted for gene editing and gene regulation alike. With the advancing technology, researchers are able to more closely approximate nature, in terms of how genes perform and enact double-strand breaks in literally any specific location. The potential for CRISPR technology is immense, as the technology would make it possible to potentially provide the correct template to a cell and repair mutations that are causing a particular genetic disease.
The gene editing expert explains that researchers are interested in different forms of CRISPR as each bacteria has its own unique set of CRISPR; thus there is great enthusiasm to learn more about CRISPR that targets RNA, that is simpler, or smaller even. The possibilities are limitless as scientists expand their research, looking for new genes that could fight cancer, disabling genes to understand their specific function, and in vivo experimentation in animals to study how to defeat diseases.
Dr. Kiani discusses in detail what is known in the research world as ‘guide RNA,’ which essentially functions as a select protein’s legs, to take them to the precise location where researchers desire to begin their work. As she explains, the CRISPR technology holds immense promise for human applications but the coming years will see more refinement to address current safety concerns for its uses within humans. As clinical trials are scheduled for everything from blindness to liver disease, gene editing technology experts are extremely hopeful that the answer to complex disease problems could be an edit away.
Ted Tieken, the founder of Keto and Co, delivers an overview of the ketogenic diet, its incredible benefits, and his personal story that pushed him toward a career in food and nutrition. After studying economic development at Harvard, Tieken ventured into management consulting, but had to abruptly exit his career due to a chronic pain condition. On the advice of a friend, Tieken tried the keto diet to help manage his chronic pain, and to his great surprise, his pain decreased dramatically, his energy increased, and his thinking even became clearer across the board. The results were obvious and Tieken was a believer. Thus, Tieken’s fibromyalgia was the impetus for his enthusiasm about the ketogenic diet, and with results so dramatic, Tieken was moved to make this his work, to bring the many benefits of a keto diet to the public. Through intensive study and research, Tieken came to the conclusion that keto could be part of the answer to the question, how do we get back to a completely healthy food supply. His goal was clear—to make the ketogenic diet low sacrifice, delightful, and well known. From shakes to sweeteners, breads to dry rice products, and even brownies, Keto and Co seeks to provide foods that people love but can also keep them in a ketogenic diet so each and every person can enjoy the many benefits that keto can deliver. And as Tieken states, he wants his company to simply be a provider of tools, not to tell someone how to live their life, and in line with that Keto and Co chooses to provide products that work with the diet as opposed to selling the diet and associated counseling.
Tieken discusses whole food keto versus net carb keto diets and how each can offer benefits. With whole food keto, dieters are allowed a specific amount of carbohydrates daily, which they can take from whatever source they choose. Tieken subscribes to the net carb camp. He states that whenever an individual eats below a certain amount of carbs for four days straight, their bodies will begin to manufacture ketone bodies, which are water-soluble molecules such as acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Ketone bodies exist in small amounts in the blood of generally healthy people during a fasting period or during extended exercise and are vital in terms of sparing glucose utilization, as well as reducing proteolysis. The brain cannot use fatty acids for production of energy when levels of blood glucose are compromised, thus ketone bodies can intervene and deliver a different and extremely viable source of energy to the brain during extended fasting.
As the ketogenic diet becomes more prevalent in the medical community for treating diabetes and obesity, Tieken seeks to take his company further, by providing useful nutrition and diet information, and an extensive line of products for optimum human health.
“Technology is progressing very fast, and I think ethics in AI is our biggest challenge for the next couple of decades,” says Dorian Kieken. As the founder and CEO of Age of Minds, Kieken is focused on the future of artificial intelligence and the ways in which the human species will interact with it.
He began asking himself what he should be working on in order to make sure that the lifespan and happiness of his daughter--and the human species as a whole--is maximized. He’s narrowed it down to five: AI ethics, energy conservation, drinkable water, waste management, and climate change.
Tune in for an interesting discussion on these topics and many more, and visit ageofminds.com to learn more about Kieken’s work.
RumbleOn is an online retailer that allows both consumers and dealers to Buy-Sell-Trade-Finance pre-owned motorcycles in an efficient, fast, transparent, and engaging experience. The purchase of any recreational vehicle can be complex and draining. We have worked hard to minimize the number of required actions by the customer, all while providing complete visibility and transparency. We complete each transaction with service that focuses on putting the customer first. This includes coordinating shipping and logistics, delivery, financing, and title work.
Buying a Motorcycle with RumbleOn is fast and easy. Simply search through our large selection of online inventory and place your $250 refundable deposit down to secure the bike to your account. Select if you will be paying with cash or fill out our lightning fast financing application. A RumbleOn Representative will take care of all of the paperwork and deliver your dream ride to your door!
ProtectWise™ provides cloud-powered Network Detection and Response (NDR). Delivering security entirely from the cloud, The ProtectWise Grid™ captures full-fidelity network traffic from the enterprise, cloud and hybrid environments, to create a lasting network memory. The security platform provides real-time and retrospective alerting and analysis in a rich, innovative visualizer.
By harnessing the cloud, The ProtectWise Grid delivers unique advantages over current network security products, including the industry's only automated retrospection and the ease and cost-savings of an on-demand deployment model. ProtectWise is creating and leading the Immersive Security℠ movement, which will be the future of proactive, analytical threat response.
Mycroft is an Open Source AI Voice Assistant. It is a transparent, customizable, and privacy-minded alternative to the current voice products on the market. A platform that lets you voice enable anything. Because Mycroft is open source, the software can be customized for brands and users alike--and integrated on any platform. It runs on Linux, can be built on a Raspberry Pi, and used with our Mark I hardware device. Their mission is to democratize AI and voice, giving anyone access to the technology that will soon be an integral part of their lives. Their open source community is central to our efforts, helping us create an AI that runs anywhere and interacts just like a human.
Solidus builds software for mobile payments and social savings, based on the Ricardo Transaction Suite. Our flagship product is Chamapesa, the app for social savings groups. Chama is the Kenyan name for a Savings Club. Savings Clubs have existed around the world for centuries. There are over 1,200,000 Kenyan Chamas. They give people a means to save and access low-cost loans which are used to start or grow businesses, to improve community infrastructure (by saving to build or equip a health centre, for instance) or to support Members in temporary financial difficulty. Chamas’ collective savings account for 46% of Kenya’s GDP. For those unable to access bank accounts (due to costs or geography), Chamas are invaluable.
Dr. Paramjit “Romi” Chopra, founder of The Midwest Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapies (MIMIT), has a mission to help people, to aid them in moving forward in their lives. Dr. Chopra believes people are the foundational bedrock of a community and that all humans want to live full, rewarding lives, to the best of their God-given potential. Dr. Chopra describes disease as ‘dis’ ‘ease’ and his goal with MIMIT is to help people live healthier lives and be the solution to their health problems. Minimally invasive, or as Dr. Chopra refers to it—enlightened healthcare—brings traditional health solutions together with more personal, complex and sometimes esoteric issues, such as feelings and thoughts. For as Dr. Chopra explains, we are not robots; we have emotions and feel things and these are important in the overall scope of our care.
MIMIT is a collective of physicians who specialize in minimally invasive medicine. Their physicians utilize the most advanced medical technology to implement wellness strategies across the minimally invasive spectrum. In regard to procedures and surgeries, minimally invasive surgery is essentially a surgery that minimizes surgical incisions with the primary goal of reducing trauma to the body. By using thin needles and an endoscope for viewing, surgeons are able to perform the needed task that required a surgical procedure, but in a manner that is less traumatizing physical, and emotionally.
Dr. Chopra’s team uses AI and mobile data to build an extensive wealth of information, which enables them to better serve their patients as they are more informed about each patient’s particular set of circumstances, history, and biography. By minimizing waste and utilizing technology to minimize inventory on the shelf, MIMIT is able to lower costs and keep procedures at a more affordable level for patients. Dr. Chopra explains that his team seeks to constantly innovate, improve patient experiences, and provide the best care that patients desire.
By using technology and linking his entire team together in the digital environment, Dr. Chopra states that MIMIT is able to deliver better and faster care, make patients’ lives easier, and still remain profitable. He speaks about the simple things that make his approach better, such as sometimes taking the care directly to the patient if the patient is in fact unable to come in to MIMIT’s clinic. By studying the models of successful tech companies like Google and Amazon, Dr. Chopra is considering the possibilities of taking MIMIT’s technological innovation to a larger scalable model, which could offer better care to millions of patients.
Kenny Ewan, founder, and CEO of Wefarm (wefarm.org) trained as an engineer and architect originally but it was an early job at an NGO in Latin America, where he assisted with engineering projects, that gave birth to his current career passion. Ewan leads an informative discussion about the dynamics of small-scale farming and how information can truly make the difference between success and failure for farmers.
Mr. Ewan’s Wefarm is a free service that allows farmers, anywhere in the world, to share information via SMS, without internet, and directly from their farm. Wefarm’s platform enables farmers to ask important questions on farming issues and get quick answers from other farmers, usually within minutes. With hundreds of millions of small farmers working globally, many in sub-Saharan Africa, access to information is vital, and timing is critical as crops must be attended to properly in order to survive and thrive. And as agricultural and livestock farming requires skill and meticulous care, global farmers often have specific questions regarding crop disease, animal sickness issues, and variations for planting, etc.
Ewan explains that Wefarm’s platform utilizes machine learning to gather a complete understanding of each specific farmer’s question. With a complete profile, Wefarm can then better address the farmer’s issue, and ultimately match them with consulting farmers who are best suited to their needs. As timing is critical, especially in regard to crop or livestock disease, Wefarm is able to match farmers quickly and get vital information that they can act on, which can mean the difference between life and death for crops, or livestock. Ewan states that his company’s service is utilized by about 900,000 farmers currently, many in Kenya and Uganda, with 2000 new farmers joining daily.
Disease patterns, ripening, and drought issues are but a few of the many that Wefarm stays current on, to keep their network of farmers up to date and flourishing. Additionally, farmers can access information on soil conditions, etc. that can help them to make good decisions on which crops will be successful based on the soil of their specific region. Wefarm is able to monetize via transactions as they are expanding their marketplace to allow farmers to connect, to trade or buy and sell. Ewan details how collective buying power is also an asset, for as Wefarm brings a network of farmers online, Wefarm can sometimes position itself into a negotiation role with feed and seed type distributors. As their system grows, Wefarm will be moving further into peer-to-peer messaging as well, to allow farmers to communicate back and forth, beyond just question and answer.
As Wefarm expands it stands to serve millions upon millions of new farmers yearly, for with hundreds of millions to potentially billions of small-scale farmers and workers operating globally, small-scale farming is perhaps the largest industry in the world. And though their central office is in London, to enable them to have direct access and better communication with investors who are coming on board, Wefarm maintains offices in many of the very areas that their farmers inhabit. Wefarm team members interact regularly, and often in person, with small farmers across the globe, for sometimes there is no better way to understand the issues of a region than to actually be in it and talk to the people.
Jeff Klunzinger, co-founder of OS Fund (osfund.co), delivers an overview of investing for change, and how his company is putting money to work in all the right places, affecting change and improving lives.
OS Fund’s objective is to invest in skilled entrepreneurs who are making commercially viable advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, synthetic biology, automation, new materials development, and more, to solve real-world problems. From using bacteria to capture carbon and clean the air, to applying technology to augment crop growth in hunger-stricken areas, OS Fund seeks to make a positive imprint on the world by funding those who can make a difference. In just four quick years the fund has invested in 28 companies that are doing the work to make that difference in the world.
The investment executive provides some interesting details on some of the enterprises his company funds. NuMat Technologies, for example, is a leader in the design of MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks), which are atomically-engineered materials with immense surface areas, extremely tunable porosities, and practically limitless combinatorial possibilities. NuMat’s MOFs can make a major impact on the planet as they can filter water from the air, xenon from the ocean, and even increase storage for gas by scientifically increasing surface area. Another innovative company OS Fund has capitalized is Ginko Bioworks, an organism company. Ginko Bioworks designs tailored microbes for multiple customers in numerous markets. By utilizing software and hardware automation, Ginko Bioworks’ synthetic biology engineers are able to produce new organisms that replace tech with biology.
While many technologies require excessive capital expenditure to bring their advances to the marketplace, OS Fund looks for ‘ready-to-go’ technologies that can be rolled out for a doable expenditure and thus bring them to market sooner. By taking minimal scientific risks and focusing heavily on the technological side of projects, Klunzinger’s OS Fund is able to capitalize more companies making a difference.
Klunzinger expounds upon the next stage synthetic biology applications that will be coming soon, such as the use of computational tools that can, remarkably, produce brand new proteins. Additionally, he talks about exciting new companies that focus on the microbiome, which are the microorganisms in a distinct environment (including the body or a specific part of the body). And as individuals utilize microbiome testing they can begin to study and make an impact on their health. And the funding strategist also discusses how AI is now rolling into nearly all the companies they assist monetarily.
Ultimately, OS Fund seeks to capitalize companies that impact the entire world positively with advanced technological innovations, big vision companies with a pragmatic sensibility. While Klunzinger likes careful craftsmanship of ideas, his fund looks for signs that the company understands the value of the equity they are seeking, so once capitalization occurs, the company is ready to roll straight forward toward commercialization.
Cole Rosengren is a senior reporter for Waste Dive. Cole has many years of front-line experience with the waste industry having worked in many environments where he observed a myriad of problems that exist in the handling of waste and recycling. With a passion for forward-thinking solutions to planetary problems that the waste industry poses, Cole seeks to write and report on the pertinent issues that are shaping our conversation about waste and sustainability. Mr. Rosengren holds a BFA in writing and publishing from Emerson College as well as an MA in urban reporting (CUNY Graduate School of Journalism).
The waste and recycling journalist dives into a dense discussion of the many issues facing the global waste industry. As Mr. Rosengren states, China’s unfathomable exponential growth into a dominant global industry player has increased their need for raw materials and scrap. Thus for many years, they have been the final stop for recycled materials that they could turn into new products and export out. However, Rosengren states this ‘perfect circle’ of sorts may have reached its endpoint. With the launch of their National Sword policy, China announced that they would no longer take 24 various types of recycled materials. This policy comes on the heels of China’s Green Fence policy just five years previous, which introduced new standards for lower contamination levels for the recycling.
The new policy will certainly be felt around the world, and will especially strike a blow to recycling operators in China, many of which rely heavily on the ongoing import of a wide assortment of raw materials. And while the retooling of China’s recycling intake process will be an opportunity for China to begin cleaning up their own environment, the economic impact will be an adjustment for material exporters as they feel the sting of stringent regulations.
Rosengren discusses some of the issues that are becoming pivotal points in the conversation, post-China’s new rules. Perhaps a silver lining for environmentalists could be that China’s harsher regulations are driving the push toward a decrease in the use of plastics and single-use paper, etc. in general. But flipping the coin, American businesses and governments are taking a hit when it comes to recycling, as China’s policies have driven up the cost of recycling domestically. As these costs go up, some communities are taxing the recycling, while others are ramping up their efforts to inform the community about proper recycling. And other communities are taking more draconian measures to enforce recycling, even to the point of refusal of pickup if materials are not sorted properly.
Rosengren explains how businesses and manufacturers alike are engaged in a fair amount of finger-pointing in regard to who is to blame for the current waste dilemma. And in regard to governance, the EPA largely views these issues as state and local concerns, thus leaving the decisions, and quagmire, in the hands of various officials on the state level. Some states are even turning to private funds to invest further, and more heavily, into recycling infrastructure.
The waste expert details how the next wave of the movement toward a reduced waste planet is the rethinking of how we consume, in that we have developed a culture that has signed off on the ‘buy anything and everything as long as you recycle it” mindset. Perhaps, ultimately, it is time to rephrase the question to, “do I even need that,” to cut down on waste overall. But the wheels of change are slow and it’s up to everyone to contribute to the solutions that will help solve our growing problem with waste. On a positive note, as the public becomes more informed, for the most part, they do want to be a part of the solution.
Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine, as well as the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. D’Agostino’s focus of teaching is quite diverse as he educates in the areas of physiology, neuropharmacology, biochemistry (medical), cell metabolism, and signaling. D’Agostino’s laboratory tests metabolic-based strategies for battling multiple human health problems such as seizures, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.
The associate professor leads a discussion on various metabolic therapies including ketogenic diets, and the benefits of ketone supplements. Remarkably, one’s level of ketosis can be assessed and measured in blood and urine samples. Ketosis is a metabolic state; essentially, when an individual removes carbohydrates from their diet they in turn force their body to deplete its stores of glycogen and seek out a new fuel source. As this takes place, ketosis is initiated when the body begins converting fat into ketones as its new, powerful fuel. While the shift may be a major adjustment for the body, and for individuals attempting to make the push toward a ketogenic diet, the results are obvious for most, with many people reporting a general feeling of well-being with more energy also. As D’Agostino explains, those who suffer from age-related cognitive decline, inflammation, or weight problems, all stand to benefit greatly from the shift to a ketogenic diet and the stimulation of ketosis.
The physiology and cell metabolism professor explains how exogenous ketone supplementation can enhance the metabolic efficiency of the body, which can increase cognition and workflow activity. While many seek to get fully into a state of ketosis, this may not be the ultimate goal, for the goal is simply to feel better, and approximating the state may offer some benefits. Many are aware that ketosis can help with weight loss and appetite control, but as health seekers come for the weight loss they will more than likely also benefit from an advanced mental focus, more energy, and increased levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, ketosis can help to lower blood pressure and aid in the fight against type II diabetes. D’Agostino digs deep into the scientific workings behind variations on ketone supplementation. He discusses MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, and ketone salt combinations that can be delivered before low carbohydrate meals that can buffer the rise in glucose. The professor explains how the ketone benefit works within the body for suppression of appetite and increased cognitive function, and further, he relates how individuals can see improvements across the line with exogenous ketones even without adhering to an absolute ketogenic diet. D’Agostino provides some insight into ketone salts and ketone esters and their affect on the osmotic load in the gut. Ultimately, as D’Agostino explains, the scientific study of ketones is proving that many health issues can be improved by controlling the diet.
Reekita Gala founder of VRARE and Virtual Marketing Revolution joins Future Tech Podcast for the second time. Upcoming event in February 2019. http://www.virtualrevolutionmarketing.com. VR/AR Marketing Event hosted with Oculus Go in Virtual Reality.
MovoCash, Innovating mobile payment solutions for the Underserved market. Movo's product innovation leverages existing and emerging payment standards and banking infrastructure, resulting in a significant decrease in costs and latency found in traditional solutions while increasing consumers’ ability to control, manage and interact with their money in real-time. MovoChain - Conver Bitcoin or Bitcoin cash to spendable cash in minutes.
CertifID instills trust in the funding process through real-time identity and account credential verification. CertifID was founded by Lawrence Duthler and Thomas Cronkright, experienced attorneys and award-winning business leaders of Sun Title, one of Michigan’s largest title agencies which have been ranked as an Inc. 5000 company for the past four consecutive years.
In 2015, Sun Title fell victim to a social engineering fraud that cost the company nearly $200,000. The fraud, which stemmed from an elaborate transaction scheme that took place over two months exposed Tom and Lawrence to the level of industry knowledge fraudsters acquired. Immediately following the fraud, Tom and Lawrence spent two years collecting a portion of the money that was stolen and discovered even more elaborate and complex schemes being perpetrated on the industry.
Through that experience, they identified a need in the marketplace to create a real-time solution to verify identities and documents in financial transactions – CertifID was born. Having lived through a significant fraud event and having to continually combat the threat on a monthly basis the founders of CertifID know how critical the need is for this solution in the title, real estate, and lending industries.
Their experience, partnerships, and leadership team positions CertifID to become a leader in the fight to eliminate fraud in real estate and financial transactions.
Ecanvasser is digital infrastructure for political parties, candidates and issue groups. It connects grassroots membership both to head office and to voters. In this way it allows parties to understand what voters are thinking and act upon that. It works like Salesforce for politics, allowing users to target voters for outreach and have access to great analytics tools. Our motto is "Making democracy work" and through every conversation, our clients have with voters (12 million and counting) we are rebuilding trust between voters and politicians.
Oddup is the leading company in startup ratings and analysis, with ICO and cryptocurrency rankings, helping investors and startups navigate the ICO, crypto and venture capital landscape. We analyse 20,000+ startups, 10,000+ investors, 2,000+ ICOs, 2,000+ Cryptocurrencies, 200+ sectors and 34 locations across North America, Europe, the UK and Asia Pacific.
Sparkki is a Salt Lake City-based lightweight and fast Online Learning Management System created specifically to teach to a variety of learning styles, combining traditional education research with emerging technology to empower schools and businesses to effectively deliver results without a physical campus and to make sure that students and employees have the necessary skills to be globally competitive in the workforce.
Sparkki is built by educators, for educators. Whether the goal is to teach college students or factory employees, Sparkki utilizes proven educational theories, techniques, and practices, differentiating material for a variety of learning styles. Safe, secure, and supported by Amazon web services and blockchain technology, Sparkki is raising the standard of online education platforms.
Sparkki is also the only LMS system that is designed not just for use in the United States and Canada, but also for companies in emerging markets as well- specifically those in central and South America.
Work overload, lack of time, changing schedules, high pressure and stress. To alleviate such burdens and to return time and control to people, PlannerScape brings an all-in-one platform powered by cutting-edge technologies including blockchain and AI, which makes management of time and tasks as effortless as navigating directions through GPS.
By leveraging and integrating the benefits of collaborative consumption where everybody can share their time, skills and resources anytime without paying overheads or commissions, its solutions learn each users' habits and lifestyle so as to optimize productivity and help people achieve a healthy work-life balance.
PlannerScape is founded by a like-minded international team based in Hong Kong with strong backgrounds and expertise in the blockchain, IT, business, law, and finance.
Dr. Cory Kidd, founder and CEO of Catalia Health, delivers an informative discussion on chronic disease healthcare management and the benefits of using robots that are tailored to a particular patient’s needs to help them manage their conditions.
With over two decades of experience
in healthcare technology focused on innovations and solutions to major
healthcare challenges, Dr. Kidd is uniquely qualified to make an impact in the
patient/user experience. He has successfully launched other health and tech
oriented companies as a veteran of the industry. Dr. Kidd received a M.S. and
Ph.D. at the MIT Media Lab, specializing in human-robot interaction. His
primary objective while there was to demonstrate how there were obvious
clinical, as well as psychological, advantages to using physical robots instead
of traditional screen-based methods. While the front end allows for easy
patient interfacing, the back end flows to doctors and health professionals who
are working to monitor the overall progress of these chronic care patients. From
arthritis to kidney issues and more, Catalia Health’s robotic tech products
deliver outstanding results for patient and doctor.
As the health technology CEO explains, the
robot elicits a stronger long-term engagement with patients. The fact that the
robot actually looks at you creates a much deeper psychological connection with
patients, which drives them to be more involved with their own health and the
management of their condition over long periods of time. Catalia Health’s
robots (know individually as Mabu) are built on a set of artificial
intelligence algorithms that draw on psychology to form the conversations with
patients. As it is not scripted, but interaction based, the experience feels
interactive and real, and, ironically, more human. Much like a physician
tailors the needed medical information and delivers it in a way that is best
suited for an individual, Catalia Health’s robots also interact and respond
with patients in a manner that creates a comfortable experience. Catalia
Health’s platform‘s integrated technology learns about a patient’s overall
personality, and their interests, as well as any particular treatment
difficulties or challenges they have had over time. This enables the Mabu robot
to engage in conversations that are unique to each patient, based on
established behavioral models of psychology designed to promote significant
behavioral change for improved well-being. As Mabu communicates daily, patients
are much more likely to manage their treatment better. Dr. Kidd gives a detailed
analysis on the topics of symptoms, side effects, and psychosocial issues,
which are three major components of the AI based care management. And as the
old modified proverb says, the proof is in the pudding, and this is certainly
evidenced by Catalia Health’s data from their experimentation and market
testing. In multiple testing situations in which three groups of patients were
told to use either the paper log system to record and manage their care, the
Catalia Health software on a computer, or the system integrated into an actual
robot, the robot was strongly preferred, by far. Some people even tried to
negotiate to keep their test robot longer, which is about as glowing an
endorsement as you could hope for. The robots clearly have won.
Sahil Sanhi, co-founder of AllyO, a Silicon Valley based AI technology company, delivers an interesting overview of the many problems that exist in the human resources arena, and how his company’s tech is beating them, one by one.
Sanhi and his company partner saw a major problem in business recruiting and launched AllyO in 2016 as a means to solve it for companies worldwide. The problem—recruiting is inefficient, applicants are lost in the process, conversions are poor, and the cost is high due to menial tasks placed upon the hiring teams. Essentially, there is a complete lack of visibility and the process offers little control for human resources leaders.
Sanhi and partner realized they could build a better engine, and did. AllyO reinvented the system by bringing the recruiting process directly to the qualified applicants instead of the traditional route of bringing the applicants to the recruiting process. And AllyO’s system loops into human beings only when needed, thus allowing the mundane work to be circumvented, keeping human employees on more important job tasks. Sanhi explains how his company uses deep workflow conversational AI to streamline and automate end-to-end recruiting. AllyO successfully enables a managed workflow, by using smart technology to engage via texting over web and mobile avenues.
Sanhi states that their system not only greatly relieves the stress and drain on human resources departments, but also significantly improves the quality of incoming new hires. As Sanhi explains, the highest quality candidates are discouraged from applying due to the extensive, laborious process of first finding an appropriate position, and then being forced to fill out an online application for 45 minutes to an hour per opening. For a company that is seeking the best employees, this is highly problematic as sometimes it is only the most desperate candidates who will go through this difficult process, a process that only offers a 15% chance or less that your submission will be seen or acted on.
AllyO utilizes conversational career matching across multiple talent acquisition channels, qualifies the candidates for the role that perfectly fits their skill and experience, then fully automates the scheduling of interviews and even post interview communications. Responsiveness, better communication, and a more human type interaction back and forth, all built into the AI drives engagement to higher levels. As the AI probes deeper into a candidate’s qualifications it makes granular decisions along the way, which allows for candidate ease and better options for the hiring manager.
The tech expert explains how AllyO uses each engaging interaction with a potential candidate as an opportunity to learn, thus enabling the system to answer candidates’ questions in an increasingly sophisticated manner. Additionally, their AI ensures that proper conduct is always a priority by discarding biases. And as AllyO is a multilingual, highly configurable technology it can integrate easily into any HR system. Ironically, it is AI that is putting the human touch back into hiring.
Andris Merkulovs - Founder and CEO at Monetizr joins Future Tech Podcast.
Blockchain-based universal game reward engine that enhances gamers’ experiences and benefits game developers via monetization, retention, and engagement. For more info, check out www.monetizr.io or join us on Slack (monetizr.slack.com). We also help game developers and studios turn engagement and loyalty into increased revenue with high-quality branded merchandise right inside your games. With our Monetizr platform, we take care of the shop, product manufacturing, shipping and customer service - so you can focus on creating the best game experience.
Priatek is breaking new ground by creating the world’s only performance-based digital signage. The company has created a revolutionary new platform for advertisers to interact, engage, and sell products in the marketplace. The Priatek team builds turn-key prize promotions which run on a network of patented digital kiosks and a custom mobile app. Prize promotions, advertised on the digital signage, engage consumers in a unique and fun way.
Consumers select an advertised product, compete to win products, and always receive a coupon that can be used to purchase the product directly from the kiosk, mobile app, local retail stores, or online. Industry changing innovations include the ONLY free-to-play prize kiosk and a platform that bridges the gap between the retail space and online. By becoming the premier aggregator of prize promotions, Priatek will award more prizes than anyone else in history. We've created a free and fun new way for consumers to win and save every time they play.
UTRUST is a ground-breaking payment platform that empowers buyers to pay with their favorite cryptocurrencies while providing the best consumer protection in the market. For buyers: Payment protection - We are the only payment platform that provides a protection mechanism in crypto payments, allowing you to pay with confidence. We minimize the risk of fraud, by acting as mediator, providing guaranteed buyer protection and payment coverage.
For sellers: Minimized risk - Our blockchain payment system minimizes seller risk virtually to zero. Payments are made via blockchain. No more chargeback. No more stolen credit card and hacked accounts. Merchant Volatility Protection – Since buyers pay with crypto and merchants receive in fiat currency, merchants are not exposed to swings in crypto-markets. As a merchant, expand your market, reaching towards a new audience of cryptocurrency holders, and let us handle the conversion work while you focus on the marketing and revenues.
Skyllz is an open-source, public, blockchain-based and distributed skills validation platform that builds a universal and evolving Human Positive Skills Ecosystem changing the way we showcase and boost our talents.
Skyllz is a project led by workkola.com and is based on the Skyllz Distributed Platform (SDP), a skill validation protocol that enables users to validate and empower skills acquisition, allocation, contextualization and boosting freely within and across Skills Touchpoints Applications (STapps) such as e-learning platforms, networking platforms, portfolio platforms, offline education platforms or any other platform that want to benefit from and add value to the Skyllz ecosystem.
Users can validate their skills across STapps with Proof-of-Skill (Skyllz reputation) and finance their self-development with Skyllz Tokens. Visit skyllz.org to learn more about Skyllz.
Aaron Frank, principal faculty member at Singularity University, has an extensive background in life science and communication, with a specialization in augmented and virtual reality (VR). He researches and reports on trends affecting business. Singularity University is a global community that uses expanding technologies to take on some of the planet’s greatest challenges. Through its extensive platform comprised of learning and innovation resources, Singularity intends to empower people to meet problems head-on and find solutions via a network of experts in AI, robotics, and digital biology.
Frank recounts several stories of businesses that have seen incredible expansion due to virtual world technology, such as a billion-dollar real estate business that has completely adopted virtual activity, which allows for all their employees to gather online, from wherever they are in the world. But the environments are larger and more detailed than most would ever imagine, with interactive campuses that allow users to take on all sorts of activities in the virtual world. In business, and in play, Frank discusses how the technology has broken through to higher levels and provides users with vivid, intense experiences virtually.
He gives an insightful look at the virtual worlds being designed today that allow users to experience big events, such as concerts and festivals, and even political debates, as an avatar, which enables them to interact and communicate with other avatars. And Frank outlines some of the newest technology being introduced by global giants such as Facebook and others. He provides an overview of Facebook’s new Venues product, which utilizes 360 VR cameras to capture events. Facebook’s entry into the VR space will allow users to enjoy live events such as major concerts, and sports, and attend premieres of big movies, all over the globe, and experience them with their friends from anywhere. And while VR technology is fifteen or more years old, the latest components that allow for real, multiple users shared experiences are only in their nascent stages.
The technology expert details some of the other opportunities for VR environments, such as security and protection. Frank explains how we can expect the future of location and perimeter security to be 100% virtual, in that security personnel will no longer be doing foot patrols in actual space but will be walking a virtual space instead. As virtual worlds merge with the real world, the stuff of science fiction novels and movies will become our actual reality.
Frank states that by design, Singularity University focuses only on the positive ways that technology can be utilized, but he acknowledges that negative applications of technology are certainly within the realm of possibility. Frank delves into some of the current concerns that many people have with technology advances such as privacy issues and a general fear of a surveillance state. And he points out that while VR is incredibly interesting and has many positive applications, VR environments offer little privacy in that everything that is done, looked at, etc. is entirely trackable. However, as Frank states, blockchain technology, which is essentially a list of records called blocks that are linked using cryptography, may deliver some additional privacy and anonymity that will allay users’ anxiety.
Ultimately, however, as networks expand and technology explodes, VR and augmented reality will become a regular part of our daily experience in business, and also for pleasure. And tech companies are racing to provide networks that have the processing power to keep up with innovative design as it advances at breathtaking rates.
Maritz Motivation Solutions believes that understanding people is at the heart of success in today’s new normal. This people-centric approach is nothing new for us, but the way in which we’re approaching it today is. We’ve partnered with leading scientists and top thought leaders from universities and businesses, as well as industry experts and our own clients to challenge the status quo by infusing discoveries in human behavior into our business solutions.
Matitz is changed to more meaningfully connect with the people in your programs and help them achieve their goals – and yours – through innovative solutions in: • Employee Recognition • Sales Incentives • Channel Loyalty • Customer Loyalty • Rewards Programs • Fulfillment Making their lives better is how we help you improve your bottom line, and we encourage you to partner with us to get the better business outcomes you’re seeking.
We all want to feel great, to have more energy, and enjoy life to the fullest, and while most of us know that our diets significantly contribute to this, many of us don’t heed the call our bodies are making for better quality nutrition. But what if eating a healthy diet that provided more energy and that ‘feel good’ feeling didn’t have to taste awful? What if we could eat delicious fats and still feel great?
Alex Cunningham, Head of Partnerships at Perfect Keto (perfectketo.com), is a graduate of Villanova University with a BS in chemical engineering. Mr. Cunningham is an expert in health and nutrition and has consulted for many years in the field. His business, Perfect Keto, is a ketogenic nutrition company. The ketogenic diet is based on a low-carb intake for those who function best on a higher fat diet, one that increases their mental performance when they use fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Cunningham discusses how a large sector of the population never experiences scarcity such that the body needs to break down fat and run on ketones. Most people get their energy from carbohydrates, but as Cunningham explains, when the body runs on ketones, a higher level of energy is experienced. Additionally, those who do tap into their ketones often find that their mental clarity is expanded beyond their expectations. The nutrition expert gives an overview of some of the ketone products that his company, Perfect Keto, develops and distributes. Keto Base, for example, is a powder made from beta hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), and it contains zero carbs, gums, fillers, or sugars. Keto Base contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which is a vital source of energy for everyone.
Cunningham explains that in regard to ketosis, calories should be delivered 75% from a fat source, 20% from proteins, and 5% from carbohydrates. However, this will only put someone into a fat burning space, and is not necessarily going to be the supreme answer for good health. As Cunningham notes, the end goal is not to be in ketosis, but is actually, simply, to feel great. He provides an overview of some changes that anyone can make in order to get their body feeling and performing at optimum levels. By cutting carbohydrates out, except for leafy greens, a body is able to thrive as you give it the stimulus to operate on its own fat. A ketogenic diet allows an individual to truly enjoy eating fats, but without those carbs that are dragging us down, and those who explore this lifestyle find that they are less hungry and more fulfilled.
For those who may have an established vegan or vegetarian diet and prefer to continue eating their normal diet, exogenous ketones can still enhance their overall well-being. Perfect Keto’s exogenous ketones are 100% vegan and vegetarian friendly with no dairy or animal products. Thus vegans and vegetarians can experience the same boost of energy and get that ‘feel great’ feeling that omnivores enjoy on a ketogenic diet.
Xcellbio has developed a proprietary cell control system for use in research, drug development and regenerative medicine. The founders discuss their work in the control of tumor cells, stem cells and immune cells. Xcellbio's main focus is the growth of primary human cells outside of the body, which can then be trained to attack disease-causing cells, then returned to the body to eliminate the disease. Their technology is currently in use for cancer research.
Perry Marshall, noted science author of Evolution 2.0, and electrical engineer by trade, leads us on an interesting journey through the science and theory of life itself.
Marshall states that we are only just beginning to grasp the natural genetic engineering that is literally going on all around us daily. He explains how traditional theories quite often offer that occasional positive changes or mutations have the power to populate the earth with diverse life forms; however, this isn’t accurate. According to Marshall, cells are actually re-engineering themselves all the time. Many traditional evolutionary theorists push forward their theories of randomness, that nature is stupid and purposeless, but Perry Marshall affirms that their theories are often rooted in an atheist agenda and are simply not true. According to Marshall, cells, plants, and animals are capable of evolving via their own innate intelligence.
Marshall expounds upon classifications of genes, such as select genes that adjust to their environment. In fact, a cell can seek out another cell or cells that may offer the specific DNA that cell needs in order to build structures to advance its growth, or protect it from an intruding outside organism. Essentially, nature is exponentially more sophisticated than we are taught.
But as we consider that nature itself may be intelligent, it brings to mind thoughts of where does this intelligence come from, and naturally this leads to a discussion of God. And the science author provides an interesting discussion on the relationship between science and God as he delves into historic regimes and their political doctrine. Lenin, Stalin, and Mao, for example, at the core of their dogma was the absence of God, and Marshall states that this was a necessary element of their rise to power. For dictators such as these could never have risen to power or maintained their power if forced to contend with religious scholars and people of faith in general. As such, religion was eradicated, churches were burned, and lives were destroyed in order for these despots to grab hold of the power they sought. Ultimately, as Marshall states, people who believe in God will never allow the government to even approach the power of God. And this is why regimes such as those mentioned, and others, seek to build their power upon a foundation of which faith is not a structural component.
Error detection and error correction, cells have the capability for this and more. As Marshall states, evolution is essentially a software engineering problem, and when forced to deal with a stressful situation cells can innovate and actually reprogram themselves. And these cells, which function in the same way, control our immune systems and physiology. A cell in distress will seek out a partner, pull what it needs from that partner cell, and then reproduce daughter cells that solve the problem. In terms of efficiency, one bacterium can perform more programming in twelve minutes than a team of software engineers could perform in twelve weeks.
With the push to advance AI and machine learning reaching a fevered pitch, Marshall states that we could perhaps benefit from simply studying cells. Biomimicry, which is the design and production of materials, systems, and elements patterned after biological organisms and their internal processes, is an accelerating field, as scientists have learned that the best ideas often come from nature.
As an engineer, Marshall believes that true understanding cannot come until you can actually build it. With that in mind he relates the example of the creation of life, in that theories exist that arbitrary entities simply banged around against each other and then randomly created a cell. However, Marshall affirms that until they can produce an environment that can demonstrably create a cell on its own, that their theories of random creation of life simply are stories they’ve fashioned, and are not in any way based in scientific evidence whatsoever.
The engineer discusses some of the various problems and impediments that could arise with gene editing in the coming years and how researchers’ preconceptions can greatly impact advances. As Marshall imparts, in the long run, evolutionists underestimate the power of nature and creationists actually underestimate the power of God.
Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, ZL Technologies (ZL) is an industry leader in enterprise-class information governance software. The award-winning ZL Unified Archive® is the industry’s most comprehensive information governance solution, combining analytics, eDiscovery, compliance, records management, and storage optimization under one architecture.
ZL has been recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Information Archiving (EIA) based on both the quality of its flagship offering and its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. ZL’s history, vision, and commitment to attracting and retaining the highest caliber of talent ensure that Unified Archive will be the go-to information governance solution—for Fortune 500 companies and public sector agencies with high data volumes alike—for years to come.
Scott Amyx's book "Strive" shows how you can shape your life and your career, a life of fulfillment and joy, constantly creative and productive, one that always holds the possibility of delightful surprise.
Amyx Ventures is an industry building-venture fund specific to countries and economic regions with its strategy pillared on incubating new transformational industries. The fund creates advanced IPs, develops technologies around those IPs, validates the business models and products with the market, and then launches startups when there are sufficient evidence of market fit and adoption.
Bio: Lauren Maffeo has reported on and worked within the global technology sector. She started her career as a freelance journalist covering tech trends for The Guardian and The Next Web from London. Today, she works as a senior content analyst at GetApp (a Gartner company), where she covers the impact of emerging tech like AI and blockchain on small and midsize business owners. Lauren's research and writing have been cited by sources including Forbes, Fox Business, The Atlantic, and Inc.com. She has spoken at events including Gartner's Symposium in Florida, The Global Talent Summit at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, Women Techmakers Montreal in Canada, and Mashable's Social Media Day. In 2017, Lauren was named to The Drum's 50 Under 30 list of women worth watching in digital. That same year, she helped organize Women Startup Challenge Europe, which was the continent's largest venture capital competition for women-led startups.
Lauren Maffeo holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. She has consulted and reported as a senior content analyst for GetApp, covering the influence of various emerging technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, on small to midsize businesses. Maffeo has extensively studied machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Maffeo discusses how the perception of AI can sometimes be that it is a monolithic entity devoid of humanity, but in fact, AI has a significant swath of use cases that make it ideal for many human-powered, customer service oriented businesses. Maffeo states that AI is often best when introduced alongside human workers to enhance the overall workflow. Many businesses state that they simply don’t have the staffing necessary to implement AI projects, while others state that they have difficulty in defining their overall AI strategy. Still, other businesses state that they are unsure of how to get started with AI altogether. Ultimately, at current, AI is touted as a transformative tool, but hype aside, some businesses are simply struggling to understand how to best utilize it.
The technology consultant outlines some of the aspects of AI that will become more advanced and specialized in the coming years, such as AI’s social perception and context. While automation with AI will facilitate many industries, such as construction or other industrial types, Maffeo states that the perception of AI taking jobs from human workers is skewed. In fact, in many industries, it is a lack of available human workers that is spurring the advent of AI in certain workplaces.
Maffeo discusses the potential impediments to complete implementation of AI in a wider scope. Cost would be an issue, but even before the consideration of cost, there are some other issues to consider. The topic of ‘use cases,’ essentially knowing how AI can be used effectively, is a fundamental issue. The need for quality data scientists is also a critical issue—to regulate data in an AI system to ensure that it is healthy, unbiased data. Additionally, high-level architects that are capable of building networks become an issue simply because they are in demand but are not readily available.
Maffeo provides further insight into some of the areas of AI that will proliferate. Innovations in advanced AI such as chatbots will be a growing industry in the coming years. Predictions indicate that as many as 10% of new IT hires will be tasked with writing bot scripts as chatbots become ubiquitous in online commerce. Machine learning will allow chatbots to interface with customers at an advanced level as chatbots can access a wealth of data about the user. And although current data demonstrate that the majority of people prefer a human interaction, as AI refines the chatbot experience the expectation is that users will acclimate to the advancing technology.
Matthew Osman, Co-founder of Legit (legitpatents.com), discusses his company’s advanced AI technology that allows inventors and developers, from every industry, access to critical information and knowledge that can save time and money.
A man of many accomplishments, Matthew was the youngest VP of a one billion dollar hedge fund in London, where he primarily focused on tax structuring and credit strategies. While working towards his degree from the University of Oxford, Osman studied philosophy, politics, and economics extensively. Osman’s company, Legit, is a new brand of AI company that focuses on natural language processing and evolutionary computation. As Osman states, the goal of his company is to turn literally anyone into an actual inventor.
Legit builds applications that are powered by natural language processing for engineers, researchers, and scientists that aid in the identification of their work, to assess whether it is unique. Legit’s engines look deeper into identification processes, going beyond the elementary keyword approach, delving into conceptual similarities. Legit can evaluate a project in real time, comparing it to as many as thirty million other documented projects and prototypes, thus giving the creator a true sense of their work’s originality. But beyond the comparisons and real-time evaluation, Legit’s technology can also suggest various means to increase an invention’s uniqueness, offer suggestions of potential collaborators, and recommend possible buyers or licensors. Essentially, Legit can walk with inventors through their initial ideation phase all the way to patent.
Whether you’re a solo inventor working out of your garage or a research and development professional employed by a billion-dollar corporation, some needs are the same for both, in that every inventor is benefited by knowledge of what’s already in the market or in the pipeline. Legit’s app saves time and decreases waste in R&D by gathering the important information necessary to suss an idea’s originality and determine how valuable the invention could be in general, to maximize outcomes. With 2.2 trillion dollars expected to be spent in the coming year on R&D, it’s clear that any inventor or company must be tapped into the development market to ascertain their inventions’ particular characteristics of value and originality.
Osman explains how Legit’s AI is trained on an extensive corpus, or collection, of technical literature such that their technology can make astute assessments based on the desired goals of similar projects, even if there are no shared keywords between them in their stated objectives or descriptions. As the push for new innovative products is certainly increasing, and technology is expanding, the need for specific knowledge is perhaps at an all-time high, and Legit’s advanced AI can provide that knowledge.
Alicia Kavelaars, Founder, and CTO of OffWorld (offworld.ai) discuss her company’s efforts to build robotic technology for extreme environments, with advanced machine learning and AI, to assist humans to be offworld. Offworld, roughly defined as ‘away from earth’ is the core point of Kavelaars’ company’s mission—to enable “smart robots working under human supervision on and offworld, turning the inner solar system into a better, gentler, greener place for life and civilization.”
While experimentation in space is costly, Kavelaars explains that much of their testing is done in more financially practical extreme environments such as underground mines and seabeds, etc. OffWorld’s initial prototypes focus on mining in extreme environments and will be tested in underground mines first, but these robotic workforces will be extremely helpful in a space environment for colonization preparation efforts. Kavelaars’ robot workforce is already designed for an end-to-end mining solution. From mining through processing, OffWorld’s robotic workforce is capable of handling the job.
OffWorld’s robots can go deeper underground, to mine in ventilation and extreme temperature conditions that humans could not withstand, and of course robots can work 24 hours a day for continuous workflow. With thousands of robots in a workforce, Kavelaars expects to move humans to supervisory roles, out of harm’s way, and allow advanced machine learning to continue to enhance the robots’ effectiveness. OffWorld’s robotic workforce is fully autonomous, end to end, but if a robot in the workforce experiences a contingency situation in which it cannot make the assessment on its own, human supervisors step in and handle it.
Kavelaars explains how OffWorld’s robots operate independently, in that they are not centrally programmed with a hive mentality, but perform as solo operators with a heightened awareness of the other robots working alongside them. This design helps to alleviate potential single-point failures as Kavelaars’ robots will recognize failures and independently, but with a collective understanding, support any one-off failures.
The robotics founder expounds upon her desire to take her robotic workforce to space and the preparation to make them fully autonomous in advance of their mission. Kavelaars’ team employs machine learning to help robots evaluate precise techniques for proper mining, to allow the robots to vary their approach based upon arising conditions, as opposed to simply inputting algorithms that would not allow for adjustments.
Additionally, the CTO and founder discuss her company’s plans to introduce robotic workforces for other areas of industry as well, such as large construction projects. As robotic workforces can work independently and autonomously, but can also work in tandem with humans, robots can significantly increase efficiency in many industries with challenging environments. And as machine learning advances and sophistication of robotic technology is refined even further, robotic workforces will be able to master practically any industry-type tasks.
Coin-Energy has developed a system as the World’s first mobile full-service mining solution provider, based on low-cost renewable electricity which can be located any place on the Globe: hydro, solar, wind. Our Hosting Mobile Miner Units (HMMUs) are modified 20’ reefer sea containers, equipped with state of the art mining hardware. Mining-units are indefinitely scalable due to efficient, available, low-cost hardware.
Jason Barkeloo - Founder of Knowbella tech joins Future Tech Podcast.
Knowbella Tech www.Knowbella.Tech crowdsources scientists around orphan/dormant intellectual properties (IP). By enabling researchers to collaborate on a web-based platform, science and innovations should be advanced. After its SEC-compliant Token Generating Event (TGE also frequently called ICO), Knowbella Tech will launch its web-based collaboration platform. Knowbella Tech licensed its platform from Open Therapeutics (https://Therapoid.net) for crowdsourcing all non-therapeutic intellectual properties (IP) The platform freely provides researchers, particularly the underserved, IP, grants, free lab equipment, manuscript development tools, mentors, and preprint server.
Lasya Marla, Director of Fusion AI at Lucidworks, a search technology company that utilizes AI to better understand human intent, provides a thorough overview of the data optimization improvements AI-based technology is delivering. Lucidworks’ platform is comprised of three major areas, Fusion AI, Fusion App Studio, and Fusion Server. Fusion AI facilitates customer experiences and is driven by signal capture and relevance boosting using advanced AI machine learning. Fusion App Studio helps to create made-to-order, data-heavy searches and applications for the web and mobile technology products. Finally, Fusion Server is a search engine and NoSQL data store that provides immediate access to a person’s or company’s data, available when it is needed, and it can be scaled for the needs of the user.
The technology director delivers an overview of ecommerce and retail website searches and queries, as well as other types of customer-based websites, and how advance machine learning can greatly enhance their users’ experiences. Marla explains some of the reasons why search results can be less than desired, such as one of the dominating issues—the engine does not know what the user is searching for thus it cannot perform efficiently. She gives us an insightful look into the inner-workings of a typical search, and the problems that could arise that compromise or devalue the end results. One such issue, Marla explains, could be within the algorithm itself, and its ranking of less desired results on a higher level. For example, when one searches for a particular product, a search engine may rank accessories for that product higher in the search results due to the fact that the product name may be listed more often in the product’s accessories’ descriptions. This could result in a user receiving higher ranked product accessory links than the links to the actual product itself.
The Fusion AI director discusses the demands that users place on search engines and how users’ expectations are driving the need to develop engines that are intelligent. Marla states users expect much more; users want recommendations, and they want the engine to understand their intent, to be able to understand misspellings, etc. and still deliver relevant results. She expounds upon the methods an individual or company can use to train a made-to-order search engine model to meet the specific needs of their site’s users. One such method would be to utilize modified data that is then applied and implemented into the associated query pipeline. Marla explains how companies like Amazon have raised the bar for user search experiences, but many of the features that users love on sites like Amazon, such as user recommendations can be implemented for any business site. Companies and businesses can run recommendation algorithms on their sites’ search engines to increase user enjoyment, efficiency of experience, and ultimately keep the user on the site longer.
Marla explains the process an individual would go through in order to utilize Lucidworks’ advanced technology algorithms. For example, if an individual wanted to introduce specific algorithms onto their site and search engine, perhaps a head/tail analysis, query intent classifier, personalization module, recommendations module, etc., the individual would follow simple steps in order to retool their engine. Essentially, to migrate an ecommerce or other site into Lucidworks’ platform an individual would first provide Lucidworks with all their actionable data, including valid signal data comprised of relevant user interactions. Next, they would select the desired algorithms to be applied, and then align their front-end site with the API endpoints generated by Lucidworks’ proprietary technology. By streamlining the process, Lucidworks can facilitate a company’s needs by allowing the retooling to be somewhat automated, in that a search developer won’t need to necessarily understand what is, ‘under the hood,’ in order to keep it online and efficiently running.
While Lucidworks’ technology-based solutions for advanced search engines can be useful to most any individual or business seeking to enhance their users’ experience, Marla explains that the key ingredient in the search engine soup is the user interaction data. Without user interaction data, the algorithms may enhance the efficiency to a degree but it is this specific data that really gets the engine running at top performance, and the more data the better!
Kevin Holden is the Head of Synthetic Biology at Synthego. Mr. Holden holds a PhD in Microbiology from University of California, Davis. He has over 10 years of experience in the biotechnology arena, with specific study and research in synthetic biology as well as in engineering, notably—metabolic pathways in microbes.
Synthego’s primary work is focused in software and synthetic RNA kits designed for CRISPR genome research and editing. Synthego uses AI and machine learning to assist researchers and developers with automation for genome engineering that provides for efficient research with consistent results, at a price point that allows for savings. With a strong background in engineering, Synthego’s team applies engineering principles to synthetic biology practices, especially for gene editing.
Holden’s company, Synthego, works with hardware and software and utilizes advanced machine learning to assist in research platforms and technology, such as the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology. CRISPR is the acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, which are the distinctive feature of a complete bacterial defense system and the foundation for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology. Synthego’s hardware platform allows for the synthesization of RNA, to guide CRISPR technology to a specific place on the genome in order to make an edit. Holden discusses how Synthego’s automation allows scientists to skip steps traditionally needed for method development and thus focus their efforts more immediately on their actual research, as Synthego can provide gene edited cells directly to them.
The synthetic biology expert explains some of the various areas that his company is currently focused on. In particular, Holden’s team is very excited about the potential for their work to be of particular use to researchers working with monogenic, or single gene, diseases, including single gene mutations. Miraculously, cells can be extracted from a patient, edited, tested, and then ex vivo transplanted back into a patient to cure the disease. Edited, corrected cells, once implanted into the patient then grow new cells void of the mutation that was once causing the disease.
Holden also provides a detailed analysis of their work in the amazing area known as CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy is the process in which a patient's immune system cells, or T cells, are edited so they will then begin to attack cancer cells upon reintroduction into the body.
As the microbiology PhD explains, enabling scientists to obtain gene-edited cells for research will greatly facilitate, and accelerate, the complex study of disease and thus allow for new therapies to become available to the public sooner. Synthego’s tech decreases time ordinarily spent on model building so scientists’ efforts go directly into the research. And Holden explains how AI algorithms are best utilized within large data sets in order to train models.
But perhaps one of the most significant uses of this technology will be in the breeding of plants, to engineer them to produce more efficiently, become resistant to disease and even drought, and thus aid in providing needed food for the world. With so many uses for synthetic biology practices and gene editing, it’s clear that engineering-based companies such as Synthego will be riding the wave of many coming breakthroughs in medicine and science for years to come.
Christopher Brown is the author of Tropic of Kansas, a dystopian novel that was a finalist for the 2018 Campbell Award for the best science fiction novel of the year. His novel Rule of Capture, the beginning of a series of speculative legal thrillers, is forthcoming from Harper in 2019.
He was nominated for a World Fantasy Award for the anthology Three Messages and a Warning: Contemporary Mexican Short Stories of the Fantastic. His short fiction and essays have appeared in a variety of magazines and anthologies. He lives in Austin, Texas, where he also practices technology law.
David J. Gunkel (PhD) is an award-winning educator, scholar and author, specializing in the study of information and communication technology with a focus on ethics. Formally educated in philosophy and media studies, his teaching and research synthesize the hype of high-technology with the rigor and insight of contemporary critical analysis.
He is the author of over 50 scholarly journal articles and book chapters, has written and published 7 influential books, lectured and delivered award-winning papers throughout North and South America and Europe, is the managing editor and co-founder of the International Journal of Žižek Studies and co-editor of the Indiana University Press series in Digital Game Studies.
He currently holds the position of Professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Illinois University (USA), and his teaching has been recognized with numerous awards, including NIU's Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the prestigious Presidential Teaching Professor.
Rise Housing is a social impact company using cryptocurrency (RSE) to tokenize buildings. Rise Housing allows tenants and everyday investors to be able to buy equity in real estate, one token at a time, without any lending or interest rates involved. The platform creates liquidity for the current asset owners of large, multifamily buildings, without enduring the expense and wasted time of the traditional selling process.
A currency is only as strong as its circulation and what it is backed by, and our security token will not only be used by large real estate investors looking for a leaner way to liquidate, but we are positioned to be in the hands of otherwise disengaged tenants and small investors, creating high transaction volume in a new global asset class.
The Reverse Logistics Association is a member-driven, global trade group for the returns and reverse logistics industry, offering information, research, solutions, and services for Manufacturers Branded, and Retail companies from Third Party Providers. Our goal is to educate and inform Reverse Logistics professionals around the world, and be the voice of the returns and reverse industry.
The RLA focuses on all industries in the reverse logistics process, and our goal is to provide RL process knowledge. We want to educate everyone about the reverse logistics processes that are common to all industries.
Bloomio is working on redesigning the venture capital industry. Bloomio provides a crowdfunding platform, that connects early-stage startups with individual investors and venture funds. The platform allows startup founders to raise capital by tokenizing equity and gives investors a possibility to trade startup stakes through a secure blockchain-based marketplace.
Traditional VC investors mainly focus on larger deal sizes of more than $100K, leaving small room for individual investors to enter the early stage startup market. Bloomio's vision is to disrupt the traditional fund-raising model for startups by enabling individual investors to tap into the venture capital arena with a small ticket size starting from just around a hundred dollars.
To enter the platform, startups must either undergo a scoring process by 3rd party analysts or make specific disclosures so as to provide enough information to potential investors. Once listed on the Bloomio platform, a startup, instead of pitching VCs, can start its next investment round in just one mouse click, saving precious time and efforts for other tasks.
Marshall Greenwald - CEO at Craypay joins Future Tech Podcast. CrayPay is a mobile payment app that will soon allow you to earn and use cryptocurrency tokens, called CrayCoins, at more than 50,000 retail locations across the United States.
CrayPay already pays a portion of each of your purchases, but you’ll also be able to earn an additional 10% of the retail price back in CrayCoins.
CrayCoins will be earned by spending within the CrayPay app, and it will be possible to use them for purchases in-store and online across 120+ national brand partners including AMC Theatres, American Eagle, Best Buy, Chili’s, Domino’s, GAP, Lowe’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Sears.
Matteo Lai, Co-founder and CEO of Empatica (empatica.com), a medical technology startup, provides an insightful overview of the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of machine learning-based products. Specifically, Lai details the advances in tech for medical products that can allow individual patients or sufferers to get an early warning that a medical emergency or situation is beginning.
Mr. Lai studied engineering and architecture and he holds dual masters in architecture and innovation management from the Alta Scuola Politecnica. Additionally, Lai co-founded Taaac, a design innovation startup, and has been intimately involved in sundry engineering, architecture, and design innovation projects internationally.
Lai’s company, Empatica, co-founded by Dr. Rosalind Picard, director of the Affective Computing Research Group at the MIT Media Lab, was conceived rather organically. Lai recounts how Picard’s experimental research in autism provided a breakthrough that stimulated further research into epilepsy seizure detection. While working with autism sufferers attached to sensors, a particular individual experienced a seizure and the sensors reacted immediately, thus initiating Picard and Lai’s continued research into the predictive technology behind Empatica’s products. Empatica’s “Embrace” product is a wearable band that uses advanced machine learning to recognize convulsive seizures and send appropriate alerts to responsible parties who can respond. Through the capture of specific information such as high frequency movement, heart rate, and sympathetic responses, Lai’s sensors’ algorithms can make the assessment, in real time, that a seizure is beginning.
As their technology evolves, Lai expects that their products will allow sufferers to actually receive predictions of adverse reactions on the horizon. In regard to seizure detection, a user might be able to procure data from their Empatica product that predicts, via its machine learning, whether a seizure might occur within a certain future time frame. Much like a weather forecast, the Empatica product may be able to provide a user with a percentage of probability such that the user can make plans accordingly. Empatica’s product is the smallest design of its kind and is the first medical grade, geolocation-enhanced, wearable product for epilepsy sufferers.
The medical tech CEO discusses how his company is focused on challenging neurological diseases, conditions, and disorders, such as epilepsy and autism, stress and depression. By using sensors and predictive technology, sufferers, and their caregivers, can better prepare for events or medical emergencies, thus providing some peace of mind for all involved.
Monarch is an all-inclusive platform for the modern consumer, investor, and merchant! A simple to use and easy to understand fiat to the crypto solution right in the palm of your hand. You can pay your monthly recurring bills, buy and sell crypto at the best rates, keep track of all your passwords all from your phone. Monarch's security tokens are backed by physical silver as well to ensure real-world value. For people who buy the security tokens, the tokens get airdropped a utility token for free and receive weekly dividends, forever.
Shidan Gouran - CEO & President at Global Blockchain technology corps joins Future Tech Podcast. Global Blockchain is an investment company that provides investors access to a mixture of assets in the blockchain space, strategically chosen to balance stability and growth. Blue chip holdings such as Ethereum and Bitcoin are complemented by best-of-breed "smaller cap" crypto holdings, many of which are not yet available to other investors.
Niger Little-Poole, Director of Engineering at Sigma Ratings, delves into the thorny problem of financial security and explains how his company is working to deliver technology-based solutions to assess risk.
Sigma Ratings is an international compliance and regulatory risk rating agency in New York City, New York whose focus is on the design and architecture of a powerful AI-based rating platform. Their mission is to properly assess risk utilizing domain expertise and computer science, to rate and generate risk evaluations and scores for thousands of companies across the globe.
As our global economy has brought many financial companies and banks together for trading and services, security and trust are more important than ever. Niger Little-Poole explains how Sigma Ratings’ software allows financial entities to get a better understanding of who they are working with and partnering within the business. With financial crimes, money laundering, and fraud, etc. on the rise, Sigma Ratings’ proprietary software provides some comfort in turbulent times. And beyond searching for links to general crimes and infractions, Sigma Ratings’ software can also detect links a bank may have to potentially nefarious groups or individuals, from oligarchs on a US government watch list to terrorists.
Little-Poole states that Sigma also seeks to provide full transparency on banks, and eventually financial companies, by exposing who they are actually owned by, in cases where shell companies or holding companies may be the true owners. As connections are important, it is critical to know who or what owns a bank or company to ensure that all entities in the chain are reputable and operating legally.
The director of engineering provides an overview of basic AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) initiatives in regard to compliance and regulation. Little-Poole states that regulations and protocols may be in place in 80% of a particular country’s financial institutions while another country may have only 5% of their institutions under similar scrutiny.
Little-Poole discusses the complex issue of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity, simply defined, is the protection of computer systems and related hardware, software and electronic data from potential damage, corruption, misdirection of services, or theft. Little-Poole explains how hackers can utilize their hack to infiltrate a bank’s system, offering the hackers a direct access line to pull money from accounts and then push it through other banking institutions and illegally launder it.
As financial crimes are rampant, the Sigma Ratings’ director states that the solution must be technology-based, structured with machine learning, otherwise many financial crimes will continue to thrive, unseen by the watchful eye of regulators.
Joshua Scigala is the co-founder of the first real-time bitcoin/gold trading engine on the market.
Vaultoro is backing bitcoin with physical gold that is vaulted for the customers in top-tier Swiss gold Vaults. The technology behind Vaultoro makes it the most transparent exchange on the market, both publicly and privately audited. Vaultoro enables billions of people to start using the bitcoin payment network without the volatility risk.
Opu Labs aims to become the leading digital solutions provider for skincare measurement, management, and monitoring. They are building an advanced ecosystem that combines a machine learning AI, a clinic, a marketplace, and a community. Underpinning all of these features is blockchain technology. Its use allows patient data to be decentralized and freely accessed at scale.
It also incentivizes those involved to play an active role in our ecosystem: by rewarding them with our native ERC-223 tokens, OPU Coins. Opu Labs wants to give consumers better access to skincare expertise, provide skincare professionals with the technology needed to expand their capabilities, ease patient load, and reward those who make valuable contributions.
Dr. Joost Huizinga, a Ph.D. from the Evolving Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Wyoming, provides an informative overview of the advances and challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) learning and training.
Dr. Huizinga’s interest and expertise are primarily focused in the areas of evolutionary robotics and algorithms, neural networks, learning algorithms and other elements of artificial intelligence. A portion of Huizinga’s work involves neural networks and the challenge to improve them and make them more similar to the human brain. As neural networks are trained to classify images according to different categories, and learning algorithms then take command, the information about the images is still, unfortunately, scattered all throughout the neural networks. In contrast, the human brain has specific areas for various functions such as the visual cortex and motor cortex, etc., which provides a solid structural organization.
According to Dr. Huizinga, to have a fully connected neural network within the human brain, every neuron would need to be connected to every other neuron, which would necessitate a larger brain than normal in order to handle the vast network. Additionally, every connection would need the essential proteins that are required to build these types of connections. The Ph.D. explains one of his team’s goals during their experimentation process—to have an evolutionary algorithm build the network itself, optimizing for not only performance, but also for a reduction in length, and number, of the connections within the network.
As a result, these artificial neural networks approach a more modular state and begin to functionally specialize. Huizinga explains that this structured specialization allows for higher efficiency in learning and thus more closely approximates a human’s neural network organization. In regard to these applications as they are applied to robotics, Dr. Huizinga hopes to push neural networks to create a more advanced hierarchical structure for improved robotic functionality.
The AI Ph.D. provides an interesting comparative discussion on the similarities and differences between human brain processing and AI network processing, including how each response to external stimuli, processes the information and reacts to it. As Huizinga explains, when humans need to react quickly to external stimuli or an event or action, the human brain often accesses learned information from past events, which allows for more immediate, and appropriate, responses.
Doctor Huizinga states that the future of AI will be heavily based in teaching the AI to develop its own structures and essentially acquire the information and processes it needs to teach itself how to learn. Further, Huizinga stresses the importance of using AI to influence and train networks to exercise caution before making decisions, as human brains do, before rushing confidently into an action. This subtle training will allow for greater safety as autonomous functional products and robotic entities become mainstream.
Tracy Leparulo Founder and CEO at Untraceable, is an early crypto investor and Blockchain Futurist, she founded Untraceable in 2013 to help build and grow the crypto community.
Untraceable is the first event management and marketing agency within the blockchain and cryptocurrency community in Canada. We provide a full suite of services for events including logistics, marketing, and sponsorship. Our specialty is designing cutting-edge events by seamlessly integrating crypto ticketing, event apps, token creation, and innovative tech solutions to fit your needs.
Over the past 5 years, Untraceable has organized hundreds of events from the first Bitcoin Expo in Canada to the first Ethereum hackathon to ETHWaterloo (the world's largest Ethereum hackathon). Whether you’re launching a blockchain company or planning a corporate conference, the Untraceable team will work with you to create an immersive and unforgettable event.
Blockmason is a growing team of accomplished developers and professionals from their respective industries. We leverage both specialists and generalists – including a deep bench of multi- lingual world travelers, diversified investors, technology mavens, competitive athletes, history buffs, chess enthusiasts – and worst of all, far too many overachievers with undergrad and graduate credentials from Harvard and Yale.
Lndr is a debt tracking system for friends and family were your debts are logged on the blockchain.
Dr. David Benrimoh, CEO and CMO of Aifred Health (aifred health.com), a mental health AI company, provides an interesting overview of the complexities within the mental health branch of medicine and the challenge to improve mental health diagnoses. Dr. Benrimoh is a physician currently training to be a psychiatrist. He is engaged in neuroimaging research at McGill, where he is completing his residency. Dr. Benrimoh is also pursuing a masters in neuroscience at University College, London.
Dr. Benrimoh’s company, Aifred Health, is comprised of a diverse team of scientists and physicians, from neuroscientists, to computer scientists, biochemists and specialized physicians who work together to solve problems in the field of mental health. Aifred Health’s primary objective is to solve the complex problem of mental health treatment selection.
Dr. Benrimoh details some of the current issues in mental health. The physician explains that while the demand for mental health services has grown exponentially, service providers, mental health professionals, and mental health clinics are at or nearing capacity, which may deprive those in need of the care they are seeking. But beyond the problem of meeting needs, Dr. Benrimoh states that the most critical problem is the simple fact that people do not recover or find relief from treatment fast enough.
As many sufferers can find relief when matched with the proper treatment, whether that is psychotherapy or drug therapy or a combination thereof, it is Benrimoh’s mission to aid in the process of matching people with the appropriate treatment sooner, so they can recover. He expresses the importance of matching people with treatment right away because in some cases, especially regarding depression, waiting to receive treatment simply allows the problem to take hold. Benrimoh’s goal is to match sufferers with the proper treatment 75% of the time, the first time they reach out for help.
The health CEO discusses the many problems that arise in the diagnosis of specific mental health disorders. Unfortunately, the range of symptoms is often so broad that some sufferers are offered improper treatment that may not provide them with the most efficient solution. Traditional questionnaires have long provided the basic information on sufferers to aid in the diagnosis of their mental health challenges. However, Dr. Benrimoh’s team at Aifred Health seeks to use deep machine learning and AI to dig deeper, and pull out more significant data on sufferers to enable proper treatment to be assigned sooner, and hopefully bring a quicker end to the suffering.
By utilizing data from the NIMH (National Institutes of Mental Health) and other sources, Aifred Health’s technological approach using AI is able to predict suicidal ideations with a 70% accuracy, from mental health population surveys. Additionally, their approach is able to consider data in regard to 4 different types of drugs and make assessments with an 80% accuracy as to whether the particular drug will be effective with a specific sufferer. Alarmingly, depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide and is the biggest disease on the planet—bar none. At any given time, 322,000,000 people are depressed, thus Dr. Benrimoh’s primary focus is on the improvement of efficiency and efficacy of depression treatments.
Louis-Pierre Gravelle, a lawyer, engineer, and patent agent at Robic (robic.com) gives a thorough overview of the many issues that relate to patents and property rights in the ever-expanding field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Robic is a boutique IP firm based in Canada that specializes in the protection and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) rights and other intangible assets, and of course any necessary litigation and/or transaction support. Founded in 1892 by engineers, the Marion brothers, the firm established its longstanding reputation of excellence under the direction of its eponymous principal, Raymond A. Robic. Since its establishment 125 years ago, Robic has grown expansively and is now home to over 180 employees.
Gravelle’s background in engineering and his particular interest in 3D printing has made him well suited for the countless AI issues and cases that are arising with hurried frequency in the advancing technology world. Gravelle states that AI patent applications are becoming commonplace, with the largest tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon leading the way.
As much of the work in AI of years past was generated in academia, a preponderance of core information and many basic algorithms are currently part of the public domain. And this makes for an interesting set of circumstances as new products are developed that could be tied, in part, to public domain data and key information. Gravelle discusses the difficulties that can arise in the determination of whose patented process a particular AI product follows. Thus potential infringement of rights is a complex area that requires intensive research in order to establish a clear resolution of rights.
The law partner provides an overview of granted claims and infringement issues regarding IP and AI and how decisions are sometimes made in the process. For example, in the field of medical diagnostics with competitive companies that use AI engines to detect specific disease through in vivo or other diagnostics, it is often challenging to find the line where research crosses into infringement. And often times these are the areas where patent issues become lawsuits.
In regard to 3D printing, Gravelle discusses how materials such as circuits, metals, and powders that go into the finish and solidity of the products are becoming an area of great interest in the IP legal arena as well. Additionally, he explains how issues in the legal tech field are expanding rapidly. Legal tech, in basic terms, would be classified as any computer-aided tool that assists an individual working in the legal arena, such as tools used for natural language processing, etc.
As IP issues concerning AI and other intangible assets are increasing, Gravelle states that the complex issues that arise in regard to potential infringement are of great importance to rights holders.
John Weaver, an attorney at McLane Middleton who focuses heavily on emerging tech, including artificial intelligence (AI), self-driving vehicles, and drone technology, leads an informative discussion on the legal issues that will arise as emerging technologies infiltrate the marketplace.
Mr. Weaver works with clients from varying fields and assists them with best practices, helps them prepare and respond to legal issues, and assists with regulation compliance—especially privacy and data security regulations. Weaver explains how these compliance issues are particularly important with emerging tech such as AI and autonomous technology because personal data is the figurative fuel that fires the engine for these technologies. Thus, companies need to have a solid understanding of what they are legally allowed to do with the volume of personal data connected to various technologies.
The telecommunications and technology attorney lays out some of the legal issues that companies will face as the coming years bring more data via streaming, high-speed internet, and sophisticated 5G networks. Weaver gives an overview of blockchain transactions and the data privacy issues that are facing players in that industry. As blockchain involves lists of permanent records secured by cryptography, bundled data may sometimes be in violation of privacy laws.
As the use of blockchain expands, attorneys such as Weaver will be needed to help clients walk carefully through the minefield of prickly data privacy regulations that are required by various governments and organizations. Additionally, Weaver will delve into the current legal inadequacies within the confluence of intellectual property (IP) and AI laws. Specifically, he’ll explain how advancing technologies will expose further limitations in IP as it relates to protected data versus public domain.
The technology attorney details how limited legal personhood, as is sometimes used to establish legal structures regarding corporations, will be used for autonomous vehicles as they begin to populate our roads and highways in higher numbers. Once established, manufacturers and users can worry less about liability issues and more about perfecting and using the technology that most current data predicts will ultimately make our roads safer.
David Fragale - Co-Founder and CPO at Atonomi joins Future Tech Podcast.
Atonomi - The Secure Ledger of Things Enabling Secure, Blockchain-based Cryptosecurity for IoT Transactions The Atonomi Network is a blockchain-based security solution to protect the Internet of Things and enable secure device-to-device autonomous transactions. The Atonomi Security Protocol validates device identity, tracks device reputation, and provides immutable blockchain ledgering of all transactions.
Fysical is a decentralized location data market. It reinvents location services by placing transparency consumer privacy first, so location services can be utilized more widely across all industries. Data suppliers currently contribute over 15 billion data points per month through Fysical, and the datasets consist of foot traffic sensor readings, store visit data, commute routes, and much more.
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. HRF unites people in the common cause of defending human rights and promoting liberal democracy. Our mission is to ensure that freedom is both preserved and promoted around the world. We will use this space to share the latest HRF content -- news, press releases, event information, and more.
Soma is a revolutionary decentralized platform that facilitates trade and social interaction powered by blockchain technology and a native cryptocurrency (Soma Community Token, or SCT) for liquidity within the Soma Community. By disintermediating the value chain, buyers and sellers can realize greater profits. At the same time, an innovative rewards system incentivizes beneficial collaboration and ensures that value-adding services are compensated. Soma is a free-market ecosystem—free of market manipulation, price-fixing, gouging, and bloat.
EOS Tribe is a distinguished block producer candidate focused on blockchain infrastructure and software. Headquartered in Wyoming with satellite offices in Dallas, TX and Salt Lake City, UT, our mission is to provide global, enterprise-class infrastructure for the EOS network, which is set to launch June 2nd, 2018.
The Tribe was founded on a common goal of being purposeful with the time we have on this Earth. We believe deeply in the power of decentralized systems and their potential to create positive social and economic change. We are an EOS block producer candidate who wants to empower mission minded dApps and projects in the ecosystem who work toward that common goal.
Holt AI Fintech Accelerator. Created by modern day brokers, accelerating deals for fintech startups between corporate clients and investors. They help their partners navigate success through investors and associated network of financial institutions; powered by an AI lab.
The Holt family has a history of investing, growing, supporting, and building financial companies for the past five generations. With the rising need for AI throughout all aspects of daily life, Holt Fintech Accelerator focuses on boosting AI capabilities of Fintech businesses and expanding their international network.
Neville Boston is CEO of Reviver Auto, creator of the world’s first digital license plate. Reviver Auto’s mission is to bring new and far-reaching efficiencies, revolutionary marketing, and unprecedented connectivity to the auto industry through disruptive technology. With its RPlate™, the company has completely reinvented the 125-year-old stamped metal license plate into a connected car platform that digitizes and automates the costly, often frustrating and time-consuming DMV renewal process. Approved by multiple DVMs and DOTs, the RPlate also provides telematics functionality and brings a new level of personalization to existing license plates.
SportsCastr is an ultra-low latency live video platform for sports that brings studio-quality features to anyone with an iPhone, including real-time score-bugs, broadcast quality motion graphics and augmented reality.
In addition to being a powerful second-screen experience that allows viewers to personalize the commentary for any game (or to jump in and share their own reactions), the Company is developing unique social OTT functionality that combines SportsCastr's technology with live sporting events (including esports) -- opening up a new paradigm for how fans watch the game.
The first live events will be broadcast on SportsCastr beginning Summer 2018.
Susan Fahringer, a partner at Perkins Coie (perkinscoie.com), an international law firm specializing in corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice, gives an overview of the current and coming legal issues regarding AI. The legal issues surrounding AI (artificial intelligence) are poised to be some of the most critical and pertinent areas of concern facing many companies and persons involved in the rapidly growing technology arena.
Fahringer informs that biometrics legislation; algorithmic discrimination, which pertains to employers’ use of AI to discriminate in hiring practices; privacy issues; product liability issues; and anti-trust issues will be a few of the many legal areas of concern in the expanding AI space. Specifically, in regard to biometrics, questions arise regarding personal data and what those who collect it are actually allowed to do with it. While biometrics can be useful on many fronts, Fahringer states that there should certainly be some guardrails established regarding its collection and use.
Fahringer discusses the problems that employers could face legally if their machine learning algorithms are biased. For example, if an employer creates an algorithm to search for potential candidates to interview and subsequently hire, the algorithm needs to be unbiased in every way such that it does not exclude or discriminate against people based on inherent flaws in the algorithm. Race is an obvious area where bias concerns could arise, and employers should take steps to ensure that their algorithms do no use race as a determinant in any way. But another area that may not be as obvious to employers is their use of zip codes, for an algorithm that discriminates due to a particular zip code, whether purposefully or inadvertently, may also be in violation of anti-discrimination laws.
Fahringer discusses the many areas of potential legal impediments and problems that exist within the current GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). She outlines the importance of balance within the areas that concern privacy, balance that allows for expanded innovation but still protects the privacy of the individual. Fahringer expects that it will take five to ten years to refine the various laws that exist currently regarding AI, as the field and the laws that surround it are constantly evolving. Fahringer states that disclosures, privacy and data security, product liability, risk, and employment issues will all be areas of increasing concern for manufacturers, consumers, and private individuals alike.
Frederico Trajano is Chief Executive Officer of Magazine Luiza, the Brazilian retailer with more than 22,000 employees, 860 stores and a customer base of over 45 million across 16 states nationwide.
A digital trailblazer, Frederico was named CEO in 2016. Since joining the company in 2000, Frederico has led the digital transformation of Magalu, driving e-commerce sales to be 30% of annual revenue.
Magazine Luiza is committed to educating the community about technologies and improve the user experience. Creating new pathways of access.
Clay Braswell - Founder and CEO of Commit Good joins Future Tech Podcast.
Commit Good is a transparent, charitable platform that rewards people for everyday transactions. Commit Good is dedicated to building a global charitable economy through the integration of marketplace features, fundraising and solving the last mile of delivery.
Superior security and cutting-edge technology. Igloohome is eliminating the need for keys.
Unlock your door with a PIN code, or a bluetooth key on your smartphone, or a key card. Different modes of entry are offered for flexibility of access. The physical key is still available as a back-up.
Grant access to your home even when you're away. With the igloohome mobile app, create PIN codes or bluetooth keys, and select how long you want them to be valid for. Send them to your visitors from the app. Igloohome lock works with innovative technology involving encryption and synchronisation. Internet not required for the lock hence increasing reliability against WiFi hacking.
Scott Brown - CEO and Founder of VODX joins Future Tech Podcast. VODX is a company who manufactures and distributes a patented faucet with an integrated LCD Screen world-wide would be in a position to disrupt the advertising industry through blockchain technologies.
Alicia Kavelaars, Founder, and CTO of OffWorld (offworld.ai) discuss her company’s efforts to build robotic technology for extreme environments, with advanced machine learning and AI, to assist humans to be offworld. Offworld, roughly defined as ‘away from earth’ is the core point of Kavelaars’ company’s mission—to enable “smart robots working under human supervision on and offworld, turning the inner solar system into a better, gentler, greener place for life and civilization.”
While experimentation in space is costly, Kavelaars explains that much of their testing is done in more financially practical extreme environments such as underground mines and seabeds, etc. OffWorld’s initial prototypes focus on mining in extreme environments and will be tested in underground mines first, but these robotic workforces will be extremely helpful in a space environment for colonization preparation efforts. Kavelaars’ robot workforce is already designed for an end-to-end mining solution. From mining through processing, OffWorld’s robotic workforce is capable of handling the job.
OffWorld’s robots can go deeper underground, to mine in ventilation and extreme temperature conditions that humans could not withstand, and of course robots can work 24 hours a day for continuous workflow. With thousands of robots in a workforce, Kavelaars expects to move humans to supervisory roles, out of harm’s way, and allow advanced machine learning to continue to enhance the robots’ effectiveness. OffWorld’s robotic workforce is fully autonomous, end to end, but if a robot in the workforce experiences a contingency situation in which it cannot make the assessment on its own, human supervisors step in and handle it.
Kavelaars explains how OffWorld’s robots operate independently, in that they are not centrally programmed with a hive mentality, but perform as solo operators with a heightened awareness of the other robots working alongside them. This design helps to alleviate potential single-point failures as Kavelaars’ robots will recognize failures and independently, but with a collective understanding, support any one-off failures.
The robotics founder expounds upon her desire to take her robotic workforce to space and the preparation to make them fully autonomous in advance of their mission. Kavelaars’ team employs machine learning to help robots evaluate precise techniques for proper mining, to allow the robots to vary their approach based upon arising conditions, as opposed to simply inputting algorithms that would not allow for adjustments.
Additionally, the CTO and founder discuss her company’s plans to introduce robotic workforces for other areas of industry as well, such as large construction projects. As robotic workforces can work independently and autonomously, but can also work in tandem with humans, robots can significantly increase efficiency in many industries with challenging environments. And as machine learning advances and sophistication of robotic technology is refined even further, robotic workforces will be able to master practically any industry-type tasks
Satisfi Labs creates A.I. powered chatbots that businesses use to communicate with their customers in real time. Co-Founder/CEO Don White discusses how their creations are being used in sports entertainment and retail environments. Brands such as the Houston Texans and the Oklahoma City Thunder are already using the work of Satisfi Labs to enhance the fan experience through real-time information and suggestions. We determine whether data is truly "the new oil". Don also discusses how the future of A.I. will look more like The Jetsons than Skynet.
Casey Kuhlman - CEO of Monax joins Future Tech Podcast.
The Monax platform is an open platform for small businesses to create, prove, and operate their legal agreements.
Monax is pioneering permissioned ledgers and smart contracts and now are building a legal agreements network to allow new and more efficient forms of legal transacting, exploiting the benefits of various decentralized, distributed, and masterless technologies.
The DigitalBits Project is an open-source software project used by the DigitalBits blockchain network. In addition to supporting fast & low-cost micropayments & remittances, Enterprises are also able to tokenize assets on the DigitalBits blockchain. Users are able to trade on-chain and the technology will automatically-trade (with multi-hop) in less than 5seconds. Loyalty points & rewards are one of the asset categories that the decentralized DigitalBits blockchain is able to support. There are over $100Billion in unused points currently in the US alone and 1/3 of points issued each year (representing approx $16Billion in value) are never used.
Craig Buntin, a three-time Canadian figure skating champion and Olympic athlete, co-founded SPORTLOGiQ (sportlogiq.com) with Mehrsan Javan, an expert in machine learning and computer vision who holds a PhD in the field. Through Buntin’s vast experience and many years on the ice, he came to a realization that there was a dire need for advanced analytics in sports, and that access to more extensive powerful data would be invaluable. Teaming with the PhD, Javan, the sports-minded tech enthusiasts set out to change the way coaches, players, and viewers interpret and synthesize games.
SPORTLOGiQ’s analytics product has tremendous value for teams who want to be more successful and dominant, for media outlets that want to provide their viewers with more intensive data and information, and for the rapidly growing sports betting industry.
SPORTLOGiQ’s technology product combines computer vision and advanced machine learning algorithms to log, analyze, and interpret data based on the movements of a team’s players. From broadcast sports feeds, SPORTLOGiQ can analyze intricate details of a player’s performance, in any sport—shots, passes, movements, and possessions. Buntin states that their proprietary analytics technology captures 158,000,000 data points per individual game that is then converted into actionable data. SPORTLOGiQ’s dashboard will provide specific information on not only raw data, but it can provide variant types of precise analysis of that data. For example, in regard to hockey, they can analyze 573 types of plays across 4000 individual actions in a game. Buntin explains how his analytics can decipher the wealth of data and determine ‘how’ a player plays a game in terms of passing, performance, scoring, etc. If a player passes, when are they passing, do they pass only under pressure, etc., these are just a few of the myriad of specific data interpretations their product can provide. Essentially, SPORTLOGiQ’s data can give coaches a real-time understanding of player matchups, which allows them to be more informed and helps them to confirm the strategies they set out to use to win the game.
In regard to sports betting, Buntin discusses the amazing predictive skills that their analytics package can deliver with up to 70% success rates! And with the sports betting industry growing exponentially, and becoming legal in multiple states, Buntin’s analytics could greatly enhance any sports betting enthusiast’s experience. And Buntin explains how micro betting will become more prevalent in the coming years, with betters placing bets on individual players in individual plays.
As the AI and algorithms continue to improve, SPORTLOGiQ’s data analysis is becoming a ‘must-have’ tool in the coaching toolbox. Buntin provides information on the success track records of teams who have used his data analysis and the results are undeniable—teams that use his data analysis technology win more games. Thus, professional teams are now considering SPORTLOGiQ to be not only a tool, but also a valued member of the team.
Your name might not be Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, or even George Jetson for that matter, but space travel has arrived for the average Joe or Jill with the means. Frank Bunger, CEO of Orion Span (orionspan.com), takes us on a delightful narrative journey through the preparations his company is making to deliver the actual journey, to space, as soon as 2022!
With Orion Span’s project, Aurora Station, a luxury space hotel, Bunger seeks to make another giant leap for mankind, toward long-term colonization of space. Through frequent space visits to stations such as Aurora Station, Bunger’s hope is that visitors will become more comfortable with the idea of long-term living in space. Surprisingly, Bunger explains that Aurora Station can be built for tens of millions of dollars as opposed to his competitors’ typical estimations in the hundreds of millions for space station architecture construction. Through Orion Span’s innovation in space station operation, Bunger details how his company is able to build and maintain at lower costs overall. From heating systems to waste management, Orion Span is changing the financial equation and innovating along the way.
The space hotelier provides an overview of the journey to Aurora Station and the daily activities of the adventurous travelers. Aurora Station will be in orbit, approximately 200 miles above the Earth’s surface. What Bunger has learned from feedback given by sub-orbital visitors is that people generally want an experience not just a ‘trip,’ and Aurora Station, with its impressive agenda and activity schedule over a 12-day stay, provides that. Training experiences and exercises, virtual reality simulation, and astronaut type training (including real space-oriented scientific experiments) are all on the Aurora Station activity list. Additionally, Aurora Station provides a 100% zero gravity experience the entire stay unlike sub-orbitals that deliver only a few moments here and there. Bunger also discusses many of Aurora Station’s innovations that will make visitors’ stays more comfortable. One simple example would be lighting cues in the station that provide some comfort to visitors, giving them a sense of ‘up’ and ‘down’ directions, for in a zero gravity environment, there really is no ‘up’ or ‘down’ per se.
The space travel CEO also provides some insight into the possible advances in medicine that space existence in zero gravity might provide, from cancer research to organ growth. Bunger discusses the possibilities for exciting research in the medical field, and how the ISS (International Space Station) team is already pushing forward in many scientific areas. And Bunger delivers an interesting overview of the preparations for medical emergencies, micrometeoroids, travel to and from, etc. While the journey and stay is not for everyone, for those who have an adventurous spirit, Aurora Station will provide a truly life-changing experience. After all, traveling at roughly 20,000mph in orbit is not really something you get to do every day.
David Bleznak - Founder and CEO of Totle joins Future Tech Podcast. By aggregating the liquidity of the top decentralized exchanges, Totle is the most convenient ERC-20 token trading platform. Trustless trading is now accessible. Unlike exchanges, Totle never takes custody of your tokens or private keys. Tokens stay in your wallet.
David Selinger is the founder of Deep Sentinel, a technology company that develops smart home surveillance systems that combine next-gen cameras, artificial intelligence (AI), and human intervention. The surveillance technology founder organically arrived in the home security space when he was motivated to dig deeper after a close neighbor was the victim of a home invasion.
With an extensive background in AI, Selinger came to the quick and startling realization that home security systems were woefully behind the technology curve and he set out to change that. Selinger discusses the state of home security before his company entered the space. He details how literally 25 years of innovation in traditional home security systems has amounted to not much more than wireless sensors, WIFI connectivity, and improved motion detection. Deep Sentinel seeks to fully integrate AI by using algorithms to analyze multiple security camera footage, which will then identify patterns in visual data, flag them, and predict crime before it even happens.
The surveillance technology founder discusses rapid advancements that have been made in security that were bolstered by deep learning technology promulgated by the gaming industry. Selinger discusses how the complex intersection of data, computing power, AI, and mathematics is ushering in a new era of advanced home security. He details how convolutional neural networks are an invaluable tool for machine learning that can greatly improve image recognition and classification.
A convolutional neural network is a class of intensive, feed-forward synthetic neural networks adept with analyzing visual imagery.
Selinger lays out some of his company’s security technology and explains how advanced motion detection that decreases security ‘noise,’ essentially defined as false alarms (dogs, wind, etc.), allows for better real-time intervention for prevention of crime. Selinger’s system can push the data and information to their trained security personnel within 10 seconds. And the combination of real-time data, integrated lights, and high decibel speakers which allow for immediate communication with the would-be criminal, often prevents or stops the crime as it is in progress. While perimeter security is the immediate goal, facial recognition technology will be coming in the near future.
While we might not yet be able to levitate objects by simply using our brainwaves, the rigorous study of brainwaves has certainly led to some astounding developments. Dr. Christoph Guger, CEO and President of g•tec (gtec.at), a medical engineering product development company, introduces the spectacular technology behind their groundbreaking work that allows an individual to control external devices with their thoughts.
Dr. Guger’s company, g•tec, is a pioneer in the field of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. BCI creates a direct pathway of communication between a wired brain and a particular external device. Dr. Guger received his education in biomedical engineering at the University of Technology, Graz, Austria. Guger’s PhD work centered around real-time analysis of EEG data for the application into, and development of, brain-computer interface technology.
The medical engineering CEO explains the complex process that BCI uses to allow users who are paralyzed to communicate via brainwaves. While the process is highly advanced, in simplest terms the BCI displays multiple characters and images on a screen and the user responds to the flashing images. Brainwaves are detected in this process and the computer translates the user’s brainwave responses into sentences. Guger expounds upon the advances in stroke rehabilitation that BCI has enabled by allowing the user’s brainwaves to initiate electrical stimulators such that the brain learns to control the body again. And Guger discusses how BCI, amazingly, allows for select coma patients to actually respond via their brainwaves to yes / no questions. Thus the BCI, in these cases, is not only allowing physicians to gain a better understanding of their patient, but it provides families with renewed hope, and a connection to their loved ones previously thought to have been lost forever. BCI, in some cases, has miraculously given coma patients a new confidence that aids them in their ability to return to a conscious state.
The g•tec CEO gives an overview of some of the exciting new developments coming soon in the BCI technology arena, such as events in which programmers, designers, and artists come together for several days to develop new brain-computer interface applications. Some of the areas being developed are for controlling drones, prosthetics, controls for television and lighting systems, surgical applications, and so much more.
Guger’s company, g•tec developed and launched their first commercially available BCI system back in 1999. Today, their advanced BCI system is in over 60 countries worldwide.
As a fellow at both the Center for International Security and Cooperation and the Hoover Institution, Andrew Grotto centers his work on the intersection between emerging technology, governance, and national security. According to Grotto, the decisions that governments make about technology have national security applications in the US and affect global foreign policy; this is just part of the reason why it’s important to evaluate the benefits and risks of emerging technologies.
Grotto offers insight on a number of topics, including how large versus small companies may be affected by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), voting and election security, three different types of companies that will play a role in the cyber security and privacy debate, and an emerging phenomenon referred to as “deep fake” videos.
Hit play for a detailed and informative conversation about these topics and more.
“Technology is progressing very fast, and I think ethics in AI is our biggest challenge for the next couple of decades,” says Dorian Kierken. As the founder and CEO of Age of Minds, Kierken is focused on the future of artificial intelligence and the ways in which the human species will interact with it.
He began asking himself what he should be working on in order to make sure that the lifespan and happiness of his daughter--and the human species as a whole--is maximized. He’s narrowed it down to five: AI ethics, energy conservation, drinkable water, waste management, and climate change.
Tune in for an interesting discussion on these topics and many more, and visit ageofminds.com to learn more about Kierken’s work.
The Kinesis Monetary System is an evolutionary step beyond any monetary system available in the world today. It enhances money as both a store of value and a medium of exchange and has been developed for the benefit of all. Core to the mechanics of the system is the perpetual incentive and thus stimulus for money velocity. Outside capital is attracted into Kinesis via a highly attractive risk/return ratio and then put into highly stimulated movement, promoting commerce and economic activity.
This is achieved through structuring money to represent 100% allocated title of an asset and then attaching a unique multifaceted yield system that fairly shares the wealth generated by the system according to participation and money velocity.
Marcus Eriksen, Co-founder & Research Director of 5 Gyres Institute (5gyres.org) leads an informative discussion on the ever-growing plastic trash problem that is having a detrimental impact on our seas, sea life, and planetary health.
Eriksen’s experience in the area of marine research is vast, as he has led multiple expeditions around the globe to specifically research plastic marine pollution. As a pioneer in this field of study, Eriksen’s work, and subsequent discovery of plastic microbeads in the Great Lakes was so startlingly significant that it lead to the passage of the Microbead-free Waters Act of 2015. As a noted author on the subject and experienced researcher with a PhD in science education, Eriksen, and his wife Anna Cummins, launched the 5 Gyres Institute after completing an exhaustive 88-day trek from California to Hawaii on a raft built from 15,000 plastic bottles. The institute takes its name from the root word ‘gyre’ that is defined as a large-scale system of surface currents in the ocean that are driven by the wind.
