Podcasts about poznan university

VIDEOS: CRY FOR FREEDOM – Why cyborgs won't save the world (FILM) Gravitas: Did the US help China cover-up Covid-19 outbreak? (10:57) MEP Clare Daly   Drinking hot tea every day linked to lower glaucoma risk Brown University and UCLA, December 14, 2022 Drinking a cup of hot tea at least once a day may be linked to a significantly lower risk of developing the serious eye condition, glaucoma, finds a small study published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. The researchers looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US. This is a nationally representative annual survey of around 10, 000 people that includes interviews, physical examinations, and blood samples, designed to gauge the health and nutritional status of US adults and children. In this particular year, it also included eye tests for glaucoma. Among the 1678 participants who had full eye test results, including photos, 84 (5%) adults had developed the condition. They were asked how often and how much they had drunk of caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks, including soft drinks and iced tea, over the preceding 12 months, using a validated questionnaire (Food Frequency). Compared with those who didn't drink hot tea every day, those who did, had a lower glaucoma risk, the data showed. After taking account of potentially influential factors, such as diabetes and smoking, hot tea-drinkers were 74 per cent less likely to have glaucoma. But no such associations were found for coffee—caffeinated or decaffeinated—decaffeinated tea, iced tea or soft drinks. This is an observational study so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, and the absolute numbers of those with glaucoma were small. Information on when glaucoma had been diagnosed was also unavailable. But tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective chemicals, which have been associated with a lowered risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, say the researchers. (NEXT) Effects of Resveratrol on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial. Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poland), November 29, 2022 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism is the central feature of PCOS. Studies on isolated ovarian theca-interstitial cells suggest that resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, reduces androgen production. This study was designed to evaluate endocrine and metabolic effects of resveratrol on PCOS. This was a randomized (1:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the effects of resveratrol over a period of 3 months in an academic hospital. Resveratrol (1,500 mg p.o.) or placebo were administered daily. Primary outcome was the change in the serum total T. Resveratrol treatment led to a significant decrease of total T by 23.1% . In parallel, resveratrol induced a 22.2% decrease of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a decrease of fasting insulin level by 31.8% and an increase of the Insulin Sensitivity Index (Matsuda and DeFronzo) by 66.3%. Levels of gonadotropins, the lipid profile as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function were not significantly altered. Resveratrol significantly reduced ovarian and adrenal androgens. This effect may be, at least in part, related to an improvement of insulin sensitivity and a decline of insulin level. (NEXT) Encouraging risk-taking in children may reduce the prevalence of childhood anxiety Macquarie University's Centre for Emotional Health (Netherlands), December 13, 2022 A new international study suggests that parents who employ challenging parent behavioural (CPB) methods – active physical and verbal behaviours that encourage children to push their limits – are likely protecting their children from developing childhood anxiety disorders. Researchers from Macquarie University's Centre for Emotional Health, along with partners from the University of Amsterdam and the University of Reading, surveyed 312 families with preschool-aged children across the Netherlands and Australia. Results showed that the parents who scored higher in their CPB methods, thereby encouraging their kids to push their limits to a greater extent, had children who were less at risk of exhibiting anxiety disorder symptoms, demonstrating that CPB was related to significantly less anxiety in children. CPB encourages safe risk-taking in children such as giving them a fright, engaging in rough-and-tumble play or letting them lose a game, as well as encouraging them to practice social assertion and confidently enter into unfamiliar situations. This study aimed to build upon existing research that establishes a relationship between parenting behaviours – particularly overinvolvement and overcontrol – and the development and maintenance of childhood anxiety disorders. To determine the effects of CPB on preschool-aged children, parents' CPB was assessed via a questionnaire assessing how much the parents encourage the exhibition of risky behaviour in their children, as well as the extent to which they encourage their children to venture beyond their comfort zones. “While Dutch and Australian mothers showed no differences in CPB towards their sons or daughters, both Dutch and Australian fathers of sons demonstrated more competition towards their sons than fathers of daughters. Dutch fathers in particular reported more rough-and-tumble play than the other groups of parents,” says Rebecca Lazarus from Macquarie University, another co-author of the study. The results are promising in raising the clinical relevance of CPB methods, which could potentially be used to aid parents in helping their children's wellbeing. (NEXT) Music therapy reduces pain and anxiety for patients with cancer and sickle cell disease University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, December 19, 2022 A new study found patients with cancer and patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) treated at an academic cancer center reported clinically significant reductions in pain and anxiety in response to music therapy. Furthermore, patients with SCD who received music therapy reported significantly higher pain and anxiety at baseline than patients with hematologic and/or oncologic conditions excluding SCD. The findings from this study were recently published in the journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies, a leading journal focusing on understanding the science of integrative cancer treatments. In this retrospective study conducted between January 2017 and July 202, music therapists at UH Connor Whole Health provided 4,002 music therapy sessions to 1,152 patients across 2,400 encounters at UH Seidman Cancer Center, making this the largest investigation of the real-world effectiveness of music therapy within hematology and oncology to date. This study builds upon a history of seminal music therapy studies funded by the Kulas Foundation, the country's leading foundation for funding scientific research in music therapy, that have investigated the efficacy of music therapy in palliative care, surgery, and sickle cell disease at UH. Music therapists provided interventions including live music listening, active music making, and songwriting to address patients' needs including coping, pain management, anxiety reduction, and self-expression. As part of clinical care, the music therapists assessed patients' self-reported pain, anxiety, and fatigue on a 0 to 10 scale at the beginning and end of each session and documented their sessions in the electronic health record. “This research highlights the increased symptom burden that adults with SCD face in the hospital and the significant impact that a single session of music therapy can have on their pain and anxiety.” These studies support the