Podcasts about molecular microbiology

Fungal diseases are becoming more common, more dangerous, and more difficult to treat. There's concern that they may cause the next global pandemic. Rising global temperatures, better survival rates for vulnerable patients, and increased medical interventions contribute to the rise in fungal infections. Access to effective diagnostics and treatment remains limited, with significant disparities between high and low-income countries. Treating fungal infections is becoming more challenging as they build resistance to the drugs used to treat them. New therapies are being developed, including treatments that disrupt fungal DNA replication or interfere with essential proteins, offering some hope for long-term control.Contributors: Adilia Warris, Professor in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Exeter, UKRita Oladele, Professor of Clinical Microbiology, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, NigeriaArturo Casadevall, Professor and Chair of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USMichael Bromley, Professor in Fungal Disease, University of Manchester, UKPresenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Louise Clarke Researcher: Maeve Schaffer Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Production co-ordinator: Tammy Snow(Image: Aspergillus fumigatus, seen under an optical microscope. Credit: BSIP/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

About this episode: News about HKU5, a new bat coronavirus with the ability to spread to humans, was met with concerns in the scientific community—mostly because of how the research was done. In this episode: Johns Hopkins virologist Andy Pekosz talks about the different levels of biosecurity in laboratories where scientists study some of the world's most dangerous viruses, how these standards vary worldwide, and what that could mean for studying future viruses with pandemic potential. Guest: Dr. Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Recent Virus Research Should Raise the Alarm—The New York Times (Opinion) Chinese researchers find bat virus enters human cells via same pathway as COVID—Reuters The virus hunters who search bat caves to predict the next pandemic—CNN Health (2020) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.

About this episode: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were no vaccines or treatments, convalescent plasma—antibody-containing blood from people who recovered from COVID—saved countless lives through Emergency Use Authorization. In this episode: special guest host Thomas Locke of MMI Monthly: From Bench To Breakthrough discusses the evolution of CCP therapy, from emergency use during the pandemic to now, nearly five years later, crossing the finish line with recent FDA approval as a potential treatment for immunocompromised patients. Guest: David Sullivan is a professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and a researcher at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. Host: Thomas Locke is the host of MMI Monthly: From Bench to Breakthrough and Malaria Minute,  podcasts from the department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Bloomberg School Researchers Support First Blood Center to Receive Full FDA Approval to Provide Convalescent Plasma for Patients Who Are Immunocompromised—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Convalescent Plasma Offers ‘Blueprint' For Future Pandemics—The Hub How a Boy's Blood Stopped an Outbreak—The Wall Street Journal (Opinion) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.

About this episode: The U.S.'s first reported human death from bird flu is another sign that the virus is not going away anytime soon. In this episode: why it's time to double down on efforts to limit H5N1 transmission among cattle and birds, concerns about cats and other mammals, and how response measures need to scale up quickly and more broadly to try and prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in humans. The experts also discuss why bird flu poses an existential threat to the dairy industry. Guests: Dr. Meghan Davis is a veterinarian and public health researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment at the School of Medicine. Dr. Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Bird flu H5N1 claims first human life in U.S.: “We remain vigilant”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza—USDA Defend The Flock: Biosecurity Practices—USDA Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on X @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS fe

About this episode: Outbreaks of H5N1 continue to rise in dairy cattle and poultry, and human cases are also starting to creep up including a Canadian teen who was hospitalized in critical condition. In this episode: the latest on viral sequencing and patterns of spread, the potential for economic impacts and interruptions in the food supply, risks to the general public, and concerns about how an administration change in January may impact public health's ability to mount a sufficient response. Guest: Dr. Meghan Davis is a veterinarian and public health researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment at the School of Medicine.   Dr. Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Why a teenager's bird flu infection is ringing alarm bells for scientists—Nature ‘We are not testing enough': new US bird flu cases stoke fears over poor response—The Guardian Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on X @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed

About this episode: When should you get your COVID/flu shots? How long can a COVID vaccine really protect you from infection? Why do we have summer waves of COVID but not flu or RSV? Will we ever see a flu/COVID combo shot? A virologist answers questions as we gear up for respiratory virus season. Guest: Andy Pekosz is a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with appointments in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: What to Know About the Updated COVID Vaccine for Fall, Winter 2024-25—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Why COVID Surges in the Summer—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on X @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed  

Sabina Kaczanowska's research focus is to understand the role of the immune system in shaping the microenvironment of metastasis during cancer progression. Specifically, she is investigating how myeloid cells orchestrate the immunosuppressive program in the pre-metastatic niche and how we can apply this knowledge of myeloid biology to design new immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid tumors. She joined us on OsteoBites to discuss her recently published paper on Immune determinants of CAR-T cell expansion in solid tumor patients receiving GD2 CAR-T cell therapy.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38134936/Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) have remarkable efficacy in liquid tumors, but limited responses in solid tumors. The NCI conducted a Phase I trial (NCT02107963) of GD2 CAR-Ts (GD2-CAR.OX40.28.z.iC9), demonstrating feasibility and safety of administration in children and young adults with osteosarcoma and neuroblastoma. Patient samples were evaluated by multi-dimensional proteomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic analyses. The data uncover mediators of CAR-T biology and correlates of expansion that could be utilized to advance immunotherapies for solid tumor patients.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02107963Dr. Sabina Kaczanowska received her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore for her dissertation work on T-cell immunotherapy at the UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. She joined the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Section of the Pediatric Oncology Branch at the National Cancer Institute as a postdoctoral fellow in 2017 with Dr. Rosandra Kaplan. Dr. Kaczanowska was appointed as a Staff Scientist in the Pediatric Oncology Branch in 2022 to continue her work evaluating the responses of solid tumor patients to immunotherapy and translating new immuno-oncology approaches into the clinic.

Dr. Michael Diamond is an ID-trained physician scientist at Washington University of Saint Louis where he serves as the Herbert S. Gasser Professor within the Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology.    Dr. Diamond runs a prolific basic science lab studying the molecular basis of disease of globally emerging RNA viruses and focuses on the interface between pathogenesis and host immunity. He is also actively involved in mentorship of physician-scientist trainees. He is also a recipient of Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and currently an elected Councilor for the Association of American Physicians.     Dr. Diamond completed his MD/PhD training at Harvard University, after which he completed his postgraduate clinical training in medicine and infectious diseases at UCSF.    In today's episode, Dr. Diamond discusses the importance of high-quality research and its role in defining one's reputation. He also discusses the leaky pipeline and potential strategies to address the challenges associated with length of training and ways to improve mentorship including formal strategies to facilitate guided mentorship involving junior faculty.    Our thanks to Dr. Diamond for being on the podcast.     Lab website:    Related Links:  https://infectiousdiseases.wustl.edu/people/michael-s-diamond/  https://profiles.wustl.edu/en/persons/michael-diamond    Executive Producers:  -       Bejan Saeedi  -       Joe Behnke  -       Michael Sayegh  -       Carey Jansen  -       Nielsen Weng  Faculty Advisors   -       Brian Robinson  -       Mary Horton  -       Talia Swartz  -       Chris Williams  -       David Schwartz  Twitter: @behindthescope_  Instagram: @behindthemicroscopepod  Facebook: @behindthemicroscope1  Website: behindthemicroscope.com  

Arturo Casadevall is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the Alfred and Jill Sommer Professor and Chair of the W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease research, with a focus on fungal and bacterial pathogenesis and basic immunology of antibody structure-function. He was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2022.

Peter Agre received the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery of aquaporins. Peter is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and he also directed the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute until 2023. Today we discuss the history of malaria research, and Peter reflects on being a scientist. The interview is followed by Peter's keynote lecture for the University of Arizona One Health symposium, which he gave on February 12, 2024.