The research director discusses his expeditions, the voyage with Captain Charles Moore (the oceanographer who discovered the sea trash accumulation zone), and the eureka moment when he realized that there were thousands of sea miles free for study. Eriksen’s realization that the Arctic, the Antarctic, the Bay of Bengal, the Mediterranean Sea, and the equatorial waters were barely travelled and wide open for scientific research, spawned an idea. The idea was to embark upon major scientific expeditions to collect data and publish their findings on the sea plastic trash problem. After six years of study, their results were staggering. They concluded that there were an estimated 5.25 trillion bits of plastics floating in the oceans from a quarter of a million tons of trash.
The 5 Gyres co-founder details how cups, plastic bags, polystyrene, bottles and more are degraded into smaller bits by ocean currents, fish nibbling, and the sun’s rays, and how these microsized bits are causing real damage to wildlife. Eriksen states that the ideal solution, other than simply not allowing any plastics to make it into the ocean altogether, would be to harness the trash plastics near coastlines, before they get out to sea.
Eriksen gives an eye-opening introduction to the strategies needed to tackle this global problem successfully. Ultimately, he states, the real solution is to tighten up community and municipality recycling programs from city centers all the way down to the individual homeowner. Getting a handle on the recycling of plastics at the source, and ending the production of single-use plastics would help to prevent the sea plastic trash problem before it happens. Unfortunately, recycling programs currently aren’t meeting the challenge.
In regard to sea life health, toxins such as DDT, PCB, flame-retardants, etc. are being ingested. Thus sea life is ingesting chemical toxins from the volume of microplastics that exist within our oceans and the long-term effects to aquatic life, as well as human life, could be deleterious, but more study is needed.
Eriksen’s team believes that the current implementation of recycling plans and programs only scratches the surface of the greater need. Eriksen affirms that truly successful recycling strategy would suggest that every manufacturer of a plastic or disposable item have an ‘end of use’ plan for their items. Ideas might include ‘buy back’ plans such that manufacturers take back their product, and provide coupons for their receipt, that would then provide discounts for secondary purchases, and so forth.
He’ll discuss society’s need to adopt stricter recycling strategies that put an end to carry out containers and usher in the concept of a ‘bring your own’ carry out container way of life. Additionally, the science educator discusses other concepts that walk us away from our disposable culture habits, such as ‘heirloom culture,’ which is the concept of buying things that might be more expensive but are built to last for years, perhaps decades.
To make a dent in the plastic and disposable trash problem, we must consider intelligent packaging, reduction of single-use, ending unnecessary plastic use, and rethink recycling and non-compostable waste strategies, etc.
Kidney failure? No problem. Need a new heart? Check, working on it. Let’s just head on over to the 3D printer and print one up and send you on your way. While this sounds like science fiction, and currently still is, the advances in biofabrication and 3D bioprinting may intersect in a jaw-dropping, historical moment some day in our future. To learn more about the stunning advances in medical biofabrication that are being put to work today, listen to Dr. Lorenzo Moroni’s intensive discussion of the present and future of modern medical science.
Lorenzo Moroni, a professor of biofabrication for regenerative medicine at Maastricht University delivers a dense foundation of information on the advances in biofabrication models, and how they may open the door to medical breakthroughs in drug therapy. Specifically, biofabrication is the production of intricate living as well as non-living biological entities from natural biological materials such as living cells and biochemical molecules, etc.
Moroni holds a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, and in nanoscale sciences at Chalmers Technical University, Sweden, as well as a Ph.D. cum laude from the University of Twente.
Moroni’s lab works to originate medical applications toward the creation of biological models to test treatments for new drugs, and to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the pathology of diseases in three dimensions.
The biomedical engineer details how biofabrication offers a more physiological, three-dimensional environment of a targeted tissue area or organ where the testing of new treatments and drugs is focused. Further, Dr. Moroni explains how testing drugs on cells of a three-dimensional substrate also enables higher quality testing of the efficacy and potency for these new drugs, chemical compounds, and therapies. As our bodies are three-dimensional, the testing of new drugs and therapies in three dimensions is more efficient, and provides better results than the traditional methods utilized in a two-dimensional laboratory cell culture testing environment.
Moroni discusses how biofabrication and 3D scaffolding allows for more targeted study and development of treatments and therapies for conditions or diseases that affect cartilage, heart valves, vascular tissue, and beyond. He touches on how these 3D processes are paving the way for a possible future that could see bioprinting of organs come to fruition, but cautions that we are still a long way away from reaching that monumental moment in history.
Robotics and automation have come a long way since the development of George Devol’s ‘Unimate’ in the early 1950s. Before Unimate was impressing audiences on the Johnny Carson show in ’66, the world of manufacturing was completely reliant on human power. Today, engineers are moving fast and forward with prototypes that may advance various industries. Listen in as Shashank Samala provides an overview of how his company, Tempo, is providing nearly real time feedback in the digital environment that pushes robotic automation to the next level.
Shashank Samala, Co-founder and VP of Products at Tempo (tempoautomation.com),
expounds upon his company’s core belief that innovation can best be achieved by cycling rapidly from the origin point of an idea to its conception and realization. Through the creation of process fluidity, Samala’s mission is to make it possible for engineers to explore and realize ideas at a faster pace—to reduce the time gap that begins at design and ends with testing. While simulation is helpful for engineers and designers, the creation time needed for their circuit boards is patently slow, and this is precisely the area that the Tempo co-founder expects to further facilitate.
Whereas many prototypes are produced on the high volume manufacturing system that is designed to churn our millions of units, Shashank Samala and his team at Tempo are rethinking this traditional model. Tempo fabricates their boards and sources parts in a matter of days, cutting the time lag down significantly. By retooling the traditional manufacturing model, essentially auto-configuring a factory and optimizing it for low volume by reprogramming automation robots for the new tasks, Samala hopes to revolutionize the prototype process.
Tempo’s proprietary automation software creates an intact digital thread that rolls seamlessly from design through delivery. Engineers can upload their design and see real time manufacturing feedback in a matter of minutes, and setup times are decreased as each machine can take its proper manufacturing outputs directly from the design, all within the digital environment. Tempo uses machine learning to precisely predict delivery times, which can greatly enhance engineers’ ability to maximize their work flow. The automation VP states that Tempo’s work has been utilized for a swath of industries including automotive, aerospace, and medical, and that they are proud to play a small role in the development process and path to innovation.
Author and consultant, Whitney Johnson, President and Co-founder of Rose Park Advisors' Disruptive Innovation Fund discuss the power of disruption theory and how it can release the better self in all of us. With a background on Wall Street covering emerging markets and telecom, Whitney Johnson came to some important realizations about the personal challenges we all face in our careers, and the reasons we become stymied along the way. Johnson’s books, Disrupt Yourself and Build an A-Team, focus on achieving goals through her core philosophy of ‘disruption.’ The consultant provides an overview of her mission to help people become better bosses and team builders and achieve higher goals by being cognizant of the moments when we are at the top of a learning curve and it may be time to move on. Disruption deals with recognizing this and making a change.
Johnson outlines how disruption theories suggest that one take on market risk, new markets that may not as of yet be fully actualized or even exist, as opposed to the competitive risk that comes with inserting oneself into a saturated market. Additionally, Johnson advocates playing to one’s strength, for when individuals focus their challenges in areas where they have outstanding abilities they will be emboldened to attempt new challenges in unfamiliar markets, which could lead to successes.
The author and consultant details how the basic tenets of disruption philosophy can be utilized to help corporations and businesses build better teams. Building great teams come through optimizing learning curves. Johnson explains that businesses should strive to have approximately 70% of their team at a point in the learning curve where they know a sufficient amount but are not masters of the information. It is in this steep part of the learning curve that they are achievers and innovators.
Further, about 15% of the team should be at the lower end, such that they are not completely proficient and therefore ask many questions about process and reasoning. And through this question and answer process, innovative ideas often spring forth. Finally, 15% should be at the high end, and these are the masters of the information who provide the structure and guidance to keep the team moving forward.
The Innovation Fund co-founder stresses the importance of considering disruptive constructs such as: ‘am I taking on market risk,’ ‘am I playing to my strengths,’ ‘is the task hard but not debilitating,’ and ‘am I gaining momentum.’ Johnson advises individuals to appraise the variables and let the signs point them to their next career move, be it a disruption that takes them to a new uncharted adventure or one that moves them into a novel and challenging area within their company.
Nitin Agarwal - Founder of B21 joins Future Tech Podcast.B21 is a personal wealth management platform exclusively for crypto assets. Our mission is to make it easy for everyday investors to easily create and manage diverse portfolios of crypto assets.
Ultra is bringing the blockchain revolution to the gaming industry and creating a fair ecosystem for the future of games distribution With cutting-edge technology, Ultra aims to shake up the gaming industry by putting the power back into the hands of developers and players, paving the way for a first-class game publishing platform.
Globle is a platform that fully democratizes the creation, development, funding, and management of new projects and ideas. It is a decentralized means of building and running new companies, a platform which is managed and owned equally by all its users. All profits generated by Globle projects are distributed between project contributors and the rest of Globle users, providing a potential universal basic income (UBI) to everyone.
Juan M. Hernandez - Founder, CEO at OpenFinance Network joins Future Tech Podcast. The OpenFinance Network is a blockchain-based protocol and framework for the trading, clearing, and settlement of cryptocurrency security tokens and other alternative assets. The OpenFinance Network is the leading trading platform for alternative assets, working with the millions of investors who hold assets in the $7.7T alternatives market (e.g. hedge funds, private equity, limited partnerships, non-listed REITs, business development companies (BDCs), Regulation D, Regulation A+, Regulation CF and other crowdfunded assets).
Veryan Goodship, Co-founder and CEO of Truba (truba.news), provides a detailed discussion on his company’s technology-based news delivery, and how it was born of specific needs that occurred within the Canadian Financial Industry.
The Canadian economics graduate discusses his startup’s mission to rethink the ways in which users receive news in our 24-hour, complex, streaming and constant news-heavy world. The news tech CEO outlines how current problems with the dissemination of news has created a situation where many people are actually less informed than perhaps pre-tech times.
Goodship explains how his company, Truba, works to deliver news via various methods that tailor a reader’s news to their interests, in formats that they are comfortable with and may find more convenient. One such method is via Truba’s “Daily Snap” product, which provides readers top-trending news that would be available through social media but through a newsletter format that allows the user to avoid social media altogether. Additionally, Truba provides personalized news feeds that are comprised from a particular user’s click data input.
Essentially whatever the analytics have demonstrated the user is interested in due to their clicks and links followed, etc., would become the foundation for a tailored news platform. One of the benefits of this offering is that it can provide the interested reader with personalized news without the fear of being targeted or marketed to, or the fear of having their data being sold to third parties.
Goodship discusses the process that Truba uses to personalize a reader’s news platform, including inputting of initial user information and the training of algorithms through user input. And he’ll provide insight into how the AI algorithms use linear regression to decipher which features are most important.
The news tech CEO gives an overview of the many and various input that are used to customize news feeds, from term frequencies (such as how often terms show up in text), to term comparison, to title sizes and more. And he’ll give us some notes on how machine vision (recognition of pictures and video) and audio analyzation (wave length and speed) play a part in the process of news selection algorithms.
Vertical farming is a practice that involves the cultivation of crops on multiple levels in a fully enclosed environment equipped with optimal artificial lighting and an optimal atmosphere. The results? Fresher, better, and healthier crops that are grown without the use of pesticides and are available to those who may otherwise be unable to access them--especially those who live in urban environments.
Gus van der Feltz is the head of member relations at the Institute of Vertical Farming, which works to both promote and advance the industry of vertical farming, as well as look after the interests of its members. This includes ensuring that employees receive quality training, and that operations remain compliant with rules and regulations.
The benefits of vertical farming include the ability to closely control the temperature and lighting in various growing systems, and in some cases, increase yield. For example, under the best possible circumstances, a head of lettuce can be grown outdoors in about 60 days; in a vertical farming environment, the same head of lettuce could be grown in about 35 days.
In addition, the taste profile of vertically-farmed crops has been recognized as superior to those grown outdoors in an uncontrolled environment. But at least one challenge remains: lowering the cost of these high-quality crops.
Hit play for the full discussion.
Humaniq is a simple and secure financial services provider on a mission to help eradicate poverty using pre-eminent technologies including blockchain and biometrics. Humaniq is not just a commercial project. It is a worldwide mission, aiming to give people in developing nations more power to change their lives.
Safesite is transforming the way companies in high-risk industries manage their everyday safety and compliance needs. By combining innovative mobile and field-based technologies with ongoing virtual safety coaching, Safesite has proven to help customers prevent workplace incidents by up to 57%. Over 4,000 US companies trust the Safesite platform to streamline and ensure compliance activities, drive team safety engagement and empower every worker in their organization to be a safety champion.
Nina Luu - CEO & Co-Founder at Shippabo walks us through the products and services of Shippabo.
Shippabo is a cloud-based supply chain management platform built by a team of shippers and supported by logistics experts. Through Shippabo, businesses can oversee their supply chain from anywhere, at any time, and on their terms. We are committed to empowering everyone along the supply chain by bringing greater transparency, collaboration, and actionable data to the world of shipping and logistics.
Just a few years ago, a large law firm by the name of Dentons realized the coming changes that an overlap between technology and law might create, and wanted to get ahead of the game. As a result, Dentons created Nextlaw Labs with the vision of reinventing the practice of law using technology. As a subsidiary of Nextlaw Labs, Nextlaw Ventures emerged, which is an early-stage, legal-focused venture fund that invests in a variety of legal tech companies.
As the CEO and Managing Director of Nextlaw Ventures, Dan Jansen discusses just a few of the 10 legal tech companies currently in their fund, including ROSS Intelligence, which is an expert legal, research-driven tool that leverages AI to answer legal questions and create legal memos. Jansen believes that this technology will have a democratizing effect on the practice of law by allowing small firms to find the answers to complex questions that, otherwise, only larger firms might have the ability to answer.
Tune in to hear the full discussion, and visit nextlawventures.com to read about all 10 companies in Nextlaw Venture’s portfolio.
Arvind Gupta began his career as a genetic engineer before entering industrial design, where he learned the process of productizing technology. Gupta has implemented what he’s learned in his current role as the founder of IndieBio, a venture capital firm that funds scientists to become entrepreneurs and solve the world’s most pressing problems using biology and technology.
As an example, Gupta discusses cellular agriculture, which is the process of producing food in cellular factories and a concept that Gupta says was foreign until IndieBio invested in it about three years ago. Since then, “It’s changed the conversation about how we produce our food,” says Gupta. Indiebio has also invested in a company that’s matching cancer patients to clinical trials using AI, natural language processing, and a process referred to as “stratifying” patients, which allows for a greater understanding of exactly who they are and why they may or may not be responding to a particular drug.
Gupta discusses a variety of other topics, including the ways in which companies go wrong, the ways of thinking that create barriers to certain solutions, and what the team at IndieBio looks for in potential investment opportunities.
To learn more, visit indiebio.co.
BitCab is Uber 2.0 for the age of blockchain, an ecosystem and technological model enabled by tokenization. In addition to standard ride-sharing functionality, it uses blockchain and gamification to strengthen network effects on both supply and demand side, create a self-funding viral growth mechanism and a much more advanced and diverse decentralized ecosystem.
Castbox is an award-winning global podcast platform that enables anyone to easily find, access, create and enjoy spoken audio content. They provide our users with access to endless content in multiple languages, from anywhere, across any platform including Android, iOS, desktop, car and smart home devices. Their proprietary technology includes features like curated podcast recommendations and in-audio deep search to customize our user’s listening experience to change the way we listen to spoken audio.
Just For All is a high-tech, cutting-edge sustainable food company, using plant-based proteins to create nutritious, affordable, and cruelty-free food options. Dedicated to implementing a more sustainable food system across the globe, Just For All is known for its wondrous bean-based egg substitute, Just Egg. In this interview, Senior Scientist, Vitor Santo, explains the next step for Just For All and for the alternative protein revolution: clean meats. Smith informs listeners of what clean meats are, how they are produced, and why they are the key to a sustainable food system. The scientist explains the process of collecting animal cells and feeding them plant protein to produce ethical, cruelty-free meat. He continues on to present listeners with the idea that it is possible to consume animal protein without the ethical dilemma of taking the lives of other species. He touches on issues like factory farming’s massive contribution to carbon emissions and water consumption, and offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where every person on earth has access to sustainable, affordable, and ethical animal proteins. For more information on sustainable foods, plant-based protein sources, and clean meats, visit: www.justforall.com.
As a professor of biogerontology at the University of Brighton, Richard Farragher has served as Chair of the British Society for Research on Ageing and the International Association of Biomedical Gerontology. He joins the podcast today to discuss something that affects us all: the process of ageing. “Understanding how ageing works is a prerequisite to improving later life health,” says Farragher. So, how does it work? While research efforts to answer this question are ongoing, Farragher believes that there are three primary mechanisms of ageing: the cessation of cell division (aka ‘cellular senescence’), the decline in efficiency of nutrient recycling in the body, and the restriction of a DNA-based process referred to as ‘slicing.’ Farragher explains each one in detail and explores the ways in which they could be addressed in order to improve and prolong health. Farragher will be speaking at New Scientist Live in the UK this September, and is always happy to answer questions via email. Tune in for the full discussion.
Kurt Schmidinger, founder of Future Food, an internet-oriented initiative based out of Austria takes us on a lively discussion of the foods we eat and the future of our diets. Future Food’s mission is largely comprised of distributing information about the many alternatives to animal-derived products, and supporting the research and development of in vitro meat, also known as lab-grown, or clean meat. Schmidinger discusses his organic path, from a geophysics background to food science, toward the development of Future Food’s premise. From an environmental standpoint, the harvesting of meat for food is a major contributor to the destruction of rain forests, pollution, water waste, and climate change. He’ll explain how the confluence of animal welfare, human health, and environmental preservation makes our future food perhaps one of the most important issues we face globally. The food scientist discusses how the most logical path to moving consumers toward a plant-based, or synthetic-based, diet is through the offering of alternative food choices, as opposed to using ethics or reason as a springboard for change. He’ll provide insight into the methods used to harvest animal cells that ultimately lead to consumer meats, and the challenges food companies face in their quest to bring costs down, and on par with traditional meat products. From a cautionary perspective, Schmidinger details the dangers of industrial livestock farming as it pertains to antibiotics, and how resistance to antibiotics could pose serious risks to human health. Schmidinger provides an overview of the benefits to human health that may be coming with future foods. He’ll detail how clean meat could be low in cholesterol and saturated fats, but high in the health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids that our bodies need. Hungry venture capitalists are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into food companies’ coffers for research and development, and the race is on to deliver alternative meat products that pass the taste, texture, and cost tests. And while it is only his best guess, the food technologist estimates that alternative meats may be gracing dinner tables in as little as five years.
Dr. Panta Sutardja – Founder of LatticeWorks inc joins Future Tech Podcast to discuss the solutions that LatticeWorks provides as an alternative to cloud storage among other things. LatticeWorks is a technology consulting company delivering DevOps and Cloud Computing (AWS) solutions. They are passionate about helping customers fulfill their business needs by enabling them with build/release automation, infrastructure as code, automated testing, and event-driven security/compliance.
Gijs Den Butter, CEO of Sense Glove, discusses his company’s vision of advanced design robotic gloves for rehabilitation and B2B training that can enhance a user’s experience in a virtual environment. Haptics, the science of using touch sensation to interact with computer applications, is an exploding field that technology innovators are gravitating toward to aid them in the development of products that enhance the human experience. Den Butter’s glove allows for the user to feel not only vibration responses, but also actual resistance when grasping virtual objects thus it greatly enhances the user’s experience. The prognosis for Sense Glove’s success in regard to patient rehabilitation is excellent, as the advanced glove technology allows for better engagement, but also, importantly, allows for the collection of data. And this data can be used to provide a physical therapist with specific information that will inform her or him which physical therapy techniques may be most advantageous. The glove technology enables learning, and thus creates an environment where real time data can be used to help a user translate their virtual experience onto true-life tasks, from buttoning a shirt to tying shoes and beyond. While the technology is in its infancy, progress is being made daily. The Sense Glove CEO will provide details on the state of the technology to date. One goal would be to enable users to feel the difference between a plastic, wood, metal, or any number of other surfaces. But currently, the glove can help decipher a difference, but not yet exact data to differentiate from the many surfaces that exist in the real world. Den Butter’s glove can help with the simulation for a myriad of advanced tasks from surgery to welding pipes, as the user can feel the sensitivity and pressure on the hand and can thus pursue any endeavor utilizing the virtual knowledge. Sense Glove is heavily focused on B2B training, and though Dem Butter does see an opportunity for his technology within the virtual reality gaming world, currently the glove’s entry into that market is user cost prohibitive.
For the past 16 years, Romit Feingold has worked as a physical therapist with people who have suffered from stroke and other forms of neurological damage. She’s noticed one problem in particular: the average 45-minute therapy session covers just a fraction of the amount of work and effort that patients need to put into their rehabilitation, leaving them to carry out the rest on their own. Unfortunately–whether because of frustration, boredom, or lack of motivation–many patients fail to follow through. This is where Feingold sees an opportunity for robotics to engage and motivate patients to maintain the necessary amount of therapy. Currently in the works is the development of a humanlike, inviting, and friendly robot designed to guide and encourage patients through upper extremity exercises. In its final form, the robot should be able to detect and ensure that the patient is performing each exercise correctly. By incorporating a variety of interactive games throughout the exercises, it is hoped that patients will feel more engaged with and excited about the work needed in order to reach maximum recovery. Tune in to hear the details, and visit http://shelly453.wixsite.com/levy-tzedek-lab to learn more about this ongoing research.
This Blockchain Academy offers programs, delivered by industry experts, on the role of the blockchain, its impact on central banks, financial institutions, trade finance, settlement, contracts, IP as well as education. A recent report by Santander estimates that blockchain technology could save the financial industry between$15-20 billion annually by 2022. Most people associate blockchain with bitcoin but fail to realize that bitcoin is built on the blockchain. We feel that the coming tsunami of blockchain will fundamentally alter the way the: finance, legal, IP and educational markets.
AID: Tech is an award-winning company that focuses on the delivery of digital entitlements, including welfare, aid, remittance and donations using Blockchain & Digital Identity. AID: Tech was the first company in the world to successfully deliver international aid to Syrian Refugees in Lebanon using Blockchain technology. Our products and services help client and partners address some of the world’s largest social issues as well as targets set by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – signed on by over 190 countries.
A floating Pacific island with its own government, cryptocurrency and 300 houses could be in the near future. The Floating Island Project plans to create off-shore housing that uses its own currency and operates outside of government regulations. The project is a pilot program in partnership with the government of French Polynesia. A long-term vision for the project is to have hundreds of countries floating on the ocean. Blue Frontiers are building sustainable floating islands to address sea level rise and negotiate special governing frameworks to catalyze innovation in governance.
What do the robots know and when did they know it? But more importantly, how did they learn it? Technology is improving and advancing at a blistering pace and the implications for AI, advances in robotics, and more, depend heavily upon learning. Michael Littman, Professor of Computer Science at Brown University will delve into a broad discussion of the multiple types of learning as they relate to multi-layered neural networks. Professor Littman provides examples of the various kinds of learning that are available and how they are suited to various tasks. The Brown University professor discusses machine learning, which applies to the creation of systems that use data and AI to improve targeted areas of functioning. We’ll also gain insight into supervised learning, which is learning based on feedback, essentially correcting a response via given feedback. This process can provide advanced teaching in an AI environment via various inputs such as layers, such that the learning system can match input to the desired output. For example, as we consider a particular image, individual layers will match data until eventually, in aggregate, that image can be classified and thus the input leads to a conclusion of what that image actually is. Further, Mr. Littman discusses another specialized type of learning that can be applied known as reinforcement learning, which would simply allow an AI network to make selections on its own, then at the end, it would be given reinforcement. Reinforcement would inform the network as to whether it has been successful or whether it has failed, which would allow the network to learn from either and advance. Additionally, Mr. Littman will explain how algorithms can map out narrow pieces of multi-dimensional space within an entire network to gain clues about what could be improved. With technological advances that allow for more data to be gathered, along with accelerated computer processing speeds and better algorithms, networks can be set up and configured to produce improved results for training data. Linking the future of learning to our cultural past, Littman provides an interesting overview of how various types of network learning were applied to early Atari video games. The learning allowed for a network to equal or surpass human scores. But this research certainly goes well beyond teaching a network to win an old school video game; the applications for this learning are directly applicable to advanced robotics. With applied training and learning, extremely advanced AI is more than just a researcher’s dream in some tech laboratory—it’s coming.
The Bitfi Knox hardware wallet is a breakthrough technology that offers a rare combination of the most advanced security for private and enterprise use and is remarkably simple to use requiring no technology knowledge. With the Bitfi technology your money is safer than in any bank vault on earth and even though it is a sophisticated instrument, operating it is as easy as using an ATM machine. This unprecedented combination of security and user-friendliness is a quantum leap in the way that you can interact with and manage cryptocurrency and other digital assets.
The Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) will be a first of its kind, future-proof post-quantum value store and decentralized communication layer which tackles the threat Quantum Computing will pose to cryptocurrencies.
Satoshipoint Is a company operating Bitcoin Kiosks. They are the first to bring Robocoin kiosks to the UK and Bitcoin to the high street of London, They believe these Kiosks are the most simple and reliable way for people to either buy or sell their Bitcoins.
This is Incent; a universal rewards system made for today's digital world. Incent rewards you with a digital currency that can be shared, saved or exchanged and will never expire. Incent; a loyalty program unlike any you've ever seen before. Incent rewards you with a digital currency that can be shared, saved or exchanged and will never expire. Begin earning INCNT today by doing all the things you love to do online, whether it be shopping for the ultimate pair of shoes, ordering your favorite food or browsing the web.
Remitly is an international payments company that leverages digital channels, including mobile phones, to send money internationally. Remitly's digital products are fundamentally faster, less expensive, and far more convenient for customers to send money across borders.
Senior Security Analyst (CISA) at IDC joins Future Tech Podcast. IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,100 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For 50 years IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC’s Insights businesses provide industry-focused advice for IT buyers in the Financial, Government, Health, Retail, Manufacturing and Energy verticals. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.
Bankorus is the first AI-powered, crypto-wealth management platform and security token marketplace built on the blockchain. Their mission is to unlock the more than $60,000,000,000,000 USD ($60T) in traditional assets held by high net worth individuals (or HNWIs) and move it into crypto. HNWI now only hold less than one-hundredth of a percent of their wealth in crypto. Powered by AI and built on the blockchain, Bankorus provides HNWIs with a full suite of safe, KYC-compliant solutions for accessing crypto. Turn traditional or illiquid assets — real estate, farmland, art, chateau, VC/PE, hedge fund, bonds,etc — into liquid digital assets through tokenization. Buy and sell digital assets on our security token marketplace. Even borrow crypto against existing assets. Bankorus is a transformational opportunity to present a lucrative new asset class — cryptocurrency — to a historically aggressive, early-adopter investor, the HNWI.
Transforming the way people live through revolutionary technology. Current products. X Cloud: A cloud platform that anyone could use with total simplicity, security and privacy. By leveraging the use of distributed and decentralized technology the everyday user can now store files with complete security. X Core: A new powerful application that enables data to be shared all around the world.
Globally, there are approximately 3000 motor vehicle deaths per day, 90% of which are due to human error such as distracted driving or impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, sleep deprivation). With statistics like these, it’s no wonder that auto manufacturers are in a race against time, and each other, to develop self-driving cars that will meet the challenges of all driving conditions. Teddy Ort, a researcher and graduate student at MIT’s Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) a part of the Distributed Robotics Laboratory provides an interesting look at the future of self-driving vehicles. The MIT researcher discusses his research program’s goal of developing the algorithm and artificial intelligence (AI) necessary to enable a car to avoid all motor vehicle accidents. We’ll learn why self-driving cars are not available to the public quite yet. While AI may be perfectly successful within a well-established grid such as a city, it may not score as well in rural areas that are not as delineated through mapping technology. Mr. Ort provides an overview of some of the technical issues that must be overcome before self-driving vehicles rule the roads. Though it may seem sensible that these cars simply do the driving when the tech is able, then hand over the control to a human when needed, data suggests this ‘passing of the reigns’ is a sticky problem indeed. The MIT researcher gives an overview of the impediments to rural driving for these self-drivers, and how laser-scanning technology will provide the data necessary to read roads in much the same way a human would. And with unmarked roads comprising approximately 60% of all roads in the US, it’s easy to see why camera and laser scanning technology will have to rise to the challenges of rural driving. Further, AI based technology will still have a learning curve when it comes to weather and reflective surfaces, for as a human can easily decipher that a car’s image seen in a rainy road reflection is not real, AI must learn this skill. Though challenges certainly lie ahead, Teddy Ort informs us that these self-driving cars are on their way to our garages, but exactly when that day will be remains unknown.
Titan Health & Security Technology is connecting people who need help with the people nearest to them who can provide it. As a result, people are receiving emergency assistance quicker and without the delays and rerouted phone calls associated with dialing “911.” The Titan app allows users to receive help at the touch of a button by grabbing a user’s location and sending their data to all administrators, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency responders in their area. The Titan app has successfully reduced emergency response time by 50% and has already been utilized over 62 million times over the past year and a half. In addition, the Titan app has an augmented reality feature that allows response teams to locate people who are sending emergency alerts, which has been life saving in the case of fires and floods where people are trapped and unable to escape. But that’s not all: the Titan app utilizes mesh networking so that device-to-device communication can continue in the absence of a network or Wi-Fi connection. With the ability to translate content in real time, the app is also breaking down language barriers that slow emergency response time. “It’s really about showing people how they can connect with other people to reduce response time and get help when they need it, because in this day and age, it’s no longer a question of if you need help, it’s when you’re going to need help,” says VicMerjanian, CEO of Titan. The app is currently designed for organizations in the education, government, and private sectors, but will become available for individuals in the near future. To learn more about what’s on the horizon for Titan, visit www.titanhst.com.
Labster is a company that is trying to change science education and the way people engage with it, hoping to empower the next generation of scientists to change the world. With 70 virtual reality simulations already running on the Labster platform, users can choose from a variety of scenarios to enter, each of which heavily engages the student in every step of an experiment or project.“Not everyone has access to a lab, but in this way, we bring it to the student’s lap,” says Maaroof Fakhri, who works as a project lead in the virtual reality section of Labster. Designed primarily for students in grades K-12, the most popular modules are those covering material that helps students transfer from late high school to early college, and are frequently used by teachers and universities to help students review certain material. Studies show that when compared to traditional methods of learning, the use of Labster simulations resulted in a 76% increase in learning. To learn more or check out the simulations for yourself, visit www.labster.com.
Join us for an interesting look at how blockchain is changing the world, and not just for bitcoin anymore. Beverly Macy, part of the UCLA Blockchain Lab, joins us for an interesting discussion on all things blockchain, specifically on the colliding worlds of law and blockchain. Macy is also author of the best selling book The Power of Real-Time Social Media Marketing and educator at the Global Business of Sports & Entertainment at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Macy also highlights what was planned to be discussed at the 2018 Beverly Hills Bar Association in Beverley Hills on June 7th, including the legal future of blockchain and the impact of its shared ledger technology for business and industry
Nicolas C. Pégard, Ph.D., a University of California, Berkeley neuroscientist will provide an illuminating overview of his work to develop optical systems that are designed to help neuroscientists solve problems. Of particular interest to Berkley, neuroscientist is a method known as optogenetics. Optogenetics is a process that uses light to modify molecular events in a specific manner, in living cells and organisms, which enables researchers to connect computers to the brain and focus on specific neurons. Essentially, the cell’s genetic toolbox is used to create proteins that are not naturally present within the brain, a true combination process combining optics and genetics. The Berkeley researcher will detail how his team uses holograms to create artificial patterns of neural activity that can mimic what the brain is doing when it is experiencing a thought or engaging in an action. This allows researchers to put the brain into a state that replicates what would happen if the brain had actually experienced a sensory stimulus. Pégard gives us a glimpse into the future of these techniques of neuroscience, some of which sound like they could be pulled straight from a big budget science fiction Hollywood movie plot. Case in point, this neural activity method could actually trick the brain into believing something has occurred that did not, or even place new ideas into the brain. The discussion will detail how observation of the brain in a diseased state could lead to monumental advances in drug therapy for brain diseases, which may enable the development of higher efficacy drugs with minimal or no side effects. Further research could facilitate groundbreaking achievements in prosthetics, for if there can be communication with the brain that involves multiple thousands of neurons, prostheses could become higher functioning. Nicolas C. Pégard and neuroscience researchers foresee changes that could literally alter the course for human health and brain function, but for now, his team is taking it to step by step.
OTOY Inc. is the definitive cloud graphics company, pioneering technology that is redefining content creation and delivery for media and entertainment organizations around the world. OTOY’s Academy Award®-winning technology is used by leading visual effects studios, artists, animators, designers, architects, and engineers, providing unprecedented creative freedom, new levels of realism, and new economics in content creation and distribution powered by the cloud.
Skin, many of us don’t give it much thought, but just like the heart and lungs, skin is an important organ too. In fact, our skin has seven layers of ectodermal tissue and it protects our underlying bones, and muscles, as well as all those important internalorgans. It’s kind of a big deal, so maybe that’s why the global skincare market is $100 billion dollars and rising. Come along for an interesting discussion on skin and technology, and what the future may bring, and what it already has! Dr. Saffie-Siebert, CEO & Founder of Good Science Beauty, a division of the biotech company, SiSaf, will breakdown how to get results with beauty products. And we’ll learn why the method utilized for delivering active ingredients is even more important than the ingredients themselves. This is why technology plays a critical role in the success of active ingredient beauty products. Unlike regular application techniques, Good Science Beauty products can actually decrease toxicity as active ingredients are control-released and specific areas can be targeted. Dr. Saffie-Siebert’s tech company delivers a handful of specialized, technology-backed, patented cosmetic products. She’ll discuss silicon-based drug delivery built on elemental silicon, lipid, and amino acids that she and her team refer to as ‘good silicon plus.’ The technology-based application process is able to provide more successful results with similar base ingredients such assalicylic acid, etc. by delivering the active ingredients without drying out the skin, without compromising the skin. Thus, products can target blemishes without the negative residual effects produced by traditional cosmetic products. Dr. Saffie-Siebertwill also introduce a topic that might comes as a surprise to many—that sometimes ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ products are not as safe as synthetics. We’ll gain insight into future developments in the application of hyaluronic acid for hydration, sunscreens for protection, as well compounds for skin brightening and rejuvenation. And the CEO scientist will discuss developing technology that may solve past problems of stability, solubility, and molecular size and thus open the door to impressive new products in the skincare industry.
Allison Berke is an academic advisor at The Good Food Institute, a non-profit organization working on the transition from factory-farmed animal products to plant-based and clean meat alternatives. By taking a small number of cells from an animal and applying biomedical methods in the lab, the science and tech team at The Good Food Institute is growing full meat products that are molecularly identical to animal meat, but in a way that is better for the environment and doesn’t require the slaughter of animals. “Clean meat and plant-based meat are going to be better for the environment…better in terms of animal welfare, and also better in terms of global poverty and human health in that we can grow more calories on the same amount of land more efficiently and with fewer environmental inputs,” says Berke. Tune in to hear the details, such as how to obtain the taste and texture of different types of meat, the challenges and constraints in terms of cost-effectiveness, and the growing interest in the plant-based and clean meat field–even by major factory-farm-based corporations such as Tyson.
Coinpayments is a leader in the rapidly changing payments sector. They believe in payment diversity and have created an open and democratic platform that enables merchants to accept 100's of new and innovative coins – From Litecoin to Madesafe & now Ether. Closed systems stagnate quickly in times of rapid change and are prone to being overtaken quickly by innovators. Open & democratic payments is the most robust and profitable model, help us grow this idea.
Markus Ament, CEO and Co-Founder of Centrifuge joins Future Tech Podcast. Centrifuge is an open, decentralized operating system to connect the global financial supply chain. It allows participants to transact on a global network while maintaining ownership of their data, including their validated company details, their reputation, business relationships, and subsequent transactions.
Alan Curtis CEO at Radar Relay joins Future Tech Podcast. Radar Relay offers leverage blockchain technology to trade Ethereum tokens directly from your wallet. No middleman. Features: No Signups, No Deposits, No Withdrawals, Off-Chain Orderbook, Interoperable, Wallet Integration.
Marshal Webb CTO and Co-Founder of Path joins Future Tech Podcast. Path Network is revolutionizing the uptime and performance monitoring industry by using blockchain technology and smart contracts. Powerful analytic tools combined with user powered monitoring nodes give unprecedented global coverage and invaluable insight into website, application, and network uptime and performance.
Iqtoken.io has the goal to enable businesses and consumers to pay for a premium Internet experience and to do so easily across multiple Internet Service Providers globally.
We seek to support and fund projects that have the potential to improve quality of life on both a local and global scale. Your support of EthIncubator's non-profit blockchain projects will make a world of difference.
Philip Andreae joins Future Tech Podcast to discuss the importance of being responsible for your own security and ways to combat security breaches. Philip Andreae is a management Consultant, Subject Matter Expert and Executive coach focused on payments, authentication and digital identity in a world of connected objects and things. Mr. Andreae is an internationally experienced executive with a track record of delivering proven results in business and technical environments. International experience with payment solutions including “Chip and PIN”, smart cards, chip cards, EMV, PCI, pre-paid, credit and debit cards to ACH, wire, and mobile.
Bitt is a Financial Technology company that utilises distributed ledger technology to improve speed, efficiency and significantly reduce the costs of the payment system. The Bitt mandate for Caribbean-wide financial inclusion extends to those who are not smartphone primed. The Bitt Teller is a physical kiosk that can be a cash-in and cash-out point for those within the ecosystem, while also being a transfer facilitator for those without mobile devices. The Bitt Wallet is the sole consumer access point to the entire Bitt ecosystem. It allows users to send and receive money globally, and process transactions from the convenience of their mobile device or computer.
Konstantin Richter – CEO and Co-Founder of Blockdaemon joins Future Tech Podcast. Blockdaemon offers a multi-chain multi-cloud network management tool that can deploy nodes and connect them to blockchains within minutes. Blockdaemon also offers its own infrastructure for select projects to offer faster deploy times and lower costs. The end goal is to offer all blockchain projects a global decentralized network management tool connected to multiple infrastructure providers.
Usecrypt Safe is a desktop app, which encrypts data in connection to a server, using HVKM technology. With end-to-end encryption you can securely store, share and send your files. Usecrypt uses – Hybrid Virtual Key Management (HVKM) a unique method of encrypting digital data, based on division of the RSA private encryption key. Your unique half of the key is stored on your device, the other part is on the server. Decryption is possible only when those two parts of the key work together in the on-line mode.
We use approximately 322 million tons of plastic per year, a staggering number. Plastics are polluting our oceans, being ingested by aquatic life, and filling up landfills with no end in sight. Adrian Griffiths, CEO of Recycling Technologies, will explain how plastic is not the enemy we may think it to be though, as long as we continue to advance toward recycling plastics back to their near original form. From bags to bottles, and everything else, technological advances in chemical recycling are providing methods to convert these plastics back into oil, which is then distributed to petrochemical companies that utilize it to make more plastic. While plastic is incredibly efficient for a myriad of practical uses, and actually has a good carbon footprint in that it saves an enormous amount of carbon, the disposal of it has become a problem we can no longer ignore. The good news is that most plastics are highly recyclable as long as they can be separated into homogeneous polymer and color types. We’ll look at the current state of recycling in terms of how much plastic is getting landfilled versus recycled and consider the benefits of ‘down recycling’ and other regenerative forms. The recycling CEO will explain thermal cracking, the process of fracturing long molecules into many shorter molecules. And we’ll get insider knowledge about Recycling Technologies’ ‘refinery type’ recycling machines capable of processing up to 7,000 tons of plastic waste per year. Adrian Griffiths will also discuss some of the foibles inherent in the recycling process, such as the need to filter out heavy metals, fluorine, chlorine, and others. Discover how Griffiths’ recycling solution can be mass-produced and shipped to recycling centers anywhere in the world. The innovative CEO will delve into underlying issues and explain how this technology will change the way the world views plastic, as once discarded plastic will now have value and can be recycled for money. Thus recycling technology is the critical piece of the puzzle that will allow us to continue to enjoy the benefits of plastic, without the agonizing worry about the downside of its waste.
Many Americans love a good burger. For some it’s a summertime staple. Fire up the grill; grab the cheese, tomatoes, and mayo and get set for a truly all-American meal. But as food technology is perhaps just years away from potentially altering the American diet the question remains… are you going to eat that? Jump on board a fascinating discussion with Mark Gale, CEO of Charleston|Orwig, a strategic marketing and communications firm, as he explains how lab-grown meats and plant-based proteins may soon be what’s for dinner. The marketing CEO will give us a peek behind the curtain into food labs that are racing to develop affordable protein alternatives that could put a dent in the traditional meat industry with healthier, environmentally-friendly products. Mark Gale will outline current problems facing food tech companies such as cost and taste/experience. Currently, the lab process for developing protein alternatives requires serum from animal blood, which is expensive and has made delivery of products to the marketplace difficult. But beyond cost, the eating experience is what may make or break lab-grown meat alternative products. We’ll get an in-depth analysis of the kinds of cells that are easily produced, such as muscle cells, versus the combination of cells that typically make up meats that people enjoy. As purely plant-based products are making their way into popular restaurants such as TGI Fridays, White Castle, and more, food tech companies see an open door. They’re banking their hopes upon a myriad of studies that show younger generations, such as Gen Xers and Millennials, are interested in adding non-meat products to their diet. And for the first time in history, younger generations are spending more food dollars eating out than in the grocery store, which could bode well for technology-based food companies.
Derive Systems is a technology company that connects vehicles and their engines to the digital world, enabling people to better control and optimize the way vehicles behave. Derive software powers a unique ability to write directly to the engine & other vehicle control systems, allowing vehicles to automatically adjust based on individual requirements and preferences. We built the software platform to allow seamless integration with third party software and data sources that opens the door for enhanced functionality. The benefits users derive from this control are substantial – from improving fuel efficiency, to increasing power for towing, to setting a speed cap for teenage drivers – and only touch the surface of the future potential. With over two million vehicles already running Derive software, we deliver the confidence of a trusted solution and the power to unlock the potential of the connected engine.
The big asteroid is careening towards Earth and NASA is scrambling for a solution to save the planet, along with the help of a few of Hollywood’s biggest actors, we’ve all seen the movie. But truth is sometimes stranger than fiction as the European Space Agency in conjunction with NASA is working now to ensure that this scenario never becomes a reality. Ian Carnelli, Programme Manager at the European Space Agency (ESA) discusses the current research and the Asteroid Impact Mission. Asteroid deflection in regard to planetary defense is, as you’d imagine, a complex area of study; however, it is crucial research considering the fact that an asteroid’s impact on Earth could be up to a thousand times the Hiroshima bomb. ESA’s manager provides a detailed overview of the study of asteroid impact that takes into account speed and asteroid composition. And we’ll learn the importance of an inch, as Ian Carnelli explains how a small push of an asteroid that deviates its velocity as little as a quarter of an inch per second can change its orbit in a significant way. Listen in as Mr. Carnelli expounds upon the reasons why collecting real space data; impacting asteroid moons; along with studying craters, their shape, depth and size is important to calibrate models to simulate impacts. And he’ll discuss the Rosetta mission and its contact with Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and how it supplied important data to further research into the flight of a spacecraft near low-gravity environments.
Cypherglass is a block producer candidate for the EOSIO blockchain scheduled for release by Block.one on June 03, 2018. Their goals are to be among the top 21 block producers while simultaneously providing support, education and development for the EOS community and blockchain. They will achieve these goals by applying their core competencies in infrastructure development & operations, community building, and decentralized application incubation. Their team of experienced cryptocurrency and blockchain experts will help guide strong EOS network growth and outreach. It is our belief that, with proper development, the EOS blockchain will be the most successful blockchain network to date.
On Yavin – Co-Founder and CEO at Cointelligence talks about the importance of educated investing and trusting your gut. Cointelligence, is a platform for monitoring and analyzing real-time crypto-economy market data. On Yavin is a serial entrepreneur and an angel investor with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. On is an expert in the field of online marketing, with deep hands-on experience and knowledge of SEO, PPC and ORM. On has a law degree (LLB) and is also a certified Advocate by the Israeli Bar Association.
EOS Asia, a Block Producer candidate with a world-class technical team and seasoned blockchain DApp developers. Asia's most international and technical Block Producer candidate, They are bringing together EOS producers from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and more. EOS is bringing world-class technical expertise and international representation to make EOS the ultimate blockchain infrastructure for real applications. their goal is to keep EOS a healthy community-driven decentralized protocol.
SAP helps innovators inside and outside of SAP build products, find customers, and change industries. Investing in women-led B2B intelligent enterprise start-ups (AI, blockchain, data analytics, machine learning, supply chain, etc.) through SAP.iO's no-equity ask accelerator.
Seth Knapp – Co-Founder of TakenAI joins Future Tech Podcast. TokenAI is a decentralized, democratized, permissionless cryptocurrency investment platform that provides AI and big data driven tools to its users, which empowers everyday consumers to become successful, sophisticated cryptocurrency investors; because there is currently over $1 trillion traded annually across all cryptocurrency exchanges, yet there remains no easy to use, readily accessible tools that take the headache out of analyzing this emerging and exponentially growing market.
Technological advances have made life easier, that’s for sure. Information and data is now accessible right at our fingertips via smartphones and tablets, but how can technology offer an opportunity to improve our health and keep us safe? Nersi Nazari, CEO of VitalConnect gives us an in-depth look at how advances in health technology are making patients’ lives safer, and easier, through FDA approved, prescription monitoring devices. Biosensors deliver real-time monitoring of a patient’s most critical vitals such as heart rate, breathing rate, electrocardiogram, and temperature, as well as fall detection, patient motion, and posture. Advances in chip technology and miniaturization of mechanics have revolutionized patient monitoring devices making them not only more efficient and accurate, but also small and discreet. Gone are the days of bulky, embarrassing monitoring products that scream to the world that you’re a patient; privacy is now a patient’s privilege! Through this informative discussion we’ll discover how data can be interpreted in aggregate to track a patient’s direction toward recovery and allow doctors to make more informed decisions on treatment. Additionally, we’ll take a look at how AI and predictive learning technology can be applied to health monitoring to improve patient progress, and foresee potentially catastrophic medical events. Nersi Nazari also provides an overview on new advances that will allow for a patient’s data to be digitally input directly into their medical files, thus reducing the potential for human error, and providing immediate doctor access to their crucial health data. Website: https://vitalconnect.com Twitter: @VitalConnectInc
David Kung – Vice President of product strategy at Oblong Industries shares his knowledge and insight into Mezzanine. Mezzanine is a technology transforms the way you work, create, and collaborate. Mezzanine creates a visually immersive meeting environment for teams to do their most important work. The dynamic multi-screen workspace commands attention when presenting information. Real-time content- sharing from multiple sources makes complex sets of data accessible to all.
Chris is the Founding Director of the Cardstack project, leading the creation of the experience layer of the decentralized Internet that will serve as the onramp to blockchain-based economy for the mass market. Chris is the co-founder of Monegraph, where he leads the development of decentralized digital markets that span across the world of art, social media, and commerce. He also leads the technical team at Dot Blockchain Media, applying the open-sourced tools for orchestrating workflows and data flows between enterprise systems and distributed ledgers to the music industry and beyond.
The internet has become all too natural to human beings. We take it for granted every single day. We expect it everywhere, and we expect it to be fast and secure. As businesses grow, so do their needs for capacity of storage and accessing of data, programs, and services over the Internet instead of locally on your own computer. The challenge then becomes do you develop and maintain your own in-house DNS infrastructure or find a managed provider? The days of using more physical devices to store your information are over. Cloud services are the new “it” girl so to speak, offering many advantages, including cost savings, scalability, performance, to name just a few. In this interview, Kyle York, General Manager and Vice President of Business and Product Strategy for Oracle Dyn Global Business Unit, sits down with us to share how they are bringing cloud services to the next level. Famous for its database, Oracle was formed back in the late 70s and continues to evolve with the times and is now focused on cloud transformation.
Fraud and security might just be two of the things that weigh heaviest on every company’s shoulders. It is a day and time where hackers and fraudsters are around every corner, doing push-ups in the parking lot, waiting to strike. Keeping up with the changing methods fraudsters use is a certain challenge for businesses. To combat this problem, fraud and risk management innovator, Simility, has created a platform that takes fraud prevention to a whole new level. Theirsolution uses a multi-layered approach to fraud detection. Without giving away the secret sauce, in this interview we take a look at how Simility’s software analyzes transactional data to detect fraudulent transactions. Additionally, we explore the use of behavioral and transaction-based fraud-prevention technology and how it determines if certain behaviors are following duplicitous patterns. Co-Founder and CTO of, Kedar Samant, sits down and talks with us about the advancements they have made in fraud detection and protection and what new security challenges may lie ahead. He also discusses why he believes machine learning and data analytics are both essential for fraud prevention. For more information, visit: https://simility.com/
At BBVA we are leading the transformation of banking worldwide, united in pursuing our goal of bringing the age of opportunity to everyone. Firmly focused on the future, our on-going digital transformation is already producing disruptive innovations that power our vision of banking. Denizen is a platform created specifically for people living abroad or working in different countries, Denizen eliminates unnecessary fees and services to make banking – and your life – easy. www.denizen.io
Rob May Co-Founder and CEO of Talla and BotChain join Future Tech Podcast to talk about the benefits of AI in our daily lives. BotChain is the decentralized platform for AI transparency, compliance and collaboration. Talla’s AI-powered knowledge base brings business teams into the future of automation and insights. The Talla platform uses machine learning to surface relevant information in the right context and keeps regularly changing information up-to-date.
Coincierge Club makes purchasing easy, safe and the overall process more efficient while costing less. They offer a true white glove level service to all of our users and vendors. The future is a paperless experience, where people transact directly among themselves and with vendor using our industry-leading blockchain technology. Coincierge is also very active in education and the online community. They have set off on a long road of education with real-world experience using blockchain technologies, changing the world around us every step of the way. Coincierge Club gives users the power of 24/7 access to a real person to facilitate any type of transactions, transfers or purchase.
Secure and trusted Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash wallet. Open-source and fully featured mining pool. Block explorer.BTC.com is dedicated in furthering the bitcoin economy. BTC.com offers a digital wallet, mining pool, API and explorer. They help users make the most out of digital currencies by providing secure online tools.
MaidSafe are building the SAFE Network, a global data and communications network that will improve on the internet we all use today by bringing privacy, security and freedom to all. Many projects today are simply focused on blockchain-based solutions that look at storage alone. However, with the limitations of blockchain technology, this often means simply that the blockchain stores a pointer to data which still needs to be stored and secured offchain. The SAFE Network actually encrypts and stores the data itself – without a blockchain. The SAFE Network, which MaidSafe started building in 2006, is the world's first autonomous data network and removes any human intervention from the management of our information to protect the world's data. For further information, please visit. https://safenetforum.org/
Adam Wyatt COO & Chief Analyst joins Future Tech Podcast to give us some tips and tricks for crypto-currency trading. BullBear Analytics is the publisher of the Bitcoin BullBear and Crypto BullBear. BBA is the gold standard in market analysis and research, particularly in the cryptocurrency space. We provide the most effective trading strategies and detailed technical research, paired with the most professional customer service in the industry. Please visit bullbearanalytics.com for more information.
Smarkets is a Python and Erlang technology company based in central London. We've built one of the world's largest betting exchanges, also known as a prediction market, with significantly better odds than the competition. Our strength is technology and trading and our passion is to push the known boundaries of real-time financial technology.
Stephen Wakeling – Founder and CEO of Phobio joins Future Tech Podcast. Phobio is a high growth company that delivers software-powered services to wireless retailers in North America and around the world. The company has 2 main platforms: Rodio – communication from the center out to the edge of your organization so your teams can delight customers and deliver results. Safetrade – a flexible, omni-channel trade-in platform for retailers that revolutionizes the way consumers and businesses upgrade to the latest technology.
Wim Sweldens – Co-Founder of Kiswe joins Future Tech Podcast. Kiswe is activating “Play” Into Mobile Video Increases Engagement. Kiswe’s patented cloud-based video solutions transforms linear video into personalized social experiences. Transforming your video content from lean-back or lean-in viewing into immersive engagement. Kiswe’s cloud-based video solutions turns video into a playground. Kiswe Mobile (parent company): Website: http://www.kiswe.com Twitter: @KisweMobile Hangtime: Website: http://www.letshangtime.com Twitter: @letshangtime Wim Sweldens Twitter: @WimSweldens Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimsweldens/
Co-Founder and COO of Hilo.io, Brit Morgan joins Future Tech Podcast. Hilo is a Social Network for cryptocurrency traders where you can follow along, interact with friends and influencers and research new investment opportunities. With the Hilo platform, your sensitive data will be owned and controlled by you.
Netvote is an open source voting protocol, soon available on multiple blockchain platforms. By using Netvote’s voting protocol and associated dApps, governments, corporations, and organizations anywhere will be able to find new and better ways to engage billions of voters. Netvote features can help election administrators lower costs, increase trust, and incentivize voters. Everyone who wants to vote should. Every vote should count. Every count should be verified.
Experience-driven commerce is all about bringing together rich data and insight, understanding who you are and where you are in your journey in order to contextually engage you, and leveraging data…to create the optimal experience.” As the director of the experience-driven commerce program at Adobe, Errol Denger and his team have focused on developing the commerce capabilities necessary to support the eCommerce use case, and have recently acquired the eCommerce platform Magento. Denger discusses how experience-driven commerce works to create different experiences for first-time customers versus long-term customers, B2B and B2C examples of experience-driven commerce, the role of AI and algorithms, and how the recent acquisition of the eCommerce platform Magento will provide customers with frictionless, contextual, and more seamless transactions. To learn more, visit the Adobe and Magento blogs, or contact Errol Denger directly at denger@adobe.com.
Professor Carmel Majidi and Ph.D. candidate Eric Markvicka have created a material with unique properties and potential applications in medicine, humanoid robotics, and textiles. Composed of liquid metal microdroplets inside of a silicone elastomer, this material can stretch with a negligible increase in resistance, undergo temperature cycling, and automatically heal itself with no loss of functionality when damaged. Funded by projects supported by NASA and the US Air Force, the work being done by Majidi and Markvicka has already generated interest by companies in the electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries. The first commercial integration of this technology will likely be in textiles and wearable computing and could be expected to roll out within a year. Stay up-to-date with the latest research at sml.me.cmu.edu
LOT Network is an international network of companies designed to proactively address the risks and costs posed by Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) and patent privateering. Its members represent a broad range of industries, including consumer products, automotive, cloud computing and financial services. Members of the network have agreed to license their patents to the other members of LOT Network prior to transferring their patents to a third party outside the community.
The study of microbiomes is one of the hottest areas in science today. Gerard Honig is a man who wears many hats in this arena, heading a variety of projects related to the field. Hoing founded Symbiotic Health in 2013 which focuses on novel drug delivery solutions as its applied to microbiome therapeutics to solve public health issues. He also is Research Manager at the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation, where they manage a broad array of different projects related to the microbiome. Join us for an intriguing discussion, as Hoing talks about the challenges and advancements in the field of microbiome science. In this interview he delves into his work on improving the digestive system’s health via the delivery of microbiome-derived proteins; the proteins that target specific pathogenic bacteria within the gut to combat clostridium difficile colitis. Additionally, Hoing talks about some of the scientific work that Symbiotic Health concentrates on related to the study of specific components of microbiota. Specifically they are focused on the results that can result in therapeutic effects, as well as the potential to apply the research to tackle other disorders of the gut such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Blockchain designed to incentivize demand, prevent fraud and enable ticket revenue share. Blockparty is built with the event goer in mind: our user-friendly mobile app is designed to solve major pain points such as verifying attendee identity, solving gate and ticket fraud, and enabling revenue share in secondary ticket markets. It also provides exciting rewards for bringing friends.
Sixense was created by leaders in the visual stimulation and entertainment industry space. The company provides, what can be referred to as a full presence platform, providing users with everything needed to deliver a full VR/AR experience for applications in the healthcare, training and entertainment industries. CEO, Amir Rubin, together with Alejo Fudge, of VRSim, a company which develops VR training systems for trade and industrial education applications, take us through the early stages at Sixense and explain the platform and applications in which it can be used. At its core, Sixense technology aims to bring a more authentic and immersive way for users to interact with one another in a virtual space. With the training application, results are more precise and dependable from professional training for businesses to the healthcare and entertainment industries. Are you wondering how all of this works? So were we. In addition to providing a solution which gives every headset the ability to create a social avatar with multiple people in a VR experience, Sixense’s hardware has advanced motion-tracking hardware. This provides a full-body presence in mobile VR/AR, meaning the experience will be unaffected by motion. Their software also supports all major VR/AR 3D engines and has full-body presence, letting operators move around and interact within the virtual world. Together, with VRSim, these projects are providing the world with a future where you can interact in a virtual reality environment with other users, while customizing your VR platform. For more information, visit: https://www.sixense.com
Mark Hagen, Founder/CEO of Mainframe talks with Future Tech Podcast about the future of messaging and the need for privacy. Mainframe is a communication network resistant to censorship, surveillance, and disruption. With the exception of a catastrophic asteroid event or an aggressive alien invasion, the Mainframe network is simply unstoppable.
BlockApps offers the world's first Blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) solution, enabling enterprises to build industry-specific Blockchain applications on top of their own customized permissioned ledger, which is a private implementation of the Ethereum client. BlockApps full-stack solution can help you easily build, deploy, and manage all of your smart contracts as well as your accounts and identities, all without having to put your company's private information onto the public net.
Gleb Nesis – COO of CoinDealer joins future tech podcast to discuss the importance of private keys and how CoinDealer is making trading crypto easier for everyone. CoinDealer allows you to safely trade cryptocurrency and manage your coins & tokens all in one place
Debbie Hoffman, The CEO and Co-Founder at Symmetry Blockchain Advisors joins Future Tech Podcast to speak about the many uses and aspects of Blockchain Technology. Symmetry Blockchain Advisors, Inc. is the leading firm paving the way in collaborating with companies in the establishment, strategy and implementation of blockchain, crypto-currency and initial coin offering (ICO) ecosystems. We are comprised of both both venture capital and legal professionals who have the depth of knowledge and expertise to help navigate the way in a space which is revolutionizing business across the globe.
Founded in 2017, Hyperbridge Technology is a blockchain technology R&D studio based out of Estonia. They formed to solve some of the biggest challenges in blockchain, IoT, and AI. Their mission is to bring great easy-to-use solutions to our users. Long term they seek to take the Internet to the next stage with our decentralized protocols and products.
Often when we hear VR, it is commonly associated with the world of gaming. A company called Emblematic Group, however, has a bigger picture in mind. They are taking impressive steps forward, using not only VR but AR and mixed reality as well, to create alternate reality worlds that have a real, social impact on human beings. Imagine understanding what an immigrant might experience at the Mexcian border. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be a professional basketball player? What about a detective in a true-crime story that actually took place? With a team of award-winning filmmakers, journalists, designers, and game developers, Emblematic uses advanced technology to fully transport users to these alternate realities. Emblematic provides incredible, immersive VR/AR experiences, placing the viwer inside the scene, allowing them to move through, interact, and play with a story. Some of the notable experiences they have created include a video showing a virtual reconstruction of the Trayvon Martin shooting for the project “One Dark Night.” Additionally they have partnered with the Wallstreet Journal, creating an app that allows the user a 3D visualization of the U.S. stock markets with breaking news, live markets data and 360-video. Emblematic was founded in 2007 by Nonny de la Peña, known as the “Godmother of virtual reality. In this interview, Chaitanya Shah, LeadEngineer for Emblematic Group, explains how they are using the power of VR to make a difference in the lives of its users and we look at where this technology may go in the near and distant future. For more information, please visit: emblematicgroup.com
Alex Maffeo – Founder and CEO at Boost Insurance joins Future Tech Podcast. Boost is a B2B insurtech development platform built to solve three critical issues faced by entrepreneurs in the insurance industry — (i) the glacial go-to-market pace for new products, (ii) the integration and data flow issues experienced between high tech startups and low-tech insurance companies, and (iii) the cultural disconnect between incumbents and startups.
Covee helps smart people find teammates and matches them with rewarding projects. They have built a protocol for decentralized teamwork enabling smart people to solve complex, data-driven problems together. Powered by smart contracts, a native token and a unique mechanism design.
Artificial Solutions is the leading specialist in Natural Language Interaction (NLI). The company’s patented technology enables people to converse with applications and services running on computers, mobiles, wearables and other electronic devices in a humanlike, intelligent manner. Teneo, it is the first complete platform to enable enterprises to rapidly develop and analyse natural language applications that embrace artificial intelligence though the use of machine learning and implicit personalization
Formlabs is creating powerful, affordable 3D printers for professionals. Formlabs 3D printers have become top-sellers in the SLA category. They offer the software, education, support, materials, and machinery to build the components you need for large and small-scale products.
Spl.yt is an e-commerce protocol to save buyers, sellers and marketplaces time and money and to incentivize participants to transact fairly and securely. Using Blockchain open-sourced smart contract protocol to decentralize e-commerce.
Authentise delivers the backbone for digital manufacturing: Headless, modular process automation for offline and online companies who want to make additive manufacturing core to their business. Authentise’s data-driven Additive Production Accelerator manages the additive manufacturing process from design to part to increase efficiency and repeatability. Generate quotes, renders, material and time estimates, builds, and more on the fly. Connect to dozens of machines for automatic order status updates, traceability reports, KPI dashboards and improved estimates using machine learning.
Arjun Bhuptani, founder of Connext talks about the future of blockchain scaling, payments and how each of us has a different way of learning. Connext builds technology that helps Ethereum projects enable low-cost, near-instant transactions for their users. Their virtual state channel technology is most useful for companies that utilize micropayments, decentralized exchange, or voting as a part of their product. Their ultimate goal is to help blockchain companies scale to millions of concurrent users
Heroic.com specializes in cybersecurity. According to CEO Chad Bennett, most people only think of anti-virus programs when they think of cybersecurity. Chad states that anti-virus programs are only one method of many that are used in a truly effective cybersecurity program. The team at Heroic.com are experts in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and blockchain. They combine the three into a cybersecurity application that can protect the data of the average person.
Evident Proof is a blockchain, Ethereum and token-based service that turns data into immutable proof of evidence chains. They aim to deliver immutable data, provenance and proof services to businesses and enable proof and provenance services to individuals. Many organizations worldwide are increasingly required to justify and verify their data activities. This includes operational data management and data events for compliance, risk verification, business reporting and various other due diligence purposes.
Syscoin: Syscoin is a revolutionary cryptocurrency that offers near zero-cost financial transactions like Bitcoin and provides businesses with the infrastructure to trade goods, assets, digital certificates and data securely. Syscoin isn’t just about money and trading, it has the ability to attract all business types thanks to its native set of features geared towards the financial sector. From eBay traders and High Street shops to selling that one item that you couldn’t even give away at your garage sale. Blockchain Foundry: Blockchain Foundry's mission is to disrupt markets by leveraging the potential of blockchain technology. They eliminate middlemen, clearing houses, and other such mechanisms that can lead to errors, security breaches, or negatively affect your bottom line. This type of technology is critical in markets where a one minute supply chain inefficiency can lead to massive revenue losses.
Former editor of PC Magazine and former Editor in Chief of FamilyPC, veteran tech journalist, Robin Raskin, joins us to offer her expertise on raising kidsin a digital time. Good or bad, computers and phones in all forms are having a huge impact on the youth of today. Infants to children are exposed every day to different forms technology and information from Google research, Facebook, YouTube and artificial intelligence platforms just to call out a few. Kids are now able to become creators, programmers, artists, you name it. Basic computer and tech skills are almost a prerequisite now for any child entering school, let alone the expectations for those leaving high school and college. In this discussion, Raskin explains it is important that our youth understand and can adequately use all of these platforms. As the old saying goes, “With great power, comes great responsibility”. The same couldn’t be more true when it comes to accessing and implementing the knowledge gained from technology. Currently Raskin is involved in the Consumer Electronics Show (CSE) where she is focused on exploring technology for the entire family. She examines the benefits and challenges with regards to Smarthomes and the IoT. She looks at issues ranging from whether we should be tracking our children electronically to looking at major toy companies joining the field of AI and what that means for your children’s experiences. This in-depth discussion with Raskin is a great reminder for all of us, to take another look at the benefits and potential negative aspects to technology in our homes and where we are headed in the future.
Self-described Genomics Ninja Jedi, Ardy Arianpour, is now CEO & Co-Founder at Seqster, a consumer driven healthcare technology platform. They are using AI to allow people to aggregate their electronic health, genomics and fitness records so they and family members can view it and use the information as needed. In this interview, Arianpour discusses why this advancement is so important to the healthcare industry and how it is being used. We’ve all been there. You are desperately scrambling to track down and consolidate your very own medical records. You’re spending countless hours online and on the phone, only to end up at a dead-end or with any luck, a mess of information. Seqster’s ground-breaking platform aims to solve this problem. The platform allows consumers to access and gather their medical and fitness data all in one place, creating a multi-generational health record. In addition to your family having access to your health records and progress during your lifetime, your doctor can also easily access the most accurate and current information – ensuring the most appropriate and timely care is being administered. Much like having all of your financial information in one place, Seqster believes having better and more health data in one spot, ultimately leads to a better overall healthcare experience. Join us for a fascinating discussion, as Arianpour details how Seqster is changing the world of healthcare as we know it. Bio: Ardy Arianpour is CEO & Co-Founder of Seqster, the first consumer driven healthcare technology platform that utilizes A.I. to enable individuals to aggregate their EHR, genomics and fitness data in one place and share with their family creating a multi-generational health record. Ardy is a visionary genomics executive and serial entrepreneur in the biotech industry. Prior to starting Seqster, Ardy launched several clinical and consumer-based genetic tests as CCO of Pathway Genomics, and SVP of Ambry Genetics that sold to Konica for $1B in 2017. He is one of the main architects in launching the first commercial clinical exome sequencing test in 2011, establishing the value of next-gen sequencing in the clinic. As a key player in the 2013 landmark SCOTUS decision scrapping gene patents, Ardy played an instrumental role in expanding genetic testing access with the launch of BRCA testing benefiting patients and family members across the country. Ardy received his BS in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine and an MBA from Marshall Goldsmith School of Management.
Wi-Charge delivers freedom from power outlets and battery changes. Using safe invisible light, their products provide enough power to charge a phone across a room. With Wi-Charge, mobile and IoT devices appear to charge autonomously. Power is delivered using safe, focused, beams of invisible infrared light. Transmitters connect to a standard power source and deliver power to nearby receivers. Receivers use a miniature photovoltaic cell to convert transmitted light into electrical power. Receivers can be embedded in mobile devices or connected into an existing charging port. Transmitters automatically identify chargeable devices and discover their power requirements. Several devices can charge at the same time. Power priority is based on power requirements, battery level and other parameters.
Tech Bureau provides cryptographic currency and blockchain technology using exchange API to handle currency encryption. CEO Tom Beno and Chief Product Officer Nate D'amico discuss their COMSA ICO platform. They share the reasons it's needed to streamline the ICO process. They also discuss the Tech Bureau philosophy of being more proactive than reactive when it comes to regulators.
CEO and founder Janice Taylor began her tech career by creating safe, inviting spaces for people to connect online. Mazu is a social media platform with the mission to awaken families with love. By focusing on core values the platform provides a safe, fun environment for children to learn how to navigate the online social media landscape. Sports teams and brands use Mazu as a secure channel, to connect with fans and their kids, celebrating common interests and sharing content. Professional leagues such as the NHL, NBA, and MLS have joined the movement, leveraging Mazu’s platform as their core engagement strategy for families.
Records Keeper, founder and CEO Toshendra Sharma joins future Tech Podcast to discuss his company. Records Keeper is a decentralized public ledger technology (Blockchain) to add trust, audit-ability, & verifiability to any type of enterprise data & records. Records Keeper works as a decentralized middleware or database between storage layer & service layer to ensure verifiability and integrity of data. The whole solution works on existing enterprise infrastructure through a peer-to-peer network. Technology can be used as either private Blockchain (on-premise) or public Blockchain (open peer-to-peer) network for open & transparent record keeping.
Jessica Higgins JD MBA BB and CMO for Digits joins host Juliet Lemar on Future Tech Podcast to share her unique and positive outlook for the crypto world. Digits technology allows the consumer to use their credit or debit card in exactly the same way he or she does today with one critical difference; when the consumer pays with a credit or debit card registered with Digits, payment is made with cryptocurrency instead of fiat currency. Merchants do not need to change any process in order to accept cryptocurrencies via Digits. The settlement times, processes, and fees, are exactly the same as they experience today. They can enable cryptocurrency without any additional merchant account or agreement. Digits does not issue any cards. Payments with your crypto currency are made easy by giving you the ability to choose crypto as an option for payment anywhere, anytime, any place.
Hirander Misra, Founder and Co-Chairman of FinComEco joins future tech podcast to discuss the importance of providing financial and technical solutions to Farmers in Africa. FinComEco is a financial and commodities ecosystem – aiming to improve food security and economic diversity by providing the most current business and technological solutions tailored for each country whilst providing economic growth opportunities to all participants, from the local smallholder subsistence farmer upwards in a commercial manner. Their solution of leveraging and enhancing the current logistics, warehousing and standards within Africa (and eventually other countries) establishes a fully vitalized agricultural ecosystem efficiently linking supply and demand underpinned by innovative blockchain technology. FinComEco, fosters financial inclusion with social responsibility by delivering a holistic secure cloud-enabled financial agri-ecosystem in collaboration with local stake-holders, development organizations, governments, research bodies and the private sector.
Clay and Maddie Guillory, CEO and CMO husband and wife team join Future Tech Podcast to discuss their company Titan Robotics. Titan Robotics is a designer and manufacturer of large scale 3D Printer technology. We specialize in custom 3D Printer machine design as well as rapid prototyping and bionics/prosthetics. Titan Robotics takes a different approach to large-format 3D printing.Titan uses the same principals seen in industrial CNC machinery when fabricating 3D printers, instead of scaling up inadequate technology used in small 3D printers commonly seen in today’s market. Titan uses high quality, CNC components and precision machined steel to build our machines. Titan’s goal is to provide solutions in additive manufacturing, through standard industrial 3D printers or through purpose built systems for unique applications.
CEO & Co-Founder of Iris AI, Anita Schjøll Brede, joins us again us for another discussion on their latest exciting developments and also introduces listeners to Project Aiur. Iris AI is certainly doing their part in changing the world of science. Science is, after all one of the most important fields of study, but it can also be dysfunctional in certain ways. Information overload can be an issue when it comes to research and data. There is so much scientific research in the world, it can be incredibly challenging for a layman to navigate and find what is exactly needed. Have you ever heard of too much of a good thing? The problem with having such a huge amount of scientific research is that most of it never gets used. Over the past few years Iris AI has developed a few different tools aimed at solving these issues. One of the ways in which Iris AI is doing this is through semi-automating the process of mapping out what you should read to solve a problem or to see what research you need to do to solve a problem. Additionally through a community-governed artificial intelligence engine referred to as Project Aiur, Iris AI aims to further the reach of scientific knowledge around the world. The tool uses blockchain technology and AI to allow users to access and contribute to a validated source of scientific research. The engine is called, “Knowledge Validation Engine”. Basically, users submit research and have it verified against all other related research in the world. Over time the idea is to have built an immense collection of research that has been validated. For more information, visit: https://iris.ai/
Science should be easily accessible to everyone. Founder & CEO Aman Tsegai states this as the driving force behind Datazar. Aman discusses how the platform can be used to build out interactive scientific research. He also shares all the reasons that scientists and researchers should begin to opt for Datazar now versus continuing to use traditional presentation methods.
Streamr is creating an open source platform for the free and fair exchange of the world's real-time data. Their blockchain-backed data marketplace and tools are used to ensure that the data stays with the user only. CEO Henri Pihkala discusses the launch of the Streamr Marketplace recently in New York. He also outlines all the uses and benefits of Streamr for app developers.
Citations are the currency of research. Unfortunately, it can be years before proper attribution is assigned to the researchers. This can affect their reputation, career progression, and tenure. Courtney Morris, co-founder of Artifacts, discusses how their product solves this problem. It accelerates the scholarly attribution process by providing a collaborative platform for researchers, thereby shedding light on all of the research involved in published papers, not just the papers themselves.
Distributed Credit Chain is the world's first distributed banking public blockchain. DCC's goal is to establish a decentralized ecosystem for financial service providers around the world. By empowering credit with blockchain technology and returning ownership of data to individuals, the mission is to transform different financial scenarios and realize true inclusive finance. CEO Stewie Zhu discusses the need for this network due to shadow banking practices. He also shares the new features that will be added to the DCC soon.
ShoeSize.Me helps Footwear Brands and Retailers master the full footwear sizing life cycle; from helping online shoppers order the right size, to helping retailers to offload left-over sizes, and predict next season's size planning. The leading size advisor solution for footwear eCommerce. ShoeSize.Me is the first industry-wide data platform of size & fit data for footwear brands.
Lucidity is a digital advertising blockchain protocol bringing transparency and trust to digital advertising. The only ad verification company that uses blockchain technology for digital advertisers and publishers to mitigate fraud, transact with trust, and maximize ROI. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, They resolve data discrepancies for faster billing; they enable supply chain payment tracking so advertisers know exactly where their budgets are going, and they prevent fraud by eliminating publisher domain spoofing. Lucidity is based in Los Angeles, CA. Formerly known as KR8OS. www.lucidity.tech
BLB Industries’ goal is to provide leading-edge 3D printing technology to its customers. Co-Founder/CEO Cim Bergdahl discusses how no machine is built until the company has a concrete sense of all of the customer's needs first. This allows for a complete customization. Cim also shares the process of creating BLB Industries and how a small determined group can accomplish massive client acquisition in just 2.5 years.
Intervision has been around for 25 years because they know how to see the big picture. VP of Digital Transformation Victor Tingler discusses how Intervision's best clients approach problems and new trends in the market. He also shares how the digital transformation process is handled by various industries. In addition, Victor outlines the behaviors that make their best clients the ones that thrive.
Everyone should have access to the internet. This is the mission that drives Siglo, a blockchain protocol that is focused on digital and financial inclusion in developing countries around the globe. Co-founder/CEO Joel Phillips discusses how the Siglo token will be used to democratize the monetization of the internet. He also shares how Siglo can be used to build a wide variety of apps, and how it can bridge the connectivity divide in these developing countries.
Greeneum wants to make it easy to contribute to the future of green energy. Co-Founder Guille Wajner states that the company does this by focusing on elements that strengthen and secure their users' financial positions. Greeneum issues smart contracts called Green tokens, which are used as the medium of exchange and reward in the Greeneum community. Wajner says that the Green tokens can be used exclusively to buy items from their marketplace, contribute to sustainable solutions, or even purchase Greeneum Carbon Certificates, which would reduce your carbon footprint. The company's overall mission is to move toward a greener planet.
IXO uses blockchain technology to enable anyone to collect, measure, evaluate, value and tokenize verified impact data. Co-Founder Fennie Wang discusses the value and uses of tokenized impact data. She also explains what impact bonds are and how safe of an investment they are. In addition, she shares updates on the IXO Foundation's various projects and investments and how to get involved.
Optogenetics is big news in neuroscience and could potentially change the lives of millions of humans who have lost sensations in parts of their bodies due to nerve damage or the loss of limbs even. Neurons in the brain work together to harvest thoughts and behaviors. Optogenetics is a technique used in biology using the combination of genetics and light to control events within these precise cells of living tissues. This technique allows scientists to casually manipulate cells and activate them directly. In this interview UC Berkeley Postdoctoral Fellow, Alan Robert Mardinly, shares the research and development UC Berkeley neuroscientists are working on to build equipment using a holographic approach on the brain which activates or suppresses a group of neurons all at once to stimulate brain activity and insert false sensations. Essentially this manipulates it into thinking it has felt, seen or sensed something. Based on the activity which is closely being monitored, researchers then decide which neurons to activate to simulate those patterns again in order to substitute missing sensations. This groundbreaking technology could change the lives of anyone who has lost a limb or feeling in parts of their body due to severe nerve damage, for example.
Banning Garrett, of Singularity University faculty, is deemed a strategic thinker, author, speaker, and entrepreneur who concentrates on exponential technologies and their intersection with long-term global trends, urbanization, and geopolitics. Garrett has spent a good portion of his career studying the environment, demographic and climates changes, growing populations in urban regions, and political trends, most of which he feels are harmful. In this interview, Garrett details his concerns about the trajectory we are on regarding a number of global challenges we are facing in today’s world. He explores where technologies are at now and how we can incorporate them into a viable pathway for societies to build a better environmental and economic future.
Joe Dispaquale, CEO of Bitbull Capital joins Future Tech Podcast to share his research and knowledge of investing in the crypto asset market place. BitBull’s mission is to provide clarity and insight into the crypto markets and crypto asset investment.
CEO of CanYa, JP Thor joins Future Tech Podcast to discuss CanYa; a global marketplace of peer-peer services with a cryptocurrency payment layer. CanYa accelerates the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies by providing a fully featured platform, a real-world use case and a seamless experience in finding, booking and paying for services in cryptocurrencies. The CanYaCoin and wallet will be the heart of the platform, allowing for trustless exchange between users, removing fees and currency volatility, and empowering the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Mark Jeffrey is the award-winning co-founder and CEO of Guardian Circle, a service tackling an extremely critical industry most of us take for granted… emergency response. He's also a serial entrepreneur with five exits, a published author, named one of '50 to Watch' by Variety, and worked closely with some of the biggest names in tech including Jason Calacanis and Travis Kalanick. Guardian Circle will support the six BILLION people worldwide and in developing countries, who have no emergency services at all — particularly in countries like India where a woman is sexually assaulted every 15 minutes. Guardian Circle is the first emergency response system that acts as an AMBER Alert-style warning for your own private network. The app offers four different alert levels: Emergency, Urgent, Request and Only A Test, so your guardians know the severity of your request, can communicate with one another and organize a response team, dispatching help closest to your emergency. These guardians are then rewarded in cryptocurrency with Guardium, the company’s new token built on NEO. Tokens can be redeemed for more services or sold for fiat currency within the platform. All transactions are recorded using blockchain-based smart contracts. Guardium's token sale is going on now and closes June 1, 2018 @ 6:59AM (UTC)
Sarcos robotics is combining human intelligence, instinct and judgment with robotic strength, endurance and precision to augment worker performance and keep humans out of harm’s way. Reducing Occupational Injuries is a major issue, In the United States alone, the economic impact of on-the-job back injuries is estimated to exceed $100 billion annually, with the average cost of back injury-related workers’ compensation claims falling between $40,000-$80,000 per incident. Sarcos products are reducing occupational death and injury while increasing productivity and efficiency. The future of Sarcos is expanding the limits of the human experience.
Alvaro Ramirez Founder and CEO of eHarvestHub joins Future Tech Podcast to share how his company is using blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency to change the way fresh food is distributed. Small farmers grow between 60 and 70% of the food that we eat, and independent owner/operator truckers move 90% of that production, yet, they make the least profits. food is expensive and inaccessible because it zig-zags 7 to 10 times before it makes it to the grocery store increasing in price each time it exchanges hands. These layers of middlemen leave little profits for the farmers and truckers who produce and transport our food and consumers paying higher prices for their food. eHarvestHub provides small fresh produce growers with a single affordable and easy-to-use cloud solution to manage their produce life cycle, from seeding to shipping.
Stem cells are quite literally the life line to everything we, as humans, are. They restore blood, bone, immune systems and other vital tissues and body systems. As we age the number and quality of our stem cells decreases. When we could most benefit from the use of stem cells, they are generally at their worst state within our bodies. Forever labs are the first company to bank young adult stem cells when they are in their best shape, to be used later in life when you need them to live a healthier and longer life. The procedure is simple. A Forever Labs certified technician performs a quick and easy outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic. The stem cells are then cryogenically frozen and then deposited into a clinical-grade biorepository until needed in the future. In this interview, we speak with Mark Katakowski, Co-Founder, President and Chief Science Officer at Forever Labs. He explains how they are revolutionizing the healthcare industry by using stem cells to be repurposed throughout your life to treat diseases, aging itself, and for other therapeutic uses.
What if you could manage all your services at once? Andy Zhang, CEO of Foldercrate, is on a mission to answer this question. Foldercrate allows the user to manage email, files, calendar, notes, tasks, contacts and chat in one central place. It started as a single service offering for students and expanded from there. Andy shares what can be done with Foldercrate today, as well as the features that are coming in the near future.
Founder/CEO Derreck Stratton is an experienced entrepreneur who wants to pass on his hard-earned knowledge. Startup Syndicate is a tool for entrepreneurs in any stage that allows them to gain Ivy League level training while earning cryptocurrency in the process. Entrepreneurs are actually paid to learn. In addition, the tool offers 24/7/365 coaching and information in the form of AIMIE, an artificial intelligence developed specifically to fill the role of mentor.
Voodoo Manufacturing is giving everyone on Earth the power to manufacture. Founded in 2015 and based in Brooklyn, NY, Voodoo operates a robotic 3D printing factory with over 200 3D printers, capable of making thousands of parts faster than traditionally possible. Voodoo has worked with thousands of customers to date, from engineers and entrepreneurs to companies such as Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Mattel, and Intel.
Goin is an investing app that allows you to save automatically and invest without investment knowledge. Currently, this app uses Euro but the company is expanding quickly and will soon be available in many different countries.
Pendo's overall mission is to make work easier for product managers. Co-founder Eric Boduch discusses Pendo's product cloud and how it was created. A product created out of pure necessity for his own work became the basis for an entire company. Eric shares how Pendo integrates easily with other established, popular applications. He also discusses how close proximity to Silicon Valley can actually be a negative when building a company up.
Ana Maiques is the CEO of NeuroElectrics. The company's mission is to change the way we interact with the brain by developing innovative technologies that monitor and stimulate the brain. Ana discusses how the nature of their work allows for faster FDA testing and approval. She also shares why the company's initial focus is on epilepsy in children and how this will assist in mass adoption of their technology in the medical space.
For over 20 years, ECS Global Solutions has provided their clients with comprehensive energy efficiency solutions. ECS reduces energy consumption while improving the overall performance and aesthetic of each facility. As an energy conservation company & distributor of energy efficient products, They deliver quality projects at competitive prices tailored to meet each client’s needs. ECS offers energy solutions for retailers, commercial and residential property owners and developers, as well as hospitality, industrial, educational, governmental, healthcare, and sports club facilities. The goal is to provide customers with the best turn-key energy saving opportunities for the lowest cost and highest return on investment.
Bankex is a fintech company that utilizes new technologies to expand the frontiers of traditional financing. BANKEX is a decentralized Bank-as-a-Service exchange powered by blockchain API.
Christophe Remillet the CEO and Founder of OneVisage joins Future Tech Podcast to share his unique insight into OneVisage, a Swiss-based cybersecurity company that develops premium authentication and identification solutions. OneVisage is a leading biometry platform provider that helps financial services and Identity & Access Management (IAM) providers to reduce identity frauds and transaction cancellations. Their solutions are based on 3DAuth, the world's first 3D facial authentication technology that runs on consumer-grade mobile devices. Trusting in people, mobile devices, and 3D computer vision to build a safer, simpler and more cost effective digital world.
Additive Rocket Corporation, (ARC Engines) is a manufacturer and designer of rocket engines and propulsion systems for launch vehicles and satellites. The company utilizes 3D printing and design floor additive manufacturing to optimize and enhance the performance of these propulsion systems. Advancements in space exploration rely heavily on propulsion technology. The key developments in this arena can be extremely costly and take a great amount of time. The leaders at ARC are using state-of-the-art design and simulation software to cut the time and cost of manufacturing the parts that are essential to this science. With 3D printing, they can create a product with less time and cost. In the time it takes conventional manufacturers to create one part, ARC can turn designs into products in hours. For example, generally, it takes months to create a rocket. With ARC, using their additive manufacturing process and 3D printing, they can produce a final product in less than a week at a mere fraction of the cost. According to CEO, Andy Kieatiwong and Chief Science Officer, Reiley Weekes, ARC is grabbing the attention of large satellite manufacturers. In this fascinating interview, they explain the technology behind their rapid product development and the company’s goals for the future of enhancing space development and exploration through safe, cost-effective and timely manners.
Attorneys are always looking for ways to improve their “game”, so to speak. There is a demand for more in-depth data to help make decisions about which direction to take their cases. Lex Machina, which began as a public interest product through Stanford Law School, is bringing open transparency to the law. Through legal analytics, they offer a solution to any sort of guessing game or surface level research that attorneys would normally do in a case. Lex Machina’s, Lexpressions engine, provides attorneys information generally not accessible about judges, other attorneys, award amounts, timelines in cases and other legal related material. By examining and digesting this data, lawyers now have insight into the behaviors and results that different legal approaches may yield. They can evaluate the likelihoods of a win for a certain motion before a judge, make educated presumptions on how long it will likely take to get to a trial, and even examine which judges are more likely to rule in a certain way based on their past cases heard. In this interview CEO of Lex Machina, Josh Becker talks about insights in legal analytics and the company’s future aspirations since its acquisition by powerhouse, LexisNexis, in November 2015. For more information visit: https://lexmachina.com/
Everyone is aware of Ethereum's issues with scaling. Enter Constellation – a solution. Constellation is offering a vision for a better, independent protocol that relies on a horizontally scalable directed acyclic graph, or DAG. Over a year ago, Constellation began using a new kind of architecture building an original blockchain on Ethereum with DApp, from the ground up. Constellation aims to speed up transactions to be several thousand times faster than traditional blockchains, where every single transaction requires a very complicated protocol. The way in which Constellation has built their blockchain with horizontal scalability, the more nodes that are on the network, the faster the blockchain becomes. Constellation uses Proof-of-Meme consensus and nodes are incentivized when they behave properly and link to other nodes in a geographical area. In this interview CTO, Wyatt Meldman-Floch, and CEO, Brendan Playford explains why scalability is the crucial component to mainstream adoption of decentralized ledgers, why traditional blockchains won’t be able to keep up and why they want to make nodes available to the average person. For more information: https://constellationlabs.io/
SolarIoT is a a decentralized solar energy smart grid that allows users to invest in solar panel projects. The company was founded by 2 Los Angeles teenagers as a result of a hackathon they both attended. Co-Founder and CEO Ethan Horoschak discusses the challenges of being a young founder trying to get his foot in the door for partnerships. He also shares why the personalization of the SolarIoT app is the most important element.
Shivom's mission is to be the largest genomic data-hub on the planet. Contributors own their genomic data, control the right to access it, and receive rewards is they choose to share it. Co-Founder and CEO Axel Schumacher discusses how Shivom is creating a genomic ecosystem on the blockchain. They offer an open marketplace for healthcare providers to add their apps and services.
MatterHackers is one of the largest and most trusted online resources for materials, boasting over 350 standard, exotic and exclusive styles of filament. They distribute over 40 types of 3D Printers, with free shipping and lifetime support. From software, to supplies, to printers, they are working to enable people to turn the ideas they have into the things they use. They provide software, MatterControl is an open source desktop 3D printing software platform, created by MatterHackers and compatible with most 3D printers. Download for free at www.mattercontrol.com.
Tapinator develops and publishes mobile games and Apps on the iOS, Google Play, Amazon, and Etherium platforms. Tapinator’s portfolio includes over 300 mobile gaming titles that, collectively, have achieved over 450 million player downloads, including games such as ROCKY™, Video Poker Classic, Solitaire Dash, and Dice Mage. Tapinator generates revenues through the sale of branded advertisements and via consumer app store transactions. Founded in 2013, Tapinator is headquartered in New York, with product development teams located in the United States, Germany, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia and Canada.
BCN3D designs and creates domestic and professional 3D printers in a way that the user can learn with every print, thanks to their Open Source working method. Maximizing productivity with the most versatile 3D printers BCN3D is helping forge a positive and exciting future for industries around the world. Join Eric Pallarés García and Juliet Lemar as they discuss the future potential of 3D printing and how these technologies have changed over the years.
Flux's ultimate mission is to update our buying experience to this century. CTO Tom Reay discusses how ultimately the use of Flux will eliminate the waste of paper receipts. It will also be a one-stop hub for all loyalty programs that are available at the stores we shop at. More importantly, instead of waiting weeks for the benefit of loyalty programs, the benefit shows up inside of your account in 10 seconds, ready to use. Best of all, the service is integrated into existing bank apps, instead of being a separate application that people have to remember to u
Fred Jin is the Founder and CEO of the BitLearn Network, a new incentive-based learning system with the mission to empower kids to learn and earn toward their future education. This networked solution is powered by the BitLearn Token (BLB), where students unlock token rewards toward microsavings through self-directed learning. Previously, Fred co-founded social gaming company 50 Cubes (Tencent-backed, multi-million revenue), and held key development and product positions in social media (Bebo), media network (Glam), as well as other mobile/enterprise startups in Silicon Valley since 1997. Fred himself is a first-generation immigrant who struggled with the rising cost of college education, which drove him to build BitLearn. He is fascinated with applying gaming to learning and created the network to provide a tokenized model for college savings, teaching students financial literacy, planning, and responsibility at an early age.
Exitworld is the largest company in their space. The company specializes in gaming centers that offer quests in exchange for cash or prizes, They are currently developing a version of their games for messenger programs. Oleg Erofeev, Co-Founder, discusses the company's plan to spread their games outside of Russia, and how it takes an international team just get a venture like theirs started.
Kustomer.com allows companies to know everything about every customer. The Kustomer platform allows companies to see all conversations with a customer across different channels including email, texts, and more. This gives companies the full context of a customer’s history, which enables companies to engage with customers in a more personalized way. Automation helps your customer experience and support processes by integrating every relevant customer data system and application, lowering the cost and effort of delivering a premium experience. React faster and scale personalization with workflows, allowing for automated outreach and service to every customer.
Noah Abelson-Gertler and Juliet Lemar discuss the importance or protecting User Generated Content (UGC) and the history behind how UGC content has been shared in the past. Working with brands and customers in a collaborative process that benefits both parties. ShareRoot allows companies to harness the power of UGC and use their stories to inspire and grow a fanbase. Due to the evolving world of User Generated Content and Social Media, ShareRoot has streamlined the most legally secure UGC acquisition process available. The company is currently in the process of launching their new MediaConsent platform which is is the first platform that gives consumers/citizens control of their data and privacy through a preference dashboard. The company also plans to integrate blockchain technology in order to further secure and guarantee the protection of data on its platforms and privacy of the consumers interacting with those platforms.
Auxesis Group creates innovative blockchain solutions for companies and governments, and is one of the 100 most influential blockchain companies around the globe. Among their projects is the AuxLedger, which allows for the creation of individual identities and the distribution of public benefits through the ledger. Cashaa, a zero-fee remittance system, is a new initiative that has an ICO coming soon. Additionally, Auxesis Group also works to create smart contracts for insurance companies, as well as a cryptocurrency exchange. These are all particularly useful in emerging economies, where IT infrastructure may not always be functional, or even existent. For more information, visit www.auxesisgroup.com.
The construction industry is riddled with risk. Vine on Brick's mission is to minimize the risk and maximize the transparency in construction projects. Vine on Brick is a building industry platform with escrow for small construction projects and project management tools. Co-Founder/CEO Alex Bajc discusses how their platform is tailor-made for homeowners and professionals to take back control of their projects and stay fully informed throughout the process.
In a world where the technological landscape is being revolutionized by quantum physics, IDQ helps its customers to guarantee long-term security of their data through quantum-safe crypto solutions. The company provides quantum-safe network encryption, secure quantum key generation and quantum key distribution solutions and services to the financial industry, enterprises and government organizations globally. IDQ also commercializes a quantum random number generator, which is the reference in the security, simulation and gaming industries. Additionally, IDQ is a leading provider of optical instrumentation products, most notably photon counters and related electronics. The company’s innovative photonic solutions are used in both commercial and research applications.