benefits of music therapy for managing acute pain, improving self-efficacy and quality of life, and improving sickle cell disease knowledge in adolescents and young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Music therapy sessions differed between the two groups, with interventions including active music making, songwriting, and song recording being much more prevalent in the SCD group than the HemOnc group. Furthermore, in an analysis of patients' comments about music therapy, patients expressed themes including enjoyment, gratitude, and improvements in mood, pain, and anxiety. “Integrative Oncology utilizes complementary therapies, such as music therapy discussed in this study, to improve well-being for those affected by cancer. Using an evidence-based approach and building off research allows us to confidently build a program around supporting patients with integrative modalities as part of a strategy to manage symptoms that they may encounter through therapies or from cancer,” explained Santosh Rao, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and integrative medicine provider and Medical Director of Integrative Oncology at UH Connor Whole Health. (NEXT) Study links health risks to electromagnetic field exposure Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, December 16, 2022 A study of real-world exposure to non-ionizing radiation from magnetic fields in pregnant women found a significantly higher rate of miscarriage, providing new evidence regarding their potential health risks. The Kaiser Permanente study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Non-ionizing radiation from magnetic fields is produced when electric devices are in use and electricity is flowing. It can be generated by a number of environmental sources, including electric appliances, power lines and transformers, wireless devices and wireless networks. Humans are exposed to magnetic fields via close proximity to these sources while they are in use. While the health hazards from ionizing radiation are well-established and include radiation sickness, cancer and genetic damage, the evidence of health risks to humans from non-ionizing radiation remains limited, said De-Kun Li, MD, PhD, principal investigator of the study and a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California. In a new study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers asked women over age 18 with confirmed pregnancies to wear a small (a bit larger than a deck of cards) magnetic-field monitoring device for 24 hours. Participants also kept a diary of their activities on that day, and were interviewed in person to better control for possible confounding factors, as well as how typical their activities were on the monitoring day. Researchers controlled for multiple variables known to influence the risk of miscarriage, including nausea/vomiting, past history of miscarriage, alcohol use, caffeine intake, and maternal fever and infections. Objective magnetic field measurements and pregnancy outcomes were obtained for 913 pregnant women, all members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Miscarriage occurred in 10.4 percent of the women with the lowest measured exposure level (1st quartile) of magnetic field non-ionizing radiation on a typical day, and in 24.2 percent of the women with the higher measured exposure level (2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles), a nearly three times higher relative risk. The rate of miscarriage reported in the general population is between 10 and 15 percent, Dr. Li said. “This study provides evidence from a human population that magnetic field non-ionizing radiation could have adverse biological impacts on human health,” he said. (NEXT) Common food dye can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases, say researchers McMaster University (Ontario), December 20 2022 Long-term consumption of Allura Red food dye can be a potential trigger of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says McMaster University's Waliul Khan. Researchers using experimental animal models of IBD found that continual exposure to Allura Red AC harms gut health and promotes inflammation. The dye directly disrupts gut barrier function and increases the production of serotonin, a hormone/neurotransmitter found in the gut, which subsequently alters gut microbiota composition leading to increased susceptibility to colitis. Khan said Allura Red (also called FD&C Red 40 and Food Red 17), is a common ingredient in candies, soft drinks, dairy products and some cereals. The dye is used to add color and texture to foodstuffs, often to attract children. The use of synthetic food dyes such as Allura Red has increased significantly over the last several decades, but there has been little earlier study of these dyes' effects on gut health. Khan and his team published their findings in Nature Communications. Yun Han (Eric) Kwon, who recently completed Ph.D. in Khan's laboratory, is first author. “This study demonstrates significant harmful effects of Allura Red on gut health and identifies gut serotonin as a critical factor mediating these effects. These findings have important implication in the prevention and management of gut inflammation,” said Khan, the study's senior author, a professor of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and a principal investigator of Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute.”What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBDs. This research is a significant advance in alerting the public on the potential harms of food dyes that we consume daily,” he said. “The literature suggests that the consumption of Allura Red also affects certain allergies, immune disorders and behavioral problems in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

Videos : Robby Soave: PayPal Threatens To Take $2,500 From Users Who Promote ‘Misinformation' (9:26) ED DOWD: COVID AND THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL COLLAPSE: A TALE OF CATASTROPHES AND COVER-UPS (32:50 – 42:50) Tidal energy could be huge – why isn't it? (4:00) Back To the Future of Wind Energy Technology with Paul Gipe (7:23) No, this angry AI isn't fake (see comment), w Elon Musk. (3:24) Dr. Bhakdi Clip (7:27)   Study shows inexpensive, readily available chemical (GABA) may limit impact of COVID-19 University of California, Los Angeles, October 25, 2022 Preclinical studies in mice that model human COVID-19 suggest that an inexpensive, readily available amino acid might limit the effects of the disease and provide a new off-the-shelf therapeutic option for infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants and perhaps future novel coronaviruses. A team led by researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA report in Frontiers in Immunology that an amino acid called GABA, which is available over-the-counter in many countries, reduced disease severity, viral load in the lungs, and death rates in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. This follows up on their previous finding that GABA consumption also protected mice from another lethal mouse coronavirus called MHV-1. In both cases, GABA treatment was effective when given just after infection or several days later near the peak of virus production. The protective effects of GABA against two different types of coronaviruses suggest that GABA may provide a generalizable therapy to help treat diseases induced by new SARS-CoV-2 variants and novel beta-coronaviruses.  