Fungi are among us more than we realize. From the backs of frogs to our own backyard, fungi, a largely neglected group of pathogens, are becoming a prevalent and widespread concern among scientists and health experts alike. The main reason? Climate change. Joining me today on The Excerpt to discuss what's causing this explosion in disease-causing fungi is Dr. Arturo Casadevall, Chair of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode, Martin talks to Dr Tina Joshi, Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology in Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth, UK. We discuss her longstanding interest in Clostridioides difficile and her many publications, one of which on the effectiveness of hypochlorite (or lack of it) on spores has been widely covered in the media. We chat about spore attachment to surfaces, the effect of disinfectants and the differences between strains. Some of Tina's papers are listed here. Joshi LT, Phillips DS, Williams CF, Alyousef A, Baillie L. Contribution of spores to the ability of Clostridium difficile to adhere to surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012;78(21):7671-9. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01862-12 Joshi LT, Welsch A, Hawkins J, Baillie L. The effect of hospital biocide sodium dichloroisocyanurate on the viability and properties of Clostridium difficile spores. Lett Appl Microbiol 2017;65(3):199-205. https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12768 Dyer C, Hutt LP, Burky R, Joshi LT. Biocide Resistance and Transmission of Clostridium difficile Spores Spiked onto Clinical Surfaces from an American Health Care Facility. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019;85(17). https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01090-19 Waterfield S, Ahmed H, Jones IA, Burky R, Joshi LT. Isolation of Clostridioides difficile PCR Ribotype 027 from single-use hospital gown ties. J Med Microbiol 2022;71(6). https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001550 Ahmed H, Joshi LT. Clostridioides difficile spores tolerate disinfection with sodium hypochlorite disinfectant and remain viable within surgical scrubs and gown fabrics. Microbiology (Reading) 2023;169(11). https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001418 Malyshev D, Jones IA, McKracken M, Oberg R, Harper GM, Joshi LT, et al. Hypervirulent R20291 Clostridioides difficile spores show disinfection resilience to sodium hypochlorite despite structural changes. BMC Microbiol 2023;23(1):59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-02787-z.

In this week's episode, Martin talks to Dr Tina Joshi, Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology in Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth, UK. We discuss her longstanding interest in Clostridioides difficile and her many publications, one of which on the effectiveness of hypochlorite (or lack of it) on spores has been widely covered in the media. We chat about spore attachment to surfaces, the effect of disinfectants and the differences between strains. Some of Tina's papers are listed here. Joshi LT, Phillips DS, Williams CF, Alyousef A, Baillie L. Contribution of spores to the ability of Clostridium difficile to adhere to surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012;78(21):7671-9. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01862-12 Joshi LT, Welsch A, Hawkins J, Baillie L. The effect of hospital biocide sodium dichloroisocyanurate on the viability and properties of Clostridium difficile spores. Lett Appl Microbiol 2017;65(3):199-205. https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12768 Dyer C, Hutt LP, Burky R, Joshi LT. Biocide Resistance and Transmission of Clostridium difficile Spores Spiked onto Clinical Surfaces from an American Health Care Facility. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019;85(17). https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01090-19 Waterfield S, Ahmed H, Jones IA, Burky R, Joshi LT. Isolation of Clostridioides difficile PCR Ribotype 027 from single-use hospital gown ties. J Med Microbiol 2022;71(6). https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001550 Ahmed H, Joshi LT. Clostridioides difficile spores tolerate disinfection with sodium hypochlorite disinfectant and remain viable within surgical scrubs and gown fabrics. Microbiology (Reading) 2023;169(11). https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001418 Malyshev D, Jones IA, McKracken M, Oberg R, Harper GM, Joshi LT, et al. Hypervirulent R20291 Clostridioides difficile spores show disinfection resilience to sodium hypochlorite despite structural changes. BMC Microbiol 2023;23(1):59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-02787-z.

Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe is back for a second episode and we chat about the influence of probiotics and antibiotics on the gut microbiome. Could there be missing microbes contributing to food intolerances? And why researching the microbiomes of honey bees is helping our understanding of their survivability and social behaviors.   Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe obtained her BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of London, and her PhD in Molecular Microbiology through an industrial partnership with Public Health England. Emma started her faculty career at the University of Calgary in 2005, with a Fellow-to-Faculty transition award through CAG/AstraZeneca and CIHR, to study the normal microbes of the human gut. In particular, she was among the few that focused on trying to culture these ‘unculturable' microbes in order to better understand their biology. To do this, she developed a model gut system - the Robogut - to emulate the conditions of the human gut and allow communities of microbes to grow together, as they do naturally. Emma moved her lab to the University of Guelph in late 2007, and has been a recipient of several Canadian Foundation for Innovation Awards that have allowed her to develop her specialist anaerobic fermentation laboratory further. This has been boosted by the award of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Human Gut Microbiome Function and Host Interactions. Emma's research focuses are very broad, although they are all united under the banner of microbial culture and the microbiome. She has current projects focused on the human gut microbiome, on colorectal cancer, diabetes, xenobiotic metabolism, and 'missing microbes'. More recently Emma has entered the fascinating realm of the insect gut microbiome - specifically the microbes that colonize bees!

News of a slight bump in COVID-19 cases is raising concerns about new variants of the virus. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remains far below the low points seen earlier in the pandemic, but the uptick is a reminder that the virus, which killed over a million people in the U.S., continues to circulate. Andrew Pekosz is vice chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He joined us to talk about the emerging COVID-19 variants and the expected release of another round of vaccine boosters. Additionally, we also ask about the flu vaccine and how to best protect children headed back to school.Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Bloomberg News US Semiconductor & Networking Reporter Ian King and Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Semiconductor Analyst Kunjan Sobhani recap Nvidia news after the chipmaker gave a revenue forecast that was much stronger than expected on Wednesday. Splunk CEO Gary Steele talks about his company's earnings and unveiling new innovations. Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses seeing a summer resurgence in Covid cases. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Health Care Reporter Kristen Brown provide the details of Kristen's Businessweek Magazine cover story The Last Lyme Shot Failed. Will a New One From Pfizer Succeed? And we Drive to the Close with Nadia Lovell, Senior US Equity Strategist at UBS Global Wealth Management. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg News US Semiconductor & Networking Reporter Ian King and Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Semiconductor Analyst Kunjan Sobhani recap Nvidia news after the chipmaker gave a revenue forecast that was much stronger than expected on Wednesday. Splunk CEO Gary Steele talks about his company's earnings and unveiling new innovations. Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses seeing a summer resurgence in Covid cases. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Health Care Reporter Kristen Brown provide the details of Kristen's Businessweek Magazine cover story The Last Lyme Shot Failed. Will a New One From Pfizer Succeed? And we Drive to the Close with Nadia Lovell, Senior US Equity Strategist at UBS Global Wealth Management. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Baird, Vice President of Strategy at Aptos Retail and Bloomberg News Economics Editor Molly Smith discuss US CPI data and the outlook for Federal Reserve policy. Bloomberg News US Luxury Retail Reporter Jeannette Neumann and Bloomberg Intelligence Global Luxury Goods Analyst Deborah Aitken report on Coach owner buying Michael Kors parent in $8.5 billion deal. Nicole Baumgarth, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looks at the increase in Lyme disease in the US. Hayley Berg, Lead Economist at Hopper, talks about what's driving lower domestic airline prices. And we Drive to the Close with Aaron Kennon, CEO at Clear Harbor Asset Management. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz discusses the impact of the Barbie movie on the company's bottom line. Chipotle Mexican Grill Chief Operating Officer Scott Boatwright talks about the restaurant's food innovations. Conor McMeniman, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, provides his expertise on mosquitoes' attraction to humans and protecting against malaria. And we Drive to the Close with Sarah Ponczek, Financial Advisor at UBS Private Wealth Management. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's behind the rise in tick-borne illness? And what can you do to protect yourself? Nicole Baumgarth is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She arrived last September to head the public health school's new Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute. Learn more about the geography of tick-borne disease on the Johns Hopkins Lyme and Tickborne Disease Dashboard. Then, a conversation about the value of green space, no matter how small.  Katie Lautar is the executive director of Baltimore Green Space, a non-profit helping local communities manage and advocate for parks, gardens, and other pockets of nature in their neighborhoods. Sylvester Myers is part of Baltimore Green Space's Forest Stewardship Network. Find out more about how to get involved and learn more about the green spaces in your neighborhood on their website.  Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