With Mobilum you can pay anywhere with any cryptocurrency. The Platform and the Payment Token are currently in their pre-sale, Join their Token Sale to become one of the first who can spend their own crypto funds anywhere, at any time. Mobilum offers low execution rates, no transaction fees and immediate exchange of your cryptocurrency.
Technalysis Research is an award winning market research and consulting firm that offers a unique, but practical perspective on the technology business. Their mission is to provide insightful, actionable advice to their clients that can be used in strategic and product decisions. Founder Bob O'Donnell discusses the methods used in conducting the research and how the tech industry has changed over time. He also shares the results of some of his most cutting edge studies, such as AR/VR and the Workplace of the Future.
The mission of the Sun Exchange is to monetize sunshine. They've combined solar panels and cryptocurrency to create a 20 year investment that can provide electricity to developing areas. These solar projects are being used to power schools, organizations and businesses, with the lease payments being paid out in cryptocurrency or local currency. CEO/Founder Abe Cambridge shares how he and his team were able to start these projects and how this is one of the most active ways to grow your cryptocurrency investments.
The motto for Zenuity is “Make It Real”. They are referring to the development of autonomous cars in widespread use. Zenuity CEO Dennis Nobelius believes that autonomous driving will be a transformative technology that will reshape society and industry forever. Dennis discusses how and why Zenuity was formed. He also shares why his company isn't interested in displaying fancy concept cars as opposed to unveiling the real product.
InteraXon makes Muse, the brain sensing headband. Muse works by guiding your meditation through changing sounds of weather based on the real-time state of your brain. CTO Chris Aimone shares with us how InteraXon came up with the idea of marrying meditation to technology. He also discusses how the masses use technology to stimulate themselves when it is also equally effective at reducing stress and creating a mind state ripe for new ideas to happen.
Lucidworks is an enterprise search technology company. They specialize in application development platforms, commercial support, consulting and training. Lucidworks also offers open-source software for Apache Lucene and Apache Solr. Head of R&D Chao Han discusses their newest product, Fusion, and how it was created.
We live in an increasingly data-driven, supercomputer powered, globally interconnected world. That poses significant challenges for scientists and engineers across every discipline. According to Prof. James Hendler, solving these problems will require new technologies that will be used to collect and analyze data, perform simulations, and then use the results in solving these problems. Prof. Hendler shares information about the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in general and their Institute for Data Exploration & Application (I.D.E.A.). He also informs us why every University needs a required data analytics course for all students, regardless of major.
Fabrisonic provides 3D metal printing services. What makes them stand out is that they do this without melting any materials in the process, which is a common trait of 3D metal printing. Fabrisonic CEO Mark Norfolk explains the process that allows them to do this, as well as welding dissimilar metals together. Mark also explains how Fabrisonic has done 3D metal printing that allows them to drop in electronic components without damaging them.
“Biometrics should be accessible to the masses.” This is the mission of Veridium, according to CEO James Stickland. James shares with us why the era of just having passwords should be over. He also discusses how using biometrics can still be simple and yet more secure than current data security methods.
New Context specializes in data security for the world's highest regulated industries. Founder & CEO Daniel Riedel discusses how New Context tests an organization's security processes and can build solutions for large scale infrastructure. New Context is developing technology that integrates into software development holistically. Part of their mission is automating cyber threat detection and response.
Social Alpha Foundation (SAF) is a not-for-profit grant-making platform that focuses on supporting Blockchain education and outreach to empower communities to utilize Blockchain technology for social good. The power of Blockchain connects people and talent; it harnesses global distributed networks and creates massive communities that can change the world together. Social Alpha foundation funds those who can imagine solutions for a better future, and build the tools that will take us there.
MVP Interactive is a consumer engagement tech company that enhances brand experiences through custom software, product design and social media. Founder/CEO James Giglio shares how the company uses a 3 step process to connect brands and consumers. Virtual reality, augmented reality, gesture, facial recognition and mobile applications are created by MVP and used at many of our favorite sporting events such as the All-Star Game, pro baseball games and many others. James also shares the hard road that led to the creation of MVP.
Atscale aims to put the Intelligence back into Business Intelligence. Founder/CEO David P Mariani shares Atscale's process for doing that with large brands such as the Home Depot and others. David also discusses how the need to handle big data without making it small led to a major data storage solution and the creation of Atscale.
Qwil's Mission is to empower freelancers with the financial services they need to thrive. Qwil is a public benefit corporation with a people-centric approach to business. Enabling companies and marketplaces to easily manage their independent contractor workforce, streamline payments to over 200 countries, and track compliance – all at a market beating price of $1 per contractor per pay cycle. Cambridge has built a world-class trading operation that is renowned for its innovation and exemplary service. Their extensive selection of products and services, supported by leading-edge technologies, are tailored to support the unique way your business operates. Above all else, they genuine people who genuinely care.
CEO Bob Bagga introduces us to BixZ, an online exchange where small businesses can trade their excess capacity for products and services they need to operate. Bob shares with us the beginnings of the platform and why it attracts everyone from mom and pop operations to major sports teams. For the 28 million small businesses in the U.S., BizX is a way to create another major revenue stream without using up the businesses' cash. Bob also shares with us their future plans for expansion.
Non-traditional currency requires a non-traditional method of banking. According to Arthur Gervais, Co-Founder of the Liquidity Network, the only banking system that fits blockchain is one where the user actually keeps full control of their money. Arthur discusses the need for a non-custodial method of banking for blockchain, where someone can't come along and shut down your accounts. This new system also ensures that no one uses your funds but you. Arthur informs us why anyone dealing in cryptocurrency should be a part of the Liquidity Network.
BLB Industries' goal is to provide leading-edge 3D printing technology to its customers. COO Tomas Burman discusses how no machine is built until the company has a concrete sense of all of the customers needs first. This allows for a complete customization. He calls it their “backward process” of building the 3D printer. Tomas also shares the process of creating BLB Industries and how a small determined group can accomplish massive client acquisition in just 2.5 years.
Lightstreams solves the problem of data storage when sharing content on blockchain networks. Their technology focuses on the requirements of privacy, confidentiality, and scalability for decentralized apps that interact in peer-to-peer channels. CEO Michael Smolenski discusses how Lightstreams is built using a modified version of the Ethereum blockchain while still retaining compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and libraries. He also shares their plans and prototypes for use in the real estate and possibly entertainment markets.
Rebel AI is all about learning to address and prevent fraud. Rebel AI has created a blockchain-enabled ad security solution that protects publisher identity and advertiser spend. It also prevents ads from appearing on unauthorized sites. Founder/CEO Manny Puentes talks about the need to prevent the pirating of traffic and how it led to the creation of Rebel AI.
Praetorian Group is in a class by themselves in the cryptocurrency market. They are actually the first cryptocurrency company to register with the SEC. Praetorian is also the first company to provide cryptocurrency that is backed by real estate. Chief Strategy Officer Louis Adimando discusses the benefits to investors who hold their PAX tokens. He also shares with us the process of creating “the world's first sound money cryptocurrency.”
Sonic Foundry is the global leader in video creation, streaming, capturing and video management. The company works with leading healthcare, universities and event/tradeshow companies from around the world. Rob Lipps, EVP of the company, shares how Sonic Foundry actually started 25 years ago and changed to fit the shifting landscape of how video is used and created. In essence, every school and work environment can be improved upon through the regular use of video.
The Future of Life Institute has a specific mission. It's to advocate for the responsible use of A.I. as advancements in the technology develop. Ariel Conn discusses the conferences that the Institute has organized that are centered on A.I. She also mentions their online video, “SlaughterBot” that illustrates the ways that autonomous weapons could go wrong when misused. In addition, she recommends resources that we can all take advantage of to stay updated on the development of autonomous weapons and A.I. in general.
Kount is helping Internet companies, financial institutions and payment processors grow their sales and profits in an increasingly risky world. Kount.com helps long-standing brands and fast-growing companies reduce their risk while they simultaneously increase their sales and profits. Bringing together fraud detection, strategy management and operational tools in a single platform. Kount helps businesses across the globe grow without fear of fraud, risk and loss. For more than a decade Kount’s advanced machine learning technology has been beating fraud by linking billions of data points across a vast global network.
Joshua Seigler is a front end Web Developer at Dash – Digital Cash (Cryptocurrency). Dash is digital cash you can spend anywhere. You can use Dash to make instant payments, private payments online or in-store using our secure open-source platform hosted by thousands of users around the world. Join Joshua and Juliet Lemar as they discuss the nature of what “money” means to different people, the future of cryptocurrency and the importance of being educated when investing in cryptocurrency.
Founded in 2008, American CryoStem Corporation is a biotechnology pioneer, standardizing adipose tissue derived technologies for the fields of Regenerative and Personalized Medicine. CRYO is dedicated to supporting patients, and families in their pursuit of maintaining a healthy life and well-being today and in the future. The Company maintains a world class portfolio of intellectual property and patented technologies and operates a state-of-art, FDA-registered, laboratory in Princeton, NJ dedicated to the collection, processing, bio-banking, culturing and differentiation of autologous adipose tissue (fat) and adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) for use in Regenerative and Personalized Medicine.
3Diligent accelerates innovation by providing companies of all sizes seamless access to cutting edge rapid manufacturing services. They manufacture using 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Casting or Molding. 3Diligent provides cutting edge digital manufacturing equipment and the broadest array of materials possible. Through our secure, encrypted web interface, submit a single RFQ describing your project needs. Through the power of their knowledgeable team and proprietary algorithms, They are able to assess your project, identify optimal solutions, and present quotes for the highest quality manufacturing services. Their products have been used in hundreds of companies across the medical, industrial, automotive, consumer products, energy, and aerospace industries.
Peter Graham is the Senior staff writer for VR focus. Join us as we discuss the future of VR and AR and dive into the ups and downs for the industry. VRFocus is a UK-based specialist technology news website, which covers all aspects of immersive technology. Meaning virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). VRFocus is primarily concerned with VR entertainment.
Third Key Solutions is a boutique consulting and cryptographic key management firm providing solutions for decentralized digital currencies and asset-tokens. They work with individuals who want a better, more secure way to store their bitcoin, ether, and other cryptocurrencies and assets. They create plans that are understandable, clear, and most importantly ones you can actually implement the test, and use. Third Key Solutions offers estate planning, inheritance, and executor consultant services if you’re interested in planning for the future. Third Key Solutions also works with organizations that use cryptocurrencies within their organizations. They will work with your team to design an auditable, process-based key management and disaster recovery system to help protect your digital currency and asset holdings. Solutions focus on providing accountability while minimizing risk and disruption to the organization.
Market Protocol has been created to provide a secure, flexible, open source foundation for decentralized trading on the Ethereum blockchain. They provide the pieces necessary to create a decentralized exchange, including the requisite clearing and collateral pool infrastructure, enabling third parties to build applications for trading. Market Protocol is a proud open source product that encourages contributors to help create change.
Engineer Laurent Pambaguian talks with Future Tech Podcast about the future of 3D printing and how it can be used on Earth and other planets. Building larger and stronger structures for life on the moon in the near future. Herschel's telescope mirror, made from novel ceramic material: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Herschel/The_largest_telescope_mirror_ever_put_into_space http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Giant_Herschel_telescope_assembled http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Small_French_firm_behind_Herschel_s_giant_mirror Solar Orbiter: https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter Enbio: https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Prehistoric_cave_pigment_to_shield_ESA_s_Solar_Orbiter https://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2014/02/Black_coating_on_foil 3D printing for a lunar base: https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Building_a_lunar_base_with_3D_printing https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/3D_printing_of_a_model_building_block_for_a_lunar_base_outer_shell https://www.esa.int/aim https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Space_Situational_Awareness http://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESOC/ESA_selects_targets_for_asteroid-deflecting_mission_Don_Quijote http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Asteroid_Impact_Mission/Europe-wide_team_bringing_ESA_s_asteroid_mission_nearer_to_life
EverMarket is building the world's first decentralized platform for trading stock, bond, and commodity futures on the blockchain. We will make trading cheaper, easier, and fairer around the globe, with a focus on building liquidity. Open-source Blockchain technology is at the heart of this decentralized platform. EverMarekts will soon be releasing their own token, EMX. EverMarket is a team of technologists from San Francisco and quantitative traders from Chicago, They are always looking for contributors to their open source code and blockchain.
Based on a proven profitable business model, IP.Gold acquires IP address assets at favorable prices and maximizes their ongoing asset value and monthly revenue streams. The IP.GoldEcosystem is a set of IP-based services, including email, online advertising, content publishing, proxy, VPN, cloud services, and more, that are monetized both simultaneously and in a one-to-one life-cycle that creates long-term retail and wholesale service revenues. The IP.Gold scales easily linearly, so the more IP addresses in the Ecosystem, the more revenue generated. IP Gold is currently having a token sale.
Transformative Tech Lab is an incubator. Co-Founder & Executive Director Nichol Bradford states that they believe in changing the world by helping engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs realize their dream of creating new tools for well being. The future of work will depend on the future of the human mind and its capacity. The Lab's focus is on improving the psychology of the innovator so that they can extend the limits on what they do.
Intimate (ITM) is a token for payments, privacy, and reputation across the adult industry. Intimate allows access to high quality content and interactions without having to disclose personal information, but still enjoying the benefits of reputation and reward industry wide. Intimate.io is a cryptocurrency providing safety and security to an industry that has been unable to rely on traditional mechanisms of payment and identification.
With a worldwide presence, KPMG continues to build on our member firms' successes thanks to our clear vision, maintained values, and our people. Helping to build a knowledge-based economy using KPMG's expertise and resources. KPMG creates value by enhancing learning and capabilities for clients through cutting-edge training and development solutions that excel in a global environment.
Alcyone is committed to developing biologically inspired and clinically relevant patient solutions. These solutions are meant to significantly enhance current treatments for patients with chronic neuropathological conditions. PJ Anand discusses Alcyone's work in creating delivery systems for medications that won't involve administering meds orally or through the bloodstream. The most effective future treatments will be administered directly into the brain or spinal cord. PJ illustrates for us exactly how this can work.
Matt Spoke is the CEO of Aion, formerly called Nuco. As they've refined their mission, the Aion Foundation was formed to offer open source technology and build a community of developers and enthusiasts. Matt discusses his background in the industry, as well as the best types of applications that can be built on Aion's platform. In addition, Matt gives us information about the AionX developer conference.
QxBranch provides advanced data analytics for the finance, insurance, aerospace and security industries. CEO Michael Brett discusses the company's work in machine learning, risk analytics and quantum computing. He also shares information about the company's quantum computing hackathon. According to Brett, the applications for quantum computing is limitless.
Blocknet empowers the passionate communities behind every coin with atomic swaps on a truly decentralized exchange platform. Blocknet serves as a connector between blockchains, markets, and communities. The Blocknet Protocol is a true peer-to-peer protocol between nodes on different blockchains. This enables the transfer of data and value between blockchains and opens the door to cross-chain dapps. The Blocknet community has been developing this technology since 2014. Our decentralized governance system and open source code ensures that every blockchain is free to interact without centralized entities.
Why do we, as consumers, shop for and purchase certain things, but leave others behind on the rack? Discovering the key factors behind how consumers make product choices is the marketers’ Holy Grail. The team at The Behavioral Science Lab may just be providing the solution, allowing businesses to provide creative and curated responses to those client demands and interests. Businesses appreciate that current marketing techniques tell them a great deal about consumer’s preferences. What’s missing is understanding the why people buy what they buy or in reverse, don’t buy. Consumers are multifaceted and to successfully market to them, companies must realize that. For the longest time only economists were able to monitor these types of things; until now. In this interview Christian Goy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Behavior Science Lab explains what scientific and psychological processes they are using to get to the WHY of consumer spending. Join us for a fascinating discussion. For more information, visit: https://www.behavioralsciencelab.com/
As a seed accelerator since 2005, Y Combinator has been responsible for sculpting and introducing some of the finest start-up companies to the world. Twice a year they invest in many early stage startups with a minimal amount of funding. Those chosen then move to Silicon Valley for three months and work side-by-side with the Y Combinator team. During this time, the start-ups are being mentored on how to shape up their overall plan for implementation and action and how to pitch to investors. To fund their work,Y Combinator takes a small piece of equity in exchange for a small amount of money and entry into the program. A number of well-known startups have been born from Y Combinator’s programs including Reddit, Heroku and Airbnb just to name a few. Thousands of start-up hopefuls throw their hat in the ring each year, hoping their ideas will be picked up and funded through YC. In addition they also work with entrepreneurs who may not even have a start-up idea in mind. Through mentorship, advice and training on technical, business and fundraising topics they actually help them grow from inception to product to launch. For more information, visit: www.ycombinator.com/
According to Guy Levy-Yurista, getting answers from data shouldn't have to be complex. Insights should be instantly accessible to everyone everywhere, regardless of technical ability. Sisense's mission is to simplify the analytics process, from data prep to discovery of insights. Guy is the VP of Strategic Growth & Innovation at Sisense and he discusses how being obsessive about customer satisfaction is the way to success. He also mentions how his strange career background led him into this field.
Intuition Robotics is the creator of ElliQ, the active aging companion, which helps older adults stay active and engaged with a proactive social robot. The company's AI cognitive computing technology and intuitive interaction models provide a way for older adults to reap the benefits of technology without having to master it. Intuition was founded in 2016 and is based in Israel with offices in California. The CEO, Dor Skuler, discusses the company's plans for the device long-term and how it can drastically cut down on the isolation that older adults experience.
Buy and sell Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash at our Bitcoin ATMs instantly with cash. Bitcoin ATMs are located in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Nevada, California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, and Massachusetts for your convenience. Bitcoin Depot ATMs offer convenience, security, and freedom when buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin Depot also offers a crypto wallet app.
Saferide is on a mission of cyber threat prevention in the automotive space. Danny Loeb, Saferide's Head of Marketing discusses possible data breaches in autonomous vehicles and the best ways to prevent them. He also shares insights into how hackers are one of the main obstacles to widespread usage of self-driving cars. In addition, Dannytells us that one of the most important factors in self driving vehicles will be profiling driver behavior.
H-Source is the platform that aims to change the way hospitals buy and sell supplies through its secure and trusted marketplace. The H-Source platform combines a web-based marketplace with data, reporting and accounting features specific to software systems in hospitals. Member hospitals are able to display products they have in surplus for other hospitals in need to purchase as many as needed. All delivery packaging is handled by designated medical personnel so quality is never compromised. H-Source's CEO, John Kupice, discusses how and why H-Source was formed. He also shares why the idea itself is so sorely needed by hospitals in the U.S.
Local Motors is a ground mobility company founded in 2007 with a belief in open collaboration and co-creation. The company uses micro-factories to manufacture low volume vehicles based on open-source designs. Brittany Stotler, VP of Marketing, shares the Local Motors vision for their vehicles, including technology to assist the deaf and wheelchair bound in driving. Eventually, the average consumer will be able to totally customize their car and have it 3-D printed to their exact specifications for a fraction of the cost.
Cellarius, a ConsenSys formation, is an edgy, new platform, using blockchain technology to reinvent storytelling for a modern, decentralized, equitable world. For anyone hiding a rock who might not be aware, ConsenSys, is the world’s largest blockchain development studio and focuses on building revolutionary decentralized applications for the Ethereum blockchain. Born as a hobbyist project, in this interview, Co-Creator, Tyler Smith, explains how the Cellarius Universe has become an original, transmedia cyberpunk franchise that aims to create a collective, community designed story. Smith enlightens listeners on why Cellarius believes blockchain creates an ideal atmosphere in which to modernize collective storytelling. He explains how blockchain facilitates a space where fans can participate, digital objects remain forever unchanged and assets can be managed. He also talks about some of the objectives the Cellarius team, has which include maximizing decentralization and creating a collaborative cultural work. For further information, visit: https://cellarius.network/
Intiva Health connects licensed medical professionals and facilities to automate the tasks of credentialing, continuing education, and communication. Built on Swirld’s Hashgraph distributed ledger technology, ReadyDo is the first credential management solution to offer instant verification. Easily upload, verify, and share all of your documents and credentials from one place to speed up the granting of privileges. Intivia token creates incentives for users. Built specifically for providers, NTVA will reward users for actions taken on our platform. Accumulate NTVA to purchase services through our online marketplace, cutting your costs on everything from malpractice insurance to CME & CE courses.
Aldin dynamics is creating cutting-edge virtual reality technologies & experiences, making full use of the unique features that the VR medium has to offer. Their focus is on delivering engaging environments, interactive characters and immersive experiences on a level that has been impossible to achieve through any other medium. The future of VR and AI is positive and exciting and not to faraway.
Mux Video is an API to video hosting and streaming, powered by data and designed by video experts to make beautiful video possible for every development team. Mux was founded in 2015 by Jon Dahl, Steve Heffernan, Matt McClure, and Adam Brown, four engineers, and veterans of online video who are passionate about video technology and performance. The team now includes engineers from YouTube, Twitch, Brightcove, and Facebook. The team behind Mux is also responsible for Demuxed, the premiere conference for engineers working on video. They blog, podcast, and have spoken about video and data technology around the world.
Bio: Brandon is the co-founder and CPO of Losant. He drives product vision by working directly with enterprise customers adopting IoT strategies across a wide variety of industries, including logistics, industrial, oil and gas, and smart city. Brandon has over 10 years of software engineering experience in the chemical detection, telecommunications, and cloud services industries. Losant is a powerful and simple cloud platform for developing the next generation of connected experiences. Losant's data analytics platform provides visibility and insight into the vast amount of collected sensor data. Take real-time action based on incoming events and move complex business logic to the cloud with an easy-to-use workflow editor and engine. Technology, like people, works better together and Losant’s ability to bring a variety of technologies together simply and easily is what defines us. It’s that usability that empowers our clients to create and change the world around them.
Chris Skinner, Voted Best Fintech Speaker in the World (TMT Awards). A Game Changer (Finance Monthly) and CEO of the Year (CV Magazine). Mr. Skinner is known as an independent commentator on the financial markets and fintech through his blog, the Finanser.com, as author of the bestselling books Digital Bank, ValueWeb and its new sequel Digital Human. ValueWeb describes the impact of Fintech and how mobile and blockchain technologies are changing the face of finance in building an internet of value. As a result of the emerging internet of value, banks have to become digitalized, and Digital Bank provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the battle for digital banking and strategies for companies to compete. Digital Human, released in March 2018, builds on these two themes but looks at the wider picture of digitalization, and how this is a revolution as it allows everyone from the plains of Africa to the mountains of Tibet to be included. As a futurist, Chris offers a unique, optimistic and exciting viewpoint of our ever-changing digital world.
Veritaseum builds blockchain-based, peer-to-peer capital markets as software on a global scale. The software enables the connection of parties and assets without the need for a third party. Founder & CEO Reggie Middleton discusses the benefits of a peer-to-peer economy, what caused the founding of Veritaseum, and why there is no such thing as a business idea that's “too ambitious”. He also discusses upcoming announcements from his company and the company's plans involving 54 African countries.
Go Touch VR is bringing you the most advanced touch solution for hand interaction. Go Touch VR is an innovation design company delivering touch solutions for VR and AR. They provide haptic technology, support and services for both academic organizations and companies active in the fields of training, engineering, showcasing and data interaction.
NeuroOrrb is focused on optimal health performance. Their process starts with brain health, using a structured approach to reducing stress hormones. This improves overall brain health, physical performance and brain processing speed. Steve and Lee discuss how this is used for elite athletes, medical personnel and various types of work groups. They discuss how a combination of holistic methods and technology form their signature program, Orrb.
It can take months from the time that a traditional supplement is produced to the time that it hits store shelves. This is problematic because vitamins degrade and lose their potency over time. In fact, a study carried out by Labstore showed that almost 50% of supplement products on store shelves only have a six-month shelf life. In addition, traditional supplements are completely untailored to the individual, which means that many people are consuming less than or more than twice the dosage of certain nutrients they need. Nutrigene is changing all of this. As a personalized health platform that aggregates consumer health data and employs algorithmic technology to create tailored dosages of vitamins, minerals and proteins for individuals, Nutrigene is helping people achieve various health goals. Whether a person wants to increase their energy or performance levels throughout the day, boost longevity, or address particular health conditions such as IBS and Crohn’s disease, Nutrigene’s product holds promise and has already shown success in many individuals. Here’s how it works: once you fill out a quick survey, provide information regarding your basic health profile and upload any related health data (such as lab test results or genetic info), the team at Nutrigene will begin making the tailored supplement not more than a day later. In order to preserve purity and potency, the appropriate doses are packaged in small, individualized vials and delivered to your door. Mix it into your morning smoothie or a simple glass of water and you’re good to go. Min FitzGerald is the co-founder and CEO of Nutrigene, and she joins us to fill in all the details of how the product works, provide surprising anecdotal evidence and discuss some of the FDA-approved devices they are beginning to partner with, including one that monitors heart age over time. Tune in to learn more and visit mynutrigene.com.
Real estate startup, Crypto Real Estate AG, is launching a new token, SwissRealCoin (SRC), and is hoping to disrupt the real estate market with the use of blockchain technology. . Their goals are tri-fold. They aim to make property management transparent and efficient by using the blockchain to make secure, quick and ledgered payments. Additional uses will be to document ownership, the history and contact information of past and current tenants, etc. When stored on the blockchain they will forever remain unchanged. Third, Crypto Real Estate AG hopes to make real estate shares that can be traded simply by tokens. SRC will be traded uninterrupted and will have enough liquidity to avoid the instability that often plagues other tokens. Adding additional stability, the Swiss real estate market is folded into one of the world’s most stable economies making it an ideal playing field for this kind of disruption.In this interview SwissRealCoin CEO and Head of Real Estate, Brigitte Luginbuhl, breaks down the methodology behind the token as we eagerly await the ICO launch date of May 23, 2018. For more information, visit: https://www.swissrealcoin.io
It’s been reported that almost 45% of the US population suffers from one of four refractive errors in vision, the most common of which is called presbyopia, an age-related condition that decreases a person’s ability to focus on objects in front of them. To varying degrees, this problem affects every single person who is over the age of 35 and only progresses with time. Until now, this problem has remained entirely unaddressed by the scientific community. Tridib Ghosh is the CEO, director, and co-founder of Sharp Eyes, a company that is creating programmable liquid lenses which have the ability to correct presbyopia by changing their curvature in direct accordance with an object that’s within the user’s gaze. The technology uses an eye tracking system that calculates the exact distance between an object and the user and changes shape accordingly in order to bring that object into complete focus for the user. The change occurs within a fraction of a second so that the user never feels like they’re losing eye power. Furthermore, the lenses can be updated by programming new data as it relates to the progressive deterioration of the user’s vision over time. As it turns out, these lenses will also address the other refractive errors in vision-myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The team at Sharp Eyes is preparing to test their prototype on actual patients in order to see what further optimizations might be needed before launching the first-generation product. Tune in for the details.
John Hornick is an Intellectual Property attorney and consultant in the 3D printing space. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, turns a 3D digital model created on a computer or with a 3D scanner into a physical object, allowing users to make almost anything. 3D printing is a disruptive technology with far-reaching implications for manufacturers, consumers, and intellectual property owners. While 3D printing technology enables manufacturers to make complex designs, rapid prototypes, and final parts in different ways, it also allows almost anyone to re-create any existing product design and make, use, or distribute it without permission from the original creator. Almost anyone who owns rights in product designs may be affected by 3D printers.
KPMG is one of the world’s largest firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services. For the past five years, KPMG has had a dedicated blockchain team to identify the best strategies and solutions using the unique technology provided by blockchain. According to David Montes, Managing Director of Financial Services Strategies, KPMG can design and implement infrastructure to maximize efficiency, drive business growth and increase profits. Join Montes as he discusses the challenges facing the financial services industry and the solutions that can increase safety as well as meet regulatory standards. Moreover, Montes predicts more demand for technology, particularly around intelligent automation solutions. Financial regulators have placed huge burdens on financial institutions. KPMG, using blockchain technology is transforming the financial services industry and is improving the industry overall by identifying new solutions despite the challenge of scalability. For more information, visit: https://home.kpmg.com/us/en/home.html
BRD (formerly Bread) is a decentralized financial services platform that started with the launch of its simple and safe bitcoin wallet, designed to enable anyone and everyone to take advantage of Bitcoin. Bread allows you to perform many of the functions that you would at your local bank, without the middle-man. As the digital asset ecosystem grows, Bread is expanding its offerings to meet the demands of a new, global, decentralized, economy.
BTC Manager wants to be the world's number one source for news and information about Bitcoin, Blockchain, Ethereum and FinTech. Editor Jamie Holmes discusses the scope of BTC Manager's coverage. He also shares the advantage that BTC Manager has over many other Cryptocurrency news outlets: there's no conflict of interest when reporting on certain companies. BTC Manager doesn't just report on news inside the industry. It also reports on Cryptocurrency's effects in other industries around the world.
Renovo is building an OS specifically for automated mobility – self-driving vehicles. Renovo's vision of how this will be affordable for everyone is through Automated Mobility on Demand – fleets of self-driving vehicles to serve densely populated urban areas. Damien discusses how this can save lives, reduce congestion, improve air quality and increase energy efficiency. He also discusses the limits of what's actually possible for autonomous vehicles in terms of making judgments in harsh road conditions or traversing all types of terrain.
Knabu is focused on financial services for the crypto-economy. The founders of the company discuss how banking services are denied for many companies in the cryptocurrency space. This hampers the growth of the crypto-economy and other businesses that use blockchain solutions. Gabrielle and Barry discuss distributed ledger technology and how it can be used to build the finance of the future.
Kowala is all about stabilization. They have created kUSD, which is a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. The company's mission is to provide an entry point for traditional businesses to adopt the use of cryptocurrency on a large scale. Kowala's CEO discusses why they use the dollar as a stabilizing currency. He also discusses the use of other currencies in the same way in the future and why it's important for business owners and non-business owners alike to start educating themselves on cryptocurrency.
Flur.ee is a new business application platform that will transform line of business applications by making them trivially easy to integrate and develop. This company is a scalable blockchain database that combines enterprise capability with blockchain proof and security.
Remodista is all about disruption. They advise disruptors in the business areas of technology, retail and finance. Founder and CEO Kelly Stickel discusses how Remodista is building a global platform for women leaders and solving critical challenges such as integrating AI into daily business dealings. Kelly shares the specifics of Remodista's success in operating the Women2Watch and HALO (Help a Leader Out) Community programs.
Skycoin is an advanced blockchain platform. It was developed by early contributors to both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Synth discusses how Skycoin is the next step in correcting the flaws currently found in blockchain, such as long transaction times. He also explains how and why governments in developed countries are already secretly developing blockchain pilot projects.
Levvel is a technology consulting firm. It covers different elements of emerging technologies and splits them into practice areas. Today we talk with Scott Harkey, Global Payments Lead for Levvel. Scott discusses Levvel's approach to each project as being split into 3 areas of focus: strategy, architecture and implementation. Depending on the client and project, any one area or a combination of the three may be worked on to bring the project to completion. Scott also discusses his work specific to the Payments practice area.
Holo specializes in peer to peer applications and is on a mission to become as widely known as the terms “http” and html. Matthew Schutte, Director of Communications, is here to discuss personalized blockchain. He also informs us as to how Holochain can be used to build apps and the double entry accounting system at the heart of HoloFuel, another of their applications. The best part: he explains how Holo can offer most of this for free.
Companies spend far too much time and money searching for the “right” person to fill positions, only to find out down the line, they made the wrong choice. Toptal, a distributed network with top blockchain developers, engineers, and consultants, is taking this responsibility that business owners, Human Resource Departments and managers often struggle with, off their plate. In this interview, Luka Horvat, Head of Talent Operations at Toptal, explains how they are connecting the top 3% of freelance talent in various sectors, including blockchain, from all over the world. Toptal matches clients requests with top tier individuals through heavy vetting, skills testing, as well as a matching service that ensures companies are finding that “right” person for the job. This results in time and energy saved in the hunt for that “right” person. Toptal client needs for blockchain expertise has dramatically jumped in the past several years. To survive and thrive, the industry must find the right individuals who are highly qualified in the space as the demand continues to grow. The entire blockchain industry is hitting a talent bottleneck,” says Luka Horvat. “Toptal's world-class screening process, combined with specialist training for its existing elite developer network, will support future demand for blockchain talent at scale.” Toptal is doing the heavy lifting for companies, saving them time and money, ensuring the talent they match with an organization not only talks the talk, but can also walk the walk. For more information, visit: https://www.toptal.com/
BakerHostetler is one of the largest law firms in the U.S. They employ over 900 lawyers who litigate cases and resolve disputes that threaten clients' competitiveness, navigate the laws and regulations that shape the global economy and help clients develop and close deals that fuel their strategic growth. Laura Jehl and James Sherer are partners at BakerHostetler whose work focuses on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies. They discuss how in terms of laws, the technology is still in the “wild west period”. They also discuss how the most exciting advances will be in the area of “digital identity”, being able to decide exactly which data points about yourself can be shared with companies and institutions.
Nuggets is an e-commerce payments and ID platform. It stores your personal and payment data securely in the blockchain, so you never have to share it with anyone – not even Nuggets.With Nuggets, you create a secure ‘personal cloud’ of data in zero-knowledge blockchain storage. Not even Nuggets can access this data. You decide if and when you want to share it, and you do so on your own terms. Founder/CEO Alastair Johnson discusses how this frees up companies from having to store and protect millions of customer records, substantially reducing the risk of data breaches.
Businesses and consumers worldwide are looking for safer and easier ways to do business across borders. dLocal has developed a platform to bridge the gap between people in countries with underdeveloped payment systems or who have large numbers of unbanked customers, and e-commerce businesses who are looking for ways to access these untapped markets. dLocal is helping international e-commerce companies sell and get paid locally in emerging markets including Latin America, China, and Turkey along with a number of other countries. They offer a given user the ability to pay for goods or services in local and preferred payment methods such as cash, local credit cards, installments, etc. The international company then receives the payment in their own currency. The cross-border platform opens the customer base for e-companies to reach billions of consumers globally by supporting over 130 local payment methods, with a single integration. Top global brands such as Disney, GoDaddy, and others are already working with dLocal, allowing them to reach emerging markets and expand their business. For more information, visit: https://dlocal.com/
Scout Ventures is a seed stage venture capital firm in NYC that partners with experienced entrepreneurs who are building scalable technologies. They focus on core business fundamentals and help with key areas of growth. Starting with a network-driven selection process, they identify transformational technology startups and invest earlier than traditional VCs to maximize our influence. They provide hands-on guidance throughout the early stages of a companies life. They focus on companies based in: Frontier Technology (AR/VR, AI, Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Mobility, IoT) and Cybersecurity.
Qiibee is all about loyalty. Qiibee assists brands in running their loyalty programs on the blockchain. CEO and Co-founder Gabriele Giancola shares the impetus for Qiibee. He informs how Qiibee's service shores up the weak spots that are present in traditional loyalty programs. He also discusses why their service is the inevitable next step for brands that are interested in keeping their customers as loyal fans.
Ambisafe Software is determined to give customers secure transactions. Ambisafe's co-founder, Oleksii Maliasevich discusses the ICO Wallet, a user-friendly solution with crypto, wire transfers and credit card payments integration. Oleksii shares what smart contracts are and how their applications rise above just financial transactions. He also discusses how smart contracts can be completely customized but still secure.
Mist's mission is to build a wireless network that is completely powered by artificial intelligence. Mist CTO and Co-Founder Bob Friday discusses his background in the wireless industry and how it led him to Mist. He also discusses the rise of the virtual AI assistant and its uses. Bob shares insights about proximity beacons and how much of what we see in AI today can be linked to the IBM Watson project.
Shortly after Overstock began accepting Bitcoin in January of 2014, the potential applications of blockchain technology became apparent. In response, Overstock established Medici Ventures, a division that’s designated to advance companies that promote the development and implementation of blockchain technology. Jonathan Johnson, who is on the Overstock Board of Directors and serves as president of Medici Ventures, discusses a few of the new and exciting technologies he’s helping to advance. T-0 is a company that’s developing a security token platform on which secure tokens can be digitally traded with no time lapse between paying for a security and receiving it. Although the volume of equities and securities on the platform is still low, Johnson forecasts a growing need for a security token platform, especially after last year’s ICO boom and related statements made by the SEC. Having just launched a demo of the new build-out of the system, T-0 is prepared for an influx of securities. Medici Ventures is also supporting the implementation of Voatz, a blockchain-based platform for digital and remote voting. The platform will allow people to vote securely and privately on their mobile devices, receive confirmation that their vote has been cast, and get results in real time. In addition, it will greatly reduce absentee voting by reaching members of the military who are serving in remote areas. This technology was recently and successfully used at the Michigan State Democratic Convention, and is being tested in two counties in West Virginia. If successful, West Virginia will roll out the technology to the entire state for the general election in November. Tune in to hear more about the companies in the Medici Ventures portfolio, and visit mediciventures.com to learn more.
With the advent and increasing use of fertilizer in industrialized agriculture, symbioses between crops and their nitrogen-fixing microbes (which have been evolving for billions of years) are losing their strength. The fertilizer that’s being used provides nitrogen for crops, but it does so in abundance, which has not only resulted in the crops’ microbes losing the ability to capture nitrogen, but has also led to financial problems for farmers and concerns about the effect of excess nitrogen in the environment. The team at Pivot Bio is working on a solution: a probiotic for crops that forms a symbiotic relationship with them as soon as roots develop, allowing for the crops to obtain nitrogen in a self-sufficient way. There are plans for three generations of the product, the first of which will provide 20 percent of the nitrogen crops need. Karsten Temme, the founder and CEO of Pivot Bio, forecasts that the second generation product will provide about 50 percent of the nitrogen needed, and the third will provide 100 percent of it. This could have a significant impact on the environment, considering that 80 percent of the fertilizer used turns into pollution, either in the form of nitrate in the water or nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas that’s 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The team at Pivot Bio has reached the last step before launch, with early adopters already testing the product on cereal crops, which provide over half the world’s dietary energy. To learn more, visit pivotbio.com.
Dr. Kenneth Stanley is a professor at the University of Central Florida and the founder of Geometric Intelligence, a machine learning company that was renamed Uber AI Labs after being acquired by Uber in later 2016. “Uber recognized that AI and machine learning are ultimately fundamental to their business,” says Dr. Stanley. The technology not only holds the promise of developing autonomous control capabilities, but also improving business operations through the optimization of dispatch mechanisms, which would result in faster pick up times. From the beginning, the philosophy of the company has been to maintain a diverse set of interests in the AI space by exploring several subcategories of AI, such as neuroevolution and neural network research. Through the combination of neural networking principles and evolutionary computation, neuroevolutionary tools give way to “reinforcement learning,” the development of which could allow for the enhancement of automated decision-making processes. As a senior research scientist on the cutting-edge of this technology, Dr. Stanley is a wealth of information. Tune in to hear him touch on a variety of topics, including the recent jump from being able to create just a few thousand network connections to being able to create millions. To learn more, visit uber.ai.
Kirill Bensonoff is a successful entrepreneur with multiple exits, blockchain investor, product manager at Kaseya and partner at Caviar, pioneering a dual-purpose token and crowdfunding platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. He bought his first Bitcoin in 2013 and has participated in dozens of token generating events. As a graduate from the Entrepreneurial Masters program at MIT, he has served as both an advisor and angel investor in over 20 different companies. Kirill is a member of the Young Entrepreneur’s Council and co-hosts the Boston Crypto Meetup series. Today, Kirill discusses the trillion dollar opportunity in the tokenizing of traditional asset classes, such as real estate, art and intellectual property.
Since we last met with R3 nearly a year ago, a lot has changed, according to a representative from the company’s general counsel, Isabelle Corbett. The enterprise software company is now 200 partners strong, all of who have worked together within the consortium to develop Corda, their distributed ledger platform designed specifically for financial services. Launched in September 2015, Corda allows participants to transact without central authorities, resulting in frictionless commerce, but it also has capabilities well beyond just that. What sets them apart, is that the enterprises can interact in the space much faster with the added benefit of a blockchain inspired system. With that comes added security, reduced friction and lower costs, all while complying with regulations by not sharing data with companies that shouldn’t have it. R3’s open shared network is still private, secured and permissioned. These are reasons why it is attracting other industries from insurance to healthcare, travel, even governments. It will be interesting to see where they go next. In the meantime, tune in for exciting updates for 2018. For more information, visit: https://www.r3.com/
There is a clever, new, video sharing platform that is set to disrupt the space in 2018. The developers of Verasity are aiming to launch a system using blockchain technology that will help creators of content to monetize and manage what they are sharing by rewarding the entire community with VERA, their cryptocurrency which can be converted into the other traditional cryptocurrencies. It is often difficult to put a true value on online content due to mistaken or “fake views” and potential for fraudulent activities as well. Data is then often quite inaccurate. Veracity Industrial Networks, a leading cybersecurity, and software company has given birth to Verasity and developers are looking to solve this issue with its various tools. They have developed a patent pending “Proof of View” using blockchain technology. The PoVTM gives each view value by gauging audience participation and using legitimate views, certifying the worth of the content. The creators then earn VERA coins from those who want to purchase pay-per-view videos, subscriptions, etc. The coins are bought and earned as a reward for watching and sharing the content. On the viewer side, participants are getting quality content and are also earning the coins for watching. For more information, visit: https://verasity.io/
With the recent success of token sales, every day we see more and more popping up; some solid, some downright dangerous. Before you jump on the token sale bandwagon, there are some serious things to consider and pitfalls that can be avoided. In this interview, Matthew Nolan, CEO, and Founder of Menlo One explains how they are providing people who are investing in ICOs with a new level of insight into the projects by assessing uncensored feedback from your peers, as well experts. They are also making the process of participating in the process as easy as pushing a button. Menlo One is a system for sophisticated token sales. They make software communication systems, databases, and marketplaces that make sales easy and secure through their products, including the Townhall infrastructure. Within the space, comments (including negative comments about ICOs) can’t be deleted. Additionally, it allows people to pool their money to pay experts to do their due diligence while investigating and assessing the ICOs. It’s a place to have a real honest conversation and help guide even the most novice participants in the direction they may want to take. Menlo is building a strong community of feedback that is decentralized and censorship-resistant, providing real advice and feedback on token sale experiences. For more information, please visit: https://menlo.one/
The internet…has been broken…we’ve ended up with the same media construct that we had before the internet existed, which is audience aggregation and data aggregation…” says James Tabor, CEO of MEDIA Protocol. Tabor’s vision is one in which people can create, promote and share digital content in a decentralized environment, allowing for greater transparency in the flow of value between creators, publishers, and users while rewarding those users for reading, liking and promoting content; MEDIA Protocol is an open-source platform that aims to do just this. By harnessing the power of blockchain technology to track the flow of data between devices and tokenize activity on the web, MEDIA Protocol is helping to eliminate third-party media owners who profit from centralized means of content transmission. MEDIA Protocol has finalized its smart contract and is close to launching a publishing portal that will allow brands, publishers, agencies- or really anyone who owns a URL- to create their own smart contract and wallet that will allow them to distribute value. To learn more and stay up-to-date with the latest news on MEDIA Protocol, visit mediaprotocol.org.
In 2012, amidst the expansion from traditional information security focused on desktop and laptop servers to the ever-increasing realm of the internet of things (IOT), Paul Roberts started Security Ledger, an independent information security news website. The website has maintained a focus on security in the IOT space and is gaining both relevance and popularity as greater numbers of companies migrate toward cloud computing. According to Roberts, however, the transition from technology and compute power to the cloud is one that companies must handle with care. “Companies are moving rapidly toward the cloud, but they do not have great systems for doing so securely, or at least haven’t developed the discipline and the understanding of the risks that the cloud brings with it…and it remains to be seen what security issues blockchain and distributed ledgers can solve,” says Roberts. Tune in to hear Roberts touch on a variety of topics, including several challenges to the securement of data in the cloud, the difficulty in preventing cybercrime, to begin with rather than stopping it once it occurs, and the role of cyber security in AI and machine learning. Learn more by visiting securityledger.com and securityofthings.com.
“When new technology comes along, it makes previously impossible things possible,” according to serial entrepreneur and Founder of Crowdventure, LLC, Matthew Sullivan. In this interview he introduces us to the unique approach of QuantmRE, which is disrupting the real estate market through blockchain technology. Sullivan explains how the real estate network enables home owners to access the equity in their homes while leaving the banks (and their fees and paperwork), behind. QuantmRE buys a small part of the member’s home equity and turns it into a token that is backed by assets in real estate. Not only does this give the homeowner access to money they need without causing a mortgage payment to go up, it also gives everyday folks an entry cryptocurrency game. When it comes time to sell, that’s when QuantmRE gets paid back; taking into account any value that may have been accrued as well. Essentially, they are taking the assets they buy and tokenizing them; or in other words taking something that is not liquid and turning it into liquid and something that is tradeable. For more information, visit: http://quantm.one/
“Everyone probably hears online that no one ever dies from cannabis, but there have been cases of people dying from what grows on cannabis,” says Kevin McKernan, who founded Medicinal Genomics in 2011 with the goal of sequencing the cannabis genome. In doing so, he quickly recognized that there were microbes on the plant that needed to be screened for. Since then, Medicinal Genomics has been developing quantitative PCR tools that use DNA to measure microbial risks in a way that traditional methods have been unable. So, what’s wrong with the traditional Petri dish method, which is the primary method used in the food industry today? For one, we don’t know how to culture about 99 percent of the microbes that exist; this is problematic for the Petri dish method as it relies fundamentally on culturing microbes. In addition, many of the microbes that are most harmful do not grow in large quantities, making it nearly impossible to identify or quantify colonies of microbes via culture techniques. To address these issues, McKernan believes that species-specific testing is needed, which can only be done using DNA-based quantitative PCR. Medicinal Genomics also sequences cannabis genomes outside of the microbiome, which is helping breeders to not only identify plants that are optimal for breeding, but to also prove that a plant existed at a particular time, thereby protecting themselves against cannabis patents that might emerge in the future. Medicinal Genomics is protecting breeders in this way by hashing and stashing cannabis genomes on the Dash blockchain. To learn more, visit medicinalgenomics.com.
In this interview, we take a look at imitation learning in robotics through the eyes of Michael Laskey, a PhD student at UC Berkley. Laskey explains how the technology is being applied to advance robotic manipulation to create better and safer machines. Manipulation is one of the hardest things for robots to do. One of the biggest challenges is obtaining demonstrations suitable for learning. One of the ways deep learning can be applied to robotics is through imitation learning where a human is showing the robot what to do. The concept of imitation learning is to provide the robot with prior information about its atmosphere by mirroring human actions. For example, the robot learns an action and mimics the behavior, such as folding bed sheets. Laskey does also address some of the shortcomings of imitation learning, including the need for some supervision as well as data. Additionally, when robots make mistakes, they can’t recover and errors can multiple. This is a must-listen as we do a deep-dive into the fascinating world of imitation learning in the field of robotics.
The Crypto show highlights the latest news on cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, disruptive technology, economics and world events. Stay up to date with the latest news on crypto currency, blockchain technology, disruptive technology, economics and world events on The Crypto show blog. The Crypto show is also heavily involved in humanitarian efforts around the globe with DashCares. The Crypto Show is a twice weekly FM radio show focusing on Crypto Currency, Blockchain Technology, Disruptive Technology, Economics and World Events. The show airs on 89.1 FM TXLR in Austin, TX every Wednesday and Sunday night, reaching an estimated 20,000 local listeners.
Sought after guest speaker, Aubrey de Grey, has appeared on numerous popular programs including CBS 60 Minutes, BBC, TED and The Colbert Report to name just a few. Today, he joins The Future Tech Podcast, to share his vision on how we can improve the aging process through enhancing the human body’s capability of rejuvenation through cell immortality and pluripotency to human aging and age-related disease. The. Vice President of New Technology and Discovery at AgeX Therapeutics, Aubrey de Grey, Ph.D., is also the Chief Science Officer of SENS Research Foundation, a California-based 501(c)(3) biomedical research charity that performs, and funds research devoted to battling the progression of aging. In this fascinating discussion, Aubrey explains some of the obstacles that need to be overcome, including issues involving age-related tissue damage and stem cell decline which contribute to accelerating the aging process. He also discusses what AgeX is doing in stem cell research and in regenerative medicine that will improve not only the longevity of life, but also the quality and health of individuals throughout the aging process. He also touches on what he sees could be the future in the science of aging and treatments being worked on by the rejuvenation research community. For more information, visit: www.agexinc.com
YouVisit creates interactive, augmented, and virtual reality experiences for a variety of use cases outside of the gaming industry. Using State-of-the-art technology, 360 interactivity, and award-winning production, YouVisit.com enterprise solutions offer the widest reach possible and are commercially available across all major platforms. ThroughYouVisit’s interactive software, solutions lead to increased engagement, quality inquiries, and higher conversion rates.
Procertas (Professional Certifications and Technology Assessments) is a new kind of company for an evolving legal marketplace. Their mission is to find a better alignment between law firms and law departments, as well as between law departments and the businesses they represent. The flagship product, the Legal Technology. Assessment (LTA), improves quality and increases efficiency by ensuring that legal professionals are properly using the basic technology tools of their trade: Word, Excel, and PDF. The LTA is a first-of-its kind integrated benchmarking and training platform pairing competence-based assessments with synchronous, active learning in a completely live environment. Our clients become COBOT Qualified (Certified Operator of Basic Office Technology).
Playground.Global is a $800 million venture fund that partners with the best and brightest when it comes to engineering and robotics. They have built foundational companies such as Agility Robotics and shipped breakthrough products such as Lighthouse AI's security cameras, which can recognize faces and keep track of your kids. Now they want to build a firm that serves the next generation of hardware – building entrepreneurs. Thanks to their design studio, where entrepreneurs can build their products onsite, Playground.global provides equipment, facilities, and expertise in addition to funding. Peter Barrett discusses how we have the wrong impression of AI and its capabilities. Also, he informs us of how one of the best uses of robotics is actually in agriculture.
The FreeTalkLive syndicated radio program talks about the uses of cryptocurrency, influencing politics, and ANYTHING else the audience wants to discuss. That’s because FreeTalkLive is a call-in show that specifically gives most of the floor over to the listeners, as opposed to taking a couple of calls and monologuing for 30 minutes after each one. Darryl W. Perry discusses the Free State Project in New Hampshire and how it came about. He talks about how the format of the show leads to news that is being completely ignored by mainstream media outlets. In addition, Darryl also discusses why both Progressives and Conservatives have a love/hate relationship with the show.
MuleChain provides a peer-to-peer (P2P) network for user-side consumers who need to send or retrieve freight and document and the provider-side travelers or transporters called “mules”, independent workers who will ship, move and transport these freight goods and physical belongings or documents for the senders and retrievers by using either their own vehicles or any other forms of public transportation. The intended service coverage is very broad and diverse. It may include services from large professional aircraft, ship and truck freight transport companies, cross-continent or cross country moving companies and shipping companies, down to local city messengers, bicycle couriers, chores runners to food delivery etc. It could be a personal carrier of jewelry, medicine, electronic goods to bypass traditional custom and duties or even name brand mobile phones for people to arbitrage the price differences in different countries as an example. Mule Chain plans to continue to use the blockchain smart contract applications to secure KYC/AML identity and reputation management to ensure the strict legitimacy of our operations.
Stash is a mobile-first investment platform that currently helps over one million people simplify investing and saving through education and an intuitive user experience. Investors can customize their own portfolio starting with as little as $5, and receive ongoing guidance through the Stash App.
Epson has established a diverse ecosystem of solution providers, using augmented reality to solve problems, connect people, and change the way we experience the world. Epson smart glasses create a top of the line user experience, providing AR that is comfortable, light and immersive. Their glasses can be used in many ways, personal, multi-user and industrial. In addition, Epson has released a cutting edge drone complement for your DJI drone. Providing footage, controls and statistics, all while maintaining your line-of-sight.
Blockspace Labs offers blockchain training, tokenomics & ICO turnkey solutions for startups and investors, including: ICO Project/White Paper Review and development (for investors and startups); Blockchain idea/concept validation from value, Technological, architectural and development perspectives; Blockchain/DLT cost-benefit analysis; Business model tokenization; Ecosystem building/evaluation & scalability assessment and ICO staging.
The mission of Urban FT is to deliver an exceptionally compelling mobile and Web banking user experience along with best-in-class digital banking features and functionality to empower small-to-midsize financial institutions to compete effectively against all comers. Urban FT has an award-winning platform, which 10% of U.S.-based financial institutions now leverage, simplifying the process of designing, building and delivering digital banking solutions, minimizing cost and accelerating speed to market and ROI for clients.
Every day small banks are forced into dreadful contracts by their Core and IT suppliers. Community banks are disappearing. They are being acquired on a daily basis and with it, the personalized touch of banking goes out the window as well. A veteran in the fields of finance, banking and technology, Alexander Lopatine, now Managing Director at Paladin (paladin-fs.com), joins us to explain what they are doing to help community banks and credit unions get on an even playing field with their outsourced Core & IT services, in order to survive and thrive in the fast-evolving climate. Paladin is a well-known consulting firm in the banking space, with Lopatine now leading their newly-created Fintech Advantage division. The focus is on helping community banks and credit unions gain access to financial technology or the fintech they need to be sustainable and successful in their industry. In this intriguing interview, Lopatine enlightens us on how the team at Paladin fs are helping community banks and credit unions understand and action contract negotiations, merger solutions, vendor selection, quote checks and lifetime protection services with their Core and IT vendors.
Chris Ostoich is the co-founder and chief innovation officer of Lisnr, a communication protocol that uses ultrasonic audio to translate and transfer information. “Sound is infrastructure that's all around us- in every room, car, office, device, concert- it's there already, and historically we just haven't used it as a communication mechanism,” says Ostoich. With about 30 million devices today and the expectation of close to 100 million this year, Lisnr has already powered the grammy app and boasts Ticketmaster as one of their biggest clients. So, what are the benefits of this protocol versus so many others? Ultrasonic data transmission is easily embedded into existing infrastructures and ecosystems, does not require wifi or bluetooth, and is hardwareless, requiring nothing but sound, a speaker and a microphone. To learn more, visit lisnr.com.
Jeff Berwick is a strong believer in financial freedom and the power of cryptocurrencies to allow people an escape from the central banking and financial system. He is also the creator of The Dollar Vigilante, a unique financial newsletter that recommends a variety of investments and cryptocurrencies, and offers the latest news in the crypto and investment space. Berwick envisions a world in which people own their money, act as their own banks and have complete control over their financial futures. “Most poverty in the world is caused by governments and central banks…so the more we can do to take away that power from them…through cryptocurrencies, the better chance we have at a truly free and peaceful world,” says Berwick. Berwick explains why the backing of cryptocurrencies with fiat currency is a bad idea, why EOS has the potential to compete with Ethereum, and why people should be educating themselves on and entering the crypto space sooner rather than later. Tune in to learn more, and visit dollarvigilante.com.
Max Smetannikov is a returning guest and the chief information officer at Vimana Global, an international blockchain airspace company that aims to enable blockchain airspace. Smetannikov explains that blockchain airspace is a blockchain-based communications network that supplements control air towers and manages the increasing volume of drone traffic. The team at Vimana Global is working hard to enable the blockchain-based network to support regular blockchain transactions and thereby maintain the same level of comfort and transparency in airspace as there is on any regular blockchain. In more recent news, Vimana Global has created a drone that carries the transformer for the Vimana blockchain. “We possess a very unique technology…where we can effectively land, take off and convert from vertical flight to horizontal flight seamlessly, which is a huge step forward in the development of airspace in general; an equivalent step was taken when the helicopter was invented,” says Smetannikov. As a global company, Vimana intends to reach markets around the world and is getting ready to kick off an Asian tour where they will talk with future partners, explain how blockchain airspace will impact the everyday life of ordinary people around the world, and explain how exactly Vimana will be deployed in major cities. Smetannikov discusses the excitement that “smart cities”- cities that have long been embracing IT as a solution to different problems- are showing with regard to this new technology. In fact, Vimana has already received several requests for the implementation of mini buses, ferries, and subways. Tune in to hear the details, and visit vimana.global.
LifeBEAM, founded several years ago, was originally developed for pilots, astronauts and special forces to monitor their bodies and to avoid risky physical situations. They are now bringing you Vi, a consumer fitness product that is wearable using your phone, watch or earbud. The mission and passion for Vi are to combine artificial intelligence and voice to bring quality, personalized, personal training to users, wherever you are. The unique technology can profile the individual wearing the device and will process information gathered to help you meet your fitness and health goals. Vi uses a person’s posture, cadence, heart rate and other vitals taken from your phone, watch, or earphone to determine current physical status and how to get you your heart rate and activity to the optimal level for best results. The system delivers the results through voice commands and selection of specific music and sounds based on your likes and physical output during a workout. Vi turns your everyday, monotonous workout into an exciting experience that leads you to real results. The system currently supports walking, running, spinning and cycling in addition to many other activities that are continually being added, including the use of a treadmill. For more information, visit: getvi.com in
A veteran in his field, Jacob Ervin has been working in the mixed and virtual reality technology space for nearly 10 years. Ervin now sits as Program Manager at Occipital, a computer vision company which aims to teach computers how to see and understand the world around us through augmented and virtual reality and environmental scanning. Occipital has launched products aimed to improve several industries by using your own personal handheld device. For example, their Structure Sensor allows users to capture the world by 3D by scanning of objects and then it uses that model to create a mixed reality experience on a device, where virtual objects appear to interact with the physical world. Additionally, powered by Structure Sensor, the Canvas app takes capturing a 3D model of a room easy. Users just need to tap scan, walk around a room, and watch as a scaled model is built on your device. This is advancing the way real-estate and construction companies, for example, can do business. Occipital has also released their Bridge Engine, providing mixed reality capabilities in a simple to deploy software engine. Join us as Ervin takes us through the fascinating AR/VR fantasies that have now become realities in this exciting interview with one of the leader’s in this industry.
Axial biotherapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing new therapeutics to treat diseases of the central nervous system. According to Dr. David Donabedian, CEO, and co-founder, researchers hope to leverage the link between the human gut microbiome and central nervous system including Autism and Parkinson’s Disease. While there are many factors that have contributed to an increase in the number of children with symptoms of autism, Dr. Donabedian suggests that environmental factors may have caused changes in the diversity of bacteria that children are exposed to. Therefore, Axial has taken a unique approach by focusing on the gut-brain axis. Initial testing at Axial has shown that gut-selective therapies have resulted in improvements in core behaviors and symptoms associated with autism as well as reducing symptoms due to gastrointestinal disorders.
Facial recognition has been around for a while now. Companies like Ever AI, one of the leading platforms in the space, are catapulting this technology to the next level with their advanced face recognition platform. In this interview Doug Aley, Chief Revenue Officer at EVER AI, shares with listeners the advancements in facial recognition and how we can use it to simplify our every day lives. Aley explains why businesses have been looking for better ways to offer frictionless authentication to their customers for payment applications aiming to ease the user experience. The platform really took off after the successful release of the iPhone X with Face ID. People stopped being afraid of facial recognition technology and instead have started embracing it once they saw how easy and secure, it is to access data off their phone. Since the launch, Ever AI has seen a huge surgency of other companies looking for ways to implement the technology into their business models. Right now, Aley is seeing is the most demand for facial recognition coming from banking, finance and security companies. They are using the technology for something as simple as entry to office buildings to authenticating users to give access to important data. While we are at it, let’s not forget some of the more entertaining use cases including facial recognition with IoT devices such as washing machines, refrigerators and robots, of course. For more information, visit: https://ever.ai/
Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC) is a leader in quantum computing with a focus on providing design solutions using quantum information processing. Quantum computers have existed for over 40 years, but few applications have been developed to utilize the incredible power to process information based on the complex laws of quantum mechanics. According to Dr. Mark Jackson, scientific lead of business development with CQC, one way that quantum computing is making an impact is in quantum chemistry. CQC is working with scientists and pharmaceuticals to improve the way drugs are developed by greatly improving the way molecular structures are analyzed. This will lead to less trial and error and more effective drug treatment options. Also, CQC is working on quantum encryption to ensure the highest level of security possible based on quantum resources. New security measures will be necessary, according to Dr. Jackson, as businesses transition to quantum computers from traditional computers.
Attorney Christina Gagnier is a partner at Gagnier Margossian, LLP, an internet law boutique specializing in intellectual property and technology that uses a holistic approach to provide legal advice to businesses on a wide variety of issues. According to Gagnier, emerging businesses must protect themselves by obtaining legal counsel that not only understand the relevant law but also understands the unique characteristics of the particular technology such as blockchain or token sales. Also, since the regulations change quickly and frequently, lawyers must be aware of the changes as well as anticipate what is coming. Gagnier Margossian, LLP provides advice on policy on issues such as net neutrality as well as direct legal counsel for business needs including formation, funding, transactions, privacy, security and international regulatory compliance.
Oyster is creating the future of website monetization by building a new protocol for the internet economy and eliminate ads from websites. According to Chris Garner, advertising evangelist with Oyster, website publishers currently rely on advertisements as a primary revenue stream. Oyster is trying to change that. The solution is based on a decentralized data storage platform that uses blockchain technology to provide absolute security. When website visitors access a website, instead of seeing ads, the user will contribute a small portion of their CPU and GPU power to be stored anonymously on a decentralized ledger. Website publishers then get paid directly by the storage users which results in completely ad-free websites. This new economic protocol will allow web publishers forget about advertisements and focus on better content with unbiased opinions. The website users will enjoy ad-free use of websites at a minimal cost as well as added privacy.
United Bitcoin is a payment platform that’s offering its users faster transaction times and lower fees than other platforms of its kind. In addition, the team at United Bitcoin is just weeks away from implementing smart contracts on the platform. It was only launched about four months ago, but United Bitcoin is already listed on 18 exchanges and is looking to expand further. The platform currently offers four wallet options, the most recent addition being the user-friendly AnyBits mobile wallet. Marco Ferreira is the marketing director at United Bitcoin and is excited to discuss another project that’s backed by United Bitcoin called UB Pay. UB Pay will allow for day-to-day transactions to be carried out using a cryptocurrency that is pegged to fiat currency in a one-to-one ratio, thereby eliminating concerns of volatility. Although the stable coin was released as recently as April 3rd of this year, Ferreira is confident that UB Pay will be implemented globally. Visit ub.com to get involved, and follow United Bitcoin’s social media pages for the latest news and developments.
Andrew Chang is the COO of two exciting and promising businesses: itBit and Paxos. Since 2013, itBit has been operating as a cryptocurrency custody service and exchange that is now fully regulated as a New York state trust. As a regulated institution by the New York Department of Financial Services, itBit has the ability to move cash and assets at the same time, which is something that other exchanges are unable to do. Paxos is a soon-to-be-launched private blockchain-based clearing and settlement platform that’s designed to address the many concerns surrounding public blockchains and provide companies and banks with an alternative. A private blockchain allows for the addition of customizable assets and greater control in a closed network. On the Paxos platform, assets will be digitized and tokenized, with the confirmation and settlement details of every trade being carried out over the Paxos blockchain. “We are trying to reduce settlement risk and costs as we reduce settlement times to nearly instantaneous. Right now it takes multiple days to clear and settle a transaction, which means there is capital that is trapped for regulatory holding purposes, additional costs associated with manual processes, and people dealing with confirmation mismatches,” says Chang. The benefits being offered by both itBit and Paxos are numerous. To learn more, visit itbit.com and paxos.com.
1QBit is a company that’s at the forefront of the development of quantum technologies. By connecting common industry problems with quantum algorithms and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of experimental prototypes that use quantum computing, the team at 1QBit is helping their clients to stay current on and achieve the many benefits of quantum computing. “We understand the industry problems really well in different sectors…in oil and gas, in pharmaceutical science, material science, and auto making, and try to understand which of the problems that these industries ares struggling to solve today are relevant to the devices that we are studying,” says Pooya Ronagh, an applied mathematics research lead at 1QBit. Ronagh offers a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics, one of which is quantum chemistry: a near-term application of quantum computing that could significantly benefit industries by optimizing a variety of chemical reactions integral to production, especially in pharmaceutics. Ronagh also discusses disruptive algorithms, the benefits of ion traps and how quantum computing can help us achieve better intelligence in AI and machine learning algorithms. Tune in to learn more, and visit 1qbit.com for the latest developments.
There is always a new wave or a next frontier in technology. You may have noticed lately there has been a lot of chatter (pun intended) about chatbots. In some form or fashion Chatbots have been around for a while now. The latest buzz has been about the marriage of chatbot technology with artificial intelligence, which is expected to drastically change a number of industries, including banking. Dror Oren, Co-Founder and CPO at Kasisto, along with his team, have tasked themselves with providing banks and other financial institutions with a way to create virtual systems that will ultimately improve the customer service experience through intelligent conversation. Born of an SRI spin-off, Kasisto comes from a family of tech all-stars, including one of the original mobile virtual personal assistants, Siri. KAI, Kasisto’s own banking conversational platform, is using AI to allow a deeper interactive relationship between user and the banking system. The KAI-powered bots have deep banking and financial knowledge, know a multitude of key phrases and can interact in some fashion, as natural as a personal banker would. KAI is providing users the experience to perform complex tasks on mobile and IoT devices, mobile apps and messaging platforms in a much quicker, more accurate and safe manner anytime, anywhere. In this intriguing interview, Dror Oren takes us through the history of chatbots, the technology we have now and where the AI infusion may take us. For more information, visit: https://kasisto.com/
ISE performs security assessments from an attacker's perspective. ISE is an independent security consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland dedicated to securing high-value assets for global enterprises and performing groundbreaking security research. Using an adversary-centric perspective driven by our elite team of analysts and developers, They improve clients’ overall security posture, protect digital assets, harden existing technologies, secure infrastructures, and work with development teams to ensure product security prior to deployment.
Founded in 1979, VantagePoint has been developing trading software for more than 39 years. This talented team of executives, software developers, engineers, and customer service support professionals, are driven to see trading solutions and to think differently. This visionary approach has helped them become the leading provider of intermarket analysis software for the individual trader. VantagePoint Software remains at the forefront of trading software research and software development. The work is rooted in the application of artificial intelligence technologies to intermarket analysis of today’s globally interconnected financial markets, utilizing a powerful, mathematical tool known as neural networks.
It’s no secret, advancements in robotic surgery and AI are offering more options and benefits for patients and surgeons than ever before. Sanjay Krishnan, a Computer Science PhD student, is part of the Berkeley AI research group at UC Berkeley where they do a great deal of exploration using AI to improve robot manipulation in surgery and home robotics. Currently Krishnan is currently focused on surgical robotics specifically. He is working with surgeons to see what can be learned from their output data. Are they efficient or are they making mistakes? Are they taking too much time and energy to complete procedures? The researchers are then using that information as material for robotics surgery training for the future. In this thought-provoking interview, Krishnan discusses the benefits and limitations or challenges in the field of surgical robotics. He also introduces us to the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci System which is being used in over 500,000 procedures worldwide. The robot has many clinical benefits such as reduced hospital stays and reduces the chance of infection. However, Krishnan explains, there are still challenges with the use of its hardware. The da Vinci model has no autonomy of its own. This machine is 100 percent controlled by the surgeon who is sitting at a sort of video game console. It can be difficult for surgeons to use the machines and it takes time for them to become proficient in doing the procedures. This is where Krishnan and other researches see artificial intelligence coming into play with machine learning; teaching the machines to become more autonomous. Join us as we sit down with Sanjay Krishnan to discuss the advancements in these developing studies and how combining robotics and AI will take surgery to the next level.
Move over Gordon Gecko. Your time is up! Well perhaps we aren’t that close yet – but the power of AI machine learning is making its mark in the trading and investing world with artificial intelligence guided, machine market analysis. Humans are fallible. We need sleep. We need to eat. We can only process so much information at once. Every day investment professionals are examining the markets, hoping to strike when and where it is right. Now, enter, Kavout, a company using AI technology to solve a lot of these problems. Founder & CEO of Kavout, Alex Lu, believes there is huge potential for AI in finance. With their AI model, Kai, they are using deep learning and quantitative analysis to provide solutions in this arena. The computers take all fundamental data, present data and news, and analyze all the information in real time for traders. The robots recognize patterns and trends and simulate the human process. Human traders are essentially consuming and digesting information on a daily basis. They analyze and categorize it. Deep learning models can do the very same thing, minus emotion and biased opinions, not to mention, they can run in real-time 24/27. Commenting in an official corporate announcement, Kavout’s CEO and co-founder Alex Lu said: “Today, Goldman Sachs has more engineers than Facebook. None of this is a coincidence. The big players know that there is much more to be gained in the markets by investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our aim is to make those technologies available to all investors.” – Alex Lu (source: LinkedIn) For more information, visit: https://www.kavout.com/
Token (Jointoken.com) is fighting fraud by disguising your credit card for online and over the phone purchases. Token generates a unique credit card that is linked to specific stores. These generated cards can be used anywhere that Master Card is accepted. Simply link your bank account, debit card, or credit card to Token and start using the secure system to shop online. Tokens number one priority is stopping fraud and keeping your personal information safe.
Access Network is committed to democratizing financial and technological access, Access is able to create real-world solutions through a community of creators in both developing and developed economies. Decentralizing governance structures that incentivize local growth and the future development of further financial tools in underbanked and unbanked communities. Co-led by the Underserved and powered by Ethereum.
Bitcoin Taxes, launched in 2014, has seen incredible growth in the past 24 months, providing services both to consumers and to tax professionals. Ready to meet the challenges of the crypto-currency explosion. Most countries consider Bitcoin and crypto-currencies as capital assets, and so any gains made are taxed like capital gains. If you make profits from selling your coins, those profits are taxed. If you make losses, you may be able to deduct the losses and reduce your taxes. Bitcoin.Tax is partnered with nationwide companies that provide tax advice and tax preparation with CPAs knowledgable in crypto-currencies. They will work with you to complete and file your taxes, backed with the power of the Bitcoin.Tax system.
Professor and associate member of MILA, the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms, Allan Tapp, is a long-time researcher in physics, computer science, and mathematics. From his early studies in these fields, he now brings his expertise to artificial intelligence and deep learning. The MILA is an institute which began with the main ambition on the study of machine learning and learning of algorithms. Tapp realized the importance of artificial intelligence and took the opportunity to move into this field and is now fully committed to the technology through his continuing research at MILA. Tapp sits down with us to explain how the different types of AI machine learning work, the advancements in the field and he also discusses some common doomsday scenarios. Although he feels it is important that people are concerned about what machine learning means for man kind’s future, he clarifies of the unlikelihood of such occurrences based on the level of technology we are at today. In this interview, Tapp also touches on the possible future of AI and deep learning. He describes what he thinks is on the horizon, specifically his interests in the concept of memory based neural networks and better Q & A dialogue with machines. For more information, visit: https://mila.quebec/en/
Entrepreneur, Michael Hiles, was an early adopter of web development long before the internet bubble came to be. By using this same intuition, he has taken the opportunity to start a new business using blockchain technology. Hiles is now the Founder and CEO of 10XTS, a development lab which serves as an incubator for blockchain technology companies. 10XTS builds blockchain products and solutions using their suite of software modules providing blockchain functionality and connectivity. Each module offers a specific purpose depending upon the use case and need. According to 10XTS, their mission for 10XTS is to help foster, coordinate, and launch projects and new ventures by aligning needs, resources, capital and leadership. Throughout his career, Hiles has gained a unique understanding of the crypto and blockchain world. In this thought-provoking discussion, he discusses the challenges he sees within the space. We explore the patterns of the rise and fall of crypto currencies and further examine the fast-moving technology and what that means for the future, including the anticipated further regulations, specifically on exchanges. For more information on 10XTS, visit: https://10xts.com/
Clinc provides the world’s most advanced conversational artificial intelligence (AI) platform that is changing the way customers interact with businesses. Most businesses use chat technology, which is not optimum, to interact with customers. Clinc, however, has created an innovative platform that is data-driven to ensure a higher level of service. According to Himi Khan, vice-president at Clinc, Clinc uses real-world data to develop AI models that focus on the intent of the questions. As a result, a much more quality of service can be provided because the AI processes the data, determines the underlying intent, and provides the correct answer based on the data consisting of hundreds of examples. The reason that Clinc “understand what people want to say better than anyone on the planet,” according to Khan, is due to the tremendous amount of research conducted in and out of the lab. This research is the basis for a unique platform that improves digital conversations, so businesses can achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Chozun is building a travel ecosystem to provide personalized experiences and services to the independent traveler by narrowing the choices wherever you may be around the world. Using a variety of data collected from users and providers, Chozun will find the best matches for a particular traveler and a particular location. Chozun will even consider the weather before providing the best matches. Join co-CEOs and co-founders Teresa Truda and Zia Word as they explain how to use Chozun to create a highly personalized travel experience. Chozun uses artificial intelligence based on trusted reviews and information that will provide the best choices for you and your travel companions. Chozun is also creating a cryptocurrency platform to further engage users and Chozun partners in a decentralized loyalty program that provides complete user control of loyalty exchanged across brands and services.
Albert Santalo defines “citizen developers” as people of limited technical proficiency who don’t know how to code, but who know what they want and have identified the problems that they need to solve. 8base is a platform that is putting the power of development into the hands of those people by giving them the tools to solve their problems without having to contract with developers. The easy-to-use 8base app builder will allow citizen developers to produce beautifully designed software with minimal effort and minimal background knowledge. If a developer needs to create an immutable ledger via blockchain technology, 8base can help with that too. By helping developers decide whether or not they need to implement blockchain technology and by assisting them in deciding which specific blockchain would best suit their needs, 8base is eliminating the need for citizen developers to fully understand the complexity of blockchain technology itself. “The beautiful thing about 8base is that it’s built like a chassis…it has interchangeable parts, it’s really easy to maintain, and as new technologies come out, it’s easy to swap out the old and bring in the new,” says Santalo. Tune in to hear the full discussion, and learn more at 8base.com
David Siegel is an entrepreneur, tokenomics expert, and the the author of five books, one of which serves as the basis for Pillar Project, a cryptocurrency and token wallet that’s being developed into so much more than that: a personal digital assistant app that automatically manages user data, including health, financial and work records. The Pillar wallet will eventually allow users to store and maintain full control over their personal encrypted data without any third-party involvement. Pillar Project has the potential to replace e-commerce companies such as eBay and Amazon by allowing users to own and trade tokens, as well as carry out a variety of transactions. “What we want in this new world is to tokenize and trade everything…We hope that eventually you’ll sign a lease using your Pillar wallet, you’ll buy a home using your Pillar wallet, you’ll buy a car, you’ll rent a car…you ought to be able to do that from your Pillar wallet with no middleman,” says Siegel. In today’s digital world, privacy concerns are growing and the importance of acquiring and maintaining control over your personal data is becoming increasingly clear. Pillar Project is offering users the open-source tools necessary to protect their information and operate independently within their own economies. To learn more, visit pillarproject.io.
Zoom.ai provides automated assistance to employees to dramatically increase productivity and reduce the time spent on various low-value tasks that often take up a large part of the workday. According to Roy Pereira, CEO, and founder of Zoom.ai, users are provided automated assistance that provides support much like a human personal assistance would. Using a chat first application, Zoom.ai has designed a platform uses a vast knowledge base that can quickly and efficiently complete tasks. For example, scheduling meetings can be time-consuming whether a one-on-one meeting or an entire team. Zoom.ai can schedule meetings based on availability and preferences of attendees. Similarly, if an initial meeting is with an external attendee, Zoom.ai can provide a photo, employment history, and even personal interests to help break the ice. In addition, Zoom.ai can assist with searching for documents, providing information, conducting research, and preparing documents based on specific criteria. The result is increased productivity in the workplace as well as higher employee satisfaction due to completing more tasks each work day.
MovoCash has created an innovative method of generating peer-to-peer payments safely with very little delay. Unlike traditional payments using credit cards, MovoCash has combined their unique technology called HyperBIN with credit cards to take advantage of the best of both worlds and provide a convenient way to send and spend money. Join Eric Solis, CEO and founder of MovoCash and learn how his team is giving users more control and more security without the fees that traditional banks charge. One of the primary goals of MovoCash, according to Solis, is to zealously protect funds with single load/single use transactions. Credit card users take risks every time the primary account number is used. MovoCash relies on unique tokens for peer-to-peer payments are unlike cryptocurrency, MovoCash can be used worldwide wherever Visa is accepted.
IPA Equities is a private equity firm investing in a variety of projects, all of which have one goal in common: increasing the quality of people’s lives. While they focus on investing in projects within the blockchain space, IPA Equities also invests in philanthropic and sustainability projects. Currently in the works is the development of a blockchain-based healthcare staffing platform that’s designed to make the process of staffing healthcare professionals more efficient and cost-effective. Through the use of AI technology, nurses, doctors and technicians will be placed in positions that best suit their experience and qualifications, resulting in higher employee satisfaction and performance, and in turn, better healthcare for patients. In the realm of sustainability projects, IPA Equities is investing in hydrogen-powered technologies, the byproducts of which are 95% recyclable. “Hydrogen power is just starting to surface. There are a couple of car companies that have released hydrogen-powered cars, and there is a tremendous amount of opportunities in that space with that technology,” says Herman. When he’s not working on projects related to IPA Equities, Keith Herman is holding public speaking events, consulting and mentoring with the ultimate goal of educating people in the blockchain space and encouraging the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. To learn more, visit ipaequities.com and keithherman.com.
ConsenSys Capital is the world’s largest software engineering company dedicated to building, improving and implementing blockchain technology. According to Andrew Keys, co-founder of ConsenSys Capital, blockchain technology represents the next generation of data bases, the internet and cloud computing and has triggered a “macro-horizontal disruption” of all industries. With over 400 team members world-wide, ConsenSys provides consultations to governments and businesses on how to incorporate blockchain technology. In addition, ConsenSys provides a constellation of financial services technologies and service offerings including a venture capital fund, the next generation of investment banking or equity crowd funding through a unique platform called Token Foundry, and various asset management strategies. According to Keys, ConsenSys has a broader holistic view of blockchain technology and considers the technology to still be in its “opening act.” Keys predicts blockchain technology is going to upgrade the planet Earth’s financial, social, and political operating systems.
Blockchain start-up, DECENT, has developed an open-source, P2P content distribution platform, that is changing the way individuals and organizations access and publish information for free. The highly secure platform is transparent and offers a clear audit trail with time-stamped transactions. Founder and CEO at DECENT, Matej Michalko, explains the mission behind the innovative start-up, was to remove the middle man from publishing. Compared to traditional methods, DECENT, connects people around the globe who want to share digital content including audio, video, text, software or video games, through an open-source platform at no cost. Content owners set their own price and generally consumers gain access to the content at a lower price, without the 3rd party costs added in and creators receive 100% revenue. Additionally, DECENT released its own token, DCT, which allows the protocol to run. The tokens can be used for publishing, buying, selling and sharing content on the platform. For more information, please visit: https://decent.ch
When we are immigrating to a different country, often we are leaving behind many valuable things which made up our past lives. One of things we don’t even think of that is critical, are our financial report cards. Even for folks who may have had stellar credit in their home country, when you get to a new nation, you can’t access credit – be it student loans, credit cards, auto loans and mortgages. Essentially, we are forced to start over wherever we go, often times forcing people into poor credit situations, such as using credit cards with ridiculous interest rates, horrifying pay-day loans, etc. It may shock you to know, even countries in North America cannot carry their credit history with them be it US to Canada, Canada to US, Mexico to Canada and so on. Nova Credit aims to change this. They are acting as the world's first cross-border consumer reporting agency. They have built a global network of credit bureaus where consumers can essentially take their financial history and identity with them, wherever they go. Misha Esipov is the CEO of Nova Credit and his mission is to “enable immigrants to access credit to realize their potential.” This is a huge global issue for everyone and the team at Nova Credit are offering real solutions. For more information, please visit: https://www.neednova.com/
Let’s face it. We have all been caught in spreadsheet, pdf and paper hell in our daily work lives. Money is lost. Time is lost. Enter aXpire, a cloud-based and AI-enabled blockchain payment processing company, who are using the blockchain to speed up processes, reduce errors, and make transactions accurate as well as transparent on both a B2B level, as well as P2P, within organizations. Gary Markham, CEO at aXpire, explains how Resolvr, the interactive dashboard they have developed, is addressing these common issues which are costing companies resources every day. Resolvr cuts out a lot of the human manual processes, thereby removing cumbersome emailed docs and reports and along with that room for error and the loss of valuable time. The dashboard requires electronic invoice input and so by obtaining better quality data, again, it is saving users from pouring over useless information. Additionally, the software automatically approves invoices that meet certain conditions set up by the database. There is also an RFP portal that automatically screens and removes vendors who are not appropriate for a job. All transactions also will have an easy to follow audit trail. Time saved. Money saved. Compliance met. More recently aXpire has launched a P2P system called, MatchBX, where individuals are participating in the platform as a freelancer or a task creator. For example, individuals can drop project work they need completed into the database and the freelancers will come in and bid for the work. This is just one more example of how aXpire is working to save companies time and money. For more information, please visit: https://www.axpire.io
Did you forget to pay your rent this month? Are pesky and often hefty late fees coming your way? RentMoola may just be the solution you have been looking for. For the past five years, RentMoola has been one of the leading fintech companies in the United States and Canada solving the age-old hassle of paying and collecting rent. Their online global payment system benefits both tenants and property management companies, by allowing anyone, anywhere to pay their rent anytime. RentMoola’s mission to eliminate the rent check, works in a few different ways. A property management company or landlord can enter a tenant’s information into the online system or a tenant, him or herself go to the website and do the same. Once the individual’s data is submitted, it will go into approval status and then the landlord/management company can accept the funds or approve the submission. Renters can do a one-time payment or set up rolling payments on a monthly basis. Payments can be made by credit card, debit card, RM Direct Debit™ or RM Cash™. In addition to taking the task of paying your rent off your plate each month, with each payment, renters also earn rewards. MoolaPerks, the earned reward by RentMoola, gives users access to exclusive deals and discounts on local and international brands. To maximize rewards, tenants are also using credit cards where they are already earning earn miles or hotel points. RentMoola simply makes paying rent fun and rewarding and allows users to accelerate other reward programs they may already have. Looking to the future, RentMoola has listened to the feedback and has expanded some of the add-on components to the system. They currently offer four core products including collecting rent and the rewards components and additionally they are adding functions referred to as Acquire (meaning online tenant screening and lease signing from anywhere) and Connect ( simple tasks such as maintenance requests and other communication between the tenant and management company.) For more information, please visit: https://rentmoola.com
Founder of CriptoMonedas TV and an influential voice among Spanish-speaking communities in the crypto space, Felipe Huicochea offers his insight on a variety of topics, including the recent cancellation of all of the accounts of the major exchanges in Chile and Brazil. The cancellations were carried out by ScotiaBank with absolutely no warning to users, and have since crippled the operations of the exchanges in both countries. “I think we’re going to see this happen in more countries in the very short-term future…they don’t like it, they don’t understand it and they see it as a threat,” says Huicochea in regards to the attitude of Latin American governments toward cryptocurrency. Huicochea also discusses the state of Venezuela and the PetroDollar, how the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies in Latin America might begin to take form, and how individuals who’ve lost access to their accounts can go about mitigating the effects and earning crypto. Huicochea is excited to be actively involved in the upcoming Future Tech Expo at the Dallas Convention Center on September 14-16, and he has some exciting speakers lined up. To stay up to date with the latest, visit CriptoMonedas TV on YouTube or the web.
IdentityMind provides software to various financial institutions, money transmitters and money service organizations, including Bitcoin exchanges. The purpose of the software is to help companies meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) government requirements. Most recently, IdentityMind has begun to put more focus on Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) and Security Token Offerings (STO). In order to be successful and go the distance to fund a business or purpose, ICOs and token sales must meet all government requirements and comply with all money laundering rules and regulations. It can be a daunting task for anyone, especially when you should be focusing on the ICO itself. IdentityMind’s latest plug-in software is where the solution may be. Their digital currency, regulatory, and risk management experience, can take the regulatory work off your plate. The plug-in operates a system of checks and balances preventing your ICO from running in countries you are not allowed to, or perhaps wouldn’t want to, do business. It also provides a turnkey SaaS solution that performs a KYC and AML checks on prospective ICO participants and ensures you are government needs in most countries. For more information, please visit: https://identitymindglobal.com/
TV Personality, author, and entrepreneur, Michael Alden, interviews Future Tech Podcast’s own creator, Richard Jacobs who is also the author of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain: Surprising Insights from 200+ Podcast Interviews of Industry. Alden and Jacobs sit down for an in-depth and real discussion on the basics of bitcoin, blockchain and other crypto topics, including the need in today’s society, as well as the challenges. Since October 2016, through the Future Tech Podcast, Jacobs has interviewed more than 200 developers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and angel investors in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. Alden and Jacobs also talk about the upcoming Future Tech Expo, one of the largest technology events being held in the US in Dallas, Texas, September 14th, 15th and 16th, 2018, which Richard has founded.
“Quite simply, we want everyone who’s unbanked globally, which is approximately two billion…who are typically incredibly impoverished and many completely undocumented…we want all of them to have access to their local and global economies…to have digital identities and access to financial products and services,” says Hazem Danny Al-Nakib, Chief Innovation Officer of Humaniq. With a $20 smartphone, internet access, and the Humaniq app, impoverished and undocumented individuals will be able to establish a secure identity for the first time, as well as digitally store and transact with the Humaniq token, HMQ. Humaniq is currently exploring solutions for cash-in and cash-out, the implementation of a referral system which would allow for the accumulation and eventual mass adoption of HMQ, and innovative solutions to charitable donation distribution and disaster recovery. They are starting with several communities in Africa, but the team at Humaniq sees the potential for exponential growth in coming years. Tune in and visit humaniq.com to learn more.
The world of blockchain and cryptocurrency is a quickly expanding market – the ultimate disruptor some might say, even comparable if not bigger than the internet boom. Some refer to its mystery and appeal as the “wild west”. Whatever euphemism you might use to describe the space, the fact remains, the blockchain/crypto world is still largely undeveloped further translating into an unmanned, unlegislated playground with rules and laws that are still developing. That doesn’t mean, however, the law is going to be understanding and kind if your business isn’t meeting compliance criteria. This is where a firm like Thompson Hine comes in – specifically, professionals and attorneys like Cassandra Borchers. Borchers is a partner in the Corporate Transactions & Securities practice group at Thompson Hine. Her specialty is counseling clients on regulatory and compliance matters including all aspects of federal and state securities law and related issues, such as registration, regulatory reporting, cryptocurrency, private fund and mutual fund matters. The blockchain and crypto space is an exciting but daunting space for newcomers, especially for those who haven’t yet a clue what compliance measures must be taken. Thompson Hine was one of the first firms to put together a practice group, initially focused just on bitcoin, which has now evolved to include blockchain and other crypto currency matters as well. The group focuses primarily on investment management, data privacy and regulatory practices in the space. In this interview Borchers explains how critical it is that businesses involved in the blockchain/crypto space, begin to develop a compliant business model that meets the ever evolving regulator requirements To do that she describes, they should be partnering with experts and attorneys who specialize in how to do just that.
Smart Containers Group, with its SkyCell AG division, is a leading manufacturer of the world’s safest temperature-controlled containers for climate-sensitive pharmaceuticals and high-value food items. Temperature control is a critical element to safely delivering most pharmaceuticals as well as certain food items, such as fish and beef, for example. Traditional methods of shipping such items has been in Styrofoam boxes packed with ice. With SkyCell’s use of blockchain technology and smart contracts, they can guarantee the temperature within the containers they ship, will last 50% longer than current methods. SkyCell is using the blockchain technology to both track and remotely monitor each container to preserve the correct product temperature throughout the entire shipment process of the cargo. They are also now accepting cryptocurrency as payment in order to further expedite the process along with the use of smart contracts where customers can view, use and print invoices on the spot. Depending on a company’s business model, SkyCell will rent the boxes to the specialized food producers of pharmaceutical companies, allowing them to then operate the fleet with their software and containers. For more information, visit: https://smartcontainers.ch/
For the past several decades, major banks and enterprises have been centralizing the storage of user pins, passwords, credit card numbers and biometric data, which has made that information vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks and single points of failure. When the security of centralized repositories is breached, millions of people are affected, and with a dollar metric for each lost password or incident of fraud, major enterprises can end up losing millions of dollars every year. HYPR is bringing a solution: the implementation of decentralized authentication in the mobile payments, retail banking and insurance space. Rather than storing user credentials in one location, the idea behind decentralized authentication is to securely isolate and encrypt user credentials on personal biometric mobile devices. By decentralizing the storage of this data, attacks on user information would have to happen one by one, rather than through a single attack on an enterprise. “HYPR has made decentralized authentication possible for major banks and enterprises like Mastercard…where mobile payments are secured with decentralized authentication powered by HYPR, so you may be HYPR-secured through one of your mobile banking applications, and you just don’t know it,” says George Avetisov, CEO of HYPR. Tune in for an exciting discussion that includes topics such as behavioral biometrics, biometric ATMs, and the growing interest in applying decentralized authentication to the IOT space. To learn more, visit hypr.com.
Xain AG, a blockchain startup is focused on developing concepts that use blockchain, artificial intelligence and data analysis on a decentralized platform. They are using a hybrid blockchain solution combining machine learning, or reinforcement learning, to strengthen the blockchain network. Leif Lundbaek, CEO, and Co-Founder at Xain AG explains how the concept began with a research project at Oxford University in 2014. It has since evolved into a system using modern machine learning on an Ethereum-based blockchain with the goal of enabling a robust and adaptable infrastructure for automated business processes. In 2017, XAIN AG won the 1st Porsche Innovation Contest. They are currently busy developing various projects with Porsche and DHL enabling these companies to build privacy friendly, secure environments to create strong positioning in an automation future. Lundbaek explains why data is an important component to developing AI and machine learning, which are now being applied to a wide variety of uses. Blockchain technology has a special role to play in the world of data. He uses Google as a strong example of a centralized entity they are trying to get away from, where every bit of information is easily available to anyone. Instead, Xain AG is continuing development on a platform for decentralized learning where knowledge can be shared and learned without giving all of the data away in the process. For more information visit: https://www.xain.io/
We are in a time of exponential and disruptive change, so the mental models that we have don’t really apply the same way anymore,” explains Mark Bonchek, founder of ShiftThinking. For the past 20 years, Bonchek has been trying to understand the ways in which digital technology and network-based ways of communicating and connecting have affected society. As the founder of ShiftThinking, he’s applying what he’s learned in order to help leaders and organizations make the shift into new ways of thinking. Rather than thinking in terms of “What should we do?”, Bonchek encourages business owners and leaders to ask whether or not they are thinking about things in the right way. He discusses which mental models are becoming obsolete and why, and how companies like Uber and Airbnb have already shifted into new ways of thinking: “In strategy and growth…the real shift…is to start thinking about it as a business platform…where you don’t have suppliers and customers as two separate groups….people can be suppliers or customers, and you are a platform that’s connecting supply and demand.” To learn more, visit ShiftThinking’s website at shift.to.
The energy industry spends over $100 billion per year just to maintain and upgrade the energy infrastructure that powers our lives. However, much of that infrastructure is outdated, inefficient, and carrying a high risk of failure. To make matters worse, much of the data that is necessary in order to address this problem is confidential and trapped behind firewalls. VIA is a company that is addressing these problems by using blockchain technology and machine learning solutions. With the recent adoption a new blockchain application called Trusted Analytics, VIA is obtaining access to vital data in a secure and anonymous way. Equipped with that data, VIA is using AI and machine learning as a prioritization tool for the replacement of transformers and other pieces of outdated equipment. With the ability to identify high-risk versus low-risk equipment, the process of upgrading and maintaining this vast infrastructure will be carried out in a more efficient, safe and cost-effective way. Colin Gounden is the President and CEO of VIA, and he offers insight on a variety of topics in the space where energy, blockchain technology and AI overlap. He also discusses the effect of increasingly extreme weather conditions and electric vehicles on the current energy infrastructure. Tune in to hear the details, and visit viascience.com for more information.