Their previous studies showed that GABA administration protected mice from developing severe disease after infection with a mouse coronavirus called MHV-1. To more stringently test the potential of GABA as a therapy for COVID-19, they studied transgenic mice that when infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop severe pneumonia with a high mortality rate. “If our observations of the protective effects of GABA therapy in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice are confirmed in clinical trials, GABA could provide an off-the-shelf treatment to help ameliorate infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants. GABA is inexpensive and stable at room temperature, which could make it widely and easily accessible, and especially beneficial in developing countries.” The researchers said that GABA and GABA receptors are most often thought of as a major neurotransmitter system in the brain. Years ago, they, as well as other researchers, found that cells of the immune system also possessed GABA receptors and that the activation of these receptors inhibited the inflammatory actions of immune cells. Taking advantage of this property, the authors reported in a series of studies that GABA administration inhibited autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis in mouse models of these ailments. Other scientists who study gas anesthetics have found that lung epithelial cells also possess GABA receptors and that drugs that activate these receptors could limit lung injuries and inflammation in the lung. The dual actions of GABA in inflammatory immune cells and lung epithelial cells, along with its safety for clinical use, made GABA a theoretically appealing candidate for limiting the overreactive immune responses and lung damage due to coronavirus infection. Working with colleagues at the University of Southern California, the UCLA research team in this study administered GABA to the mice just after infection with SARS-CoV-2, or two days later when the virus levels are near their peak in the mouse lungs. While the vast majority of untreated mice did not survive this infection, those given GABA just after infection, or two days later, had less illness severity and a lower mortality rate over the course of the study. Treated mice also displayed reduced levels of virus in their lungs and changes in circulating immune signaling molecules, known as cytokines and chemokines, toward patterns that were associated with better outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Thus, GABA receptor activation had multiple beneficial effects in this mouse model that are also desirable for the treatment of COVID-19. Yoga as effective as traditional pulmonary rehab in patients with COPD  All India Institute of Medical Sciences (India), October 19, 2022 Researchers from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, studied the effects of yoga as a form of pulmonary rehabilitation on markers of inflammation in the body. Results from this study showed yoga exercises provide improvements that are just as effective as traditional pulmonary rehabilitation methods in improving pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and indices of systemic inflammation. Sixty patients with COPD were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was taught yoga exercises while the other underwent a structured pulmonary rehabilitation program. These groups were tested on shortness of breath, serum inflammation, and lung function tests. Each group participated in 1 hour of training twice a week for the first 4 weeks, then training every 2 weeks for 8 weeks, and the remaining weeks were at home. Results showed that yoga and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises resulted in similar improvements in pulmonary function, 6-minute walk distance, Borg scale, severity of dyspnea, quality of life, and levels of C-reactive protein after 12 weeks of training. “This study suggests yoga may be a cost-effective form of rehabilitation that is more convenient for patients,” said Mark J. Rosen, MD, Master FCCP, CHEST Medical Director. “The authors recommended adoption of yoga programs as an option as part of long-term management of COPD. These findings should be confirmed in new studies and the potential mechanisms explored.”  Resveratrol can help correct hormone imbalance in women with PCOS University of California, San Diego, October 19, 2022 Resveratrol–a natural compound found in red wine and grapes–can help address a hormone imbalance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility in women, according to a  study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Women who have PCOS produce slightly higher amounts of testosterone and other androgen hormones than average. Although these reproductive hormones are typically associated with men, women also have small amounts. The elevated levels in women with PCOS can contribute to irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, weight gain, acne or excess hair on the face and body. Women who have PCOS also face a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes. “Our study is the first clinical trial to find resveratrol significantly lowers PCOS patients' levels of testosterone as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), another hormone that the body can convert into testosterone,” said the study's senior author, Antoni J. Duleba, MD, of the University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, CA. “This nutritional supplement can help moderate the hormone imbalance that is one of the central features of PCOS.” Thirty women with PCOS completed the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. The women were randomly assigned to either take a resveratrol supplement or a placebo pill daily for three months. The participants had blood samples drawn at the beginning and end of the study to determine levels of testosterone and other androgen hormones.  The researchers found total testosterone levels fell by 23.1 percent among the women who received the resveratrol supplement. In comparison, testosterone levels increased 2.9 percent in the placebo group. DHEAS declined by 22.2 percent in the resveratrol group, while the placebo group experienced a 10.5 percent increase in DHEAS levels. In addition to moderating androgen hormones, the women who received resveratrol showed improvement in diabetes risk factors. Among the resveratrol group, fasting insulin levels dropped by 31.8 percent during the three-month study. The researchers also found the women who received resveratrol during the study became more responsive to the hormone insulin over the course of the study. Fluoridated water calcifies your arteries: study University of Zaragoza (Spain), October 22, 2014  A major promoter of heart disease in the U.S. today could be a chemical that the government has been intentionally dumping into the water supply for decades on the premise that it prevents tooth decay. Fluoride, according to a study published in the journal Toxicology, shows demonstrated cardiotoxic effects, which include the calcification and hardening of arteries. Researchers from the University of Zaragoza in Spain looked at the effects of water fluoridation on the progression of vascular calcification in renal (kidney) disease. The team used real-world concentrations of fluoride as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for optimal oral health — 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) — administering this amount to rats via water in the same way humans would receive it. It was observed that, for five days, the rats, all of whom had experimental chronic kidney disease (CKD), experienced calcification of their aortic smooth muscle cells. The rats also experienced further declines in renal function as a result of exposure to fluoride, demonstrating the nephrotoxicity of this common water additive. “[F]luoridation of drinking water… dramatically increased the incipient aortic calcification observed in rats with experimental chronic kidney disease,” wrote the authors. “[T]he WHO's recommended concentrations in drinking water become nephrotoxic to CKD rats, thereby aggravating renal disease and making media vascular calcification significant.” Previous research, as noted in the new study, has confirmed that 90 percent or more of digested fluoride is absorbed through the intestines and distributed throughout the body to soft tissues, calcified structures and blood plasma. At WHO-recommended doses, fluoride can still get lodged throughout the body and remain there for many years. In healthy individuals, plasma fluoride is cleared through the dual action of calcifying tissues and expelling through the kidneys. But in those with renal disease, the kidneys are not up to the task of removing fluoride from the body, greatly amplifying both the calcification process and the advancement of renal failure. Lower magnesium levels linked with increased mortality risk during up to 40 years of follow-up Jiao Tong University School of Medicine  (China), October 20 2022.  