This is a  deep dive conversation on a topic that almost cost me my life. In 2013 I had a near death experience and a long road into recovery after contracting sepsis while in recovery from a burst appendix.    I didn't realize how close to death I was until later.  Dr Flavia Huygen's 30-year teaching, research and entrepreneurial career has been focused on molecular microbiology, with a particular focus on human pathogens and I want to share with you just how important this research is to our everyday life simply because it could save your life. She  is the Founder, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Microbio, a new paradigm in pathogen detection and identificatio and a Doctor in Molecular Microbiology. Topics discussed:   1) The role of microbiology and how it can transform your life.   2) Can you rely on Captain Google for advice to save your life?   3) How we can navigate recovery from a near death experience tapping into the power of molecular microbiology expertise?   4)  How the world of molecular microbiology has changed pre to post covid   5) :How AI can only improve how we navigate our health when matched with the right research   6) Flavia's next powerful step    You can connect with Flavia and learn how she can help you navigate your life journey here  Flavia and I met through the power of a partnership coffee date via NOva Entertainment.  You can learn how you can build your own powerful, personal brand message and amplify your global network by signing up for our online Network Like a Pro Masterclass for $99.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Laura Raff is Associate Director, Sales, Immunology and Dr. Ami Ashar-Patel is a Senior Account Manager, Immunology at STEMCELL Technologies. Dr. Raff has a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Southern California and Dr. Ashar-Patel has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. They talk about their career transitions from academia to industry and how they support scientists' research endeavors in their current roles.

As shorts and tank-tops come out for summer, tiny blood-thirsty ticks see an all-you-can-eat buffet. Tick-borne illnesses have been climbing in the United States, a steady surge in several diseases carried by ticks like Lyme Disease and Babesiosis. Plus, most of us know about Patterson Park. But Baltimore is also home to hundreds of scattered, smaller pockets of green, too. And conservationist say they are critical to human and non-human inhabitants alike. Katie Lautar is Executive Director of Baltimore Green Space, a non-profit helping local communities manage and advocate for parks, gardens and other pockets of nature in their neighborhood Sylvester Myers also joins us. He's a community member who's part of Baltimore Green Space's Forest Stewardship Network. Find out more about how to get involved and learn more about the green spaces in your neighborhood on their website. But first, what's behind the rise in tickborne illness? And what can you do to protect yourself? Nicole Baumgarth is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She arrived last September to head the public health school's new Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute. She is also a doctor of veterinary medicine. You can learn more about the geography of tickborne disease on the Johns Hopkins Lyme and Tickborne Disease Dashboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the widespread presence of artificial sweeteners in the food system, scientists and consumers want to know about their safety. Safety concerns have been expressed for years, and lots of research has been done, but relatively new on the scene is work examining the effect of sweeteners on the microbiome. This interview is part of a series on the impact of artificial sweeteners. Our guest today, Dr. Jotham Suez, is doing fascinating work on this topic. He's Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Public Health Johns Hopkins University. Interview Summary   So most everyone knows of the microbiome, but not everybody knows exactly what it is and how it works, so I'm hoping we might start with a quick overview of the microbiome. Could you help us with that?   Sure, so I would say there are three really important things to know about the microbiome. We know that there are trillions of microbes, bacteria, and viruses living in our body. What everyone should know is that most of the systems in our body require these microbes for their proper development and proper function throughout our lifespan, so without these microbes, our immune system, and even our brain, would not develop properly, and if the microbiome is perturbed, this can lead to development of various diseases. That is the first thing. Already this implies that the microbiome is amenable to change, which is actually something that is attractive facet about the microbiome. If we know that the microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, then we can use that to our advantage, and we can think of way to change this microbial community to help protect us against disease, or even treat diseases in which the microbiome plays a role in the pathogenesis. The third thing that we should all think about is that the microbiome is some sort of a fingerprint. Each one of us has a unique microbial community in their body, and we can use that person-to-person difference in the microbiome on one hand, to predict disease risk. This is because some people would harbor the microbes that make them prone to diseases. We can also use that to tailor various drugs or various diets, or various therapeutics, to that community, because we would be able to say, based on your microbiome, how you would respond to a certain therapy or a certain diet. Heterogeneity in the microbiome plays an important role in personalized medicine.   Thanks for helping establish how important the microbiome is, and also, how it can be affected in both positive and negative ways. So in that sense, what got you interested in the impact of artificial sweeteners on the microbiome?   Yes. I think it was the person-to-person heterogeneity, and how that can lead to differential responses to diets or therapeutics. Just like you said, there have been decades of studies on efficacy of artificial sweeteners or potential safety concerns about whether they are helping us lose weight, helping us maintain healthy blood glucose levels, or they are actually doing the opposite. The studies are really all over the place. You would see studies that support a beneficial impact and studies that demonstrate detrimental impact. We were wondering as we started this research, if it's possible that this heterogeneity in outcomes of the studies is related to heterogeneity of the microbiome. Is it possible that some people are negatively impacted and some people are positively impacted, whether this is related to the differences in their microbiome.   That's a fascinating area, and interesting to think that the same substance may have much different effects on people. So how have you gone about studying this yourself, and what have you found?   We started very naively. I started when I was still a PhD student. I went to the supermarket, I purchased sachets of the most common artificial sweeteners that are out there, and we added that to the drinking water of mice. We saw that mice drinking these artificial sweeteners developed glucose intolerance, meaning they had poorer response to a simple sugar, which is how you would predict or diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes in the clinic, for humans. We were able to show for the first time that sweeteners can actually cause negative impact on the metabolic health of an animal. What was more interesting is that we saw that these sweeteners also changed the microbiome of the mice drinking the sweeteners. What we've done then is take the microbiome of the animals that were drinking sweetener and we transplanted these microbes into mice that don't have any microbiome of their own. Just by giving them the microbes of mice that were drinking sweeteners, these mice also had a poorer metabolic response. We were able to show for the first time that the impact of sweeteners on the microbiome can result in a negative impact on our metabolic health. After a lot of experiments in mice, where we proved beyond any doubt that mice should not drink artificial sweeteners, we were really wondering what would be the impact on humans.   We started a study in healthy individuals, so people that are not overweight and are without diabetes. We asked them to supplement their diet for two weeks with common artificial sweeteners, so sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, or one natural non-caloric sweetener stevia, and we followed up on glucose tolerance and also on their microbiome before, during, and after the exposure to the sweetener. We saw that two sweeteners, saccharine and sucralose, had a detrimental impact on their glucose tolerance. So just during two weeks of exposure to the sweetener, they had poorer responses to glucose. That would already put them on the path to potentially developing pre-diabetes and diabetes. We saw that all four sweeteners altered the microbiome. Again, when we took microbiomes of these people and transplanted them into germ-free mice we saw that the stronger the impact the sweetener had on your microbiome - that means that you would have a poorer metabolic response when you transplant these microbiomes into mice. This was really showing that there are person-to-person differences in the responses to sweeteners, and this depends on how much a microbiome is impacted by the sweetener.   That was amazing summary in a short time of really complex and fascinating science. It's interesting that some sweeteners are having a stronger effect than others, which I guess makes more sense, because they're not all chemically alike. Is it possible to know when you get an effect on something like glucose tolerance from the use of the sweeteners, whether the microbiome is the main mechanism, the only mechanism? How does it fit in there when you start thinking about the impact of sweeteners on something like the glucose tolerance?   That is a really great question, and I think the short answer would be that we don't know for sure. There have been multiple other groups that have been studying the impact of sweeteners on metabolic health or other parameters related to our health that have found fascinating mechanisms that are not related, or at least, not directly related to the microbiome. So for sure, sweeteners can have a broad impact on our body, not just for their impact on the microbiome, but what we are seeing, actually, is that's the impact that they have on the microbiome is sufficient to produce detrimental impact on metabolic health without any other measurable impacts, at least, in our studies.   Many, many people have been using these artificial sweeteners in one form or another for many, many years, and in some cases, they're introduced into the food supply in ways that people may not even be aware of. Is there any way of knowing what happens if animals or humans have used these for a long period of time and they stop? Does whatever the impact on the microbiome reverse itself?   That's a fascinating question. In the short term, that is something that we have measured in our studies, and others have done similar works in animal models. In a study like what we have done, which is two weeks of exposure, then one week of follow-up, you see some reversion of the microbiome to what it was before the exposure to the sweetener. But we should say that these individuals were recruited to the study precisely because they're habitually not drinking artificial sweeteners, so their body saw sweeteners potentially for the first time. So then if they immediately stopped after two weeks, in that scenario, we can say that the microbiome reverts. What happens after years of exposure to sweeteners, that's a study that we're definitely interested in doing, or I would be really happy to see the results if some is already doing such a study, but I am not aware of long-term studies where people just stopped taking sweeteners and then their microbiome was profiled.   My mind is sort of firing with ideas of ways to study that question, but it's heartening to know that at least in the short term, at least some of the whatever damage is done starts to revert. That's very good news for people who have been using these products who choose to stop them for one reason or another, there may be a benefit to the microbiome. Let me ask about children. So many parents, they're concerned about the effect that the sweeteners might have on their children. Is anything known about this?   Yes, I think this is a good point in the conversation to talk about the various types of evidence that we have about the detrimental impact of sweeteners. If we look at associative studies, most of these studies would find some sort of association between drinking artificial sweeteners and a negative impact on weight or on diabetes risk. So the associative studies are, for sure, pointing to a negative impact, but they don't provide evidence that the sweeteners are causing these negative impacts. So they might be a result of, you know, the changes in weight or the risk of diabetes rather than the cause. And then when you go to studies that actually provide causality, so these would be, for example, randomized controlled trials when you give the individual the sweetener then see what happens to their metabolic health, these types of studies are all over the place in terms of benefit versus risk, both in adults and in children. So unfortunately, there is no good answer to that question. There are studies that show a risk, but even studies that show a benefit.   Even if there is risk from the artificial sweetener, some people may feel that the benefit, in terms of weight control, is more important, and they might say, "Well, I'm willing to accept the risk because of the benefit," but we've heard from others that whether these products actually help people control their weight is in question as well. What do you think about that topic?   Yes, so what you would do when you have all of these studies that show even opposing results, and you try to find the truth, you would do a meta-analysis. When you perform meta-analysis on specifically the question of impact on weight, you find a very modest beneficial impact on weight. And even then, the quality of the evidence for that impact are low. Even if there is a benefit, it's very mild, and the evidence for such a benefit are not very strong. I think that's why organizations such as the World Health Organization have recently said that this may not be the best strategy for assisting individuals to lose weight.   You mentioned that the two compounds that had the strongest effect on the microbiome were saccharin and sucralose. Is that correct?   In our study, yes.   So saccharin, I'm not sure how much that's used in the food supply still. It may be there, but it's been around forever. Maybe I'm wrong, but I figure that it's been displaced by lots of newer advances. But sucralose, which I think is marketed under the brand named Splenda, is a much more recent development in the field. It's interesting that that's having a negative effect too. So do you think that there's reason to believe that those two would be substances to avoid?   I would say that you would never want to make public health decisions based on one study. I would say that that goes both ways, I think. I wouldn't advise avoiding saccharine just based on one study, and I wouldn't say that aspartame and stevia are safe just based on one study. I would say that others have found negative impacts for aspartame and for stevia that we have not seen very strongly in our study, whereas others have found both negative and neutral, or even beneficial effects for sucralose in other studies. So I would not make recommendations based on just our own study, but considering everything that is out there, I would say that all four sweeteners that we studied, and others, including Ace K, that we have not studied in a recent human study could pose a risk for some individuals. Unfortunately, right now, we don't have any good tools of predicting who would be those individuals, so it's a question of whether people should take that risk or not.   Thank you for being appropriately cautious with the result, because as you said, the work is relatively recent, but why I'm really happy you're working on this topic. So summing this all up, what do you think is most important for people to know?   I think, at this point in the research, and just recently, another group provided really interesting evidence about a different sugar substitute, erythritol, also posing a risk for cardiovascular disease, at this point in the research of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, I think we cannot say that these substances are innocuous. They can pose a risk for at least some individuals, and we and others are definitely working hard on being able to help people know whether or not they are in those risk groups. But then the question is what can people do? I think what people should definitely not do is switch back to sugar. I think that if the evidence for the impact of artificial sweeteners are still something that requires further research. I think that the detrimental impacts of added caloric sugars in our diet, in our beverages, are beyond doubt linked to detrimental impacts on our metabolic health. So people should not switch back from diet soda to regular soda, that's for sure. But we and the industry alike should find ways of reducing the intake of sweeteners, and both caloric and non-caloric sweeteners in our diet to levels that hopefully don't pose as great a risk as what we are currently consuming.   Bio   Dr. Jotham Suez is a Feinstone Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Suez's work on non-nutritive sweeteners was instrumental in understanding how these popular food additives can counterintuitively disrupt glycemic control. During his graduate work at the Weizmann Institute, he demonstrated that sweeteners are not inert and can alter the gut microbiome, and causally linked those impacts to impaired glucose tolerance. He further showed that in humans, the microbiome mediates individualized responses to sweeteners, potentially underlying the conflicting literature on their impacts. Similarly, Dr. Suez's research on probiotics offers an opportunity to resolve the contradictory literature on their efficacy. His work highlighted the microbiome's importance in modulating probiotics colonization and downstream impacts. Inspired by these discoveries, Dr. Suez is fascinated by the potential of harnessing microbiome heterogeneity in precision medicine and personalized nutrition. In 2020, Dr. Suez received the NIH Director's Early Independence Award.  