Coral Health uses blockchain technology to improve healthcare by providing patients with control of personal medical records by improving efficiency using a streamlined process. According to Philip Parker, operations lead with Coral Health, patients currently do not have access to their own medical records which results in a healthcare system in which medical care is often based on the fragmented information. The result is an impersonal healthcare system that negatively impacts patient care and the industry. Coral Health aims to provide aggregate medical information in an efficient manner with complete control by the patient. A single app contains all the patient’s medical history and information in real time. That information is secure and encrypted to ensure privacy and allows the patient to decide which health care provider gains access to what information.
The next 12 to 18 months could be the “make or break” period for blockchain technology and the financial services industry according to analyst Gabriel Wang with Aite Group. Wang has been working closing with blockchain industry experts since 2016 to provide comprehensive research on how blockchain can best serve the financial services industry. Aite Group is an independent research advisory firm that focuses on the global capital market as well as evolving market structures and how to comply with domestic and global regulation. According to Wang, blockchain technology can be applied to traditional centralized operating systems to improve daily operations and increase safety, efficiency and profits. Wang predicts the tremendous amount of research and experiments with emerging technologies will soon result in a shift toward blockchain technology in the financial services industry particularly with the shift towards digitalization on organizations and the vital role that blockchain can play in that transition.
Amidst the unregulated ICO craze that began about a year ago, the now CEO and Chief Token Officer of TokenFunder, Alan Wunsche, was working closely with regulators to develop a fully compliant ICO that would allow retail and accredited investors to fund the creation of the TokenFunder platform. Having received Canada-wide approval, TokenFunder is now accepting investors from all around the world. The TokenFunder ICO is offering investors something that many others don’t: rights to the future profits of the platform, voting rights to prioritize which companies come onto the platform, and voting rights to direct the future developments of the platform. “We want to do something that really benefits our token holders and gives them real rights,” says Wunsche. The platform is also designed to help companies launch their own regulatory-approved ICOs. Wunsche discusses the importance of assisting startups not only with the technological and security aspects of their ICOs, but also with lifelong governance and guidance of those ICOs. Among other topics, Wunsche discusses the future of TokenFunder and the future of the blockchain industry in general. Check out the details at tokenfunder.com.
Augmented reality and virtual reality are two of the hottest areas in today's marketing world. Companies are scrambling to catch up to find ways to implement these technologies to make their businesses and their products cutting edge and sexy, while at the same time creating an easy and beneficial user experience. Entrepreneur Reekita Shah Alias Gala, is the Founder VRARE, a company offering Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality solutions to businesses looking to add these technologies into their marketing platform. VRARE works with small businesses and start-up companies who are eager to join the altered reality space. VRARE understands that as consumers, whether it is a home, a dress or a piece of furniture, they want to see and touch a product as much as possible, before buying. They are partnering with a variety of companies from real estate agencies, department stores, travel agents, restaurants, you name it – there is no business who is off limits to the benefits reaped from implementing AR/VR technologies into their marketing strategies. For more information, tune in to this podcast. (website not yet available).
YouNow, a live broadcasting service allowing users to their own live video content or interact with the video streams of other users in real time, was the first live video mobile app to gain traction in the US with over 40 million users. Yonatan Sela, Chief Business Officer at YouNow, said it was their goal to combine video and blockchain – two of his greatest passions. The founders at YouNow noticed a high level of engagement with users from the start, most spending 45 mins a day or more on the platform. This amount of user action naturally turned into a vast stage for a developing digital economy thus prompting them to launch the first two-sided virtual goods economy. Here users purchase digital goods, using digital non-crypto currency and content creators can earn on the other side. This became the first place where video, gaming and micro transactions for creators enabled massive audience participation. Once blockchain came around, the key point people at YouNow saw the opportunity to take it to the next level. They were already running a large community of content creators and users who were doing business in a digital economy with a digital currency that they had created. With blockchain technology, they were able to create PROPS – a decentralized ecosystem for digital video, with the goal to open up the network for developers to enjoy a shared video library and to have shared data. Additionally, they wanted to replace the game place token with a crypto token, which meant it could be taken across a variety of apps and be controlled by the PROPS network; more of a public utility network for digital media rather than a propriety, tax collecting models, which is the way most digital medias are run today. To learn more, visit: https://www.younow.com/
Shane Brett, CEO of Gecko Governance is quoted as saying “They say 2018 is the year of subpoenas and 2019, well that will be the year of trials.” Unfortunately, this could be a reality in the investment crypto space, if companies don’t adjust their compliance practices. Perhaps its time we all start paying attention to companies like Gecko Governance. Founded in 2015, Gecko Governance is a self-proclaimed collection of products allowing fund managers, regulators and investors to meet compliance and regulatory tasks on a single blockchain platform. The company also, more recently, has been working on a tool to provides managers and banks with a verifiable, independent audit trail that meets the requirements of global financial regulators. Brett believes 2018 is going to be a year where we will see huge leaps and bounds of regulation in this space and his company wanted to build a solution for management fund regulation and compliance that can be used and interpreted globally. He has noted that particularly in the crypto world, regulators are waking up and cracking down on the compliance framework. Every year millions of dollars are lost to scammers. In July of this year, at the G20 Summit Meeting, it is expected that key country official will be reporting and recommending some sort of global framework for managing the crypto investing space. Gecko Governance, with their arsenal of compliance tools, hopes to fill the gap and aid investors, regulators and fund managers in tightening up their crypto space protocols and reporting. For more information, visit: www.geckogovernance.com
It’s difficult to imagine the rise of Bitcoin without Nick Spanos, one of the earliest supports of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Join Spanos as he discusses the past, present, and future of an industry that he helped create and which he refers to as a “monetary revolution.” In some ways, cryptocurrency is not about money; but is about individual freedom. In building the world’s first trust network, Spanos maintains that his goal was always more about activism than business. Frustrated with the negative media coverage of Bitcoin, Spanos opened Bitcoin Centre NYC on Wall Street next to the New York Stock Exchange which soon became the center of the Bitcoin universe. Today, Spanos admits that the cryptocurrency explosion happened much faster than he ever imagined. He continues to believe in Bitcoin, not only as a way to be financially independent from banks, but also as a way to help make the world better. Spanos is also the CEO and founder of the Zap, which allows real-world data to trigger financial events using blockchain technology.
Qredo is creating a secure payment space for the telecom industry and has developed Qredocoin, a quantum resistant cryptocurrency based on smartphone utilization and hardware. Qredo is creating a multi-sided platform designed to link telecoms around the world. Join Brian Spector, CEO of Qredo, as he discusses Qredocoin and explains the need for architecture to enable cross-border and cross telecom payment flows analogous to the SS7 network that connects all telecoms to deliver SMS messages around the world. Qredo may revolutionize mobile commerce by facilitating safe customer-to-customer payments among telecoms. Qredo also protects user identity attributes and data with rigorous security and regulatory compliant features that include strongly authenticated user identification, private ledgers, and identity-based cryptocurrency protected from quantum attacks.
Longblink is a strategy studio that can help businesses maximize innovation and productivity by encouraging purposeful pauses. In a tech-heavy world, a purposeful pause can provide just the perfect moment for a great idea to come to mind instead of being lost in the media storm of information that people face each day. Join John Militello, a principal and founder of Longblink, as he reminds us that each day is only 24 hours long and no matter how much work you try to accomplish in one day, every one still must eat, sleep and exercise. Taking time to reflect, unplug and unwind is necessary to reach epiphanies. In addition to workshops on how to incorporate purposeful pauses into a business, Longblink creates human centered strategies to help with branding, creative advertising platforms and identifying customers based on observational research to create marketing that promotes loyalty.
Swarm City provides the tools necessary for anyone to create decentralized marketplaces where users can find each other, communicate and exchange value safely. By avoiding third party trust administrators, Swarm City uses blockchain technology to lower administrative fees and build trust with every successful transaction. According to Matthew Carano, Swarm City provides a platform to facilitate the basic human need to collaborate and obtain the best possible outcomes. Blockchain technology eliminates the need for third parties because Swarm City uses a blockchain reputation component that issues non-tangible reputation tokens to users after each successful transaction. The marketplaces are created and owned by users. Users benefit from blockchain transparency that allows users to transact safely with the use of smart contracts. Each smart contract is marketplace specific and helps build communities of like-minded users to benefit economies of scale.
In 2000, innovative payment processing systems were designed to facilitate open-ended subscriptions by allowing for recurring payments to ensure continuous goods or services. Since then, the industry has grown considerably with very little change. As a result, businesses are treated with a “one-size-fits-all” model that has lead to increased problems such as declined credit cards and declined transactions. FinTech provides payment consultation to identify strategies to upgrade payment processing systems. Join Michele Tivey, CEO and co-founder of FinTech as she offers unique insight into the past, present and future of recurring payment processing systems. FinTech focuses on merchants to create customized payment strategies that consider each business’s unique operations to increase profits by reducing chargebacks and incomplete transactions. FinTech is also a leader in “payometry” which uses 400 data points to customize transaction logic to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services that is critical to successful subscription products and services.
Self-described geek and tech revolution pioneer, Mike Edelhart, has enjoyed a rich career taking him from prestigious positions including Executive Editor of PC Magazine and later Executive President at Ziff. Edelhart is now at the helm with Founder and partner, Bill Lohse, as the Managing Partner of Social Starts, a largely successful venture capital company with a data-driven approach to moment-of-inception investing. Edelhart and Lohse knew this generation of tech was going to be bigger than the first two revolutions – PC and the internet, that they had been actively a part of. So what do you do when you have two of the sharpest minds in the industry with loads of experience? You create a VC organization to benefit the masses. Social Starts is a unique VC with the goal to be the first professional investor an entrepreneur allows into their project. In order to do that they want to literally be on the ground wherever they believe solid startups are likely to pop up; meaning both physical location as well as in specific industries such as medical, technology, etc. As one of the most active first stage investors, Social Start generally starts with a list of approximately 4000 attractive startups at the beginning of any given year. Over the next few months, they may meet with half of those on the initial list and eventually boil it down to investing in approximately one new company per week; at least this has been the trend for the past five years. Social Start gives credit for this success to their unique scientific approach to early-stage investing driven by data and research. The idea is to track and make educated assessments of what, who, where and when these startups are going to boom. For more information visit www.socialstarts.com
VDC Research is an industry analyst and market research firm providing intelligence and strategy consulting services to tech companies including vendors, end users, and investors worldwide. With over 20 years in the arena, Director, Steve Hoffenberg has become an expert of Embedded Software and The Internet of Things. Hoffenberg explains that with IoT growing so quickly, hackers and other security breach efforts are going to bleed into embedded systems; specifically targeting those with poor and limited security systems and resources.This is a critical time and that’s where VDC Research comes in.The firm covers four different markets including IoT & Embedded Technology, Auto-ID & Data Capture, Enterprise Mobility & Connected Devices and Industrial Automation & Sensors. Steve Hoffenberg, Director of IoT and Embedded Technology. Through targeted surveys, market estimates and forecasts, stakeholder maps and profiles, and various other tools, VDC Research gives their clients the benefit from integrating all of this into the core decision-making processes for their businesses. For more information visit: http://www.vdcresearch.com/
In 1994, Nathan Schulhof had the vision of giving people the ability to download music content to wireless devices by using their personal computers as the distribution centers. Just a few years later, he took that vision and helped turn it into a reality. Today, he is well-regarded as the inventor of the Mp3 player and is the author of Father of the Mp3 Player: Lessons in Business and Life. Currently, Schulhof works as an advisor to upcoming tech companies. He offers a wealth of advice for new entrepreneurs, and ultimately aims to utilize and develop technology in a way that improves people’s lives. Most recently, Schulhof has been exploring a particular interest in solar energy innovations and implementation in developing countries. Tune in to learn more about Schulhof’s journey and to locate a copy of his new book.
Propellant Media, a digital marketing and media solutions provider, is helping clients maximize lead potential with the newest wave of target marketing – geofencing technology. Geofencing technology, or location based advertising, allows users to pinpoint target audiences based on precise locations. Sounds invasive? Think again. Justin Croxton, Director of Sales at Propellant Media, explains why this is an acceptable and widely sought after marketing technique. Croxton shares how doctors, political organizations, trade associations and even non-profits are using geofencing to capture their audience. The way it works: A virtual geofence is drawn around a location where an advertiser wants to build an audience based on their visit to that particular location (think hospital, tradeshow, etc). This can be narrowed down to a set, scheduled timeframe. When people enter that place of business/certain location they are then part of an audience that can be targeted. As the “target” visits apps on his or her phone or is on the internet they will begin to see ads related to the advertiser. Geofencing is the type of innovative tool taking targeted marketing to the next level. Specializing in new media production, creative direction, and outside-the-box thinking, Propellant is a leader in niche marketing specialist. To get in contact and learn more, visit www.propellant.media.
Many people don’t understand all of the parts that need to come together in order to successfully launch and grow a business, and without the right type of help, business owners can lose time, money, and the energy required to ultimately see their company reach its full potential. This is where Total-Apps comes in, a service provider that takes an individualized approach to giving companies exactly what they need in terms of customer support and payment processing solutions. “There are a lot of service providers out there, but nobody really understands what it takes to help a client,” explains Rey Pasinli, the executive director of Total-Apps. When a business owner calls the team at Total-Apps, they won’t have to wait on hold, deal with automated phone systems or waste time explaining their company to each new representative they talk to. Instead, their call will be directed to the manager of their specific account who will already know about the company’s model, goals, and the most effective solution for a particular problem. To learn more about why Total-Apps is unique, or to try it for free and decide if it’s right for you, visit www.total-apps.com.
At Venture Science, we are more calculated than some of the other venture investors out there…We try to quantify all of the attributes of these companies and understand how all of them contribute to the potential risks and rewards we would see,” says Matt Oguz, who is a founding partner at the San Francisco-based venture capital firm, Venture Science. When looking to invest in a blockchain company, one of the first questions the team at Venture Science will ask is whether or not that company aims to monopolize the space they’re going after. He gives Ripple-one of the strongest companies they’ve invested in- as an example: having started with the goal of going after the payment space and replacing the services already there, Ripple has successfully and quickly risen to the top. Oguz discusses a variety of topics, including the difference between many of the startups they were seeing a few years ago compared to the blockchain companies they’re seeing today, the current and future regulation of ICOs, and the promising trend toward decentralized and distributed computing. Hit play to hear the full discussion, and reach out through Oguz’s LinkedIn page.
Fluid-Screen is a powerful startup with a focus on benefiting the world by creating a product that produces faster, less costly and more accurate lab testing results in the palm of your hand. Dr. Monika Weber, CEO and founder of Fluid-Screen, recognized the fact that every year millions of people around the world are become sick or die from outbreaks caused from bacteria contamination found in water and food. Traditional methods for bacteria cultivation and testing takes day which can lead to further illness, disease, and death. Fluid-Screen has developed the technology that cuts down the time it would take to test bacteria with traditional methods, to just 30 mins. This allows us to make informed decisions about our health in a timely matter. Fluid-Screen has replaced petri-dish testing with a microchip. The palm-size device takes a sample of water, blood, urine or other fluids and runs it through the machine. The device then uses radio frequency waves, instead of chemicals, to make the bacteria “dance”, so to speak, to make each easily identified based on movement, reaction, etc. The device then relays test results to a smartphone allowing the user to receive the information right there in the field. By bypassing labs, this technology is cost-effective which will also enable underdeveloped countries who can’t afford traditional lab testing. For more information, visit www.fluidscreen.com/
She’s an entrepreneur, an angel investor, the author of The Patient as CEO, and has held over 100 talks in over 12 countries: Robin Farmanfarmaian joins us to discuss the role of technology in medicine and the active role that patients must play in their health care in order to live better lives. Just as a CEO hires and directs a variety of experts in order to reach a certain goal, so too the patient must hire the members of their healthcare team and assume the responsibility of having their vision of personal health care carried out. “It’s a mindset shift; understand that you are the one in control, you are the decision maker, and the physician is not; the physician works for you, just like everyone else on the healthcare team…but they are not in control of you,” says Farmanfarmaian. Among other topics, Farmanfarmaian discusses the role of AI in radiology, pathology, and genomics, as well as the promising and increasingly prevalent role of virtual reality in the treatment of stroke and brain injuries, phantom pain, PTSD, anxiety and pain management. To learn more about Farmanfarmaian’s background and upcoming talks, visit thepatientceo.com.
Sezzle is a new digital payment platform that is giving consumers the purchasing power afforded by traditional credit cards but in an interest-free and credit check-free manner. To date, nothing like it has been released in the US, and it’s quickly gaining traction. Here’s how it works: once a user signs up and attaches their bank account to the Sezzle platform, they can go to any merchant that has an agreement with Sezzle and make purchases by using Sezzle as the payment method. Sezzle will collect 25% of the purchase total at the time of the sale, and will automatically deduct from consumers’ bank accounts 25% of the purchase total every two weeks over a total of six weeks. Since there is no credit check required, this model has been particularly popular among young people who, despite having a steady income, have little to no credit and therefore find it difficult or even impossible to obtain credit through traditional means. Merchants are benefitting too: customers purchase an average of 55% more goods when paying with Sezzle, which has increased merchant sales by about 8%. Tune in to learn more.
It’s one of the fastest growing consulting companies in existence today and continues to expand on a global scale. Particularly well-known for its work in the healthcare and construction realms, Berkeley Research Group has a multitude of other service lines.Peggy Daley is the managing director of Berkeley Research Group’s Global Investigations and Strategic Intelligence practice, which specializes in supporting companies with investigations and litigation. The department is comprised in part by a highly trained cyber team that responds almost immediately to cyber breaches, works on data analytics in large-scale cases involving financial accounting records, and conducts background investigations on individuals and businesses around the world. “You have to be ever-vigilant…the technology changes, the bad guys are pretty smart, and you have to protect yourself, not only from the outsiders…a substantial number of data breaches and data security problems arise because of the employees you have…the malicious insiders,” says Daley. Tune in for an informative and lively conversation, and learn more at thinkbrg.com. To get in contact with Peggy directly, send her an email at pdaley@thinkbrg.com
One of the main roadblocks when it comes to accessing new services online is digital ID verification; it’s risky, challenging and sometimes just impossible. SecureKey is on a mission to change this, and they’re going about it in a unique way. “Rather than trying to construct trust out of nothing…let’s build on the success of what consumers already understand and what’s already common business practice, but adapt it so it works better online…” says Andre Boysen, who is the CIO of SecureKey. SecureKey allows consumers to use the providers they already trust, such as banks, telephone companies and governments, to privately enter only the most pertinent identity information, prove their trusted identity online and gain access to new digital services. There are plenty of benefits for businesses too. According to Boysen, a business wants three things: to receive data from authoritative sources, to know that data has not been altered since it was written by those authoritative sources, and to know that data is being presented by the person it belongs to. SecureKey promises to address these needs while increasing business integrity and decreasing the risk of data breaches by providing less data that’s more trustworthy. Seven of the largest banks and all of the major cell phone providers in Canada are already connected to the SecureKey network. To learn more, tune in and visit securekey.com.
What if blockchains could be secured and time-stamped to Bitcoin? And how could something like that be achieved in a way that maintains the decentralized, transparent and permissionless nature of blockchains themselves? These are a couple of the big questions that led Justin Fisher and Maxwell Sanchez to the creation of VeriBlock. “The VeriBlock blockchain is itself secured to Bitcoin and acts as an efficiency and aggregation layer that allows other blockchains to secure themselves to Bitcoin in a cost-effective and easy-to-use manner,” says Sanchez. It relies upon a concept that Fisher and Sanchez refer to as “proof of proof,” which will not only allow exchanges, merchants and users to make informed decisions about whether or not to accept a payment, but will allow them to do so with the confidence of knowing that each transaction is secured with the full power of Bitcoin. In fact, altering a transaction on the VeriBlock platform would require a forking of Bitcoin itself. Fisher and Sanchez bring an impressive amount of insight and technical knowledge to the discussion. Tune in to hear the details, visit veriblock.org and check out VeriBlock’s telegram channel.
Insurance companies are notoriously slow at adopting new technology, which is why Mutual of Omaha stands out among them. An actuary by trade, Brian Poppe came across blockchain technology a few years ago and has since considered the ways in which it can revolutionize the insurance industry. Poppe is the Senior Vice President of Departing Well Solutions at Mutual of Omaha, and provides insight into some of the current problems in the industry and how blockchain technology can help. When an insurance company finds itself carrying too much risk, it will seek assistance from a reinsurance company, which is a company that is willing to insure that insurance company. Forming these partnerships, however, requires an excessive amount of back-and-forth communication, data transfers and payments transfers; it’s time-consuming and complicated for everyone involved. The solution? By using blockchain technology and smart contracts in developing these partnerships, each side is able to track the transfer of data and payments on a shared ledger. As a result, accounting becomes simple, secure, and occurs in real time. Mutual of Omaha has also implemented APIs for quoting, and is becoming more open with the way they share those APIs. In the near future, Poppe sees the insurance industry in general becoming more and more tech-savvy, resulting in overall greater improvements. To get in contact with Brian, send him an email at brian.poppe@mutualofomaha.com.
Since 2015, RFi Group has been releasing biannual reports surveying 12,000 customers across 10 markets about their digital banking and digital payments behavior. RFi Group is now in 44 markets, holds regular media events, and talks to 500,000 customers and 100,000 corporates a year about their aptitude for digital banking and payments. Charles Green is the founder and CEO of RFi Group and shares his insight on the structure and developmental trends in the traditional banking system, discussing how some banks in Australia and Singapore are flipping that tradition on its head. “They’ve brought banking to you at the moment that you need it without you having to go to the bank,” says Green. He also discusses the impact he foresees this having on traditional financial institutions and some of the barriers to public trust in technology versus banking companies. RFi Group plans to continue working with new players in digital banking and doing more work in the US. To get in contact and learn more, visit rfigroup.com.
Fintech Finance is a magazine and TV channel working with and providing information from some of the biggest names in the fintech space. Ali Paterson and Amelia Arras are members of the team at Fintech Finance who bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on a variety of topics, including the level of global awareness and acceptance of cryptocurrency, the limitations of cryptocurrency in the US, and what factors might lead to its widespread adoption. “To make it more mainstream, you need to have the demand from the consumer to pay with a cryptocurrency, so I think a lot of awareness…will show that cryptocurrency can be used and is not just an investment…it’s something that has the benefit of transacting from anywhere at any time with anyone, and with quite low transaction fees,” says Arras. Hit play to hear the full discussion, and visit fintech.finance to stay current on the latest news in the fintech space.
With a background in the advertising world and the realization that fraud in the digital advertising space amounts to about nine billion dollars per year, Alanna Gombert decided to join Ken Brook, founder of MetaX, in his mission to clean out and make more transparent the digital advertising supply chain. MetaX has created an unprecedented level of transparency in the digital ad space by creating the first token-curated registry on Ethereum, and here’s how it works: there is a list of publisher URLs within the ad chain registry that can be voted in or out of the registry by token holders based on the consensus definition of “quality.” That list then becomes a universal whitelist for digital advertisers and buyers. “It’s a self-regulation tool where you can report bad actors and vote in quality publishers- all on the construct of just holding a token and using that token to vote,” says Gombert. In addition to MetaX, Gombert was involved with the development of Digital Asset Trade Association (DATA), the first-ever lobbying organization for the blockchain and crypto space. Although still in its infancy, the organization has already expanded from working on state-level to federal-level projects. Tune in to hear the details, and get in contact by visiting metax.io and digitalasset.org.
Kirk Phillips’ professional experience is diverse: as a certified Bitcoin professional, a certified digital currency professional, CPA and author of The Ultimate Bitcoin Business Guide: For Entrepreneurs and Business Advisors, Phillips lends unique insight on a variety of topics, including his subscription-based virtual accounting and business firm that runs almost 100 percent off of cryptocurrency, the old CPA model and how it relates to and can be improved for modern practices in the crypto space, and some of the skepticism that surrounds Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general. The next issue of yBitcoin Magazine will feature an article by Phillips that explores the issue of security in the crypto space, and pre-registration for an upcoming educational opportunity with Phillips begins mid-April. Press play to learn the details, and stay tuned for the latest.
Zappar is an augmented reality (AR) platform that’s been around for seven years- before the majority of people had even heard of augmented reality. AR platforms in general have since moved into the mass market and continue to gain users. ”One of the things that’s really important to us at Zappar is this notion of democratization; part of our whole mission was…to put the tools in the hands of as many people as possible, to really explore what AR is capable of,” says Caspar Thykier, co-founder and CEO of Zappar. From this notion emerged the ZapWorks platform, which allows users from all backgrounds and technical abilities to create their own augmented reality experience. Whether you’re a developer, the owner of a mom-and-pop shop, or an individual who's simply looking to explore the world of AR on your own terms, the ZapWorks platform can provide you with the tools to create engaging and meaningful experiences. Among other topics, Thykier discusses an important distinction between AR and virtual reality (VR) experiences, the benefits of using AR as an educational tool, and the major impacts that AR is likely to have in the near future. To learn more or create your own AR experience, visit the ZapWorks platform at zap.works.
Evolve Capital Partners is a boutique investment bank that focuses on assisting institutional capital and entrepreneurial-backed companies in the financial technology space. Among other services, Evolve Capital Partners performs M&A transactions, private placements and capital raises for its clients. One of the most distinctive and beneficial aspects of Evolve Capital Partners is its location: situated in the middle of Midtown, New York, Evolve Capital Partners is able to offer its clients access to large financial institutions and information in a way that no other company can. When asked to describe his ideal client, Alex Koles, CEO, founder and managing director of Evolve Capital Partners, introduces Alt Lending, a cutting-edge company in the blockchain and crypto lending space. Gennadiy Gurevich, CIO & Co-founder, and Young Cho, CFO, from Alt Lending discuss the creation, development and future plans for the company. Visit evolve-capital.com and altlending.com to learn more or get in touch.
“If you think about it…everybody else owns our identity and different data sets about us…from your employer…to your bank, to Facebook, to Google, to any service that you have a username and password for that stands as your identity…if any of the personal data that you have with them is breached, you don’t have any control over it because they become the gatekeepers of it. The idea with ShoCard is to invert that,” says Armin Ebrahimi. As it stands today, there are four ways to authenticate yourself with different financial services, none of which are very secure or simple. In addition, every time you open an account with a different financial institution, you are required to go through the process of re-entering all of your personal information; this poses a security threat to you, is costly for the financial institution, and is time-consuming for everyone involved. ShoCard is working to integrate blockchain and mobile technologies to invert the ownership of identity, which will eliminate these issues by allowing individuals to maintain control over their data. Rather than creating a new username and password for each account, users will be able to have their identity verified on the blockchain. This means that once a bank has identified and established a relationship with a customer, they can create and share that certification with other banks on the blockchain. Interest in ShoCard is increasing, and they are already doing pilots with a few financial institutions in the US. In addition, they recently launched a project with the European-based multinational credit reporting industry, Creditinfo. Tune in to learn more.
Stuart Duncan is the CEO of Vice Industry Token, a company that is based on a fork of the Steem blockchain and allows users to generate tokens each time they watch, upload or comment on adult programming on the network. Once a user has tokens, they can purchase a variety of goods and services from other people on the network, and make micropayments to their favorite performers. Several companies have already signed up to use the Vice Industry Token, including Ecstasy and Playboy. Having just finished a crowdsale which drew at least 7,000 participants, Vice Industry Token is setting its sights on the road ahead. Tune in, reach out to Duncan directly through the Vice Industry Token telegram channel, and visit vicetoken.com to learn more.
Blockpass provides an identity verification platform that is user-centric and greatly reduces the onboarding costs necessary for businesses to properly vet humans (KYC), objects (KYO) and connected devices (KYD). Also, Blockpass puts the user in control of data that is accessible by mobile phone. According to CMO Hans Lombardo, Blockpass has developed an identity verification process that is streamlined, low-cost, and reliable. Blockpass relies on blockchain technology to provide a secure conduit for identity verification and data storage. Verified Blockpass users are instantly connected to all connected devices and Blockpass users including companies and other humans. Blockpass is particularly helpful to emerging enterprises by offering shared regulatory and compliance services via a trusted platform.
“A lot of ICOs make it so you have to use their token to transact on their platform, but that creates these silos of utility…and you have to exchange tokens to go through these platforms. At Open, we’re making it so you can use any cryptocurrency to purchase something, and that’s powerful because you need to show people that every cryptocurrency is an asset you can purchase with,” says Chase Smith, who is the founder and lead architect at Open Platform. Open Platform is an ICO that differs from most in that it’s “blockchain agnostic,” meaning it doesn’t depend on any blockchain. Instead, it’s using infrastructure that already exists to facilitate the mainstream adoption of blockchain payments. Smith explains that this will incentivize the mainstream public and mainstream developers to enter the blockchain and crypto space. To learn more, watch Smith’s regularly posted webinars or engage in more technical discussions, check out Open Platform’s telegram and discord channel.
Dylan Senter and Nick Ravanbakhsh are co-founders of Spectiv, a company that’s working concurrently on two exciting projects: a decentralized advertising platform and a virtual reality streaming platform. Rather than having to go through websites such as YouTube and Google in order to reach target audiences with ad campaigns, Spectiv is allowing advertisers to reach content publishers directly, in peer-to-peer fashion. Anyone who wants to help advertise for a product and who drives attention to that product will get paid directly in Signal Tokens. Whether you’re a blogger, a stay-at-home parent with a potentially lucrative hobby, or a business entrepreneur who wants to invest in a new ad campaign, Spectiv will give you the ability to reach a larger audience with minimal effort. Spectiv will first test this platform on their own virtual reality streaming platform, which is being designed to create a truly immersive, all-in-one experience- something that doesn't exist yet. To learn more about either of Spectiv’s platforms, visit spectiv.io.
It started out as a simple Bitcoin club created by a handful of students at UC Berkeley during the earliest days of blockchain technology but has since become much more than that. Realizing the extent of how quickly blockchain technology was expanding and how many applications it has, Blockchain at Berkeley evolved into a multi-faceted organization with the primary goal of providing a learning space for the public and an opportunity for growth of the blockchain industry. Whether it's consulting for companies who want to implement certain ideas and determine the long-term economic feasibility of them, helping companies develop novel ideas from the ground up, or advancing public knowledge about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, Blockchain at Berkeley is doing it.
With the use of a regulatory-compliant framework that connects tokenization with real assets, Swarm Fund is allowing investors better and easier access to those assets than traditional capital markets. The Swarm Fund framework is not only being applied to professional and alternative asset classes, but also to the realm of impact investing. This is allowing a variety of organizations that may not have otherwise had the ability to reach a global crowd of investors and generate both social and financial benefits. There are 35 funds and 11,000 investors already on the Swarm Fund platform, and the numbers are growing. “We can actually make this a community-owned marketplace that over time is owned and governed by the community; we’ve just laid out the framework for that,” says Philipp Pieper, CEO of Swarm Fund. Hit play for a more in-depth conversation about the impact that Swarm Fund will have on the world, and visit swarm.fund.
“Within the automation business unit, we empower customers to accelerate and be more agile, enabling them to deploy software faster and ensure their infrastructure is continuously automated and that their mission-critical business processes run successfully and on time,” says Gwyn Clay, vice president of product management at CA Automic. Having been around for four decades, CA Automic is a global enterprise software company that grew alongside other major names in the industry, such as IBM and Microsoft. Clay explains that as new applications continually replace those that have been around for 20 or 30 years, they don’t always do so immediately or completely. That's where CA Automic comes in: to create smooth and seamless integration across all generations of technology. Clay discusses the benefits of automation in general and addresses some of the public's generalized fears about what it will ultimately mean for jobs. He also lends some insight on what this space will offer in the next few decades. Hit play to learn more.
Kadena is revolutionizing the way businesses use blockchain technology by finding new ways to adapt blockchain to create a technology platform that allows businesses to maximize efficiency and explore new business models. As the Head of Growth, Ben Jessel has developed a variety of services powered by Chainweb, which provides fast throughput and latency. In addition to assisting businesses to reduce operational costs, Kadena provides access to information that a can lead to new products and new marketplaces. Kadena was the first scalable high-performance private blockchain and continues to seek new ways to assist both private and public blockchain infrastructure. According to Jessel, Kadena is always looking for the next generation of blockchain innovation.
The majority of investors have no option but to store their cryptocurrency in wallets and let it sit idly. But what if they could generate interest on that crypto by putting it in bonds or asset-backed securities? FIC Network is a blockchain protocol that ultimately aims to give investors that ability by allowing for secondary loan market transactions and bond issuances on the blockchain. Arturs Ivanovs, CEO and Founder of FIC Network, says that the “grand vision is to create an open and transparent financial market.” He believes that all transactions can and should be carried out on the blockchain, and the eFIC is a utility token that will allow for that to happen on the network. FIC Network is currently in the middle of a token issuance and just raised its soft cap. Tune in to learn more.
The Hedera Hashgraph platform provide an alternative to blockchain technology and other distributed consensus algorithms by using a fundamentally different technology with unique capabilities. According to co-founder and CEO Mance Harmon, the hashgraph algorithm solves the most common problems with blockchain technology regarding performance, cost, and security. Both Harmon and co-founder Leemon Baird are deep technologists and Harmon taught cybersecurity at the US Air Force Academy where Baird was a professor of computer science. Together, they are improving security and efficiency in cyberspace by providing a new type of distributed consensus. According to Harmon, Hedera Hashgraph has achieved the best possible bandwidth efficiency and security. In addition, the platform has minimized the time needed to reach agreements at practically zero cost per transaction.
As Director of Comcast Ventures, Gil Beyda is interested in “hard technology problems.” Comcast Ventures is the investment arm of Comcast/NBC Universal and according to Beyda, he is incredibly “excited” about blockchain technology and the potential for new business models. Comcast Ventures works with a diverse range of products and businesses, but Beyda is mostly involved in B to B enterprises that deal with hard technology including cybersecurity, “the internet of things”, blockchains and IT. According to Beyda, the cybersecurity space is quite interesting today because of the “cat and mouse game” that allows hackers to use the same tools that enterprises benefit from such as cloud storage and open source applications. As for blockchain technology, Beyda predicts the core blockchain technology will be able to accelerate many business and act as a springboard to new products and services. He sees tremendous potential in the use of blockchain in advertising, loyalty/reward programs, and “the internet of things.”
PubNub is a data streaming network with connectivity in every country in the world and ensures low-latency data sharing through state-of-the-art APIs. An API, or application programming interface, allows one application to speak to another and according to CTO Stephen Blum, there is a chance that every IoT device currently in your home is already connected to PubNub. Using a single network capable of handling hundreds of millions of connections at once, PubNub provides a secure network that allows mobile phones to interact and control IoTs in less than a quarter of second even from the other side of the world. Using patented technology, PubNub has created a unique global network that will find the fastest path between mobile devices and IoTs. In addition to IoT device control, PubNub allows for real-time chat, updates and messaging, as well as mobile push notifications. Looking ahead, Blum sees blockchain technology working with PubNub technology to create connections in a decentralized platform.
Blackmoon offers a platform that connects investors and loan originators that bridges the gap between crypto space and traditional investments. According to COO Sergey Vasin, Blackmoon provides a one-stop solution for investors and utilizes the benefits of blockchain technology. The two primary services include tokenizing investment funds and providing investors access to approved originators. By bringing blockchain technology to the asset management industry, Blackmoon offers a platform for investors to control all aspects of the investment process. In some ways, according to Vasin, the cryptocurrency “revolution” is merely replicating the traditional economic infrastructure at every level and mirrors the security market and traditional banks. Although blockchain does not require a trusted entity to complete transactions, the crypto space will continue to need the traditional economic infrastructure in the future and Blackmoon is facilitating that relationship.
What is the most precious commodity that a person owns? DNA according to Dr. Axel Schumacher, CEO of Shivom. Shivom is linking two revolutionary technologies: genomics and blockchain to provide a safe, secure platform to store genetic data and improve health and well-being. Shivom provides users access to a global precision medicine platform that allows for the anonymous sharing of genetic information that may eventually help cure complex diseases. In addition, once genetic information is stored, users can gain valuable advice regarding disease predisposition, ancestry patterns, and drug profiles. All information is protected using a blockchain database as well as an additional level of cryptographic privacy which allows users to remain completely anonymous. Shivom is building a massive global genomic data hub that will improve healthcare and well-being in a secure a platform that users can trust.
Phage therapy is the next generation of medical treatment against bacterial infections, according to Jonathan Solomon, CEO of BiomX and may hold to key to curing chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer. Over 1.5 million Americans suffer from IBD and according to CBO Assaf Oron, the numbers of cases are growing rapidly. BiomX was founded by scientists with expertise in bacteriophages, or phages, which is the natural viruses that fight bacteria in the body. By sequencing strains of harmful bacteria, BiomX hopes to create effective phages to provide targeted and specific treatment of diseases caused by bacteria. The process of identifying the correct phage to attack bacteria is very complex and requires the collection of bacteria strains from many people and test various phages for effectiveness against the various strains of bacteria. BiomX is also working on ways to manipulate and strengthen phages to fight against bacteria.
Lisk Academy is a free educational platform that explains blockchain technology in a simple yet accurate way using non-technical terms. According to founder Jacob Kowalewski, the goal is to make complex concepts understandable to everyone. There is no denying the impact of cyptocurrency and blockchain technology, yet many people do not understand how it works. By providing an interactive, easy-to- understand platform, Lisk Academy is educating consumers with concise, articulate lessons that include infographics and animation. Lisk Academy recognizes the importance of teaching blockchain technology in a simplified, transparent and enjoyable learning experience. People of all ages can benefit from the information at Lisk Academy which can provide valuable information to people with no prior knowledge of blockchain as well as entrepreneurs who are ready to integrate blockchain technology into their business.
HEDG.fund is an investment platform that connects the crypto market and the traditional financial industry. According to CEO/founder Robert Rutherford, as the blockchain space matures, the next step is to integrate traditional financial service companies. HEDG provides a secure, regulated, compliant platform to store blockchain assets. Currently, HEDG offers services for custody, execution and clearing of assets with the goal of additional value-added services to address the needs of users and the industry. Rutherford sees tremendous positive momentum in the market and hopes to stay at the forefront of integrating digital assets into traditional businesses and financial institutions. Rutherford sits down to explain the services offered by HEDG including digital asset liquidity, custody, training and support and provides insight into the need to work with traditional financial service companies as the blockchain industry evolves.
There is a lot of hype surrounding blockchain technology, and according to IBM consultant Brian Sweeney, you should believe the hype. The impact of blockchain technology is “immutable,” Sweeney recently told Future Tech podcast, and “is happening whether you like it or not.” As a senior blockchain consultant with IBM, Sweeney provides education, consultation, implementation and maintenance of blockchain technology to businesses eager to be more efficient. According to Sweeney, any business that is involved in any supply chain can benefit from blockchain due to increased traceability. Traditionally, businesses put trust in other businesses based on relationships that may take years to develop. With blockchain technology, however, businesses put trust in the network which greatly reduces risk because data is recorded through a decentralized system with complete transparency. Today, blockchain technology is like Facebook in 1997, according to Sweeney, and is approaching the “tipping point” of becoming part of everyone’s everyday life.
What does computer programming, blockchain, internet voting, ICOs and music have in common? They all contribute to the continuum of experience and knowledge that Joe Mohen, CEO of Chimes Media possesses and shares with Future Tech Podcast. Despite an impressive career involving technology, elections, church fundraising, fashion and music, Mohen is driven by two fundamental questions: how is the world different today and how can I use my technical and engineering skills to change the world? Most recently, Mohen has launched Chimes Media, an innovated bifurcated ICO that seeks to repurpose music data and create a comprehensive music ecosystem that will provide access to music production credits in a cool interesting way. According to Mohen, an estimated eight percent of internet searches is related to music. Chimes Media is building a database to consolidate search results related to music to provide consumers access to an organized, structured index.
ZED is helping small to medium sized MTOs compete with larger remittance services by providing solutions to key problems. The three most common challenges facing smaller MTOs are issues due to banking, technology, and cash flow. ZED Network provides a fully compliant and KYC verified crypto currency that is secure and designed to reduce transaction friction costs. CEO and founder Alan Safahi knows the problems facing smaller MTOs because he also runs one in Canada. With that valuable insight, ZED zeros in on solutions to provide clients access to blockchain technology that maximizes security and limits risk. In addition, ZED provides critical technical support because many smaller MTOs do not have an IT department. Safahi points out that most smaller MTOs are constantly “worried about their banking relationships” and are afraid that banks will drop MTOs in an effort to reduce risk. With that in mind. Safahi created ZED to provide a new SaaS platform specifically designed to support small to medium sized MTOs.
WTZ Blockchain College is currently the second largest blockchain content producer in China, with over 26,000 online views per day. They are focused on delivering the guts and glory of the industry with stories on all things blockchain. Co-Founder, Xueyuan She, shares the fascinating story of WTZ, the founder of WTZ Blockchain College and how it all began. WTZ, (the person, not the company), was a college drop-out, just looking to start a successful business like anyone would. Long story short, that venture didn’t pan out and so he began a journey of couch-surfing and self discovery. Soon enough, WTZ had accumulated some wealth and started investing in cryptocurrency. Before he knew it, he had made some healthy earnings. He then started a diary and record of what the crypto was doing and later decided to publish it. Of this great idea, WTZ Blockchain College was born. Recently they also added video content, where viewers send in footage and it is published and provides a platform for comments. WTZ College has come a long way from the couch surfing, diary days. Today they now rank as one of the top content producers of crypto insider info in China sharing tips and suggestions on investment strategies, first hand feedback from bitcoin miners, war-stories from beyond the crypto grave and more.
Starta Capital is providing unparalleled access to the venture capital market by creating a unique VC fund that will allow outside unaccredited investors to co-invest in Eastern European tech companies that show potential for success. According to managing partner Serge Milman, Starta Capital is creating a hybrid capital fund to provide opportunities for smaller investors that cannot afford the traditionally high cost of VC investments. By partnering with Starta Capital, investors will have greater VC opportunities and also benefit from the unique accelerator program that provides funding, coaching, and development of companies fully vetted by Starta Capital. In addition, Starta Capital relies on blockchain technology to provide investors with unprecedented transparency, security, and liquidity. According to Milman, blockchain is changing the VC industry and he is “proud” that Starta Capital is working to “achieve that future sooner than later.”
The primary goal of BlockCAT is to provide access to easy to use smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain and bring blockchain technology to the mainstream. According to CEO Eric Huang, the BlockCAT website allows anyone to create, manage, and deploy smart contracts with no programming knowledge or expertise necessary.Smart contracts provide unique and powerful capabilities and BlockCAT provides a decentralized web platform to allow users to customize smart contracts. Users chose pre-build contracts and provide information that is used to create a smart contract in only a few steps.The BlockCAT platform will evolve as more contracts are available and eventually invite third-party blockchain developers to contribute which will lead to more uniformity and standardization. In addition, BlockCAT hopes to provide solutions to common problems such as reducing the risk of lost coins, simplifying airdrops, and splitting accounts. Huang and his team at BlockCAT are dedicated to finding easy to use solutions to current cryptocurrency users and to provide new users with access to smart contracts.
The business of anti-aging has been the focus for scientists and anyone with a gray hair, for as long as we all can remember. Daily in magazines and on television, we are bombarded with buzzwords like free radicals, anti-aging, inflammation, preserving, skin-repair and so on. There are numerous companies all over the world dedicated to curing everything from cancer to wrinkles. Rather than focus on a specific ailment, AgeX Therapeutics, a biotechnology company formed in 2017, puts the spotlight on aging itself as the “disease”. CEO Michael West, sits down to share his vision for AgeX, as they work on developing solutions, using powerful regenerative treatments to combat aging and its effects on the human body. He also weighs in on the compelling scientific advancements that have come along in the past 10-15 years in this field. Researchers are now starting to unify on what aging is and are forming a biology, so to speak. This allows like-minded folks to pool resources, ideas, energy and their scientific minds to solve the significant unmet needs in the age-related disease market.
EpiBiome, a microbiome engineering company based in San Francisco, is busy developing next generation antibacterials to fight a real problem; the growing threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Their focus is also on engineering the human microbiome using technology called“phages”, or bacteria-specific viruses. These “phages” are natural enemies of bacteria, essentially injecting it with the flu and killing it. They then go on to attach to other bacteria and do the same. Bacteriophages, or “phages” for short, have been around for a billion years and are still an effective evolutionary battle around today. EpiBiome is working to get these FDA-approved alternatives to traditional antibiotics, by using phage mixtures that will target and destroy known pathogens which have been formulated into a treatment for a specific indication. EpiBiome’s wide focus is not only on agriculture and human health, but also they have cast a wide net on solving the same issues in clean water development, aquaculture and food safety. Nick Conley, now Chief Science Officer, sits down to explain the critical importance of finding innovative ways to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria and the threat it poses on our future.
The problem: Data in the life sciences field is outdated. Methods are archaic and expensive or inaccurate. Old models of data gathering and interpretations in the health sciences industries just simply don’t work any longer. These fields are calling for change. Solution: Enter Innoplexus. Innoplexus, established in 2011 and is a leading provider of Artificial Intelligence products, aiming to overcome the data and talent challenges in life sciences and the AI fields. Gunjan Bhardwaj, CEO & Co-Founder of Innoplexus, sits down with us to offer his insights into leveraging data and AI to better the future of healthcare. The goal was to provide an automated Data as a Service model, to increase access to accurate data at more reasonable pricing for the purpose of decision making in these important fields. Bhardwaj says part of the goal of Innoplexus is to make the data easily accessible and easily understood for researchers. He believes this technology will change the way problems and challenges in the life sciences field are solved by offering instant access to current and accurate research findings. In the end, the goal is to aid in the development and findings of faster, less expensive and better quality therapies to many health issues.
The majority of research on the cause and treatment of ageing-related diseases has focused on the role of DNA in the ageing process. However, this area of research has proven to be one of the most difficult, and only a limited amount of progress has been made. What if the answer doesn’t lie in DNA at all? This is the question that David Grainger set out to investigate when he founded Methuselah Health in 2014. Rather than focusing on the role of DNA in the ageing process, the researchers at Methuselah are looking at the role of proteins. Grainger explains that since proteins have the ability to repair damaged DNA, understanding the mechanism of protein damage and the effects of the accumulation of damaged proteins in the body may be the real key to mitigating the progression of ageing-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. As the world’s first quantitative platform for measuring protein damage, Methuselah is a pioneer in this emerging and exciting field of research. To find out more, visit methuselah-health.com.
Getting involved in the crypto space requires familiarity with certain technical terms, the ability to navigate advanced technology, and some experience with finance. For many people, that combination is overwhelming and discouraging. This is what Tu Doan set out to change when he founded Stack, a cryptocurrency investing platform designed with one primary goal: to attract more people to the world of cryptocurrency by streamlining and simplifying the process of participating in it. It’s simple: just sign up, link your bank account or credit card to the app, and go about your day. With every purchase that you make, Stack will invest your spare change in cryptocurrency. When you’re ready to withdraw your money, Stack will sell your coins and deposit the cash into your bank account. For the user, this process requires little to no effort but allows them to become involved with and reap the benefits of cryptocurrency. Stack is doing a rolling launch this month. To learn more and join the waitlist, visit thestackapp.com.
Paul Snow, CEO, and Co-Founder of Factom sat down with us at the Bitcoin, Ethereum & Blockchain Superconference 2018 to offer his insight on what the blockchain is capable of today and what it may be able to do down the line. Factom, is a blockchain technology company focused on data management and security. The key is that the protocol is built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain, meaning it is decentralized and not run by any one person. This makes it impermeable to being shut down or hacked. Factom’s focus is on developing software making it impossible to change the past, making it very beneficial for individuals and businesses who seek a way to make data verifiable and unchangeable. “We see a future world where fraud, corruption, and forgery are a thing of the past. We believe in keeping private data private and securing the world’s wealth because privacy and possession of property are basic human rights … Factom
Marco Abele is the founder and CEO of TEND, a platform that will allow its users to invest in and have access to a variety of items, such as collectible cars, vineyards, and jewelry. Based on the interests of their customers and using blockchain technology, TEND will create certificates for popular items and allow for them to be co-owned in the form of digital tokens via smart contracts. For example, rather than spending the money to buy an expensive collectible car outright, a user can find people who are mutually interested in that car, enter a token-based co-ownership agreement with them, and start receiving access to and the proceeds of the appreciation of that car. TEND is not even a year old but has already developed a digital interface on which unique items can be managed, and plans to launch the platform this April to a select 100 customers in Switzerland. By the end of next year, they plan on entering the international market. Tune in to learn more, and visit www.tend.swiss for the latest updates.
Microbiome is all the rage when it comes to bitechnology. MicroBiome Therapeutics™ is at the forefront of the industry with products meant to help build a better biome.They have developed a microbiome modulator, BiomeBliss, a drink mix and dietary supplement, that serves to build a better microbiome function. It’s similar to probiotics but goes beyond in helping to promote a healthy GI microbiome.BiomeBliss is a powdered blend of three natural food ingredients combining a blend of prebiotics, including polyphenol antioxidants.
As with most things in life, with the good, generally comes some of the bad. That could not be more true when it comes to the cryptocurrency world. With scammers at an all-time high in the space, we sit down with one user who fell deep and hard into such series of events. “Mr. X” shares his unfortunate tale of the dangers of scams in the crypto space and why it is important to do your due diligence to mitigate loss and rip-offs, before buying and selling in the space. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Find out what to look out for and what you can do to try and remedy the loss should you too fall victim to these criminals.
Celsius, Network, powered by a global community of members, aims to create a peer-to-peer platform for coin lending and borrowing by offering attractive interest rates for users. Founder of Celsius, Alex Mashinsky, explains the idea behind this vision. Celsius enables any coin holder to earn interest on their crypto, opening many financial doors for everyone around the world. One of the most important goals is to add millions of crypto users to the market, including serving populations being left out who are “unbankable” according to traditional banking systems. How it works: The Celsius wallet pays interest on the cryptocurrency a user holds in their wallet. It also lets users borrow against deposits. Users can earn interest when their crypto is used by hedge funds or large crypto funds in short sales. Borrowers only pay back interest, as the coins are held as collateral. At any time a borrower can pay back the entire loan, withdraw the coins and move them somewhere else. All money earnings and payouts stay in the crypto community, therefore avoiding the hassle and excess fees and interest from the traditional banking system.
Taking advantage of two hot trends, drones and the blockchain airspace technology, VIMANA Global, is a startup aiming to provide a solution to a key urban air mobility (UAM) challenge. There is a looming traffic congestion infrastructure crisis. VIMANA has plans to use the blockchain airspace market by launching drones to do package deliveries and, down the line, even human transportation. When looking at Smart Cities launching UAM programs, the developers of VIMANA realized one of the biggest problems is air traffic control. What was missing, was an overall network or system to manage all of the drones in the sky. This technology and innovation could be as huge as the telecom boom. “VIMANA Global is solving a key UAM challenge, that of extending the blockchain into the air, and delivering the technology that would enable unmanned flights to launch and fly safely in any national airspace,” says Evgeni Borisov, founder and CEO, VIMANA.
Have you ever dreamed of having your own avatar? Well now, ObEN is making it a reality – well maybe more like a virtual reality that is – with the help of Artificial Intelligence technology. ObEN is using the AI blockchain platform to create copies of humans. They look like you. they talk like you. They sound like you and hell, it’s even possible to pass on some of your own personality traits to your avatar.Take a selfie. Speak a few sentences into the app and bam – you’re on your way to creating possibly a better version of yourself. Nikil Jain, CEO & Co-Founder, says the idea was inspired by personal experiences at home. He traveled a lot and had young children at the time who were used to dad reading a story at bedtime. While away one night, the kids were not able to fall asleep, so he read the story over the phone. A light bulb went off and soon he shared this experience with his co-founder. From there, the idea for ObEN was born.
Viome is a gut microbiome testing service that is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to suggest personalized nutritional recommendations. The goal is to balance the gut microbiome inside the human body to improve one’s digestion.Stephen Barrie of Viome sits down to talk with us about the microbiome, its origin and its importance to everything in life. Barrie discusses in detail the relationship between one’s biome and health and just how crystal clear and important that bond is. He also explains why the microbiome fits into what we know of functional medicine; getting to the root of an illness or problem, versus just treating the symptoms. Barrie stands by the idea that all disease starts with our genetics and how we interact with our environment and so why wouldn’t we want to understand an issue from its source. Viome finds itself in a fortunate position, in the middle of disrupting the healthcare industry when it comes to health and wellness
Traditional forms of auditing are time-consuming, prone to error and unable to capture and evaluate 100 percent of a company’s data. ULedger is offering a solution that allows companies to obtain a transparent, non-forgeable and mathematically immutable trail of every single financial transaction or event that occurs, including the exchange of company emails, pictures, documents, and contracts. ULedger is accomplishing this by underpinning a company’s existing technology infrastructure and database with blockchain technology. Unlike other blockchains such as Factom, ULedger uses a stateless protocol, meaning that it uses multiple independent blockchains and associated nodes in order to certify transactions. This method not only increases efficiency and scalability, but also increases the integrity of data; the timestamping and hashing of events is done by the individual nodes, rather than by ULedger. ULedger is already helping several major companies maintain transparency and proof of regulatory compliance. Josh Mclver discusses a variety of topics, including how ULedger’s approach is particularly important for IOT transactions and edge computing, and how the application of this blockchain technology will enhance the quality and reliability of machine learning. Tune in to learn more, and visit uledger.co.
Through Blockchain technology, Crowdholding, aims to connect people from around the world to share in revenue with new entrepreneurial projects and businesses, by giving feedback and offering insight. By sharing the profits between creator and “crowd”, who contributed to the project’s success along the way, this platform is redistributing the wealth in all classes across the globe. The process really begins when a company or entrepreneur launches a new idea on Crowdholding. People who have joined the platform can then share opinions and offer ideas they think will steer the project in the right direction. When there is success, the Crowdholder is rewarded in crypto. Crowdholding pays out in YUPIE tokens. Everyone has some skin in the game – businesses, supporters and Crowdholding – as the crowdgrows, the value of the token grows.
Marshall Taplits is the CSO and co-founder of NYNJA, a company that is building a global communications app featuring an on-demand freelance network. This network will allow NYNJA users from around the world to complete work or have work completed for them in real time. Once a user completes a project, they will be paid in accordance with the contract and in NYNJA’s own cryptocurrency- the NYNJACoin. The NYNJACoin is an ERC20 token that can be stored in any Ethereum wallet. NYNJA was developed around the concept of “open unity,” which is the idea that individuals from around the world, while acting independently and in their own self-interest, can contribute pieces of work to ultimately form a cohesive product. “The concept of jobs is changing, automation is coming…we need to free people up and connect people and make it very easy for people to communicate, and we need to do this globally….we need to move to a world where money is programmed, contracts are programmed…and finance and governance and communication all come together in one. The NYNJA platform is going to offer tools that facilitate that,” says Taplits. The NYNJA app and platform are slated to go live by the end of next year. Tune in and visit nynja.biz to learn more.
Suggestic, an AR nutrition and diet app powered by AI, helps users select an eating plan. Whether the goal is weight loss, health optimization, or chronic disease reversal, Suggestic aims to help people follow the plan wherever they go.
In today’s world, unnecessary overhead and administration costs for fundraising are astronomically high; in the end, leaving less than, for the actual organization at the heart of it all. The founders of TokenSpin aimed to change all of that by utilizing the Ethereum Blockchain. TokenSpin offers mini raffles where all takings are distributed to the charity under a decentralized autonomous structure. By fundraising on the blockchain and using smart contracts, the usual costs of running a fundraising campaign are dramatically reduced while at the same time providing a trustworthy, transparent platform on which to raise the funds.
Ominex is the team behind CrowdEngine, a leading white label equity crowdfunding solution in the US. Ominex is the new spin-off taking advantage of the experience they have, adding compliance services to the blockchain. They specialize in providing KYC and investor accreditation services on their platform so that token sellers can use their system as a complete user management system for a token sale. Ominex provides solutions for token sellers to ensure they are compliant. They act as a trusted third party helping sellers avoid legal problems, increase their revenue, and saves users from having to build everything themselves. Ominex makes it easy for investors to purchase tokens with an easy to use and easy to understand app that can be added to any website.
Minds is an open-source, encrypted social networking platform where users are rewarded with digital currency to increase their content’s reach in lieu of their online activity. Users can exchange currency to use for free promotion of their content or peer to peer in exchange for exclusive content in a recurring crowdfunding platform.
Human Breast milk packs some of nature’s most powerful ingredients. Sugarlogix, a small bio-tech company is using yeast fermentation and synthetic biology to recreate a group of complex sugars only found in humans. The purpose is to make these vital nutrients available to babies and adults alike. Chomvong tells the tale of what led her and her team to pour their time and resources into this significant research.
Cashbet, a frontrunner in iGaming, is the first real-money platform to disrupt the industry.A well established and licensed business, Cashbet entered the ICO space with its CashBet Coin (CBC), to solve trust issues and transaction speed and cost problems within the iGaming space. CBC is a utility token that will provide benefits to users around the world while offering responsible gaming modules for casino, skill-based, eSports, lottery and sports betting.
Grow VC Group is a world leader in a mix of investing and holding companies focusing on finech, crowd funding, peer to peer marketplaces, and new investment models.Partners include finance platforms, banks, finance services, investment companies, many alternative finance services, governments and public sector development agencies.
Cosimo Ventures is a deep tech investment firm based in Boston, New York, and Ireland. Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, AR, and IOT are just a few of the flavors they have invested in.They have just completed a few major investments which are growing into the US markets: Gecko Governance, which was built on the blockchain for hedge fund and mutual funds, allows fund managers to meet regulatory and compliance requirements.Cosimo has also recently invested $3M in Oneiro to commercialize a true form of currency for the long-term store of value they hope will solve the downside volatility of cryptocurrency seen today. Additionally, they have backed Nova Leah, an Irish start-up, focusing on cyber-security risk management systems for medical devices.
There are roughly two million people globally who live without any form of identification or formal proof of existence. As a result, those people are excluded from economic, social and political systems. Yves Petitjean and Giorgio Zinetti are members of the team at Procivis, a Switzerland-based company that is developing digital identity applications on the blockchain in order to bridge the divide between those who do and those who don’t have the benefit of government-provided, trusted forms of identification. “The convergence of what technology enables us to do today with this huge humanitarian problem creates an environment which is full of ideas and creativity, and we wanted to be a part of it. We wanted to start devising solutions…for these individuals…to provide them with a way to do it themselves through blockchain consensus,” says Zinetti. Procivis began this project by trying to answer this question: how has Estonia- a small country in Europe widely recognized as the tech hub of the world- managed to successfully implement a nationwide digital ID system, and why has the technologically-advanced country of Switzerland failed? Tune in to hear the answer, and visit valid.global to learn more.
Gregory Kuehn is the co-founder and COO of Metabiomics, a company that has been developing tools and techniques for analyzing the human gut microbiome for the last 15 years. Their primary focus is on the early detection and prevention of colon cancer through the identification of colonic polyps, which are precursors to colon cancer. With the combination of carefully-controlled clinical trials and machine learning methods that view the entire microbial community in a stool sample, Metabiomics has developed a non-invasive test to predict the presence or absence of polyps in any given patient. Since analysis of the gut microbiome can also be used to characterize the general health of the lining of the gut, these tests will also be used as diagnostic tools for IBD and IBS. Metabiomics is developing several tests that will be available to patients through their primary care or gastroenterologist’s office. “It’s an exploding field, it’s kind of a paradigm shift in that we are looking at human health differently and we are starting to take the health of the microbial communities inside us and on our skin a lot more seriously,” says Kuehn. Kuehn also addresses how the gut microbiome is affected by diet, and how this correlates to high levels of colon cancer in certain regions of the world, and the complete absence of colon cancer in other parts of the world. Press play to learn more, and visit metabiomics.com.
As the head of IOT security and strategic business development at Irdeto, Mark Hearn brings 50 years of experience to provide customers the highest level of security. Any place where software is being written, there is a security need. Irdeto has three main priorities: help businesses identify and develop security strategies, monitor hacking activity on the dark web in order to stay current with what’s happening behind the scenes, and invest in technology that makes hacking less beneficial to hackers. “IOT is growing exponentially, but we’re also making it a little easier for hackers to get in…so very strong security strategy and making sure that companies understand the threats and the risks that they may encounter with their products is critical in today’s environment,” says Hearn. Hearn brings a wealth of information to the discussion, and also provides some insight into how the major 2013 hack on Target was carried out.
Ron Williams is with Spire, a company that has integrated with UpChannel in the development of pre-installed applications on smartphones sold in emerging markets. Spire’s ICO is currently underway and will lead to the launch of a digital currency wallet application that will support Bitcoin and the Spire token. The ultimate goal of the app is to simplify the user experience by allowing access to and use of several different tokens through just one: the Spire token. Williams sees the simplification of crypto-based transactions especially important in emerging markets where consumers may be experiencing smartphone and blockchain technology for the first time. Spire will be partnering with several categories of digital apps that will be useful to this market, such as identity, basic financial and basic banking services. While the user will be using the Spire token for transactions, the tokens associated with each digital app will be used behind the scenes. To learn more about Spire’s benefits and future plans, visit spireprotocol.com.
Paying in crypto can be complicated, and that’s something Ben Way set out to change when he began Digits, a crypto payment processor that connects any 16-digit debit or credit card number to a crypto wallet, essentially turning that debit or credit card into a crypto card. Digits settled with the Visa and MasterCard networks, meaning that merchants don’t have to change a single thing in order for this to work. In fact, they don’t even have to know when a customer is paying in cryptocurrency and when they aren’t. This has and will continue to allow for a simple integration of the Digits product into the market. Users can download the Digits app in order to turn on or off their credit or debit card in real time, as well as switch between different cryptocurrencies. Digits will support all of the major cryptocurrencies, and will be adding more as new exchanges are brought on. Tune in to learn more about Digits and a clever new technology they are building behind the scenes- one that will turn every transaction into a crypto-backed loan, which will have a valuable impact on consumers.
In 2009, Michael Alden started Blue Vase with the goal of marketing products and services that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Since then, Blue Vase has been recognized in SmartCEO magazine, the Boston Business Journal and on Entrepreneur.com. It wasn’t until 2014 that the idea of cryptocurrency was first introduced to Alden. “I knew nothing about cryptocurrency…it was so foreign to me that I pushed it away when it was originally introduced to me in 2014. But when I realized what it was…and the application of blockchain and how it can change industries and change lives and save lives and make the world a better place…I am all in.” It wasn’t until around August of last year that Alden really threw himself into the study of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Since then, he has published Crushing Crypto, a book about his journey into the world of crypto that aims to provide the complete beginner with an easy-to-grasp, basic level of information about the benefits and revolutionary aspects of cryptocurrency and the blockchain. To learn more about Alden and his future plans, tune in or visit michael-alden.com.
In recent years, video streaming technology has become increasingly popular on a global scale. The days of VHS tapes and DVDs seem long gone, but they didn’t leave without creating some negative consequences. With just a few main subscription services choosing the content that viewers are able to stream legally, many fans- especially those who have niche film interests- have been left with virtually no option but to illegally obtain the content they want to view. Filmmakers, on the other hand, have lost revenue as well as useful information about their fan bases. Alan Milligan is the CEO of White Rabbit, a company that is using blockchain technology to address these problems. This is the gist of how White Rabbit works: once a fan offers tokens in exchange for the viewing rights to a film or series, White Rabbit will contact the rightsholder of that film or series and invite them to enter into a smart contract. If the rightsholder agrees, then they will receive the tokens and metadata from the user. Operating as a plug-in for peer-to-peer streaming sites, White Rabbit allows for automatic transactions to occur when a user chooses and agrees to pay for content from rightsholders who have established a contract with White Rabbit. Occurring on the blockchain, these transactions are transparent, fast, and the revenue gets distributed in the exact way that was agreed upon. “Allowing and sharing revenue with streaming sites that have all the intention of respecting the rightsholder, offering supreme service to the fans…investing in research and development for recommendation algorithms…that's the alternative industry we are trying to help build up with the token,” says Milligan. Tune in to learn more, or visit whiterabbit.one.
Bradford Siff is the founder and president of Biowave, a company that is providing people with an easy-to-use, long-lasting, opioid-free and effective form of pain relief. This new pain-blocking technology delivers electrical signals through the skin and into deep tissues, blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Regular electrical stimulation devices deliver signals that reach only the surface of the skin, rather than the surface of pain nerves. Biowave offers a professional-grade version of the device that’s already being used in hospitals, pain clinics and by professional sports teams, and has shown to be effective in treating chronic, acute and post-operative pain. A home prescription device is also available, which is portable and handheld. Thirty minutes of treatment a day can result in 24 hours of pain relief, and it’s intuitive to use: just place the electrodes on the site of pain, plug them into the device, power the device on and control the level of intensity of the treatment you receive. Tune in to hear more details about this technology, an informative discussion about the mechanism of pain itself, and a few exciting new products on the horizon for Biowave. To get in contact, call 1-877-Biowave, send an email to info@biowave.com, or visit biowave.com.
For a lot of people, the idea of entering the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology seems complicated and intimidating. At the same time, there are over 2.5 billion people from all walks of life who easily navigate a variety of social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. SocialWallet is bridging the divide between the two in an exciting new way. Here’s the gist of how it works: from the SocialWallet platform, a person selects a social media network, chooses the name of the person they want to send tokens to, enters the number of tokens to be sent, and then clicks “send.” Unlike other crypto exchange platforms, the recipient doesn’t need a pre-downloaded wallet; they simply receive a notification via their social network account, click on the embedded link, and are brought to the SocialWallet platform that automatically provides a wallet for them. SocialWallet has a token sale that’s currently in the works and will last through April 27th of this year. Facebook, email and Twitter platforms will be released immediately after the token sale ends, and within the next 12 months, SocialWallet plans to integrate 14 of the top 20 social networks in the world. Tune in or visit socialwallet.io to learn more.
Konstantin Gladych is the CEO of Changelly, a cryptocurrency exchange that offers lower rates, fewer restrictions and a less complicated exchange process than ShapeShift, their biggest competitor. Within seconds of beginning a transaction, customers receive the lowest possible estimated exchange rate for that particular transaction. About 5,000 new customers-“a small city of traders”- join the Changelly platform every day, making it one of the most popular platforms out there. Tune in to hear Gladych discuss a variety of topics, including the pros and cons of atomic swap technology, the current and future state of the crypto market, the trends of how people move money, and the future of the Changelly platform.
With the amount of information that’s available online these days, it can be hard for users to find what they’re really looking for. NewsDog is an India-based news platform that is utilizing a combination of personalized recommendation and blockchain technology to bring its users a customized experience each time they log on. Using algorithmic technology, NewsDog tracks the types of articles that are shown to its users, and then compares those with the types of articles that the user actually reads. Based on the data gathered, the algorithm recommends customized content that is much more likely to suit the reading preferences of any particular user. Yi Ma, Co-Founder of NewsDog, discusses how the utilization of blockchain technology has promoted fairness, openness and trustworthiness on the NewsDog platform. To give one example, NewsDog's Content Neutrality Network (CNN) allows users to be rewarded in the form of tokens based on the level of their activity on the site. This means that the more comments a user posts and the more articles they read, the greater their share in NewsDog’s ad revenues. This is something that is not offered by many other news-delivery platforms. NewsDog has only been online for about two years, but has already attracted over 40 million users in India and has been ranked number one under the Indian news category on Google Play. To learn more, visit cnntoken.io.
Stan Larimer spent 36 years in the aerospace industry before joining his son, Dan Larimer, in the development of BitShares 2.0. Having recently presented at the Bitcoin, Ethereum & Blockchain SuperConference, Stan provides insight into a few of the main themes, current interests and plans in the realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Larimer suggests plans for interfacing BitShares 2.0 and EOS in order to maximize the value of both, touches on the idea of grand unification of aspects of Steemit and BitShares and discusses the implementation of institutional-grade features for BitShares. Amidst the discussion of these exciting prospective plans, he is careful to note the following: “The first rule…is to do no harm to BitShares, and after we have established that as a ground rule, what can we do to add new traffic, new users and new features to BitShares without undoing what it has become?” Tune in to hear an in-depth answer to that question and many more.
The number of small, early-stage yet fast-growing companies is reaching an all-time high. Despite the potential for wide profit margins, many of these high-quality startups lack the necessary capital to continue growing and to reach their full potential. Sam Kawtharani and Derek Manuge formed Corl from a combined decades’ worth of unique and relevant experience to offer a solution: the world’s first revenue-sharing token specifically designed to foster the development of emerging companies while benefitting investors. Where traditional forms of finance have failed, Corl promises to deliver by providing royalty investments to budding companies and allowing investors to own equity in Corl via the blockchain-based “CRL” token. In addition, token holders will receive quarterly dividends in Ethereum. With the plan of becoming the world’s first regulatory-compliant security token that pays dividends to all token holders, Corl introduces an unprecedented and exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Currently, in the pre-launch stage of development, Corl will go live in just a little over one month, on April 1, 2018. For over 2,000 companies already signed up on the Corl platform and ready to apply, that launch date couldn’t arrive soon enough. To learn more, visit corl.io, join the Corl telegram channel, or contact Sam and Derek directly through LinkedIn.
In what way are certain disease processes affected by genes? Why has a new pharmaceutical drug achieved its intended effect for one group of individuals, but not for another? How might we come to understand the mechanistic underpinning of a statistically significant correlation between a certain bacterium and a certain disease? Kirk Beebe, Ph.D. Scientist and Director at Metabolon, discusses a technology that provides accurate and comprehensive answers to these types of questions for a variety of investigators across multiple research areas. At the heart of this technology and research is metabolomics: the study of all metabolites in any given biological system. An understanding of metabolism is critical to comprehending the phenotypic behavior of all living organisms. At the same time, the existence of thousands of metabolites-small, organic compounds integral to metabolic processes-has posed a level of complexity and intricacy stymying the depth of understanding that could otherwise be reached. With the technology at Metabolon, information about thousands of metabolites is acquired rapidly for in-depth analysis, leading to unprecedented levels of understanding on a variety of subjects. In collaboration with its customers, Beebe and the team at Metabolon have published over 1,000 papers to date. Tune in to learn more, and then visit metabolon.com.
John Nahas is the Director of Investor Relations and Business Development at Vaultbank, a legally compliant security token that will pay a quarterly dividend. Vaultbank converges the worlds of traditional finance and crypto-currency to create a platform for tokenizing securities and for buying, selling, and spending crypto-investments. A benefit of working towards tokenizing securities is that it will create more access to the average investor who might otherwise be unable to, due to cost or regulations. Features of the Vaultbank will include the Vaultbank token and fund, the Vaultbank exchange and wallet, and the Vaultbank debit card. The Vaultbank token represents a non-voting equity stake in the company and will be backed by the Vaultbank fund, which will consist of secured credit assets augmented by Random Forest Capital AI and machine learning. Still in development are the Vaultbank exchange, wallet, and debit card. The debit card will allow users to move their crypto-assets off of the exchange and onto a wallet. A beta version of the exchange has been released for testing and can be found at beta.vaultbank.io. Vaultbank encourages users to explore and provide feedback. To learn more about all that Vaultbank has to offer, visit Vaultbank.io.
A serial entrepreneur, Fred Krueger has started and sold nine tech companies in the last 20 years. He is particularly excited about the changes taking place via crypto-currency. Fred is the founder and CEO of WorkCoin, a crypto-currency and marketplace designed to increase transparency and identity of high-end freelancers and facilitate consumer-freelancer transactions at a significantly lower price than the existing platforms. Kory Larson is a UX specialist and the talented Chief Design Officer of WorkCoin. 40% of Americans are now freelancing and these numbers are expected to grow. WorkCoin is addressing this trend by creating a system in which freelancers can find work while building and maintaining their reputation, and consumers can search, investigate, and pay for a quality freelancer that meets their needs. WorkCoin requires freelancers to provide accurate information on their identity and qualifications, so consumers have the benefit of access to accurate and reliable information on the person or business providing the service. The bottom line is this: consumers have quicker access to a quality freelancer. Additionally, the “crypto-in, crypto out” mode of transaction eliminates hassles that may come with other payment methods, such as fraud and extra charges. By avoiding these charges, the WorkCoin platform is four times cheaper than current platforms. WorkCoin also provides a means for resolution of disputes by incorporating escrow and arbitration into the framework. To find where WorkCoin is launching their ICO and to learn more about the company, go to WorkCoin.net.
One of the more overlooked but still highly important parts of the body is the skin microbiome. Though there are less types of organisms present in the skin microbiome than in other microbiomes, it still plays a role in conditions such as acne, rosacea, detgrmatitis, aging, dandruff, and more. S-Biomedic is currently concentrating their research on the specific part of the skin biome located inside hair follicles, in order to find effective treatments for acne. Because acne is a condition that is impacted by multiple factors, current mainstream solutions are not very effective–most either rely on compounds that are overly harsh, or antibiotics, overuse of which causes antibiotic resistance. S-Biomedic is currently testing a variety of solutions, such as creams and tonics, in human trials for safety and efficacy. S-Biomedic has other projects that they are working on, in both the same field and in cosmetics, though it is still too early to release further details. Marc also discusses the differences between the microbiome in various parts of the body, and interesting trends and new information they have discovered through their research. For more information, visit www.sbiomedic.com.
Kenneth got his start with Hercules Tech after college, where he majored in mathematics and became fascinated by cryptography and its practical applications. He found cryptocurrency and blockchain, and hasn't looked back. Because the cryptospace is both volatile and has a lot of opportunity for those who are involved, Hercules Tech analyzes current technology to find the important and valuable metrics for making smart investing decisions, primarily for hedge funds, traders, and existing equities funds. Kenneth discusses his concerns on previous Bitcoin runs, driven by momentum and the multiple articles written by major news organizations on a daily basis. He believes that watching the communications from, but not taking part in, pump-and-dumps can be valuable for new investors, as it can show investors that others may be trading on information that you don't have, and ultimately make investors pause and think twice about their actions in this space. Kenneth also discusses his thoughts on Tether, and where to find great resources for new investors and other interested parties.
One of the most important questions in the blockchain and cryptocurrency spaces going forward is how to connect digital assets that are located across multiple blockchains. Wanchain offers a unique solution that allows individuals to connect to any chain in a permission-less manner while using ring signatures in order to maintain privacy, but otherwise still allow for transactions to be verified. When funds are moved between chains, they are locked by a group of validators that do not have access to those funds, and who all have an economic incentive to act honestly. Wanchain recently announced their own decentralized exchange, which has been designed to solve both technology and end-user problems. The use of an Ethereum fork allows Wanchain to use not only Ether, but also ERC20 tokens and protocol tokens. This also provides necessary liquidity pools and faster transactions. Dustin also discusses Wanchain's goal to strategically build the ecosystem further, how to appropriately scale to match the pace of the blockchain industry, and more. For more information, visit www.wanchain.org.
In order to allow products and services such as Netflix, Hulu, or games such as Final Fantasy the opportunity to reach more viewers, StormX has built a gamified microtask platform that rewards its users with cryptocurrency for engaging in short tasks from these companies. The platform is designed to feel more like a game than actual work, and the more you interact with content and different products and services, the higher your cryptocurrency rewards. By building their platform on the blockchain, StormX can reward users directly rather than going through a middleman, and can increase retention rates for advertisers. So far, they have had 1.5 million downloads of their app, and their users come from 187 different countries. They are also developing a platform that connects employers and people looking for short-time work called StormGig. This platform will allow people to do short tasks similar to tasks found on Fivrr, Mechanical Turk, or Upwork, but utilizing blockchain means reduced transaction fees that could otherwise eat away at user's income. Ultimately, StormX hopes to use their platform to make a difference in people's lives worldwide. For more information, visit www.stormtoken.com.
BitJob began as a peer-to-peer platform where students can find relevant, short-term jobs while they are still in school–allowing them to both make a small income through the platform and get the experience necessary to find a good paying job after they graduate. Users are shown jobs that meet their particular academic background and skill level, and can build a reputation through the platform. While completing their pre-sale last August and ICO last September, BitJob realized that students have more needs than just employment, and have now begun integrating the other types of services that they need in order to be successful, including banking services, insurance, and more in addition to the core employment component of the platform. BitJob has begun to network globally in order to accomplish this, and already has a partnership with Dutch universities to bring the platform to their students. Though the platform han't officially been launched yet, they have received thousands of questions about when users will be able to start working and earning through the platform. Dror also discusses what he sees as the future of blockchain in regards to how people look for and get paid for work. For more information, visit www.bitjob.io.
With a background in technology and an entire career spent in the blockchain space, Michael Gord founded MLG Blockchain in order to help provide turnkey services for ICOs and enterprise blockchain consulting, education, and development. Based in Toronto, MLG helps clients create white papers, design and launch token sales, and helps enterprise corporations successfully integrate blockchain solutions with their existing infrastructure. Education about the blockchain and cryptocurrency spaces is very important to Michael and MLG, which is why they fund a three-part competition designed to turn blockchain company ideas into successful businesses, and award their teams money and prizes. MLG Blockchain also recently launched AirDropX, a social platform designed to facilitate educational air drops. Michael and MLG Blockchain will be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, where he will give a talk on creating global network effects, how blockchain can continue to be disruptive, and recent trends in the space. For more information, visit www.mlgblockchain.com.
The idea for Bloomio came about while doing due diligence research for investors who were interested in particular coins and projects. Bloomio's founder gathered like-minded people, and came up with the idea for a venture capital fund that concentrates solely on seed-stage startups. Bloomio uses crowd-funded money to grow these startups until they reach the point where they can receive more traditional venture capital. Investments with Bloomio can be made for as little as $50 USD, which helps democratize the investment market. Bloomio also creates a token for each startup, which can be kept by investors or traded on a secondary market–because of this, Bloomio is fully compliant with AML/KYC regulations. Overall, Bloomio wants to work with startups that will create new industries, or increase scalability and transparency in currently existing industries. Though they have not had their official launch yet, they are already accepting interested startups. Max also discusses the future of regulation in the cryptocurrency space, the benefits that blockchain can bring. For more information, visit www.bloomio.com.
For the past 7 years, the Sea Steading Institute has been promoting human habitation at sea to explore new ways of sustainable living for humanity. In 2017 they began to work on how to build the first sea-stead, and created Blue Frontiers in order to help offer returns to their investors. They have a partnership with French Polynesia to build and launch their first sea-stead, and hope to complete this within the next decade. After this is completed, they will be looking to expand their operations around the world. Their first sea-stead prototype will be a barge-like platform with several floors, will be made of specialized concrete, marine-grade stainless steel, and composite materials, and will house 200-300 people. Because many people already live near the water, Blue Frontiers believes that these types of settlements will become necessary due to rising sea levels, and can offer people not only sustainable and comfortable living, but can offer the opportunity to explore new ways to govern themselves. Due in part to the interest level by the general public, and the desire to balance the needs of the individuals and the community, an application process will be set up for interested individuals. For more information, visit www.blue-frontiers.com.
Neureal is currently building the prototype for a decentralized and open-source predictive AI machine built on the blockchain. This AI will be capable of predicting the future, from humanitarian use cases such as predicting hurricanes, and deciding on the safest evacuation routes, to the market fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin. There are major benefits to using blockchain, including accessing the amount of data necessary to train their AI program, and unlimited scalability, and in order to accomplish this Neureal is building its own blockchain for this project. There is also a token component to this project, which is intended to incentivize interaction with the platform. Neureal will open up contests where people can use their open-source code to develop their own AI machine in order to predict something. As you win contests, you will be rewarded with their token. They are currently in a pre- pre-sale for their token, with the pre-sale beginning in late 2018 O1 or early Q2. They are currently building and testing the prototype of their AI program, and are planning on a full software release in roughly two years, with the release of AI bots to follow. For more information, visit www.neureal.net.
Currently, there are many trade-offs in the blockchain space–one of the biggest is the trade-off between speed and scalability, and the infrastructure design. Cypherium hopes to create a more practical blockchain that is more efficient, has smaller transaction fees, and is more developer-friendly. In order to retain a decentralized design and have the necessary scalability, platforms will need to adopt a better consensus algorithm. Cypherium's unique consensus algorithm splits the traditional proof-of-work design and mining, which provides reduced transaction times and increases scalability. Cypherium also uses a permissionless-hybrid design, which helps keep their blockchain decentralized. They are currently working to support smart contracts on their platform, as well as work with partners to solve existing enterprise problems. Sky also discusses his thoughts on the future of blockchain and artificial intelligence, how to bring blockchain into the mainstream, and the important role that education will play in the future of the blockchain space. For more information, visit www.cypherium.io.
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have their advantages, and Qtum is focused on combining the best of both worlds to improve decentalized blockchain applications for both mobile and IoT devices, specifically the core infrastructure of Bitcoin and the utility of Ethereum smart contracts. Qtum is currently working on a project called X86 VM, which will allow for Ethereum smart contracts to be written in mainstream programming languages such as C++ or Go, making it more efficient to run smart contracts on mobile and IoT devices, make programming simpler for those who are not familiar with blockchain, and bring stability to the space. Using the SPV protocol, Qtum can bring smart contracts to these devices without having to trust third parties. Throughout 2018, Qtum will be working on releasing the prototype for X86 VM around mid-year, continuing work on a lightning network that combines smart contracts and governance technology, and an enterprise version of Qtum. Jordan also discusses their vision of what blockchain can do in the future, and Qtum's role in 2019 and beyond. For more information, visit www.qtum.org.
There are several major problems with current professional networks, including that users have no control over their data, do not get rewarded for it when the platform monetizes and profits from their data, and that is can be hard to tell whether or not users actually have the skills they say they do. Indorse plans to solve all of these problems by creating a decentralized professional network built on the Ethereum network where endorsed skills are verified by random users on the platform. Users can participate in the platform by creating and updating their profile, uploading proof of their skills, and validating the skills of other users. For these actions, users will be rewarded with Indorse's ERC20 token IND. This rewards users for sharing their data, and keeps control of that data in the user's hands. Throughout this year, they plan on rolling out Ethereum smart contracts, working on partnerships, and starting the skills validation portion of their platform–including the ability to integrate and verify skills through other platforms such as Coursera. Gaurang will be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and will be giving a speech on the relationship between blockchain and education, and how blockchain can revolutionize the education world. For more information, visit www.indorse.io.
Komodo is an end-to-end platform for blockchain solutions that is bringing innovation to the blockchain space. Currently they are at the forefront of bringing atomic swaps to development. Atomic swaps, the exchange of one cryptocurrency to another on a different blockchain without needing to trust a 3rd party, can solve many problems that currently exist within cryptospace, including exchange hacking and being ripped off by scams. To date, Komodo has completed over 50,000 atomic swaps, and plans to release a fully functional atomic swap exchange called BarterDEX within the near future. Completed through Ethereum smart contracts, BarterDEX assures that atomic swaps are either completed or both parties have their money returned to them. New projects are given their own blockchain, and then tied into the main blockchain, eliminating issues with applications built on existing blockchains slowing everything down, a la CryptoKitties. Komodo will be present at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. For more information, visit www.komodoplatform.com.
Designed to address major concerns with cryptocurrencies that the founders have come across from being early investors in over 50 different tokens, The Lending Coin (TLC) is a real estate lending platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. TLC is fully backed by real estate, and the money spent on the TLC coin is used to refinance commercial properties at a rate 0.25% lower than the prime rate, which no bank will be able to match. They are working closely with a team of lawyers familiar with cryptocurrencies and blockchain in order to make sure they are fully compliant with SEC regulations. Despite their early challenges with regulations, they officially launch their platform in Dallas within the next few weeks, and will initially be open to investors who meet their criteria, including previous experience in real estate investing, a high credit score, good character, and more. Paul also discusses his thoughts on the regulations that are potentially coming this year, and then innovations in the blockchain space that they are excited about this year. For more information, visit www.thelendingcoin.com.
Viome was founded on the idea that we should be able to use science and technology to solve some of the world's biggest problems, and personal health is one of the biggest problems of today. Viome aims to help people take control of their own health by providing a personalized report of your biome, the collection of microorganisms that live on and in us, that work to keep us healthy. Biome health is both important, with millions of genes in our biomes that affect all areas of health, including chronic diseases, mental health, and weight loss. This report provides information about all of the organisms in your microbiome, what they are doing, and what elements of your microbiome are missing. Viome then recommends foods that you should and shouldn't eat, supplements that you should take, and a pro-biotic, if necessary, to promote better health. One reason that Viome doesn't sell products is that your biome's dietary and supplement requirements can change over time, and you need to be able to adapt to your changing health needs. Because Viome uses as AI machine to help read the results, every new sample from clients can help increase the efficacy of results for everyone who uses this service. For more information, visit www.viome.com.
Jeff Garzik has a long background in the technology field, and was deep into cloud computing and distributed technologies when he discovered Bitcoin in 2010. Though he was initially skeptical, he has since seen the all the new things that are possible with blockchain technology. He is the current head of Bloq, which provides enterprise blockchain solutions to companies around the world. They are currently working with SpaceChain Foundation to put a blockchain node in space, which will allow for multi-tenant platforms to be run on satellites. They are also working on a decentralized cryptocurrency called Metronome, a self-governing cryptocurrency that does not hold any keys. Another project that he is excited about is working with local autonomous AIs that help reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency by rewarding actions that benefit the local community and the region as a whole. Jeff also discusses who he thinks Satoshi Nakamoto is, and his thoughts on the unique position that he holds in the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces. For more information, visit www.bloq.com.
Named for Cosimo de Medici, a pioneer, and leader during the Italian Renaissance, COSIMO Ventures looks to help fund deep technology that has the power to disrupt global markets. They got their start when Ken and a group of peers came together to discuss solutions to some of Bitcoin and blockchain's biggest problems. Currently, COSIMO focuses on assisting blockchain companies in the United Kingdom and Ireland to expand their operations to the United States, where there are more capital and larger markets. Over the next year, they are working with several projects in the digital governance realm. Ken discusses his thoughts on digital governance issues in the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces, as well as what he thinks is coming in regards to digital governance, lessons to learn from the Bitcoin model, and where Bitcoin is ultimately headed. Ken and COSIMO will be at the Bitcoin, Etherum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and his talk there will touch on many of these same topics and more. For more information, visit www.cosimoventures.com or feel free to email Ken directly at ken@cosimoventures.com.
Pluricell Biotech was founded 4 years ago to derive and commercialize stem cells for research applications. Recently, they have made the switch into creating therapeutic applications from stem cell research, with a specific focus on the heart.Cells that still retain their neucleus are collected from healthy donors and “re-wound” to become pleuripotent stem cells, which can then be differentiated into heart cells. Currently, Pluricell is working on being able to replace scar tissue located in the heart, as well as other small areas of the heart where cells have died, and their ultimate goal is to be able to both regrow large sections of the heart, or to re-grow an entire organ, depending on the need of the patient. They have seen promising test results on small rodents–though because the hearts of these animals are different than those of humans, they are looking for approval to begin human trials. They believe that they could have that approval within the next 4-5 years, and in about 10 years would be able to take their research to market. For more information, visit www.pluricellbiotech.com.
Founded in 2011, Paymium is one of the world's first Bitcoin startups and exchange. Coming from a background in the payment industry, Pierre made sure that the exchange was fully compliant with all AML/KYC regulations from the very first day. Their commitment to being compliant with all regulations, along with their focus on security, has convinced over 150,000 individuals to register and allows them to partner with large banks. By the Summer 2018, Paymium plans to add more cryptocurrencies to their exchange. Because they only want to allow sustainable currencies on their platform, they plan to add Ethereum, LiteCoin, Bitcoin Cash, and possible a few others. They also plan to allow users to trade fiat, beginning with the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, and Korean Won. Pierre also discusses the relative merits of cold storage, and how it is beneficial to the ecosystem, as well as what he sees as the major challenges for exchanges in the upcoming year. Paymium plans to be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and has hinted about a surprise announcement for us! For more information, visit www.paymium.com.
Second Genome is a drug discovery company focusing on the pharmaceutical applications of microbiome science, and the second genome refers to the genomes that are inside of our bodies because of the organisms in our microbiome. Second Genome has the ability to discover the different bacteria strains that are correlated with a healthier state. After discovering the proteins, peptides, and other molecules that these organisms create, Second Genome isolates that molecule and uses it to create pharmaceutical therapies. Because most microbiome companies are not able to identify organisms down to the strain level, the use of the molecule as a drug rather than a probiotic will avoid any intended consequences of attempting to alter the microbiome without fully understanding how it works. Second Genome hopes their discoveries will be able to provide healing or medical cures for chronic diseases, the liver disease NASH, and more. They are currently in the animal testing phase and hope to move to clinical trials soon. They are also studying the effect that the microbiome has on cancer treatments, and they have received an NIH grant to study autism in conjunction with Stanford University. For more information, visit www.secondgenome.com.
Kochava is an advertising measurement and analytics platform that was created six years ago that helps advertising agencies get a better picture of where their best advertising ROIs are coming from, and has clients that include NBC, CBS, Disney, various gaming brands, and more. Over the next year, Kochava plans to launch XCHNG, an advertising platform and open-source market for the digital advertising ecosystem, built with a blockchain framework. Use of the blockchain will help solve the current problem of the splintered supply chain, which will increase efficiency and ROI for advertisers. A token sale will be starting shortly, with tokens being used to provide an incentive to for users to hold a stake in the platform, as well as to buy and sell advertising content. In order to keep in compliance with ever-changing regulations, the coin will be done as SAFT and will be fully AML/KYC complaint. The platform is set to go live at the end of 2018/beginning of 2019, but those who monetize ads can sign up for the On XCHNG Program, which will allow for their inventory to be integrated with the platform as early as June/July 2018. Kochava and XCHNG will be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. For more information, visit www.xchng.io.
The average person in the US is a member of over 30 rewards programs, and yet they only actively use just a few of those. On the other side, companies spend just as much money trying to get people enrolled in these programs as they do restricting the ability of those same people to use the rewards they have earned. With over 20 years experience in the rewards and loyalty program industry, Todd Rowan founded Rewards.com, which aims to tokenize the rewards that people earn through all their various loyalty programs, including Sony, Nissan, Hotels.com, and more. In this way, a specific value is given to the rewards that are earned, which will create the loyalty from customers that is missing from many of these programs. Because tokens will have an actual exchange value, they can trade them on exchanges, or redeem them for items or gift cards. Rewards.com is planning a pre-sale of their token to begin April 15th, with a full launch on June 1st. Todd will also be at the Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Ethereum Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and gives us a sneak peek of his talk on how cryptocurrency and blockchain can revolutionize the loyalty program industry, and ultimately give consumers control of their profile and rewards. For more information, visit www.rewards.com.
A returning guest, Felipe runs a Spanish-language YouTube channel dedicated to the latest news in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. Since his last visit, his platform has added a large number of users throughout Latin America, Europe, and in Latino communities in the United States. Most people are getting interested in this space in order to not only build their wealth, but to help protect the wealth that they have already accumulated from predations, and more and more people are getting interested in this space every day. Throughout this fascinating podcast, Felipe discusses how different people around the world, particularly in Asia and Latin America are side-stepping regulations, his thoughts on the Venezuela PetroDollar, a cryptocurrency being created by the Venezuelan government that is backed by oil reserves, and about the possibilities of other governments around the world doing something similar. Felipe is excited for the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, believing it to be a great opportunity for people to get involved. In the near future, Felipe and CriptoMonedas are working on creating more meetups for people to get involved, experimenting with other social media platforms, and may be putting together a conference towards the end of this year. For more information, visit www.youtube.com/criptomonedas.
Regulation and compliance are some of the biggest issues in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space right now, particularly in light of the rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Just this week, the SEC chairman presented written and in-person testimony on these issues to the Senate Banking Committee, and Lewis discusses with us what it means, especially when the tone of the written testimony seemed to differ quite a bit from the tone of his in-person testimony. Overall, Lewis believes that the differences can be taken to mean that while the SEC believes in the economic potential of this new space, they want to make it clear that they will not stand for fraudulent schemes and bad actors. Rather than shy away from such areas, Hogan Lovells is embracing this new area of law, and are dedicated to bringing their decades of experience in securities laws to their clients in this new and exciting space. Lewis also discusses what he sees as the future of blockchain and ICOs from an attorney's perspective, as well as what he sees as major use cases of this technology. To chat with Lewis directly, email him at lewis.cohen@hoganlovells.com or find him on Twitter at @NYcryptolawyer.