In an article in the journal Clinical Nutrition, Xi Zhang of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and colleagues reported an association between decreased serum levels of magnesium and a greater risk of dying from any cause during a follow-up period of up to 40 years. The study included data from 14,343 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study.  There were 9,012 deaths during a median follow-up of 28.6 years. In comparison with subjects whose serum magnesium levels were between 0.8 and 0.89 micromoles per liter (mmol/L), having a deficient level of less than 0.7 mmol/L was associated with an adjusted 34% greater risk of dying over follow-up. Those with magnesium levels of less than 0.7 mmol/L had more than two and a half times the risk of dying from stroke than subjects with magnesium levels of 0.8-0.89 mmol/L. Further analysis found the strongest protective association for magnesium in men. “Several mechanisms may explain the beneficial effects of magnesium, including maintaining glucose and insulin homeostasis, improving lipid metabolism, enhancing the vascular or myocardial contractility and vasodilation, and providing antiarrhythmic and antiplatelet effects,” the authors write. “Moreover, several small secondary prevention randomized trials have shown that oral magnesium supplementation improved endothelial function, reduced thrombosis, and increased cardiopulmonary function and left ventricular ejection fraction among cardiovascular disease patients.” “Our findings support the hypothesis that serum magnesium may be clinically useful for predicting long-term health outcomes and mortality in the general population,” they conclude. Anxiety Makes It Harder to Listen to Your Intuition Freie Universität Berlin, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, University of Basel,  October 19, 2022 As an anxious person, I find the mantra “go with your gut” endlessly frustrating. What's so trustworthy about my gut instinct, which has, at various times, convinced me I'm dying of brain cancer, or about to get on an airplane doomed to crash, or destined to be alone forever? My therapist has had to remind me many times over that my so-called instincts have been wrong before and will be wrong again. But I've remained somewhat convinced that there is a “real” gut instinct somewhere beneath all my fake ones, and if only I knew how to access it, I would finally be perfectly wise, centered, and calm. A new study suggests this is probably not the case. In their study, researchers attempted to examine and compare the intuitive decision-making abilities of anxious, neutral, and optimistic people. More than a hundred participants were randomly assigned to each of these three groups, and “inducted” into the corresponding mood by viewing a series of emotionally coded sentences and images. For example, participants in the optimism group read: “The affection of those we love makes us feel particularly safe and confident. There is always someone who loves us,” and were then shown a picture of a smiling young couple with a shark mascot. (Huh.) Those in the anxious group read: “Safety is not guaranteed neither in our neighborhoods nor in our own homes,” followed by a picture of a man with his arm hooked around a woman's neck. I'm anxious just reading about it. Once the mood was set, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire designed to assess their tendency to make intuitive decisions, and how effectively they did so. While the researchers found that the decision-making abilities of the positive and the neutral mood groups were relatively unaffected by their moods, the anxious group showed a significantly reduced ability to use their intuition.  The researchers hypothesized that anxiety's effects on our decision-making is damaging for several reasons: Anxiety makes us risk-averse, pessimistic, and less confident — all qualities which make us likelier to choose what we perceive as the most safe, routine, and unchallenging decision. In some cases, anxiety can also effectively paralyze us, resulting in no decision made at all. Using one's intuition, the researchers argue, requires confidence and trust in oneself. If anxious people don't have that confidence and trust, they may be more likely to ignore subtle emotional or bodily cues which indicate a “hunch.” BFor many anxious people, the psychosomatic symptom possibilities are endless, and only infrequently indicate that something is actually wrong. In many cases, it's wiser for us to ignore these “signs” and symptoms than to take them seriously.

Interview with Jacek Urbanowicz, an architect at COX Architecture and co-founder of Tunarch.org, architecture discovery platform that focuses on helping clients find the right designer through the contents of their work. We talk about his vision for the future of cities, the urban representation of Maslow's pyramid, democratised decision-making, and many more. Jacek Urbanowicz is a Melbourne-based, design technology specialist, registered architect with a decade of professional experience and an entrepreneur. His best features orbit around: building strong relationships with teams, computational design, all-round project delivery and logical problem-solution analysis. Jacek graduated from Poznan University of Technology, Poland and gained initial experience in Barcelona, Beirut and Shanghai. After working on award-winning projects at Bates Smart office, he joined COX Architecture where he develops many significant, large-scale projects. Jacek is also a co-founder of a new architecture discovery platform: Tunarch. The name comes from "Tuning Architecture", as it allows users to publish and explore design works through data-driven lenses and provides practical tools for designers and real estate clients of all scales and building types. Core benefits of using Tunarch are: well organized key project information, understanding the market landscape, searching convenience and accuracy. At tunarch.org you can manage your design portfolio with ease and grow your business opportunities. You can find out more about Jacek online through these links: Jacek Urbanowicz on LinkedIn; Tunarch.org website; Tunarch on LinkedIn; Tunarch on Instagram; Tunarch on Youtube; Cox Architecture website; Superforecastering: The art and science of prediction - book from Philip E. Tetlock and Dan Gardner; Melbourne Connect website at The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Accelerator Velocity Program in which Tunarch participated; Connecting episodes which might interest you: No.020R - Summary of Antifragile (book) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb No.021I - Interview with Bridgette Engler, foresight specialist and futurist No.075I - Interview with Gavin Cotterill about smart cities and digital twins and their usability for testing design solutions digitally first What wast the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available. I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in. Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Videos : Neil Oliver: 'It's hard to tell yourself you've been taken for a fool but open your eyes' We don't need the CIA - The Chris Hedges Report   Researchers propose new treatment to prevent kidney stones – HCA in Garcinia Cambogia University of Houston, August 8, 2022   Researchers have found evidence that a natural fruit extract is capable of dissolving calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of human kidney stones. This finding could lead to the first advance in the treatment of calcium oxalate stones in 30 years.Jeffrey Rimer, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Houston, was lead author of the study, published in the online edition of Nature. The work offers the first evidence that the compound hydroxycitrate (HCA) is an effective inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal growth that, under certain conditions, is actually able to dissolve these crystals. Researchers also explain how it works. Doctors tell patients who are at risk of developing stones to drink lots of water and avoid foods rich in oxalate, such as rhubarb, okra, spinach and almonds. They often recommend taking citrate (CA), in the form of potassium citrate, a supplement that can slow crystal growth, but some people are unable to tolerate the side effects. (next) Pomegranate improves synaptic function in experimental model of Alzheimer's disease University of New South Wales August 11, 2022.  An article published in the journal Oncotarget reports improvement in the loss of synaptic proteins that occurs with aging in association with pomegranate intake in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Synapses are the connections that enable the transmission of messages between neurons. Impairment of synaptic plasticity—the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to variation in their activity—is one of several neurologic changes observed in Alzheimer's disease that contributes to cognitive impairment. (next) Yoga May Boost Aging Brains Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (Brazil), August 9, 2022  Older women who practice yoga may have greater "thickness" in areas of the brain involved in memory and attention, a small study suggests. Researchers found that even compared with other healthy, active women their age, yoga practitioners typically had greater cortical thickness in the brain's left prefrontal cortex.The findings are based on one-time brain scans of fewer than 50 women—and they do not prove that yoga, itself, altered anyone's brain structure, according to senior researcher Elisa Kozasa. The study does add to a bigger body of evidence on yoga and brain function, said Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a researcher who was not involved in the work. "This contributes to the evidence that yoga practice has neuroplastic effects on the brain that may translate into other health benefits—like better mood and cognition," said Lavretsky, a professor-in-residence of psychiatry at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. (next) Resveratrol: The key to reducing elderly frailty? Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain) , August 11, 2022 The so-called red wine nutrient resveratrol may help maintain muscle performance and reduce frailty in the elderly, research in mice has suggested.Using 48 young, mature and old mice models, the study found resveratrol improved muscle performance in the mature and old animals but not in the young. They found resveratrol – found in grapes, red wine, walnuts, peanuts and berries – “primed” the effect of exercise by increasing endurance, coordination and strength in the old animals as well as providing higher protection against oxidative damage and an increase in the mitochondrial mass responsible for the energy-generating process essential for cell metabolism. (next) Ginkgo may enhance performance, boost brain health for active men Poznan University (Poland), August 10, 2022 Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves may offer body and mind benefits for young, active men, according to a small supplementation trial from Poland. A daily 160 mg dose of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba for six weeks was associated with improvements of VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake) and blood antioxidant capacity, report scientists from the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education and the Poznan University of Physical Education. Writing in Nutrients , the scientists also note that Ginkgo supplementation resulted in increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during exercise. “BDNF is a molecular mediator of synaptic plasticity, hence, the BDNF signaling pathway is reduced in many neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases,” they explained. Increasing BDNF levels, therefore, is considered beneficial. The results showed that VO2max increased in both groups, but the greatest increases were measured in the Ginkgo group. However, no statistical significance was found between the groups, which may be due to the dose – previous studies have shown benefits from higher doses. (next) Is corn silk beneficial for diabetes? Jilin  University in China study and University of Buffalo, August 2, 2022 Corn silk refers to the threads that grow on corn cobs. People have used corn silk as an herbal remedy for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. Proponents suggest that it may have several medicinal applications, which may include reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar.Corn silk, also known as Stigma Maydis, refers to a traditional Chinese medicine.  Corn silk describes the thread-like strands that grow underneath the husk of a fresh ear of corn. These thin fibers contain plant compounds that may be responsible for various health benefits. Some evidence suggests that corn silk may possess antidiabetic properties. A Jilin University in China study and University of Buffalo review suggest that corn silk, and its flavonoids, may possess antidiabetic benefits. The mouse study suggests that the antidiabetic properties of corn silk could make it a good candidate for a functional food or treatment for diabetes. Corn silk may help by slowing the absorption of starchy foods from the intestine. By slowing this process, blood glucose levels rise more steadily after meals, which avoids sudden blood sugar spikes. Corn silk has antioxidant and antiglycation properties that can provide protective effects for insulin-secreting cells. A review of corn silk's medicinal benefits at Damietta University in Egypt suggests: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: suggests that the compounds present in corn silk are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This could provide a protective effect against different conditions. For example, a 2019 paper suggests it could protect against skin damage. Antihyperlipidemia: Corn silk possesses anti-hyperlipidemic activity. It can help improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular conditions. Lowering blood pressure: Corn silk can help lower blood pressure. Corn silk tea could help improve the effect of antihypertensive drugs and could offer a natural alternative treatment option. Treating kidney stones: Researchers at Dalien Polytechnic University in China found that sugars present in corn silk can help reduce kidney damage and promote uric acid excretion. As such, corn silk could act as a dietary supplement to help reduce kidney stone formation. Reduction of nephrotoxicity: Corn silk can help reduce kidney damage that may occur as a side effect of a certain anticancer drug. 