Pathogens in Pop Culture: Fungal Pathogens and The Last of UsCould a fungus cause the next pandemic? If you've watched HBO's hit series ‘The Last of Us' or played the popular video game, then you may be familiar with the concept: a mass outbreak of an infectious fungus turns humans into zombies. But could the scenario played out in ‘The Last of Us' actually happen in real life? Join hosts Lauren Sauer and Rachel Lookadoo and special guest Dr. Arturo Casadevall as they take a closer look at the science behind fungal pathogens and separate myth from reality.Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.GuestArturo Casadevall, MD, PhDProfessor and Chair, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Casadevall focuses on host defense mechanisms, how fungi cause disease, and in the development of antibody-based therapies for infectious diseases.Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACasadevall1HostsLauren Sauer, MScLauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness where she ran the inpatient COVID19 biobank and served on the COVID19 research steering committee for JHU. Lauren's research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.Rachel Lookadoo, JDRachel Lookadoo is an Assistant Professor in the Epidemiology department of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases. She also acts as the Director of Public Health Policy for the Water, Climate, and Health program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Ms. Lookadoo's background is as an attorney, and she focuses on the various legal and regulatory issues that can arise in emergency preparedness and response. She specializes in public health impacts of climate change, healthcare surge events, isolation/quarantine law, crisis standards of care, infectious disease response, and general legal preparedness. Ms. Lookadoo also conducts emergency preparedness trainings and assessments for public health departments and healthcare facilities nationally. Ms. Lookadoo received her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law, and her Bachelor's degree from Baylor University.ResourcesCan a Fungus Cause a COVID-Style Pandemic? https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/popmedicine/103449?vrw=noWhy Fungal Diseases Are an Increasing Threat: https://magazine.jhsph.edu/2022/why-fungal-diseases-are-increasing-threat NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.orgAbout NETECA...