The idea for Ask the Shopologist was created when Stephanie, a stay-at-home mom, wanted to be able to save money for the future without taking money out of the family budget. Once she learned the tricks for shopping smart and getting paid for what she was already doing for free, she decided to share her methods and tips with others. She started with fiat currency, and in the recent past has moved into cryptocurrency. Once she learned how to safely invest and grow money in cryptocurrency, Stephanie began to share that information with her followers as well. Their new program, Crypto Cardio, will teach people how to effectively use their crypto wallets to invest extra money without dipping into the family budget. Crypto Cardio is also offering a pre-paid Mastercard tied to your cryptowallet, so that users can both use their cryptocurrency and build credit. Crypto Cardio will initially support Bitcoin and Ethereum, though they will eventually support more coins. Ask the Shopologist will be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and will give conference attendees the first opportunity to join Crypto Cardio and get their very own card. For more information, visit www.asktheshopologist.com.
Cygnus Investments primarily focuses on projects in the telecommunications, oil, financial services, energy, and music industries, and currently has two projects related to cryptocurrency and blockchain. The first is a book titled “Cryptocurrency for Teens,” a glossary of frequently used terms in the crypto and blockchain spaces that is geared towards youth, teenagers, and college students. Dr. Mansour's goal is to get this book in the hands of as many students as possible, believing that cryptocurrency and blockchain have the ability to create a significant number of jobs for today's students. An educator, Dr. Mansour believes that students of all ages are able to understand the dynamics of this space, and will come up with use cases that the rest of us have never thought of. Cygnus Investments is also working with a popular rap artist to launch his own cryptocurrency, which will be used to fund a wide array of his products, including clothing, music, food, and more. Ultimately, they hope that this move will allow everyone to get involved in this space, and show people what can be accomplished when you never give up. Ali welcomes questions and discussions by email at paatjam@gmail.com, or by phone at 281-203-2906.
One of today's biggest problems with the threat intelligence market, which encompasses companies such as McAfee, Symantec, and others involved in keeping computer viruses and malware at bay, is the cyclical nature of the market–a newcomer arrives and innovates with a new idea, then relaxes, and another newcomer must come in to keep innovation alive. PolySwarm hopes to change this by creating a decentralized marketplace that rewards security experts, end-users, and ambassadors like McAfee and Symantec with Nectar tokens when they correctly help to predict and determine whether potential malware is actually a threat. Providing this economic incentive will help to tighten that cyclical loop, as well as encourage experts to continually be improving their skills and anti-malware machines. PolySwarm is currently running a malware bounty contest, awarding up to $300k in Nectar tokens for users to upload suspect files that their malware detection program can read as malicious, with higher amounts of tokens being awarded for more unique malware strains. They hope to release a full version of their marketplace by the end of the year. For more information, visit www.polyswarm.io.
One of the least-discussed issues with the cryptocurrency space currently is that there are very few, if any, guidelines for how to report crypto gains and losses on your yearly income taxes, and because of the sheer number of exchanges that exist, there is no seamless interface to see how your transactions are doing. TaxToken has set out to solve both of these problems by creating a suite of accounting software built on the blockchain. The capital gains and losses tracker integrates with 8 exchanges to automatically record your cryptocurrency gains and losses throughout the year, and fills out the appropriate tax forms for you. Because records are written to the blockchain, they can be verified by third parties, which ultimately reduces costs for everyone. Though their first application is cryptocurrency-specific, the rest of their accounting software can be used by anyone. They will be offering a beta version at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and individuals who subscribe to their newsletter will receive a discount code. Their cryptocurrency accounting software will be launched on March 1st, just in time for this year's tax season. For more information, visit www.taxtoken.io. You can also interact with them directly on Twitter at @taxtoken.
In the current world of search engines, one company controls over 90%of online information. This affects how we interact with information that we find online, how we shop for goods and services, and more. Presearch is a decentralized search engine that is designed to be more transparent, and that levels the playing field for everyone online. Presearch will allow users to search not only online information, but data sets and data bases, different interfaces, CRM software, and more. Users can earn tokens for using, promoting, and contributing through designing different interfaces for others to use, creating algorithms to search for content, curating content, and more. Users will be able to customize how and where they search for information, to find the specific answers that they need quickly without having to sort through unnecessary information. Currently Presearch is operating a closed beta test, which has has over 2.5 million searches, and soon will be opening a public beta. In the future, they hope to have partnerships with groups such as Bitcoin.com, in order to better engage with their users. For more information, visit www.presearch.io. To sign up for their public beta, visit www.presearch.org.
Bread is one of the largest and fastest growing cryptocurrency wallets that offers users of all knowledge and skill levels the opportunity to easily and securely participate in cryptospace. Having just hit 1 million users, their goal is have 3 million users by the end of 2018. In order to do this, they plan to focus on onboarding new users, and in particular creating a product that is simple, easy to use, and completely intuitive. Because Bread requires that users hold their own private keys, this adds layers of complexity, which can easily be made simple by the Bread team. Listening to clients is key for their goals–they plan to focus on the questions, concerns, and comments that they receive from their users, and then set up Bread to either guide users through their questions or make sure that these questions never materialize by taking care of it on the back-end. Aaron and Alex also discuss what they see as the future of cryptocurrency and the wallet industry, in particular how users will interact with wallets, and what this means specifically for how everyone, not just Bread users, will interact with money in the future. For more information, visit www.breadapp.com, or take advantage of their Telegram channels @breadapp and @breadchat to interact directly with the community.
Currently, many of the IOT devices being sold on the market rely on cloud technology–this is not very secure, and can provide points of failure that hackers can take advantage of. Instead of relying on cloud-based technology, Blockchain of Things has created the Catenis integration platform, a rapid integration layer that allows companies to leverage the global blockchain for decentralized communication, control and provenance of goods, and auditing functions. Because this is a horizontal integration layer, and through the use of their intelligent contracts, developers in any modern computer language are able to build decentralized applications on top of it quickly, without needing to know all the intricacies of blockchain technology. Blockchain of Things already has many users who are using their product in a pilot capacity. Andre also discusses the challenges they faced in the creation of Catenis, the future of Blockchain of Things, and its relationship with the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces. They currently have a presale running for their token, which will be used to unlock features in the Catenis platform. For more information, visit www.blockchainofthings.com.
BlockchainOS, or BOScoin, is a platform that is comprised of trust contracts built on Time Automata Language and Web Ontology language, and its goal is to provide a user-friendly framework for creating and executing contracts on the blockchain, ultimately linking the blockchain with IOT devices. Trust contracts are written in a format that is readable for most people, in order to encourage more individuals to move into the blockchain space. BOScoins are awarded through the platform and can be used to operate a node that also gives the holder the ability to participate in votes regarding the platform. Over the next year, their roadmap includes adding a governance model. BOScoins also allow the holders to vote on projects that are submitted through the platform for funding, which they hope will attract interested parties from around the world, making this a truly global platform. BOScoin held a successful token sale during October 2017, and are planning on a full launch in May 2018. Look for them at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. For more information, visit www.boscoin.io.
One of the biggest problems with the mortgage industry is that in order for a mortgage to be finalized, hundreds of documents need to be validated by a third-party–hiring an auditor to do this is costly, and can take up to 45 days for each mortgage. Factom Harmony was designed to solve this problem, by storing and validating these documents on the blockchain. This makes documents quickly and simply auditable by any third party, and can easily alert the necessary people when documents are missing, which will ultimately reduce the cost of getting a mortgage, and can lead to more people being approved for mortgages. David also discusses what he sees as the adoption trends of blockchain technology by large enterprises and government agencies, crossovers to other industries, and what trends we might see in 2018. Factom will be present at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, and David gives us a sneak peek at what he will discuss at the conference, including the power of blockchain to decentralize enterprises and industries that are traditionally centralized, and give us some real-world use cases. For more information, visit www.factom.com.
Exmo is an international cryptocurrency exchange based in UK and Russia that has seen an explosion of users over the last year, from 400,000 to over 1 million. This is in part due to the fruition of blockchain technology, which has made possible the use cases and products that were not possible before. Exmo is similar to many cryptocurrencyexchanges, but Simon notes that the exchanges that will thrive are those that provide excellent customer experiences, particularly when it comes to being proactive about customer problems and questions. In order to do this, Exmo provides 24/7 customer service, with staggered staff workdays to accommodate their users both Eastern and Western Europe, as well as in the US. Simon discusses his hopes for new regulations that are being announced almost daily around the world, primarily the ability to remove some of the scams that are currently operating, which in turn will attract institutional money. Simon also discusses how interested individuals can learn more about the crypto and blockchain spaces, including good resources, and gives a preview of his panel topics at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas Texas, February 16-18. For more information on Exmo, visit www.exmo.com. To chat with Simon personally, find him on Twitter at @simoncocking, or on LinkedIn as Simon Cocking.
Founded in 2012, Melrose PR was originally a consumer-focused PR agency–but after learning about cryptocurrency and blockchain, and advising their first blockchain-basedcompany in 2016, they made the switch and haven't looked back. They fell in love with the potential uses of the cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, and are committed to helping others in the space. After an application process that includes a due-diligence test and an interview, Melrose PR works with companies to create a compelling human interest story to encourage others to invest in the companies they work with, as well as get them coverage in major publications and get them listed in relevant online resources. Kelley discusses her thoughts on the state of the ICO market, indications that a company may be either easy or difficult to work with, and gives a quick preview of her talk at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas from February 16-18. Kelley also discusses her perspective on what it is like to be a woman in a male-dominated space, and how she is using her new podcast, Crypto Token Talk, to showcase the wonderful work that is being done by women in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain. For more information, visit www.melrosepr.com.
When BnkToTheFuture was originally formed, it was meant to be an online platform for investing in private equity, with the ultimate goal of making venture capital more successful. Today, they provide Bitcoin, blockchain, and other Financial Technology start-ups around the world the opportunity to receive investments in their products. BnkToTheFuture has had several notable clients, including BitPay, MasterCoin, and more, and are most excited in the near future for lightning network and RFK, a new technology that will allow smart contracts to be built on the Bitcoin blockchain. Their ultimate goal is to encourage investments in this space, as it is a self-funding mechanism–increased investment drives technological maturity, which drives further investment. Simon also discusses the critical difference between Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, why Bitcoin is so disruptive to the traditional banking industry, and what he sees as the future of the global regulatory framework in the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces. For more information about BnkToTheFuture, visit www.bnktothefuture.com. To reach out to Simon directly, you can find him on Twitter @SimonDixonTwitt.
World of Ether combines popular dueling games with the decentralized aspects of Ethereum smart contracts to bring its users a game where they can collect, breed, and duel monsters while still creating the world in which the game is played. Users are able to either purchase monsters from the marketplace or from other users using Ethereum, can then breed their monsters together to create new types of monsters or to gain legendary monsters, and can duel them against other players for points. Though similar to other games, the advantage to players lies in the decentralized nature of the Ethereum smart contracts that the game is built on–game creators are not able to control how often new breeds of monsters, rewards, or loot crates are released, and they will have no control over either the marketplace or the value of the monsters. World of Ether plans to launch a full version of their game within the next 6-7 weeks and is currently having an egg pre-sale with a 15% discount. Eggs will slowly rise in price after each purchase, encouraging players to form a community and interact with each other. For more information, visit www.worldofether.com.
After a medical scare with antibiotics, Richard set about to learn about the microbiome and its relationship with an individual's overall health. The brainchild from his research, Thryve Inside, provides a personalized report of what microbes are in your microbiome and what that means for you, written in language that is easy to understand for the average layperson, as well as a personalized probiotic each month. Through his research of all relevant medical studies and data, Thryve Inside has compiled a microbe library from around the world that can help people achieve their goals, including weight loss and overall health. Richard discusses some of the biggest problems with the probiotic industry today, and what Thryve Inside is doing differently to help their customers, as well as interesting trends they see and real success stories. To start, individuals simply return a test kit and answer a questionnaire about their current health and overall goals. Currently, Thryve Inside is dedicated to improving their reports, releasing test kits for different microbiomes throughout the body, and expanding their reports to include other organisms. In the long run, they hope to become a data platform that aggregates microbiome data from around the world and provides information on how different products such as shampoos, toothpastes, and vitamins can affect individuals. For more information, visit www.thryveinside.com. Listeners can also take advantage of a 15% discount coupon located inside the podcast.
Some of the biggest problems in the modern insurance industry are that not only is there is a huge lack of transparency, but insurance agents spend most of their time selling insurance to their clients based on price rather than coverage. Insure Ecosystem plans to change this with the use of blockchain. This will provide immutable transparency at all levels of the insurance industry, and allow agents to provide insurance options based on the needs of their clients instead of simply on price. Currently, there are over 3000 insurance agents on the platform, from health and life insurance to homeowners and car insurance. Because their software is end-to-end, it can be used by both insurance agents as well as individuals who are shopping for insurance coverage. Insure Ecosystem uses a mix of public and private ledgers, due to the sensitive nature of some of the data necessary to provide coverage options, which also helps it appeal to established insurance industry professionals who are hesitant to make the switch to blockchain. Derek also discusses what he sees as the current state of the insurance industry, as well as the industry's future. Insure Ecosystem will be present at the Blockchain, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. Insurance Technology and Blockchain – You're doing it wrong. InsurTech has been the jewel of investor's eyes getting a record number of investments in Q3 2017. Most of these investments are aimed at disrupting the supply chain and taking carriers direct to the consumer. Learn how this is only reshuffling the deck and not disrupting it, and see where the real disruption opportunities exist. * InsurTech and Blockchain getting record investments * Current solutions disrupting the wrong middleman * Learn where the real need for disruption exists. For more information, visit www.insureco.io.
One of the biggest problems today in cryptocurrency and blockchain is how to provide simpler ways to protect user's private keys, while still providing them with a simple and easy customer experience. Rivetz believes that these things go hand-in-hand, and has designed a hardware-based identity model coupled with the ability of blockchain to provide immutable verification of the cybersecurity ecosystem, using the chips that are already in your devices. Doing this not only increases the value to the user but also increases the value of the data that is written to the blockchain. On their roadmap for this year is the release of developer tools through their website, a wallet, and more. Steven further discusses with us his thoughts on how to simplify the user experience without making sacrifices to security, the current state of cryptospace and its relationship to previous cybersecurity implementation, what he sees as a new worldwide e-commerce economic model, and the future of security for the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces. For more information, visit www.rivetz.com.
Blockchain has created a new world for us all that has only just begun, but it has also fundamentally changed security requirements for our devices. For the first time, data is equal to money, and data security is paramount when all that is between your money and hackers is the ownership of your keys. Edge not only believes that centralized security services are no longer secure enough to hold keys, and users must hold their own private keys, but that the user experience should be as simple as logging into a website or application. Their goal is to make an invisible security layer that uses an encryption key, similar to a password manager, that can hold all the user names and passwords for wallets and blockchain applications, that only the intended user can access. Edge dynamically tunes the strength of the password to the strength of the device through a password hashing algorithm and has a split-key system to recover lost passwords. Paul also discusses the upcoming shift in blockchain security, and the future of both security foundations and features. Edge will be at the Blockchain, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. For more information, visit https://edgesecure.co
With current mobile marketing users are bombarded with ads that they may not be interested in, and if user's personal data is used by corporations to make a profit, they never know about it, much less get compensated for it. Algebraix hopes to change this by creating a permissioned mobile marketing platform. Users choose which advertisements they want to view and interact with. When they do this, they are rewarded with the Algebraix token, ALX. If users provide companies with their name, email address, or other information, they are further rewarded with ALX. This creates a system of trust between customers and advertisers that is currently lacking in today's marketing industry and allows users to retain control of their own personal data. Algebraix is about to release the first version of their mobile platform in the App Store, with a full launch by the end of March 2018. Charlie also discusses challenges in complying with today's regulatory environment and scaling their platform to handle large amounts of users, the future of the mobile marketing industry, and the issue of control, ownership, and access to personal data. For more information, visit www.algebraix.io.
The art and collectibles asset class includes fine art, jewelry, fine wines, watches, collectible cars, and more, and is estimated to be worth $6 trillion globally. However, there is no recognized system of verifying ownership and transactions, which is one of the major drivers of authenticity and value. Codex Protocol hopes to change that by creating a decentralized title registry for this asset class. Codex will pull the provenance, the history of an item's ownership and transactions–onto the blockchain, and will then allow others to build applications on top of their protocol. The first app to be built is Biddable, which allows users to register and bid anonymously at auction houses around the world, and pay in cryptocurrency. At their launch, they will have over 5000 auction houses worldwide available for users to register through on Day 1, which solves the large problem of auction houses having to turn away potential bidders because they either can't or won't provide their financial disclosures, and will ultimately allow more people to get involved in auctions. Mark also discusses what he sees as the future of Codex Protocol, the other types of applications that can be built with their technology, and how it will change the art and collectibles asset class. For more information, visit www.codexprotocol.com.
Though many people believe that cryptocurrencies offer complete anonymity with transactions, this is rarely the case. PIVX, which stands for Private Instant Verified Transactions, is a cryptocurrency that was first launched in 2016 and is focused on protecting its user's privacy and security, while still offering low transaction fees and high utility for users. Built on the Bitcoin core, PIVX uses a proof-of-stake model with integrated Zerocoin protocols in order to keep transactions private for users, by essentially destroying any PIVX sent over the blockchain and replacing them with brand new coins. Decisions regarding the community are made through their community-designed governance, with monthly voting for any issues that arise. Over the next year, PIVX has many new features and updates coming, including fully stake-able ZPIV (PIVX + Zerocoin) by the end of Q1 2018, the ability to directly swap PIVX for other cryptocurrencies, and more. Brian also talks about what he sees as the future of cryptocurrencies and privacy, and why privacy is necessary. For more information, visit www.pivx.org.
Spectrum, the airwaves used to send communications signals, such as for mobile phones or wireless Internet, is an important topic that not many people know about. Currently, access to spectrum is sold by governments around the world to large companies, who then have the right to exclude others from access to it, whether or not they actually are using it. The International Telecommunications Union, part of the United Nations, helps develop broadband rules for its members, but members are not required to follow them. The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance is a global organization made up of various companies, universities, and other organizations who are committed to allowing increased unlicensed and shared access to unused spectrum frequencies, of which there are many. They believe that doing so will increase innovation across a number of industries, as well as increased broadband services. Kalpak discusses how this group came about, the challenges they face in changing the minds of regulators and politicians around the world, and the future of global telecommunications. For more information, visit www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org.
Some of the biggest problems currently in the cryptocurrency ecosystem are that there is no easy way in or out of cryptocurrencies, and there are very few ways to spend cryptocurrencies all the time. TenX hopes to provide a solution to those problems with their mobile app and debit card, which allows users to spend their cryptocurrency easily around the world. Currently, TenX supports eight major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, and more. TenX allows users to spend their crypto with no additional fees and alerts users when transactions are made. TenX also allows users to buy cryptocurrency directly through the app with either a credit card or a bank transfer. With the ultimate goal of increasing the ease of usability and satisfaction for their users, while still trying to maintain their cryptocurrency agnosticism, TenX plans to work on scaling and supporting infrastructure, and global AML/KYC regulations throughout the first quarter of 2018. Eventually, they hope to develop into a platform that offers their users access to all other types of decentralized services. For more information, visit www.tenx.tech.
Most of us have this idea that when we go to lease or buy a new car, we pick out our car at the dealership, haggle over pricing with terms that we may not fully understand, and then leave with our new car. Carvoy hopes to change that by providing more transparency to this whole process. Users are able to go online and view all of the available inventory at participating dealerships and pick out their car. Next, you build the price or lease payment that you want to make each month. Only after this is done do you give Carvoy any of your personal data. This data is never kept by Carvoy–it is immediately sent to the financer, and encrypted with two-factor authentication. After the user completes their transaction, they can add on maintenance and warranty products, and then the car is delivered directly to the consumer. This proprietary technology is currently available online, and soon will be available on dealership's websites and in showrooms through Carvoy Ignite. Daniel also discusses the challenges they faced building trust in an industry that is built to not be transparent, and what he sees as the future of the automotive industry. For more information, visit www.carvoy.com.
Ross Ulbricht was an idealist who wanted to provide the world with space for individuals to trade goods in a way that lived out his free-market principles, and he was excited about Bitcoin's potential to help people achieve this while maintaining their privacy. For the creation of Silk Road, a dark web marketplace based on these principles, he has been given two life sentences plus an additional 40 years in a federal, maximum-security prison. Lyn, Ross' mother, discusses their past legal battles and problems with the federal government's case, and their upcoming Supreme Court petition, which is based on two different ideas–that the federal government had no warrant or probable cause, and therefore no legal right to collect much of their evidence against him, and that sentencing from the lower court's judge was based on an enhanced by uncharged crimes, which has denied Ross his right to a jury trial. No matter the outcome of the petition, this case will have legal ramifications for all of cryptospace, especially regarding digital privacy. Lyn Ulbricht will also be speaking at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18. For more information on Ross' case, or to donate to his legal defense, visit www.freeross.org.
Anyone who has been down the health aisle at their local store has seen the vast array of home health aids, including products like pre- and probiotics. Because of the diversity that exists in people, none of these mass-produced products will work for everyone who uses it. This means that many people will not see any specific benefits from taking these products. Sun Genomics hopes to change that by leveraging all of the scientific research written about the intestinal biome and create probiotics tailored to an individual's gut profile or DNA sample. Simply send in a test kit from their website, and Sun Genomics will send you back a detailed report of your microbiata and a personalized probiotic that is tailored to you. Sun Genomics has already helped individuals lead happier, healthier lives, with many success stories. Individuals can have their guts re-tested in as little as 1 month, to see if it is working. Sun Genomics is also looking to move to a clinical laboratory soon so that they can add deeper layers of analysis to the reports that they send. For more information, visit www.sungenomics.com.
One of the major problems with dating apps currently is that many users don't get quality matches, which are most times based only on photos, or because of a profile that doesn't accurately show who the person is. Loly hopes to change that by using artificial intelligence to match users based on their compatibility, which is determined through a combination of uploaded photos, profile, and results of quizzes that users can take to receive tokens and boost their profile. Users are never rated individually, only as a potential partner. Loly also includes a sexual consent app that records consent both before and after the encounter. It will also passively listen for a user's safeword, in order to help them out of uncomfortable or frightening situations. All of this information is stored on the blockchain, and encrypted on a user's phone. This way, data is both safe and immutable for the purposes of determining matches through AI. Augmented reality is used at live events, with a “Heat Index” that shows you potential matches at the event. Loly is currently in beta and hopes to be available on February 14th, the same day that their fully compliant token sale begins. For more information, visit www.loly.io.
AML, or Anti-Money Laundering, compliance is part of orchestrated efforts to make it more difficult for individuals who earn money through illegal methods to obscure the source of that money. This not to be missed special podcast with two AML professionals, Amber Scott of Outlier and Joe Ciccolo of BitAML, helps shine a light on an area of cryptospace that is both crucial and not well understood by many people. Amber and Joe discuss the history of AML and KYC (Know Your Customer) in cryptospace, with particular regards to Silk Road, an online marketplace where many of the items being sold were illegal in nature, and Bitcoin was used as the main payment rail. They also discuss the difference in the regulatory climate between the United States and Canada, the need for education and a basic understanding of the risks involved in cryptospace, how regulation is changing the ICO landscape, the impact that fear has on the space, and more. For more information on Outlier, visit www.outliercanada.com, or email them at info@outliercanada.com. For more information on BitAML, visit www.bitaml.com, or email Joe directly at joe@bitaml.com.
Currently, most merchants don't accept payments in cryptocurrency, and those that do typically only accept one or two coins. CoinPayments allows merchants to easily accept payments in over 115 different cryptocurrencies. Through the platform, merchants are not only able to choose which coins they want to accept but can decide which coins they want to keep, and which coins they want to have automatically converted. CoinPayments offers both a hot wallet and cold storage, in order to encourage users to keep their money in crypto. For this reason, CoinPayments doesn't have any built-in way to convert crypto to fiat–however, if this is necessary, the CoinPayments wallet can be integrated with the CoinBase API to allow cryptocurrencies to be converted to fiat. The top 60 coins remain the same every month, while some of the lowest performings are changed out every month. New coins can be suggested and added through community votes, or coins can pay high fees to be allowed access to the network on a test basis. Andrew and Alex also discuss what they see as the future of digital payments through the next 1-5 years, including their thoughts on the creation of new coins. For more information, visit www.coinpayments.net.
One of the problems that exist in the cryptocurrency community is that there is very little sense of community amongst users–we haven't seen cryptocurrency holders come together to support one another, and in many ways holders have been taken advantage of. Celsius Network hopes to change that and bring some of the power of cryptocurrency back to its users, by creating a wallet that both pay interest on the cryptocurrency deposited, but also allows users to borrow dollars against crypto deposits. Users can earn interest when their crypto is used by hedge funds or large crypto funds in short sales–high fees are charged for coin access, which is given back to the community when the coins are returned, similar to how it is done with traditional stocks, bonds, and securities. A product demonstration was held last week in New York. In the long run, Celsius Network hopes that this will remove excess liquidity from the markets and help stabilize cryptocurrency, thereby drawing in more users and creating more value for everyone. Alex also discusses his thoughts on the future of innovations in this space and the importance of making decisions that are in the best interest of the community at large. For more information, visit www.celsius.network
Having stumbled his way into the world of mining cryptocurrency, Daryl began his own company dedicated to helping others begin to mine crypto. There are three things that you need in order to be successful at crypto mining–capital, the proper software and equipment, and a physical location for your servers. Cryptosumer Mining helps by building and providing GPU and ASIC mining servers to customers. Equipment purchased through Cryptosumer Mining can either be shipped directly to the purchaser or hosted at their co-location site, in exchange for a percentage of the mining profits. Cryptosumer Mining is currently working on developing their own chips for the servers that use less electricity than traditional servers, costing users less to mine cryptocurrency. The mining ecosystem is rapidly growing, with demand for servers outpacing supply. Daryl also discusses changes that he has seen in the mining space over the last few years, and the future of mining. For more information, visit www.cryptosumermining.com.
Though mining is an important part of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, there are very few miners and even fewer tools to help miners achieve their goals. What tools that currently exist require substantial knowledge of computers and mining, and none of them are designed to assist miners with several computers mining at the same time. EasyMINE hopes to change that by offering a comprehensive mining management platform that is as easy to use as installing a USB drive, starting the mining machine, and beginning to mine cryptocurrency. Their product is geared towards both experienced miners, who need to be able to tell at a glance how each of their machines is performing and make necessary changes, and mining newcomers, who need an easy and simple way to become active in the space. Overall, both experienced miners and newcomers will gain stability, ease of use, and peace of mind in their mining operations. The public beta opened at the beginning of January 2018, and the final version will be available for consumers before Summer 2018. Lukasz and Przemyslaw also discuss their views on the future of cryptocurrency mining. They will also be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas from February 16-18th. For more information, or to be active in the public beta, visit www.easymine.io.
The healthcare costs for many patients with chronic issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancers are skyrocketing–and yet, many of these conditions are largely preventable. MintHealth hopes to improve patient health and lower costs with their healthcare platform, which will empower individuals to take charge in tracking their health, especially those with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Users will record health data, including blood sugar levels and diet, and can integrate with data from fitness wearables like FitBit. Users will also be able to download data from doctor's visits, including medical imaging results, or share this data with medical providers as they choose. They will receive Vidamints in return for these actions, which they can redeem for lower premiums, use to pay for prescriptions or gym memberships, and more. This increases user awareness of their own health, and ultimately lowers the costs of healthcare for patients, doctors, and insurance companies alike. MintHealth can even send alerts to seek medical attention when dangerous readings are reported. Pilot studies have shown to reduce hospitalizations due to chronic conditions by 50%, making it a huge success, with even more updates and features to come. For more information on the platform, visit minthealth.io. For more information on the Vidamints token, visit www.vidamints.com.
It may not come as a surprise that many companies use Microsoft Excel for their business's budgeting, planning, and reporting needs. However, the limitations of the Excel program mean that it may not always be the best tool for the job, especially once businesses reach a certain level of complexity. Furthermore, this particular industry is dominated by a handful of companies that have begun to replace Excel. Vena Solutions aims to change all of this with their software solutions. Based on Excel, but with added functionality of the cloud, the ability to audit changes and decisions that are made, as well as other features, businesses can leverage Excel as a window into their information databases–keeping all the parts of Excel that work for them, and providing solutions for Excel's natural limitations. 7 years of Research and Development went into making this product, and Don shares some of the more surprising insights that they have learned and used to improve their products. Don also discusses what he sees as the future of data aggregation and predictive analysis. For more information, visit www.venasolutions.com.
Some of the biggest problems with digital media content today are that distributors charge massive fees or take a huge cut of profits, while essentially owning the content that they distribute. LBRY hopes to change that with their decentralized, open-source digital media protocol.Because of its decentralized structure, LBRY allows content creators to share their content without giving up ownership rights and doesn't charge fees to distribute content. LBRY sees blockchain as a way to provide its content creators and consumers with the ultimate digital content experience–changes and upgrades will be made based on giving the user the best experience possible, not necessarily the latest-and-greatest in blockchain technology, and they believe that the price of their token, LBRY Credit (LBC), will reflect this. Jeremy also discusses what he sees as the future of the entertainment and media consumption industries over the next 3-5 years, and how shifts in those industries will be good for creators. For more information, visit www.lbry.io.
Abra is believed to be the first digital currency wallet that allows its users to buy and sell both cryptocurrencies and fiat directly through their smartphone. In order to remain compliant with banking regulations, Abra is fully non-custodial, meaning that users hold their own private keys on their devices through the use of multi-signature security technology, and Abra is never actually in charge of or otherwise holding user's money. Abra will also allow users to swap between cryptocurrencies and fiat held through the wallet. Abra hopes to be available for individuals around the world to use, without respect to a geographical location or requiring that users have a bank account. Because of this goal, and their desire to produce it right the first time, they developed and tested their product over a period of several years. Today, Abra has thousands of users worldwide and has processed millions in payments. Bill also discusses the wallet industry, and why competition is beneficial for the consumer, his thoughts on the current slump in cryptocurrency markets, and the relationship between the speculative and utilitarian values of cryptocurrency. For more information, or to download the app, visit www.abra.com.
ICOs, or Initial Coin Offerings, are a new and interesting way to raise money for a start-up or business-one of the reasons they are so interesting is because they have the potential to raise millions of dollars, but few consider investor protection, due diligence, and regulation compliance. Contrast this to banks, who spend 10% of their yearly gross revenue on AML compliance alone. The bottom line is that while regulatory compliance isn't easy or fun, it is also not optional. iComplyICO hopes to make that a bit easier for their clients by offering a customizable, automated compliance platform for ICOs. The iComplyICO platform is based on an open protocol that can handle both the initial issuance and secondary trading of tokens across multiple blockchains. There are two parts to the platform–first is a zero-knowledge proof that allows ICOs to see that purchasers have passed AML/KYC requirements, but don't show all of the purchaser's information. The second part is a secondary trading piece that can keep an ICO compliant by creating a geofence for where tokens can be resold. Also discussed is the future of AML/KYC compliance. iComplyICO is also accepting applications for companies looking to create AML-compliant ICOs. For more information, visit www.icomplyico.com.
Currently the online casino gaming industry is not willing to take creative risks with new games for the future–instead, they are staying with the same types of games that they know are currently popular. JoyToken aims to give game developers a place to take those risks and offer new games to the public. Through the JoyToken platform, their API has been made available to game developers, who are able to create their own games and submit them through the platform. JoyToken will review the games to make sure that they are up to quality standards, and then will publish them on their platform under their license. This enables independent game developers to make games that they are interested and get them to market, without having to worry about purchasing an expensive license. The use of smart contracts will enable JoyToken to accurately record, secure, and audit user data. Developers will purchase JoyTokens to get on to the platform, and will be paid the revenues from their games in JoyTokens, which will keep the JoyToken economy strong. The JoyToken ICO starts in February 2018. Also during the next year, JoyToken will look at integrating Bitcoin, will hopefully finalize exciting new partnerships, and will release the updated website with an optimized user experience. For more information, visit www.joytoken.io.
Joseph Wang has been personally involved in cryptospace since 2014; however, after a bad experience where he had his Bitcoin stolen, he realized that he needed to look into better hardware wallets in order to keep his Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies safe. Because hardware wallets are designed to hold private keys securely in the device's MCU and prevent them from being released even when the wallet is connected to the Internet, it is a much more secure way of holding cryptocurrency. He decided to create a crypto hardware wallet superstore, which now carries all of the major hardware wallets. Joseph discusses the pros and cons of each of wallets, the difference between hot and cold storage, and new updates coming to hardware wallets in the next year. He also briefly touches on the recent hacking news, and how new crypto users can keep themselves safe. Joseph and CryptoHWwallet will be at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas from February 16-18, and will be focusing on hardware wallets, cases, and accessories. For more information, visit https://www.cryptohwwallet.com/
In the three years since BitSpace was founded, they have worked with many blockchain and exponential technology start-ups and businesses, providing everything from business consultations to assist with blockchain development. Clients are taken on a case-by-case basis, and are mostly start-ups, though BitSpace will also work with established businesses. BitSpace also provides their clients access to their network of contacts through the annual events that they host–last year, their CryptoFinance event had hundreds of attendees from around the world. Overall, good candidates to work with them are start-ups and businesses that are looking for guidance, capital, or knowledge. One of their biggest clients is BitGate, a trading platform that will allow users to access the decentralized economy with their BankID. BitSpace will be handling their ICO, which is set to begin in the next few months. Ivar also briefly discusses the changes that he has seen in cryptospace and in blockchain over the last few years and his thoughts on the present challenges for blockchain and cryptocurrency companies. For more information, visit www.bitspace.no.
After working in the travel industry, and seeing firsthand the problems and inefficiencies that can arise from centralized, monopolistic industry practices, Winding Tree was founded in order to change how the travel industry functions. The founders realized that blockchain could be used to solve some of the biggest problems, including industry domination by a handful of distributors and high fees charged in order to list inventory for sale. Travel suppliers can integrate with the Winding Tree platform to list available inventory, and then travel startups and point-of-sale locations, such as travel agents, can integrate with the platform and sell inventory directly to consumers. Winding Tree is a non-profit and doesn't charge fees to use their platform, which helps keep costs low and everyone working towards the goal of a more efficient travel industry. A prototype has been published through Githubthat is available for testing. Winding Tree plans to begin an ICO in early February 2018, after issues with changing regulations in Switzerland pushed back their start date from last November. Pedro also briefly discusses what he sees as the future of the travel industry. For more information, visit www.windingtree.com.
Alex Eaton has been teaching beginners about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency for the last 5 years, both online and through his new podcast, B Libre! In order to supplement his education platform, he has created the Bitcoin Beginner Box. For a one-time payment of $75, purchasers receive a copy of his booklet about Bitcoin and cryptospace, a piece of crypto art that doubles as cold storage, a copy of the Satoshi white paper, discount coupons for different retailers, one-on-one time with a crypto professional, and more. Alex is also teaching a beginner's class at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18, with the special focus on Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies, forks, alt-coins, ICOs, and more. Alex believes that education is especially important for this relatively new technology, and though his talk is aimed towards beginners, he welcomes everyone to join him to reassess their knowledge. For more information on the Bitcoin Beginner Box, visit www.bitcoinbeginnerbox.com. To listen to his podcast, visit www.soundcloud.com/b-libre. Alex also urges people to call or email him with questions at 315-222-8017 or alexeaton1411@gmail.com.
Because of his background in traditional finance and securities, CoinLion co-founder and CEO Joshua DeWitt knows the value of being able to easily and efficiently manage large asset portfolios. CoinLion will allow its users to do just that. Using tools primarily found in traditional portfolio management, CoinLion wants to make sure that all crypto and digital asset enthusiasts can trade with ease, particularly those who are new to space. CoinLion will even offer access to knowledgeable professionals who can help individuals make sense of the space. Though it is not online yet, CoinLion will be going live within the next few months. Currently, CoinLion is participating in a token sale to fundraise for the further development of their platform. They accept multiple cryptocurrencies, as well as PayPal. For more information, visit www.coinlion.com.
Massive amounts of data are produced every year by businesses of all sizes, but in very few cases is the full utility of that data ever realized. Repux offers a secure, blockchain-based marketplace for businesses to sell the data that they create. The data is then purchased by scientists in the Artificial Intelligence field, who analyze it in order to train their AI algorithms. The use of blockchain assures that the only people with access to the data are the creator and the purchaser. The analyzed data is then offered back to the original businesses, who can purchase it in order to make data-driven decisions that will help them increase profits and expand their businesses.Though there are many use cases where this is beneficial to businesses, it is particularly helpful for small businesses who sell their products through online marketplaces such as Amazon or Shopify. Users of the Repux marketplace use Repux tokens for their transactions, and Repux plans a token sale to begin in February 2018. At the same time, they will focus on improving security features, and making sure data sets are useful. Tomasz also discusses the future of data and blockchain integration. For more information, visit www.repux.io.
In an effort to provide needed education about news and information related to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, CryptoVice was founded in 2017. The website is currently being revamped with the help of customer feedback, in order to reflect growing interest in alt-coins, as well as to provide resources for frequently asked questions about understanding the basics of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Though there are not as many barriers to entry in this space as there were several years ago, there is still a challenge in getting individuals involved and learning about the space. Now that there are hundreds of professionals who can give credibility to space, most of the remaining barriers can be overcome through education–which is where CryptoVice comes in. Troy and Ryan also discuss whether or not we are already seeing the early majority and the move towards widespread adoption, and the future of the industry. They also share some of their predictions for the space in the upcoming year, particularly around decentralized exchanges and privacy coins. For more information, visit www.cryptovice.com.
Unhappy with the lack of messaging in much of today's music, which singer/songwriter Tatiana Moroz attributes to lack of access for artists and the unwillingness of record labels to promote controversial artists, Tatiana created the first cryptocurrency designed to support artists. Users can donate money and receive TatianaCoin in return, which can be spent on merchandise, shared with friends, or used to access exclusive content through the Tokenly platform. The goal is to put the power of the music industry back into the hands of artists and fans, who should be the ones determining what musical and artistic content they want to consume. Tatiana is also the founder of Crypto Media Hub, which offers marketing, consulting, public relations, and community management for companies in the blockchain and cryptocurrency spaces. Tatiana plans to speak at the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference happening February 16-18 in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.tatianamoroz.com and www.cryptomediahub.com.
Having studied and worked in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence for over 25 years, Professor Bilmes has a different view of the field than many people here have so far heard. Recently, he has been excited by the science of information management as it relates to machine learning. For example, how to make large datasets smaller and more efficient. This is important for AI and machine learning, as the field is, at its core, about how to teach computers to solve complex tasks. Large and inefficient data sets make it more difficult for this to occur and significantly add to the cost of teaching computers to act intelligently. That the field has come so far in such a short time is due to three factors– (1) big data and big information, (2) large amounts of commodity vector supercomputing such as GPUs, and (3) mathematically expressive models (such as deep models) that are trainable using gradient-based methods in a way that perfectly matches the type of computing available via the commodity supercomputing–but there is still much work to be done. Though he says fears about machines or robots taking over the world is pure science fiction, society does need to have discussions about issues of liability for machines that malfunction or otherwise cause critical accidents, transparency in creating machine learning algorithms, making sure that machines do not unintentionally become biased against different groups of people, and more, as can be heard by listening in. http://melodi.ee.washington.edu/~bilmes
Inspired by nature, and made necessary by the city of Austin, Texas' struggle to reach their zero-waste goal, Zero Waste applies bio-mimicry ideas in order to reach a more sustainable, zero-waste future. In order to make their zero-waste goals on time, the city needed a way to manage their solid waste assets, and a network of businesses and projects was created. Zero Waste performs trash analysis for interested businesses by gathering data for one month on dumpster usage. After the data is collected, Zero Waste helps businesses find the correct dumpster size for their business, and arranges for the dumpster to be emptied only when it is full, as collecting trash whether or not the dumpster is full is one of the biggest inefficiencies in the solid waste industry. Businesses save money on their trash collection costs, become more aware of the types of trash that they produce, and will reward correct behavior with tokens. Zero Waste has a year of exciting partnerships coming up, leading to what they believe will be wide-scale adoption before the year is over. For more information, visit www.zerowasteadvocacy.com.
Ronnie Moas, a speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16-18 is a well-known and respected financial commentator and the founder of Standpoint Research. He has written over 600 recommendations of stocks in his career, using a computer model with 150 variables that he designed and data overlays, and begun to write recommendations of cryptocurrencies in July 2016. His most recent recommendation, for a cryptocurrency and exchange called Binance, has increased in value by 40% within 5 days of his recommendation. He attributes his success to the enormous amount of hard work that he puts into each recommendation–each report that he writes is a minimum of 20-30 pages. Ronnie talks about his thoughts on the future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, major moves that we might see this year, and what he sees as the future of commercial blockchain applications. He also gives a brief overview of the subject of his talk at the upcoming conference and talks about a charity that is near to his heart, Food for the Poor. For more information about his recommendations, or to subscribe to his newsletter, visit www.standpointresearch.com. For more information on Food for the Poor, visit www.foodforthepoor.org/Moas.
After many recent reports of exchanges and wallets being hacked or compromised, computer security is a major concern. Loopring provides an open protocol that adds extra security layers between exchanges and wallets, in order to keep consumer's funds safe. Loopring is also a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that aims to solve many of the problems of centralized exchanges, including high transaction fees, low transparency, and a high risk of funds being stolen. Additional features such as order-sharing and ring matching provide liquidity to the market and ultimately make the exchange more convenient and secure for users. The protocol is currently open for ERC20 tokens, and despite setbacks with their ICO in August 2017, have already released their Qtum protocol ahead of schedule, and plan on releasing their Neo protocol around May 2018. Their protocols are also accompanied by a cold-storage wallet, and they are launching their Android and iOS app versions shortly. For more information, visit www.loopring.org.
In order to provide value for both end-users and shareholders, companies need to access to large amounts of high-quality data, and IBM's blockchain services are designed to accomplish this task. Through the use of blockchain, IBM can provide companies with reliable and trusted data, a single version of the truth, and allowed designated individuals permissioned access to that data in order to make rational well-informed business decisions. IBM's efforts generally focus on multi-step, complex transactions in areas that deal mainly with people, processes, or paperwork. For example, through their blockchain efforts, IBM has seen a 90% reduction in paperwork. Walmart, another client of IBM's blockchain services, has seen the time it takes to identify the source of contaminated produce during recent scares drop from almost 7 days to 13 seconds. Because of these and many other examples, Jason believes that widespread adoption of blockchain in large corporations has already begun. Jason also discusses his thoughts on large companies and cryptocurrencies, and what he thinks is coming in the blockchain and crypto spaces during 2018. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/blockchain.
With a background in bio-terrorism preparedness and response, as well as previous experience in intelligence and with the Federal Communications Commission, David Bray came to Singularity University with the belief that the ability to make the world better for all of us lies at the intersection of technology and society. He currently focuses on the area of public health, recognizing that because of our increasingly connected world, both public health and technology are not bound by geographical borders and demographics, and shares with us some of his insights into both areas. David is also the Executive Director of People-Centered Internet, a non-profit that focuses on using technology to bring communities together. They are currently working on three separate projects–bringing Internet access to rural Native American communities on their terms, providing quicker ways for victims of California wildfires to replace destroyed identity documents without fraud, and helping Puerto Rico in their efforts to recover from the effects of Hurricane Maria. David also discusses his thoughts on Net Neutrality, and why he is passionate about people retaining control of their online data. To talk with David directly, follow him on Twitter at @chief_ventures. For more information on People-Centered Internet, visit www.peoplecentered.net. For more information about Singularity University, visit www.su.org.
IndieBio, located in San Francisco, is the world's largest seed bio-technology accelerator and has funded 81 companies over their three-year history. Each company or start-up that they work with receives $250,000 in funding, full access to on-site laboratories, mentorships, and introductions to investors throughout their four-month program, with the ultimate goal being the creation of a product that is ready for market. The idea for IndieBio was born out of three recent trends–biology becoming both cheaper and faster, and a so-called “Post-docalpyse,” characterized by high numbers of individuals with advanced degrees and relatively few academic job openings. Overall, IndieBio believes in using biology as a fundamental technology that can be expanded to all aspects of society, and two of the most well-known companies they have funded, Memphis Meats and Koniku, exemplify that. Over the next year, IndieBio hopes to integrate more changes that they learn from each round of mentorships, and are potentially looking to scale to other industries or to other geographical areas around the world. To learn more, or to apply for their next four-month program coming up for Summer 2018, visit www.indiebio.co.
Launched in September 2017, TigerGraph is a distributed graphing and data analytics platform that can produce real-time graphs in under 1 second from many different types of data, including product data, production and supply data, marketing data, and social data such as customer use information. It is popular in many different industries, including financial services, banking, and e-commerce. The production of graphs in real-time, from data that is streamed to the platform, is highly beneficial for companies, who can deploy it for use cases including catching financial fraud in real-time or validating the authenticity of money transfers. TigerGraph can also be used to create snapshots over time, to see trends in the data. Over the next year, TigerGraph intends to integrate more artificial intelligence capabilities into their platform, as well as working on scaling their platform out to be able to handle larger groups of data while still providing real-time graphs and analysis. For more information, visit www.tigergraph.com
Seeing recent problems with the consequences of legacy data enterprise architecture, including several highly publicized data breaches and leaks, Gospel Tech has developed a platform that provides highly secure and trusted transactions for distributed data. Their platform, which connects to different business enterprise applications through APIs, moves security down to the data-level, by placing it on their distributed platform through an encrypted blockchain. To access the data stored on the platform, you need an internal, multi-factor authentication system that creates permissioned entrances for different parties, once certain conditions that have been set by the data's owner are met. This creates trust within the system that the data transaction is entirely valid. Over the next year, Gospel Tech will release the 2.0 version of their platform that is currently in production, which would allow for more robust security and encryption capabilities, and overall a higher level of interaction and integration with existing enterprise data structures. For more information, visit www.gospel.tech
The trucking industry as it exists today is both ubiquitous and highly inefficient, with problems ranging from empty trucks and idle shipments to the inefficient way that shipments are tracked while they are en route to their final destination. Transfix aims to solve both of those problems, by creating a two-part commerce platform, a mobile app for drivers and a web application for customers that need items shipped, that does two things. First, it matches drivers with empty trucks to shipments that need to be moved through the platform. Second, it allows for real-time tracking of shipments as they move across the country and sends alerts when drivers are delayed. This not only allows for more efficient transportation of goods but will save companies money on tracking and shipping costs. Transfix is currently focused on scaling their platform, in order to be able to create more value for both truck drivers and companies, and are hoping to expand to Mexico in the near future. Ultimately, Transfix hopes to become a true commerce platform by expanding into other methods of shipping goods around the world. For more information, visit www.transfix.io.
There are currently six billion people living in poverty around the world. Many others want to be able to improve their lives through investment opportunities, but either doesn't have the ability to invest as much as large institutions or don't know how to start. Wealth Migrate aims to solve both of these problems and close the wealth gap by connecting individuals to commercial investment opportunities in Australia, England, and the United States for as little as $100, and hopefully in the future for just $1. Through the Wealth Migrate platform, individuals can look at different commercial properties in traditionally safer markets such as multi-family apartments or medical buildings, and will receive quarterly returns proportional to the amount of their investment. Over the last 18 months, Wealth Migrate has moved their operations to the blockchain, in order to provide users with a foundation of trust in the platform. Since then, they have facilitated $67 billion in investments (over $300 billion overall since they first began in 2013), and have investors from 46 countries around the world. They plan to launch their first ICO, the WealthECoin, in early February 2018 to give their users the ability to make investments, access educational resources, build and engage with a community, and more. For more information about their platform, visit www.wealthmigrate.com. For more information about their ICO, visit www.wealthe.io. For more information about their goal of reducing the wealth gap, visit www.wealthmovement.com.
Each faculty member of Singularity University has a different background. Barry O'Reilly focuses on the impact of new technologies, particularly in regards to the social impact they can have and has his own business coaching business executives on how to adopt tech in their companies, and leverage new tech to grow both their business and their teams. He says that initial discussions of new technologies are often met with caution and skepticism, but that do the right way, technology can help create data that can inform more efficient and beneficial business decisions, and overall change the world for the better. Barry discusses the effects of social media on this space, examples of how new technologies can augment or displace traditional business structures, and the challenge and necessity of being able to quickly re-train workers with the new skills and competencies that the changing technological landscape requires. He also discusses the changes that he already sees happening in the fintech industry, thanks to the blockchain, and the relative advantages of both start-ups and large established companies. For more information, or to get in touch with Barry O'Reilly directly, visit www.barryoreilly.com.
After his first book, Crushing Conferences became a best-seller, and having a rough time throughout the whole process, Tyler Wagner began Authors Unite as a way to help other authors who were in the same boat that he was. Authors Unite offers publishing and promotion services, including editing, ghostwriting, book coaching, and promotions across multiple platforms, in order to reach that individual's particular goal–whether it's just publishing a book, becoming a best seller, or establishing credibility for an outside business. The publishing side focuses on paperbacks and Kindle books, while the promotion side focuses on multiple social media platforms, with the goal of driving enough sales to land on the best-seller list. Tyler also discusses the current state and future of the publishing industry. For more information, or to apply to be in the Authors Unite Program, visit www.authorsunite.com.
One of the major problems with the cannabis industry is the “web of legality” that exists between different cities and states–a standard Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform is not designed to be used within the cannabis industry. Because of this, there is no way for consumers to legally purchase products and follow all the appropriate city and state legislation. CannTrade helps to solve this problem in two ways. First, it is a CRM platform that is designed specifically for the cannabis industry. Second, it uses geofences to accurately ensure that consumers in different cities in California are following all relevant legislation for their location. CannTrade also simplifies the ability for cannabis businesses to interact with each other, while making sure that each party is legitimate. CannTrade is currently working with partners on a payment processing solution, as currently the entire industry must operate on a Cash on Delivery basis and cannot have a bank account, which can be quite dangerous for all parties involved. Mark also discusses what he sees as the future of the cannabis industry, both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.canntrade.com.
Ambisafe Financial works with high-quality startups and established businesses that are looking to complete ICO sales, and helps to guide them through the entire ICO process from start to finish. They accomplish this with a wide range of services, including helping with technology and web pages, business strategy sessions, making introductions with legal counsel, marketing and Public Relations, and post-ICO product development. Ambisafe also has developed their own decentralized Ethereum-based token exchange called Orderbook.io where clients can sell their tokens. Orderbook.io, which is both a primary and secondary token exchange, is fully AML/KYC compliant, peer-to-peer, non-custodial, meaning that they have no access to client's accounts or private keys, and is fully auditable by individuals or regulators. Ambisafe is always looking for high-quality businesses and start-ups to work with–companies who have a vision and a demonstrable background of accomplishing goals and mileposts, an addressable market, and are interested in the long-term. Patrick also offers some great insights on the current state of the ICO markets. For more information, visit www.ambisafe-financial.com.
The ixo Foundation is filling a vital need in the realm of sustainable development and social impact projects around the world by providing a blockchain-based protocol that allows for the evaluation and measurement of social impact while requiring accountability and transparency from service providers. Backed by UNICEF, ixo is in the midst of a pilot project in South Africa that is digitizing and providing proof of preschool attendance records, which is allowing the preschool to receive subsidies from the Western Cape Government. As it stands, evaluation costs eat up 5-7% of a project’s budget. In addition, the data that results are often inaccurate, untrustworthy or simply presented in an unusable format. The ixo Foundation is changing all of this. But that’s not all: the ixo protocol allows for private investors to receive a return on capital if pre-agreed outcomes are met for a project. “Once you have the data of where the money is going… you can turn that into its own kind of crypto asset that these projects can trade…and that’s where we think crypto and blockchain can contribute a lot towards opening up capital markets for social finance,” says Wang. To learn more, visit ixo.network or ixo.foundation.
Sweetbridge offers something Bitcoin may never be able to: a stable token that can be used as a transactional currency for personal lending, transactional trade, and B to B transactions. “It’s going to be the most dull coin in existence; it’s going to stick to the US dollar….and that stability is what will drive finance and drive the financing of supply chain transactions in the future.” Comprised of a team of global contributors building a blockchain alliance, Sweetbridge aims to provide a platform for low-cost banking, interest-free loans and trading for individuals and businesses alike. Among a number of projects in the queue, Sweetbridge is working on the collateralization of standard supply chain crypto assets as a precursor to the release of the Asset Vault, which will allow for those crypto assets to be borrowed against. To date, no other projects have been able to fully accomplish what Sweetbridge is promising. The platform is set to launch early next year, so stay tuned for the latest updates. To learn more, visit Sweetbridge.com.
One of the major challenges in the virtual reality and augmented reality space currently is that there is no customized monetization process that allows consumers to move from one VR/AR world to another. Another challenge is that there is no advertising in the VR/AR space. GazeCoin is designed to change that, by providing a blockchain layer in VR/AR worlds that allows users to receive rewards in the form of GazeCoin for interacting with advertisements. Through gaze control and eye tracking, advertisers and GazeCoin know when users interact with advertising and will reward users only when they interact. The use of blockchain allows these interactions and rewards to be auditable so that advertisers know that they are getting a return on their investment. GazeCoin will also allow users to bring tokens they have earned in one VR/AR world and use it in another, creating a seamless transition for users. Jonny also discusses the future of VR/AR worlds, and when the use of these technologies will become more mainstream. For more information, visit www.gazecoin.io.
Shuonan Chen is a faculty member at Singularity University, whose mission is to leverage cutting-edge technology, including blockchain, to solve some of the world's biggest problems. These problems range from environmental challenges and renewable energy to space travel and disaster response. This ties in with her work as a founding partner of Agile VC, an early-stage venture capital firm focusing on finding B2B solutions at the enterprise level. Agile VC works primarily with blockchain technology, because of its ability to store information cheaply, keep better records, and allow for quicker and more efficient communication. Shuonan discusses her three tips for giving yourself a better chance of receiving VC funding–making sure your physical location matches your market and industry, being able to clearly articulate why you're the best team to solve a particular problem, and being able to articulate how you are different, and therefore more likely to be successful, than your competitors. For more information, visit www.su.org and www.agileventurecapital.com.
In order to solve several different problems in the cryptospace, including the legitimacy of security tokens (as opposed to utility tokens) and liquidity issues, VaultBank several different solutions, which all contribute to their goal of bridging the gap between traditional stocks and bonds, and cryptocurrency. VaultBank is currently developing their own decentralized crypto exchange with fiat gateway, which will primarily be used to launch security token ICOs. Users will also receive a debit card linked to their account, which will allow them to use their crypto for everyday purchases. This will go live in the US and the European Union and will spread to the rest of the world. Finally, the VaultBank hedge fund, backed by the VaultBank company and powered by Random Forest Capital's AI, will allow VaultBank token holders to invest and receive dividends. Their ICO pre-sale is currently live, with the full ICO coming next month. For more information, visit www.vaultbank.io.
Amdocs, a 35+ year veteran in their industry, provides a range of customer experience solutions for some of the world's most successful telecommunications, media, and entertainment companies, from digital engagement to a software-powered network. Their main focus is on digital intelligence business support, and the successful integration of AI into business roles and functions, as well as personalized and contextual customer engagement.One of their more popular solutions, which many people may not know, is the chatbot, which can be found on different websites across the Internet, including Facebook. Shannon also discusses interesting changes in customer support over the last 20 years, including the change from call centers to AI, the shift in the way that companies interact with their clients, the future of AI, and the biggest ways that companies can integrate AI and digital intelligence into their businesses. For more information, visit www.amdocs.com.
One of the biggest problems with content creation in today's world is that content creators receive far less monetary compensation than they should, with the majority of the profits going to distributors. Synereo hopes to change that, by allowing artists and creators to monetize their works through the Synereo platform and reward their followers directly. Synereo allows creators to broadcast their content through social media, allowing fans to send them cryptocurrency in return. Synereo also rewards content curators for their part in distribution with tips, which incentivizes them to continue to curate content, and allows content to reach a wider audience. Ultimately, this creates a much more democratic and fair monetization flow for all parties. Synereo began in 2014 and has thousands of users, and will be undergoing a major update in mid-February 2018. Changes will include updates to the website, including threaded comment sections, a mobile app, and more. Rogayeh also briefly discusses the perceptions around and the future of how we create and consume content. For more information, visit www.synereo.com.
The idea behind ShoCard is to allow its users to provide mobile digital identity verification that doesn't need to interface with other databases, which has inherent security risks–the recent data breach at Equifax is just the latest example of this. Through the mobile app, users are able to create a digital identity that is verified with a private key and stored on the blockchain, and that they can share with others whenever they wish. Use cases include finance transactions, such as by speeding up KYC processes, for both traditional financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges. ShoCard also has enterprise applications, where cloud-based services can streamline their verification and log-on methods. Because of the app, and all the verifications created through it, exist on the blockchain, the information on it cannot be altered or otherwise faked. Armin also discusses trends in the ID verification industry, and the future that he sees for them–and hopes to help create. For more information, visit www.shocard.com.
Fundcru is a blockchain-powered fundraising platform that will be a cross between GoFundMe and Groupon. Users are able to create campaigns and then fundraise through three different methods — traditional fundraising where individuals donate directly to a cause, through cryptocurrency, and through an e-commerce platform. In this way, visitors are able to purchase discounted goods, similar to Groupon, with 25% of the gross price going directly to fund campaigns, without having to be asked directly to donate to someone. Merchants already do this with Groupon, but this method solves the problem of customer retention, by helping businesses find customers who are more likely to return, even after the deal is over. Fundcru will also offer real-time analytics for campaigns, to let their creators see how they are doing. The beta will be launched at the beginning of 2018, with the full site coming a few months after. Due to Fundcru's hard work, they will already have a high number of campaigns to choose from. For more information, visit www.fundcru.com.
CoinPayments offers its users a wide range of payment processing abilities for over 75 different cryptocurrencies, including an online multi-coin wallet, merchant tools and a simple point-of-sale interface, automatic coin conversion, the ability to buy, sell, and trade coins, and more. It's easy to get started–just create an account, download the plugins you need, and you're on your way–and users have the ability to fully customize their accounts. All of their financial tools are designed to simplify entry into the crypto market for people who are not tech-savvy, and they currently have over half a million customers in 192 countries. There is a monthly Coin Vote, which allows users to replace the lowest-performing coins with 2-3 new ones. New coins have 90 days to prove themselves. It costs $1 per vote, and all that money is donated to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. CoinPayments is getting ready for some exciting new milestones over the next year, including a new version of their platform, adding portfolio management tools, laying the foundation for their own exchange, mining capabilities, and more. For more information, visit www.coinpayments.net.
Etheralabs was set up as a venture capital accelerator for start-ups and companies working with early-stage innovations in the cryptospace. As advisors, they help those they work with look at various problems relating to raising capital and funding for their projects, from token design to the business's underlying data. Etheralabs also acts as an intelligence platform for institutional investors who are interested in participating in the cryptospace, but as yet are still unsure how to do that. Their goal is to provide a standardized way to monitor and value digital assets. They are currently working on building the technology necessary to create their own exchange, and hope to go live with that in a few months. Feinberg also discusses the challenges that ever-changing and unclear regulations have on the cryptospace, as well as what he sees as the future of the industry. For more information, visit www.etheralabs.io.
One of the biggest problems with blockchain currently is that it cannot handle large amounts of transactions at the same time, and such transactions are not inexpensive–for example, many blockchains cannot handle more than three or four transactions per second. As adoption of blockchain technology grows, this problem will only get larger. To solve this, GoNetwork has developed a mobile network infrastructure for Ethereum and ERC20 tokens that would allow thousands of transactions per second. Being able to scale to allow this many transactions simultaneously would have the effect of reducing the cost per transaction, and would be ideal for anyone who is creating their own business or application that requires fast and cheap transactions. Their idea was one of the winning submissions at the ETHWaterloo Hackathon. For more information, visit www.gonetwork.co.
Bread's Bitcoin wallet, which has was created several years ago, has undergone a recent transformation. The newly re-designed wallet is a simple and secure way to buy, sell, send, and receive Bitcoin that is easy and intuitive for both newcomers and experts alike to use, through both iOS and Android apps. Because it is decentralized, users hold their own funds through their wallets, and Bread has no access to or control over those funds. Bread is also beginning a token sale on December 15th. Token holders will enjoy access to premium financial services from other companies, discounts, and a loyalty and rewards program that includes a tiered system of 24/7 live customer support–one of the many suggestions from Bread's active online community, and one of the first of its kind. Aaron and Brent also discuss their ideas on safe financial practices for blockchain and crypto companies in the current dangerous environment, as well as their thoughts on the future of the markets. For more information on Bread's upcoming token sale, visit token.breadapp.com. To learn more about their wallet, visit www.breadapp.com.
With 5-7 new ICOs being announced every day, not all of which manage to successfully raise the amount of money needed for their projects, potential investors need access to reliable information about upcoming and current ICOs. Enter Token Report, which is dedicated to not only bringing that information to potential investors but also works to help ICOs that are less well known but have a great potential reach a larger audience. They do this through the risk summary report that they developed, which looks at many different criteria–including whether or not tokens are securities as determined by the Howie Test, sale momentum, access to major exchanges and more. Token Report also provides basic information about tokens, such as the projects they are funding, the team, and whitepapers. Moore also discusses his thoughts on what is currently happening in the crypto-space right now–a somewhat difficult question, given how fast things change–and what he sees as the future of the industry. For more information, visit www.tokenreport.com.
Storj (pronounced storage) is a distributed cloud storage infrastructure company whose goal is to make data storage more reliable and secure. Users upload their data, which is then encrypted. After encryption, the data is “sharded,” or broken into tiny pieces. Each of those pieces is then sent to a network farmer to be stored all around the globe. Only the user has the key to decrypt the data, and only the user knows what the data being stored actually is. This system provides increased security over more traditional, centralized data storage solutions, as any potential hacker would need to locate all of the pieces, and then decrypt them. Individuals can become farmers through the Storj Share software, which allows them to decide how much space on their drives they want to set aside for storage, and they are rewarded with the Storj token. Over the next year, Storj has many milestones they are working on completing, including an archival system, a public web system, and the ability to decide which geographical regions your data gets stored in. For more information, visit www.storj.io.
ULedger is a stateless blockchain overlay for existing technology infrastructure that was developed in order to help companies assert and prove the integrity of their data at any point in time, by allowing for independent verification of the order of important events due to date stamping. Through a patent-pending cross-merkelization process, companies are able to anchor the validity of their data with other servers or companies, thereby providing tamper-proof verification of data. You can anchor your data to any number of blockchains you choose, and there is no need to use public blockchains at all–simply use the closest ULedger chain instead. This can be used for any use case where decisions are made based on data integrity, where a repository of data is needed, or where smart contracts or document management systems are needed. For example, this technology is used by the City of Boise, in conjunction with utility companies, and home buyers and sellers, to determine who is responsible for partial utility payments from both parties after closing on a home. Currently, ULedger is holding a pre-sale for their token, which will end soon, and will be holding an ICO around the end of Q1 2018. For more information, visit www.uledger.co.
Bee Token's goal is to build a decentralized vacation rental and home sharing platform, similar to AirBNB, but without any of the middlemen or large commissions that are retained by the platform. In this way, Bee Token hopes to give more control and rewards back to those people who make such marketplaces a success, the homeowners, and renters themselves. Using a different tokenization revenue model, fees are not charged if users pay in Bee Token. A 1% fee is charged for using Bitcoin or Ethereum, in order to trade it back to Bee Token cryptocurrency, and 4% for fiat currency, to cover credit card processing. Payment processing is done using Ethereum-based smart contracts so that Bee Token never directly touches your payment. Customer service and conflict resolution will also be decentralized, with a decentralized website coming in the near future. Bee Token will start with rentals in San Francisco, and within a year plan to branch out to New York and Los Angeles. Private testing is underway, with a public beta by the end of December 2017 or beginning of January 2018. Due to strategic partnerships, they will have thousands of listings available as soon as they launch. For more information, visit www.thebeetoken.com.
Capitalise's goal is to democratize trading, by giving individuals and day traders the ability to automate their trades. Large trading institutions already possess the ability to automate their trades. However, this is not always possible for independent day traders, due to a lack of knowledge or money. Capitalise allows its users to write sentences about the trades they would like to make, and the platform translates those into automated trading commands that are carried out when specific conditions chosen by the user are met. Sentences, and therefore trading commands, can be as simple or complex as the user chooses. It has been challenging to build this platform, as it needs to be able to seamlessly support an unknown number of trades, whose commands are not known in advance, and security is a top priority. Capitalise will soon be releasing a business-to-consumer solution for crypto trading, as well as looking into making their technology available to other industries. For more information, visit www.capitalise.ai.
Cryptiv has created an enterprise wallet system that allows financial institutions to trade, manage, and store digital assets. They have made changes to their wallet over the last year, in order to provide better security for users. Security features in their multi-signature wallet system include limits on the amount of assets that can be traded at any time and limits on the addresses that users can send assets to, through the use of white and black labels. Within the next year, they plan to begin licensing their wallet system to financial institutions. Cryptiv has used their technology to manage their own private portfolio of digital assets, and because of better-than-expected returns, are considering opening up to other investors. Their portfolio includes 12-15 tokens at any given point of time, and are broken down into “blue chip” tokens such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as more speculative smaller ICOs. Having been in the financial industry for some time, Mat also gives us his opinions on the 2018 crypto markets. For more information, visit www.cryptiv.com.
Trulioo is a global identity verification system that works through the marketplace of data. Using consumer data from 50 data partners, Trulioo is able to provide digital identity verifications for financial products to banks, financial institutions, exchanges, and other online market places. However, Trulioo doesn't own or store your data, much like Uber doesn't own cars or AirBNB doesn't own homes.They are fully AML/KYC compliant, and check verifications through multiple watchlists and checklists from banks, government agencies, exchanges, and even ICOs, in order to make sure that users are legitimate. Trulioo's goal is to be able to provide digital identity verification for all 7 billion people on the planet, particularly the underbanked and unbanked populations around the globe, and they are already off to a great start. Currently, they are able to provide digital ID verifications for 4.5 billion people in 60+ countries. For more information, visit www.trulioo.com.
Having seen the problems that plague unbanked migrants and their families first-hand, LaLa World has created a true ecosystem where unbanked migrants and their families can have access to financial tools, and basic employment services and education through their worldwide partners. The ecosystem is based on the LaLa Wallet, which provides each user with an ID and a LaLa score, which can be used as digital identity verification with their partner organizations. The LaLa Wallet has four basic products–LALA Bill Pay, which allows users to make local and international bill payments; LALA Transfer, a global remittance system; LALA Card, a crypto and fiat currency card that is synced to the users's Wallet; and LALA Lend, a microloan provider. LaLa World also has the LALA Kit, which gives users a cell phone, SIM card, and insurance in order to get them started. LaLa World is already up and running in several countries around the world, with over 1 million users. Users are incentivized to keep using the platform through the LaLa Token, which will be starting an ICO soon. In the future, LaLa World plans to expand to more countries, and give users the ability to manage their healthcare and healthcare data through the platform as well. For more information, visit www.lalaworld.io.
Richard Jacobs founded the Future Tech Podcast during the contentious 2016 Election cycle–making a conscious choice to follow news and ideas that made him happy, rather than the things that didn't. The intended listeners of his podcast are those individuals who are interested in the latest and greatest, in what's just around the corner. With all the information from his hundreds of podcast interviews, he decided to write a book, “Bitcoin, Ethereum, Blockchain: Surprising Insights from 200+ Podcast Interviews with Industry Insiders” which is currently available on Amazon and soon to be on Audible. He is also hosting the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16th-18th. The conference will have 50 guest speakers and will be for both beginners and experienced users alike. Tickets are already on sale, so don't miss out. In this interview, Richard also briefly touches on his new company, Blockchain Edge, a blockchain consulting firm whose goal is to help companies survive the upcoming blockchain bust (similar to the dotcom bust in the early 2000s).
For the last 6+ years, Ideas By Nature has worked with technology companies to design and develop brands, as well as to develop creative solutions with digital products. Focusing primarily on blockchain and cryptocurrency companies, they help with everything from the initial concept to a web and mobile applications, branding and marketing, and even offer blockchain consulting services. What sets them apart from similar firms is that their team is comprised of individuals who already have a technical understanding of blockchain and cryptocurrency–because of this, they can dive right into working with the client on their product and branding. Ideas By Nature has already worked with several large clients, including Prism, ShapeShift, Salt Lending, Dash, and more. Though they aren't able to discuss specific projects that they're currently working on with clients, they are incredibly excited about new use cases for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, including renewables, and platforms for gaming and increasing the social good. For more information, visit www.ideasbynature.com.
In order to build a bridge between the old and new economies, Iconomi has developed a digital asset management platform based on Ethereum smart contracts. Users are able to create their own Digital Asset Array, or DAA, made up of various digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, and more. Once their asset basket is created, they are secured through a multi-level security system of hot wallets and cold storage that they developed. Assets are secured in the different levels based on the projected number of times a particular asset will be moved, with the highest level of security being multi-signature verification, and guarantee liquidity in the platform. Because they are looking to bridge the old and new economies, Iconomi is easy for both beginners and experts to use, with the ability to both create your own basket or buy into a pre-made basket. In the future, Iconomi is looking at adding more digital assets to their array, will offer the ability to tokenize and manage private funds, and the ability to purchase DAAs with fiat currency. For more information, visit www.iconomi.net.
The Foundation for Economic Education was founded in 1946, with the publication of translated economics works by Ludwig von Mises, an Austrian immigrant. Since then, FEE has prided itself on its devotion to the ideals of the free market, human rights and dignity, and new ideas in the economics sphere. Today, they have new articles daily bout various topics and even free courses about economics and entrepreneurship. Having seen several economic booms and busts, Jeffrey offers his thoughts on cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. When FEE published their first article about Bitcoin, it was $14 per coin. Since then, Bitcoin has reached $10,000 per coin. Jeffrey believes that cryptocurrency and blockchain are here for the long run, as they solve old human problems in new ways. Though he forsees some flash crashes, overall he believes that more types of assets will enter the space and that the use cases for blockchain are still in their infancy, with many more to come over the next few years. For more information, visit www.fee.org.
In the process of the successful launch of Unikoin Gold, a token related to sports betting, Coincircle was formed as an advisory firm for established companies who are interested in integrating cryptocurrency tokens and blockchain technology into their business practices. Coincircle chooses to work with companies whose ultimate goal is to provide additional value for both their users and themselves, not just as a fundraising tool. To that end, companies that Coincircle tends to work with have established teams and revenue streams prior to the creation of their token, high growth potential in their chosen market, and their past ability to meet goals. CoinCircle will also be launching their own token, the CircleCoin, which will give holders a percentage of all the coins that have come through the Coincircle platform. Erick Miller, a well-known and influential figure in the cryptospace, also talks with us about his thoughts on the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, adoption rates, how cryptocurrencies can be used to accomplish meaningful change around the world, and more. He will also be a speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, Texas February 16th-18th. For more information, or to get in touch with Erick and Coincircle, visit www.coincircle.com.
SingularDTV's goal is to give artists and creators of all types of entertainment media control over their intellectual property, and the revenue and royalties that come from them. In order to do this, they have created an array of development and production distribution applications, built onto the Ethereum blockchain, where artists and creators can create their own tokens and tokenized ecosystems for fans to engage with. Through these ecosystems, fans can help directly fund artists and creators that they like, as well as upcoming entertainment projects, such as movies and TV shows, that they are interested in while sharing in small portions of the creator's revenues through purchased tokens and by promoting them to others. SingularDTV is currently onboarding several artists and creators in various media, including DJ and producer Gramatik, and are also working to create systems to help media networks manage their libraries of intellectual content. For more information, visit www.singulardtv.com.
Vantiv is a publicly-traded payment processor for fiat currency, which is currently the fastest growing payment processor in the US. This is in part because of the open architecture of their website, which offers its merchants and partners access to metrics and fraud-prevention tools, as well as their focus on their relationships with their clients–Vantiv even assigns a single representative to work with each client throughout their relationship with the company. Vantiv processors are fully EMV functional, which they recommend their clients take advantage of, in order to help alleviate problems with charge backs. They partner with all types of businesses, from restaurants to retail, both here in the US and internationally. They are carefully watching developments in the crypto and blockchain spaces, to see how those new technologies may be able to be integrated into the services they offer. For more information, visit www.vantiv.com.
In order to have a trustless system that is able to verify location for smart contracts, Foam is currently developing a spatial protocol that can run on the Ethereum blockchain. This system would give users the ability to verify real-time locations through the blockchain and would be useful in various use cases, including location-based gaming or loyalty rewards programs, supply chains, IOT devices, self-driving cars, mapping functions and applications, and more. Because GPS is easily spoofed, the ability to verify location in real-time adds important commercial value for its users. Despite this, Foam is committed to making their protocol open-source. They have two tracks of development–the first is the spatial index, which they hope to make available to the public by the end of the year, and the second is a pilot proof of concept protocol in order to set gateway nodes and incentivize adoption. Beyond the release of the spatial index, Foam hopes to release a new white paper and website by the end of the year, and begin a token sale in the beginning of 2018. For more information, visit www.foam.space.
Augmate allows enterprise corporations to manage all of their company's IOT devices, including glasses and other wearables, from a single blockchain-based platform. Blockchain and distributed ledger technology allow IOT devices to not only be secured with the latest protections, but also allow devices to work with each other, and to create standards for interoperability. In order to accurately be able to charge their consumers, Augmate functions on a fractional license access token called MATE, which has cryptographic coupon attributes. This means that the token is able to be used internally as part of their point system for charging companies for the use of the devices, but also functions as a utility token to give individual users access to the platform. Augmate hopes to be able to expand to the consumer marketplace shortly, as it is estimated that the 4th Industrial Revolution will create 50 billion IOT devices by 2020. For more information, visit www.augmate.io.
Messaging Lab is a life science communications and strategy firm dedicated to making science stories more accessible to the everyday person. They will assist companies starting with creating a business strategy, all the way through public relations, which can help companies who either want to bring synthetic organisms into their business model, or even companies that want to get involved in bio-technology but don't know where to start. Because of the interest they have received, both in helping companies develop a bio-technology strategy and learning how to speak with non-scientists about highly technical science stories, Karl has also published a book titled “What's Your Bio-Strategy: How to Prepare Your Business for the Age of Synthetic Biology.” In it, he discusses the need for businesses to create their bio-tech strategy now, even though many businesses don't think they will need one for years. Karl also discusses how the field of bio-technology is employing cryptocurrency and blockchain, through ICOs and even the creation of a registry of genetically modified organisms. For more information, visit www.messaginglab.com and www.whatsyourbiostrategy.com.
Overbond is a first of its kind fintech platform that aims to make the process of investing in bonds simpler and more efficient. Through their platform, companies looking to raise money through capital markets are paired with investors who are willing to purchase these bonds. In the past, communication between both parties throughout the lifetime of the bond origination process–including the decision to bring a bond to market, data analytics, price quoting, forming the syndicate, and ultimately distributing the bond to buyers and the settlement–can involve up to 8,000 people, 5,000 phone calls, and 20,000 emails. Overbond's platform allows for much of this communication to be done through them, with the utmost security. This ultimately streamlines the process of bond origination and makes it more efficient for all parties, while cutting down on the constant back-and-forth communication. Currently based in Toronto, Overbond is planning an expansion into the US markets soon. A long-time professional in the bond market, Magelinic also offers us some insights into the industry's past, and some predictions for the future. For more information, visit www.overbond.com.
Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations is still one of the biggest challenges facing blockchain and cryptocurrency companies today–not only do these issues have to be dealt with on a global level, but companies have to understand what to look for in terms of high-risk transactions. Coinfirm's software tools promise to help bring cryptospace into AML compliance while streamlining the process. One of their most important tools is the creation of their AMLT network, which allows companies to share data about the risk potential of individuals using their networks, the addresses they use, and the transactions they are apart of. This can help distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate businesses in corrupt places, but also makes the AML process both transparent and democratic. For more information, visit www.coinfirm.io.
The goal of Lykke, a global, decentralized exchange for both crypto and fiat currency, is to allow individuals all around the world to trade assets without any barriers. The exchange, which is fully regulated and compliant, allows users to tokenize assets and trade them through the Lykke wallet using private keys. Because Lykke doesn't take possession of traded assets, it is safe and efficient for their 30,000+ users. Users must approve each transaction with a private key, meaning that even if the platform is compromised, user's money cannot be spent without their permission. This helps to give users a sense of security and faith in their assets, especially after some of the more heavily publicized stories of wrongdoing in the cryptospace. For more information, or to start trading, visit www.lykke.com.
Practical VR has set out to map the world in 3D, piece by piece. Though Google and other companies have done a good job of mapping the world with satellites and car-mounted cameras, the maps that they have created are only 2D. 3D maps of the world don't yet exist but are necessary for augmented and mixed reality applications. In order to create usable maps, not only do we need to be able to have baseline scans, but those need to be constantly updated to reflect our changing world, in a way that protects also protects individual's privacy and security.VR's analytics platform will help to create these maps that will become vital for any number of virtual and mixed reality applications. For example, with cryptocurrency wallets becoming embedded into smartphones, Practical VR believes that one day users will be able to pull a token out of their pocket, and that action will trigger the payment for goods and services with the individual's crypto wallet. Practical VR is also coming out with their own holographic token, Prax, which will not only enable users to map the world around them but to share their maps with others. For more information about Practical VR and the Prax token, visit prax.practicalvr.com.
CEO and Co-Founder of Unchained Capital, Joe Kelly, talks cash loans for individuals and businesses who want to use Bitcoin as collateral. They enable holders to keep their bitcoin assets while pursuing their dreams. About: Unchained Capital, Inc. is led by startup veterans who are building the next generation of financial products for long-term holders of digital assets. We believe successful financial institutions of the near future will connect the wealth and expertise of established financial markets to the new frontiers being opened up by Bitcoin and its successors.
Intro: Join us for a discussion with Dan Bates, CEO of ImpactPPA on how they are using a Blockchain-enabled Ethereum-based platform to provide clean energy solutions to developing countries worldwide. ImpactPPA is a decentralized power company that allows governments, communities, and individuals to finance and deploy clean energy solutions globally. Bio: Dan Bates is the CEO of ImpactPPA, a decentralized power company that allows governments, communities, and individuals around the world to rapidly finance and deploy clean energy solutions.
BioNyfiken, which means “bio curiosity” in Swedish, is a community of bio-hackers who are interested in exploring how technology and biology can interact in the modern world. They are perhaps most famous for their implant parties, where individuals implant NFC microchips into their bodies and discuss the various ways that they can be used. Some of the more mainstream use cases for NCF microchips are to replace badges for offices, to log in to personal devices, or to hold information on library cards, or loyalty program and discount program cards. Chips are about the size of a large grain of rice, and easily removable, should you no longer wish to have it. Implants are done with groups, as it fosters a sense of community and allows people to discuss and bond over shared experiences. Other use cases could include to collect and hold different types of personal health data, such as a diabetic's blood sugar levels, though this would necessitate a data control revolution. Chips can also be implanted that allows you to feel magnetic fields, earthquakes around the world, or listen in to the search for extra-terrestrial life. Sjoblad and BioNyfiken will appear as part of a bio-hacking conference in Stockholm in May 2018. To learn more about bio-hacking, or to chat directly with Hannes Sjoblad, follow him on Twitter @hsjob or on Facebook at BioNyfiken.
BioConnect is a biometrics security company with a different idea–that your identity is comprised of your unique biometric data. They believe that all individuals should be able to prove their unique identity through biometric data including their face, voice, and fingerprints, and use this to access their bank accounts and other secured information, phones, and more. To accomplish this, BioConnect works with large enterprise corporations to allow their clients to access their information using biometric security features. Individuals have the ability to use a variety of different biometric data to secure different data and actions, because security is contexual–for example, you may only want to use your fingerprint to unlock your phone, but you might want to require the verification of face and voice in order to transfer large sums of money out of your bank accounts. Though BioConnect already has thousands of clients worldwide, they see their technology becoming more important, as all smartphones will have biometric capabilities by 2020. This technology has direct implications and applications for cryptospace, and the upcoming launch of a developers portal will enable individuals to apply this technology to more use cases in the future. For more information, visit www.bioconnect.com.
Senior Standards and Technology Advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Paul Grassi, discusses digital identity, blockchain and more. Bio: Paul Grassi is the Senior Standards and Technology Advisor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He joined NIST in June 2014 to advance and accelerate the development and adoption of identity authentication and authorization related standards and technologies needed to implement the identity ecosystem envisioned in the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC).
Haas Online began in 2014 with the Haas bot, an AI trading bot for the cryptocurrency. Through several software updates, Hass Online is now an entire cryptocurrency trading platform with several different types of bots for users to choose from–from bots that are fully AI-based to bots that are fully configurable by users, to everything in between. Bots can arbitrage between currency pairs on a given exchange, or across exchanges with a given currency. Because they recognize the fine line between letting users know about general trading strategies and offering investment advice, Haas Online allows users to test their AI trading strategy against historical data to see how well the strategy works. They also allow users to test their strategy against the current market with a simulated wallet. Most major exchanges are supported by Haas Online, and they are integrating more exchanges into their platform all the time. For more information, visit www.haasonline.com.
Used in over 16,000 hotels worldwide, OTA Insight provides revenue optimization software for hotels that works in real time, by compiling pricing data pulled from online booking portals and aggregators, to show which dates hotels can increase the price of their rooms to increase revenue, or when they should decrease rates. The biggest problem is for hoteliers doing the research manually, the consumers are doing this digitally. OTA Insight will make this more efficient through the use of real-time data aggregation. Their easy-to-use platform offers not only real-time data aggregation of pricing across various websites, but demand forecast for your market, an events tracker for your local area, and ranking and reviews analytics. Overall, hotels who have used OTA Insight have seen their revenue increase by 15%. For more information, visit www.otainsight.com.
Developed in partnership with Nasdaq, NYIAX offers a solution to the problem of trading media contracts and advertising in real-time by proving a place for companies to buy and sell advertising space. More importantly, NYIAX will offer the ability to re-sell or trade advertising space, if it is not needed or will go unused. Sellers of advertising space will be able to complete more reliable financial forecasting, as they are able to sell advertising space on long-term contracts, and won't have to pay huge fees to third-party resellers. Buyers of advertising space will be able to complete more long-range advertising plans, knowing that there is a marketplace to re-sell or trade any unused advertising space, and will reduce the need to pay third parties in order to re-sell or trade space. Overall, NYIAX will create more efficiency and transparency between buyers and sellers of media contracts. For more information, visit www.nyiax.com.
In the midst of a contentious and stressful Presidential election, Richard Jacobs began to search for the things that actually made him happy. What he found was Bitcoin, Blockchain, and the related cryptospace. In order to help educate others about the space, he has organized the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, February 16-18. There will be classes for beginners who are interested in learning, as well as talks from some of the biggest names in the cryptospace, including Anesh Mohammed on quantum computing and crypto, Salt Lending, and Eric Vorhees of Prism and Shapeshift. Tickets are currently priced at $597 for the three-day conference, with 10% off for listeners of The Tatiana Show, and readers of CryptoInsider and NewsBTC. To learn more or purchase your tickets for the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Superconference in Dallas, February 16-18, visit www.bitcoinsuperconference.com.
The Philippines is the 3rd largest remittance market in the world behind China and India, with a full 10% of its GDP coming from remittance payments. Satoshi Citadel Industries offers a way for individuals to send payments back to their families, without the standard 8-10% fee or the long wait time for people to receive their money–and with the average remittance size of $200, every penny and second counts. Users are able to send remittances either directly by bitcoin through their website, and they have also partnered with several Korean companies to send remittance payments by changing Korean Won to Bitcoin, and then Bitcoin into Philippine Piso. Receivers are able to choose between having the funds deposited directly into a wallet built into the platform, or pick up their money in cash. SCI also helps facilitate the purchase of Bitcoin in The Philippines and allows users to store and convert their Bitcoin into fiat currency. For more information, visit www.sci.ph.
Based on the belief that individuals should be able to own and monetize their own personal data, and the goal of getting as many people involved in cryptocurrency as possible, Algebraix Data aims to allow its users to do just that. Users will download the mobile app onto their smartphone, and securely share as much data as they are comfortable with entertainment companies. Based on the data they share, users will be given the opportunity to watch movie or T.V. trailers, and earn Algebraix coin in return. A utility token, Algebriax coin can be saved or traded for other cryptocurrencies. Users will be rewarded with extra coins for posting about the trailers on social media, and will be rewarded for saving their coins through a proof of stake system. The more coins you have, the more influence you have on the site, and the more interest you can earn on your tokens. Once they have a solid user base, Algebraix Data will open up the platform to all types of content. Pre-sale of the Algebraix coin has started already. Alpha testing of the platform starts by the end of November, with beta testing beginning in February, and their ICO launched at SXSW in March 2018. For more information about the platform, or to get started, visit algebraixdata.com. For more information on the token pre-sale, visit www.saftlaunch.com.
Gluwa is a platform that enables its users to buy and sell Bitcoin using fiat currency, and to use Bitcoin for payments, without worrying about price volatility. Buyers are connected through Gluwa to investors who are willing to loan their Bitcoin to others, to be repaid with interest. Because buyers don't actually own the Bitcoin they are using, they are protected from market volatility–that risk is entirely for investors who provide the Bitcoin to others. Most users have no desire to invest in Bitcoin, and are using it temporarily, making it ideal for the casino market in Asia. Gluwa is currently available in South Korea, and is working on expanding to the US by the end of 2017. In the future, Gluwa also hopes to connect investors in countries with large amounts of capital and negative interest rates to emerging economies with low capital and high interest rates, and ultimately to bring Bitcoin to emerging economies as a stable and sustainable currency. For more information, visit www.gluwa.com.
IdentityMind provides back-end software to 25 cryptocurrency exchanges that helps them meet various government standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This reduces the risk of fraud and identity theft on exchanges, which is a huge concern–if an exchange is hacked, the hacker can get large amounts of money, anywhere in the world, and no one will know who you are. The IdentityMind software can share meta data with all of the exchanges that use it, so a successful customer onboarding on one exchange can be shared with all the rest. The key to reducing the risk to exchanges lies in customer onboarding, by creating a tiered classification of the risk that each customer poses, with different validation techniques for each tier. All of this is done on the back-end, so that customers of each exchange doesn't necessarily know that it is taking place. IdentityMind is also working on a software plug-in that can validate customers against AML/KYC regulations worldwide, depending on where they and the exchange are located. For more information, visit www.identitymindglobal.com.
The current real estate record keeping system is slow, inefficient, and has very little transparency. Redressing property rights and other issues is not uniform around the world, or even within the same country. Ubitquity's blockchain record keeping hopes to change that. By recording, storing, and tracking property rights on a system that is parallel to the current paper system, Ubitquity will shorten the wait times for requested records, lower title insurance costs, and even help combat government corruption and backward policies and procedures. Ubitquity currently works on the Bitcoin blockchain, though they are compatible with other blockchains, as well, and are currently focused on North American municipalities. However, they are looking to expand into South America, and have tested their product in Brazil. For more information, visit www.ubitquity.io.
Simple Coin is just that–a simple way to buy and sell bitcoin using Euros or other national currencies. The Simple Coin website posts their prices, to both buy and sell bitcoin, and users are guaranteed that price for 4 hours. Users then simply state how much in bitcoin they would like to either sell or receive and send their money via wire transfer–necessary, as many Czech banks will not work with bitcoin and cryptocurrency companies. The money that they have purchased is then deposited into their own wallet. Simple Coin is considering creating their own token, and beginning November 2017 will allow exchanges in LiteCoin and Bitcoin Cash. They are also hoping to allow Americans the opportunity to use their platform in the future. For more information, visit www.simplecoin.eu.
Nexus is a cryptocurrency and an online platform that intends to offer an alternative to centralized payment systems and Internet. Nexus coin can be used for micro-transactions without large fees, while the Nexus platform intends to use a mesh network of satellites to create a decentralized internet that is separate from the traditional hard lines running around the world. The basis of Nexus is that once quantum computing becomes readily available, other platforms and digital currencies will need to rapidly increase their security. Nexus is building in quantum computing-resistant security features from the very beginning, including a 571-bit private key and hashing algorithms. Additionally, because Nexus has three different mining channels, individuals wanting to dictate how the company operates would need to have 51% of all three channels. Nexus is also building a library of template protocols for developers, as well as developing key suites. This means that individuals won't have to re-use private keys, reducing the ability of quantum computers to sift through strings of data in order to find them. For more information, visit www.nexus.com.
Payment and identity security and transactions are at the core of the consulting work done by Consult Hyperion. During any sort of transaction, users need to be able to pay for services, and companies or government agencies who are providing those services need to be able to verify who is completing the transaction. Identity, in particular, becomes a big issue because most people's digital identities and accounts are safeguarded by passwords only. This can become a weak link if multiple accounts use the same password, causing problems and friction for all parties involved. Individuals may not want their governments to be the keeper of their digital identities, for reasons ranging from privacy concerns to fears that governments may abruptly change. A solution that Consult Hyperion is currently working on in conjunction with the Canadian banking system allows for online identity authentication through distributed ledger technology. Once authenticated, these identities can be encrypted and transmitted through an intermediary to the Canadian government, allowing citizens to access various government services without compromising the security of their identities and related data. For more information, or to work with Consult Hyperion, visit www.chyp.com.
Join us for a discussion with the Managing Director of Bittunes, Simon Edhouse, as he explains the idea and mission of this breakthrough platform and how they are using bitcoin to transform the music industry. Bittunes is not only changing the way digital music is distributed on the internet for artists who want to do so, but also it allows fans to earn bitcoin as they participate. Company Bio: Bittunes is an Australian Start Up Company that has taken on the mission to create a new software platform to do something remedial in relation to the music industry. This has been a long term goal, going back almost ten years, but was kick started in 2013 with the sudden wide adoption of Bitcoin in April 2013
Qtum is a cryptocurrency that allows mobile and IOT devices to execute smart contracts, using a proof of stake consensus. Qtum doesn't utilize voting, master nodes, or minimum coin requirements. Instead, the number of coins that you hold in your wallet determines how likely you are to create stake blocks and get rewarded. This technology can be used in many different use cases, from verifying the origin or contents of items like wine or fine art, to creating a mesh network of satellites around the world–anything with sensitive data that can be protected by putting in on the blockchain. Qtum uses an independent blockchain that is related to Ethereum. In the future, Qtum hopes to release a platform that can act as an app store, for companies to purchase and download smart contracts that they can use for their own business needs. For more information, visit www.reddit.com/r/qtum or www.qtum.org.
DTCC, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, begun over 40 years ago, is an established player in the global financial infrastructure, performing key roles as a primary clearing house and settlement organization for stock market trades, processing for the derivative swap market, and other services for the insurance and financial industries. Wholly owned by the financial industry, DTCC is taking a leading role in integrating blockchain and distributed ledger technology into the industry, especially with stock market trades and credit default swaps. In particular, distributed ledger technology holds a lot of promise in the industry–though allowing various ledgers from different trading companies to automatically reconcile with one another is the challenge. Rob also offers his thoughts, as a financial industry insider, on the future and role of cryptocurrencies. For more information, visit www.dtcc.com.
Star Trek captured the imagination of physicist Ethan Siegel, through the show's depiction of how science and technology were used to not only benefit all of humanity, but available for all–a vision that he likes, and hopes becomes a reality in our world. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek, Ethan looks at some of the technology featured on the show–in areas ranging from medical to weapons to communications and more–and talks about which technologies already exist, such as the tractor beam and the teleporter, which are in development, like the phazer, and which are unlikely, such as artificial gravity. Ethan also discusses some ethical issues posed by scientific developments, such as the creation of copies/destruction of the original during the teleportation process, and cyber security for implanted microchips in the brain that would allow blind individuals to see. To purchase a copy of Trekology, visit Amazon or your local bookseller.