This week we review a recent work from Utrecht University in The Netherlands on the topic of postoperative pericardial effusion following congenital heart surgery. Some use steroids, some NSAIDs and some colchicine. Are there any data supporting one agent versus the other? We speak with the first author of this work, Poznan University of Medical Sciences student, Nirmiti Somani about this practical and important issue in congenital heart surgery. DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-02820-4

Alicja Partyka is a 5th year medicine student at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. She is the lead author of a recent narrative review- The Consequences of Training and Competition to the Musculoskeletal System in Ultramarathon Runners: A Narrative ReviewAlicja's instagram and ResearchGate.Zibi on ResearchGate and Runner's world article on motivation. Zibi's academy- https://awf.katowice.plBuy Koop's new book on Amazon or AudibleInformation on coaching-www.trainright.comKoop's Social MediaTwitter/Instagram- @jasonkoop

Hear from Professor Łukasz Gąsiorowski, thoracic surgeon and director of the Medical Simulation Centre at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Prof. Gasiorowski completed general surgery training at University of North Dakota and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at PUMS. American Association of Thoracic Surgery: https://www.aats.org/aatsimis/AATSWeb

Coach Wojciech “Voyt” Andrzejczak has spent the fall season as the defensive coordinator of the Wieliczka Dragons in Poland, prior to the coronavirus lockdown, he was with the Calanda Broncos in Switzerland, where he worked with both varsity and U19 teams. He spent the 2019 season as assistant defensive line coach / defensive QC at Towson University, helping improve the Tigers defense by 5.3 points allowed and +5 turnovers margin . In late 2018 he worked in Romania as defensive coordinator at Bucharest Rebels, the team finished second in the Atlantic Cup, defense forced 14 turnovers in two games . Earlier that year he was assistant defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Allgaeu Comets of the German Football League, helped the team reach the play-offs and his player was ranked #4 in sacks and #5 in tackles for loss in the GFL. Prior to that Coach Andrzejczak was part of the coaches education program in China and coached youth football . In 2016 he was defensive coordinator and interim head coach of the Kozly Poznan in Poland, his unit was ranked #1 in the league in red zone forced turnovers . In 2015 Coach Andrzejczak worked for the US National Football Team and USA Football Heads Up Protection Tour. In the summer of that year he coached at Clifton Mustangs HS NJ and Junior Mustangs U-14 team . Coach Andrzejczak has been a member of the AFCA since 2013, his article “Polish your Kicking Game” was published in the AFCA Summer Manual 2014. He was a speaker at the 94th AFCA Convention in Nashville . He also published articles for American Football Monthly, USA Football and American Football International . From 2012 to spring 2014 he was the head coach at Leszno Hunters, building the program that won the PLFA 8Men Football West division in its first season and finished sixth in the nation . Coach Andrzejczak started his football journey at Fireballs Poznan in 2005, he helped with developing the club in the areas of marketing and fundraising. While playing he was linebacker coach and defensive coordinator in 2011. Between 2010 and 2011 the Fireballs ran a pioneer football program, aimed at socialization through sports at a Youth Correctional Center in Poznan, that received equipment grant from New Orleans Saints. Coach Voyt Andrzejczak has been involved in developing football in Central and Eastern Europe since 2005, through coaches education. He was described as one of the “Founding Fathers “ of American Football in Poland. He Finished courses The Science of Training Young Athletes at University of Florida, Sports and Society at Duke University, The Global Business of Sports at University of Pennsylvania, he graduated from the Poznan University of Economics

In this episode, Dr. Erin Stair chats with Dr. Piotr Rzymski, who is a researcher with the Department of Environmental Medicine at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. He has over 140 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has a strong interest in analyzing the ingredients in commercial supplements, as well as the presence of any contaminants or teratogenic compounds, meaning things that can harm a developing fetus. This particular conversation will focus around his paper, "Essential and toxic elements in commercial microalgal supplements." The microalgal supplements include Spirulina and Chlorella, both of which are very popular and often called "Superfoods." The podcast covers his research findings related to these supplements and others, his recommendations to consumers and his advice on how to make the industry safer. To contact Erin, please write erin@bloomingwellness.com Follow Erin on InstagramTo read or listen to her new, short parody on the sleazy side of wellness, click here: Yours in Wellness, Krystal Heeling, Letters from the Wellness Industry.

Anne Arvizu and Sotirios Stergiopoulos V3 Podcast Episode 2: Can The Cure For Cancer Be Right Around The Corner? Welcome back to the #V3Podcast. This is The Vision, the Voice & the Value of Medical Affairs. On today's episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology and the future of global Medical Affairs. Is biopharma lagging behind compared to other industries? And what's the reason? Who is really pushing for change? And how can the C-Suite catch up and catch the wave before it's too late?   The number one medical affairs podcast tackles new ground in this episode as Biopharma global executive veteran, Dr. Anne Arvizu, interviews Medical Affairs influencer and frontrunner, Dr. Sotirios Stergiopoulos, President & CEO at A2A Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Stergiopoulos is an awarded physician executive and oncology thought leader. He's also been recipient of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, by the American Cancer Society, for his long-standing dedication to fighting cancer. He serves on the Board of Governors for the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs. Previously, at Ipsen he was Chief Medical Officer, SVP and Head of Global Medical Affairs. Sotirios has held numerous other leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry with companies including Novartis, Bayer, and Celgene. Dr. Stergiopoulos holds a B.S. from Stony Brook University, an M.D. from Poznan University of Medical Sciences, and an M.B.E.E. from the Johns Hopkins University; and has trained at the National Institutes of Health, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Harvard University. As the conversation starts, Dr. Stergiopoulos reveals his thoughts on the future of global medical affairs. Artificial intelligence can have significant value and be one of the greatest assets for the biotech industry. Plus, the team discusses how blockchain will drastically alter patient anonymity and privacy reports. Crypto machinery will protect the interest of our patients by keeping their data safe. Anne highlights how the medical affairs segment of the biotech industry is not using AI as much as other industries like entertainment, telecommunications, technology, and professional services. Dr. Stergiopoulos thinks the medical sector is pressure tested – they are first waiting to see if AI is a fad or something that is going to be ubiquitous in society. With such a daunting task ahead, Anne theorizes asks how the biotech industry might become knowledgeable enough in the technology to utilize it daily. Dr. Stergiopoulos insists that ‘middle management' and the technologically savvy people, are the new content experts. They're the ones that keep pushing corporate heads to find and adopt new and relevant technologies. Many people don't even realize they are already using AI, and they don't even know how the technologies are rapidly evolving. One foundation is even giving out generous rewards to teams who can solve problems using AI. XPRIZE gives out millions of dollars to groups who can tackle big problem, i.e., find ways to ensure society has an indefinite supply of clean water. Then, Anne and Sotirios discuss what roles medical affairs need to focus on moving forward. Dr. Stergiopoulos reveals the top three are medical affairs services (such as medical information and medical communications), content expertise, and ensuring their MSLs are topnotch.  