Dr. Kast is a Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology, and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck SurgeryWalter A. Richter Cancer Research ChairDirector Medical Biology Graduate ProgramSupport the show

The medical laboratory is often seen as a black box that generates definitive results with little effort. But it's not always that simple.What if you work up a culture and find an unusual bacteria or fungus? What do the technologists in the microbiology laboratory do to investigate these uncommon cases and provide their patients with a proper diagnosis? On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, are joined by Dr. Clare McCormick-Baw, MD, FASCP, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases Serology and Molecular Microbiology at Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Andrew Clark, PhD, D(ABMM), Medical Directory of the Microbiology Laboratory at Clements University Hospital and Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Dr. Laura Filkins, PhD, D(ABMM), Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Director at Children's Health System of Texas in Dallas, Texas, and Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, to share their most interesting microbiology cases. Dr. Clark discusses an immunosuppressed 73-year-old man with persistent diarrhea who was diagnosed with invasive GI mucormycosis, and Dr. McCormick-Baw describes the case of the healthy 51-year-old woman whose abdominal fullness was caused by coccidioidomycosis, not cancer.  Listen in for Dr. Filkins' insight on getting the CDC involved when a four-year-old patient contracted Burkholderia pseudomallei and learn how committed clinical laboratory scientists kept digging until they found answers for these three unique patients!Topics Covered · Dr. Clark's case of an immunosuppressed 73-year-old man with persistent diarrhea· How Dr. Clark's team found Mucor mold in their patient's stool culture and diagnosed him with invasive GI mucormycosis· How rare GI mucormycosis is and why it's nearly always terminal· Dr. McCormick-Baw's case of a healthy 51-year-old woman who presented with abdominal fullness· How Dr. McCormick-Baw's team determined that their patient did not have cancer but did have coccidioidomycosis· Why it took two years after Dr. McCormick-Baw's patient contracted Coccidioides on a hike for symptoms to present· Dr. Filkins' case of a previously healthy four-year-old female (with a colorful animal history) who presented with nausea, vomiting, lethargy and decreased appetite · How Dr. Filkins' team cultured their young patient's tracheal aspirate specimen and found the high-risk pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei· How the local health lab, local epidemiologist and CDC's joint investigation uncovered four cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the U.S. and traced them to aromatherapy bottles manufactured in India· How the CDC, EPA and Texas public health agencies discovered that Dr. Filkins' patient's pet raccoon died of Burkholderia pseudomallei and decontaminated its burial siteConnect with ASCPASCP on Twitter Connect with Dr. McCormick-BawDr. McCormick-Baw at UT SouthwesternConnect with Dr. ClarkDr. Clark at UT SouthwesternConnect with Dr. FilkinsDr. Filkins at UT SouthwesternResources ‘Burkholderia Pseudomalliei Detected in a Raccoon Carcass Linked to a Multistate Aromatherapy-Associated Melioidosis Outbreak' in Morbidity and Mortality 

The Smart 7 is a daily podcast that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7 am, 7 days a week... With over 12 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day. If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Antonio Guterres - UN Secretary GeneralHoesung Lee - Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeAbi Clayton - Director of Future Programmes for Rolls-RoyceDr Jack Auty - Biologist at the University of TasmaniaHaley Charlton-Howard - Researcher at Adrift LabDr Adriano Lameira - Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Warwick Cameron Currie - University of Wisconsin-MadisonUlrich Mueller - Professor of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at AustinMatt Hutchins- Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of East AngliaDr. Gary Marcus - AI ExpertSam Altman - CEO at OpenAIAjit Subramaniam - Professor of Oceanography at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia UniversityIn Ireland? Why not try our Ireland Edition?Contact us over at Twitter or visit www.thesmart7.comPresented by Jamie East, written by Olivia Davies and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Smart 7 Ireland Edition is the daily news podcast that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week… Consistently appearing in Ireland's Daily News charts, we're a trusted source for people every day. If you're enjoying it, please follow, share or even post a review, it all helps… Today's episode includes references to the following guests:Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, Abi Clayton, Director of Future Programmes for Rolls-RoyceDr Jack Auty - Biologist at the University of Tasmania Haley Charlton-Howard - Researcher at Adrift LabDr Adriano Lameira - Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Warwick Cameron Currie - University of Wisconsin-MadisonUlrich Mueller - Professor of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at AustinMatt Hutchins- Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of East AngliaDr. Gary Marcus, New York University Sam Altman, CEO, Open AIAjit Subramaniam, Oceanographer Contact us over at Twitter or visit www.thesmart7.comPresented by Ciara Revins, written by Oliva Davies and Liam Thompson and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antibiotics stopped providing big gains for pharmaceutical companies decades ago, but as bacteria become more resistant to drugs, the world needs new classes of antibiotics to be discovered if we want to prevent the next global health crisis. Dr Tina Joshi, Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Plymouth explains that it's more likely antimicrobial resistance will kill large numbers of human beings before climate change does. Kasim Kutay, CEO of the investment fund Novo Holdings tells us that for big pharma companies, antibiotics are seen as a contribution to society rather than an investment that can provide a profit. How can firms be convinced to invest in an unprofitable product? We hear how Netflix might provide a good model and we explore research in Phages - a bacteria specialised in eating other bacteria. Phages are being championed by some as a potential substitute for antibiotics. One patient in Minnesota tells us Phages saved his life. Presenter / producer: Stefania Gozzer Image: Dr Tina Joshi; Credit: Dr Tina Joshi

Welcome to the latest episode of the podcast. This week I am talking to Alison Mowbray, former Olympic medal winning rower in the British Rowing Team, and current leadership development consultant and coach. Alison initially pursued an academic career in microbiology, got her PhD, became a science teacher… and then tried out for national selection in the British Rowing Team. She's competed at the Olympics twice and won silver as part of the quad sculls team in 2004. After retiring Alison continued to set and achieve her goals that included ultra-marathons, an autobiography, becoming a rowing coach, hiking, dancing tango, and more! Phewf! Join us to hear more about how Alison pursues her goals and what she has learnt about ikigai and her life's purpose along the way.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you'll hear:How Alison pursued an academic path in Science, getting her PhD and becoming a science teacher before making the British Rowing Team at the age of 27How Alison decided what to do next after retiring from international rowingWhat marathon running taught Alison about how we can limit ourselves by the goals we setAbout the importance of doing things for yourself rather than always waiting for an external motivationAlison's advice on not judging what gives your life purpose, or comparing it to other people'sAbout Alison:Alison was on the British Rowing team for seven years and competed in five World Championships and two Olympic Games. Not being particularly sporty at school and having not even stepped in a boat until she went to Liverpool University at the age of 18, Alison then kept rowing on the back burner for many years while she pursued an academic career. Having achieved a 1st Class degree in Microbiology from Liverpool and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Cambridge University, Alison moved to London to train as a science teacher and attempt National selection. She made the British Rowing team that year at the age of 27. Two years later, she achieved last minute qualification for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she finished 10th in the single sculls event. Alison worked part-time as a science teacher while training full-time towards the Athens Olympics and in 2004, at the age of 33 and in the last race of her career achieved an Olympic silver medal in the final of the quad sculls. Retiring from international sport, Alison was a science teacher for several years alongside a developing career in Inspirational Speaking. She now works as a Leadership Development Consultant and Coach, hikes long-distance trails, runs marathons and ultra-marathons, dances tango and sings in a local choir. Alison also still coaches rowing, including to local children in Zambia in 2022.Alison wrote and published her autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal Life in 2013 and is currently finishing a Science/Lifestyle book called The 10 Healthy Habits.Connect with Alison:Autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal LifeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-mowbray-33b36a13Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonmowbray.feelinginspired/Connect with JenniferLinked In:

Bloomberg News Big Tech Team Leader Sarah Frier discusses Meta Platforms Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg announcing plans to make the social media giant leaner, more efficient and more decisive. Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, talks about seeing Covid still at very high rates compared to other respiratory infections. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Chief Correspondent for Global Macro Markets Liz McCormick provide the details of Liz's Businessweek Magazine story Wall Street Is Making Same Fed Bet That's Burned It Repeatedly. Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter, previews the January jobs report. And we Drive to the Close with Randy Watts, Chief Investment Strategist at O'Neil Global Advisors.Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radamés Cordero is the CEO of Melatech and an associate scientist and junior faculty in the department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where he studies the biology of fungal melanin.As a spin-off of his research, Melatech is a biotech company dedicated to the production of melanin at industrial scales and the research and development of melanin-based technologies for a variety of commercial applications like shielding and harvesting radiation on earth and space.In this episode, we discuss how he co-founded Melatech and became a CEO while running an academic lab. We also discussed what makes melanin so special, the manufacturing challenges and melanin's multiple applications. Finally, he shared his perspective as a scientist coming from Latin America and his dream to make Melatech a place and resource that creates opportunities for young scientists interested in biotech from anywhere in the world!Hosted by Gustavo Carrizo