Coinme is the first fully licensed cryptocurrency ATM network in the United States, and is compliant with AML/KYC regulations. Users are able to withdraw up to $2500 per day, and each time they use an ATM, they will be rewarded with a digital 1% cash back in the form of UpToken, which will be purchased specifically for that purpose. UpToken will give its holders special privileges, including allowing them to vote on which cryptocurrencies to add to the ATMs, and where new ATMs should be located. There is also a current UpToken sale, with daily changing discounts for purchasers. Overall, both Neil and JR view this as a way to engage with those individuals who are not currently involved in the cryptospace. For more information, visit www.uptoken.com.
Lucid Exchange is a global, decentralized exchange that allows its users to tokenize and trade various securities, currencies, and commodities through the use of TRD tokens. Users will need to enter the exchange with TRD tokens, which they can then use to exchange for currencies, securities, and commodities such as gold, crude oil, rice, or coffee, and trade with other users. Fully US regulation compliant, Lucid Exchange's goal is to introduce a new standard of transparency and efficiency for the cost and speed of exchanges. Over the next year, Lucid exchange plans to make their platform more user-friendly, as well as create a mobile platform for its users. For more information, or to get started trading, visit www.lucidexchange.io.
“The thing I want most from the ecosystem is transparency…I think we should have a level playing field across exchanges and good practices so that exchanges are not used for money laundering because that’s certainly a cost for the system as a whole,” says Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium. Paymium was created in 2011 as one of the first exchanges in the cryptocurrency space, and the current platform has been running continuously since 2013. But there are a couple of things that set the Paymium exchange apart from the rest: security and regulatory compliance. In fact, Paymium is the first exchange to maintain a long-term, successful banking relationship. But at what price, and do the pros outweigh the cons? Noizat is eager to discuss it all, so tune in to learn more. Noizat also discusses: * How the addition of too many cryptocurrencies (and too quickly) can be dangerous and compromise security. * Future plans to add more cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies to the platform while maintaining the same level of security and compliance. * The dangers and risks of margin trading, especially with BTC. * How cold wallets work, and how they confer a significant security benefit.
A significant portion of the world’s population operates outside the bounds of the traditional banking industry with informal capital, leaving them without a way to document their financial transactions or prove their liquidity to potential creditors. As Founder of Koibanx, Leo Elduayen has harnessed blockchain technology to develop a tool that will allow the unbanked to create and develop credit histories, as well as send and receive payments through an API. “We position ourselves as partners with the current financial industry. We have the means, we have the know-how, we have the expertise in this kind of niche technology that will allow them to take their business to this new sector,” says Elduayen. Koibanx has created just two years ago, but they’ve already acquired two major clients: the second largest bank in Columbia and the largest creditor in Argentina. Tune in to hear all the details. Elduayen also discusses: * How the payment system works, including the creation of client-sponsored cryptocurrencies used only within the Koibanx system * The potential to build a more in-depth blockchain-based reputation with input from various sources, including relationships with suppliers and geolocation identification * How the system will allow for increased efficiency, reduced costs and complete user-control
Paycase is one of the oldest and largest bitcoin companies in Canada. They have turned their attention to the global remittance markets, because Canada is the largest per capita currency remitter in the world, with $2-4 Billion being sent annually to The Philippines, and $4-6 Billion to each India and China. Paycase works by trading Canadian currency into bitcoin, then trading bitcoin into the local currency of wherever it is being sent, and sending it to the correct user–however, users only see that they have traded Canadian dollars for local currency. Because this uses a bitcoin price comparison instead of the interbank rate, it reduces the cost of using Western Union by 60-90%. Ultimately, Paycase will allow businesses to be more in control of their own payment services. For more information, visit www.paycase.com.
Though Roger has only been involved in the cryptospace since the beginning of 2017, he has already discovered some tips and tricks that he is willing to share. Some exchanges, such as Crypto VA or Nova Exchange, will give you commissions for referring others. He also recommends using Coinergy, a platform that connects other exchanges into one place. Looking at a coin's community–how active they are on Slack/Telegram, how much they're willing to help newcomers, how committed developers are, and how many people are actually willing to hold on to their coin–are some great indicators of whether you should invest in it. All of these tips and more are combined into his trading group, Crypto Trading Pro. The group creates money for both members and those holding other cryptos by choosing a coin to purchase in large amounts. After creating marketing materials and promoting the coin for several weeks, the coin has risen in value, and creates a profit for all its holders. For more information, or to get started trading, visit www.cryptotradingpro.com
Beginning by servicing wallet providers, Bitgo now allows companies to integrate cryptocurrencies directly into their existing financial service systems, through a fork of the Bitcoin blockchain. Currently, they are working with the British Royal Mint and the Chicago Mercantile exchange to token the trading of gold and other assets all over the world. By using the bitcoin blockchain to replace low-level auditing procedures, the entire trading history of the gold can be verified, without having to physically touch the gold. To accomplish this, Bitgo has created a multi-signature software called Prova, which breaks private keys into 3 parts, and distributes them to the user, Bitgo, and an offline back-up key. Users need 2 out of 3 keys in order to initiate transactions, greatly increasing user's security. In the future, they hope to add the ability to make atomic swaps, and will continue to work on improving the Prova software. For more information, visit www.bitgo.com.
Gridcoin is an open-source cryptocurrency that rewards voluntary computing through the BOINC platform. The BOINC platform allows scientific projects in need of distributed computing power to connect with and reward the volunteers who can provide it.Examples of projects that are currently or have in the past been posted on BOINC are scientists attempting to discover cures for HIV/AIDS, cancer, malaria, and Ebola, mapping the Milky Way, and crack Enigma code machines. The platform is free to use, for both scientists with projects and volunteers, and each project is given equal amounts of Gridcoin to rewards its volunteers. Gridcoin can be kept, or traded for other cryptocurrencies and fiat through several centralized or de-centralized exchanges. In the future, Gridcoin hopes to be able to scale to the point where they can list more projects and ultimately reward a greater percentage of their user base. For more information, visit www.gridcoin.us.
Open Bazaar is an open-source, peer to peer, online market place that connects buyers and sellers of all types of products to connect with each other, without fees or censorship. There are some major development projects coming out in the next 6-12 months, the biggest being what they call their Developer Playground. In order to maintain the collective resources needed to nurture the Open Bazaar platform and maintain developer collaboration, the Developer Playground will allow developers and contributors to compete in contributor activities, earn badges and rankings, vote for new ideas, create features, and manage their accounts. Open Bazaar is also looking for increased integration with 3rd party applications, and to streamline the process of using GitHub to further develop the platform. Position: Developer Network Lead (OpenBazaar) Email: braden@openbazaar.org For more information, or to get involved, visit www.openbazaar.org.
In this day and age, people around the world need to be able to store and use items that are incredibly valuable. To this end, Vida Identity is creating a password-less encryption system for all of your important data and files. Unlike traditional key managers, there is no master password to all a user's accounts. Instead, each password and file is encrypted with a different private key. Those keys are then sharded, and distributed to different devices, such as a smartphone. That device would need to be present, in order to create a transaction on the blockchain. Though this system is currently still in testing, Erik believes it could be ready for market in 3-6 months–quick enough to get the product out to consumers quickly, but secure enough for all users. For more information, visit www.vidaidentity.com.
Expanse, which runs on the first stable fork of the Ethereum blockchain, creates decentralized applications for their clients. One of their applications is Token Labs, which does token and ICO management. Similar to an ERC-20 token, Token Lab has released their own token protocol, ERC-644. It is similar to the ERC-20 token, but allows for the token to be upgraded. Past and current clients include Check-in, Pretorium Group (PAX), and Dropped, a company looking to make big changes to how music artists connect with their fans. Becoming a client takes not only a great idea, but the capacity to actually make their idea a reality. Within the next year, Token Lab will add a marketplace and an exchange, while Expanse will be working towards greater community involvement. For more information, visit www.expanse.tech or www.tokenlab.io.
“Trust in the charity sector has basically collapsed in the last few years. It’s something that’s true in the UK, the US, Canada, and all around Europe…there is just this general cynicism in the charity sector,” says Raphael Mazet, CEO of Alice. Whether that cynicism has emerged from the existence of corruption, the mismanagement of funds or just the opacity of the charity industry in general, Alice is a blockchain-based donation platform that offers a transparent solution. Unlike traditional donation platforms, Alice retains a donor’s contribution in escrow until the pre-specified goal for which it was intended has been accomplished and independently verified as such. Press play to learn more. Mazet also discusses: * Specific charity projects that are soon to be launched * Alice’s current business model (and plans for a future, modified business model) * How to connect and make donations through Alice
“Normally, you would host your own node to interact with the blockchain and sync the blockchain, but what we’re doing is using a superior messaging protocol and proof of stake collateral system, so you can connect your mobile device to these Ethereum nodes that already exist,” explains Nick Fierro, CEO of Mimir Blockchain Solutions. So, what does this accomplish? By allowing users and developers to bypass the process of setting up their own nodes and syncing them to the blockchain, it reduces the time necessary to scale projects. But that’s not all: the more people that join the network, the more nodes, and as the number of nodes increase, so too does the level of security in the system. It’s the first of its kind, and it’s already generating a good deal of interest. Tune in to learn more. Fierro also discusses: * How Mimir incentivizes people to join the network and how that, in turn, allows for more secure transfers of information between nodes and mobile devices. * An upcoming blockchain-based augmented reality application (and the benefits of using the blockchain for this purpose). * The prospect of creating an incentivized economy for finding escape routes and making them available to victims of natural disasters via mobile device apps. * How developers and users can get in contact with Mimir Blockchain.
Described by its users as the next generation PayPal with built-in trust, Monetha was founded on the idea that merchants cannot be given trust without transactions occuring. Monetha has two parts that work together. The first is a payment processor on the Ethereum blockchain, powered by smart contracts. The second, and more important part, is a decentralized trust and reputation system for online merchants on the platform, allowing users to see and contribute to trust ratings. When users pay for transactions, their transaction is rated by a smart contract system that looks at not only the value of the transactions, but whether the user experienced any issues, had to return their purchase, and a number of other data points collected both during and after the transactions. Though Monetha is currently for online merchants who allow payments to be made in Ethereum-based coins, in the future they hope to allow fiat transactions, and expand to brick-and-mortar merchants. For more information, visit www.monetha.io.
As co-founders of HireMatch, Chad Kettering and Armando Pantoja have developed a solution to the inefficiencies of the current employee recruitment industry. By utilizing blockchain technology to decentralize the employee recruitment market, HireMatch casts an unrestricted net on the pool of all applicants at any given time. “The decentralized nature of it is one of the beauties, because…if I hire a typical recruiting agency, they typically are just going to put forward…whoever is under their umbrella. You’re not necessarily getting the best candidate out there, you’re getting the best candidate with that recruitment agency,” says Pantoja. When a job seeker posts their resume on HireMatch, recruiters will verify and carefully match their qualifications with an open position and then submit a recommendation on their behalf. As a result, employers end up with just a few high-quality, fully vetted candidates. What’s in it for the recruiters? A tiered system of token-based payments. Tune in to learn more. Kettering and Pantoja also discuss: * How HireMatch benefits to job seekers in addition to employers. * Common complaints about and problems with traditional recruiters, and how the HireMatch model incentivizes a consistently high level of success from its recruiters. * HireMatch’s current crowdfunding sale and alpha version, as well as the upcoming beta version set for release by the end of this year.
Cashaa aims to provide free financial services to the banked and unbanked populations around the globe, in a way that is simple and user-friendly. To this end, they have created several different financial tools for their users. Cashaa allows users to trade Bitcoin for local currency, send remittance payments, and request microloans. All of this is done through their blockchain-based AuxLedger, created by their parent company, Auxesis Group. Focusing on the unbanked population of the world, their financial services are being rolled out first in India, Indonesia, Philippines, Nigeria, South Africa, UK, and Europe, with the US slated for roll-out in 2020. Overall, these financial tools and services will not only allow the world's unbanked populations access to financial services for the first time, but will empower all people to take advantage of greater investment opportunities. For more information, visit www.cashaa.com.
500 Startups is a seed investor for companies and startups around the globe, who are shipping (or about to ship) a product and looking to grow. 500 Startups is committed to diversity, and looks for companies from outside the US, or are owned by women or minorities. When a company or startup's proposal is accepted, they spend 4 months working with the 500 Startups team, on everything from product markets to business plans. They have worked with several blockchain-related companies, who are working in industries ranging from finance to healthcare. Robert also offers his thoughts on impending government regulations in the bitcoin and blockchain spaces. For more information, or to submit a proposal at the next opening, visit www.500.co.
Working in 4 main areas–investment banking, insurance, travel and leisure, and media–NIIT Technologies offers advanced IT infrastructure management and data analysis services to their clients. Several different use cases exist for the services that they provide. The first that stands out is providing data analysis on high-value clients of an investment bank, in order to discover new potential clients; another use case is route optimization for buses or delivery companies. NIIT promises 50% improvement in marketing technique, 5-10% cost reduction, and increased revenues of 10-20% for their clients. Use cases involving blockchain have just started to arise, leading them to potential new client services, including building applications and triple-entry accounting. For more information, visit www.niit-tech.com.
In order to make it easier for cryptocurrency holders to spend their coins in everyday transactions, TenX has created a mobile wallet, and connected it to a bank-licensed debit card. Users can load their debit card with cryptocurrency from their wallets–currently Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, and ERC20 tokens–and spend those in any online or brick-and-mortar stores with a credit card POS system. Though currently users are only able to exchange cryptocurrency with TenX, the ability to engage in atomic swaps within the mobile app will be available in 2018. Down the road, TenX will support up to 40 different cryptocurrencies, other forms of payment, and allow other users to act as liquidity providers. Dr. Hosp also discusses the future of tokens and the digitization of many different assets, upcoming regulations, and how TenX is planning to use those to build into the future.
Because of the regulatory uncertainty in the US and around the world regarding tokens and ICOs, many exchanges are hesitant to list new tokens, even when they have paperwork showing that their tokens are not considered securities. The creation of new tokens has not slowed down, putting pressure on regulators to act sooner than they might otherwise. Richard believes that new, commonsense regulations are coming, but will be slightly different than the current regulations on securities and commodities, allowing for the unique nature of the industry. However, he concedes that constant pressure, as well as bad behavior by some ICOs, may ultimately create regulations that are not as fair or permissive as investors may want.
Designed to be a decentralized, autonomous market for AI technologies, Singularity Net allows users to upload their own AI applications to the platform. Anyone who wishes to can use that technology, and its creator will be compensated for it. In addition, the AI technologies on the platform have the ability to communicate with and reference each other, and can outsource work to each other as needed. Over time, if the various nodes work together often enough, they will learn which other nodes are good AI applications, will pay each other for services, and ultimately will continuously outsource work to trusted nodes, creating stacks of combined AI applications. For more information, or to get involved, visit www.singularitynet.io.
The main problem of the online casino industry is the centralized nature of their servers. Because these servers are responsible for the random number generation that creates the games, users cannot tell if a casino is cheating its players, making it more likely that they lose against the house. With the use of ethereum-based smart contracts, the random number generation that is essential for the games will be entirely decentralized, meaning that there is no way for the house to cheat. The use of smart contracts will also both increase the speed at which the number generation can take place, and allow for the scalability needed to become a success. Offering black jack, dice, poker, and sports betting, the casino is coming soon. To learn more, or to play once the casino is open, visit www.edgeless.io.
Treeline helps both large companies and startups solve problems and augment resources related to mobile apps and web development, IOT device security, remote monitoring, and product incubation. Having been around for over 10 years, their clients range from the medical field to entertainment, commerce, transportation, and more–any field that would benefit from better technology and increased transparency. Security of IOT devices is one of their main concerns, believing that no matter the device, companies have the responsibility to provide as much security for their users as possible. Though no security is perfect, each component can be designed and created with the highest standards in mind. For more information, or to begin working with Treeline, visit www.treelineinteractive.com.
John Barret, host of the delightful podcast bitcoinsandgravy, is on a mission to make sure that the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency world doesn't lose out on art, music, and entertainment. He has written several songs and parodies about the ecosystem, in an effort to both educate and entertain listeners about the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency–especially since the majority of players in the ecosystem remain focused on the technical aspects. He offers some great thoughts on the long-term value of Bitcoin, which he states is the underlying protocol that a cryptocurrency with the same name happens to be built on. Though the coin acts as a reserve currency in the ecosystem, the underlying protocol will create huge change and innovation around the world. To listen to the latest podcast, visit www.bitcoinsandgravy.com.
Marcello, Demetrick, and Corey, founders, and hosts of The Bitcoin Podcast discuss how they each got into Bitcoin–from an investing standpoint to a computational interest. Initially, their goals for creating the podcast were to educate the general population–and themselves–on the basics of Bitcoin, so that individuals can make an informed decision about whether or not to get involved in the ecosystem. They started out just asking people to come on their show, as part of a roundtable format, and since 2015 have completed over 200 interviews. Their podcast is now part of a network of podcasts, each with their own areas of expertise, from investing, to Ethereum, to people just beginning in the ecosystem. They encourage others to begin their own podcasts, on any topic that interests them, as a way both to learn more and provide information to others who are interested. To start listening to The Bitcoin Podcast and other podcasts in their network, visit www.thebitcoinpodcast.com.
“We’re trying to build a decentralized LinkedIn on the Ethereum blockchain,” says Gaurang Torvekar, CTO, and co-founder of Indorse. While the benefits of doing so may not be immediately clear, Torvekar explains three fundamental problems with LinkedIn and other centralized social network sites: a lack of user control over their own data, the monetization of user data (with no return for the user), and the inability to validate user identity and information. By operating on a blockchain, Indorseallows its users to maintain complete control over their data and gain IND token rewards in direct proportion to their activity on the platform. But that’s not all: Indorse has a system to ensure that every claim is validated by other users in the network before it ends up on a user’s profile. How exactly does that work, and how can we know that it’s reliable? Torkevar is eager to explain. Press play to learn more. Torkevar also discusses: * The use of an escrow smart contract in preventing scamming on the platform * New developments on the horizon and the prospect of all new ICOs having an Indorse profile * The different levels of confidence with each profile * How to find out more about Indorse or apply to get into the Private Alpha
John, Eric, and Chris each came to collecting through different ways–from childhood collecting, to seeing cryptocurrency memorabilia collecting as a merging of hobbies, to getting involved in the arena as a memorabilia producer at Bitcoin Penny. All of the most popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, LiteCoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Monero, and more have collectible coins that interested individuals can purchase. Coins fall into three categories–funded coins, which users can destroy and redeem for actual cryptocurrency; DIY coins, which can have a value assigned to them by the user; and non-funded coins, which are strictly for collecting purposes only. Memorabilia is not limited to coins, but can also include wallets and artwork. There is a variety of quality in these memorabilia, and published encyclopedias detail all the different items out there. Because many of the creators of these memorabilia are well-known, there is not much fraud in the industry. For more information, or to request that they bring specific pieces to the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference in February, you can contact them through the Bitcoin Talks Forums, in their collecting sub-forums. John goes by the user name minerjones, Eric by hybridsole, and Chris at bitcoinpenny.
Bitwage is a payroll and invoicing system build on top of Bitcoin, which allows wages from an employer located in the US, UK, or EU to be deposited directly into a special checking account. The funds deposited into this checking account are converted into Bitcoin, and then sent to the wallet of your choice. Workers are able to indicate what percentage of their paychecks will be sent to this checking account, with the account appearing to be a normal account to the employer. To date, Bitwage has completed $28 million in transactions, and boasts 18,000 users in over 90 countries around the world. This can be used by anyone from digital nomads to employees of large companies, or even government agencies. For more information, or to get started, visit www.bitwage.com.
Imagine having a source of low-cost, basic nutrition growing indefinitely on your own countertop. “Think of it like a Keurig for nutrition…way more nutritious than the fruits and vegetables in your garden, and it takes a lot less space,” says Elliot Roth, founder of Spira. With the use of a specific type of algae called spirulina-one of the most nutrient-dense food sources on the planet, composed of 60% protein by weight, 13 vitamins and 8 minerals-Roth aims to put the power of nutrition in the hands of the people. Spira emerged from very humble beginnings, as Roth recollects, “For a period of a couple of months, I was dumpster diving and looking for different ways to provide for myself. I think that a lot of people are in a very similar situation across the United States, so I took that problem and wanted to figure out how to turn it into an opportunity to solve it for everyone.” Despite the immensity of its returns, spirulina requires very little to flourish: air, water, light and salts. Press play to learn more. Roth also discusses: * How to purchase a spirulina kit from livespira.com, what’s included, and how to see your first harvest come to fruition * Why store-bought, processed forms of spirulina are inferior in terms of taste, nutrition and cost * How Spira can cater to individual nutritional requirements by providing specific types of salts that enable the growth of spirulina * The best and tastiest ways to consume spirulina, how long it can be stored, and the prospect of developing spirulina-based bars and breads
Luno.com is a Bitcoin platform that allows people to convert local currency into Bitcoin, and securely hold it until they wish to use it. It was originally developed with emerging markets in mind because Bitcoin has been rising against the US Dollar and the Euro, while many local currencies around the world have fallen by comparison, though now users also have the ability to convert Euros into Bitcoin through Luno as well. Because users can store, transfer, and switch between fiat and Bitcoin, it has been popular in areas underserved by traditional finance infrastructure, though it has different use cases around the world, which Van Rooyenhappily discusses. For more information, visit www.luno.com.
In 2014, Bread Wallet was created as a secure, user-friendly solution for sending and receiving Bitcoin (a wallet). But today, it’s on the verge of becoming so much more: the term “wallet” will soon be dropped from the name to signify a shift away from a simple wallet and toward a decentralized banking platform. “What we envision is the continuation of this digitization of assets, these digital tokens that will come to represent many different things above and beyond money…these will be assets that combined would form your portfolio, and Bread would like to be the platform that allows you to hold everything,” says Aaron Lasher, co-founder of Bread Wallet. Above all, Lasher and Bread Wallet’s CRO, Brent Traidman, value security and ease of use through education, which is a good indication that these essential qualities will not be compromised amidst the coming revamp. “Educating people in this space is something everybody needs to do to bring more users into the ecosystem, so that’s something we’re definitely building into the new system,” says Traidman. Tune in to learn how. Lasher and Traidman also discuss: * Bread Wallet’s upcoming inclusion of Ethereum and ERC20 coins, and the fully redesigned app that’s just days away from launching. * The measures are taken to ensure a high level of both security and privacy for users. * The Bitcoin Therapy Hotline (how and why it was started, and some interesting insight that’s been gained from it). https://breadapp.com/blog/ http://fortune.com/2017/09/27/bitcoin-ethereum-ico-bread-wallet/
Sur BTC is fiat-gateway Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange located in Chile, with additional operations in Colombia and Peru. Though the exchange is open to people from around South America, the regulatory landscape is very different across the continent–from a very loose, liberal regulatory framework in Chile, to a more restricted framework in Bolivia. Torrealba discusses the need for clearer regulations, in order to keep people from being taken advantage of by Ponzi schemes using Bitcoin and other cryptos, but which still allows legitimate businesses to grow. Worried about the potential for stifling regulations created by politicians who don't fully understand the crypto ecosystem, Sur BTC is going to begin lobbying efforts to create regulations that foster growth but don't allow for individuals to be taken advantage of. Torrealba also discusses the different ways that crypto is used across South America, including remittances and as a means of escaping harmful regimes. To find out more, visit www.surbtc.com.
Vaultoro is a centralized exchange that allows individuals to use Bitcoin to purchase gold, which is then held for you in a high-security vault in Switzerland. Unlike traditional banks, where money deposited becomes property of the bank to use or lose, trading Bitcoin for gold means that you will always have this gold waiting for you. Monthly audits means that your gold is safe, is always available when you want to use it, and monthly statements are issued to all individuals. Eventually, Vaultoro plans to offer a basket of commodities for users to trade in, including silver and platinum, and possibly palladium and other cryptocurrenceis. They are also working on creating a debit card that would allow users to spend their gold in real time. For more information, visit www.vaultoro.com.
Current energy markets are highly inefficient. Particularly in Texas, where Grid Plus was founded, the biggest inefficiencies are through the retailers, or utility companies. These retailers are not responsible for creating energy nor for maintaining the grid, and yet have nearly a 100% markup on the energy purchased through them. Grid Plus plans to change that, by using the Ethereum blockchain to allow consumers to pay for electricity in real-time. This means that paying consumers wont have to subsidize the bills of individuals who don't pay, much of the administrative costs of traditional retailers can be eliminated, and energy sold to consumers for a lower cost–saving the average consumer an estimated 35-40%. Pre-paying with fiat or credit cards allows digital tokens to be sent to the consumer agent, who will facilitate the paying of energy in real-time. This system also will allow people to purchase solar panels and put energy back into the grid. Ultimately, they hope to incentivize peer-to-peer transactions, and the creation of local grids. For more information, visit www.gridplus.io.
Brian Deery, Chief Scientist at Factom, returns to the podcast to offer his insight on a variety of topics, including atomic swaps and centralized versus decentralized exchanges. “Decentralized exchanges are badly needed…lower fees… higher liquidity…the absence of surveillance…political neutrality…and greater security,” says Deery. So, why haven’t decentralized exchanges already been widely adopted? What’s stopping them from taking hold in the crypto world? Should people be putting their trust in centralized exchanges? Deery pulls from a wealth of knowledge to provide in-depth answers to all of these questions and more. Tune in to hear Deery discuss more on the following: * Exchange issues: including Mt. Gox, BTC-e, Bittrex, and ShapeShift * How exactly atomic swaps work, and why they are necessary in order for decentralized exchanges to work * The New York Agreement and political neutrality
The fourth annual Texas Bitcoin Conference is just around the corner, slated for October 28-29 in Austin, Texas. “I think this is a period of great innovation, and people are looking to see how to use the blockchain to solve real problems…and how to take part in such a way that…when cryptocurrency explodes, they’ve got a roll, they’ve got a piece of it. So a lot of this conference is going to be focused on that, and on the technology, the opportunities, and how to use cryptocurrencies as a store of value,” says Snow. But he was sure to add that the topics won’t shy away from current controversies, but will address them head on: what does Bitcoin Cash mean for Bitcoin, what does SegWit 2x mean, and what is the roadmap going forward? * Tune in to hear Snow discuss more, including the following: * Some of the speakers and sponsors that will be attending * Insights and accomplishments that have come out of conferences from previous years * The different types of workshops that will be available, and the “20-20-20” format of the conference * How to find out more details (and where to get discount codes!)
Interested in getting involved in the world of cryptocurrency, but have no idea where to begin? Overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, and unsure of which is legitimate? You’re not alone: this is exactly where both Troy Mihalek and Ryan Faust found themselves just a couple of years ago. “We focused CryptoVice around our journey over the last year and a half of being in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. We found that when we jumped in, there was a lot of terminologies, and a lot of things that we felt were over our head. We didn’t understand,” says Faust. CryptoVice is an educational platform providing the latest information, news, and perspective on cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and the blockchain. Tune in to learn more. * The long-term effects of ICO regulation (and how it may be a good thing) * The nature and importance of physical Bitcoin, and the Encyclopedia of Bitcoin * Where to access CryptoVice learning materials, videos and tutorials (and how to get in contact with Mihalek or Foust)
Auxesis Group creates innovative blockchain solutions for companies and governments, and is one of the 100 most influential blockchain companies around the globe. Among their projects is the AuxLedger, which allows for the creation of individual identities and the distribution of public benefits through the ledger. Cashaa, a zero-fee remittance system, is a new initiative that has an ICO coming soon. Additionally, Auxesis Group also works to create smart contracts for insurance companies, as well as a cryptocurrency exchange. These are all particularly useful in emerging economies, where IT infrastructure may not always be functional, or even existent. For more information, visit www.auxesisgroup.com.
Whether you're a small developer or a large Fortune 500 company, getting consumers to interact with your app or engage in transactions is the key to your success. Plaid helps to connect 3rd party applications to user's bank accounts, in order to streamline transactions made through those applications, and verifies user identities at set up. It can also help send transaction data to bookkeeping applications. This helps to prevent fraud, by not only verifying that users are who they say they are, but also verifying that companies that use their technology–including big banks, Venmo, Square, and Coinbase–are legitimate. In the future, they hope to expand to 100% coverage of financial services companies and consumers in the US. For more information, visit www.plaid.com.
Bitcoin stands for financial freedom,” says Shiva Sitamraju of Blockonomics. “Our philosophy is that we shouldn’t be a custodial wallet, or a custodian of your funds.” Instead, Blockonomics helps facilitate merchants to accept Bitcoin by providing automatic updates to invoices, a wallet watcher displaying account balances, and a dynamic Bitcoin pricing display. With a simple WordPress eCommerce plug-in on a merchant’s website, they can accept Bitcoin and utilize the features offered by Blockonomics–all while having the security of knowing that the funds will move directly from the customer to their own wallet. Blockonomics is a service for anybody and everybody: there is no screening process and no documentation required. Press play to learn more. Sitamraju also discusses * Blockonomics’ major customers and volume of transactions * Other needs that are not being serviced by this type of application * Future plans on the horizon for Blockonomics
As a musical artist in today’s world, it can take two years to syndicate a single piece of work. And with the sheer volume of content on the internet, it’s difficult for any once piece to be accurately traced back to its creator. But imagine if artists were able to syndicate their work globally and instantaneously, and get paid for their work the moment that it’s heard. Vaughn McKenzie, CEO and co-founder of JAAK, is helping to make that a reality. “When you have one entry point to the global rights databases that exist around the world, you could make that one entry point in the supply chain propagate across everywhere…so if you register once, you register everywhere…everyone knows you made a song and they know who to pay should they decide to use it,” says McKenzie. But this is just the first part of the JAAK blockchain-based platform: the second offers a scalable licensing solution that allows for easy access to and the legal use of content by bloggers, developers and entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to learn more. McKenzie also discusses: Meta ID and the decentralization of trust in the network as a means of preventing fraudulent activity The current barriers that people face when they want to use content in their own applications, and how JAAK provides the solution The ways in which JAAK can increase revenue for the creators of content What’s on the horizon for JAAK, including the prospect of syndicating TV content
Imagine waking up and realizing that all of the banks had been shut down and the entirety of your savings had been lost overnight. That’s exactly what happened to the citizens of Argentina in the mid 1990s. Amidst a huge economic crisis, they needed solutions. Over the past several decades, the economic situation in the rest of Latin America has become increasingly uncertain, causing many to question the practices of the banking industry. But as a silver lining, something new has emerged in Latin America: increased involvement and interest in the adoption of crypto technology. It’s an interest driven by a necessity to break free from government-controlled currencies, and in some cases, to simply obtain everyday goods for sustenance. “There is a huge interest from people to understand the technology and take part in what we think is going to be an incredible shift in the balance of power and wealth all across the world, and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish: to educate people and put the message out there that….they don’t have to live under the thumb of bankers and corrupt governments…they can take control of their own wealth,” says Felipe Huicochea. As CEO of Criptomonedas TV, Huicochea has made it his mission to disseminate the knowledge and tools necessary to make that shift happen. Press play to learn more. Huicochea also discusses: · The recent surge of requests for a proof of stake currency in Venezuela · The mitigation of transaction fees through the use of alternative cryptocurrencies (and why Dash communities are growing rapidly) · How and why mass adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies will occur
“The world is getting transformed… a lot of entrepreneurs don’t realize how extraordinary what they’ve done is. They are banking the unbanked, they’re ensuring the uninsurable,” says Tim Draper, who as a billionaire venture capitalist seeks precisely those types of entrepreneurs- the types that focus on ICOs as precursors to greater movements with the potential to affect global change. Draper discusses the current state of the crypto and ICO world, offers unique insight on the future actions likely to be taken by the SEC, and makes predictions about the ways in which blockchain and crypto technology will revolutionize the world.“When you’re breaking new ground like this, nobody knows what’s going to happen with it, nobody knows how to regulate it, nobody really has any idea where it’s going…but we all know it’s something big.” Hit play to hear more. Draper also discusses: · The benefits of utilizing blockchains as ledgers for companies and governments · How blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies will curb the power exerted by governments over their people and serve as a check on fiat currency · Insight on the current state of China and which direction they may be headed in the future
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies represent a new type of asset class and marketplace for investors to get involved in, similar to traditional markets such as NASDAQ. Index investing has always helped investors take advantage of broad market movements, and Coincube offers free investment software to help open up these new crypto asset markets to investors. Their software connects to 7 different exchanges, and users can pick from pre-selected indexes of the top 10, 20, or 30 crypto-tokens. Users are able to choose between market caps weighting or equally weighted, and the software will buy and sell the appropriate tokens to keep the portfolio allocated the way users want. As Coincube is not currently regulated in such a way that allows them to give specific investment advice, they hope to change this in the near future. Down the road, they are looking at introducing premium accounts with specialized tools, and an investment dashboard to keep track of all user's investment activities. For more information, or to get started investing, visit www.coincube.io.
AML, or Anti-Money Laundering, regulations are present in nearly every country worldwide, and have been enacted to prevent (or make significantly more difficult) the act of making money from criminal sources appear legally earned. Because blockchain represents a transfer of value, all companies using this technology have an obligation to negate the risk of money-laundering through their businesses as much as possible. This can be done through AML and Know Your Client (KYC) policies and procedures, and Coinfirm provides the business analysis tools needed for companies to do their due diligence. For more information, visit www.coinfirm.io.
Currently, merchants have several issues with taking credit card payments, including high fees and a general lack of transparency. These problems can be solved with crypto tokens such as Bitcoin or Dash, but many users are confused by all the additional services and products needed to efficiently make payments using cryptocurrency–compliance and tax services, AML/KYC regulations, exchange and digital wallet access, and more. Alt36 has created a platform that includes all these additional services, ultimately allowing users to efficiently make payments using Dash cryptocurrency. Using Dash solves many of the problems of other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. It also has the ability to provide greater value to industries such as cannabis, who currently operate entirely in cash and have strict compliance regulations. Ultimately, Alt36 plans to help encourage the adoption of Dash, and make it the leading cryptocurrency. For more information, visit www.alt36.com.
Gerald Reihsen, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference in Dallas, offers some thoughts on why it is necessary to properly set up blockchain companies and ICOs to minimize potential civil and criminal liabilities. Many companies are currently being formed with little appreciation of how to build a successful company, and keep it a success for the long term–many are jumping straight in to the deep end of the pool with their ICOs, and have not stopped to consider how upcoming regulations on ICOs and securities might affect their businesses in the future. Though there is currently little in the way of regulation of ICOs in the cryptospace, that won't stop companies, their founders, and exchanges from being liable for failing to follow the regulations that are coming–even if your business is located outside the US, or you don't allow US customers to take place in ICO sales. For more information, visit www.swordshieldlaw.com, or email Gerald at greihsen@swordshieldlaw.com.
“There are very few proof of stake currencies… people like to stick with what they know,” says Douglas Pike. But just three years ago, Pike decided to venture into this lesser explored area of crypto technology, becoming the co-creator and lead developer of VeriCoin- a proof of stake (PoS) currency that distinguishes itself from other PoS currencies in a number of ways. “We wanted to take the proof of stake model that existed and improve upon it and build the foundation for a currency that was decentralized, but also basically costless,” says Pike. Aside from affordability, VeriCoin promises significantly faster transactions times. How? By developing a consensus pairing between VeriCoin and Verium (a digital reserve), they created the first every dual blockchain system that combines a proof of stake chain with a proof of work chain. They call it Binary Chain, and you can expect to be hearing a lot more about it in the coming months. Tune in to hear Pike’s in-depth explanation of these topics and more. Pike also discusses: * The most important distinctions between proof of stake and proof of work, as well as how the combination of the two makes Binary Chain so effective as a solution for slow transaction rates and scalability. * VeriCoin’s staking parameters, network parameters and the size of the VeriCoin network * The decentralization/democratization of mining
Piracy is a huge problem for TV networks, cable, and satellite providers, and Verimatrix provides scramblers, descramblers, and other encryption methods to ensure that paid content is communicated to subscribers only. Verimatrix also provides security for IOT devices. Many of these devices are rushed to be put on the market, or their developers and manufacturers simply do not place a premium on the need for security. Using blockchain technology, devices can create an identity, which can become trusted through cryptosecurity methods such as shared secrets or issue certificates. They believe that the first IOT devices to get these security measures will be the devices that need them most, such as door locks and surveillance cameras, and will spread to all other types of devices afterwards. For more information, visit www.verimatrix.com.
Richard Jacobs didn't start out as a Bitcoin industry insider–instead, he realized that during the stress and unhappiness of the 2016 election season, reading and learning about cryptocurrency and blockchain fascinated him, and ultimately made him happy. In order to learn more about the industry, he began Future Tech Podcast. Since his first interview with Mate Tokay of Bitcoin.com, he has interviewed more than 200 industry insiders, from all corners of cryptospace–miners, hodlers, whales, crypto enthusiasts, founders of blockchain companies, venture capitalists, and much more. This gave Ricahrd a unique, bird's eye view of the crypto industry. Intended both for curious newcomers and experienced veterans, Richard's book “Bitcoin, Ethereum, Alt Coins, and Blockchain: Surprising Insights from 200+ Interviews with Industry Insiders” provides an overview of many advances in cryptospace, as well as reference pages for each company mentioned. Ultimately, his book is a way to both educate those who are interested in learning more, as well as to thank those who have helped him get where he is today. Don't forget to check out the Bitcoin, Ethereum & Blockchain Superconference, Dallas, Texas, Feb 16-18. Go to www.bitcoinsuperconference.com to register or get on the free notification list.
Turning your ideas into something tangible–that's the goal of the consultants at SetDev. Specializing in assisting companies in the cryptocurrency space, machine learning, Facebook's React framework, and virtual reality fields, SetDev has helped many companies be able to offer tangible products, including an intelligent fashion feedback app, a blockchain application designed to keep elected officials accountable to their constituents, and the monetization of a music streaming service. LaFarga also offers some thoughts on the tech skills that companies and individuals should know, and some advice on how to decide which cryptotokens and ICOs to invest in. For more information, or to work on an idea with SetDev, visit www.setdev.io.
“At the end of the day, it’s about getting corruption out of our public ledgers, and those public ledgers are both voting and budgets… by putting the voting and these budgets on blockchains, we remove the corruption. And now that’s going to reflect the will of the people,” says Herb Stephens, explaining the ultimate aim of Democracy Earth. As president of the company, Stephens elaborates on the ways in which a blockchain-based online voting system would bring an unprecedented level of transparency, accessibility, and understanding to the democratic process. As it stands, elections and polls across the globe are vulnerable to manipulation, limited by the binary choice of a “yes” or “no” vote, and reflective only of those who can cast their opinions at a polling station. “Liquid democracy opens up possibilities, so we can think of different forms of democracy operating over time,” says Stephens. “Right now we have liquid democracy, but it’s frozen.” Stephens also discusses: * His skepticism regarding successful adoption by the U.S., and why there is resistance to the level of transparency that Democracy Earth makes possible. * The meaning behind the term “decision laundering” and how it can be prevented through the use of blockchains. * The new Democracy Earth token called “vote” and the upcoming, first of its kind Initial Rights Offering (IRO). * Examples of top-down and bottom-up use cases.
It’s brand new, but it’s already growing: the Redwood Digital Group Fund (RDG Fund) is a cryptocurrency fund that operates in several areas, including crypto lending, algorithmic trading and indexing. Any accredited investor interested in blockchain-based tokens can choose to invest in the RDG Fund, which has already attracted a wide variety of investors. We’re “continually building systems… and looking to organize data…in a way that makes sense, that’s actionable, and that develops actionable insights,” says Yerger. In addition, the RDG Fund emphasizes the importance and benefits of indexing, viewing it as “a very, very powerful vehicle, that if done properly, can increase your exposure and reduce your risk.” Press play to learn more about this budding fund. Yerger also discusses: The reason for using algorithms instead of human traders, and the role of human intervention in trading The type of investors interested in (and targeted by) the RDG Fund Future plans for the RDG Fund, including expansion and the creation of the company’s first website
There is a great disconnect between the way that we shop for items, and the way that we purchase items–most people will shop for items online, but 9/10 purchases are made in a physical store. Problems that customers can run into include different pricing between online and stores, special offers available in one place but not the other, and more. Through Cardlinx's mobile app, consumers can connect rewards programs and loyalty cards to a payment card, and automatically receive available promotions when making purchases with that card or digital wallet. Cardlinx also assists other collaborations between the different areas of commerce in order to create a seamless experience for consumers. In the future, consumers will be able to order and re-order items through AI virtual assistance, and receive contextual offers based on location and previous purchasing history. For more information, visit www.cardlinx.org.
In order to capture the growing Chinese market for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency, Bixin has created one of the first currency multiple-signature wallets and exchanges based in China. Users are able to purchase Bitcoin and Bitcoin cash with RMB, through either an Android or iOS app, or through their online platform. Bixin currently offers their website in Chinese, English, and Japanese, with a Spanish translation coming soon and possibly a Korean translation down the road. Bixin is also a social media platform, where users can add each other as friends, connect to their Wechat accounts, and more. For more information, visit im.bixin.com.
NYIAX, a forwards advertising contracts exchange, which was developed in conjunction with NASDAQ, combines the two main methods of purchasing advertising content–direct, old fashioned contracts between two parties and a real-time bidding environment. Like the more traditional way of buying and selling advertising space, the buyer and the advertiser come to an agreement on the specifics of a proposal, using blockchain as their core ledger. However, if one party is no longer able to meet the requirements of the contract, it can be traded or re-sold to someone else. This allows companies to only pay for the advertising that they use, and for advertising firms to be able to guarantee their revenue streams. NYIAX has received much positive feedback, and plan to go live in October. For more information, visit www.nyiax.com.
Most online marketplaces, such as Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay, are operated by large companies. Because of this, these platforms charge sellers fees to advertise their products, collect information about sellers and buyers, and censor the products available to shoppers–Amazon, for example, doesn't sell Google Chromecast, a direct competitor to Amazon's Firestick. Open Bazaar is a decentralized, peer-to-peer online marketplace app, meaning that e-commerce can happen without fees, data collection, or product censorship. Additionally, because product inventory can be re-seeded through multiple users, sales can occur even when the seller is offline. A built-in bitcoin wallet allows for purchases to be paid with cryptocurrency or fiat. To learn more, open up a store, or get involved in their version 2.0 beta testing, visit www.openbazaar.org
Pinsent-Masons is a UK-based international law firm, specializing in 5 different sectors. Through the manufacturing/technology sector, they assist large corporations, banks, and even insurance companies in the legal aspects of adopting blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. Most large companies see these technologies as both threats and opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Because of the lack of a centralized authority, legal hurdles are created when companies want to introduce smart contracts into their business models. However, in the future he sees an increased use of bitcoin and ethereum blockchains for all types of use cases, including international payments–any scenario where the removal of a central record keeper has the ability to reduce costs and increase solutions for money laundering and fraud prevention. For more information, visit www.pinsentmasons.com and www.out-law.com.
Michael Pole runs two cryptocurrency investment groups: 1. New Money Mastermind, a paid group for investors with $10K in cryptocurrency and some knowledge of bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general 2. Crypto Curious People, a free group for individuals who are interested in learning more about cryptocurrency and investing, but don’t know where to start. Both groups have the goal of spreading awareness and education about cryptospace, everything from new government regulations of ICOs, to deciding how to choose which ICO’s to invest in. Overall, Michael looks at what problems the ICO is trying to solve, and cautions against investing in anything that you don’t understand. Michael also offers thoughts on the role of Bitcoin as a reserve currency for cryptospace, and how to judge current and future markets. Resources * New Money Mastermind (Paid Cryptocurrency Investing Group – for investors with $10k+): https://www.facebook.com/groups/newmoneymastermind/ The paid group is $299/month, and there is a special offer still running for the first 100 members – more details here: https://www.facebook.com/michael.pole/posts/10155745921848118 * Crypto Curious People (Free Cryptocurrency Investing Group – for beginners to learn the basics): https://www.facebook.com/groups/cryptocuriouspeople/ * Michael’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpole/
The healthcare industry is “Byzantinely complex,” says Corey Todaro, one of the founders of Hashed Health. The freedom to choose from a variety of different providers, says Todaro, “makes a true longitudinal view of a single patient almost an impossibility…it takes a tremendous amount of resources to identify you in different systems and to have a full understanding of your health condition.” For many, the disorganization of the healthcare industry and the inconsistencies that emerge from it are unsettling. Todaro believes that blockchain and distributer ledger technology can provide the solution. “Blockchain pulls transactional players together onto a common and shared transactional platform, so even though we have a diversity of enterprise types…blockchains allow all of these diverse entities to interoperate together in a more efficient and a more promising way.” The ideas and efforts put forth by Hashed Health hold great promise for the future of the healthcare industry. Tune in to learn more. Todaro also discusses: The difference between and importance of provider identity management and patient identity management in creating a more efficient delivery of healthcare services How to reconcile the transparency of the blockchain with the need to protect and secure PHI on the blockchain What’s on the horizon for Hashed Health, including the upcoming blockchain healthcare conference and a unique token offering
Cambridge Global Payments is a foreign exchange and payments provider, focused on building cryptocurrency infrastructure with greater end-user transparency. Currently through swift payments, parties receive notification that the requested payment has been made. However, those same parties cannot see where that money has gone once it leaves the transaction originator. This poses problems when banks decide to hold on to payments, or to subtract large fees from the amount being transferred. Cambridge Global Payments aims to bring transparency and control back to users, with quick and efficient transfers and greater transparency. Though the trend is moving from batch processing to real-life instantaneous processing, they estimate that corporate payments will be slower to adapt than other types of payments, as large companies are content with the current system. For more information, visit www.cambridgefx.com.
Currently, most travel bookings are made through online travel aggregators such as Expedia or Priceline, which use technology that is decades old. These platforms charge large fees to sell hotels and flights to consumers, but may not always have up-to-date inventory listings, collect consumer data, and overall provide lower value to consumers. Winding Tree is an open-source, non-profit travel distribution platform, that doesn't charge fees to list available inventory for purchase. Because it is ethereum-based, inventory availability is easily verified and consumer data is kept private. Winding Tree has been popular with travel providers and agents, and their upcoming token sale in November 2017 provides the opportunity for the public to get involved.
Coinigy offers it all: an enterprise-grade cryptocurrency trading platform, access to every exchange in the world through a single account, charting analysis and portfolio monitoring tools, and an unmatched source of financial and blockchain data with tens of billions of data points. But there’s a lot more on the horizon for Coinigy, including an entirely new mobile app for trading on-the-go, a sentiment analysis tool, and a full portfolio analysis suite. Derek Urben, CFO and co-founder of Coinigy, discusses all this and more. Tune in to hear more on the following: Insight generated by Coinigy, including the ebb and flow of volume on the world’s most commonly used exchanges Emerging institutional and academic demand for access to Coinigy’s data The cost of maintaining a Coinigy account, and how to go about getting one
Everyone has the unalienable right to privacy and security. That's the KoreCoin philosophy, and they are hard at work creating a range of projects with that goal in mind. Their cryptocurrency, KoreCoin, utilizes proof of burn technology, and consensus governance through proof of stake with masternodes. Their desktop wallet integrates TOR privacy features, including the use of anonymous onion wallets. Down the road, they plan to incorporate tumbler to increase the security offered to users. They are also in the process of creating the KorePhone, a mobile phone that encrypts, or otherwise makes private, all access and communications between its users. Finally, they have begun to purchase and deploy cryptocurrency ATMs, allowing users to make withdrawals in several cryptocurrencies, including KoreCoin. For more information, visit the Bitcoin Talk Forum, keyword search KoreCoin 2.0, or visit their website at www.korecoin.net.
College students know the struggle of finding jobs after they graduate–how can you get a job, which requires experience, when you need the experience to get a job? BitJob hopes to change that by creating an Ethereum-based, smart contracts platform that connects employers with short-term, online work to undergraduate students who are looking for work in their fields. Students can choose to be paid in fiat or bitJob's STU token. A two-way ranking system, in which employers can rate students and vice versa, helps to create dynamic resumes for students, and trust in employers using the system. It will also include a freelance segment for recent graduates, to help ease them into the job market. With business, academic, and student club partners, bitJob is set to revolutionize the way students earn money and gain occupational experience.
As a long time stock and equities trader on the Mercantile exchange, Steve Kanaval has seen commodities rise and fall, and several market bubbles and crashes. He believes that cryptocurrency is not a fad–there will be some growing pains, but cryptocurrency is a paradigm shift in the way that people interact with each other that is here to stay. As news around the globe indicates that some governments plan to become more involved in regulating cryptos, Kanaval warns that cryptocurrencies in the US must start to regulate themselves, or be forced into potentially harmful regulations through the SEC. Because the risks and rewards of investing in cryptocurrency are perfectly balanced at this point in time, cryptocurrencies should overall grow much larger, and it is estimated that crypto will become ubiquitous within 18 months to 3 years. Through both websites, equities.com and cryptosumer.com, he provides helpful market information for both traditional assets and cryptocurrencies. For more information, visit www.equities.com and www.cryptosumer.com Daryl Snyder Co-Founder/Partner 858-926-6837 Cryptosumerism™ Empowering Cryptosumers Worldwide™ http://www.Cryptosumer.com The Cryptosumer™ Newsletter Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Ahead™ http://Cryptosumer.com Crypto Currency Mining Made Simple! Currently Mining Ethereum, Ethereum Classic and Zcash http://www.StartMiningNow.com
The idea for RightMesh began when its founders realized that their team in Bangladesh had to have all of their employees stop using the internet in order for them to Skype with their Canadian headquarters, due to bandwidth limitations. As most of what they were doing was sharing files back and forth, on devices that can both send and receive signals, they thought it was silly to have to disrupt their work. Thus, their idea for a decentralized peer-to-peer network that doesn't rely on sending signals through ISPs or wireless companies was born. The underlying software to allow this can be built within any new application, and sends signals through WiFi, bluetooth, and WiFi Direct nodes directly to other devices. This promises to have a profound effect across developing areas of the world with high population density and low internet connectivity.
Tatiana Moroz, singer/songwriter and creater of TatianaCoin, discusses how crypto-tokens can be used to provide support to artists and engagement with fans, and her business Crypto Media Hub. Tatiana Moroz, in conjunction with Token FM, is the creator of the first artist's crypto-token, called TatianaCoin. This crypto-token allows fans to not only purchase merchandise, but also allows them to access exclusive content and features on her website. This has been such as success, that her most recent album was funded entirely through crypto. She believes that her use-case can define a new way for artists to support themselves and connect with their fans, creating the ultimate autonomy for artists. Because of her interest in cryptocurrency and bitcoin, and her unique perspective on the music industry, she founded Crypto Media Hub to help businesses and individuals expand into the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain. For more information or to get involved, visit www.tatianamoroz.com and www.cryptomediahub.com.
Recent changes in cryptocurrency regulations in the US have been mainly in regards to 4 different aspects–cryptocurrencies as actual currency, securities, commodities, and taxation–based on the coins' different attributes. The SEC has recently stated that if tokens represent equity in a company, they are securities, and need to follow all laws regarding marketing and sales. This joins an ever-increasing patchwork of state laws and federal regulations on cryptocurrencies, including a 2014 opinion by the IRS that tokens need to be treated as property (though a bill currently being considered in Congress would exempt transactions under $600). Overall, as state and federal regulations become clearer about how to treat cryptocurrencies, and confidence and certainty in these tokens grows, it should usher in a period of increased innovation.
“These banks are losing their profits … it’s not like it used to be… So they’re looking at other products and services, and that’s where we come in. That’s why the industry is looking at providing these services… the demand is there,” says William Santiago, offering his unique insight on the burgeoning trend of some Caribbean financial institutions toward blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. As one of the founders of WKS Information Technologies (WKSIT), Santiago helps to provide a variety of services to investors and companies looking for new opportunities within what he calls the “21st century ecommerce payment system.” Among others, these services include cloud computing, IT architecture design, cyber security and crypto asset guidance. It’s “basically the 101 in crypto,” says Santiago. But he and the rest of the team at WKSIT have the knowledge and experience to extend far beyond the basics. Santiago also discusses: What he believes to be the three pillars for embracing E-Commerce The nature of the difficulties faced by companies looking to make the change toward cryptocurrency, the reasons behind making the change and the ways in which WKSIT can assist His opinion on the role of Bitcoin going forward
Recently, the ways that governments are regulating ICOs and cryptocurrency tokens have been popular in the news, from being regulated as securities by the FTC in the US, to banning them completely in China. As Manie Eagar explains, governments will always seek compliance and impose regulatory regimes on companies, in order to protect consumers and prevent fraud. His stance is to invite governments to create some regulations, to prevent bad actors from taking advantage of others, but ultimately to allow the full potential of these technologies to evolve. To this end, he sees three possible scenarios–regulating tokens as securities, crowdfunding utility tokens, and digitizing assets. He believes that institutional players will wait to enter the market until they have a better idea of what regulations they will be expected to comply with. Once this happens, this will hopefully create more stability in the markets.
Crypto Insider got its start when its three co-founders became tired of other news outlets reporting on cryptocurrency and blockcahin news. Many pieces were speculative in nature, or were essentially paid advertising for companies. Their desire to provide actual news led them to use some of their money to create a news outlet that focuses not only on high-quality content, but also provides space for rational discussion. Some of the big news in the crypto world include new regulations on ICOs around the world, a use-case for an e-residency program in Estonia, and the possibility that governments around the world will try to develop their own tokens. Bhai also gives us his thoughts on the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, and the interplay between the somewhat adversarial nature of Bitcoin's core developers and Bitcoin itself. In the future, Crypto Insider looks to focus on bringing this news to a wider audience.
Previously, lack of blockchain privacy meant that transactions were not as anonymous as users would wish, and a small number of participants meant that coin shufflers were not very effective. Forking from the Zcash network and making use of their ZK-SNARKS privacy technology allows Komodo to provide anonymous transactions. Combined with their jumbler, which sends blocks of transactions through the system together, and integration with TOR, which allows individuals to obfscate their IP addresses, provides security that can work on any non-anonymous blockchain. Ultimately, these technologies give users cross-chain exchange benefits without having to trust a 3rd party. In the future, they hope to include a crypto-fiat exchange system, which would allow for more stability within the system.
Parker McCurley and business partner Adam Gall began creating active communities, with the goal of connecting people who were interested in and wanted to learn more about cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. In the space of a few short months, they have managed to work with local businesses to create and sponsor regular meet-ups of interested people. These meet-ups have forked into two groups, one focused on the technical aspects and the other focused on the social aspects. They are also planning a 1-day Bitcoin and blockchain workshop, which is designed to educate non-tech individuals about these technologies. Parker also talks about what he would like to see in the future, in regard to blockchain technology. He is especially interested in tying the identity of physical goods to the blockchain, which would allow people to verify the origins of items back to their original manufacturer or producer. This has implications for goods ranging from fresh produce with UDSA Organic labels, to vehicles providing details of past ownership on the public ledger, to combating fraud in the fine art world. For more information, visit www.decentcrypto.com. To register for the workshop, visit http://bit.ly/2iulf2P.
Currently, quantum computing is not yet at the stage that would allow for a real impact on cryptocurrencies or blockchains. It is possible that this could change within the next 3-5 years, as quantum computing breakthroughs create machines with greater processing capabilities. There are some quantum-proof algorithms, but they are not widely in use, as they are inefficient and are hard to send over long distances. Current security algorithms are based on problems that will be easily solved by quantum computers. As a result, security for a number of industries, including phones, bank accounts, browsers, crypto tokens, and more will have to change.
For the first time ever, smart phone technology has been merged with blockchain technology, allowing anyone to enjoy an unrivaled, military-grade level of privacy and security on their cell phone- the BitVault. By verifying its user by a combination of three identifiers- an iris scan, a fingerprint scan, and an NFC card with a unique code- the BitVault technology creates a private key. “The most unique feature of this phone,” says Peter Marais, Co-founder of BitVault, “…is that your private keys are never stored on the device…we call it dynamic key creation: these keys are dynamically created every time you use the product, so nobody else can use the device.” Among many other features, the BitVault allows for secure blockchain calling: for each new encrypted call that is created, an entirely new blockchain is created, and at the end of that encrypted call, the blockchain is deleted in its entirety. Marais eagerly discusses all aspects of this revolutionary new device, so hit play to hear more. Marais also discusses: * The many services of BitVault, including secure blockchain document transfer, secure blockchain messaging and secure blockchain banking * BitVault’s native apps, including Bitcoin Wallet, Ethereum Wallet and EOT (Encryption of Things), and the development of BitVault’s own application store * The reason behind using cryptocurrency transactions, and the ways in which BitVault is working toward minimizing the cost (to almost zero) per transaction * The measures that are taken in order to maintain an entirely closed environment and eliminate BitVault’s vulnerability to outside malware
Trust underpins commerce. We've all bought an item off Craigslist, or a related site, and wondered how we were going to meet the seller, and whether it was safe to bring cash. IQID promises to change all that. IQID creates a digital business card, by linking to your social media and PayPal accounts, and creates a Trust Score that can be shared with other potential buyers and sellers to help create trust in your transactions. IQID also allows for payments to be made directly through PayPal, so that you don't have to bring cash with you. In the future, they are looking to allow users to exchange money with other types of digital wallets. They also plan to allow individuals and businesses to broadcast items they are looking to buy and sell within a defined geographical area through geo-tagged contextual keyword matching, which has huge implications for traditional brick and mortar retailers.
The way you interact with your electronic devices is different from the way others interact with their devices. With the help of artificial intelligence, biometric analytics, and behavioral intelligence, Zighra can learn how specific people interact with their devices, and create implicit, invisible, and continuous authentication while those devices are in use. This can be done in as little as 15 interactions with any device that uses sensors, by analyzing more than 100 different unique user features. Everything is kept private on specific devices, and the chance of mistaking someone else for the device's intended user is extremely low. For more information, visit www.zighra.com.
Each year, AngelHack organizes over 100 hackathons spanning 94 cities and 44 countries. While each AngelHack event features a different project depending on the innovation needs of the company for which it’s organized, there is at least one constant: the promise of a lively, well-catered and diverse environment that’s conducive to team-building and the creation of innovative ideas. For 36 hours straight, eager participants pair up and focus on the development of a prototype for which they will pitch to a panel of judges and vie for one of many possible prizes. Sabeen Ali, CEO of AngelHack, discusses the ins and outs of these hackathons, as well as what’s on the horizon. Tune in to learn how to get involved and stay connected. Ali also discusses: The variety of prizes that participants can expect, including the opportunity to receive corporate funding for winning prototypes How the idea for an AngelHack hackathon is initiated, the factors that guide its organization and the demographics of participants The values that AngelHack runs on, including diversity, inclusion and the prioritization of the attendees’ needs
Blockchain has the power to disrupt many established businesses and industries, and Blockchange Ventures is always looking to invest in companies that have the ability to make a dent in the universe. Because blockchain technology can replace anything that requires an intermediary, industries such as credit cards, insurance, IDs, automobiles, and even housing are all vulnerable. However, other successful use cases may not even exist yet, meaning that Blockchange Ventures will always consider partnering with businesses that will provide short/medium-term results, have enterprises built on protocols, and applications that are in need of better user experiences. These companies should be better able to survive boom-and-bust cycles, which over time will become smaller and more stable. Ken also warns against creating tokens whose only purpose is to raise money, but wont be an integral part of the finished product, as they can remove value from the project.
Decred is a cryptocurrency that is dedicated to a more transparent form of governance. The goal is to balance the wishes of users and miners through a hybrid consensus system, allowing users more influence than they have with other cryptocurrencies. Users can submit voting proposals, which are written directly into the currency's blockchain, and those who have used Decred to purchase tickets have the opportunity to vote on proposals. Should the proposal pass, it triggers the new section of blockchain code to become active. Though there is the chance for bad actors to sway voting results, safeguards such as a finite number of coins and calling random tickets to vote on each proposal are designed to make this unlikely. Coming in the next year, Decred hopes to integrate the lightning network, allow for LiteCoin/Decred swaps, and signaling mechanisms for the proposal system.
Blockchains can only reach their full potential when they are able to interact with each other autonomously.That's the driving idea behind Nuco. In order to achieve this, they are developing a blockchain that acts similarly to a router, called Aion. Through a system of nodes and bridges built on staking functions, Aion can signal one blockchain to react to another–for example, information input about medical insurance on one blockchain can trigger a billing request on another blockchain. Besides the medical insurance industry, this also has the potential to influence commodity trading, government work, and more. In the next year, they hope to have their first test network and further develop and mature their design. For more information, visit nuco.io.
Richard Jacobs, founder of Future Tech Podcast, talks about the lessons he's learned from creating 300 podcasts over the last 10 months, and how they can impact your business growth. If you've ever thought about starting your own podcast, either to help develop your business or for personal interest, here are some helpful tips and tricks. The most important thing is to play to your strengths–create podcasts about topics that interest you, and create a team to help you. If there is an aspect of podcasting that you are not great at, ask someone or create a team to help you. Recognize that both quality and quantity are important, each in different ways. Don't get hung up on technical perfection, but get as many podcasts done as you can. As you grow your platform, more people will agree to speak with you. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals. Finally, remember to show interest to your guests! They'll be easier to get to know and chat with, and can help you grow your podcast better than you can alone.
For start-ups, moving from ideas to implementation can be only one of the hard parts. Hackers/Founders exists to help start-ups make their goals a reality–or, as they put it, to make Founders' lives suck less. Their Founder's Cooperative offers concierge services to start-ups, and members not only help each other, but elect one another into the co-op. H/F also has plans for an Ethereum-based token that allows individuals to invest in a wide range of start-ups around the world, and could change the future of start-up investing and financial infrastructures around the world. For more information, visit www.hf.cx and ico.hf.cx
Currently, 35-40% of medical data is unencrypted, and communication in the healthcare field is incredibly slow. PokitDok aims to fix that, by creating a healthcare API platform on the Ethereum blockchain that can securely and swiftly store and transmit medical information throughout the healthcare system. Their technology is used by over 600 insurance companies, 1000 third-party apps, and 95% of the tele-health field, and has all necessary compliances, including HIPAA. They have three main blockchain innovations–identity by consensus, autonomous auto adjudication, and supply chain management for pharmaceuticals–all with the ultimate goal of giving consumers control over their own private medical data. Their innovations have wide-ranging implications not on the in the healthcare field, but in the financial industry and beyond. For more information, visit www.pokitdok.com.
GateCoin is a cryptocurrency and blockchain token exchange based in Hong Kong that is designed for both individuals and institutional investors. They also advise groups wanting to create their own tokens, and help raise funds for token sales. Customers wishing to trade on the exchange can fund their accounts through fiat bank transfers in US Dollars, Euros, and Hong Kong Dollars, and the exchange is monitored and audited by security experts and government regulators. This creates some issues with US customers, as there are currently no federal regulators for cryptocurrencies, and GateCoin must deal with each state individually. As a result of this, residents of some states cannot participate. In the future, GateCoin looks to be able to have customers from all 50 US states. They are also looking to set up operations in Europe and SE Asia, implement payment channels, and create a token sale participation platform. For more information, visit www.gatecoin.com.
Founder and Director of Agentic Group, Rik Willard, sheds some light on what he’ll be discussing at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum and Blockchain SuperConference slated for this coming February: the impact of regulation on the future of ICOs. “There’s a good chance SEC will come down on everything and everyone. If it looks and acts like a security, they’re going to be focusing on those kinds of things,” says Willard. If he’s right, what aspect of the ICO movement will be most impacted, and in what way? How will the landscape change in terms of US token sales? These are just a couple of the questions that Willard addresses. “This space is very new,” he says, which is all the more reason to tune in (and stay tuned in) for the very latest. Willard also discusses: A slice of insight into a project-in-the-making by Agentic Group The four types of value expressed by the tokens that are bifurcated from the ICO movement itself, and the role that each may play in the blockchain space How people can stay connected and on top of the latest from Agentic Group
Founder/CEO, Elyse Petersen, of Tealet, runs a cutting edge, online tea company, whose success is derived from a passion for tea, crypto technology and overall global wellness. Elyse shares her experiences of the trials, tribulations and eventual triumphs of doing business across borders. Part of her goal in making Tealet a success was to find the answer to one of the biggest problems she noticed: the end profit the local farmer was receiving after foreign transactions fees and everyone else got their cut. Elyse saw an opportunity here to use the power of bitcoin to overcome some of these obstacles, cutting those fees and in the end bridging the gap between consumer and grower. BIO: ELYSE PETERSEN – FOUNDER/CEO Elyse Petersen is a Global Tea Ambassador with the International Tea Farms Alliance. She has spent time working with tea farmers in Wazuka, Kyoto, Japan. This experience has inspired her to help tea culture across the U.S. and around the world. Petersen is an experienced international development worker in the area of food security, natural resource management, and sustainable food preservation, having served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa and Antigua and Barbuda, Eastern Caribbean. Elyse graduated from Shidler College of Business with a Japan-focused M.B.A and from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a B.S. in Food Science and Technology. You can learn about Elyse's passion for collaboration in this talk she gave at TEDx Honolulu: A Mango in the Sun.
Paying people can be expensive and complex–not just in terms of actual wages, but in man-hours needed to process transactions, and even in regulatory oversight. If you are paying people around the globe, switching between currencies can also become an issue. Hyperwallet offers an efficient, globally scaled and flexible payment alternative for corporations, by offering several different payment options for their customers, including checks, bank transfers, pre-paid cards, directly to a debit or credit card, and more. They are hoping to add cryptocurrency payments in the near future. Listen as we discuss all this and more, including some surprising regional trends. For more information, visit www.hyperwallet.com
Hudson Jameson, co-founder and COO of Oaken Innovations, discusses the need for a layer of blockchain security for IoT devices, how it works, and the surprising ways it can be used. When IoT devices were first being designed, security wasn't their biggest concern. Because of this, it is possible for unauthorized individuals to break into your device's vulnerable points. While this may not be a huge concern for devices like baby monitors, it will be critical for devices such as autonomous cars. Oaken Innovations' solution is to use ethereum blockchain, and other distributive storage and centralized solutions, to make sure that transactions have true machine-to-machine payment and security, while simultaneously having this security layer function in the background. They have tested their solutions on cars, and even on utility meters, and have won a government-sponsored Hackathon. For more information, to get involved, or to hear some exciting end-of-year updates, visit www.oakeninnovations.com.
Search engines have a lot of power in the online world, a function of determining which information and web pages show up in a search. Much of this is done without oversight, as these search engines don't always explain their page ranking systems, can subtly manipulate your search terms, and may even set aside space on the search results page to promote their own products. Presearch allows it users to search directly within a website's database, and go directly to search results. It also allows users to customize their own settings, such as preferential rankings for local businesses over big-box stores, and allows the community to vote on rankings and fund development projects for the benefit of the platform. For more information, to get involved, or to take part in their upcoming token sale on September 7, visit www.presearch.io.
Genesis Trading, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, is a digital currency broker focusing on institutional markets and over-the-counter trades, completed through a secure and supported process. This means that you agree to transactions and trade directly with Genesis. It also means that the minimum transaction amount is $25,000, as they work solely with businesses, hedge funds, and high-worth individuals. They are regulated by the SEC, providing a layer of protection for transactions, and have a BitLicense pending approval. They trade bitcoin, ethereum, ethereum classic, litecoin, ripple, and bitcoin cash, and charge no fees to their trading partners. To learn more, or to sign up to become an approved counter-trading partner, visit genesistrading.com.
Literally every single day in crypto news, a different country is cracking down on ICOs. China just banned ICOs altogether; Russia blocked all but accredited investors from buying tokens! the United States and the SEC (securities and exchange commission) are issuing guidance, shutting down ICOs, and starting to crack down on unregistered securities. John Gotts, founder of Stokens.com and TXSRB.org (Token Exchange Self Regulating Body) is sounding the alarm – if we, the crypto community don't self regulate, we WILL be regulated, and we're NOT going to like it. If you listen to no other podcast, ever, LISTEN TO THIS ONE, especially if you hold tokens, are a developer, founder, investor, or CEO of a token and have created an ICO in the past or are contemplating one now.
It started as a single technology club on the campus of McGill University in Montreal, QC. “I recognized that the college cryptocurrency existed, and I wanted to get Montreal involved,” says Michael Gord. But before long, Michael Gord also recognized that the idea behind what would become the Blockchain Education Network (BEN) had the potential-and perhaps even the need- to go global. Though its reach is now global, BEN has maintained its unique, student-centered, bottom-up approach to blockchain education by bringing “massive value to any local university club or any local regent leader that’s trying to grow the blockchain community in their area, by connecting them with speakers for events, sponsors for events, media for events and general best practices to improve events.” Among many exciting projects and initiatives on the horizon, Gord also has plans to speak on behalf of the Blockchain Education Network at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum and Blockchain SuperConference. Hit play to hear more. Gord also discusses: How to get involved with and who to contact for the upcoming Blockchain Gauntlet BEN’s contribution to the Beginner’s Track at the upcoming SuperConference The upcoming global Bitcoin Airdrop, which will introduce people to the idea of cryptocurrency in a fun and safe environment How anyone can help develop a BEN course (and earn a percentage of Bitcoin!)
“Fraud causes global governments several trillions of dollars of loss annually from a GDP perspective, so it’s a big problem for global economic growth,” says Sunil Madhu, Founder and CEO of Socure. According to Madhu, a big part of the problem stems from the current bureau-based identity verification process that many businesses use for establishing new customers. Socure offers an alternative method; one that uses predictive analytics machine learning to compare and evaluate information that is given in the real world by potential new customers with information in the digital world. In a matter of seconds, Socure’s machine learning models are able to differentiate between risky and non-risky profiles, and to accurately predict whether or not an individual poses a fraud risk. Socure has already been used across 108 countries and continues to grow. Tune in to learn more. Madhu also discusses: How the trends of the emerging population of millennials are making identity verification more difficult The types, trends and demographics of fraud What the near future holds for Socure, and how to stay connected
John Gotts of Stokens.com and Michael Taggart of Bitshares offer a revealing, shocking, and downright scary analysis of the current climate of SEC regulation and the coming crackdown on ICOs (initial coin offerings). The Howie Test, created in the 1940s, shows that many ICOs and blockchain based companies may be headed for a problem with the SEC (securities and exchange commission) because their ICOs may be classified retroactively as a security offering, and therefore in violation of federal laws in the United States. John & Michael have created a self-regulating body, called TXSRB.org (Token Exchange Self Regulating Body) that hopes to ‘fix' broken or non compliant blockchain asset companies that may be headed for legal trouble. This podcast is a MUST LISTEN not only for blockchain companies, but for any investor, miner, or hodler in the crypto space.
Jay Berg's speech will hit on several different topics, including his new initiative, Private Key Capital Management. This initiative was begun as a way to provide institutional investors in cryptocurrency a secure way to store their crypto, without allowing anyone, either internally or externally, access to take it. Growing this initiative would help persuade more institutional investors to invest in crypto, as crypto has become the first non-correlated asset class in decades. Jay will also talk about how even though crypto is supposed to be mathematically impossible, as it doesn't have a centralized authority, Satoshi has created a pragmatic solution to this problem, and made it practically possible. Finally, Jay's speech will talk about current and upcoming problems in cryptospace, including peer-to-peer applications and bandwidth.
There are several ways of acquiring cryptocurrency. One way is to buy it, though with recent price fluctuations, this may be difficult for some. The other way to mine it. Though this is less expensive option for acquiring crypto, many people don't have room for the hot, noisy equipment that it takes. The solution? Giga-watt. Giga-watt offers a simple process for mining your own crypto. First, visit their website to purchase at least 1 miner from a reputable supplier, and it will be shipped to their specialized facility in Wenatchee, Washington. Giga-watt sets up the equipment, configures the crypto you want to mine (bitcoin, Ethereum, or lite-coin) and assigns you a dashboard. Now, watch as your crypto comes rolling in. You only pay for the power that you use, and many people see a return on investment in under 9 months. If you ever want to visit your personal miner, they offer an open house every 2 weeks. In the future they hope to add more cryptocurrency, the ability to switch miners between currencies, and leverage their unique power structure to positively impact supercomputing. To learn more, or to get started mining your own cryptocurrency, visit www.giga-watt.com.
Crypto token exchanges are still centralized markets – decentralization has not yet come to exchanges. Each user must send their tokens to an exchange, and then withdraw their new crypto back into their own wallets. This creates a vulnerable point for outsiders to attack, and users have to rely on this centralized authority to allow them to access their crypto after an exchange has been made. Ark Project believes that simpler is better. Their goal is to allow different blockchains to communicate directly with each other, without having to go through a centralized authority. This keeps transactions simpler, so that there is less opportunity for something to go wrong, and even lowers transaction costs. However, this technology isn't just for cryptocurrency. Ark Project sees their platform being used in smart home features, car-sharing, Airbnb, or any other organization that matches providers with users.
Currently, in order to distribute your original digital content, creators have to give large amounts of their profits to the website that hosts them–YouTube alone takes 45% of the revenue from digital content. The solution? A YouTube without Google. LBRY is a decentralized, open-source protocol that facilitates the discovery, distribution, and purchase of digital content, where 100% of the revenue goes back to content creators. In less than a year since it was founded, LBRY has thousands of creators, and hundreds of thousands of users, and are working to create a user-driven community with content from Hollywood movies to PDFs, and everything in between. Tokens allow users to purchase content, and creators to reserve space in the content catalog. For more information or to get involved, visit lbry.io.
In May 2016, then-Governor of Delaware Jack Markell proposed the Delaware Blockchain Initiative, in order to make Delaware a more welcoming place for blockchain businesses of all types. This legislation, which amends Delaware's general corporation law, has just been signed into law by Governor John Carney, Jr. It provides for a descriptive approach to blockchain technology legislation, rather than a proscriptive approach, and creates a state blockchain ombudsperson to help welcome blockchain businesses to the state. Many corporations are taking note of this new law, and changes to government efficiency, public ledgers, and federal regulations, and more interest and collaboration from other states and jurisdictions may be possible in the future.
With so many other tokens in the cryptocurrency space, why is there such a buzz surrounding the recent Bitcoin Cash hard fork? A high-energy climate seemed to immediately surround it, but why? David Johnston from Factom believes it has to do with the existence of three distinct communities: “First, there are those that absolutely are ardently opposed to SegWit. For whatever reason, they believe it’s different from the original vision of Bitcoin….and then you’ve got a community that’s very dedicated to avoiding hard forks and taking what they see as risky behavior, and I would say that’s the Bitcoin Core folks. But there’s another community that people don’t talk about, and I believe when Eric Voorhees says this is the silent majority.” Johnston argues that this silent majority favorably views both SegWit and bigger blocks, making them less “emotionally or ideologically consumed with one particular solution being the be-all and end-all.” However, not everyone agrees. Johnston is joined by fellow Factom associates Brian Deery and Paul Snow for a lively and in-depth discussion on this topic and many more. Deery, Johnston and Snow also discuss: The effect of the split between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, and what it might indicate about the split between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash The prospect of North Korea or Russia mining Bitcoin for hard cash, and the problems that could ensue The distinction and significance of two fundamentally different definitions of Bitcoin Speculation on how Bitcoin’s hash rate will be allocated (if 95% of the hash power doesn’t go with Bitcoin Core, will mining power be lost?)
For ten years, Ben Joakim worked in the international development sector. During that time, he saw recurring international transactional inefficiencies accompanied by unnecessary banking fees, and complications arising from poor exchange rates and currency fluctuation. It seemed that international transactions were unavoidably subject to long transactional chains with no transparency. But in a developmental humanitarian context, “Transparency is really important, and without it, we know that a significant proportion of funds are lost either to mismanagement, misuse or fraud and corruption,” says Joakim. Knowing this, how can individuals or institutions ensure that their donations are going where they are supposed to go? In essence, they can’t, which may help to explain the current decline in public donations within the international development and humanitarian sector. So, what’s the solution? Joakim believes it’s Disberse: “A fund management platform that drives the transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of development and humanitarian finance.” Press play to hear the details. Joakim also discusses: How exactly Disberse allows for transparency and efficiency in foreign aid transactions The drawbacks and potential dangers of complete public transparency, and how Disberse can mitigate these dangers by controlling who has access to the blockchain on which the transactions occur The core business model of Disberse How Disberse’s token negates any potential issues involving volatility
Conor Liston, Asst Professor at Cornell and head of the Liston Laboratory, discusses how targeted treatments for mental illnesses are possible, why they are necessary, and the future of these treatments. Currently, mental illnesses are diagnosed through the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. Unfortunately, many diagnoses rely on self-reported symptoms by patients–and because symptoms can be subjective to each patients, ultimately these may not lead to the most accurate diagnoses. Conor Liston, and his team at the Liston Laboratory, believe that by using brain scans, we can not only more accurately diagnose mental illnesses, but ultimately predict which treatments a person will most likely respond to. Already, their research has uncovered some fascinating discoveries about mental illnesses, in particular depression, and paves the way for new advances in treatment.
Jessica VerSteeg, CEO of Paragon and ParagonCoin, discusses how blockchain and crypto-currency can positively impact the legal cannabis industry. It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. For Jessica VerSteeg, necessity first came in relation to AuBox, her monthly cannabis subscription box available in San Francisco. She needed a way to provide efficiency, transparency, and trust in the cannabis industry for her customers, while also maintaining compliance with government regulations. Already a believer in blockchain and crypto-currency, she created her own offline ecosystem that can verify patient's medical marijuana cards, and provide verification of ingredients in edibles and other products she sells, and much more. Though government regulations currently only allow medical marijuana to be purchased with cash, the ecosystem also has the functionality to use crypto-currency as a payment method. While the cannabis industry waits for these regulations to change, she has created an online community for the cannabis industry and cannabis users to work towards their goals.
“Really, our tagline is connected industry growth partners,” says Ed Maguire. Maguire is principal partner at Momenta Partners, a VC firm focused on cultivating connected industry: the industrial Internet of Things market. Like any VC firm, Momenta identifies promising companies and invests in their growth—in Momenta’s case, from C to A level funding. More than anything else, as a firm, Momenta is focused on solving business and technology problems. Take Rev2 for example. Rev2 is a startup developing an approach to using A.I. to automate tier 1 and tier 2 support. The whole point is to get to the core operational data of industrial machines. To learn more about Momenta, hit play. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps.
“The strategy of NextBlock is to give our investors exposure to this ecosystem that we believe is the next version of the internet,” says Charles Morris, speaking as the Chief Investment Officer and Co-founder of NextBlock Global. The ecosystem that Morris refers to is that of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, and the next version of the internet, he says, is the “internet of value.” NextBlock Global not only invests in current cryptocurrencies, but also in new teams and projects, both pre and post-ICO. With particularly strong global connections at their disposal, NextBlock Global is well-positioned at the forefront of global expansion and the development of regional blockchains. Morris sees three potential futures for blockchain platforms, and by planning for each, NextBlock Global is already ahead of the game. Tune in to hear the details, as well as Morris’ insight on a variety of related topics. Morris discusses: The ways in which the accessibility of cryptocurrency-based investment opportunities can be increased for the ordinary investor The potential (if not imminent) convergence between the “blockchain world” and the real world His thoughts on public awareness of Bitcoin, Ethereum and blockchain technology, including what he believes will represent a turning point in the industry
For his whole career, George Howard has been working to improve the music industry. “I’ve been put on this planet to help artists create sustainable careers on their own terms,” says Howard. “That’s what I get out of bed every day to do.” Along the way, he’s gotten several degrees and founded several companies. It’s with this perspective that he approaches one of his biggest frustrations: “Unless an artist is signed to a major label, they are not going to get big time radio play. Just not going to happen.” His latest company, MAX, is all about redressing that issue. This is the problem he set out to solve. Hit play to learn more. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Brave New Coin is a market data and research company. This multi-divisional company works in many different capacities. The market data division taps into every exchange in the planet. For cryptocurrencies, there are over 150 different exchanges. They supply many different crypto and non-crypto funds. Learn more about Brave New Coin by hitting play. Be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Can blockchain technology serve as the final defense against the blood diamond trade? Will it transform the way artists disseminate and profit from their work? Might it serve as an equivalent- if not superior- replacement for the traditional banking system? For most people, blockchain technology is defined by its inextricable link to cryptocurrency exchange. While this understanding isn’t entirely wrong, Aman Ladia argues that it’s glaringly incomplete. As co-founder of Blockstein, Ladia is making it his mission to uncover and promote the gamut of blockchain benefits, and by doing so, he aims to bolster a public understanding that will fuel its widespread adoption. Ladia discusses the seemingly buried uses of blockchain technology that provide both transparency and anonymity in blockchain-based transactions. But that’s not all: when used as a replacement for traditional banking systems, it may even save you thousands of dollars. Ladia also discusses: Ways to prevent fraudulent transactions on blockchains, as well as relieve public doubt and misconception surrounding blockchain technology How the use of Ethereum will aid in the widespread adoption of blockchain technology The efforts that will be made in order to spread Blockstein’s message and make these technologies more usable, including branding blockchains and incentivizing their use by large companies For those who would like to reach out to Aman Ladia directly, here's his email address: amanladia1@gmail.com
Nathan Wilcox, CTO of Zcash, discusses the guiding principle behind Zcash, the pros and cons of using it, and its similarity to Bitcoin. All coins are created equal—that’s the motto of Zcash. With Bitcoin, the sender, recipient, and transaction amount are visible in the blockchain, meaning that with enough time and data, the history of individual coins can be traced back through its hops. None of these are visible with Zcash, which gives its users complete privacy. Transactions can still be verified, even without this information, using a zero-knowledge proof called a ZK SNARK. In this way, all that is ever known about coins is their value, making your money fully fungible and private.
Ian Worrall, founder of Mybit.io, discusses the need to begin purchasing automated machinery, how it works to create a profit for investors, and the future of this platform. As autonomous machines become more capable of doing work that is currently produced by humans, job displacement around the world will grow. At the same time, these types of automated machinery can be very expensive, limiting entrance to these markets to large companies. Mybit.io's solution is to crowdfund the ownership of, and investment in, different projects, so that individuals and small companies around the world can also share in the revenue created by these machines, thereby democratizing the market. Tests are scheduled to begin in 2018 with solar power and real estate development. In the future, Mybit.io believes that this platform could work for any machine connected to the Internet–commercial farming, construction, or warehouse machinery, delivery drones, 3D printers, crypto-currency ATMs, and more.
Riccardo Spagni, Lead Maintainer of Monero, discusses their unique approach to blockchain privacy, in depth. Many cryptocurrencies are centralized, and some disregard blockchain privacy entirely, in order to attract users. Monero aims to be completely decentralized and open-source, and yet still places a high priority on privacy. They accomplish this by focusing on four different aspects of transaction privacy: obscuring where the transaction is going to through stealth addresses; obscuring where the transaction is coming from through ring signatures; encrypting the amounts of the transactions; and obscuring the IP address that the transaction is coming from through an I2P protocol.
Andreas Antonopoulos, tech guru, author, and speaker behind the “Lets Talk Bitcoin” podcast discusses how he became interested in Bitcoin, why it's important, and what we might see in the future. In 2011, Andreas Antonopoulos was between freelance jobs when he read Satoshi's bitcoin white paper. Seeing its potential, and having taught the public about computers since the age of 15, he decided that the best way for him to contribute to the crypto movement would be to teach people about bitcoin in a way they can understand. The focus on public, open, and decentralized blockchains preserves privacy and empowers individuals, especially the world's unbanked, underbanked, and poor, is Andreas' main interest. Tune in for insights from Bitcoin and Crypto's top thought leader.
Have you ever had an idea pop into your head and wondered if it’s already been discovered? You assume it probably has been, but how can you really know? And if it were patentable, would you even know where to begin? John Wise, CEO of Loci Coin, proposes an alternative avenue for people to stake a claim on their inventions: tokenizing the right to file a patent on them. “We wanted to create… a network where inventors could stake their claim on an invention without going through all the cost and rigmarole around filing a patent. We wanted to make it very cheap, we wanted to make it very easy, and very fast. Cryptocurrency made a lot of sense for that,” says Wise. By simply conducting a search for their invention in the Loci Coin searching system, users are granted the legal rights to it- just as they would by obtaining a legal provisional patent. However, Loci Coin provides its users with the option of immediately monetizing and putting that invention on the Loci blockchain. But that’s not all. With the use of predictive analytics and a database of millions of inventions, Loci Coin offers an unprecedented tool for building big ideas out of many small ones. “This is everybody in the world actively using their minds and their ideas together for some greater collective,” says Wise. Click play to hear more. Wise also discusses: The reasoning behind and the benefits of Loci Coin, including cutting down on the cost of inventions and clearing the way for more transparency The specific process of memorializing inventions on the blockchain, and the ways in which Loci will help you to monetize your inventions The background and meaning behind the company’s name The problems with the existing US patent system
Digital currency has the potential to be instant and global, but to what extent will the realization of this potential be stymied by regulation? How can this type of innovation maintain both momentum and regulatory compliance? Among other things, Amber Scott, Chief AML Ninja at Outlier Solutions, and Joseph Ciccolo, Head of BitAML, will be addressing these questions at the upcoming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain SuperConference slated for February of 2018. Admittedly one of the biggest challenges to the cryptocurrency industry, potential remedies for regulatory restrictions are already surfacing. “We can demonstrate as an industry to the regulators that not only are we are in a position to have a strong compliance program in place to meet their requirements as a regulatory body, but at the same time we have some other tools at our disposal as an industry that are creative, and that in many cases are ahead of traditional bank compliance AML tools,” says Ciccolo. Tune in to hear more. Scott and Ciccolo also discuss: The additional challenges presented by the local nature of regulation The position and attitude of federal US agencies on innovation and regulation, as well as state impact on money transmission regulation Canada’s current status on the topic, and the intent of Canadian regulators Additional topics that they plan to discuss at the 2018 SuperConference
When Evan Van Ness started his weekly Ethereum-centered newsletter, he was having a lot of the same conversations over and over again. He was talking about the same updates and news items with different people, and reiterating the same commentary on the current state of the art in crypto. With his newsletter, he hoped to create a common basis for more intelligent, detailed, and researched conversation. In brief, Van Ness saw a need, and filled it. Starting with five subscribers, the newsletter blew up on Reddit and now has a much bigger readership. Reading this newsletter, you can feel confident you're not missing out. Now, you can read all about the latest in Ethereum at weekinethereum.com. Be sure to tune in to learn more about Evan Van Ness and his reporting. Subscribe, review, and if you like what you're hearing, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
BTCS was there at the beginning of the Blockchain space—before the Blockchain space was even a space. “We're actually the first public company focused on Bitcoin and Blockchain technologies. We've been around since 2013,” says BTCS CEO Charles Allen. Since then, it's been an interesting journey. Over the years, BTCS has changed, grown, evolved. BTCS started as an e-commerce site: the first place you could buy physical goods on the Internet with Bitcoin. After going public, BTCS made some strategic investments in other Bitcoin businesses, expanding. At the end of 2016, they were mining Bitcoin. Hit play to learn more about BTCS's journey. Subscribe, review, and if you like what you're hearing, consider donating some Bitcoin to the podcast.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are starting to matter more and more—to more and more people. Big, sweeping decisions made in Washington D.C. are starting to impact people holding or investing in crypto. And as such, this growing contingent needs representation in the nation's capital. Not only that, but existing legislation is affected by new forms of money. This is where Coin Center comes in. “Coin Center is a non-profit research and advocacy center that is focused on the public policy questions that have emerged thanks to the development of Bitcoin and other decentralized computing platforms like Ethereum, and Dash,” explains Coin Center director of research Peter Van Valkenburgh. For technologists and policymakers alike, Coin Center is a central point of contact, the nerve center of crypto in this country. Tune in to learn more about Coin Center, and to hear more from Peter Van Valkenburgh. Be sure to subscribe and review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause
When a group of high-powered developers from around the world came together to start a project that would become known as the NEM Foundation, they weren’t compelled by the intention of targeting particular markets or rising quickly to notoriety. Instead, they were compelled by their own interest, and by the potential to benefit people. “We’re going about things a little bit differently. Rather than focusing on our coin price and marketing ourselves up front, we’re laying the groundwork so that as these waves of blockchain deployment come out, we’re hoping to be right on the leading edge as they go because of the way we’ve designed things,” says Matthew Hine, Head of Operations of the North American branch of the NEM Foundation. Since the beginning, the NEM Foundation has remained development-driven, which is just one characteristic that sets NEM apart from the rest. The majority of NEM blockchain apps are for the purpose of managing assets, and are uniquely built around a smart asset system which allows users to customize how they use the blockchain. Hit play to hear Hine discuss more on this topic. Hine also discusses: * The completely functional and fundamental value of NEM’s cryptocurrency, XEM * NEM’s use of a modified version of proof of stake, referred to as proof of importance * The role and benefit of fixed assets called Mosaics * Catapult- the upcoming new platform that is a complete core rewrite of the NEM software in C++, offering increased performance and additional features
In 2015, a group of researchers at MIT released a paper that discussed decentralized data marketplaces- an idea that would soon form the roots and vision of Enigma. One of those researchers was Can Kisagun, who is now a Co-founder at Enigma. “We really want to rethink how data is shared, aggregated and monetized in today’s world,” says Kisagun. The goal of Enigma is to provide data and research tools that will allow people to build their own algorithms, which in turn will empower them to make better trading decisions. Kisagun believes that this is necessary in order to help level the playing field between the average person and the algorithmic bots against which they often trade in the marketplace. Enigma allows its users the freedom to “build, test, and master winning investment strategies,” leading to greater returns on investments, and better chances at beating out their competitors. Enigma is building an open, decentralized data marketplace and tools for data curators and consumers. Their product is Catalyst, which allows anyone to create, test, and deploy data-driven crypto investment strategies. The Enigma token sale is coming up on August 21. You can get more information on their website – www.enigma.co – and their blog – blog.enigma.co. For any questions, please join their 1000+ person Slack community at slack.enigma.co.Tune in to hear more. Kisagun also discusses: * The five factors that characterize the evolution of different token projects (both pre and post-ICO) over time * Upcoming goals of Enigma, including live market simulations to help prepare users to trade on the real market * Problems with current Data Aggregation and Monetization
Valentin Schmidt, Business and Finance Editor of Epoch Times, discusses what sets them apart from traditional mainstream media. Epoch Times was created in 2000 by a group of Chinese-American dissidents and Falun Gong practitioners, who strongly objected to Communist Party propaganda being repeated around the world as independent news. Their parent company, Epoch Media Group, is now the world's largest independent Chinese language media group. Because they allow no corporate or political sponsors, and focus on delivering the facts without emotions, they have earned a reputation as being an objective source of mainstream news from around the world in all major languages. Listen as we discuss layout and content differences between Epoch Times and more traditional news outlets such as the New York Times, challenges that all media outlets face in today's world, and the propaganda strategy of “fake news.” To read or subscribe, visit www.theepochtimes.com
Ulrike Mueller, CTO of NewStore, talks about the benefits of integrating online e-commerce, inventory, and Point of Sale systems into a seamless mobile retail experience for consumers. You've been browsing the mobile app of your favorite retail store. When you walk into a brick-and-mortar location, a sales associate is alerted to assist you. Based on your previous transactions, they can recommend items, styles, or colors that you seem to favor. If something is out of stock, they can instantly tell you another store where you can purchase it. Once you've finished your personalized shopping experience, the sales associate can process your transaction on the spot. If you go home, and decide to return an item, you can handle the return directly through the mobile app. All of these features, and more, could be coming your way soon.
What the browser was to the Internet, Jaxx is intended to be for Blockchain. COO of Jaxx, Charlie Shrem, explains. “Instead of using four or five different apps on your iPhone or android you'll just need to use Jaxx; it'll be everything.” Jaxx supports multiple coins and tokens, making it the single place where you can manage all your Blockchain assets. As you can imagine, taking on an ICO requires a lot of evaluation—evaluation that is up to the complexity of its subject. “There's so many different metrics that we use when we're evaluating a different project.” Tune in to learn more about how Charlie and Anthony make these important decisions. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate a few Bitcoin to the cause.
“Outlier ventures was Europe's first Blockchain venture-builder,” explains Lawrence Lundy. Specifically, they focused on early stage ventures: spotting opportunities and nurturing growth from the very beginning. That was four years ago. Now Outlier has grown to invest in a broader market: Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things. “What we think is really interesting is the intersection of these technologies,” says Lundy. Hit play to learn more about Outlier Ventures. Be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps us continue making great content for listeners like you.