Later, Dr. Stergiopoulos reveals his feelings on patient-centricity. Currently those words are being used as a disturbing catchphrase. However, he believes we are moving in the right direction now. Dr. Stergiopoulos thinks we have some excellent patient-centricity officers out there, but both agree there is a need for more. The goal of the officer is to make sure that number one, most importantly, the company realizes that everything they do is all about the patients. In his previous role, the Chief Patient Centricity Officer reported directly to him, to advocate for the patient, with the number one goal to educate everybody within the company and to ensure people understand that the patient's voice needs to be heard. This power hour illuminates applications in AI as used in medical affairs and brings our minds up to the highest goal: seeing the potential cure for cancers in our lifetime via genetic therapies and other modalities. Keep ears perked up to hear Dr. Stergiopoulos reveal the new technologies we need to be on and what keeps his heart in the game. In this Episode: The future of global medical affairs [ 4:30 ] AI deficits in the medical industry [ 11:20 ] Closing the skills and knowledge gap to implement new technology [ 16:30 ] People don't even know they are utilizing AI [ 22:15 ] The roles medical affairs needs to focus on moving forward [ 25:00 ] What is patient-centricity? [ 31:00 ] What advice would you give for companies who want to identify as patient centric?          [ 36:00 ] Patient centricity example [ 37:45 ] New technologies to look out for, and how we may see some cancers cured in our lifetime with genetic therapies [ 42:40 ] What keeps your heart in the game? [ 45:15 ]   Quotes (Sotirios Stergiopoulos): “People don't even realize they are utilizing AI right now.” “The last thing you want to do is be the last one at the table.” “Seeing patients just kept giving me energy.” “The ability to touch patients on a grander scale is a motivator.” “Do what you'll love, and you'll never work a day in your life.” Links Mentioned:  Ipsen: https://www.ipsen.com Novartis: https://www.novartis.com XPRIZE: https://www.xprize.org Stergiopoulos' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sotiriosstergiopoulos/ A2A: https://www.a2apharma.com RxER Communications https://rxercommunications.com Anne Arvizu https://annearvizu.com Arvizu's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annearvizu/ - If you have a big idea to share and would like to apply to be a guest on the V3 Podcast, in message Anne via Linked In or via the form on RxER's website on the podcast page. For more about The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and how ACMA Board Certification can up-level your career, click here: https://training.medicalaffairsspecialist.org/affiliate_page.aspx?unm=anne.aflt.arvizu Other Resources: For medical affairs consulting, visit: https://rxercommunications.com/ For more about Anne, visit: https://annearvizu.com/For more information about the ACMA to become board certified in Medical Affairs visit:   https://training.medicalaffairsspecialist.org/affiliate_page.aspx?unm=anne.aflt.arvizu To listen to other podcasts on the Pharmacy Podcast Nation, our flagship home on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, subscribe on iTunes or visit: http://pharmacypodcast.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about Poznan University of Medical Sciences from Dean's Office staff, Greg Chewusz!

Welcome to episode #16 of IoT Product Leadership, a podcast featuring in-depth conversations with product leaders on what it takes to build great IoT products. I’m your host, Daniel Elizalde.    I’m very excited about today’s episode. My guest is Aleksander Poniewierski, who joins us today all the way from Poland. Aleksander is the Global IoT Leader at EY where he is responsible for leading their advisory practice focused on IoT.   This is a very special episode because Aleksander brings a unique perspective that I haven’t had in the show yet. EY is one of the top consulting companies in the world, and as a result, they have worked with thousands of companies across many markets and verticals.     Aleksander shares his experience on what works and doesn’t work companies embark on their IoT journey. He also shares his philosophy on IoT data monetization. This is an episode no Product Leader should miss.   To learn more about Aleksander, about EY, and to access the resources mentioned in this episode, visit iotproductleadership.com.   There you’ll find the show notes for all episodes, including this one.  About Aleksander Poniewierski: Aleksander Poniewierski is the Global IoT Leader at EY, being responsible for leading the Advisory Practice focused on the development of Strategy, Design, Implementation, Process Optimization, Business Model Innovation, Security and Protection for global Clients in both Consumer and Industrial IoT. He is a globally recognized expert in the field of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection. Previously, Aleksander led the IoT/OT Advisory Practice for the EMEIA region. Throughout his career, he built the IT Advisory practice in Poland and CSE, where he led numerous IT and OT projects for some of the largest companies in the region. Before joining EY, Aleksander was responsible for managing IT Security at telecommunication companies.   Aleksander graduated from Upper Silesian University in 1997 with a Master’s degree in Information Technology. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from Poznan University of Economics. Additionally, he has participated in many Executive Programs provided by Harvard Business School, Carnegie Mellon University and LMD University.    He is an Advisory Council Member of the Center for Global Business at the University of Texas at Dallas (UDT). He is the author of many publications as well as a recognized keynote speaker at numerous conferences related to Cyber Security and IoT/OT.  About EY: EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.   EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.   This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.   Topics we discuss in this episode: Aleksander shares his background and about EY. EY’s approach to IoT solutions. Common challenges companies have when deciding to go into IoT. How to help your company understand the value they could derive from IoT. What to do to avoid getting stuck at the proof of concept or pilot phase. How to not fixate on solving the “technology selection” problem. What other areas Executives may not consider when planning their IoT strategy. Aleksander’s philosophy around IoT monetization and how companies should think about this. Advice for Product Leaders who are new at developing IoT solutions. To learn more about Aleksander and EY: EY Aleksander on LinkedIn On Twitter @APoniewierski