Claudia talks to Thomas Hartung about animal testing in pharmacology and toxicology. They discuss how animal testing involves a weighing of values as well as some of the disruptive technologies that are providing alternatives to animal testing – including stem cell technologies and artificial intelligence.   Date Recorded: 5 October 2022 Thomas Hartung, MD PhD, is the Doerenkamp-Zbinden-Chair for Evidence-based Toxicology in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, with a joint appointment at the Whiting School of Engineering. He also holds a joint appointment for Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Bloomberg School. He is adjunct affiliate professor at Georgetown University, Washington D.C.. In addition, he holds a joint appointment as Professor for Pharmacology and Toxicology at University of Konstanz, Germany; he also is Director of Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) of both universities. CAAT hosts the secretariat of the Evidence-based Toxicology Collaboration and manages collaborative programs on Good Read-Across Practice, Good Cell Culture Practice, Green Toxicology, Developmental Neurotoxicity, Developmental Immunotoxicity, Microphysiological Systems and Refinement. As PI, he headed the Human Toxome project funded as an NIH Transformative Research Grant and the series of annual Microphysiological Systems World Summits starting in 2022 by 52 organizations. He is Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence. He is the former Head of the European Commission's Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), Ispra, Italy, and has authored more than 620 scientific publications with more than 41,000 citations (h-index 105). His toxicology classes on COURSERA had more than 15,000 active learners. Connect with Thomas on Twitter (@ToxmasHartung). Featured: Toxicology for the twenty-first century by Thomas HartungA Roadmap for the Development of Alternative (Non-Animal) Methods for Systemic Toxicity Testing By David Basketter et al Study Illustrates A Quicker And Less Expensive Way To Explore Gene-Plus-Environment Causes Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Other Conditions via John Hopkins A Johns Hopkins collaboration has demonstrated that the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, can infect and replicate within a human mini-brain model via John HopkinsThe General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by John Maynard Keynes Animal Highlight: Rats -  Amanda talks about one of the most tested on animals in the world, rats. She discusses how rats have been used in labs and the standardization of their experiences. She contrasts that with the rich lifeworlds of rats who live freely and in multispecies communities. The Animal Turn is part of the  iROAR, an Animals Podcasting Network and can also be found on A.P.P.L.E, Twitter, and InstagramThank you to Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics (A.P.P.L.E) for sponsoring this podcast; the A.P.P.L.E Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics (A.P.P.L.E)Biosecurities Research Collective The Biosecurities and Urban Governance Research brings together scholars interested in biosecurity.

Bloomberg News Finance Reporter Sri Natarajan explains why big banks are preparing to shed staff and bring down bonuses. Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses the roll out of a Covid bivalent boosterBloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Businessweek Columnist Max Chafkin share the details of Max's Businessweek Magazine cover story Apple's Shocking AirPods Success Bodes Well for Its VR Ambitions. Shekar Natarajan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at American Eagle, talks abut the continued pressures on supply chain lines heading into the holiday season. And we Drive to the Close with Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at the Carson Group.Hosts: Tim Stenovec and Katie Greifeld. Producer: Paul Brennan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Mushroom Hour we have the privilege of interviewing Professor Vera Meyer from the Technical University of Berlin. Professor Meyer's career has seen her as a visiting scientist to the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London (2003) and to the department of Fungal Genetics and Metabolomics at Leiden University in the Netherlands (2005 - 2006). In 2008, Professor Meyer was appointed assistant professor for Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology at Leiden University, a position she held for three years. Since 2011, she has been professor at the Institute of Biotechnology and head of its department for Applied and Molecular Microbiology at the Technical University of Berlin. Her scientific work in the field of fungal biotechnology has been published in more than 100 publications. Vera also works as a visual artist, using the pseudonym V. meer. She puts a strong emphasis on sculpting and creating objects from chance finds like forest mushrooms, decaying wood and scrap metal. Inspired by her scientific work with fungi in microbiology, she combines these materials in the sense of a found object. Through her artwork, she wants to enhance the awareness for fungi and their potential in biotechnology and for a sustainable bioeconomy in general.   TOPICS COVERED:    Childhood Fascination with the Invisible   Fungal Biotechnology   Seeing Fungi as Friends and as Foes   Importance of Multi-Disciplinary Approach    Open Science Movement   Aspergillus niger, Citric Acid and the Origins of Modern Biotechnology    Primary and Secondary MetabolismModulating Metabolic Processes of Aspergillus in Making Products   Synthetic Biology   BioReactor Cultivation & Ecology of a BioReactor   Mycelium Materials   Building a Mycelium Materials Database   Transdisciplinary Collaboration   Reconciling Biotechnology with Conservation and the Precautionary Principle   EPISODE RESOURCES:   Vera Meyer Academic Page @ TU Berlin: https://www.tu.berlin/en/vcard/vera.meyer   Vera Meyer Art (V.Meer): https://www.v-meer.de/   Vera Meyer IG: https://instagram.com/v.meer_/   Art Lab Berlin: https://artlaboratory-berlin.org/de/forschung/mind-the-fungi/   TU Berlin - Natural Building Lab: https://www.nbl.berlin/   "Beauty of the Morbid" Article: https://fungalbiolbiotech.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40694-016-0028-4   Aspergillus niger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergillus_niger   Fomes fomentarius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomes_fomentarius   Macrolepiota procera (AKA Parasol Mushroom): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrolepiota_procera   

We talk with Dr. Marc Johnson, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, and Mitchell (Mitch) Ramuta, a graduate student in the O'Connor laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about the potential applications of their work using wastewater and air surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

“As busy as I am, I try to give 15, 10 minutes every week to someone because I recognize the power of that. And I recognize that I wouldn't be where I am if someone who was even busier than me didn't give me that 10 or 30 minutes.” -Dr. Umaru Barrie   Today DocWorking is pleased to re-share an editor's favorite DocWorking the Whole Physician Podcast episode, 115: Physicians and the Power of Mentorship with Dr. Umaru Barrie. First published in November of 2021, Coach Gabriella Dennery MD has a refreshing conversation with Dr. Umaru Barrie about his journey in medicine and all about how to benefit from mentorships to boost your progress in your personal, community service and professional life, as well as how to pay it forward and become a mentor. Dr. Barrie gives us an inside look at how he benefited from having mentors in his personal life, education, community service, and professional career.  On a scale of 1 to 10, he ranks having mentors with an importance of 1000! Do you have a mentor/mentors? Is having a mentor something that you haven't previously considered, or are you unsure how to find the right mentor? Do you wish you were further along in reaching your targeted trajectory or wish you had help knowing how to go about reaching your goals? This episode shines a light on these topics and more. Tune in to learn how to start reaching your full potential today.    Umaru Barrie, a Sierra Leone/Guinean-American by way of Harlem, NY, has completed his 6th year combined Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidate at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) with a research focus on Molecular Microbiology and medical interests in Neurosurgery, Global Health, Academic Medicine and Molecular Microbiology. Prior to joining UTSW, he was a National Institute of Health scholar working under the mentorship of Dr. Desruisseaux at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he studied Chagas Disease and Malaria. During medical school, he served as medical class Co-President, Board of Directors of Student National Medical Association, Albert Schweitzer Fellow, Co-Director of National Future Leadership Project while maintaining active involvement in research publishing manuscripts in Neurosurgery, Academic Medicine, Community and Global Health. He has been fortunate to give back by co-founding numerous nonprofit organizations that raised money for humanitarian relief, providing uninsured patients with health literacy programs, creating relief projects to support hurricane victims, delivering healthcare and medicines to underprivileged communities in the Dominican Republic, establishing programs for underrepresented minorities, and organizing research projects geared towards HIV/AIDS and Child Mortality in Uganda. He aspires to become the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).  You can find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umarubarrie/     Find full transcripts of DocWorking: The Whole Physician Podcast episodes on the DocWorking Blog  The past few weeks have been busy at DocWorking! We have been working behind the scenes to add even more CME credits to the THRIVE memberships.    Let your CME budget help you prioritize your own wellness so you can get on with living your best life on your own terms, as defined by you, with DocWorking THRIVE.   You can take the first step today by taking our 2 Minute Balance to Burnout Quiz! Where are you on the Balance to Burnout Continuum? Take the quiz and find out today!   DocWorking empowers physicians and entire health care teams to get on the path to achieving their dreams, both in and outside of work, with programs designed to help you maximize life with minimal time.   Are you a physician who would like to tell your story? Please email Amanda Taran, our producer, at podcast@docworking.com to be considered.   And if you like our podcast and would like to subscribe and leave us a 5 star review, we would be extremely grateful!   We're everywhere you like to get your podcasts! Apple iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, ListenNotes, Amazon, YouTube, Podbean   You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.    Some links in our blogs and show notes are affiliate links, and purchases made via those links may result in payments to DocWorking. These help toward our production costs. Thank you for supporting DocWorking: The Whole Physician Podcast!   Occasionally, we discuss financial and legal topics. We are not financial or legal professionals. Please consult a licensed professional for financial or legal advice regarding your specific situation.   Podcast produced by: Mara Heppard  

