Podcasts about salk institute

Chris Mirabile's journey into health and longevity began with a preteen's desire to impress girls during school fitness tests—but quickly evolved into something deeper. By age 12, Chris was reading Men's Health, refining his diet, and obsessing over performance, though he later realized much of his early approach to health was misguided. At 16, his life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a seizure during a school field trip and was diagnosed with a large brain tumor. Emergency brain surgery saved his life, but the experience left a lasting impression, igniting a relentless drive to understand human biology and wellness. ⁣ Though he studied finance and entrepreneurship at NYU, Chris immersed himself in scientific research, especially in bio-gerontology—the biology of aging. Long before it was a buzzword, he was poring over PubMed studies, using genetic testing tools, and analyzing his own DNA to uncover predispositions that might have contributed to his tumor. After early success and eventual failure with a social media startup, Chris doubled down on his passion for health optimization. He founded Novos, a company dedicated to slowing the aging process through science-backed supplements and nutrition, collaborating with researchers from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and the Salk Institute. ⁣ Today, Chris combines rigorous science with real-world application. He launched NovoScore, a daily supplement targeting all 12 known mechanisms of aging, and developed a science-forward meal replacement bar that emphasizes longevity-promoting ingredients over trendy marketing. Through Novos and his personal platform SlowMyAge, Chris educates others on optimizing biological age, drawing from cutting-edge research in omics sciences and data-driven health tracking. With over 10 million supplement doses taken and partnerships expanding, Chris's mission is clear: to empower people to live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives through informed, evidence-based choices.

Dr. Satchin Panda is a renowned neuroscientist and professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is best known for his groundbreaking research on circadian rhythms, time-restricted eating, and their impact on metabolism and overall health. His work has significantly influenced the fields of chronobiology and nutrition. Dr. Panda is also the author of The Circadian Code, where he shares practical strategies to optimize health by aligning daily routines with the body's internal clock.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – What happens in our bodies when our circadian rhythm is out of sync(06:16) – How to know if your circadian rhythm is out of sync(11:07) – What matters more: timing of sleep or how long is your sleep(15:47) – Consistency in your sleep schedule(18:37) – Importance of getting bright natural light(24:23) – Resetting circadian rhythm for a night shift worker(28:54) – Product recommendation(30:50) – Compensating for lost or poor sleep(34:31) – What are the worst common habits the generation is doing that harm the quality of sleep(40:45) – Eating late in relation to quality of sleep(42:59) – Supplements(48:15) – Prolonged fasting(51:05) – Time window for liquid intake(54:07) – Sipping(56:10) – Exercising in the morning vs in the afternoon(59:24) – Factors that may be overlooked in improving circadian rhythm(1:01:32) – Ideal circadian dayLearn more about Dr. Satchin Panda:https://www.salk.edu/scientist/satchidananda-panda/https://www.instagram.com/satchin.panda/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/satchin-panda-926ba369App: https://www.mycircadianclock.org/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Circadian-Code-Supercharge-Transform-Midnight/dp/163565243XWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Send us a textDr. Peter Ordentlich, Ph.D. is Chief Scientific Officer and Founder, Syndax Pharmaceuticals ( https://syndax.com/team/peter-ordentlich-ph-d/ ), a company with a mission to obtain regulatory approval and commercialize drugs that extend and improve the lives of cancer patients, by drawing on the newest scientific research and advances, collaborating with determined problem solvers, and identifying value in overlooked aspects of science.Dr. Ordentlich co-founded the Company in October 2005 and has served as Chief Scientific Officer since September 2016.Dr. Ordentlich previously served as Syndax's Chief Technical Officer, Vice President, Translational Medicine, Executive Director, Translational Science, and Director, Scientific Affairs and Strategic Alliances.Prior to founding the company, Dr. Ordentlich was a scientist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a biological research non-profit organization. He also spent five years as a research scientist at X-Ceptor Therapeutics, Inc., a drug discovery company, which was acquired by Exelixis, Inc.Dr. Ordentlich received a B.A. in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Pennsylvania.#PeterOrdentlich #SyndaxPharmaceuticals #Oncology #Cancer #Menin #KMT2Ar #AcuteLeukemias #NPM1m #AcuteMyeloidLeukemia #Revuforj #Niktimvo #Axatilimab #Revumenib #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #ResearchSupport the show

Send us a textShort Summary: A deep dive into the science of oxidative stress, antioxidants, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.About the guest: Pamela Maher, PhD is a professor at the Salk Institute in San Diego, California, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress, and antioxidants.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and everyone on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere. Full transcript and other information on Substack.Episode Summary: Dr. Pamela Maher discusses her research on cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis and ferroptosis, and their roles in health and disease. They discuss how oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species can damage cells, the body's antioxidant defenses like glutathione and studies on natural compounds—fisetin, curcumin, and cannabinol (CBN)—that may protect against brain cell loss. The conversation covers CBN's mitochondrial benefits in aging mouse models and broader risk factors for dementia, like obesity and hearing loss, emphasizing early intervention.Key Takeaways:Apoptosis is a controlled cell death process vital for development, while ferroptosis, linked to oxidative stress and iron, causes cells to burst and is tied to diseases like Alzheimer's.Oxidative stress arises when reactive oxygen species overwhelm antioxidants, damaging DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, especially polyunsaturated fats.Glutathione, a key antioxidant, relies on cysteine and declines with age, but supplements like N-acetylcysteine might help, though tolerability varies.Cannabinol (CBN), a THC byproduct, protects mitochondria and improves memory in aging mice, hinting at therapeutic potential beyond cannabinoid receptors.Middle-age risk factors like visceral obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hearing loss significantly increase dementia risk, but hearing aids can reduce it.Related episode:M&M #165: PUFAs in Brain Health & Disease, Dietary Fats, Brain Lipids, Nutrition | Richard Bazinet*Not medical aSupport the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack Affiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for 10% off. Readwise: Organize and share what you read. Athletic Greens: Comprehensive & convenient daily nutrition. Free 1-year supply of vitamin D with purchase. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn and grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Use code MIND for 20% off. For all the ways you can support my efforts