Yaniv Feldman, Co-Founder and Chief Editor of GeekTIme Media, discusses why it's important to look beyond the US for start-up and tech news. When you read articles about the latest start-up or technology company, chances are it's located in Silicon Valley or New York City–70% of venture capital goes to Silicon Valley alone. But despite lack of money, potentially unfriendly business laws and regulations, and cultures that have yet to fully understand and integrate with entrepreneurship culture, 14/20 of the biggest IPOs and 50% of business unicorns (companies valued at over $1B) are not US companies. A network of over 1500 contributors in 110 countries provide articles about the changing start-up ecosystems and new trends in tech flows happening around the world every day, even in the most unlikely of places.
The idea of buying or selling a home can be daunting, and the process itself can be a significant expenditure of time and money. But more and more people are learning that there’s absolutely no reason it has to be this way. “We do everything an agent would do, but we do it with data; we use deep learning, artificial intelligence and big data to find buyers and sellers,” says Jack Ryan, CEO of REX Real Estate. By applying digital solutions to the world of real estate, Ryan has found a way of avoiding intermediaries and going straight to the consumer source. As a result, REX Real Estate sells homes about 25-30% faster than traditional real estate agents, and they do so for just a third of the fee. But the benefits that REX Real Estate offer extend even beyond efficiency and affordability, so hit play to hear more. Ryan also discusses: REX Real Estate’s use of in-home robots programmed to answer-with almost 100% accuracy- any variant of the 75 most commonly asked questions by potential buyers The details of how his company uses technology to identify likely buyers and sellers, including the digital analysis of longitudinal and latitudinal changes in consumer behavior How big data is being utilized to monitor conversion rates and provide real-time demand metrics on consumers’ homes
Millions of people from all around the world are interacting with video games in a whole new way: through a bookmaker for eSports called Unikrn. “When people ask what Unikrn does, I tell them we are a bookmaker for eSports, but ultimately we are eSports,” says Rahul Sood, CEO of Unikrn. Unikrn collects statistics and data for all of the major eSports, and creates odds on which players and spectators can bet against. Complete with sportscasters for play-by-play commentary, Unikrn’s eSport platform is compelling, even for the inexperienced video gamer or sports fan. Just two years ago, with the introduction of a completely free token called the Unikoin, Unikrn entered the U.S. market. “We built a giant global community around the Unikoin, and we turned over a quarter billion Unikoins in the last year and a half,” says Sood. So, where is the Unikoin headed now? It’s headed into the world of cryptocurrency, as both UnikoinSilver and UnikoinGold. Tune in to hear the details. Sood also discusses: * The specific types and genres of games, as well as the different ways in which people can place bets * The ways in which eSports differ from fantasy sports, and the benefit of eSports when it comes to skills betting * How the new cryptocurrencies will work on a crypto-exclusive platform, including the ability to place micro-bets in real-time
Gary Zimmerman, CEO and Founder of Max My Interest, sits down to explain the online service that helps investors automatically maximize the interest they earn on cash. Born out of the financial crisis in trying to keep his own cash safe, Zimmerman developed the software platform that allocates individuals’ cash among their own bank accounts so that they earn the most interest possible while staying within the limits for FDIC government-deposit insurance. Bio: MaxMyInterest (Max) is a financial technology (FinTech) service operated by Six Trees Capital LLC. The platform is designed to monitor the available yields from five major online banks, and automatically shift available cash dollars in a manner to always earn the maximal available yield.
Thousands of local extension agents equipped with Pico Projectors head into Indian villages and communities with an important objective: improve the lives of smallholder farmers by providing them with the necessary tools to achieve increased agricultural productivity and overall success. It’s basic, human-facilitated digital technology, but it’s already reached more than 1.4 million smallholder farmers, and resulted in a 21% increase in productivity for farmers in India: Digital Green video-based extension systems. The videos themselves are produced within the communities by local farmers, such that “Farmers learn from each other, they adopt practices from their peers.” But this is just one example of the work that Christian Merz is facilitating as Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “…About 800 million people in the world do not have enough food to live a healthy and active life, and many of the poor families are actually smallholder farmer households,” says Merz. Through the use of ICT for agriculture, Merz’s work aims to “Transform agriculture to support smallholder farmer families and to give them the tools and technology to lift themselves out of poverty.” So, to what extent can digital technology be applied in this regard? That is the question that lies at the heart of this work, and Merz is eager to discuss the answer. Hit play to hear more. Merz also discusses: A digital strategy that will invest in several distinctive areas, including social media, digital financial services, and self-service smartphone applications The application of remote sensing technologies and drones The misconceptions and problems that surround current digital solutions
More effective prevention and management of common diseases, better overall health care at lower costs, fewer visits to doctor’s offices, and earlier discharges from hospitals: how can we make this a reality? Matthew Holt, co-chairman of the Health 2.0 Conference, believes that the answer lies in the application of new emerging technologies to the field of health care. Whether it’s a virtual visit to the doctor from the comfort of your home, a sensor that continuously monitors your blood pressure and blood sugar concentration, or a form of artificial intelligence that compiles and helps us make sense of the data, these technologies hold promise for the future of human health care. “There’s no reason why we can’t deliver better care for lower cost. The vast majority of the cost in health care gets spent on a very small number of people…The idea of technology is that you can do this stuff at scale- so you can give these things to everybody,” says Holt. So, why isn’t it already here? Hit play to learn. Holt also discusses: Three reasons why the medical industry has been slow to adopt new technologies Which of the common conditions and diseases may be most beneficially impacted by the adoption of new technologies What to expect at the upcoming Health 2.0 conference, which is scheduled to take place on October 1st and 4th of this year, in Santa Clara, CA
“That’s the real sweet spot of what Dan has done…he invented the real-time blockchain, and that means transactions happen as fast as you can spin a slot machine,” says Stan Larimer, referencing his son, Dan Larimer. As CEO of Cryptonomex, Stan Larimer sustains the technology that his son creates. And it’s true: instead of taking hours-or in some cases even days- tens of thousands of blockchain-based transactions can now take place every second.. Cryptonomex began with the purpose of creating BitShares, which in and of itself is an idea that’s just four years old. Since its creation, it has become a “complete digital currency exchange and SmartCoin factory,” says Stan Larimer. But that’s not all that has evolved from Cryptonomex…Click play to learn more. Larimer also discusses: Steemit: what is it, how it was conceived, and how it evolved from BitShares “Bitcoin millionaires” and the “billion-dollar campaign” The factors and mechanisms that allow for faster transactions, including the elimination of mining, and the optimization of computations
Steven Sprague, CEO of Rivetz, discusses how his company leverages the hardware security already in your electronic device's microchips to create a secure environment that is isolated from its operating system. Currently, microchips in Android devices have the ability to store and process code directly in processor security, independent of your device's operating system. More secure than 2-factor authentication, it allows for blockchain security keys to be held directly in your device's hardware, and cannot be stolen through malware or copying a device's phone number. Once this technology is made available to third-party app developers, it will create device-specific access to bank accounts, cars, smart-home technologies, hotel rooms, and more that can be easily locked or deactivated if those devices are lost or stolen.
Just over three years ago, Chris Kline had only a basic understanding of cryptocurrency. Fast forward to the present day, and he wears the title of COO of Bitcoin IRA, a company that provides the unprecedented ability for anyone to hold cryptocurrencies in a retirement account, whether it’s a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA. Since its launch just over a year ago, Bitcoin IRA has already expanded by offering an Ethereum-based IRA, which in and of itself has generated about 15 million in investments in the last few months. Kline has the intention of continually meeting the demands not only of the marketplace, but also of his individual clients. Tune in to hear more. Kline also discusses: * How Bitcoin IRA works to mitigate the risks of using cryptocurrency in this capacity * The impact of short-term and long-term capital gain on the Bitcoin assets in a Bitcoin IRA * The common questions and misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin IRA, including how quickly money can be moved, how the process is securitized, and what the future holds for Bitcoin IRA
To put it briefly, Bitcrust is a full-node implementation of Bitcoin. (Eventually, intended to become a full software suite for Bitcoin.) But what does that mean exactly? Tomas Van der Wansem explains: “It basically means that we’re building software akin to the normal reference software for Bitcoin, which is called Bitcoin Core. So instead of Bitcoin Core we build our own software.” Bitcrust runs on the same network, the same rules, the same protocol as Core, but it’s more modular, and more efficient than Core. The modularity is an important aspect of Bitcrust. “We’re building in a modular approach: several different components to serve miners, businesses, and users for their Bitcoin needs, basically,” says Van der Wansem. Listen in to learn more about Bitcrust. Subscribe, review. And if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps.
Matt Liston, CSO at Gnosis, explains Gnosis in brief: “Gnosis is a modular, decentralized prediction market platform built on Ethereum.” What that means is that there’s a base set of smart contracts both for market creation settlements, and oracles that can plug into those markets. The base protocol is meant to support and enable prediction applications. Live now, people have been able to predict using Gnosis with real Ethereum since Frontier. This could be the most irritating question I had about Gnosis, but I asked Liston anyway. “What’s the difference between Augur and Gnosis?” “I get that a lot,” says Liston. There’s a misconception that they’re the same, he explains, but really, their technical and business approaches vary wildly. Tune in to learn more about Gnosis. Be sure to review, and subscribe, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps us create more great content like this.
“Shapeshift is a way to change any digital asset into any other, without accounts,” explains Erik Voorhees. “It’s an easy way to convert.” I’ve personally used Shapeshift myself, and that’s been my experience, too. Let’s say you have Bitcoin, and you want to trade it for Dash. You send the Bitcoin to Shapeshift, and you get Dash back into your Dash wallet: pretty cool stuff. With Shapeshift, you can directly trade any digital asset for any other, without having to use Bitcoin or Ethereum as a reserve currency. “So it’s like 10,000 pairs or something,” says Voorhees; in other words, you can convert from one currency to another in 10,000 different ways. Plus, the interface is simple to understand, and you don’t have to set up an account to use the site. Easily the coolest part of this direct trading method is that it eliminates “slippage.” The thing is, exchange rates are always changing. In the moments between putting in an order and the order registering, the exchange rate will have changed. Sometimes the rates on are better, sometimes they’re worse. But with Shapeshift, what you see is what you get: the price doesn’t slip, or change unexpectedly. Hit play to learn more about Shapeshift, and Prism, Voorhees’s latest project from the same company. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Imagine sitting down at your desk, putting on your VR headset, and pulling up an application that transports you to a different world- one where you can interact with people from across the globe as if they were standing right beside you. Sit down for a board game with your grandmother from overseas, or wander your way through a social event, entering and exiting conversations as you would in reality. “When you have someone from the U.S. standing next to someone from Brazil, standing next to someone from Saudi Arabia, you get some really fascinating conversations out of it,” says Gavan Whilhite, founder of AltSpace VR. Whilhite proposes a virtual reality platform for communication that uniquely applies positional audio and 3-dimensional emphasis to enhance the “human” aspect of human interaction. Tune in to learn more. Whilhite also discusses: * The features and applications of AltSpace VR, including the use of holograms and social tools * What the future holds for the AltSpace VR project * How anyone can access AltSpace VR and start using it today
As both the size and number of Blockchains grow, so too does the demand for access to their information. CEO and lead developer at Blockchair.com, Nikita Zhavoronkov, refers to his newly launched search and analytics engine as a sort of “Google for Blockchains.” Blockchair allows its users to search for transactions in the Bitcoin Blockchain by more than 60 different criteria, which is a level of functionality that-until now- has been unattainable for chain explorers. Zhavoronkov’s product offers something else that its competitors do not: speed. Rather than using a single database, Blockchair utilizes a compound of databases, thereby enhancing the speed with which searches and analyses are performed. Among other things, Zhavoronkov is closing in on plans to expand the applicability of Blockchair to the cryptocurrency of Ethereum. Tune in to hear more. Zhavoronkov also discusses: * How Blockchair can be used to combat fraud and scams * A brief overview of his stance on the scaling debate, including how and why it is necessary to scale Bitcoin * The future plans and goals for the development of Blockchair
When you’re dealing with huge amounts of data, it’s a lot more efficient to have an index to find what you’re looking for. Essentially, that’s how Factom works. David Johnston explains. “At a high level, what Factom does is provide a data layer on top of the Blockchain… when I say a data layer, I mean Factom enables people and companies to secure huge amounts of data—we’re talking millions or billions of records—publish them in Factom.” Doing this, Factom leverages the security of the Blockchain for private data. Since going live in 2015, Factom has secured 100 million records. Hit play to learn more about Factom. Subscribe, review. And if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Fundamentally, the application of Blockchain technology to big financial institutions is pretty simple. These institutions duplicate information and reconcile with another. “If there are market structures where parties can actually share the same information…” says Caitlin Long “… they no longer have to duplicate it, and reconcile it.” There’s a tremendous amount of work be done, duplicating the exact same information, over and over again. With a Blockchain the issue is solved en masse. This is the work Symbiont is doing, improving the state of the art in financial services, so banks can trade with each other more easily and sensibly. Right now, in the syndicated loan market, 25 million faxes are sent a year. Tune in to learn more about Symbiont. Be sure to subscribe and review; and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Bitcoin mining has become more difficult over the years. Back in the day, you could just set up your own laptop and be minting new Bitcoins with that computer alone. But it’s still feasible today—just as long as you have a cheap source of electricity. “There’s a science behind mining,” says Alejandro De La Torre. “You have to consider various factors, such as electricity, bandwidth.” You also have to look at it as an operation. “Sometimes miners might turn off, or the electricity might go off.” There’s a lot to consider. For more on this topic, tune in. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin.
When James Gonzalez first heard about BitCoin in 2011, he dismissed it. It didn’t seem relevant. As a real estate investor, he was interested in more traditional forms of capital. Then he heard about it again. And again. BitCoin kept coming up, and Gonzalez finally began to take it seriously. By 2013, he’d started making investments in the space. Late in that year, he co-founded CryptoConsultant, the first pure BitCoin consultancy in Canada, at the time. CryptoConsultant is expanding — and changing. People want to know how Blockchain technology can be applied to their existing industry. This is an increasingly relevant question. Because for Gonzalez, society is dominated by networks, and the Blockchain leverages those networks more powerfully than ever before.
If you look at the way many banks and asset manager backends function, internally, there are many different departments. And each department has its own copy of a contract it needs to execute on. They each have their own copy because even internally, departments don’t trust one another to execute the contract according to their own interests. It’s an issue of trust. But now, there is a solution. There is a way to de-risk the contract. A smart contract is one you can trust, one that executes in a tamper-proof manner. It executes this way because it’s run on a decentralized infrastructure: none of the parties involved can modify its operation. Hit play to learn more about smart contracts. Be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
It seems like an impossible trade-off: how do you make a marketplace that people can go to—coordinate on—and yet that is decentralized? Here to answer that question are Don Mosites and Michael Oved of Swap Protocol. There are three primary components of their protocol. There's the discovery of tokens—being able to find the tokens you want to buy or sell; there's the pricing; and there's making the trade. There's no third party. People who are buying are connected to people who are selling, say, Ethereum. Then, they just submit the trades to the Blockchain. To learn more about the Swap Protocol, hit play. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Why and how do mice age differently from elephants? Why do humans age differently from both? What is the limit of human longevity and can it be increased? If so, how? To renowned biogerontology professor and scientist Judith Campisi of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, finding answers to these questions drives her. Each age-related disease is due to cell senescence, a cell’s response to stress, yet there’s also what she calls the “evolutionary trade-off” of cell senescence. She explains how chronic inflammation is a double-edged sword and that research has uncovered surprising results on mice and how cell senescence impacts their existence. Studies have found that exercise and diet may benefit cell senescence in mice; it’s thought provoking even as the process is not fully understood. Finally, she gives a prediction on the expected lifespan of humans two or three decades from now. Is it even possible to increase it? And if so, how? Dr. Campisi also discusses: * Why humans are impacted by cell senescence now more than ever in our history * The two parts of the immune system – the innate and adaptive subsystems – and their roles in aging * The effect of the FDA’s refusal to classify aging as a disease * Which type of diet has shown the most promise in blunting the effects of cell senescence * The impact of personality on brain activity – and the overall effect on health and cell senescence
When the rate of trade on a financial exchange increases 25-fold, and technology in its current form cannot handle the pace, cracks in the foundation are to be expected. It’s seems to be pure chaos in crypto, as this is what has just happened: in January 2017, $200M a day was being traded; by July 2017, it was $5B a day – a 25x increase. This explosion is just one reason Omega One Chief Technology Officer Alex Gordon Brander believes this is a pivotal juncture in crypto. And yet, none of it seems to be a surprise to him, even as ether plunged from a price of $317 per unit to $0.10 a unit in less than a second. Brander also discusses how Omega One is developing stable enough preventative measures to keep this from happening again – at least to this extent. The methods that a traditional FX could have employed to absorb such a flurry and panic might not work on a crypto exchange – yet could such methods be adapted to work? That’s Omega One’s challenge. After listening to Alex Gordon Brander, you don’t doubt their ability to meet the challenge. You’d also be forgiven for expecting (not hoping) that Omega One’s innovations are the home run crypto’s been looking for. Brander also discusses: * How, in this most recent sell-off chaos, someone banked $1M in ether but paid no more than a few hundred dollars * 3 innovations from Omega One that could help adequately deal with a similar meltdown in the future * Omega One’s impending token launch (by the end of the summer) and how it will not only impact Omega One itself but crypto market itself * An impending surprise announcement!
“If you look back through history, Richard, people in power have always used their power to grow their power, and to safeguard their power.” This is Rick Falkvinge, founder of the Swedish Pirate Party. The Pirate Party, first established in Sweden, has now grown to 70 countries, and continues to grow what Falkvinge calls “swarm methodologies.” Rick and other members of his party fear that with the technical ability to measure personal data, there is a loss to civil liberties, especially for younger generations. That we are under surveillance. “Our kids ought to have the same civil liberties in their digital environment as their parents,” says Falkvinge. Hit play to hear more of Falkvinge’s insights. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
As with many people, Robert Wiecko first started getting interested in Bitcoin in 2013. Since then, he's come to think of cryptocurrency as the greatest innovation of the 21st century. Now, Wiecko is a project manager for Dash, an up and coming cryptocurrency. Starting with core wallet development, Wiecko is heading up a lot of new projects at Dash, from front end to back end. “A lot of things are happening in Dash, I would say,” says Wiecko, “It’s even difficult to talk about all of them.” Listen in to learn more about Dash and Wiecko's work with them. Be sure to subscribe and review. And if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Since the 80’s, Jan Vijg has been fascinated with the process of aging. This, having heard a fascinating talk on the subject back when he was a student at the University of Leiden. The speaker, then, “actually mentioned the possibility that we age because damage is accumulating in our DNA—the DNA of our cells and tissues. And I never forgot that,” says Vijg. As soon as he could, he started his own research. Tune in to learn more about how and why we age from Jan Vijg. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
Right now in the cryptocurrency space, there are a lot of different exchanges out there. And they all have different prices. Let's say you're doing a larger order, and you get a higher price on one of the exchanges: bummer. To save registering on multiple exchanges and comparing rates, now, you can go through a brokerage like Cryptobroker.io. “People can come to us,” says Cryptobroker CEO Ryan Scott. “And we'll eventually route all of the orders through the other exchanges to give them the best cost-average price.” With a brokerage like Cryptobroker, you can send your orders to one place, and get the best price of multiple exchanges. Tune in to learn more about Cryptobroker.io, and to hear more from Ryan Scott. Be sure to review and subscribe. And if you can, consider donating some Bitcoin to the cause.
SciFest Dubai may be exactly what it sounds like: a festival celebrating science in Dubai. But there’s more to it than that; there’s a whole rationale and methodology to think about. SciFest Dubai aims to celebrate science through the arts, in order to improve scientific literacy. “If you look around you, there’s a lot of people who are intimidated by science,” explains festival co-founder Rohan Roberts. “That’s because of how it was taught in high school.” For many, science is a huge, boring body of information that you have to memorize for a test. The goal of Roberts, and the festival, is to re-think science as a way of being in the world, a way of thinking. Listen in to learn more about SciFest Dubai. Be sure to subscriber and review. And if you can, consider donating a few BitCoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps.
“The banking system, while people don’t like to necessarily say this,” says Rik Willard, “is a rigged game, in many cases. If you have money: great. If you don’t have money, it’s the worst possible scenario.” Willard is the founder and managing director of Agentic Group. Agentic is a sustainability platform for the BlockChain ecosystem—a major player. Rik’s position made him a key interviewee in the forthcoming documentary, “The Blockchain and Us,” which reckons with the impact the BlockChain is having on society. Tune in to hear more of Willard’s insights. Be sure to subscribe and review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin.
In today’s world, all the data from medical imaging is handled at a local level—the hospital level. For physicians, and especially radiologists, this is a constrained environment. There aren’t enough resources at the local level to get everything done. Much has to be done manually, and is (maybe therefore) less accurate. These constraints were identified by Arterys and improved with faster, more accurate automation, using the cloud and A.I. along the way. “We’re really trying to enable data-driven medicine,” says CEO and co-founder Fabien Beckers. Tune in to learn more about Arterys. Subscribe, review, and consider donating some BitCoin to the podcast. Every little bit helps in producing content like this for listeners like you.
Most large institutions don’t want to use about BitCoin. They don’t even want to talk about it. As an emergent and in some cases untested technology, BitCoin is mostly used for select applications, and is not broadly accepted. So what makes Fidelity different—Fidelity, the company that tested BitCoin both in-house in their cafeterias, and for their charity? Culture. “I think there is a different cultural aspect,” says Senior VP and Managing Director Hadley Stern. “Fidelity… has a very long-term view of technology. So it’s not necessarily a one or three or five year view… it’s a 30 year view.” In it for the long game, Fidelity sees cryptocurrency as a tremendous new way to validate transactions. Those who discount BitCoin for its downsides are missing out on a “rearchitecture of the internet,” explains Stern. Tune in to hear more of Stern’s insights. Be sure to subscribe, review. And if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
The word “Blockchain” gets thrown around a lot these days. Used so often—and in so many different contexts—it’s hard to exactly define what it actually means. In short, it’s a buzzword. As Tim Swanson of the R3 Consortium attests, the word doesn’t mean a whole lot beyond “something magical”: the magical super-technology that fits into every excited sentence you can come up with about fintech. For the purposes of the interview, Swanson defines the word “Blockchain” as a kind of distributed ledger: a data structure that’s “cryptographically secured,” “tamper resistant,” and “stored in the cloud.” Importantly, this is to say that Blockchains are only one form of distributed ledger. Technically, what R3 is building isn’t a Blockchain per se; it’s a different kind of distributed ledger R3’s raised 100 million dollars for. It’s a lot of money. That’s what it takes to deploy a distributed ledger at scale, “for regulated financial institutions and capital markets specifically.” Listen in to learn more about R3, and hear more of Tim Swanson’s insights on fintech. Be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, donate some BitCoin to the cause.
As of this writing, there’s not really much incentive to run a full node as an individual. As just one person, it’s not worth the cost. And the cost is high. Nate Basanese estimates it at “too much.” Along with partner Michael Folkson, Nate is one of two winners of a recent BCoin Hackathon. Folkson and Basanese joined me to talka bout their recent success, and to get into further detail on their winning project. As with most Hackathons, it started with the brainstorming stage. “We wanted to work on something that used Lightening and BCoin, given that there were representatives of both there.” What they ended up with was a prototype of a full node generating revenue, a prototype that monetizes full nodes using both Lightening and BCoin. Hit play to hear the rest of Folkson and Basanese’s story. Be sure to subscribe and review, and if you can, consider donating a BitCoin or two to the cause. Every little bit helps.
In Kevin Kelly’s book, The Inevitable, the futurist tries to nail down what the next 30 years will look like. For him, this is the short-term. By extrapolating from our technology today, he can pretty safely say what our near future will be like, without having to theorize about tech centuries in advance. This is what is so close, it’s practically destined. “I’m saying they’re inevitable in the sense that no matter what individual entrepreneurs or even politics happen we’re going to have more tracking in our lives; we’re going to have more interaction with our computers,” explains Kelly. Tune in to hear more of Kelly’s insights. Subscribe, review. And if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Early land plants didn’t have leaves. At a certain point, they evolved. In fact, the anatomy found in C4 leaves evolved 60 times, and leaves themselves evolved at least twice but probably no more than 6 times, essentially independently from one another. Now, this is a complex genetic change we’re talking about. How did this happen? That’s what Jane Langdale is trying to figure out. The whole of Jane Langdale’s research is about shoot development in plants. When a shoot develops, it can either turn into more stems, or into a leaf. The leaves then, more or less efficiently, convert sunlight into usable energy. The interesting thing is this: a small minority of plants have a specialized anatomy that allows them to convert sunlight more efficiently. The goal is to engineer that anatomy into crops like rice or wheat. “And if we could do that, then it’s predicted that we could increase yield by about 50%.” Hit play to hear more about Jane Langdale’s research. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin. Every little bit helps.
If you have lofty visions of banking millions off cryptocurrency, Decentral CEO Anthony Di Iorio and COO Charlie Shrem have words to contemplate as they discuss what Di Iorio calls a “shifting from the information age to a much more powerful age of value”. As cryptocurrency and blockchain continue their unstoppable climb to mainstream relevancy, trying to get your foot in the door without the proper knowledge will leave you vulnerable. Pay heed to Di Iorio and Shrem’s views on this and other aspects of the burgeoning industry: both men have been embedded for years and have seen it all. They discuss Decentral and its core product Jaxx, a cryptocurrency wallet software. They also reveal a Rating System that helps them determine whom they should and shouldn’t work with. Just as importantly, they also disclose common pitfalls that newbies to the ecosystem should be aware of and whether or not Trump is one of them. If all of that isn’t enough, check out what else you’ll also learn: * The eight crucial things tour company needs to thrive in the ecosystem (and what spelling has to do with it) * The biggest threat to the industry’s reputation * How to reduce your reliance on banks * That Coindesk.com and Bitcoin.com are restricting your learning curve – and how you can overcome this The future holds great secrets for us to explore so stay in the know about future tech at futuretechpodcast.com. Make sure to review, subscribe and like us on Facebook and Twitter.
Salt, in this context, is an acronym for “Secured Automated Lending Technology.” And that’s what Salt has to do with: blockchain-backed loans. “Basically at a high level, a blockchain-backed loan is a secured asset-backed loan, where the collateral is BitCoin or Etherium,” explains Shawn Owens. What Salt is really doing here is creating a credit market that doesn’t already exist. It’s a space for borrowers and lenders to interact, on either side. Owens sees huge potential for blockchain technology to impact the credit market as a whole. Listen in to learn more about lending and borrowing in crypto. Be sure to subscribe and review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Shooting satellite photography is suboptimal at night. It’s also hard to get a good picture through a cloud. But it’s night on 50% of the globe at any given time. What’s more, another 50% of earth is covered in clouds. (That means there are parts of the planet that are both dark and clouded.) All in all, only a certain percentage of satellite photos are actually usable. We’re taking a lot of pictures of indistinguishable darkness. This is where Capella Space comes in, with tiny, backpack-sized satellites that can shoot at night and through clouds. “Because of that,” explains Payam Banazedeh, “We’ve got an unique opportunity to monitor important places around the world… completely regardless of what the weather and light conditions are.” Hit play to learn more about Capella Space and their new satellite technology. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Like the tablet and sliding door, the tricorder is a technology inspired by Star Trek that exists today as a reality. In the show, the tricorder was a handheld device used by the doctors to find out and diagnose the condition of patients. You could scan someone, and get everything you needed to know. This was the object of Qualcomm Tricorder Xprize competition: to build a tricorder. And Dr. Basil Harris did. That's why it exists today. “Being a long time trekkie and science fiction fan, this was awesome just to be part of,” says Harris. Listen in to learn more about this futuristic technology. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
There are about 150 million research papers in the world. Just consider that briefly: 150 million. There are 3,000 papers in science, technology, and medicine being published every single day. Our knowledge of ourselves and the world is growing at an exponential rate. So how are we going to keep track of all this information? A company called IRIS.ai is designing an A.I. researcher to do just that: to keep track, to keep tabs on the world’s research. The goal is to build an A.I. system that can take a question or an input and troll through all the research papers and patents in that area. Having done that, the goal is to report back—not only with the aggregated search results, but with a clear understanding of what it means as a greater whole. Tune in to learn more about IRIS.ai. Be sure to subscribe and review. And if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause.
“We’re compliance nerds,” says guest Amber Scott. What this means, in essence, is that Amber—and her co-workers at Outlier Canada—help people follow the law. When dealing with a lot of money, there’s a lot of risk. Someone needs to be there to help make sure all the money’s being used safely, correctly, legally. This means preventing money laundering, and avoiding funding terrorism. As an individual, it’s harder to manage the huge risk that comes with big money. Because of this, Amber mostly works with incorporated companies. She’s not risk-averse, it’s just that it’s important to manage risks you take effectively. Hit play to learn more about anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause.
Recently I spoke with Alex Mathews, a senior web application developer at Belouga, a free, web-based educational platform connecting classrooms all around the world. This cutting-edge company has quickly been expanding, now offering over 900 classes in 60+ countries since their launch in September 2016. Incorporating easy to use technology, Belouga is the perfect enhancement for any teacher looking to expand his or her classroom beyond borders. Their platform also rewards participating students with points and uses these points to provide items to schools around the world that are under-resourced. Bio: Founded in 2016, Belouga was started with the mission to encourage intercultural communication to create a better tomorrow. We're building a global ecosystem where students and teachers can connect, collaborate and learn from one another by identifying similarities and embracing differences through everyday communication that is fun and educational. With the advancement of technology in the classroom, we saw an amazing opportunity to connect students from all over the world, regardless of timezones. Along with bringing students together, we also saw an opportunity to enhance student life around the world on a daily basis.
Denis Noble CBE FRS FRCP FMedSci has a veritable alphabet soup after his name. It's kind of hard to pronounce, and it always becomes a point of conversation for him. But you don't get that many letters after your name for nothing. Noble is a longtime public intellectual, having been the first to mathematically describe the heart's pacemaker with computer models. And then the first to explain it to everyone else. “I think what we're witnessing at the moment is quite a fundamental change in the way in which biology is viewed,” says Noble. He goes into further detail. Most people think of our origins as a species to be “solved,” to be “all sorted out.” In fact, the theory of evolution is just that: a theory. There is still late-breaking news in gene mutation and selection in the field. There's still a lot to figure out. Tune in to hear more of Denis Noble's insights. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
“We’re either going to go into space or we’re going to go extinct here on Earth,” says explorer and planetary geologist J.R. Skok. That’s why Skok has committed his life to the study of Mars. He feels it’s humanity’s first step in living off-Earth. To Skok, Mars is perfect—even better than the moon—because it’s far enough away to be a mystery we should solve, yet close enough for us to travel there in a matter of months. He discusses evidence that, despite Mar’s current status as a “dead” frozen world, ancient Mars was “dynamic”. Skok explains why simply studying the history of Earth is not enough to understand how humanity can exist extra-terrestrially. He also reveals how you can help make this possible. He also talks about his current work with NASA’s next-generation Rover and his “Made of Mars” initiative. The latter is Skok’s ambitious brainchild that he believes will help solve some of the important issues currently involved with future Martian exploration and settlement. You’ll also hear about the following: * Why our understanding of Iceland and hot springs worldwide is crucial to the understanding of ancient Mars * How his studies and experiences have impacted his perception of spirituality and his religious beliefs * How the red carpet walk and attire of a given celebrity could contribute to the future exploration and understanding of Mars Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going! Bio: J.R. Skok, Ph.D, is a Mars explorer and entrepreneur. He has worked on several NASA Mars missions, been active in Mars analog research and is working on developing the next generation of space missions. He is also working to put the Journey to Mars into your hands with his Made of Mars initiative that looks to crowdsource the development of the technology required for use to thrive on Mars and beyond.
Bluzelle CEO Pavel Bains likes to make the complicated seem uncomplicated, as when he describes blockchain as simply an “authentication and verification of data between parties that inherently might not trust each other.” But he might be on to something. These days, threats like money laundering and terrorism have banks and regulatory agencies nervous. Identity Management and KYC have become costly in both time and resources when banks and insurance companies onboard new customers. As regulations increase, so do non-compliance penalties and other complications. But Bains believes the solution is as simple as leveraging blockchain technology (even as financial institutions have been slow to adopt it despite widespread interest). After listening to Pavel Bains give his perspective, you hope he’s right in his prediction of how soon this could be implemented. Bains also discusses: * When a blockchain is not really a blockchain * How a 9/11 Thought Experiment can explain why more and more companies have become willing to undergo the process of costly compliance, particularly with access to the “Golden Truth” * Two reasons why he discounts a Big Brother-type of threat * What clients really want from Bluzelle * At the very end, his prediction on how blockchain will impact your kids and grandkids’ insurance policies Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
When your house loses power, it’s irritating, even problematic. But what if the power outage is scaled up—across the region, state, or even nation? That’s what keeps Colin Gounden awake at night. Gounden is CEO of Via Science, a company that develops software solutions that help identify risks to a given area’s critical infrastructure. AI can help this by processing given data to help decisions get made. Yet, there are critical limitations to AI’s abilities that still need solving before this shows efficacy. Gounden also explains “explainable AI” and how it could help fix “algorithm aversion”, brought on perhaps in part by the AI’s inability to understand causal concepts that any 3-year-old can. Finally, find out why he astoundingly likens the current state of AI to the state of the Internet in the mid-1990s. Here’s what else you’ll hear: * A major drawback of AI and why one associated aspect of it may never be solved in our lifetime * HowWar Games, The Terminator, and The Matrix all perpetuate a certain “machine intelligence” myth that Via Science hopes to erase by combining and implementing two specific elements * Why and how AI has come so far in the last 5-10 years after little progress in the previous 50, including a breakthrough based on the mathematical concepts of uncertainty Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
What if touchscreen technology could be applied to whole environments? Could you have a multi-touch sensitive house, with all the walls receiving input from the user? These are the kinds of questions posed by Chris Harrison, professor at CMU. Harrison is a computer scientist by training, and the focus of his research is human-computer interaction. Harrison explains that it's taking insights from computer science and science generally and “applying them to this very specific problem of trying to get the interaction between human and computer more powerful, more intuitive, and overall just more delightful.” The touch screen experience hasn't really changed in the past 10 years, since the release of the iPhone. Chris Harrison sees touch screen technology becoming a more ubiquitous element in our rapidly changing world. It'll be more than the little rectangle in your pocket, or your bag. It could be part of your interface to everyday life. Hit play to learn more about Chris Harrison and his research. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Like dollar bills, securities are a tradeable financial asset. And like dollar bills, ultimately, when it comes right down to it, securities are just words on paper. The founders of Equibit realized what had been done for the dollar could be done for securities. They realized that there was a better, safer, faster Blockchain application. Chris Horlacher of Equibit explains. “We use the BitCoin codebase, and we made a number of modifications and upgrades and enhancements to it, to make it suitable to operate a securities marketplace on.” They've created an open, global system that can be used according to any compliance regime. Listen in to learn more about Equibit, and be sure to subscribe and review if you like what we're doing. Lastly, if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Historically, customer service (CS) is an impersonal experience. You get assigned a ticket, and a case number, and you receive emails from a no-reply address. Often, it doesn't feel like you’re talking to a real human being. From the company's side, all that systematic organization makes sense: CS is dealing with a lot of people. But for the user, it can be frustrating and slow. Help Scout is a tool designed to facilitate a real conversation between users and CS. The idea behind Help Scout was to create the first “invisible helpdesk.” It's email management software that can be deployed at scale. On the CS side, there's an elegant UI that blends Help Scout into a normal email inbox. For users, it's like receiving personal emails from an individual CS person. Help Scout is used by 8000 companies across the world in 140 different countries. Tune in to learn more about Help Scout. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Your data is a fundamental right, according to Dimitri Sirota, CEO of BigID, and everyone “has a legal right to their data.” “Companies that…collect and process [the] data don’t own it.” With that shot fired, Sirota describes how the EU is taking the global lead on this with legislation (the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR) outlining what companies are required to do in tracking and monitoring consumer data. He reveals not only which types of data must be managed and protected but also how companies are required to comply when a consumer asks for their own data. Sirota also explains the necessity for the harsh penalties that are incurred when businesses don’t comply—and why some penalties are even more severe than required. He further defends the strict penalties with three examples of successful innovations brought about by strict compliance requirements. In this podcast, you’ll also learn: * Two ways in which the EU GDPR is notable and is paving the way for action in places like Canada, China, Australia, and Japan * How the Internet of Things (IoT) will be impacted * Four ways these guidelines will benefit the companies themselves, despite the strict regulations and harsh penalties to protect consumers Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
“It’d be a good thing to get people off Earth,” and with that, this Future Tech podcast, Exploring Deep Space, really begins as we visit with Daniel Faber, former CEO of Deep Space Industries (DSI). Although no longer with DSI, Faber is continuing to honor his calling and pursue his goal: planning and being prepared for the inevitability that is humans living off-Earth. The risks inherent to us here on Earth (meteorites or global cataclysms, for instance) can be mitigated by a move into space, Faber points out. Currently, he works on models that would make it feasible for permanent human off-Earth settlements. He also gives his thoughts on how soon humanity will be able to live permanently off-Earth and how, once a certain goal is realized, the rest of the dominoes will fall. You’ll also learn how he sincerely believes that it will be more economical to live off-Earth than on Earth—you’ll shake your head in wonder when you hear how this is possible (we did!). Faber finishes by mentioning the endless number of entrepreneurial possibilities that have yet to be realized, endeavors just waiting for creative, innovative thinkers to brainstorm and create them. If you’re a serial entrepreneur yearning for a way to pioneer an industry or product that currently does not exist, you’ll want to hear the 4 industries Faber suggests, including 2 that have no competition – yet. At the end of this podcast, Faber reveals how enterprising thinkers can get in touch with him, so listen ASAP and get ahead of the crowd. You’ll also learn: * Why he thinks the first permanent off-Earth human civilizations will not be on Mars, the moon, or places like that but will instead be in a much better, much more hospitable place—and why it’s better * The #1 reason that will successfully encourage people to live off-Earth—and until this happens, humans won’t live off-planet * That while solving issues with getting water and growing enough food in space are crucial, there’s something more important than either for humans to be able to live in space Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Listen to Nicholas Haan talk about Singularity University’s flagship program, Global Solutions, a 10-week session where 80 innovators from around the world learn new technologies and apply them to solve worldwide challenges. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll discover: * The start-ups and innovations that have originated from Singularity University’s Global Solutions Program and how they are impacting the world for the better * How diversity drives this innovation * How you can get in on the action *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” please subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Jonathan Rogers is a professor at Georgia Tech who’s focused on designing and prototyping new robots for use in nontraditional environments. In his newest project, the nontraditional environment is a farm and the robot’s name is Tarzan. If you think a farm and a swinging robot are an odd combination, tune in to hear Jonathan Rogers explain how they’re a perfect match and why this unlikely merger can help ensure the future of the world’s food supply. Here’s a peek at what you’ll discover inside this episode: * Why robots are important to the future of farming * What rapid throughput phenotyping is and how it affects your future * Why drones aren’t ideal for large field use on farms and ground robots aren’t either * What sloths have to do with robotics If you’re loving what you hear on this podcast, remember to subscribe and donate!
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night because your mind won’t shut off? Do your thoughts constantly wander? Do your body and mind show signs of stress overload? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then listen in as Mikey Siegel gives insights on the technologies that can help you learn to slow your heart rate and find calm even in the middle of stressful situations. Mikey Siegel is a teacher at Stanford University with a background in engineering and technology. His passion lies in helping people use technology to learn mindfulness, improve their mood and change their world from the inside out. Here’s a few of the things he’ll share: * What tech-augmented meditation is and how it can improve your mental well-being * The new ways neuroscience and meditation are intersecting * Easy steps to start meditating and how to reap the benefits fast—even if you don’t know what you’re doing *If you’ve learned something from this podcast episode, please subscribe, spread the word and donate a few bitcoins along the way.
“Bitcoin is not a hobby anymore. It’s a $30 Billion industry, and it’s going to be a $300 Billion industry in the next 10 years.” That’s just one exciting statistic David Bailey shares as he discusses upcoming changes to the Let’s Talk Bitcoin Network. Tune in as he gives an insider’s view of the lucrative world of crypto currency and shares some exciting forecasts for how bitcoin is set to spark the next industrial revolution. Here’s some things you’ll discover in this episode: * How, in the 1400s, double entry bookkeeping changed the course of finance and why bitcoin is poised to do the same today * Why it’s essential that bitcoin can scale infinitely * The only element necessary for bitcoin to go mainstream *While we’re on the subject, show this podcast some love—hit the subscribe button and/or donate bitcoin today.
If you’ve been thinking about getting into cryptocurrency or are new to it, this podcast is for you. Chris Kitze, CEO of FlashCoin, a private blockchain platform for both application development and incentive based consumer marketing. Kitze describes that, despite the importance of Bitcoin to the marketplace, it has flaws that have allowed competitors such as FlashCoin to gain footholds in the industry. In other words, in many respects, such as buying other forms of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is irreplaceable; yet, Bitcoin is also slow and incurs too many fees that make small transactions impractical. Kitze believes that Flash, the unit of exchange, offers a better solution. He also explains the type of governance model on which the Flash philosophy is based and the most important challenge to overcome. He also touches on the prospects of a future gold-backed cryptocoin as well as those of a U.S.-based exchange and why there isn’t one now. He also explains whether or not Donald Trump as President is beneficial to the industry. He shares his predictions for Bitcoin, FlashCoin, and the cryptocurrency market overall for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018. If Bitcoins interest you, you’ll want to hear Kitze’s predictions for its future worth (hint: the current $2000 or so for one coin is a pittance). Finally, he reveals the best way to keep abreast of all the action in cryptocurrencies. Here’s what else you’ll learn: * Why Kitze believes that the current state of the industry “is a replay of the dot-com boom” and what the consequences could be * The five specific advantages of FlashCoin over Bitcoin and why the model being built is considered an eBay-type over-the-counter digital trading platform * That now is a perfect time for software developers to get in and the three things that his and other cryptocurrency companies are looking for in developers Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
For ages, I’ve been saying there’s a moat, or a chasm, between cryptocurrency and fiat currency. There are just some things you can’t do with crypto yet. Now, though, that’s beginning to change. Now, with A.I. Coin, you can invest with crypto. Gavin Smith of A.I. Coin explains: “We allow people to trade stocks, trade futures, trade for an exchange using their cryptocurrency as collateral to make investments and trades.” The thing is, we’re still crossing that chasm: there are all sorts of real-world challenges with cryptocurrency trading that have never been faced before. Challenges unlike those of more regular, established markets—like gold, or fiat. Tune in to learn more about A.I. Coin from Gavin Smith. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate some BitCoin to the show. Every little bit helps as we continue to produce and share more content with listeners like you.
Senescent cells play a uniquely dual role in the body: in the younger stages of life, they are crucial in helping heal wounds, yet later in life, they contribute to certain aspects of aging. The powerful influence senescence cells have on the body is what drives Peter de Keizer, an anti-aging researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands. In this Future Tech “Almost Here” podcast, Anti-Aging, de Keizer takes us deep into his research. His goal is to find a way to purge these senescent cells before they cause irreparable damage. When a cell reaches its damage threshold, it either dies (apoptosis) or hibernates (senescence). de Keizer discusses what happens when the cells that refuse to die begin to accumulate and how he and his team have found two different ways to disrupt cell senescence. While this seems like great news, de Keizer explains that if done in the wrong way or at the wrong time, the cells can turn toxic and cause unintended damage. He also describes the results from experiments on aging mice and what it might mean for humans. Since the effects on both long-term health and on healthy people in their 50s and 60s still need to be determined, de Keizer also cautions against people who are understandably eager to acquire this at any cost and describes what’s happening to people who are going about it the wrong way. You’ll also learn: * Why cell death is more common when you’re younger and cell senescence more common when you’re older as well as what determines cell death or senescence * The science behind why this is not the Elixir of Life to make you immortal but instead is a method to improve your health span (i.e., quality of life) in your later years; even so, though our lifespans are increasing, there might actually be an age cap that humans cannot surpass * What’s in store for the rest of 2017 and into 2018: despite all the challenges, are we really this close to a breakthrough? So make sure to listen to it and subscribe to the podcast. Keep donating Bitcoins to Future Tech Podcast so we keep bringing you the stuff you love and want to know more about.
The world of Blockchain is a very complex space. And it’s a space that’s easy to get lost in. Blockchain is quickly evolving from the mere backbone of bitcoin that it once was. It’s now being used to issue stock via the internet, monitor goods throughout the supply chain, and connect devices within the Internet of Things. And it’s set to keep progressing into other areas of the real world at break-neck speeds. That’s why the Newsletter, Blockchain Intel, was created. Listen in to hear Brandon Thomas explain how this newsletter can help you stay on top of what’s happening with Blockchain. Here’s a few of the things he’ll share: * How Blockchain Intel can help investors understand the areas that blockchain is moving toward and help them invest accordingly * The top weaknesses of the blockchain industry today * How Blockchain Intel is bridging the gap between business as usual and business according to blockchain *If you’ve learned something from this podcast episode, please subscribe, spread the word and donate a few bitcoins along the way.
The rise of the cryptocurrency sector and Bitcoin especially, is one of the most exciting advances of the last seven years. What lies behind these incredible developments and what changes might we see in the coming years? In this episode, Piotr provides insights in the origins of Bitcoin and learn what makes it such an innovative piece of programming. You’ll also discover where Bitcoin’s limitations lie and how the next generation of cryptocurrencies are building up and improving the Bitcoin protocol. Finally, you’ll learn what’s likely to lie ahead for Bitcoin and its competitors and how steady growth in the sector may see the increasing use of cryptocurrencies by large corporations and, one day, even nation states. Piotr Piasecki has been involved with the cryptocurrency community since 2011 and completed his Master’s thesis on Bitcoin security in 2012. Since then, he’s worked to develop a cryptocurrency exchange, and run his own startup. He currently works for Factom as a Senior Developer, runs a number of websites dedicated to cryptocurrency, and is a moderator on the most popular Bitcoin subreddit. Here’s a glance at what you’ll learn: Why Satoshi Nakamoto might very well be a single programmer rather than a team of developers How scaling issues mean that Bitcoin is gradually losing its hold on the sector. How “crypto 2.0” systems like Ripple are starting to gain real attention by performing multi-currency, international transactions at a fraction of the time or cost of mainstream banks.
Just like you can go to the gym to train your body, you can also learn exercises to train your brain. These brain workouts are clinically proven to improve memory and intelligence, but they can also increase your brain’s processing speed. The latter could save your life. In fact, a study from the National Institute of Health found that people who performed brain processing exercises for just 10 hours reduced their at-fault automobile accidents by 50% within a five year span. Dr. Mahncke shares how BrainHQ does this and much more in this episode of the FutureTech podcast. Here’s a few other things you’ll discover: * The age at which you reach your cognitive peak * Why brain exercises benefit people of all ages, not just the elderly * How Brain HQ enhanced Tom Brady’s vision response time and improved his in-game performance * If you like what you’re hearing on the FutureTech podcast please subscribe and donate bitcoins.
From unexpected school closures to battling sickness yourself, there are times when you need last minute help caring for your children—and it’s not always easy to find! Since you aren’t going to entrust your home and children to just anyone, what do you do when you need a highly qualified babysitter on short notice? Anand Iyer founded the company, Trusted, to help parents answer this question. He’s designed a sitter service that employs vetted caregivers and created an app to pair parents with these Trusted sitters whenever they need them most. Listen in as he talks about it in today’s podcast. Here are some snippets of what you’ll hear: * The three types of situations in which childcare is needed and how Trusted can help you find the right sitter for each one * The preemptive work that goes into ensuring Trusted employs only the highest quality care givers * Trusted’s areas of service and where they plan to expand * Please listen in, subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Jason has over fifteen years of financial as well as technical experience. He has spent seven years managing different software technologies at BlackBerry. Being involved in Bitcoin since 2012, his focus is on spurring adoption across Canada while assisting blockchain start-ups on an international level. His belief in free and honest money, passion for financial education and love of all things digital is what has led him to establish Crypto Consultant. Now, CryptoConsultant is growing—and changing. More and more people are wondering how Blockchain technology can be applied to their existing industry. This is an increasingly relevant question. Because for Jason, society is dominated by networks, and the Blockchain leverages those networks more powerfully than ever before. “That’s part of the consultancy,” explains Jason. “We try to identify and build what we believe to be the dominant networks, or Blockchains, of the future.” Tune in to hear more about CryptoConsultant, and the work Jason Cassidy is doing. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps.
As the Blockchain space has grown, it’s started to be noticed by national governments. There’s more money at stake than ever before. More people involved. Is the Blockchain a state-level concern? More specifically, Should cryptocurrencies like BitCoin be regulated? For some yes; for others, no; and from this, the debates begin. For the Canadian government, the question is whether or not to introduce a general, 5% sales tax into the sale of BitCoin. And this is where the Blockchain Association of Canada (BAC) comes in. The BAC is a non-profit interfacing between government and heads of industry to showcase the potential of Blockchain technology, including—and especially—BitCoin. BAC Executive Director Kyle Kemper explains: “It’s really important that companies can focus on building and know that they have some representation at the industry level.” The BAC lobbies for the interests of Blockchain companies as a whole, pushing an industry-wide agenda with Canadian policymakers and officials. Hit play to hear more about Kyle Kemper and his work in the BAC. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate some BitCoin to the cause. Every little bit helps us continue producing and sharing content with listeners like you.
A lot of the technologies that we use today were first imagined in Star Trek: cell phones, flash drives, tablets, sliding doors, voice-command for computers. It may seem odd now that these technologies are so ubiquitous, but in fact they once existed only in science fiction. What’s next? Warp drives? Transporters? Ethan Siegel thinks yes. “I’ll even challenge you to think of a technology that Star Trek envisioned that we don’t have, and won’t have,” says Siegel. Siegel is a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Arizona. In his forthcoming book, Treknology, he explores the correlation between the technologies of sci and real life. Hit play to hear more about the imagined technology of the future. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
The Human Genome Project took 13 years and cost 3 billion dollars. That was for just one human genome. Now the cost of DNA-sequencing has fallen dramatically. You can do human genetic testing for under a thousand dollars a genome today. And now next-gen DNA-sequencing technology has become economical enough to apply in different contexts. Take ClearLabs.com, a Silicon Valley tech company that’s built a DNA-sequencing platform for food. It’s expensive to mess up food, for a manufacturer. “The average food safety recall averages around ten million an incident, but can climb much higher,” says ClearLabs co-founder Mahni Ghorashi. Besides the cost to business, which totals 55 million a year, there’s also the cost to human life, with 3,000 deaths from food-bourne illnesses yearly. With the tech ClearLabs is developing, all this can be prevented. Listen to learn more about ClearLabs, and the application of DNA-sequencing to the food industry. Be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating a few BitCoins to the cause.
300 events. 40,000 audience members. 500,000 social media followers. This is SciFest Dubai, co-founded by social entrepreneur and science journalist Raya Bidshahdri. “The goal is to really bring culture back to science; to make it fun and exciting through the arts,” says Bidshahdri. The festival is a massive undertaking in itself, but it symptomizes a greater trend in education as an industry. Namely, it shows where education is failing. The rise of festivals like SciFest Dubai—along with alternative education companies and ed tech companies—demonstrates a reaction to the Industrial Age’s factory model of public, standardized education. It’s not working. Bidshadhri explains. “Currently, our education system is just not fit for purpose: student mental health is at an all-time low; student debt is at an all-time high; and traditional schools are dominated by uninspiring curricula, and an over-emphasis on short-term knowledge.” Tune in to learn more about SciFest Dubai, and other disruptions in current education technology. Be sure to review and subscribe. And as always, if you can, consider donating a few BitCoins to the cause.
As a teenager, Robin Farmanfarmaian was mis-diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. All told, she ended up having forty-three hospitalizations, six surgeries, and three organs removed. For a mis-diagnosis. Seriously. Having gone through this, Farmanfarmaian decided to take her healthcare into her own hands. She fired her entire medical team, and took herself off the high-dose opiate she was on, leading to an experience equivalent to heroin withdrawal. “Because of that, I ended up getting diagnosed correctly… And literally after 13 years of massive surgeries, constant hospitalizations, I suddenly went into remission overnight.” “Wow,” I say. “I hacked my healthcare back together,” says Farmanfarmaian. And now, Farmanfarmaian has learned how to hack the healthcare system even more extensively. “I’ve hacked my healthcare to the point where I now receive the vast majority of my healthcare within a two-block radius of my apartment, or inside of my home.” Hacking the healthcare system is what Farmanfarmaian’s new book is about: The Patient As CEO gets into the technologies that are empowering patients to be key decision-makers. To learn more, hit play. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
How do you feed 7 billion people? How do you grow that much food? That’s the question that confronts plant biologists. Over the past sixty years, our understanding of genetics has allowed us to increase yield of crops hugely. This, by taking an edible plant, and increasing the relative biomass of the part you can eat—a bigger grain of rice, for instance. Or a bigger bean from a soybean plant. But as the world population continues to grow, and change, researchers like Dr. Stephen Long are looking for more ways to grow more food, more quickly. Plants with high “photosynthetic efficiency” (PE) are plants that efficiently convert sun energy into plant biomass. Understanding and improving PE has been the object of Dr. Long’s whole career. Most plants average a surprisingly low PE: 1%. Even high-PE plants only get up to 3%. Long sees an opportunity to up that number to 9% by editing the genes of plants Tune in to hear more about Dr. Long’s research. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating a few BitCoins to the cause.
Imagine this: you’re out with friends, and you’re contemplating another glass of wine despite the fact that you feel a bug coming on. Normally, you’d make a spontaneous decision based on how you think you feel both now and tomorrow. But what if you could be sure of it? In this Future Tech podcast, Genome Editing, we visit with Eleonore Pauwels, the Director of Biology Collectives with the Science and Technology Program at the Woodrow Wilson Scholar Institute in Washington, D.C. Pauwels delves deep into “the democratization of genomics and biology”, the goal of which is for people to have 24/7 control of their health and even environment—imagine being able to determine that the restaurant food that you’re about to eat is contaminated with salmonella. She also explains how such a decentralization will allow someone with a certain type of leukemia, for example, to monitor their cancer levels every 1-2 weeks from their home–convenient for someone living far from their doctor or with mobility issues. She goes on to disclose the various factors preventing this application from being widely available yet (even though the technology exists) before ending with several questions that will have you looking forward to the future. You’ll also learn: How one company in China could be onto a breakthrough that will revolutionize how you read and interpret all aspects of not only your biological data but also that of thousands, perhaps millions, more How a digital avatar of yourself could monitor how you’re evolving—in real time How the “dark side” of this power to control your health could also ruin it, as well as that of millions of people, unless you have a secret weapon—the “liquid biopsy”
Fundamentally, the role of the BlockChain’s open ledger is to provide transparency. “Because of the nature of the BlockChain, you can look at all those transaction,” says guest Donnie Gebert. For Gebert, though, there’s more than one application of that transparency. Beyond cryptocurrency, what would the BlockChain look like if applied to policy-making? Imagine this… instead of voting on issues and representatives, you could essentially self-represent by crowd-funding government projects you supported, ideologically. “Instead of voting on an issue, you would decide where your money goes,” says Gebert. “You financial contribution is your de facto vote, and you don’t have to put your money into something you don’t want to.” Don’t support the current war? Invest in federally owned parks instead. And that’s just one scenario among many. For Gebert, the federal government is a racket. Who knows where all that money’s going, and what it’s being used for. There’s a lack of transparency: no one knows how much federal services cost. “We’ve got a systemic problem,” says Gebert. And for him, the BlockChain could be the way to fix it. Listen to learn more about Gebert’s fascinating theory. And be sure to subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating BitCoins to the cause.
People love plastic. Despite the advantages of digital currency, people still love their credit cards; secure and familiar in the old paradigm, the shift to digital currencies has been slow. And yet, it is inevitable that things will change. Manie Eagar sees this change happening soon. “There’s a great convergence taking place,” he says. “Very very exciting new paradigms are starting to emerge.” “Tell me about this convergence,” I say. For years, Manie Eagar has worked in the financial sector—specifically big banks, like Barclays. As he explains The Great Convergence, I can tell I’m talking to an expert, and a thought leader. “You may have heard of a project in Kenya called M-Pesa, where you can literally trade your airtime—or the minutes on your phone—for cash. And exchange it back again. So you literally have a little bank in your pocket.” Tune in to hear the rest of Manie Eagar’s take on the near future of digital currency. Subscribe, review, and if you can, consider donating a few BitCoins to the cause. Every little bit helps.
Statistics show that crime, especially violent crime, is hyper concentrated within certain times, places and people. Just look at these stats: 90-95 % of homicides take place in less than 2% of the street addresses in any area. Half of all crimes occur within the same 10 hours of every week. 5% or less of the population in any given area is responsible for 90% of crime that happens there. Is there a way to leverage this data to prevent crime? Robert Muggah thinks so. Listen in to hear him explain how technology is revolutionizing the world’s policing systems. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll learn from the show: * How one technology reduced police response time in Brazil from 14 days after a crime had taken place to 20 minutes after it was reported * What hot spot policing is and why it’s important * What the controversial “hotlist algorithm” is and the ethical questions it’s raising *If you can't get enough of The Future Tech podcast, please subscribe, and throw some bitcoins our way.
To paraphrase the sci-fi writer William Gibson, “The future is already here. It’s just unevenly distributed.” The fact is, the technology for self-driving cars exists today. So why doesn’t everyone have one? “Cost,” says Justyna Zander. For the past 12 years, Zander has been working on self-driving cars in various capacities, at various companies. As Zander explains, just because a technology exists, doesn’t mean it can be mass-produced at high volumes. Before technology can become ubiquitous, it has to be economical. But there’s also the question of how you define “self-driving.” Technically, when you activate cruise control in your car, you’re delegating a certain task to automation. By degrees—even by small degrees—self-driving cars are already on our roads. Today. So the better question is, “To what degree are cars already self-driving?” The answer varies, explains Zander. Complete automation is still mostly theoretical, especially in busy, complex urban environments. Tune in to hear Justyna Zander’s full take on the issue, including the role NVIDIA might play. Subscribe, review, and if you like what we’re doing, consider donating a few BitCoins to the cause. Every little bit helps us continue producing and sharing great content with listeners like you.
RealWear, as the name might suggest, is a wearables company. “Wearable whats?” you may be wondering. Well, wearable computers. Their flagship product is a wearable Android tablet—essentially a mobile computer you wear on your head. “Won’t that look weird?” I wonder aloud. RealWear CEO Andy Lowery explains. “First start with Google Glass.” Viz. Google Glass, the glasses with the heads-up display floating in front of one of your eyes. “You start there. But our device is very different from Google Glass in that it’s much more rugged.” Water-proof, dust-proof, with a much larger battery, RealWear is a cyborgish augmentation you can really take anywhere. It’s bigger. It weighs more. It has a wide VGA display. So instead of being mounted on glasses, like Google Glass, it’s attached to a hard hat, or ball cap. But the added size and weight lets it do more: “anything that you could run on an Android tablet that you’d typically be holding in your hand, and driving with your fingers.” Hit play to learn more about RealWear’s innovative wearable technology. Subscribe, review, and if you like what we’re doing at Future Tech, donate a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
What if was possible to turn your body’s cells into mini computers and then program them to kill cancer? According to synthetic biologist, Wilson Wong, it’s not only a very real possibility, but it could be the future of immunotherapy. Here’s a few things you’ll hear about in this episode: * The technique doctors are now using to hack T-cells and achieve 90% remission in Lymphoma patients * How researchers have successfully turned cells into computer circuits and how that could impact the future of medicine. * The magical enzyme that makes computing with cells possible *If you’ve learned something from this podcast episode, please subscribe, spread the word and donate a few bitcoins along the way.
As you may already know, Bitcoin requires an ever increasing amount of proof of work, as more and more computers are working on the problem of securing the BitCoin BlockChain. Extremely-difficult-to-compute hashes take up a huge amount of computing power in the BitCoin ledger, making them some of the most secure data structures in the world. “And yet,” says Paul Snow of FactomTM, “despite the massive amount of security that the coin has, the ledger itself is only one megabyte every ten minutes.” To secure data, FactomTM was started up in Austin TX. They’ve been live with the FactomTM protocol since September 2015. Paul Snow explains how it works. “The idea of FactomTM is to provide a general purpose data-layer secured by the Bitcoin BlockChain… Basically, the data-layer exists to prove the data integrity of information that’s being exchanged via various applications.” People who run the protocol are rewarded every month with FactomTM tokens. This incentive keeps the program running. The tokens also function as an anti-spam mechanism, “to prevent people from just throwing trash into the data-layer.” To hear more about how FactomTM is operating in the BitCoin space, hit play. And be sure to subscribe, review, and donate BitCoins if you’re able. Every little bit helps as we endeavor to produce and share quality content.
Let’s start with the most salacious bit of news. Legend has it that Timothy Draper once won 33,000 Bitcoins in one fell swoop. This, from the auction of the Silk Road proceeds. Draper looked at that, and realized that Bitcoin had an extraordinary future; that Bitcoin could be an easy-to-use, trusted third party untied to any necessarily self-interested national government. “And I knew that… I’d been investing in Bitcoin companies for a number of years before that auction came up,” says Draper. He continues, saying: “It’s a really positive thing for the world.” Despite its underground status, for Draper, the joke is that nowadays, it’s much easier to catch illegal activity in Bitcoins that in any other currency. For Draper, the BlockChain is that clear… that honest. “There’s a thrill in owning Bitcoin,” rejoins host Richard Jacobs. Tune in for the rest of Timothy Draper’s wide-angle, bird’s-eye view on the present and future of Bitcoin. As always, be sure to subscribe and review, and if you can, donate a Bitcoin or two. Every little bit helps.
Imagine you’re sitting at a perfectly organized desk. All your important papers are arranged in front of you in the order that you need them. When you want reference material you simply remove a book from your alphabetically systemized bookcase. Nothing is out of place. Your work flows smoothly as you transition from one task to the next, and at the end of the day, you don’t have to put anything away. You simply take off your augmented reality glasses, and the computer that houses your virtual office puts everything back in its place. That’s the vision for just one of the projects that Jodi Medich of Singularity University is working on now. Here’s a few other things she talks about in this episode: * The role cognitive ergonomics and spacial memory have in developing new AR/VR * The conceptual AR technology that plans to revolutionize our classrooms and other learning environments * Why the future of computing should focus on creating super humans instead of super machines *If you’ve learned something from this podcast episode, please subscribe, spread the word and donate a few bitcoins along the way.
In today's world, cybersecurity's at the top of everyone's mind. But the DarkWeb seems beneath everyone's attention. Why should most companies care about the DarkWeb when they're doing business normally and legitimately, “above-ground,” so to speak? “Why do they care?” asks host Richard Jaobs. Barry Spielman of Sixgill answers. “To a very large degree, our solution is meant for those who understand or are beginning to understand the importance of the DarkWeb.” Since its inception, the Darkweb has become a mammoth black market. From weapons to drugs, you can buy just about anything. And much of the trade that happens? It happens very professionally, under the supervision of administrators, with Escrow security, and so on. In short, you can no longer talk about normal and legitimate business without also talking about the DarkWeb. Hit play to learn more about how Sixgill protects businesses from DarkWEB threats. Be sure to click to subscribe to and review the FutureTech podcast. And if you like what you're hearing, share a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
On the day of the interview, Patrick Dugan had been having a good day. He'd been coding, and had gotten up some momentum. Everything was clicking. It was one of those days. But Dugan is much more than just a coder. Last year, serving on the board of Omni Foundation, he managed to enable product launches and increase annualized return. As host Richard Jacobs says, Patrick is a “man of many endeavors and talents.” Within the Omni Foundation, Patrick's main venture is called “BlockChain Yield.” BlockChain Yield is a way to issue bonds over BlockChain using the omnilayer protocol. “It is using the Bitcoin BlockChain as a ledger to manager operations and track control of assets,” says Dugan. To pull this off, Dugan had to go out of the country. “I searched all over the world for a regulatory body that would be potentially friendly to this kind of business and wouldn't have such a high barrier to entry… Ultimately, we settled on applying under the Central Bank of Armenia.” Hit play to hear the rest of Patrick Dugan's story. Remember to review and subscribe, and if you can, donate a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
Radia Perlman has been designing network and routing protocols for a long time. In the early days, they were pretty fragile. It's been Perlman's work that's made these protocols robust and scalable. She's literally written the book on these topics, now in a 2nd edition. It's this perspective Perlman brings to “Blockchain,” which has been hyped as the biggest contribution to computing since the Internet. It's hard to define a buzzword like “Blockchain.” You could define it as something as vague and general as “a combination of computers networking,” which doesn't make it any different from the computing we've been doing for decades. Perlman simply defines “Blockchain” as data that's arranged in chains of blocks. Every chain has a “hash,” which is especially difficult to compute. It's difficulty is its only security assumption. But how safe is that really? Find out in this podcast. Here’s a few things you’ll find out: * What the downsides of blockchain technology are * Why Blockchain and Bitcoin could be over-hyped * What the dangers of Bitcoin could be
Gasoline gets a pretty low rating on the “green scale” and several companies like Uber and Lyft are helping to lessen its bad effects on our atmosphere. But how does Filld, a company that specializes in personal gasoline delivery, get to tout the green benefits of their service? Listen in as Christopher Aubuchon, the CTO of Filld explains. Here’s a few things you’ll find out: * How the ecosystem behind Filld actually reduces the amount of gas we consume * How trained drivers and gas delivery employees are reducing fire hazards and eliminating spills caused from overfilling * The ins and outs of using Filld and a few insider tips on how to get the most from your tank of gasoline * How Filld is ramping up the meaning of full service *If you love hearing the newest innovations in technology and how they’re changing our world, remember to subscribe and consider a bitcoin donation.
People don’t like to be sold—especially online. From spam filters to pop-up blockers, people do their best to stop unwanted advertisements from interrupting their virtual lives. This creates a barrier between you as an entrepreneur or business owner and the online world you’d like to reach. So, how can you get your brand’s message in front of teens, millennials and generation Zers who spend most of their time on a mobile device connected to the web? That’s the question Christian Brucculeri, CEO of Snaps, answers for big brands everyday. Listen in to hear how Snaps is changing the world of mobile online marketing. Here’s a few things he shares: * How emoji’s can become brand building tools * How to legally hijack your customer’s iMessages and make them love you for it * How conversational media increases some brands awareness by 300% If you’re loving this podcast, remember to subscribe and consider a bitcoin donation.
“You can do stupid things with electricity,” says Mike Weisend. Take poorly executed electroshock therapy for example. People end up literally frying their brains. It's like being struck by lightening, and the therapeutic effects of being struck by lightening—if there any—have not been approved by the FDA. However, it's undeniable that the brain is an electrical organ, and is effected by electricity. To better understand the cause and effect of electricity in the brain, Mike has been heading up research at RioGrandeNeuroScience, and developing therapies for illnesses are from depression to dementia. “I'm a decent case study,” says Weisend. “I've zapped myself pretty frequently to test new paradigms, or electroconfigurations… or new technologies…. And… I'm doin' alright. You know.” Click play to listen to get the full scoop on non-invasive brain stimulation. As always, we hope you enjoy our content. Subscribe, review, and if you can, donate a BitCoin or two. Every little bit helps.
We're living in an age where not only can DNA be synthesized, but it can be applied as a technology. The applications of DNA are manifold, and some, never-before-seen. TwistBioScience creates DNA that can be used to produce chemicals, store data, improve vaccines and therapeutics, and produce disease- and climate-resistant plants. The thing about DNA is, the longer you get, the harder it is to make. Twist makes DNA in short strands… about one millionth the length of the human genome: 3,200 base pairs. (When you're making DNA with under 10,000 base pairs, you can use E. Coli, which is a well-understood, and well-behaved organism.) These small genes can still be deployed, though; and in today's market, that's where the demand is. Listen to learn more about making DNA from scratch. Subscribe, review, and if you can, help keep us going by donating BitCoins. Every little bit helps.
Previously, the only way to see cells inside brain matter was to dissect a corpse’s brain and put it under a microscope. Not so useful if you’re a brain disease patient seeking to stay alive. But, what if doctors could look at your living brain through a microscope without making a single incision? That’s just what Brainvivo has made possible with brain imaging software that transforms MRI’s into virtual microscopes. Listen in as Brainvivo’s co-founder Yaniv Assaf discusses some of the endless possibilities. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll learn: * Why diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis takes 4 ½ years but it doesn’t have to anymore * How Brainvivo will cut down on misdiagnoses of brain disease * How this new imaging will help improve early treatment medications for Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” please subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Putting a man on the moon was amazing, but Andrew Rush, the CEO of Made In Space, is intent on helping humankind settle in space—not just camp there. Listen in as he talks about how 3-D printing on the International Space Station is paving the way for men to survive and thrive in space as well as how we Earth dwellers will benefit from the industrial age of space. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll discover: * How 3-D printing in space can keep astronauts safer and make space missions more affordable * The two biggest challenges of 3-D printing in zero gravity * What “Space Enabled” materials are and which one is set to make a paradigm shift in the future of telecommunications *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” please subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Technologies are growing and changing so fast it’s hard for humans to keep up, much less the companies they create. So how can businesses stay relevant in a this world of exponential technology? That’s the question Michael Leadbetter answers daily for businesses worldwide. Listen in as he shares some of his insights. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll learn: * The types of technologies that are growing exponentially, how they’re being implemented and what this means in today’s business world * How these ever-expanding technologies cause some companies to grow 10x faster yet put others out of business * The steps and resources your business can use to ensure your company sails into the future instead of sinking into the past *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” please subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. This, especially in the aging population: you reach a certain age, and you can't see as well as before. Up until this point, there has been no cure for macular degeneration. In the late stages of the illness, people are declared legally blind. Enter BioTimeInc. Francois Binette, head of product development, explains. “The cells that are keeping the photoreceptors healthy and happy are called the ‘retinal pigmented epithelial' (RPE) cells.” With aging, or disease, these cells can degenerate. Without RPE cells, the eye can't maintain its photoreceptors, and a person's vision blurs and fades. “We have a very robust process of making these [RPE] cells,” explains Binette. Listen now to find out how BioTimeInc. creates and employs RPE cells to cure blindness in aging adults. Bio: Dr. François Binette is Head of Global Development for Biotime Inc. Dr. Binette has over 20 years of experience driving innovation in regenerative medicine therapy development. During his first industry appointment at Genzyme Tissue Repair in Cambridge, he helped pioneer Carticel™ for cartilage repair, the first FDA BLA-approved cell therapy product for human use. He then led R&D for Biosyntech, a startup biomaterials company in Montreal applying its proprietary platform for various tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. His systematic approach to demonstrating proof of principle in various indications brought numerous corporate partnership deals helping Biosyntech through a public offering. Dr. Binette then joined the DePuy Franchise of Johnson and Johnson, the second largest orthopedic business worldwide. Dr. Binette led several innovative regenerative medicine combination product development initiatives from bench top to approved clinical trials in US and Europe. Following JNJ, Dr. Binette joined the Spinal and Biologics business unit of Medtronic, the world’s largest medical device company, developing biologics, active devices and combination products for interventional spine procedures for back pain. Dr Binette received his PhD from Laval University in Québec City, followed with post-doctoral training at the Sanford-Burnham institute in La Jolla, and Harvard Medical School in Boston.
When David Knight founded the data company terbine.com, he had big plans. “We're not a broker, we're not an analytics firm, we're not an IOT platform,” says Knight. Instead, terbine.com was designed to be a global marketplace. Specifically, a marketplace for the data from the internet of things—the first of its kind. “Not a modest charter,” Knight says. There are literally petabytes of data from the internet of things. And no one's indexed it or made it machine- or human-searchable. Until now. Fast approaching public beta, terbine.com has had to start small in order to get big. As a friend of Knight's put it, “Well, we wanna hear that you have the ambition to boil the oceans, but you need to start with boiling a teapot.” A successful prototype in a smaller market (the teapot) would determine the success of the later, finished platform (the oceans). Because of this, picking the right “teapot” was crucially important. Hit play to hear the rest of terbine.com's story, and learn more about the future of data in the internet of things.
Imagine having a spinal cord injury that prevents you from performing everyday tasks without assistance. Though your brain is still intact, you can’t hold and sip your morning coffee or even grip your bagel and raise it to your mouth. Now imagine, after living that way for nine years, a computer chip in your brain makes it possible to feed yourself again. That is exactly what the clinical trial, Braingate has achieved. Tune in to hear Dr. AjiBoye explain. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll discover: * What “functional electrical stimulation” is and how it’s being used to bypass injured spinal cords to restore movement. * How algorithms are learning to read people’s minds. * The true-life story of the quadriplegic man who fed himself mashed potatoes after being paralyzed for nine years. *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” donate bitcoins to keep us going.
Self-awareness is not black and white. There are grey areas. For example, some animals are considered self-aware but on a much lower level than humans. Tune in as Hod Lipson of Singularity University discusses how these lower levels of awareness are being realized in robotics today and what that means for the future of thinking robots. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll discover: * The key to self-awareness and how it relates to A.I. today * How a blind spider-bot figured out it had four legs without a program to tell it so * Why human-level consciousness in robots is just the beginning *If you like what you’re hearing on “Almost Here: Round-the-Corner Future Technology,” please subscribe and donate bitcoins to keep us going.
“Deep Learning” is an area in artificial intelligence research and design where a “ton of breakthroughs are happening right now,” says Fast.AI co-founder Rachel Thomas. Fast.AI's mission in the AI space is to make Deep Learning more accessible to more people. Where before, you'd need graduate-to-Ph.D.-level work in math just to understand what's going on, now Fast.AI's course ware makes Deep Learning techniques available to everyday coders. In the last five to six years, Deep Learning has become a hot topic. Technically, Deep Learning is like any other kind of AI, in that it makes your computer behave intelligently. This has been around for decades. The difference is, in the last few years, it's started to take off as sub-field of its own. Deep Learning algorithms mimic neural networks in the brain. And the technology is improving exponentially every year, exceeding human intelligence in some cases. By Deep Learning,” Fast.AI co-founders Rachel Thomas and Jeremy Howard are referring to a very specific class of algorithms applied to specific problems, for example, transcribing speech to text. Fundamentally, Fast.AI is an education company. The course offered is free. The goal is to help companies train the smart employees they already have to utilize Deep Learning technology.
Aaron Schwartz Director of Engagement and Michael Gord Director of Technology at BEN, explain how they help college and high school students discover on BlockChain and CryptoCurrency either through Hackatons or special clubs. BEN's goal is to increase awareness about BlockChain and CryptoCurrency technology. Learn, subscribe, review FutureTech podcast.
John Donahue, head of marketing at Cirrus Healthcare, who explains how their product Migraine X is fighting and controlling migraines. Around 38 million people in the US suffer from a migraine. In 78% of the cases, what triggers migraines is changes in barometric pressure, (in aeroplanes or weather changes). MigraneX has a free App that alerts the users to changes in the pressure. Users put in special earplugs created by Migraine X that prevent migraines. Learn, subscribe, review FutureTech podcast.
Tens of thousands of viruses, in different shapes and sizes threaten computers everyday. That’s why Giovanni Vigna CTO and Co-Founder of Lastline.com, explains how their company prevents malware from affecting computer security. Lastline.com is not a traditional anti-virus, but much more than that. To put it in Vigna’s words, nowadays viruses come “packaged” in many different formats such as PDFs or Doc Files. There is no way of knowing if the file is corrupted or not, unless you open it and see the effect. So how to protect yourself? Thanks to Lastline.com, there is a technology called Sandbox, which opens the file in a secure environment and checks the status without the file affecting your computer. Learn, subscribe, review FutureTech podcast.
In Evolution 2.0, author Perry Marshall doesn't take a side in the Darwinism-Creationism debate. He takes his own, third side: the Perry Marshall side. Electrical engineer Marshall doubts Darwin's theory of evolution, but not as a traditional Creationist. For him, there is a still better explanation for the origin of life on earth… one heretofore undiscovered by either side of the current debate. In Marshall's estimation, evolution—as it's taught in schools today—has been corrupted into something that is a.) accidental, and b.) inter-generational. For Marshall, evolution is very purposeful. Even intentional. And furthermore, it's something that affects an organism in real time—not simply between generations. In other words, for Marshall, evolution is not incompatible with God. There could be an all-powerful God who oversees the adaption of all life on the planet. If you're a Creationist, the party line is that evolution is a hoax. If you're pro-Evolution, you say there cannot be a God. Perry Marshall asks, Why not both? Perry Marshall's God is powerful enough to do that. Here is what you'll learn in this episode: * What the origins of life on earth might actually be * How Perry Marshall has scientifically validated the existence of God * What the scientific implications of a God might be Learn, subscribe, review FutureTech podcast.
Dina Zielinski from NY Genome talks about storing data using DNA – not traditional hard drives – and it's amazing what nature can do that human engineering (until now) can not. Losing data stored on flash drives, hard disks, USBs and on computer servers may become a thing of the past with DNA storage. At NY genome, Dina has successfully managed to encode and decode data stored onto a strand of DNA. Incredible, but true. This project has the possibility of storing 215,000 times more data in 1 gram of DNA, compared to a 1 Terabyte Hard Disk. Unfortunately, the process is not ready for commercial use, and encoding costing roughly $7,000. Decoding plus reading the data costing about $2,000, and a $9k price tag isn't viable. Will DNA storage ever be cost effective and retrievable quickly? That is for you to decide but don't forget how the first computer was even larger than the room you are in right now. The future holds great secrets for us to explore so stay in the know about future tech at futuretechpodcast.com. Make sure to review, subscribe and like us on Facebook and Twitter.
Stephan Tual, founder of Slock.it, talks about Ethereum-Based Smart Contracts that allow IoT devices, (such as door locks on Air BnB apartments) to be fully automated – unlocked and locked based on rules, such as when a rental payment is received for an apartment (unlocked) and 5 minutes after checkout time (locked). Other use cases are: electric charging stations that can be rented on demand, charging monitored remotely, and repaired if a signal showing malfunction is received. Slock.it has recently received $2 million in funding and is poised for fast growth. Listen, subscribe, and rate Future Tech Podcast, and enjoy this fascinating interview!
Nathaniel Calhoun, Vice Chairman of Global Grand Challenges and the Managing Director of the Global Solutions Program at Singularity University talks about Poverty, Education and Developmental Barriers in Africa. He aims to have a positive impact on these problems through the use of exponential technology. Having personally lived in several African countries for a number of years, Nathanial highlights some of the very basic problems that western people can't conceive of, like unfair banking system that charges extortionate fees, and a weak education system that doesn't even provide separate bathroom facilities for girls in schools. Just like everywhere in the world, teachers are not being compensated properly, keeping them in abject poverty. Nathaniel advocates a “how to fish” teaching strategy vs. “give them fish to eat”. Listen, subscribe, review. Keep Future Tech humming and podcasting with your support.
Terracycle is back, and this time we have its CEO, Tom Szaky. Terracycle has rapidly become an innovative recycling company and global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste. From recycling #7 plastic to traditionally “un-recyclable” materials (juice pouches), Terracycle has been able to reduce landfill waste as well as provide reliable and useable source materials for manufacturers. Tom's aim is to eliminate the concept of waste altogether. His vision has been a driving force in recycling 1 Million Pounds of waste per week, making Terracycle a leader in the “Circular Economy”. They have introduced world’s first recycling database that helps people identify where they can go to recycle almost any household product. Terracycle now serves 21 countries around the world with a vision to reduce landfill use globally. The biggest challenge in the waste / recycling process is to cover the direct and indirect costs while generating profit. In order to tackle this, they try and ensure recycled materials meet manufacturer's requirements and are recycled on demand. Make sure you listen to this amazing interview. Review, and subscribe to Future Tech Podcast for more exciting interviews. Don’t forget to Donate Satoshis, millibits, or even a bitcoin or two, so that we can keep rolling out better interviews.
InfluxData brings a complete open-source platform made precisely for metrics, events, and other time-based data. No matter where the data comes from; humans, sensors, or machines, InfluxData authorizes creators to shape next-generation monitoring, analytics, and IoT applications quicker, easier, and to scale bringing real business work swiftly. Tim Hall talks to us about the time-series data & how InfluxData is the only purpose-built complete platform for any time-based data; from humans, sensors, or machines – flawlessly gathering, loading, visualizing, and converting insights into action. With both quick placement and quick performance. The platform helps to quickly find value in your data — control systems, identify patterns, and predict the future. He mentions a typical use case in the retail sites where you can enhance the user's shopping experience by advertising or pushing a coupon based on the previous user behavior and this is all done by considering the context and the time sequence of the user behavior, creating immense value. So make sure you give this podcast a listen and while you are at it subscribe to Future Tech Podcast, to keep yourself in the spin. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Factom's Chief Scientist, Brian Deery returns with a new Future Tech Podcast and this time, we don't talk about Factom at all. Brian talks about bigger things in the Bitcoin universe like ASIC Boost, Block Size debate, history of Bitcoin itself and much more. Brian's knowledge about Blockchain technology and the Bitcoin Blockchain can be overwhelming, even to experienced listeners, but this interview is well worth listening to, if you want to increase your knowledge in this industry. So make sure to listen to it and subscribe to the podcast. Keep donating Bitcoins to Future Tech Podcast so we keep bringing you the stuff you love and want to know more about.
Darlene Damm is a Principal Faculty Member for Global Grand Challenges with Singularity University. Darlene works on leveraging exponential technologies to resolve the world’s thorniest societal issues like education, malnutrition, poverty, access to energy and the internet. Darlene discusses exponential technology, it's scope and how it is being used to solve the social problems around the world impacting more than a billion people. She refers to some of the start-ups Singularity University's' faculty have mentored successfully who are solving the problems in the healthcare field (ex: diagnosing the disease through artificial intelligence, and one start-up using AI to predict water supply and availability. Another startup is working to produce meat for consumption from stem cells preventing animals from being slaughtered. Listen.Subscribe.Review.Donate bitcoin to fuel more podcasts? Yes.
Aaron Frank is a writer, speaker and one of the initial hires at Singularity University. Aaron's focus has been on developing technologies, specializing in virtual and augmented reality. Aaron talks to us about the new VR tools enabling people to do fascinating things. How VR is being used to help eliminate the fear of public speaking by providing a VR experience that exposes people beyond their comfortable level to help them overcome the fears. He describes how VR is being used to reduce pain for burn victims by showing them a VR environment where they feel more relaxed and calm which reduces the pain. Will virtual reality reduce peoples' willingness to have real-life interactions? What about augmented reality inside of virtual reality – i.e. holding a coffee cup and feeling the warmth of the cup inside of a virtual reality space. This interview covers a lot of unusual ground that you won't hear on many virtual reality and augmented reality podcasts. Subscribe. Review. Listen. Future Tech Podcast has hit 200 episodes and counting!
Kent Langley is a 20+ year entrepreneur, educator, speaker, author, and consultant. Kent's massive transformative purpose is to Apply Technology for the betterment of humanity. He talks about the Data Revolution and how it can revolutionize the way organizations work. Kent has been working with the Fast Track Institute allowing the acceleration of technology in society. He shares how they are working to improve the city of Medellin in Columbia, by finding new ways to improve the inclusion of more people in the financial system using tools such as: peer to peer micro-lending, allowing people who lend to also build wealth through simultaneous pooling of funds) and helping to build infrastructure for the acceleration of electrical vehicle technology. Kent also works with ExO.Works helping transformation of global businesses. Their Sprint process consists of a 10 week process to improve agility, scalability and innovation in organizations throughout the world. Listen, subscribe, and like Future Tech Podcast.
David is the founder of Network Society Research, a seed stage global venture investment firm that invests in disruptive, technology-based companies. David explains how exponential organizations work vs. more traditional, centralized and hierarchically organized corporations. David compares traditional means of producing energy using fossil fuels (requiring tremendous infrastructure, time, capital, and more) vs. solar and other renewable energy solutions (more simple, decentralized, and distributed). Also discussed are some of David's favorite companies such as Modern Meadow (applying the latest advances in tissue engineering to develop novel bio-materials to address global animal slaughter by 3d-printing meat, requiring substantially less land, water, energy, food, and chemical inputs. This is a fascinating talk with another singularity university faculty member. Listen, review, subscribe, and keep tuned to Future Tech Podcast.
Tiffany Vora an Educator, Writer, Research Scientist, and Entrepreneur who is excited to bring her diversity of experience to Singularity University as Principal Faculty in Medicine and Digital Biology. Tiffany explains what Digital Biology is and how living things can be “programmed” to do things they could never do previously. Tiffany discusses Gene Editing & CRISPR/Cas9, a technology that allows for fast, precise & permanent changes to DNA. Through this cutting edge technology it may be possible to make people immune to HIV/Aids and also treat tumors at a very early stage (earlier than certain cancers have ever been discovered before, allowing for more and better treatment(s)). Listen to this exciting interview where we discuss cutting edge technology that's going to change how we live. Subscribe and perhaps donate bitcoin to keep us interviewing!
Colin Cantrell explains how Nexus, an alt coin cryptocurrency, was inspired by Satoshi Nakamoto's whitepaper and subsequent Bitcoin protocol code. Colin also discusses several key weaknesses of the Bitcoin protocol, such as synchronizing various clocks, and offers solutions on how he would solve them. Some of Nexus' (NXS) inner workings are also explained: how Nexus applies a decentralized, mathematically regulated, transparent, crypto currency designed for stability and sustainability. He talks about why bitcoin nodes are decreasing and what potential problems may affect the bitcoin protocol's security and integrity of its Blockchain. Quantum Computing and quantum resistant algorithms and cryptography is also discussed. If you're a Bitcoin fan and know (even a little) about how the Bitcoin protocol actually works then you will be impressed with Colin's innovations, inspired by the Bitcoin protocol, to make Nexus (NXS) coin an up and coming and powerful cryptocurrency.
RexMLS will allow property owners to list their properties for sale or rent on a “global, super MLS” that isn't limited to a given metro – it's global. Stephen King, founder of RexMLS, wants to unite owners, vendors, buyers and agents, powered by a blockchain back end, that even incentivizes them for posting property listings on RexMLS. REX is a combination of three advanced technologies: blockchain, distributed ledger tech, and a “rex” token (with monetary value) to create the world’s most advanced Global Real Estate Listing Service. Listen to this thrilling interview and discover how real estate 2.0 will be Rex MLS' contribution to society.
Pascal Finette of Singularity University is the Vice Chairman of their Startup Program for Next-Generation Entrepreneurs who will be creating exponential organizations that leverage Exponential Technologies. Pascal details how some startups are utilizing exponential technology to find creative solutions to complex problems that affect literally billions of people. Two examples are Made in Space (3D Printing in zero gravity on the Space Station), and Miroculus – analyzing RNA (a Subset of DNA) in the blood, which helps identify various cancers super early, possibly allowing for better treatment and less mortality. Further he explains some of the core challenges startups face – ex: failure of a team to work together as the main downfall of startups. Pascal says a company must be “a team effort rather than a one man show” – that's why Co- Founded companies are preferred over single founders. Any interview with a singularity university faculty member is worth listening to!
Cynata Therapeutics is an Australian stem cell and regenerative medicine company that is creating a therapeutic stem cell platform technology, Cymerus™, using discoveries made at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr Kilian Kelly, Vice President, Cynata talks about Cymerus™. A platform for stem cell technology based upon extremely important and versatile stem cells known as mesenchymoangioblasts (MCAs). MCAs are a predecessor of mesenchymal stem (or stromal) cells (MSCs) which are being examined for such diseases such as osteoarthritis, Crohn’s disease and heart disease. Kilian talks about utilizing iPSCs originating from an adult donor as the preliminary material for producing MCAs and in turn for manufacturing the MSC therapeutic product. This opens up a wide range of therapeutic and manufacturing possibilities for the Company. The Cymerus™ technology has numerous features that makes it perfect for the growth of cell-based therapeutics. This has the potential to create a new standard in the emergent arena of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapeutics and provides Cynata with both a unique differentiator and an important competitive position. Listen, subscribe and share to help our podcasting efforts. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Chris Berka of Advanced Brain Monitoring talks to us about how they have challenged the orthodox thinking by creating advanced medical devices that provide a superior patient experience, lower healthcare costs, and improved quality of care. Talking about some of their successful experiments she explained how they were able to predict from the teams’ brains states which team had more cardiac synchrony & brain coherence and which team will be able to solve a given problem successfully by measuring non-invasively from body and brain. They can track when the team moves from novice to expert and which member of the team will emerge as a leader. She also explains how a Pre-Shot Peak Performance (PSPP) profile was identified in experts in marksmanship, archery and golf to provide the basis for real-time feedback to trainees. Preliminary data indicated that marksmanship learning trajectories improve significantly when novices train with the APPT as compared to controls. Advanced Brain Monitoring is also working on EEG based diagnostics and better treatments and they also have multiple sleep medicine devices to help people sleep better. This is an exciting new technology that is going to change our lives. So make sure to listen to this podcast, subscribe and share. To fuel our interviews keep donating Bitcoins to Future Tech Podcast.
Bastille provides full visibility into the known and unknown mobile, wireless and Internet of Things (IoT) devices inside an enterprise’s corporate airspace. Together known as the Internet of Radios. Director of Vulnerability Research at Bastille Networks, Balint Seeber talks about his company’s signature software-defined radio and machine learning technology. Bastille senses, classifies and localizes threats, granting security teams the aptitude to precisely measure risk and control airborne weaknesses that could pose a danger to network framework. Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
TerraCycle is removing the idea of Waste by recycling the non-recyclable multi layered composite type plastics. Whether its baby diapers (6% of the total landfill), tires, juice pouches, candy wrappers or plastic gloves from an industrial facility, TerraCycle can recycle nearly any form of non-recyclable (the number 7s) plastics. Ernie Simpson explains how they have partnered up with individual collectors, as well as major consumer goods companies, and manufacturers to not only recycle the non-recyclable plastics but also make sure that the recycled materials meet the standard specifications and can be used in manufacturing again – they achieve this by separating the multi layered plastic components and by adding 5% of the virgin materials to account for the molecular weight reduction in the recycling process. Aluminized plastics & polypropylene plastics (which are the large portion of the waste) are recycled and the materials are then used in mainstream manufacturing as well as making plastic benches & baby swings etc. Ernie hopes that the industry will be able to recycle the 50% of the world’s waste in about 10 years and will also be able to recycle the materials indefinitely. Listen, subscribe and share to help our podcasting efforts. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
We explore the latest with Dash’s own, Fernando Gutierrez. We talk about the Dash 12.1 update, Evolution and what’s in store for the rest of 2017. Make sure to listen to the podcast, subscribe and review. Keep donating Bitcoins to fuel our interviews. Company Bio: Dash (formerly known as Darkcoin and XCoin) is an open source peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that offers instant transactions private transactions and token fungibility. Dash operates a decentralized governance and budgeting system, making it the first decentralized autonomous organization.
Kyle Silvestro, Founder & CEO of SyTrue™ has been working on natural language processing for medical applications for the last decade. He talks about how clinical natural language processing translates unstructured clinical data into actionable information. NLP not only understands the content but the meaning and context behind the content, providing caregivers essential and accurate data (complete picture) that can be used to make the right decisions at the right time impacting the lives of the patients going forward. The right NLP can prevent misdiagnoses, show a patient's true meaning and intent when they discuss their symptoms, and more. Kyle shares his thoughts on what the technology will be able to achieve in medical data realm from accurate prediction of congestive heart failure to predicting the risk factors that may lead to congestive heart failure. This technology is going to impact 30 million people in the coming years while saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Listen to Kyle Silvestro’s exclusive interview to find out more about clinical language processing and more. Subscribe, share and review the podcast and donate Bitcoins to Future Tech Podcast so we keep bringing you the latest news & updates.