Dr. Arturo Casadevall is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Infectious Diseases, as well as a recent inductee to the National Academy of Sciences. Today, he joins us to discuss his research into convalescent plasma in the fight against COVID-19.

Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses the surge of Covid cases across the country. Bloomberg Intelligence ESG Analyst Shaheen Contractor explains why Tesla was expelled from the ESG version of the S&P 500 Index, sparking a debate about which companies do — and don't — pass muster with socially aware investors. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Financial Investigations Reporter Zeke Faux talk about Zeke's Businessweek Magazine story A $60 Billion Crypto Collapse Reveals a New Kind of Bank Run. And we Drive to the Close with Morgan Stanley Managing Director Kathy Entwistle.Hosts: Tim Stenovec and Katie Greifeld. Producer: Paul Brennan.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses the current state of Covid and how cases are starting to wane. Bloomberg News Foreign Policy Reporter Nick Wadhams explains why President Biden's tough sanctions have created concern that Vladimir Putin lacks an exit out of Ukraine. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Financial Investigations Senior Writer Stephanie Baker share the details of Stephanie's Businessweek Magazine story End of Oligarch Era Nears With Putin's Miscalculation in Ukraine. Bloomberg News Senior Emerging Markets Reporter Carolina Wilson talks about major index providers officially cutting Russian assets from their gauges, ratcheting up the pressure on an exchange-traded fund industry already facing an extraordinary stress test. And we Drive to the Close with Sylvia Jablonski, CIO at Defiance ETFs. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discusses that vaccinated people who have been infected with the omicron variant may end up with a very high level of immunity that recognizes other variants. Bloomberg News Finance Reporter Sri Natarajan reports on how a Goldman trading desk dodged the ax to mint billions again. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Reporter Brian Eckhouse talk about film studios making a risky bet on theaters. Bloomberg News Technology Reporter Kurt Wagner explains why employee morale is down as Meta scandals mount. And we Drive to the Close with Cate Faddis, President and CIO at Grace Capital. Hosts: Carol Massar and Katie Greifeld. Producer: Paul Brennan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, a foremost researcher on the human microbiome joins the Two Nobodys for a fascinating conversation. Emma shares what we do and do not know about the microbiome, some of the characteristics of a healthy microbiome, how it may have changed over history, the effects of COVID, and what foods may be beneficial. Dr. Emma Allen Vercoe's research page: https://www.uoguelph.ca/mcb/people/dr-emma-allen-vercoe Twitter: @EmmaAllenVercoe -- Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe obtained her BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of London, and her PhD in Molecular Microbiology through an industrial partnership with Public Health England. Dr. Allen-Vercoe started her faculty career at the University of Calgary in 2005, with a Fellow-to-Faculty transition award through CAG/AstraZeneca and CIHR, to study the normal microbes of the human gut.  In particular, she was among the few that focused on trying to culture these ‘unculturable' microbes in order to better understand their biology.  To do this, she developed a model gut system to emulate the conditions of the human gut and allow communities of microbes to grow together, as they do naturally.   Dr. Allen-Vercoe moved her lab to the University of Guelph in late 2007, and has been a recipient of several Canadian Foundation for Innovation Awards that has allowed her to develop her specialist anaerobic fermentation laboratory further. This has been recently boosted by the award of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Human Gut Microbiome Function and Host Interactions .  In 2013, Dr. Allen-Vercoe co-founded NuBiyota, a research spin-off company that aims to create therapeutic ecosystems as biologic drugs, on a commercial scale.  The research enterprise for this company is also based in Guelph. 

Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Businessweek Technology Reporter Drake Bennett talk about Drake's Businessweek Magazine cover story about how cobalt will aid the transition of energy. Dr. Andy Pekosz, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, shares his thoughts on news that the FDA will authorize a third Pfizer Covid shot for certain people. Bloomberg Opinion Senior Columnist Tim O'Brien discusses his story Disney Sees New Magic Kingdom in Sports Betting. And we Drive to the Close with Doug Ciocca, CEO at Kavar Capital. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The current pandemic has exposed many vulnerabilities in the healthcare ecosystem while also highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts across a range of disciplines. Today's episode focuses on the role microbiology plays in the broader healthcare ecosystem and how it will continue to evolve in shaping the future of health and wellbeing. This episode's guest is Dr. Sarah Jung, a scientific director of clinical microbiology for the Children's Hospital Colorado. Previously, Dr. Jung has served as a fellow with the Mayo Clinic and special volunteer with the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Jung has a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the Tufts University School of Medicine, a Master's in Biology from American University, in addition to a Bachelor's in Chemistry from the University of Maryland College Park. For more details visit TechLink Health @ https://www.techlink.health or connect with Dr. Jung @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahandersonjung/ This episode was hosted by Margarita Khosh and Dr. Rodney Samaan. If you're a healthcare practitioner or thought leader and interested in leveraging the TechLink Health platform for telehealth, e-consults, or advisory services, feel free to connect with us by visiting our site or downloading the TechLink Health app. iOS - https://apps.apple.com/app/techlink-health/id1492325493 Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=millennialtech.techlinkhealth

Two recent studies conducted at Oregon Health and Science University give some answers to questions about variants and vaccines. One study shows that people who have been infected with COVID-19, and therefore have natural immunity, are still vulnerable to new variants. And the Pfizer vaccine can help protect people with natural immunity against variants. At the same time, another study showed that the Pfizer vaccine is less effective at offering protection against variants in general than it is against the “wild-type” strain of the virus that originated the pandemic. This means people will probably have to get booster shots at some point. Marcel Curlin is an associate professor of medicine within OHSU's infectious disease division and co-senior author of both studies. He says the hope is that we can learn to live with the coronavirus in the same way we live with influenza. We hear from Curlin and co-senior author Fikadu Tafesse, who is also an assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the OHSU School of Medicine.

