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Copyright: © Richard Jacobs
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
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