In today’s episode of The Plant Trainers Podcast, we talk to Justyna Sanders, M.D. about lifestyle medicine and how health is so much more than the food you put on your plate and the weights you lift in the gym. She stresses that there are five key principles that you need to work on in your life to reach optimal health. We tackle the popular questions like: Is IBS real, is organic really that important and how do we know how much we should be eating and of what? This is the episode you need to hear if you want to work towards total optimal health. Justyna Sanders, MD, is the CEO and Founder of Prescription Lifestyle. After obtaining an Honors Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from McMaster University in Canada, she then went off to complete her Doctorate in Medicine from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. As a visionary and advocate for the field of medicine and the health of humanity, Dr. Justyna Sanders created PrescriptionLifestyle.com. Her objective is to provide life-saving information, promote health, wellness and prevention via evidence-based recommendations. Her wish is that this platform will influence the use of whole food plant-based nutrition as medicine, aid in the unification of all evidence-based disciplines of medicine into one system, encourage the use of personalized medicine, focus on “whole-body” health and the underlying causes of disease, but most notably, to revere Lifestyle as Medicine. Dr. Justyna Sanders’ sincere hope is that through her work, she will inspire and empower people to take autonomy of their own health and ultimately aid in the transformation of medicine.   In this episode we discuss: Growing up in Poland Being better off poor on potatoes Constipation and IBS Is IBS real? Whole food plant-based lifestyle vs. plant-based lifestyle Organic is important Whole food plant-based pyramid What is lifestyle medicine Five key principles Environmental effects on our body Total health Actionable steps for taking your health to the next level   Links to things we mentioned: The Ultimate Bundle 55 Tips of the Easiest Holiday Meals Ever –  Justyna Sanders, M.D. –> , , , , , How Not To Die with Michael Greger, M.D. –   Thank you to this month’s Patrons for supporting us on : “Joe” Millie Pearson Stu Dolnick Mary Lou Fusi Carmen Fanous Emily Iaconelli Spanish Armada Don’t forget to contact us at  with your question for our Plant Trainers Facebook Lives!   We hope you enjoyed this podcast! Please take a moment and  – we would be grateful! This will help get our podcast out to others who may enjoy it. We promise to read your reviews and consider your feedback. This show is for you. Please subscribe to The Plant Trainers Podcast on , ,  or  so you will know when we release a new episode. We’re also available to ! Help us by spreading the news about our totally awesome Podcast!   Click  for a list of our services

Australian HRV researcher Dr. James Heathers (pictured above) is one interesting dude. On a professional level, he is a Ph.D and an Endeavour Research Fellow in Electrocardiology at Poznan University of Medical Science, where his research revolves around measurement issues in heart rate and heart rate variability. On another level, he has , where he writes about health, science, medicine and bioethics, and has articles on topics such as medical sensors embedded in tattoos, how drinking affects sleep quality, how peptides are used for doping by professional athletes, and much more. In our discussion in this podcast, James and I take a deep dive into HRV, and our topics include: -How James went from being an experimental psychologist to instead being immersed in HRV research... -Very interesting ways to use HRV that tend to fly under the radar, including computer gaming and cognitive performance enhancement... -Whether HRV can really measure the things that the self-quantification industry often claims it can measure (e.g. sympathetic outflow, or blood lactate, or ‘readiness’)... -When a high HRV may not be a good thing... -Which supplements and medication affect HRV... -The main areas of research in HRV now that James is most excited about, including something called HRR and breathing ladders... -And much more! Warning: if you know nothing at all about HRV, you will probably need a good intro to HRV prior to listening in, because this particular podcast is a bit more advanced, and skips over the basics of HRV. The good news is that there is over three years of HRV articles and podcasts on BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and here are the most popular and useful: – (podcast) – (podcast) – (podcast) – (article) – (article) Other resources we discuss during this episode: - - - - (a second-generation research grade ECG machine that you can buy for a few hundred dollars) - (Samsung has released a research platform for developers called Simband, who can now use the platform to build their own software applications without having to build their own hardware) - (a lab at MIT developed a method of pulling your heart rate straight out of a webcam picture) - Do you have questions, comments or feedback on HRV? Leave your thoughts at  and either myself or James will reply.

When you send your elected representative to Washington DC, you are not just sending one person. For each Congressman and Senator - there is a cadre of staffers that makes it happen. Bills do not sprout out of the heads of politicians - no - they are carefully crafted, often over years, by the people you see in the background on C-Span. Politicians cannot and do not read source documentation all that much, they are too busy - others do that for them and give them the Executive Summary. Who are these people, how do they work, and how what role do they play in keeping the machinery of government and policy moving? Our guest for the full hour to discuss this, the influence of milblogging upon legislation, how HR 5729 was written partially because of blogger activism, the think tank community and the relationship between the Executive Branch and the Hill and how that prevents some great ideas becoming law. And how the 501(c)(3) status's ban on non-profit's lobbying activities hurts national security decision-making - and more will be Michael Clauser. Mike is an Adjunct Fellow at the National Strategy Information Center. He served as the National Security Legislative Assistant to a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in the previous Congress. He was recently identified as a "Next Generation National Security Leader" by the Center for a New American Security and as a "Nuclear Scholar" by the Project on Nuclear Issues at CSIS. Prior to working on the Hill, Mike served in the Presidential Administration of George W. Bush in the Pentagon in both OSD and on SecNav staff. He holds masters degrees from the University of Exeter in England and the Poznan University of Economics in Poland and is a graduate candidate at the U.S. Naval War College. He did his bachelors in philosophy and religion at Penn State and is a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.