Science Changing Life

Latest Episodes:

2025 Year in Review: Five insights we’re still thinking about Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

In a special year-end episode of Science Changing Life, we’re revisiting five moments from 2025 that continue to shape how we think about science. Featuring insights from Scripps Research experts across genetics, infectious disease, public health surveillance and chronic illness, this episode features some of this year’s most memorable soundbites.

Keywords/topics: Scientific insights; 2025 year in review; genetics; infectious disease; public health surveillance; Long COVID; alcohol use disorder; immunology

Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu

What’s next for IBD care: Insights from a surgeon-scientist Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

The data is clear: inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are on the rise worldwide. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy Lightner—VP of Clinical Development at Calibr-Skaggs and colorectal surgeon at Scripps Clinic—to explore what drives these diseases, an upcoming phase 2 clinical trial for a new regenerative medicine, and how she balances life between the operating room and the research lab.

Keywords and topics: Inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; colon cancer; pouchitis; IBD phase 2 clinical trial; CLF065; colorectal surgery

Additional resources:

Scripps Research Magazine

Scientists offer their best career (and life) advice Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

This year on Science Changing Life, we’ve had some amazing scientists join us to share their work, their stories and what drives them. There’s one question we love to ask our guests: What advice would you give to scientists just starting out?

We compiled their refreshingly honest answers into one episode—hear what they had to say.

Wired for risk: The science of addiction and mental health Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Depression and alcohol dependence are often seen as personal struggles—but decades of study by Scripps Research professor Cindy Ehlers reveal a much bigger picture. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Ehlers breaks down how biology, culture and trauma interact to shape mental health outcomes.

Learn how her work is paving the way for more effective interventions, and how new strategies—like culturally grounded prevention programs and digital tools—can reduce harm in high-risk communities.

Ehlers lab: https://www.scripps.edu/ehlers/index.html

Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu

Pathogens in the pipeline: How wastewater holds clues to the next pandemic Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

What if the key to detecting the next pandemic was hidden in our wastewater? By analyzing pathogens found in sewage, scientists can track the spread of infections before they become widespread threats. In this episode of Science Changing Life, project scientist Josh Levy and PhD student Praneeth Gangavarapu explain how analyzing what goes down the drain can offer life-saving insights into the future of public health.

Learn more about the role of wastewater surveillance in tracking a range of viruses—including SARS-CoV-2, H5N1 and even seasonal influenza.

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/josh-levy.bsky.social, https://bsky.app/profile/praneethg.bsky.social

Andersen lab: https://andersen-lab.com/

Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

Virologist gives update on H5N1, mpox, and preparing for an uncertain future Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Roughly two years ago, virology expert and Scripps Research professor Sumit Chanda sat down with Science Changing Life to discuss all things pandemic preparedness and COVID-19. But the world is in a very different place now, with infectious disease threats like H5N1, mpox and Dengue virus on the rise. Chanda joins us once again to share the latest in the virology space, how scientists can be better communicators, and his advice for making sure we’re as prepared for an uncertain future as we can be. Instagram: instagram.com/thechandalab/ Chanda lab: chandalab.org/ Twitter/X: x.com/thechandalab Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

The long haul: Personal and scientific insights into long COVID Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, yet many questions about the condition remain unanswered. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Julia Moore Vogel, PhD, shares what it’s like to study—and live with—long COVID. As the senior director of the All of Us Research Program, Julia discusses how her experience has fueled innovative research to improve symptom management and health equity for patients with the condition. Listen in to learn how Julia transforms personal challenges into professional breakthroughs. Twitter: https://x.com/julialmv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliamoorevogel All of Us Research Program: https://www.joinallofus.org/ Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

Futureproof: Eric Topol on revolutionizing pandemic preparedness Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Eric Topol, we explore how examining the past is necessary to ensure we’re more prepared for our future. From universal vaccines and advanced antiviral therapies to cutting-edge digital tools like wearable biosensors and genomic surveillance, Dr. Topol shares actionable insights on harnessing technology and data to revolutionize pandemic preparedness. Listen in as we discuss the path to a safer, healthier future. // Episode transcript: https://www.scripps.edu/_files/images/2024_images/topol-pandemic-prep-transcript.pdf Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTopol LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-topol-md-b83a7317/ Ground Truths podcast: erictopol.substack.com Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

Beyond the hype: AI’s impact on medicine and science with Eric Topol Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing what we once thought impossible. But how can we distinguish genuine breakthroughs from mere hype? In this episode of Science Changing Life, we welcome Eric Topol, MD—renowned physician, scientist, and author. As executive vice president at Scripps Research and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, Dr. Topol shares his thoughts on how AI is transforming science and medicine today and offers a glimpse into what the future may hold. His advice to listeners? 'Be open to change.' Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTopol LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-topol-md-b83a7317/ Ground Truths podcast: erictopol.substack.com Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

Gene editing, CRISPR, and drawing the line between science and fiction Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to revolutionary technologies like CRISPR, we’re now living in an age where it’s becoming possible to rewrite the very building blocks of life itself—our DNA. We sit down with Scripps Research Fellow and CRISPR expert Shannon Miller, PhD, to discover how these gene editing technologies are poised to reverse a range of diseases. Listen in as we explore Shannon’s unique journey into science—beginning not with a single eureka moment, but instead with a passion for creativity and discovery. Twitter: https://twitter.com/_shannonmmiller Miller lab: https://www.millerlabresearch.com/team Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu/

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