Ben is joined by Revive MD‘s Dr. Domenic Iacovone to discuss the Revive MD's present and future. Dr. Dom has a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Microbiology and went to Atlanta to get his Doctorate, completing his residency at the Synergy Sports Institute which is utilized by NFL players. With such a background, he's always trying to be innovative, and this episode shows just how much he's committing to that. Dr. Dom is extremely excited to announce Revive MD is now providing blood tests for free to those with insurance and heavily discounted for those without insurance The video and audio feeds are below, with more show notes after that: Video: Watch Dr. Domenic Iacovone Talk About Revive MD's Future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoFRlk0MG4 More than just a supplement brand, Revive MD is one of the only fully franchised medical facilities in the world, and every facility has an MD, a nurse practitioner, and a full-time nurse. They go where your standard primary care office is afraid to go, and where some are afraid to ask. For instance, they're not just a company providing hormones, they offer a myriad of additional services beside hormone replacement such as non-surgical facelifts, stem cell therapy, IV vitamin therapy, weight loss hormone replacement therapy, and more. Dr. Domenic explains that they staff physical therapists, and chiropractors. Big on peptide therapy However, Revive MD does not push hormones heavily, and is very big on peptide therapy. They're also very big on non-controlled substances to push the body to do what it's naturally supposed to do in the first place. Revive MD is research and science driven, but they work with athletes, and are coming hard at the “legal performance enhancement” side of the game. Will Wallace hired on As they're moving towards the future as an extremely unique company in the industry, Revive MD hired Will Wallace from Life Extension, who is worth his weight in gold. They continue to move very talented people to Florida, and Dr. Dom strives to ensure their entire business is built on education and intellectuals. Looking to the future, Dr. Dom wants to be better than a brick and mortar store, he wants to be a “Whole Foods” of his niche. He doesn't mind the brick and mortar model, but his vision for Revive MD is bigger than that. They are planning some very exciting things for the future and will release products to brick and mortar before they are released to the public. They also have a goal of supporting small businesses, which is critical in 2021. Additionally, Revive MD is working and collaborating with several professional athletes along with Will Wallace to bring out a big release that will be divulged at a later date. This was a phenomenal episode, and we can't wait to hear more from Dr. Iacovone and his partner at Revive MD and RAW Nutrition, elite bodybuilding coach Matt Jansen. Subscribe to our audio feed above, see more episodes on the main PricePlow Podcast page, and sign up for both Revive MD and RAW Nutrition alerts on PricePlow – much more to come!

Listen to this important, interesting, and fact filled podcast with Dr. Purnima Kumar. Dr. Kumar is not only an expert clinician and periodontist, she is an accomplished and NIH funded scientist. She has the special ability to take complex scientific stories around the pandemic, vaccines, and related topics and bring them to an accurate and clear understanding level important for our own edification, as well important for the best patient care. Tune in to get up to date on this exceptionally important podcast.Biography:Dr. Purnima Kumar is a Professor of Periodontology at The Ohio State University. She received her dental degree from Annamalai University in India, and her Masters in Periodontology and PhD in Molecular Microbiology and from The Ohio State University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Kumar maintains an active research laboratory that is funded through the NIH and oral healthcare industry collaborations. She serves as an editor for numerous journals including the Journal of Periodontology and Microbiome. She has several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has written book-chapters in molecular microbiology and periodontology. She has also been invited to lecture at several national and international meetings on the microbial etiology of periodontitis. She presently serves as the Chair of the Continuing Education Oversight Committee for the American Academy of Periodontology and on the Council for Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association and the Taskforce for Women in Periodontics. She is also the official spokesperson for the ADA on e-cigarettes and vaping.About the American Academy of Pediatric DentistryThe mission of the AAPD is to advocate policies, guidelines and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral health care for children. The AAPD serves and represents its membership in the areas of professional development and governmental and legislative activities. The AAPD has over 10,000 members. Learn more about the AAPD at aapd.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hugo Rosen, MD is the Chair of Medicine and a Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Molecular Microbiology at Keck School of Medicine of USC. Dr. Rosen completed his medical school from the University of Miami—Miller School of Medicine, his residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology at UCLA. As a highly accomplished physician scientist, Dr. Rosen has more than 180 original peer reviewed manuscripts investigating the cellular and molecular underpinnings of a wide spectrum of innate and adaptive immune responses and developing novel paradigms in liver diseases. Dr. Rosen is an elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the American Association of Physicians, and currently serves as the deputy editor of the journal Hepatology. There is a formula for finding a great mentor: Talent x Accessibility. Today, Dr. Hugo Rosen explains that we should look for mentors who are not only talented in their field, but who are also accessible—and invested in you as the trainee. When one of these factors is diluted, it weakens the overall product. Dr. Rosen also reminds us that the lack of mentorship leads to missed opportunities. And it is up to us, as mentees, to not only seek out these relationships, but to prove that we are ones to invest in. “Think of it as an audition,” says Dr. Rosen. He explains that every interaction we have is a chance to display our work ethic, our willingness to learn, our humility—and the fire in our belly that drives us each day. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Mentorship is not just about career development, it's about personal development. If a mentor is truly invested, the relationship becomes personal by default. 2. Finding a great mentor is about talent times accessibility. If the mentor is extremely talented but not accessible, the product will be zero. 3. Mentorship has to be driven by us, as the mentee. Show your mentor that you have vision and a fire in your belly, and use that to drive the interaction. 4. Every interaction is an audition.

Show Notes for Episode Fifteen of seX & whY: Sex Differences in Immunology and Drug Therapy Host: Jeannette Wolfe Guests: Evelyne Bischof MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences and internist at University Hospital of Basel Switzerland Sabra Klein, PhD, Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health This podcast focused on sex differences in immunology and pharmacology and its relevance to the Covid-19 pandemic. Key points Males are more likely to be admitted to the ICU and die from COVID-19 compared to females Males and females have differences in both innate and adaptive immunity (which likely are a combo of chromosomal, hormonal and epigentic differences) One difference in Innate immunity (the initial non-specific reaction to a foreign pathogen) is Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) This is a major player in the initial physiological response to a foreign pathogen and the gene for it is on the X chromosome. X-lined genes (like Ace-2 which is the receptor which SARS-Cov-2 initially binds to in the body) are interesting because they immediately bring up two considerations.  First, if someone has a specific variant of that gene, it could change their susceptibility to certain pathogens. Males, as they have an XY pair of sex chromosomes, only have one X chromosome and thus could be more adversely impacted than females (XX) who have a second copy of the gene (which may or may not express the same variant)  from their other X chromosome. The second consideration is that in the cells of most females, one of the X chromosomes is automatically turned off (X inactivation). It appears however, that some X-linked immune cells- like TLR7- don't do this, leading to the possibility of increased expression of the gene like getting an “extra dose”. In adaptive immunity (which involved B and T cells), females generally have a greater immunological response to most pathogens. As such, females generally exhibit a more robust immune response to natural infections and vaccinations. The flip side, however, is compared to men, women are also at greater risk for autoimmune diseases and are more likely to get local and systemic reactions after a vaccination. When testing the effectiveness and side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines it would be ideal to consider the variables of biological sex and age. In an influenza study, when women were given a ½ dose of the flu vaccine, they mounted a similar immune response to males who got full dose. If the same held true for developing SARS-Cov2 vaccinations, it could potentially increase the amount of vaccine available (though it is unclear if this is even being considered in early vaccine trials). Aging can also impair the immune response and older adults may require higher doses of booster doses of some vaccines to optimize their immune response The use of Artificial Intelligence in drug development may revolutionize the pharmaceutical research industry by allowing more predictive drug modeling leading to more successful drug development. This could also be used to better identify potentially important biological sex- based pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic differences earlier in drug development. Two unexpected findings associated with COVID-19 Males appear to be more vulnerable to cytokine storm (mechanism still not entirely clear may be differences in ACE-2 receptors, or chromosomal/hormonal differences in innate/adaptive immune system) Elderly sick males who survived COVID-19 appear to have significant protective antibody production against SARS-Cov2 References: Bischof E, Wolfe J, Klein S: Clinical trials for Covid-19 should include Sex as a Variable. JCI 2020 Engler R, Nelson M, Klote M, et al. Half- vs Full-Dose Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (2004-2005) Age, Dose, and Sex Effects on Immune Responses, JAMA Internal Medicine 2008 Gender and COVID-19 Working Group website Global Health 50/50  global deaths disaggregated by sex Klein S, Pekosz A, Park H. et al.  Sex, age and hospitalization drive antibody responses in a Covid-19 convalescent plasma donor population. JCI 2020 Roberts M, Genway S How Artificial Intelligence is transforming drug design. DDW Souyris M, Cenac C, Azar P, et al. TLR7 Escapes X Chromosome Inactivation in Immune Cells. Autoimmune Disease 2018 Takehiro T, Ellingson M, Wong P et al. Sex Differences in Immune Responses that underlie COVID-19 disease outcomes. Nature 2020 Zucker I, Prendergast B.  Sex differences in pharmacokinetics predict adverse drug reactions in women. Biology of Sex Differences 2020 Special thanks to Doug Deems for help with editing