Walid Soussou the CEO, talks about QUASAR’s involvement in previous Department of Defense and DARPA programs that shaped groundbreaking new dry sensor technology for bio-electric calculations through hair, off the skin, and even through clothing. The Dry sensor Tech at QUASAR is easy to use and produces reliable signals without skin preparation and gels. The lack of gels ensures good contact, enabling long-term wear without irritating your skin. Quasar's wearables are used in many gaming and other biofeedback applications. Listen, Subscribe, Review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Dr. Jackson from Singularity University discusses a variety of scientific innovations, including computational technology and space exploration. From Fiat Physics to Developing a Science Partnership Fund & from lecturing students to Consulting Corporate Executives on the impact of quantum computing, Mark has a very diverse background. Jackson recently organized the Dawn of Private Space Science symposium bringing together leading scientists, foundations, corporations, policy makers, and commercial space-lines under one roof to create opportunities for PRIVATE scientific research in space, not just from government. Listen, subscribe and review Future Tech Podcast.
Security Scorecard' exclusive “SaaS” platform helps companies gain operational command of their security situation for themselves, partners and suppliers. It provides unceasing, non-intrusive checking for any wireless signals, and computer access points, regardless of the device – (HVAC, VOIP phone, computer, cell, etc) The platform offers a picture of critical data points not obtainable from any other service provider, including a vast variety of risk classes such as Application Security, Malware, Patching Cadence, Network Security, Hacker Chatter, Social Engineering, and Passwords Exposed. Alex Heid talks about SecurityScorecard being the only Security Rating that non-intrusively, widely calculates and examines all potential access points and threats to security, whether it's in a C-suite office, a boardroom, conference room, factory floor, or other locations. Each factor analyzed encompasses of hundreds of user behavior patterns, security events, and other key data points. So make sure you give this podcast a listen and while you are at it subscribe to Future Tech Podcast, to keep yourself in the spin. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Losant’s Internet of Things platform allows developers to build complex, connected solutions quickly and easily. IOT’s development platform can provide scalable device management, data collection, visualization, and data reaction workflows. Charlie Key, the CEO talks to us about the infinite potentials of connected devices. IoT devices can enable projecting maintenance in manufacturing, real-time tracing in logistic companies and connected living in smart cities and better patient experiences in healthcare and much more. The platform makes linking a diverse hardware and sensors simple with open-source SDKs and extensively accepted communication protocols. Data from these devices is issued to the platform and can be simply imagined with dashboards or jointly using the Losant API. Make sure you Subscribe to know more about the Internet of Things (IoT) and where the tech is headed. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Professor Gordon Wallace talks to us from the University of Wollongong about 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine technologies. A technology that is impacting not only manufacturers but people all around us. From organic body parts to metal objects, everything is and can be 3D Printed. Learn from the professor who not only knows about this tech but knows the impact it is having in the scientific fields. Might you need and get 3D-printed cartilage, a 3D printed organ, stents, or other implants to improve your health? Wollongong University has 150+ scientists and engineers working on the material properties of 3d printed implants, chemical and genomic properties, and more. It's unbelievable the amount of engineering and knowledge that goes into regenerative medicine and 3D printing of organs, tissues, and implants. Subscribe, review, and enjoy this podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Josh Seigler, currently a developer working on Dash Evolution and Dash.org's front end, gives his insights into what he calls “high quality money” and talks about upcoming developments in the Dash world. Josh is a deep thinker about economics, money, and cryptocurrency, and we discuss upcoming possible Dash features such as 3rd party arbitration of disputes, how the recently increased price of Dash affects proposals and the running of masternodes, and more. Tune in, review, follow, and rate Future Tech to encourage our continued interviews of round-the-corner future technologies.
IrisVR has built VR tools for the architecture & design industries. “Iris Prospect” allows customers to take their 3D plans and blueprints & turn them into VR experiences view-able on devices like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, GearVR and Cardboard. “Iris Scope” converts panoramic images into VR experiences for smartphones. CEO Shane Scranton explains that his company’s aim is to make everything simpler for the design & architecture industries & will help the industry move beyond gimmicks. Shane and I jivved extremely well during this interview and had a great time. We talk about lessons learned from the gaming industry (of which VR and AR have benefited tremendously). Listen to this exciting interview and learn more about the even more exciting technology & make sure to share & subscribe to the Podcast. Don’t forget to donate Bitcoins, to our pub key on future tech podcast dot com to keep us moving.
Vericred is a healthcare tech and data company that delivers data solutions to health insurance industry partners. This coupling results in lower costs and faster speeds to the end consumer looking at healthcare plans and providers. Join us as CEO, Mike Levin, shares his personal experience that led to creating this platform and what his vision is for the future of the healthcare data industry in today's political climate. Bio: Michael Levin (luh-VIN) is co-founder and CEO of Vericred, Inc. – a leading healthcare data services company based in New York City. Together with his colleague Dan Langevin, Mr. Levin developed a vision for the healthcare data services start-up as the trusted source for accurate, complete and accessible healthcare provider information. Today, the company provides a complete and accurate health insurance data platform which includes health plan design and rate data, provider-network data and formulary data.
VistaGen Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company concentrating on developing new generation medicines for depression and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The lead CNS product candidate, AV-101, is a new generation antidepressant drug candidate in Phase 2 development. AV-101's mechanism of action is fundamentally differentiated from all FDA-approved antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics used adjunctively to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), with potential to drive a paradigm shift towards a new generation of safer and faster-acting antidepressants. In addition to the AV-101 programs, VistaStem, VistaGen’s wholly owned subsidiary, is focused on applying human pluripotent stem cell technology, internally and with collaborators, to discover, rescue, develop and commercialize proprietary new chemical entities (NCEs), including small molecule NCEs with regenerative potential, for CNS and other diseases, and cellular therapies involving stem cell-derived blood, cartilage, heart and liver cells. VistaGen is utilizing its CardioSafe 3D to participate in the FDA's Comprehensive in-vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative designed to change the landscape of nonclinical drug development by providing a more complete and accurate assessment of potential drug effects on cardiac risk using stem cell-derived heart cells and in vitro ion channel data. In this podcast, Dr. Snodgrass discusses VistaStem’s stem cell technology applications as well and their CardioSafe 3D™ program. Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
CureCoin is a CryptoCurrency based around Folding@Home that lets owners of both ASIC and GPU/CPU hardware to earn cure coins as a reward for mining (mining meaning giving computer time and capacity to helping reveal the structure of complicated biological proteins) CureCoin places ASICs to work at what they are good at, safeguarding a blockchain, while it puts GPUs and CPUs to work with work items that can only be done on them (protein folding). Joshua Smith, the founder along with Ivan and Alex, talks about the few cryptocurrencies that can be mined efficinetly using a CPU or GPU, vs. ASIC mining (the only possibly way to even consider mining Bitcoin). CureCoin can be earned with both GPUs or CPUs to fold proteins, earning a substantial amount of coins set-aside for their charities. The best of both worlds? Mine cryptocurrency while helping to battle Cancer, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, preventing viruses, and design next-level pharmaceuticals? That's what cure coin is about. Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Muse is a sensing headband and brain fitness tool that measures brain signals much like a heart rate monitor senses your heartbeat. Muse’s 7 finely calibrated sensors; 2 on the forehead, 2 behind the ears plus 3 reference sensors detect and measure the activity of your brain waves. Graeme Moffat explains that Muse has been tested and certified in accordance with Canadian, USA and European regulatory standards. The measurements Muse takes are harmless to people and only provide information about your general state. Muse uses Bluetooth to send information to your mobile device making it safe and harmless. Whether you're interested in making your meditation more effective and getting to a zen state much faster, or using brain wave feedback to speed your learning of a given subject, Muse has a ton of uses to help you improve your brain. If you're interested in knowing more about wearable tech and what’s next to come, stay tuned to future tech podcast. Share, Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast. Don’t forget to donate Bitcoins, to our pub key on future tech podcast dot com to keep us rolling.
Notion aims to provide security for anything with motion. You can place notion's sensors on various areas in your home or business (such as on your front door to sense when it is opened and how many times a day it is opened) to gather useful data to improve your security and knowledge. Notion sensors can tell you how full a propane tank is, when your child returns home from school, give you instant water leak alerts, tell you if your gun safe has been accessed and much more. You can check the status of your home any time with the Notion iOS and Android app, or never worry about checking in because Notion will let you know when important things happen. Product Marketing Manager, Henry Springer talks to us about his company’s journey in the past 7 months and what are some of the innovative use cases notion could be utilized in, after successfully integrating with IFTTT and Nest. With the world evolving and getting more connected the internet of things is something to look out for. So Make Sure You Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
NeuroSky technologies allow people to use wellness bio-metrics for mobile solutions including wearable devices. Their advanced biosensors, bio-metric algorithms, reference designs, and Big Data analytics enable leading-edge innovation in mHealth products and services for calculating body and mind performance. Stanley Yang talks about the technologies giving consumers actionable information to help them evaluate their fitness and if necessary, change their behavior to get on the path to healthier living. This Silicon Valley-based company makes innovative biosensor technologies obtainable on a mass-market scale. Their command on electroencephalogram (EEG) biosensors has shaped hundreds of advances in consumer-level brainwave monitoring. Fresh improvements in there electrocardiogram (ECG) biosensors and bio-metric algorithms are now permitting OEMs, ODMs, and service providers to improve solutions that can monitor and analyze a vast collection of cardio bio-signals previously not presented in consumer wearables. Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Smart Glasses are made of glycerin-filled, liquid lenses that can automatically adjust the focus on what a person is seeing, whether it is far away or close up. The lenses are placed in battery-powered frames that can automatically adjust the focal length of the lenses based on what the wearer is looking at. These glasses are particularly suited for people with presbyopia, a condition in which the lens of your eye loses part of its ability to focus on objects at variable distances, typically requiring progressive lenses or bifocals and separate reading glasses. Doctor Carlos Mastrangelo, the creator of these Smart Glasses explains that altering how the liquid lenses are curved allows the smart glasses to focus on whatever the wearer is looking at. It takes about 14 milliseconds for the glasses to alter focus, and the rechargeable battery in the frames lasts more than 24 hours. Now in order to commercialize the product, Carlos has developed a company, Sharpeye LLC, to produce the product for the general public. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Jan Witowski a medical student, talks to us about 3D liver modeling and how it helps surgeons do pre-surgical planning on patients with liver tumors by providing them a 3d printed model of the patient's liver in 24-48 hours for just $150, not $5,000. Witwoski 3D prints the liver models with their internal circulatory systems and tumors visible, so doctors and surgeons can identify potential problems in upcoming surgery, making it a lot easier for surgeons to extricate tumors, avoid damaging or cutting blood vessels, and more. The 3d printed liver models are made primarily for complex laparoscopic resections, which aren’t everyday procedures and require detailed visualization, since it’s vital to reduce possible complications as well as blood loss during the procedure. Medical students in the team go and talk to the patients about their illness, and the surgery they are about to undergo and explain the process using customized, full-sized 3D liver models as an educational tool. Patients seem to feel more confident going to the surgery and it also allows them to recover faster. At less than 1/10th the price and taking just a few days, Witkowski's team is providing a much-needed service that will undoubtedly lead to more successful liver operations (and operations on other organs and areas in the future). Stay tuned to future tech podcast, subscribe and review us as well. Don’t forget to donate bitcoins to help us keep rolling out new episodes, every week.
In this episode, we discuss the ethereum platform used by Melonport, a private company building the open-source Melon Protocol, a blockchain software for asset management. Company Bio: Founded in 2016, Melonport AG is building Melon, a blockchain software for asset management. We’re based in beautiful Zug, Switzerland – in the heart of Crypto Valley one of the leading hubs for blockchain minds and technology.
Entrepreneur and Co-Founder and President of Blockchain, a leader in Bitcoin software, Nicolas Cary, breaks down the basics of bitcoin and blockchain technology and explains how anyone can and should be using this technology. Company Bio: Blockchain is the world’s leading Bitcoin software company. We build innovative software that makes using Bitcoin safe, easy, and secure for consumers and enterprises in over 120 countries. Blockchain is the provider of three category-leading products. Our block explorer is the most widely used search engine for verifying transactions and accessing data about the Bitcoin blockchain. Next, our web and mobile wallets have more users than the- rest of the ecosystem combined. Finally, our API is the bedrock of the industry powering exchanges, merchant processors, ATMs and beyond. Our brand is notably recognized as the most known and trusted in the Bitcoin community
Invitrx Therapeutics have advanced into a far-reaching but intensive biotechnology firm that concentrates on the commercialization of Adult Stem Cell technology. Habib Torfi talks about initiating from science based wound healing and tissue engineering. The technology allows them to cultivate and engineer adult stem cells by which they create advanced products and therapies. That are used in wound closure and curing, aesthetics, and plastic/reconstructive surgery as well as ophthalmology and cardiovascular diseases. Invitrx is arriving as a frontrunner in the regenerative medicine market which is in its juvenile stage of expansion. So make sure you stay tuned to future tech podcast. Subscribe and Review our Podcast to be updated about Invitrx and Stem Cell technologies. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Netki was launched by Justin and Dawn Newton, and allows users to create bitcoin wallets with “normal” names and e-mail addresses, just like DNS allows IP addresses to be written as plain english website names (ex: bitcoin.com).Netki supports 3 cryptocurrencies and is planning to expand to more in the near future. A key feature of Netki's bitcoin wallets is their name, which do not look like a traditional combination of digits and letters. Talking about the Wallet Name Service, they attempted to produce a domestic wallet address, and companies that have joined Netki’s wallet naming service are Purse, BitSo, Bitt and BlockCypher. Netki wallets have names like “wallet.koritzky.bit”. Thus, the service is not a wallet provider as such, but rather another ‘superstructure’ constructed on top of a current bitcoin wallet. Netki also is becoming an online hub for vetting and verification of your digital identity. Share, Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast. Don’t forget to donate Bitcoins, to our pub key on future tech podcast dot com to keep us rolling.
RepliCel is a regenerative medicine company focused on developing autologous cell therapies (using your own cells to heal you) that address conditions such as pattern baldness, damaged or aged skin, and more. Lee Buckler, CEO of RepliCel, talks about the company’s cell therapies that are designed to treat chronic tendonitis, sun-damaged, wrinkled or aged skin, and male-pattern baldness. Replicell is also developing a propriety, next-generation injection device that should make the process on injections painless and more controlled (dosage amount) Lee comes across as a talented, prolific and creative innovator in the regenerative medicine space. Great interview! Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Mycellium, helps provide a secure, affordable experience with a Bitcoin wallet and merchant processing solution. Dimitry Murshik admits Mycellium is one of the longest running and most widely used Bitcoin wallets in the market. Mycellium provides an API for 3rd party services to integrate with them, and also supports hard wallets like Trezor. New DAPPs initiatives; such as colored coins and PoS Blockchains that will further open new domains. The massive UI/UX modification spreads the “handle money” model to multilayered concepts of personal finance, value administration, and social interaction. So Make sure you listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us moving!
WeiFund is a toolkit for running crowdfunding campaigns on the Ethereum blockchain. It's particularly useful for launching tokens that can be used in new applications and protocols. You can launch a campaign using one of WeiFund’s contract templates or integrate your own smart contracts. The WeiFund contracts implement the core mechanics of crowdfunding; contributions with refunds if the campaign objective isn't met. The WeiFund web app makes it easy to start accepting contributions, and has hooks to allow you to reuse the user interface with custom contracts, if necessary. Russell Verbeeten and Henry Chan, project lead and project manager shares how there solution is Low Cost, Easy to Use, Secure and comes with the utility of Campaign Templates in generating funds. With a strong focus on security and smart contract best practices, they aim to make it easy to launch a safe campaign that works in the WeiFund user interfaces. If you're planning to run a crowdfunding campaign then listen to this exciting interview first. Make sure to subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech news. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
US Stem Cell Inc. is the world leader in research & development of stem cell as well as regenerative medicine treatments for patients with degenerative conditions. Chief Science Officer of US Stem Cell Inc., Kristin Comella, explains why research is key in moving regenerative medicine therapies forward in order to treat a number of ailments and injuries in patients. Comella also explains the process of stem cell technology and reveals just how widespread a global medical resolution this can and is becoming. So, listen to this exciting interview and make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast. Bio: Kristin Comella is a world renowned expert on regenerative medicine with a focus on adipose derived stem cells. She was named number 24 on Terrapin’s list of the Top 50 Global Stem Cell Influencers and number 1 on the Academy of Regenerative Practices list of Top 10 Stem Cell Innovators. Ms. Comella has pioneered stem cell therapies from various sources including cord blood, bone marrow, muscle, and adipose. She led the team that gained the first ever FDA approval for a clinical trial using a combined cell and gene therapy product in the heart. In addition to advanced cell culturing experience, Ms. Comella’s repertoire includes managing the development, manufacturing, and quality systems of cellular products. She has developed a wide range of regenerative techniques and products that have now been successfully implemented into the clinic setting. Her professional experience includes positions in several companies including US Stem Cell (AKA Bioheart), Stemlogix, Tulane University and Osiris Therapeutics. Ms. Comella progressed from research engineer at Osiris Therapeutics developing stem cell therapies for osteoarthritis to building and managing the stem cell laboratory at Tulane University’s Center for Gene Therapy. She was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stemlogix, a regenerative medicine company focusing on veterinary medicine. She is currently serving as the Chief Scientific Officer and board member of US Stem Cell, a publically traded company focusing on the discovery, development, and commercialization of autologous cell therapies for the treatment of degenerative diseases. Ms. Comella is a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University and holds an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida.
First of all, for a subject as complex as Quantum Computing & Quantum Physics, Gregoire Ribordy is awesome at making difficult topics understandable by the average non-physicist. For that reason alone, this is a great interview. IDQ provides its customers long-term security of their data through quantum-safe crypto solutions. IDQ also provides best-in class instruments, tools and expertise that enable its customers to crack problems by utilizing the potential of quantum physics. Gregoire Ribordy, talks about Quantum-Safe Crypto, Photon Counting and Random Number Generators. Mentioning the commercial application he lists down; Lotteries & Gaming, Cryptography, IT Security Applications, Quantum cryptography, Password & PIN Number Generation, Random seed generation, Mobile Prepaid Systems, Numerical Simulations and Statistical Research. IDQ is a Swiss based firm, operational since 2001. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Bitso is Mexico’s first Bitcoin exchange that offers a platform for trading Bitcoin against the Mexican Peso. Bitso.com aims to create some groundwork for a healthy Bitcoin economy in Mexico, by encouraging and enabling the use of Bitcoin as a mechanism for decreasing costs and increasing transaction speed, as well as bringing the unbanked and sizeable population of Mexicans into the banking system. Since its announcement in April of 2014, Bitso exchange operates as a traditional currency exchange with a central limit order book. Jose Rodriguez talks to us about how his company is going to help out freelancers find work internationally, as well as cut down on logistics and transaction fees of being paid in their own currency. Bitso allows people to buy and sell into and out of both bitcoin and ethereum (ether) into fiat. This is just the beginning of cryptocurrency in Mexico. Listen, subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
PluriCell is a biotechnology based company whose goal is to become a continuous, reliable, commercial source of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). With these type of cells, they can virtually generate any cell type of the human body, from heart cells to liver, skin & more, although their first project is to successfully and repeatably create the progenitors of a certain type of heart cell. Marcos Valadares, CEO and Diogo Biagi, CSO, co-founders of Pluricell Biotech share how the company was formed and what is it's current focus. The application of this technology knows no bounds; cosmetic, food, therapeutic and agricultural chemicals are some of the examples. Though commercialization of their products face geographical limitations currently, but the company aims to overcome that and make its way to the international markets. Pluricell is making a difference in people's lives through this amazing technology and it is only going to get better from here. So make sure you listen, subscribe and review the podcast. Don’t forget to donate bitcoins to help us keep making more content for YOU.
Celyad is a biopharmaceutical company, specialized in cell therapy, developing landmark technologies aimed at treating severe diseases with poor prognoses. Their scientific approach is inspired by the natural mechanisms that are used by the body to fight diseases. Georges Rawadi, VP business development talks to us about the latest in stem cell technology and how Celyad is revolutionizing the battle against cancer. Georges shares how Celyad is working on battling cancer through stem cell technology. Specifically, AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and MM + 5 solid tumors, the forms that are life threatening, with a handful of treatments. With the current technology being limited and the government regulations being a barrier because of the years necessary for Stage 1 2 and 3 of clinical trials, commercializing these therapies takes years. So make sure you remain tuned to the podcast to be updated. Don’t forget to listen, share and subscribe to the podcast.
Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company revolutionizing the arena of regenerative medicine. Their proprietary cell therapy programs are based on immunotherapy and pluripotent stem cell platform technologies. Jane Lebkowski, CSO Asterias Biotherapeutics shares her research in Bio stem cells and what she has been developing with her company. Asterias is presently focused on progressing in three clinical-stage programs which have the potential to address problems in the fields of neurology and oncology. Listen to this insightful interview and make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Amanda B. Johnson of Dash Detailed, returns to future tech podcast. We talk about Dash system upgrades since our last encounter, Dash's expedited summer alpha release of Dash Evolution, and more. Amanda discusses Dash masternode network adoption of the new 12.1 update, and the high level of cooperation and smoothness to the transfer from the previous software version. So make sure you listen to the podcast to find out more about the dash ecosystem, what’s happening and what is in store for people. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast. Don’t forget to contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Jonathan Hazell, a CPA, has become somewhat of a specialist in the taxation side of Bitcoin in the United States. Jon shares his insights about the IRS, it’s methods and taxation plans for bitcion, based on his 25 years of being in the industry. It's not just bitcoin that is subject to tax in the United States – it's all cryptocurrencies. Exchanging crypto for good and services, qualifies it as a taxable commodity. The IRS treats bitcoin, similar to stocks and taxes them accordingly. What are some of the challenges IRS is facing in taxation and how people are trying to evade taxes? All of these questions and more will be answered in this podcast. So make sure you listen, subscribe and share this podcast. Donate some bitcoins to our pub key on future tech podcast dot com to keep us rolling.
Alain Tapp is a veteran in technology, having done his masters in Cryptography, then a PhD in Quantum Computing and is now working on AI & Deep Learning. Alain details how machine learning works, and what are some of the approaches to training machines to “learn” and interpret. From machines understanding metaphors and sarcasm to passing the Turing test, there are still many unreachable areas of natural language processing by machines. Reinforcement Learning and the Deep Neural Networks could be the future of machine learning which could generally make an AI smarter over time. This is a great interview and a must listen for all AI & Machine Learning enthusiasts. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Scott Aaronson, professor at the University of Austin Texas and former professor at MIT explains what a quantum computer is, various possible applications, the types of problems they are good at solving and much more. Scott’s research interests center around the capabilities and limits of quantum computers, and computational complexity theory more generally. NP-hard and NP-complete problems are discussed, as well as the travelling salesman problem. Scott explains how quantum computing is going to be an expressive form of quantum mechanics and how can it affect our daily lives after going mainstream. From applications in cryptography to factoring huge numbers to solving exponential problems, quantum computers can have various other applications. This is just the first step in a long journey. Listen, Share and Subscribe to get the latest, news and updates in technology. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Onehash.com allows users to gamble on the outcomes of football, basketball, rugby, politics and much more, using bitcoin to gamble! Onehash is reinventing the traditional mutual betting system, making it bitcoin exclusive. Eric Baker, Managing Director at onehash.com explains that there are two easy ways of placing bets at OneHash! You can either use BTC that you have deposited to your OneHash wallet or by directly transferring BTC for a given event. OneHash wallet functionality allows to bet in just 2 clicks. Listen, share and subscribe to future tech podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Adam Draper is the founder and managing director of Boost VC, 2x entrepreneur and a fourth generation venture capitalist. Boost VC focuses on future technology development in the industries of Blockchain, VR, SciFi Tech. They are always seeking passionate technologists from around the world for their accelerator programs in Silicon Valley. Whether you are a startup with an idea like Adam’s dream of someday creating an Iron Man suit (listen to learn what we are talking about!) or just looking for more information about this unique kind of company, this one is worth a listen. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going! Bio: In 2009, the same year that Adam graduated from UCLA, he founded Xpert Financial, a secondary market for private securities. After settling millions of dollars in private security transactions and becoming a registered broker dealer, he left Xpert Financial in late 2012 and began angel investing, where he backed such startups as Coinbase, Plangrid and Earnest. Currently his portfolio of investments is valued at more than $1.5B. Adam then partnered up with Brayton Williams and to change the face of global startup mentorship. The focus of Boost VC on future technology development stems from Adam Draper's dream to create an Iron Man suit.
Bankchain by Paxos aims to streamline and improve post-trade activity by allowing for instant settlements, greater automation, reducing counterparty risk and increasing operational efficiency. Raj Nair, engineer at Paxos talks about how the company aims to bring capital asset trading to the blockchain ecosystem. Raj’s background includes work in Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Paxos is currently taking on the gold market with its private blockchain, named Bankchain(TM), which allows for simultaneous delivery and payment of gold and gold-backed securities – capital asset trading, blockchain style. Paxos has other endeavors scheduled to be released in 2017, but Raj stresses that their technology will be asset agnostic. Listen to the podcast to learn more about how Bankchain is all set to revolutionize the way we trade. Don’t forget to share, subscribe and review the podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Rutger van Zuidam, an entrepreneur and the owner of DutchChain, one of the leading Blockchain businesses in the Netherlands shares how DutchChain foucses on improving society through blockchain based solutions. They not only develop software solutions, but share them with the world through publications and organizing “meeting of the minds” type of events like Blockchain Hackathon. Bio: Rutger van Zuidam (1983, Groningen, The Netherlands) is an entrepreneur and owner of DutchChain, one of the leading blockchain businesses in the Netherlands. Prior to founding DutchChain, Rutger has been active in the area of Blockchain and Bitcoin technology since 2010 and created online magazine IntoBitcoin.com early 2013.
IoT.inc is a privately held leading business and technology resource. Bruce Sinclair provides tons of useful content on the website in the form of videos, podcasts, articles and more. Bruce Sinclair, publisher at IoT.inc, talks about how the internet is integrating the physical and virtual world in more ways than initially meets the eye. We discuss smart products, connected products and internet products, and how value is created through the IoT using a simple example of a “smart” clothes dryer, as well as many other examples of IoT products that can monitor electricity use, electrical problems in a home, weather patterns, home security, and more. Don’t forget to Listen, Subscribe, and Review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Circle is making online payments easier to use, safer and more convenient than ever. Using blockchain technology, circle successfully manages to transfer funds securely and without any fees. Circle's AI risk engine, which runs on cutting edge algorithms, continuously keeps your money safe. Anders Brownworth, Chief Evangelist at circle.com, talks about enabling person to person payments, without fees or barriers. “Making it as simple as sending an email” as he says. Even iMessaging could be used to transfer money through circle.com. They are making it the most versatile money transfer service ever. Circle.com has taken over the US market and this year it is aiming for the European market. Anders explains that some areas are more receptive than others, while the financial system tends to operate differently in different countries, making it more difficult for transfer to occur. Currently circle is working on “Project Spark”, which is something to look out for in the near future. Listen, subscribe, review and stay tuned to Future Tech Podcast for more on Future Tech. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Brave Web Browser is a fast, free, secure web browser with a built-in AdBlocking technology, tracking and security protection, and optimized data and battery experience. It is available on iOS, Android, Linux, Windows and MacOS. Brendan Eich, CEO of Brave Browser talks about privacy and giving the end user complete control of their browsing. He shares his concerns regarding ransomware, how they can capitalize on vulnerabilities, created by cookies placed on your computer by websites, even major news websites that you'd be dismayed to learn are selling your browsing data to dozens of marketers. Brendan surprised us by describing how even VIEWING an ad on a given website can pass malware into your computer without you even knowing it. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going! Brief Bio: Brendan Eich President and CEO, Brave Software Brendan Eich is the co-founder and CEO of Brave Software (https://brave.com/), a start-up that aims to transform the online ad ecosystem with faster and safer browsing, as well as micropayments and better ads to give users and publishers a better deal. Eich previously served as CTO, then CEO of the Mozilla Corporation. Prior to that, he co-founded the Mozilla project and foundation. While at Mozilla, Eich helped launch the award-winning Firefox web browser. Eich is also the inventor of JavaScript, the Internet's most widely used programming language.
Protoblock is new kind of fantasy football game platform that uses peer-to-peer blockchain reward skill with tokens. Jay Berg, CEO of Protoblock, talks about how his blockchain gaming company could be a source of entertainment and income simultaneously. The Protoblock2016 mobile apps for Android & iOS provide a convenient way to play the projections game and easy access to fantasy data and projection info. Fantasy projection accuracy is rewarded with each NFL game, automatically generating data, leaderboards and recognition. Protoblock mechanics distinguish skilled fantasy experts while eliminating luck factors associated with drafting & playoffs. Jay explains that their company is now aiming to create value, there are many domains the fantasy coin could evolve into. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
How does a 10.4 minute average viewing experience, followed by a 12.3 percent conversion rate sound to you? The stats are real and businesses that use YouVisit are reaping the rewards. YouVisit is one of the fastest growing virtual reality tech companies out there in today’s tech world. Using the power of virtual reality, YouVisit connects people with unique virtual experiences on a worldwide scale, sparking curiosity, inspiring exploration, and creating a sense of global citizenship. Learn how to turn your website into a “tourist” attraction for visitors by engaging them in virtual reality experiences that create a lasting connection and in the end convert those potentials into paying customers.
Colu is an Israel-based startup aimed at digitizing the ownership of all things through the blockchain. Mark Smargon, co-founder of Colu explains that they are looking to give users the ability to exchange digital cash directly to support local businesses and encourages sustainable and equitable economic growth. Additionally when users shop local with the app, they get additional discounts and locals only offers. Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share, and Review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Xabian tech specializes in designing and 3D manufacturing prosthetic lower limbs and sockets. Xabian works by analyzing a 3D scan of the residual limb, and then designing the best fitting prostheses for that amputee. Traditionally it is an enormously challenging problem, but Xabian’s 3D scanning and printing of a matching socket to an amputee's residual limb makes the process simple, faster, and more customized. Ben Hayward, CEO of Xabian Tech talks about prosthetic limbs’ attachment and the designing complications as well as about the psychological challenges of wearing a prosthetic. Treating people remotely and developing low powered bionic legs are something that they have planned for the future. This is the first step in a long journey ahead in the field of biotech and something you don’t want to miss. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
AlphaPoint, a leading tech firm that powers digital asset exchanges & also provides organizations comprehensive solutions to digitize, trade, and manage assets with blockchain technology. Igor Telyatnikov, the President & the COO of Alpha Point explains AlphaPoint’s secure, scalable, and fully customizable platform can process nearly 1 million transactions per second, enabling customers to digitize, securitize, and trade assets quickly and with greater liquidity. He also explained why it is expensive and slow to convert assets into digital assets currently. AlphaPoint powers numerous of the largest Bitcoin exchanges worldwide and this is a fascinating interview. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Nick Gogerty is the creative force behind Solar Coin – a blockchain-based token that rewards producers of solar electricity. Producers (even individuals living in their home) send their solar power generation data to Solar Coin, which rewards them for each Megawatt-hour produced. The rewards can further be traded into bitcoin and or fiat currency. Health coin is another reward coin that is based on users sending various anonymous health data showing that they are exercising, eating properly, and working to counter diabetes and or pre-diabetes. Although unusual, both of these alt coins combine self reporting of data and a virtuous feedback system that socially-engineers people into “good behavior” by rewarding them with alt coins that may be redeemed for cash or traded for other cryptocurrencies. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Planetary Resources, aims towards recovering and using material found in space from asteroids and comets to be utilized by astronauts, as well as people living on Earth. Chris Lewicki, CEO Planetary Resources, talks about space mining and how minerals and other natural resources could be mined on asteroids, from comets, and perhaps other heavenly bodies. Chris explains how mining is performed by docking with an asteroid (you can't land on them because they don't have enough gravity, typically). The question of: “Who owns what’s mined in space and why haven’t we mined the moon yet?” is also discussed. Has truly ‘alien material' been found that has never been seen on earth? Chris explains the ways in which technology is helping the space exploration and the future of space mining. If you love future technology and don't love this podcast, I'd be shocked. LISTEN TO IT! Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Digital Catapult works across a range of technology layers helping SMEs grow and scale faster as well as helping larger corporations roll out digital products and services. From artificial intelligence to virtual or augmented reality, Blockchain based applications, smart contracts and networks, they are working on the most recent discoveries in the Fintech world to help grow the UK digital economy. Sam Davies, a Lead Technologist at Digital Catapult, is researching the use of blockchain & smart contract technology to integrated with the internet of things (IoT) and provide services. He touched upon the idea for developers to create a game using smart contracts and other up and coming ideas. Even if you don't live in the UK or have an interest in the UK, companies that assist and incubate Fintech and other technologies may exist in your country or locale – it's worth a listen. Subscribe, Share and Review. Show us your support by Donating Bitcoins (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Bitwala is a one stop shop for bitcoin services and online payment solutions. Launched in mid 2015, Bitwala is paving way the way for bringing bitcoin payments into the real world. CEO and co-founder of Bitcoins Berlin and Bitwala, Jorg von Minckwitz, tells us how this innovative platform transforms the way users do financing on a global level.
Coins.ph is a popular crypto company and bitcoin platform beginning operations in Southeast Asia, a need-based market where very few individuals use banks. It allows users to easily purchase and sell bitcoin through bank deposits, bank wiring, ATM deposits, 7-Eleven convenience stores and pawnshop outlets. Transactions can be carried out through bank accounts, e-mail addresses, text messages and even Facebook profiles! Join Justin Leow, Head of Business Operations at Coins.ph, as he walks us through this innovative approach to sending and receiving money through using secure and safe Blockchain technology for all transactions.
Marco Santori, partner attorney at Cooley LLP, discusses legal questions faced by Fintech companies (including bitcoin, cryptocurrency and other blockchain-based companies). Marco Santori leads the FinTech team at Cooley LLP, an international law firm. Marco talks about the regulatory side of these new technologies, government regulations and how these regulations in US are different than other countries. He talks about the friendly and unfriendly regulations of various countries towards cryptocurrency and how the cryptocurrencies will affect their respective economies. Marco also discusses app coins vs. cryptocurrencies, AML, KYC, issues related to ICOs (initial coin offerings) and more. This interview is a MUST LISTEN for any founder or company working in the fintech, bitcoin, blockchain, cryptocurrency or app coin space. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Hu:toma provides free access to their proprietary platform offering tools to create & share conversational AIs that can be used to take the place of humans responding to live chat on a client's website and social media. Maurizio Cibelli, CEO of Hu:toma says that they help companies reduce recruitment costs by using artificially intelligent programs that act & behave like humans but they are considerably less expensive and infinitely scalable (i.e. they never get tired and need zero salary) Hu:toma can take your chat logs & builds a custom AI that can have meaningful dialogues with the end users. Hu:toma AIs can assemble answers on the fly by learning from previous conversations instead of just relying on pre-packaged answers. AI is evolving and it does not rely on scripted learning anymore. Learn more about this fascinating technology by listening to the interview with Maurizio Cibelli, CEO of Hu:toma. Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Review. Show us your support by Donating Bitcoins (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Bigchain DB allows users access to a huge distributed database, with blockchain attributes, like decentralized control, immutability and the transfer of digital assets. With high throughput, low latency, a full-featured NoSQL query language, this is a scalable solution to current blockchain limitations. Trent McConaghy, CTO at Bigchain DB, discusses the pros and cons of various database structures, including blockchain implementations. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Edan Yago, CEO, epiphyte.com talks about how Epiphyte is one of the handful of companies in the world that provides international transaction settlement using blockchain technology, not correspondence banking. Using Epiphyte's platform, you can start transferring money straight away without the need to have a bitcoin wallet or buy bitcoin itself. Using lightning network for fast transactions (1000 per second), Epiphyte is able to scale when needed and provide faster, seamless transfers of money worldwide. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
1QBit provides software developers and researchers with the tools and expertise necessary to access and make use of quantum systems & technologies. Arman Zaribafiyan, representing 1Qbit.com, outlines the future of computing and talks about quantum computing, quantum physics and quantum mechanics that will shape and define the future of computing. Quantum technology is evolving and is on the road to becoming mainstream. Arman talks about the possible uses of this new format of computing, while also showcasing some case scenarios where this might not be as effective. Talking about the chip used, he mentions various methods to produce these chips, and on how to maintain them to ensure maximum productivity. The versatile set of applications of quantum computing provides for a rather interesting outlook and something to look forward to. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Unocoin.com is a growing bitcoin exchange in India ( a country recently in the news because of the demonetization of its 500 and 1000 rupee notes. With over 125,000 users and a population of 1.3 billion that is hungry for bitcoin, unocoin is growing rapidly. Sunny Ray, President and Co-founder of Unocoin.com, talks about his bitcoin experience in the largest IP market in the world; India. Unocoin is expanding its mission to include allowing users to purchase books using bitcoin online and bringing other products and services into the bitcoin ecosystem in India. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Morpheus Titania, a former window shield repair guy and consummate salesman, now lives exclusively using bitcoin, and on rare occasion, cash. I didn't think this was possible, and most folks are surprised to hear it can be done, but Morpheus is doing it and living well. His amazing rant on how he operates with no overhead, no employees, etc is worth a listen, as is this whole podcast. Instead of yet another interview with a Bitcoin or Blockchain related company, Morpheus the individual is a local bitcoins trader that seems to be single handedly helping the adoption and acceptance of bitcoin. The ghost of Satoshi Nakamoto and all bitcoin users owe Morpheus a debt of gratitude for his service to the cryptocurrency. Like, Subscribe and Review this podcast. Please donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests filled.
Bailey Reutzel, a journalist/freelancer, talks about various controversial topics of the bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain universe. Even though, ironically, what was once a distributed, equitable and ‘fight-the-man' libertarian-inspired concept (bitcoin and cryptocurrency) has now become a hotbed of politics, censorship, and infighting online. Regardless, Bailey Reutzel, being a journalist, goes in deep to find the answers to questions and debates few want to talk about. From the bitcoin block size debate to finding the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, she shares her thoughts and opinions regarding the political side of the Crypto World. Having traveled 48 states in search of answers to how people feel about cryptocurrency, blockchain and bitcoin itself, Bailey has a unique perspective on what people think and know (often nothing) about these technolgies. Don’t forget to Subscribe, Share and Review. Show us your support by Donating Bitcoins (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Distributed ID is developing a solution for the confirmation, notarization, and validation of your digital identity, using the security of blockchain. Duncan Brown, CEO and Merrick Reed CTO of Distributed ID talk about the importance of online identification and explain how this is going to help individuals confirm their identity without revealing personal info, when confronted with AML and KYC compliance from banks or other institutions. Surprisingly, people can be uniquely identified by non conventional means, such as how they use their smartphone (which apps they tend to open, which parts of the screen they touch more than others, how they text, etc). In an age where anonymity and privacy is becoming more and more scare, and the need to control your identity and your private information is becoming critical, Distributed ID aims to securely and quickly identify people and put their identity and personal data back where it belongs – under the user's control. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing.
Ever wondered what Augmented Reality really is and how and why it has been integrated into our current expectations of interactive experiences? Wonder no more as we talk to the creator of Appearition, Vivek Aiyer. Appearition combines groundbreaking augmented reality and virtual reality software with physical objects and surroundings in integrated and customizable solutions. They create innovative ways for consumers to interact with their world by augmenting their on-screen experience with sound, video and 3D graphics. Listen to this exciting interview to understand the art & science behind Augmented Reality. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technologies do not live in a separate world where regulations and laws do not apply. These technologies are rapidly converging with complex regulations from different countries, including AML / KYC, local taxing authorities such as the IRS in the United States, the SEC, FinCen and more. A new breed of attorney is learning and developing expertise in Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. If you're thinking of starting and operating a related business and you want to know what laws may apply to you (ex: being considered a money transmitter), then this podcast is critical to listen to. Even if you buy and sell bitcoin locally, you may fall under state and or federal laws regarding money transmission. Listen, Subscribe, Review this podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep us going using our public key on future tech podcast dot com
Co-founder and CEO of BioBots, Danny Cabrera, joins us to talk about the technology and advancements in 3D bioprinting and the future of this fascinating industry. BioBots is building tools to design and engineer life. Their goals are to cure disease, eliminate the organ waiting list, reverse climate change, and live on other planets. Their first products are 3D bioprinters, software, and bioinks that print 3D living tissues one layer at a time. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Have you ever wondered what would become of your beloved Facebook account, your music, your digital business contacts and so on? You can convert these digital assets & your personal data into property using Bitmark! CEO & Founder of Bitmark, Sean Moss-Pultz, details how properties registered on its platform are tied to digital assets called “bitmarks” which can be sold and exchanged with other users, creating an electronic record of their movements. Companies like Bitmark allows you to turn your personal data and digital assets into property. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
What do you do when Bitcoin's platform doesn't meet your cryptocurrency needs? You re-program the entire thing, from low level database structure, to the mining algorithm, to the network timing protocol, to the hash size, private and public key size, the whole works. Insane? Well, Colin Cantrell (who I think is literally a prodigy and a half) has done just that to create Nexus Coin. (NXS) If you understand the Bitcoin protocol, no matter how much you know, I think you'll be floored when you hear what Colin has created and launched with Nexus Coin. THIS is an interview NOT TO MISS for serious Bitcoin fans. I'm serious. Listen, subscribe, review us. Then donate some Satoshis to our pub key on future tech podcast dot com to keep us cranking.
First Global Credit is the world’s first finance company that brings profit opportunities existing in mainstream markets within the reach of digital currency holders. CEO, Gavin Smith, tells us how cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, can be used to trade stocks and ETFs. He shares advice with listeners on how investors can make money with bitcoin on the stock market and what the future holds in this evolving tech world. Listen up … You too could become a big player in the bitcoin game. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Proto Labs, aims to bring around the best methodologies to 3D-print commodities. From a vast portfolio of raw material to numerous methods, Proto Labs fulfils the CAD requirement and produces the most durable and economical products. Rob Bodor, general manager, Proto Labs America, talks about the future of 3D-printing from mass production to being commercially accessible as well as economical for everyone. Proto Labs uses seven different styles of 3D printing from Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering, Direct Metal Laser Sintering. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC) is a leading independent Quantum Computing company that also has a very strong team in Machine Learning (especially Deep Learning). CQC has developed an expertise in AI and believes that Quantum Machine Learning will be a key area in the future. As part of its AI activity, the company has developed ARROW, a suite of AI algorithms that work on a classical computer. In its first iteration ARROW, provides selected partners with the tools to derive value from complex time series. Ilyas Khan, founder, Director and CEO of Cambridge Quantum Computing has a wide and substantial background in business and tech. He is also currently the chairman and a founding trustee of the Stephen Hawking foundation. Ilyas explains Quantum Computers and Computing by distinguishing contemporary computers from quantum computers. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Blockchain Capital is a leading venture capital firm investing in Blockchain enabled technology companies. Blockchain Capital helps nurture these start-ups and supports them from initial seed capital through potential IPO. Bart Stephens, Co-founder of Blockchain Capital, talks about venture capitalism, risks and opportunities in the emerging blockchain market. Bart shares his opinion on how blockchain technology can be seen as more than just a secured database for bitcoins and discusses various companies that have adopted blockchain use cases in their businesses beyond crypto currency. As Bitcoin becomes mainstream, they envision the technology expanding to such a level that everyone will have a bank in their pocket. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing.
Bitpay is a leading bitcoin payment provider – their platform allows merchants in 9 countries (so far) to accept payments in bitcoin, opening up a new payment channel for thousands of merchants. Stephen Pair, CEO and founder of Bitpay also talks about Bitpay's prepaid Visa card, and Wallet service. Definitely a company that is enabling people worldwide to accept bitcoin, BitPay is an up and coming company. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing and Interviewing on our website: future tech podcast dot com
Often businesses need a more efficient and effective approach to communicate with clients. A new platform has arrived offering a powerful and easy to use relationship management solution for all businesses, big and small. Founder & CEO of Mobilize, Sharon Savariego, explains the “one-stop-shop” technology they have developed which allows users to organize and communicate with groups all in one place. Tune in and find out how you too can streamline your business communications and become a more well-structured company. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Quantum Computing is truly amazing, but let's be honest this is hugely more complex than most of us can wrap our heads around. Join us as, Earl Campbell, a theoretical physicist based on the University of Sheffield, walks us through the ‘magic' of quantum computing; what it is, what it looks like and what it can become to the next era of computers. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Genesis Mining is the world’s first, large scale multi-algorithm cloud mining service, meaning you can mine Bitcoin, Dash, and other alt coins simultaneously, or solely. Marco Krohn, CFO and Co-founder of Genesis Mining talks about their innovative, and unheard-of mining solutions, such as the ability to dynamically switch the coin you're mining, based on which coin is most profitable to mine that day! Marco talks about different sets of algorithms that are used for mining different crypto currencies. Being transparent about the economics of the business, he highlights various elements to consider, including the electricity cost, to the actual cost of the mining machines, the hash rates and so on. Speaking of hardware, he compares the efficiency of CPU, GPU and Asic chip mining. The future seems bright for miners of and crypto currency holders. Marco shares his success story in this podcast and you don’t want to miss out on this. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Rick Neff, BAAM Sales Manager at Cincinnati Incorporated, talks about 3D Printing on a BIG scale. Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM), started out with small 3D printing projects such as printing tools, fasteners and components of large machines, and more. BAAM now is printing parts for the aerospace industry, and even 3D printed a life-size Shelby Cobra, using advanced laser sintering techniques, for higher accuracy, at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2015. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Joseph Ciccolo, founder of bitaml.com, helps companies understand AML (anti money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) financial regulations. Regulations, registration and licensing processes can be complicated and fraught with legal issues if not handled properly. Creating successful compliance programs for financial companies in the crypto space shouldn't be overlooked, and depending on the role your company intends to take in the space (exchange from fiat to crypto and vice versa or crypto to crypto only) you must be aware of these regs. Whether you may be classified as a money transmitter, or other regulated entity, your legal exposure and requirements are unique. Listen, subscribe, review, and donate bitcoin (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Dirk Avau founder of IntellectEU, talks about Hyperledger (being evaluated and entertained by large institutions), semi-private or private blockchains, and more. IntellectEU, is responsible for financial integration, handles and advises on blockchain projects, smart contracts, servicing financial institutions, companies and suppliers. Dirk provides some unique enterprise insights regarding various synergies that are being produced in the market. He talks of side chains on a peer to peer system that would allow for faster and smoother transferring of money, and front of house vs. back of house settlement procedures in banking and how blockchain will affect these systems. Listen, subscribe, review, and donate bitcoin (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Perry Woodin, founder of node 40, talks about master nodes and how he and his company help develop, maintain and run master nodes on the dash network for clients. The more nodes, the merrier, as more nodes means the Dash cryptocurrency network is healthy, secure and DECENTRALIZED. Perry talks about incentivizing running a masternode (approximate payout is 8.8% per year) to attract more people & also explained the advantages of nodes to users, traders, and the network. To run a masternode, you must have 1,000 Dash in your wallet. Perry explains some of the hardware requirements and other components involved in the node’s creation, maintenance, and hosting. Like, Subscribe and Review this podcast. Please donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing!
Nathan Schneider is a scholar-in- residence of media studies, at the University of Colorado, in Boulder. Nathan highlights business owned by workers such as Green Taxi in Boulder, and explains how Platform Cooperativism, meaning multiple owners of a given business who elect / choose managers, is leading to the creation of more democratic, successful businesses. Nathan also talks about how these firms are financed, how compensation to employees is structured, and how these firms succeed more often than their traditional, pyramid-structured legacy counterparts. Listen, subscribe, and review Future Tech Podcast. Contribute Bitcoin to fuel our interviews and keep us going!
Sebastian from Bitpagos, now Ripio.com, talks about Ripio's bitcoin wallet that is becoming widespread in Latin America. People in Latin America, because of corruption and such a large percentage of the population being unbanked, do not trust their financial systems or banks very highly. Crypto currency may help millions of people who are unbanked now take part in the global financial system. Ripio is innovative in that it allows users to use their fiat currency to buy bitcoins and load up a charge card that can be used to purchase items normally requiring a credit card and/or bank account. Ripio also has started issuing credit to creditworthy people who want to make purchases using bitcoin! Listen,subscribe,review,and donate bitcoin (using our key on future tech podcast dot com) to keep the show growing and running.
Anish Mohammad, advisor to Blockchain and Crypto currency companies, shares his insights about the future of Smart Contracts, crypto currencies, Security, Quantum Computing, and combining zero knowledge proofs with smart contracts on a blockchain. Anish also talks about the Bitcoin Blockchain Block Size debate and the Segregated Witness concept. On smart contracts, he goes in detail about the process and vulnerability the verification process might entail. Highlighting VM tampering, Logic Bombs, DoS and other forms of attacks that might impact security. We also talked about Privacy Vs Transparency in context of blockchain what roles governments around the world may play as crypto currency use becomes more widespread and blockchain based systems proliferate.
Artificial Intelligence with Ethics? Sounds like a sci-fi movie, but this is exactly what Nell Watson from Singularity University is working on right now! (Amongst other projects) AI systems capable of understanding and developing ethics have many applications, from stock trading, to care for the elderly, and more. A robot with the ability to solve ethical dilemmas may help answer the tough question: “is it going to solve problems or create more instead?” We also discuss decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and the various advantages to the economy and to people working in such organizations DAOs may bring. We also briefly talk about new techniques used for security like zero knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing and Interviewing on our website: future tech podcast dot com
What's in store for the world of VR? Rewind VR is a Virtual Reality & Creative Production Agency. Head of Special Projects at Rewind VR, Oliver Kibblewhite, takes us on the virtual reality ride as we explore the latest in digital design and visual effects, being used to produce world class VR experiences for a new wave of immersive technologies. Like, Subscribe and Review this podcast. Please donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [Bitcoin Donation: 12UUzS3myvY12nsBRVEZTuRgbhzfUxxBLb]
The Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2017); Las Vegas, attracts over 150,000 people and has over 1,000 vendors. I got to see different types of drones; drones that could go underwater; a gigantic drone by e-Hang that a person can sit in; Pocket Drones (Dobby Drone) that fit in your pocket. Many drones now have 4k cameras, and some even have infrared cameras! There even was a drone counterveillance and interception system. Meanwhile, virtual reality and augmented reality demos were amazing – NASA scientists are using VR to place themselves on the surface of Mars and direct the rover there to sample certain rocks, or move in a certain direction to explore. OLED TV displays are becoming as thin as a picture frame or two smartphones stacked together. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing and Interviewing on our website: future tech podcast dot com
Setapp, a Poland based company has built several VR games. Their latest offering is “Neverout”, a VR puzzle game with unique mechanics and an immersive atmosphere. From mobile apps, web applications to VR, Setapp has managed to produce amazing products for the industry. Michael Wroblewski, head of VR at Setapp, talks to us about the current generation of VR and how VR and gaming are rapidly converging. Michael highlights some of the games that SetApp developed that received nominations for “best VR titles”. From Dogfights to complex puzzle games, so far, SetApp has helped create 3 groundbreaking titles that are in the Oculus Rift store to download and there are many more to come. Like, Subscribe and Review this podcast. Please donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [Bitcoin Donation: 12UUzS3myvY12nsBRVEZTuRgbhzfUxxBLb]
Stas Oskin, Core developer, describes how Wings dot AI is part crowdfunding platform, part incubator for blockchain-based startups. Wings is open source, keeping everything on secure public ledgers such as Ethereum or Bitcoin. Their platform helps you choose a governance model, your token system, mining consensys method, such as proof of work vs. proof of stake, or others, and more. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to help keep Future Tech Podcast humming along and finding great people to interview! Here is a video link explaining what Wings is all about in 2 minutes:
The Crypto Show is a twice weekly FM radio show that focuses on Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Disruptive Technologies. It reaches an estimated 20,000 listeners. Danny Somthin & Chris Neandrathal, hosts of the Crypto Show, entertained me live, and in person – we talked about blockchain technology, pros and cons of Bitcoin and its limitations, and more. We covered lots of topics, including: (Dash, Maidsafe, Ethereum), the network effect, Gresham’s law in reference to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, zero- knowledge proofs / zk snarks / cryptography (ZCash, Zcoin). It is going to be a treat for people who are interested in knowing more about Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and other Disruptive Technologies. Listen, Subscribe and Review this Podcast. Donate bitcoin to keep the Future Tech Podcast Growing and Interviewing on our website: future tech podcast dot com
When it comes to cutting edge 3D technology, German RepRap is among the world's leaders. The have the experience and know-how to manufacture the best machines in the market. Join us as Technical Engineer, Raphael Riefel, fills us in on the latest industry news and projects German RepRap is working on.
Danger Katt studios produce beautifully illustrated, graphic novels – aka comics. With a highly successful portfolio, now they are aiming to enter the VR space by combining comics with virtual reality. Yes, the idea sounds awesome, even if you don't normally read graphic novels. Read on… VR comics allow you to experience comics like never before. They have already produced AR material in Blood Worth, by using a third party app Blippar. Readers can now experience AR by waving their phone over the comic. Daniel Corey, writer and creator of Danger Katt Studio was initially funded through kickstarter. Donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website]
Ever wondered who is making those incredible movie-quality game trailers? Indie game trailer creator, Kert Gartner, talks to us about how to capture the magic in VR gaming and what the future may – or may not hold for this genre. Listen to this exciting interview and make sure to subscribe, review and share the podcast. Donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website]
MANDT VR is an immersive entertainment & media studio, focused on remarkable storytelling through the exclusive lens of virtual reality (VR). The studio balances technological innovation with storytelling artistry, creating immersive content that goes beyond traditional video, transcending the barrier between viewers and stories. Its 360-degree video shows cover a variety of topics, including a romantic drama called Single in the City—about a woman dating in the digital age—and a series featuring Pokémon GO. The guys at MANDT discuss the current state of virtual and augmented reality, including some exciting developments coming from Apple and other tech companies in 2017. Hollywood works with MANDT VR, so you should pay attention to what these guys have to say. Listen, review, subscribe… and while you're at it, donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website]
3D Printing of Rocket Engines? Yes, and it's not only possible, it's happening with ARC Engines. Kyle Adriany explains the rocket engines and components now possible with ARC's patented technology. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Richard Branson and Elon Musk, Arc Engines is revolutionizing the space industry by testing and developing the first ever 3D printed rocket engine. They've also developed cost effective methods to commercialize space travel. Through using methods such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), they can shape strong metals such as nickel super alloy, transforming them to produce ground breaking products. ARC Engines uses stable fuel injection systems for efficient combustion, producing something worthwhile in the aerospace industry. This is a must listen interview for all 3D Printing and Space Technology enthusiasts. Listen, review, subscribe… and while you're at it, donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website]
3DBio is researching and bringing to market bio printing technologies for the generation and transplantation of tissues, including multilayered skin, bone, vascular grafts, tracheal splints, heart tissue and cartilaginous structures. Yousef Hesuani, co-founder of 3DBio, explains how bio printing is becoming a viable opportunity to generate patient-specific tissue for the development of accurate, targeted and completely personalized treatments. Yousef shared an experiment where they successfully transplanted a 3D Printed thyroid into mice that performed well and kept the mice functioning for weeks of time! Bioprinting is a fascinating technology poised to transform the whole medical industry and this interview is a must listen. Listen, review, subscribe… and while you're at it, donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website]
Virtually Live is bringing the live sporting events from around the world into the virtual world. Leland Hedges, Vice President, Product & Marketing explains how Virtually Live is using the latest in VR to put fans into the heart of the action. Virtually Live’s patented technology creates an immersive VR experience for the fan, redefining what’s possible in sports. Using three dimensional tracking (3D Tracking) to capture action as it happens, the captured data is then used to recreate the scene virtually in near real-time. Fans have the freedom to move throughout the stadium, follow a match or racing event or other sporting event, and interact with each other through chat & other audio/video channels. If you love sports and love experiencing sports with friends, co-workers or family, Virtually Live is going to be a fantastic and exciting way to ‘up your game'. Listen, review, subscribe… and while you're at it, donate bitcoin to Future Tech Podcast to keep our roster of upcoming guests flowing and our listener base growing! [public key listed on our website].
It Is 3D dot com is not only a provider of 3D printers and scanners, they are first and foremost an education company that provides education on 3D printing to the most important group of people in the world – our children and young people. Currently in Europe and Asia, but looking to expand to the United States and South America, It Is 3D's noble mission is to educate and showcase the amazing possibilities, jobs and benefits of 3D printing, from printing of organs, to efficient motors, parts, and other manufactured items, to production of out of date legacy products still in use. Fantastic interview. Listen, subscribe, review, and help support Future Tech Podcast with your bitcoin donation to our public key on the website.
Chris Kitze is a man of vast experience, knowledge, and unique perspective when it comes to cryptocurrency, and especially security surrounding private keys, what's private vs. what is spied upon by various actors (hint: everything). What started out as a discussion of Flash Coin and how this upcoming, innovative token is set to change how people use the internet and various websites, became a fascinating and sobering look at the ability of various actors to steal bitcoin, infiltrate most online systems and communications, and what the future of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Flashcoin hold. Listen, subscribe, review. Then, Satoshi-willing, help support Future Tech podcast with your Bitcoin donation to our public key, listed on the website.
After learning and reporting on the cryptocurrency world and blockchain initiatives for 7 months in her YouTube show, “The Daily Decrypt”, Amanda fell in love with Dash, its governance model, and everything else involved in this up and coming cryptocurrency. Amanda discusses the importance of viewing DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) as businesses where stakeholders must rightly be incentivized to maintain full nodes, perform mining, and advance the status of a cryptocurrency, and other insightful ideas. A brief look into Dash's upcoming release, Dash Evolution is also discussed, as well as instant pay, coin mixing, and more. Listen, subscribe, review, and make a bitcoin donation (pub key on futuretechpodcast.com) to help us get the best and most exciting guests in the world of future tech.
Join us as Andre DeCastro, CEO & Co-Found of Blockchain of Things, Inc. gives listeners an insider's scoop about using blockchain beyond cryptocurrency and how to apply technologies to the IIoT. Blockchain of Things created the first globally accessible blockchain enabled device network. It is now possible for devices to autonomously track and exchange assets, record proof of life in manufacturing, trigger logistical events to verify chain of custody, and communicate high value information. All on globally distributed, cryptographically secured ledgers, backed by the world’s largest computational network. Listen, subscribe and share the podcast.
Gem helps transform how businesses capture, handle, and relate their critical data and services using a blockchain network. Emily Vaughn, Director of Client Relations and Marketing for Gem explains Gem's data management operating system that generates and manages identities for different users, (ex: payers vs. providers) so they can participate in a block chain & conduct transactions using a shared, decentralized, cryptographically-secure ledger. Similar to a bitcoin wallet, your blockchain identity can store data, (ex: credentials). You then use that same identity to sign transactions, provide limited and at-will data points to different requesters (vs. your private info such as social security number, date of birth, etc) In the healthcare space, Gemo's goal is to create a blockchain-based approach to allowing quicker and stress-free submission of insurance claims by healthcare providers, faster reimbursement, and lower costs of the administrative burden in business. Listen, subscribe, share.
Nick Pinkston, CEO of Plethora, has created some seriously sophisticated “intelligent” software that allows engineers and designers to upload their CAD or design files to get a fast and accurate cost manufacture as well as a “is it possible?” design function. The production process is fully automated and helps you analyze what you’re working on in real-time and lets you know about tooling limitations, Plethora’s capabilities, and how to fix any issues found. Plethora currently focuses on CNC milling and they are continuously working on to come up with more processes. Nick Pinkston explaines how Plethora's manufacturing system connects user’s designs directly to their factory. They manufacture parts on 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills using 6061 Aluminum and Acetal Homopolymer.
Jim is an artificial intelligence researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and one of the originators of the Semantic Web. Jim talked about the role that Artificial Intelligence will play in our lives in near future. He also talked in length about the controversial topic: Artificial Intelligence vs Humans and according to Jim, AI is going to transform the range of industries including the healthcare, legal and automobile industry. Jim said that in the future, there will be a co-existence between humans & AI systems that will be hopefully of service to humanity. These AI systems will involve software systems that handle the digital world, and also systems that move around in physical space, like drones, and robots, and autonomous cars, and also systems that process the physical space, like the Internet of Things. This is a fascinating interview with one of the top researcher in the AI field and it’s a must listen for all the people who are interested in Artificial Intelligence and its future.
Jonathan Johnson, Chairman of the Board of Overstock.com, and runner up for Governor of Utah in 2016, discusses his latest venture, t0.com (t-zero dot com) – the world's first blockchain-based trading platform, and you can trade shares digitally, securely, and immediately. In the world of equities trading, settlement times are typically t+3, meaning 3 days after a trade has commenced. Because of the blockchain based trading system (which currently trades Overstock.com's preferred stock), settlement times are in seconds, not days! Just wait until t0 goes mainstream and allows investors and traders to buy and sell stocks, bonds, commodities, options, and more with trade settlement times of minutes, not days. Their platform integrates cryptographically secure distributed ledgers with existing market processes to reduce settlement time as well as costs, increase transparency, efficiency and audit-ability. You can even open your own blockchain trading account and trad at: kccbd.t0.com
Taylor Gerring is a Blockchain Consulting Expert (in fact his website is blockchainconsulting.expert) who graciously spent about an hour riffing on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain technology in general. Taylor discusses the benefits and challenges of various blockchain use cases, such as property rights, portable identification, the future of Ethereum, smart contracts, Bitcoin and more. You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that Taylor makes Blockchain easy to understand for the layperson. Taylor's working on coursework to take newbies from their first interaction with blockchain through competency. If you’re interested in learning about blockchain technologies, this is a must listen. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Purple Platypus is the distribution company for advanced 3D printers, bench-top milling machines, & direct 3D modeling software. They market a wide range of 3D printers by Stratasys Ltd., from low-cost, desktop 3D Printers, to commcerial, 3D Production Systems for digital manufacturing. Purple Platypus also markets a full line of Roland milling machines that produce high quality parts with great feature resolution. And now, with the addition of SpaceClaim Engineer software, Purple Platypus offers 3D direct modeling solutions to help manufacturing and product design customers propel their new products to market quickly and more efficiently. If your business requires quick design cycles, and detailed, high quality 3D models, Purple Platypus can provide you with 3D printing solutions easily.
Local Motors engineers and designers are working around the clock to develop a 3D-printed car that exceeds FMVSS standards by 2017. There is nothing conventional about this car, the way it's made, or the company behind it. They have partnered with industry leading IoT companies to create a truly unique car ownership experience. From the retail lobby, to the factory floor, to the open road, they're making everything simpler and smarter. Sustainable vehicle development utilizing DDM manufacturing techniques, at small-footprint Micro factories, separates Local Motors from the competition. Matthew Gunson, Consumer Insights Manager at Local Motors talked in detail about this extremely interesting technology, including Ollie, a revolutionary new, 3D printed transport vehicle that can carry 11 passengers and solves many transportation problems. This is a must listen for all 3D printing and car enthusiasts. Subscribe, Listen and Rate this podcast.
Blacklane connects passengers with a vast network of licensed and insured drivers providing professional ground transportation at the most competitive rates around the globe in 50 countries. (soon to be more) Blacklane’s service combines multi-lingual, 24/7 customer care, real-time service control for tens of thousands of quality cars, and all- inclusive fares guaranteed at the time of booking. Passengers can schedule a pickup using Blacklane’s website, iOS app or Android app at the touch of a finger. Blacklane is competing with taxi giants like Uber and by offering professional services at competitive rates they have been able to capture healthy share in the industry. To learn more about Blacklane and its services, listen to this short and sweet interview with Adam Parken, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Blacklane. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
The average prosthetic leg cost thirty thousand dollars, it takes several weeks to make and wears out in less than 5 years. TriFusion can make a custom prosthetic device in hours instead of weeks that fits better and costs far less than anything on the market today. They've developed a novel carbon nano-tube-coded printer filament and a microwave welding process to fuse 3D printed parts together making them super strong and durable. Combined with their advanced 3D scanning capabilities they can go from scan to device in less than 48 hours. Trifusion's micro world process is a disruptive technology due to an enormous competitive advantage in both price and production time. They can print prosthetics, orthotics, wearables, sporting equipment, protective devices and so much more all using their unique 3D printing materials and welding process. TriFusion serves the unmet needs of both amputees and prosthetics by simplifying and expediting the process of manufacturing a custom prosthetic device through their unique, technological breakthrough. Listen to this fascinating interview with CTO of TriFusion, Brandon Sweeney. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Fact vs. Fiction of 3D printing … Join us as the Creative Manager at Aleph Objects, Inc., Ben Malouf, explains what is happening in the world of 3D printing. The media and TV shows tend to blow expectations out of proportion versus what is actually happening in the “real” world of this fascinating technology. But are we really that far off from printing human organs and other fascinating advancements? Listen as we explore the possibilities that 3D printing can and most likely will offer us all in the not so distant future.
New Valence Robotics® (NVBOTS) has a patented, unique ARM system that allows for a high throughput 3D printing operation. AJ Perez talks about NVBOTS: As each 3D printed object is complete, an automated system moves the finished part off the printing table, allowing for the next part to start printing. This simple, but revolutionary throughput method frees up 3D printing to become a high-volume operation instead of a slow, one-at-a-time, manual labor effort. NVBOTS’ first product was shipped in 2015. The NVPro – a 3D plastics printing solution – is Built to Share. It offers the industry’s only automated part removal, and it is also paired with NVCloud software allowing the users to print parts anytime, from any cloud-connected device. This unique mixture of abilities makes the NVPro exclusively suited for uninterrupted 24-7 operation in multi-user environments. Listen. Review. Subscribe. Future Technology is Here!
ABRA is poised to be the world's first, currency-agnostic, digital, global wallet that lives on your smartphone. ABRA allows you to send money to any smartphone instantly, securely and privately – without needing a bank account – without paying Western Union or other middlemen exorbitant fees – without having to go to your bank, withdraw cash, then go to a money sender such as Western Union, without requiring the recipient to travel to pick up the money, and without 99% of the hassle. Note: ABRA a is currently available in US and Philippines only., but is poised to roll out globally in the future. The Abra smartphone app is a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet that lets you see the value of your funds in the currency of your choice (usually your home currency). You can choose how you want to deposit & the recipient can choose how they would like to withdraw, send, or spend the money. Abra uses peer to peer technology which means your money goes straight from you to your recipient, eliminating the middleman completely. Sending and receiving money costs very little. If you use your bank account, it’s free to add & withdraw funds. If you want to become a digital teller for ABRA, you can earn fees from transactions you help process. If you are a small business, you'll want to start accepting ABRA as an additional form of payment as well.
Brad Templeton, Chairman Emeritus of the EFF (electronic frontier foundation), (and other accolades and activities too numerous to mention) talks about where Autonomous Cars can really take us. He explains how engineers can empower the electric car, save the planet as well as millions of lives using near-term Artificial Intelligence to make cars and trucks deliver, park, recharge and drive themselves. The technology behind this is fascinating, but even more interesting are other questions that surround the robot car future. Brad talks in detail about what self driving cars can and cannot do, how we deal with the social and legal barriers and how autonomous cars will change energy, pollution, cities, transit, war, work, real estate and manufacturing — and yes, cars themselves. Brad also share some striking possibilities like saving 50 billion hours of people's time with self-driving cars in US alone and a serious reduction in the urban land devoted to the 600 million parking spaces. With Autonomous Cars, there’s a lot we can achieve but there are a lot of hidden threats associated to this technology. 3D printing will fundamentally alter the way people manufacture, consume, and produce everything.
John Hornick has been a partner at the Finnegan Intellectual Property law firm, based in Washington, DC, for over twenty years. John founded Finnegan’s 3D Printing Working Group which focuses on intellectual property, copyright and other legal issues as they relate to 3D printing. John is the author of the award-winning book, 3D Printing Will Rock the World. (available on Amazon and Kindle) John's a great speaker, easy to understand, and this interview will expand your mind when it comes to 3D printing issues few people talk about, such as the impact it will have on copyright, intellectual property, patent law, and more. John's concept of 3D printing “away from control” is central to understanding the future implications of 3D printing.
Z/Yen is a commercial think tank that spots, solves and works to: enhance reward, control risk and reduce volatility in business. We spoke to Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen and an Emeritus Gresham Professor of Commerce at Gresham College in London, and founder of the Long Finance initiative. Michael talked about new disruptive technologies such as Bitcoin and Blockchain and how they are impacting the digital currency industry. Listen to the complete interview, and make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Using metal to print 3D objects has been somewhat out of reach – until now. Fabrisonic uses an advanced manufacturing technology called to 3D print an extensive variety of metals through their patented ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) process. Fabrisonic has a suite of in-house SonicLayer 3D printing machines to help customers with the Serialized Part Production, Materials R&D, Short-Run Part Production and Custom 3D Printing. Fabrisonic can provide true part production from tens to thousands of parts per month down to print short-run metal parts to bridge between concept and full scale production.
Lucy Beard, founder of Feetz.com, talks 3D printed shoes, for both men and women. This is a fun, fascinating, and applicable interview (if you possess a pair of feet, that is) to everyone on planet Earth. Lucy says, at Feetz, you aren't size X, you are size YOU… …and Feetz' 3D printed sneakers / shoes are likely to fit you better and more closely and comfortably than any shoe you've ever worn previously in your life. Feetz' app requires 3 quick pictures of your feet to create a custom, 3D model that, when sent to Feetz, creates a pair of custom 3D-printed shoes you're going to love. Lucy discusses strange-shaped toes, wide feet, people with one foot bigger than the other, and why 20% of the world's population suffers from shoes that don't fit them nearly as well as they could. You are going to love this interview, as I did. Listen, review, and share this podcast.
Ethereum's blockchain isn't the only game in town when it comes to a programmable, Turing-Complete layer that allows smart contracts to be programmed. RSK.co is in the process of releasing it's latest update, named Turmeric, which allows developers to create smart contracts using bitcoin's blockchain. Watch out Ethereum – you have competition, but as Gabriel from RSK notes, everyone in the blockchain industry is striving for a decentralized, less corrupt, more inclusive world that may allow billions of unbanked people to participate in the world economy and rise out of poverty. This is an uplifting, exciting, and future-looking conversation that transcends blockchain and smart contracts and will get you excited about what's to come. Listen, subscribe and review this podcast.
I've never heard of creating 3D Printed designs using a virtual reality interface – have you? Roland Manyai, an innovative thinker in the virtual reality and 3D printing space has created exactly that, and you're going to be happily surprised at what's coming in the near future when it comes to both design of 3D printed objects and the results. Traditionally using VR, creating 3D objects and 3D printing required knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of “hi-tech” of software. Leopoly has made creating and printing 3d objects as easy as taking a photograph. At leoply.com/start-from-scratch you can choose forms, shapes, or objects, use their virtual tools (brushes, pens, etc.) to create/customize anything, save it, order it or 3D print it yourself! makers.leopoly.com is their first website created to introduce 3D design and printing to schools. More recently Leopoly has also teamed up with zSpace to bring VR and 3D modeling into the classroom. 3D scanning and printing is currently used for industry and health care prototypes. Leopoly offers their expertise in 3D technology and create customized software unique to any business. They are the industry leaders in digital product customization and 3D design software solutions on multiple platforms. Leopoly is expanding into user-friendly, web-based VR – to see their VR product portfolio and developments go to vr.leopoly.com, Listen to the interview and make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast – this is a cool one!
We may not yet be at the point where robots are taking all of our jobs … But why not pass off some of the workload at least to machine learning artificial intelligence software that sets the stage for users to employ its contract analysis and helps attorneys in their due diligence. The Director of Marketing of Kira Systems explains how it works and who it works for. Listen to the complete interview to find out how Kira works. Make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Sweep, developed by Scanse.io, is a sensor that detects and avoids obstacles using LiDAR – (Light Detection and Ranging). LiDAR is a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target with a laser light. LiDAR is used in meteorology, mapping, surveying, and guidance with military, construction and transportation applications. In the air or on land, it is essential for robotic vehicles to navigate safely – Tyson and the co-founder of Scanse could not find a LiDAR scanner that was powerful enough and easy to use for under $1000, so they made it their mission to develop one. Scanse began raising money on Kickstarter to manufacture the Sweep, a scanning LiDAR sensor with 360 degree sensing capabilities. Drones and ground robots use Sweep for sense and avoidance as well as navigation and mapping. Its powerful sensing modality and low cost LiDAR is being used in developing autonomous wheelchairs to bring mobility and independence to persons who do not have the ability to operate a mechanical wheelchair. Sweep is an excellent fit for high school robotics programs. It is easy to set-up, affordable and allows students to explore mapping and navigation problems with little prior experience. The applications for the Sweep are limitless. Scanse is working on a 3D scanner – updates on their progress are available on their website. The Sweep Scanner is available for purchase on their website January 2017. Listen to this fascinating interview and help us reach more people by sharing this podcast.
Optomec sells industrial-grade 3D Printers that use two, patented, unique technologies: * Lens – uses powdered metal with high powered laser to produce new metal parts from a CAD model; rapid prototyping of parts; and/or repair or coat broken metal parts. Metals included stainless steel, titanium, alloys, etc. * Aerosol Jet – used for electronic materials – conductive ink, semiconductor materials, dielectric materials, materials used by consumer electronic manufacturers to make consumer electronics. – Aerosol Jet can also print electrical and biological components onto 2D & 3D surfaces – eg electronic circuitry into a cell phone case. Optomec provides training, service and customized support for their machines and technlogies. They also maintain and update the software, provide remote application support, as well as web based support and preventive maintenance
Factom™, based in Austin, Texas, is a distributed, decentralized protocol layer running on top of Bitcoin that allows data of any kind to be memorialized, anchored, time-stamped, and cryptographically secured using Bitcoin's blockchain and tremendous network hashrate. In addition to these benefits, Factom allows the storage of data extremely efficiently, due to its use of Merkle Trees. Brian Deery, Factom's Chief Scientist, discusses the motivation and mission of Factom, according to Brian, Paul Snow, and others involved in the company. Brian's wealth of knowledge about blockchain technology and the Bitcoin Blockchain can be overwhelming, even to experienced listeners, but this interview is well worth listening to, if you want to further your knowledge in this industry.
Justin's background as a dental technician and the owner of his own clinic, led to Arfona and 3D printed dentures. Dentures made in traditional dental labs are a time consuming and expensive process, but no longer, because of 3D printing. Flexible polymers have been used by dental professionals for years. The advancements in 3D printing have created an entirely new way to fabricate partial dentures and full dentures. Arfona produces 3D flexible partials through an additive manufacturing process using their r.Pod™ dual extrusion printer. These flexible partials are combined with custom milled denture teeth for a functional product that looks great. CAD/CAM dentures have been available for several years, but not widely used due to cost limitations. Arfona offers dental labs several options for producing digital full dentures. Justin's father, also a dentist, invented Valplast, the material used in making dental prosthetics; he also started Master Touch Dental Lab. Valplast is the material used in the r.Pod™ for dental applications and Master Touch Lab is used by Arfona to develop and test new materials and 3D printing applications. The r.Pod™ is in production and will soon be available to the public via the website www.arfona.com. To learn more about the company and its offering listen to the complete interview and make sure to subscribe, share and review this podcast.
Stratasys has been at the forefront of 3D printing and innovation for more than 25 years. Because they are the largest 3D Printing Solutions Company, they are able to imagine, design, iterate and replicate freely by offering a complete range of additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) materials; From clear plastic to rubber like bio-compatible polymers to high performance thermoplastics. They provide the shortest path from idea to solid object and can consult with businesses on the best way to meet their needs cost effectively. A fascinating type of 3D printing Stratasys has pioneered is to create an accurate dimension replica (for instance) of someone's hand or head, or body part, which can be used by a surgeon to “practice” an upcoming surgery on. The 3D printed pre-surgical model will soon contain different tissues with varying elasticity, color, and physical characteristics to truly simulate how living tissue will react in an actual surgery. Definitely listen, review, and share this podcast.
Incept 3D uses high level, next generation 3D printing technologies to bring your raw concepts to life. Clients can send their raw ideas to Incept 3D, or final CAD files for printing on high end machines. Michael Armbruster, founder, explains what makes Incept 3Ds machines far better than hobbyist, Maker Bot, or low end 3D printers. Industrial quality machines offer better-performing materials, better dimensional accuracy, and finished products that are post processed and ready to use. Visit Incept3d.com to get more information, submit your idea or CAD file, and bring your wishes to life through 3D printing.
3Diligent is a one-stop shop for 3D printing projects of all sizes. 3Diligent provides its customers access to a large network of 3D printing service providers, including machining and casting services, and rapid manufacturing materials such as paper, gypsum, resins, plastics and metals – each of which are used for specific applications. Cullen, as CEO of 3Diligent, provides a secure way to submit projects for fabrication quickly and easily with industrial quality results. Because of their large network of providers, they are able to provide a wide variety of services – projects large, small, CNC machined, molded/casted and injection molded – can all be quoted and facilitated by 3Diligent. 3Diligent's mission is “To accelerate innovation by providing companies of all sizes seamless access to cutting edge rapid manufacturing services.”
ConsenSys is a venture production studio which builds decentralized apps & end-user tools for block chain systems, with a focus on Ethereum. ConsenSys also organizes, incubates and accelerates different projects through development, resource sharing, acquisitions, investments and the formation of joint ventures. Pelle Braendgaard & Arthur Falls discussed their portable identification application as well as other fascinating use cases of blockchain technology. Here are a few links where you can learn more about the company and the latest updates. The Ether Review: https://medium.com/the-ether-review ConsenSys Media: https://medium.com/consensys-media
Procertas (Professional Certifications and Technology Assessments) offers training on vital, but often dismissed skills such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and other common office technologies. In Law Firms, Doctor's offices, and other professional firms, you'd be surprised at how much productivity can be improved when you train your staff on these basic programs. Procertas’ flagship product is the Legal Technology Assessment or LTA. The LTA, is a first of its kind to integrate benchmarking, training platform pairing and competence-based assessments with synchronized, active learning in a live environment. Once a client completes the course, they become COBOT Qualified (Certified Operator of Basic Office Technology). Casey Flaherty, founder of Procertas, discusses the importance of legal professionals to be fluent in the tools of their trade and how the LTA benchmark assessment and training program can be used for marketing, professional development, team assembly, on-boarding, provider differentiation, rate negotiation, etc. Casey reveals how important it is that legal professionals are getting the training they need in this ever-changing, competitive market.
Nano Dimension, based in Israel, focuses on 3d printing of electronic circuits, dialectic inks, and non- particle inks. Their 3D printer allows for multi-layer printed circuit boards. This allows the manufacturer to create a functional object with electrical functions. Nano Dimension is rolling out technology that allows you to print, layer by layer, both polymers and metals, to create a functional circuit to precision. With the development of their first 3D printer, the Nano Dragon Fly 2020, electronic industries will now be able to 3D print customized designs and prototypes in less time, possibly eliminating multiple stages of design. Listen, subscribe and rate this podcast to help us bring you more future tech!
Legal Sifter uses natural language processing (NPL) & machine learning, to process unstructured raw terms, conditions & words into well-structured data & insights ready to be used to make quick & well informed decisions, saving both time as well as money for both attorneys and anyone facing the reading and interpretation of one or more legal agreements. Kevin Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Legal Sifter explain how their contract interpretation artificial intelligence software helps the lay person and experienced attorney both read and understand contracts faster. The software gives you a second set of eyes to find the hidden terms & conditions that may be overlooked in a contract. The legal industry is being transformed by artificial intelligence, and democratizing tools like Legal Sifter are allowing people who may find it difficult or too time consuming to hire an attorney to interpret contracts and make education decisions.
Purse.io allows you to buy any Amazon product at 5 to 33% discount using BITCOIN. Purse does this by leveraging unused Amazon gift card balances, allowing gift card holders to free up their trapped money and receiving bitcoin instead. As a member of purse.io (which is free to join), you automatically get 5% off any Amazon purchase, and can ask for a discount up to 33% off. The less of a discount you ask for, the faster you will get your item, however 15% discounts are common, sometimes more. Steven McKie, head of Business Development & Product Content talks about purse.io's mission – to leverage Amazon's platform to match buyers who want to spend their bitcoin, Amazon gift card holders to free up trapped money, and Etsy-type merchants who want to offer their wares and receive bitcoin payments. Steven amazed us by explaining Purse.io's network size as of December, 2016 is over 160,000 members and growing. You'll definitely want to tune in to this wide-ranging, easy to understand, and exciting conversation that reveals new opportunities in the bitcoin and cryptocurrency world. Make sure to subscribe and review the Future Tech Podcast to get daily updates.
Rize, a Boston based 3D printing company, has developed a new kind of 3D printing that completely removes the requirement for long post-printing clean-up. An advanced, patented, Augmented Polymer Deposition (APD) 3D printing technology delivers the means to produce one-offs of manufacturing parts easily yet affordably. President and CEO of Rize, Frank Marangell says that they have created this technology specifically for commercial as well as industrial applications, and it is ideal for rapid manufacturing of custom tools & end-use products etc. Rize’s passion is to put an affordable, completely safe and industrial-quality 3D printer in every engineer’s office in the world. To learn more about 3D printing and Rize, listen to the complete interview and make sure to subscribe, share and review the podcast.
Augur is a blockchain-based prediction market platform based on Ethereum's blockchain scheduled for release in Q1 or Q2 2017. Augur allows anyone in the world to create a prediction market easily and quickly on the Ethereum blockchain, and to use smart contracts to take odds from betters and issue automatic payouts once a prediction result has occurred and been vetted. As a creator of a market you will have to make available some opening funds for the market & in return you’ll get half of all the trading fees that would be collected throughout the lifetime of that particular market. Betters can take either side of a prediction by paying a small, odds-based fee. For example, if you think that Leonardo DiCaprio will end up winning another Oscar award, then you can place a bet that favors this particular outcome. If your prediction turns out to be correct, you will win Ether profits in relation to the odds at the time of your bet. This is fascinating stuff and Augur is set to become a global, decentralized, blockchain-based prediction market. Find out more by listening to my interview with Joey Krug, Co-founder & Lead Back-End Developer. Make sure to review & subscribe to the podcast.
Neota Logic applications deliver utilizes their advanced Artificial Intelligence platform, consulting knowledge, and custom expert systems to help businesses grow and develop in a smart, strategic manner. Neota Logic applications provides utilize rules, reasoning, resolution management & document automation, among other technology. Matthew Gillis, President of Neota Logic, explains how their system empowers non-programmers to quickly and easily create & deploy rules-based applications. These easy-to-maintain apps deliver improve business process, reduce risk and ensure compliance. Neota Logic applications generally focus on 3 types; Analysis & Advice, Intake Assessment and Document Automation. Intake Assessment guide users through complex fact-collecting & subsequent analysis. To learn more about these exciting applications listen to the podcast and make sure to subscribe, share and review.
Have you ever wondered how computer systems adapt and learn from their experiences? What's the difference between AI and Machine learning? Renowned Professor (Emeritus) and Director of Intelligent Systems at Oregon State University, Thomas G. Dietterich answers these questions and more. In this fascinating talk, Thomas reveals how machine learning can be combined with Artificial Intelligence to build Integrated Intelligent Systems. Thomas' research combines knowledge of machine learning as well as AI fundamentals to solve problems such as computer vision, facial recognition, sorting algorithms and more.
Legal Robot's Artificial Intelligence engine can scan a long form contract, and provide you with a 1 page summary of all the important issues contained in the contract, as well as red flags that may be present. Complex legal language is transformed into digestible, easy-to-understand elements for the lay person. Dan Rubins explains how Legal Robot's AI uses machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and more to understand complex legal language, then compare a given contract, lease, or agreement with language in other contracts, quickly identifying the responsibilities, rights, and terms of the contract – all done automatically. For deep understanding of how the whole process works, listen to this interesting podcast, share and subscribe.
Jeremy Gardner is a man of many endeavors and talents. He helped develop Augur, a blockchain based prediction market, scheduled for release in Q1 or Q2 2017, is a member of the Blockchain Education Network, Editor-in-Chief at The Distributed Ledger magazine, and is a venture capitalist and angel investor in various tech companies. Jeremy dives deep into the workings and reasoning behind the creation of Augur, (built on the ethereum platform), an upcoming global, decentralized prediction market. Because it is decentralized, Augur will harness the wisdom of the crowd to set odds and predictions on various events such as “who will win the 2020 presidential election?”, “how much rainfall will Buenos Aires experience during May 2016”, and more. Jeremy also discusses some the most exciting cryptocurrencies, tokens and blockchain use cases right now and what he considers to be the greatest challenges the industry faces. By listening to influential market makers and people like Jeremy Gardner, you'll be sure to have your mind blown. Make sure to subscribe, share and review this podcast.
Piper Merriam is a Developer and security researcher, focused on building applications utilizing the Ethereum platform. Piper discusses his development of the Ethereum Alarm Clock (which allows start times for smart contracts to be executed in the future). Piper also discusses the inner workings of Ethereum, proof of stake vs. proof of work mining, smart contracts, and a whole lot more. Want to learn more about blockchain technologies and upcoming changes to how we live and work? Listen, subscribe and rate this podcast.
ROSS uses its in house artificial intelligence to help human lawyers research faster and better advise their clients Jimoh Ovbiagele, Cofounder/CTO at ROSS Intelligence explains how ROSS can be understood and mastered in minutes and there’s no need to interrupt your workflow with lengthy training sessions just to learn its basics. Just ask any direct question and Artificially Intelligent lawyer, ROSS will use its AI to find the answer for you in seconds from the law and thousands of keyword based results. ROSS helps the human lawyers save potentially un-billable research time without compromising on the accuracy of the research. Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the legal profession and you're going to want to listen to this fascinating interview. Listen, subscribe and share
Unsung is a non-profit whose goal is to end hunger in America by leveraging the ‘sharing economy’. Food isn't something most Americans think about because for most, food is over abundant. It's surprising to hear that over 49 million Americans live with food insecurity (meaning these people don't know where their next meal is coming from). Meanwhile, Americans throw 500 billion dollars of food each year! UNSUNG is leveraging the sharing economy to solve this hunger problem. With the unsung app, if you're a restaurant or a catering service or you just have extra food, log on to their app, describe the food you have available, and it will be picked up and delivered to the needy (you'll get a tax deduction, and save money on your garbage bill, too. Every meal donated can be seen on their Live Feed. People can view the good deeds being done in their community in real time transparently. Leaderboards and badges show you the most active unsung heroes in your community. UNSUNG is growing rapidly and has been growing 10% WEEKLY in 2016. In 2016, Unsung has delivered over 12,000 meals to people in need. Listen to this exciting story of UNSUNG and don’t forget to share and subscribe to the podcast.
Airbitz started out as a mobile wallet for bitcoin and has evolved into a single-sign on security platform for blockchain apps. Paul Puey explains how Airbitz is an easy to use and secure bitcoin wallet. You can logon to decentralized blockchain apps by scanning a barcode and your private keys are instantly created, encrypted, and backed up and all this happens automatically. Airbitz uses exceptionally rich functionality & features. Automatic client-side encryption guarantees that bitcoin keys are always protected from malware making it very secure. Listen to this interesting interview to find out more about Airbitz and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and post a review.
Civic.com helps people protect their identity and process immediate alerts through text message if their identity appears to have been compromised.
Jonathan Smith, CTO, explains how Civic.com helps empower its users choose how to control their identity, and keep and safeguard their own data on a mobile device and make it available for the products and services – sharing their data without being compromised.
Civic notifies its customers in real-time when their personal details like credit cards are used anywhere (even thousands of miles away), helping people identify fraud before or while it happens. If, for some reason you become a victim of identity theft or fraud, Civic.com will spend up to $1 Million to help your recovery, they will hire the attorneys, investigators and accountants to help recover your loss.
Tons of valuable information in there, listen, subscribe, and rate this podcast.
The post Identity Theft Protection Made Easy And Free From Civic.com appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
ShapeShift.io is a digital cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to buy or sell hundreds of digital cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin to zCash to Ethereum and more. Erik Voorhees, CEO of Shape Shift, talks with Richard Jacobs about how the cryptocurrency exchange works, how customers' data is secure, because customer accounts are not needed and no customer info is kept by Shape Shift, and more. You'll find this to be a fascinating podcast. Listen, subscribe, and rate us.
The post Trade Bitcoin for Ethereum or Hundreds of Other Cryptocurrencies – ShapeShift.io appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
Sean Dennis, Co-Founder of Loyyal.com, an emerging blockchain-based loyalty program facilitator, discusses how Loyyal.com works to reduce costs for big companies (like Hotels, Airlines, etc) to offer loyalty programs and work with partner companies.
Loyyal is a worldwide loyalty & rewards platform, which utilizes blockchain & smart contract technology. Loyyal helps remove the current obstructions from loyalty relationships and enables more refined custom incentification. Sean gives comprehensive details about how loyyal.com works and how rewards can now be multi-branded, for example an “Airline/Bank” co-branded reward or even an “Airline/Retailer/Consumer” multi-branded reward. Listen, rate us, and subscribe below.
You can download the free PDF “Making blockchain real for customer loyalty rewards programs” for deeper understanding of Loyyal's services and offerings. Here's where you can Download the PDF.
The post The Future of Loyalty Programs Using Blockchain – Loyyal.com appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
Autonomous vehicles such as Tesla cars, Google, autonomous tractors and other vehicles are here and poised to rapidly become ubiquitous.
Many car manufacturers such as Ford, Tesla, General Motors, and others are hurrying to introduce them to market. You may have heard the of the benefits: fewer accidents, fewer deaths due to driving, reduced need for parking, reduced cost of owning a car or not needing one at all, etc. However, hardly anyone talks about the challenges & risks autonomous vehicles bring in addition to benefits.
In this podcast, Richard Jacobs discusses numerous potential threats autonomous cars may pose to our society including being hijacked through hacking, vehicle cyber-security & government regulations. Listen to the podcast and leave your comments, let us know what you think about autonomous cars and what future holds for this technology.
The post Autonomous Vehicles – Hidden Threats No One Talks About appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
This week I interviewed Dr. Dimitrios Tsarapatsanis who has helped develop an artificially intelligent system that can predict the outcome of a case with a whopping 79% accuracy.
Dr. Dimitrios explains in great detail how the system works and how will it change the decision making process in the field of law. Listen as he shares his insights on the matter.
The post Using Artificial Intelligence In Judicial Decision-making | Interview With Dr. Dimitrios Tsarapatsanis. appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
Eddy Travia is the CEO and Co-Founder of Coinsilium, a company which is a ‘first mover' in connecting the public through the public capital markets, with the Blockchain network technology ecosystem & the opportunities this internet evolution brings.
Eddy explains in detail the difference between bitcoin and Blockchain, how Blockchain works, the different applications of Blockchain and how Blockchain is going to evolve and what future holds for this technology. Listen to the podcast for in depth details about Blockchain.
The post Interview With Eddy Travia, Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder of Coinsilium appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
If you've always wondered what's the real difference between a bank & a credit union – It’s more than just a name! Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU goes in deep and explains what a credit union is and how it's different from a bank. Plus, I asked a lot of questions related to Bitcoin & BlockChain and how the technology is evolving in this industry. Listen to the podcast for his informative and eye-opening answers.
The post Interview With Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU (Credit Union) appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
In today’s podcast I interviewed David Christopher, Communications Director at Open Media. David talks about his company’s work to keep the Internet open, affordable, and more importantly surveillance-free.
The post Digital Rights & Privacy | Interview With David Christopher of Open Media appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
Today’s guest we have Mate Tokay, COO of BitCoin.com.
Bitcoin is an innovative payment network and a new kind of money. You can download a wallet, exchange BitCoins, sell them and use it to buy things over the internet. In today’s interview we will be talking about BitCoin in detail, I’ll be asking Mate questions that most people wonder about. Stay tuned and listen to the interview below.
The post BitCoin – Interview with Mate Tokay, COO of BitCoin.com appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
Today’s guest is Dean Masley of BlockChainEDU.org
BlockChainEDU.org is a community of students & alumni across the world. They are creating bitcoin & block-chain clubs in their universities.
In this interview, I’ll be asking questions on how BlockChainEDU.org is building new expectations and innovations and how the combined effort of all these clubs have been able to build a rich web of interconnected block-chain hubs across the world. Listen to the interview below or download it.
The post BlockChainEDU – Interview with Dean Masley of BlockChainEDU.org appeared first on Future Tech Podcast.
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