Diane Hennacy Powell, M.D. is the chief scientist involved in The Telepathy Tapes, a podcast about non-speaking autistic children who are extraordinarily telepathic. "In a world that often dismisses the extraordinary as mere fantasy, The Telepathy Tapes dares to explore the profound abilities of non-speakers with autism—individuals who have long been misunderstood and underestimated. These silent communicators possess gifts that defy conventional understanding, from telepathy to otherworldly perceptions, challenging the limits of what we believe to be real. For years, their parents and teachers have quietly witnessed these remarkable abilities, knowing that the time to share their truth would eventually come. But now, as the evidence mounts, the time has come to reveal what has been hidden in plain sight. This groundbreaking series challenges everything we think we know about communication and the human mind, inviting viewers to step into a reality where the impossible is not only possible but happening every day. Through emotional stories and undeniable evidence, The Telepathy Tapes offers a fresh perspective on the profound connections that exist beyond words. Traveling with neuroscientist Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, witnessing mind-boggling telepathy tests and forging deeply intimate relationships with families around the globe, host Ky Dickens invites you to contemplate the world through the eyes of those who speak without words. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed as the series shines a light on the untold capabilities of those who have been underestimated for far too long." Dr. Powell is a Johns Hopkins-trained psychiatrist, therapist, neuroscientist, and public speaker. She develops multidisciplinary theories towards understanding psychological anomalies, such as savant skills and verified accounts of spacetime navigation. Her current research focuses on controlled testing of autistic savants and children reported to be telepathic and/or precognitive by their caregivers. Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, a member of a think tank on human consciousness at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, and Director of Research for the John E. Mack Institute. Her investigation into the neurocorrelates of ESP is discussed in her 2008 book The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena, and in Seriously Strange: Thinking Anew about Psychical Experiences. Dr. Powell is also an expert on PTSD and created the psychiatry program for Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego, California. She was the principal author of IONS The 2007 Shift Report: Evidence of a World Transforming and a contributing author to Beyond Forgiveness: Reflections on Atonement, the 2014 Campus Book of the Year at Indiana University. She is also a participant in the #NeverAlone movement for suicide prevention launched by Deepak Chopra. Website: drdianehennacy.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. First BatGap interview with Dr. Powell Interview recorded March 23, 2025

Being a scientist is a way of looking at the world, and asking the question 'why' without your own pre-conceived notions. I've learned that it's also a great way of doing business. -Julia Wrin Piper How do you go from scientist to CEO? Meet Julia Wrin Piper. She's got degrees in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, and Evolutionary Biology from UC/Berkeley, the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, and Harvard University, and she's using years of scientific training to forward the mission of Clover, a Boston-area fast casual chain specializing in local, seasonal sandwiches and bowls. www.cloverfoodlab.com. Clover's mission is to significantly reduce carbon emissions through the creation of delicious, sustainably-sourced, plant-based fast food. Says Julia: “We take beautiful food that people are familiar with, and reinvent it with 100% locally sourced vegetarian ingredients. We want you to love your veggies so much, you dream about them.” Clover's Cambridge-based culinary experts work directly with farmers in the region. Born and raised in California's Bay Area, Julia's mom is a virologist who was at the forefront of HIV research and continued to offer her scientific expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her father was a stay-at-home dad for many years before taking a job as an educator. Now a mother herself, Julia deeply appreciates the home she grew up in: “It was like no other. My mom was my role model, and having my father at home gave us a wonderful and very different perspective. What does the future look like for Clover under Julia's leadership? Chances are, there will be a Clover near you as the company eyes expansion beyond Massachusetts. “Being a scientist is a way of looking at the world, asking the question 'why' without your own pre-conceived notions. I've learned that it's also a great way of doing business. For 23 minutes with a woman who makes science yummy and fun, just hit that download button. #scientist #veggies #climatechange #STEM #local #carbonfootprint

Professor Sara C. Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine and author of The Hidden Power of the Downstate (Hachette Go!, pub date: April, 2022) and Take a Nap! Change Your Life. (Workman). She is passionate about understanding how the brain works through her research into sleep and the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Mednick's seven-bedroom sleep lab works literally around-the-clock to discover methods for boosting cognition by napping, stimulating the brain with electricity, sound and light, and pharmacology. Her lab also investigates how the menstrual cycle and aging affect the brain. Her science has been continuously federally funded (National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, DARPA).Dr. Mednick was awarded the Office Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2015. Her research findings have been published in such leading scientific journals as Nature Neuroscience and The Proceedings from the National Academy of Science, and covered by all major media outlets. She received a BA from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, in Drama/Dance. After college, her experience working in the psychiatry department at Bellevue Hospital in New York, inspired her to study the brain and how to make humans smarter through better sleep. She received a PhD in Psychology from Harvard University, and then completed a postdoc at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and UC San Diego. She resides in San Diego, CA. SHOWNOTES:

Diane Hennacy Powell, M.D. is an author, researcher, public speaker and practicing psychiatrist who started as a neuroscientist before obtaining her medical degree and training in medicine, neurology, and psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University. She became a member of Harvard Medical School's faculty and later an original member of the La Jolla Group for Understanding the Origin of Humans, a think tank at the Salk Institute with several world-renowned neuroscientists and Nobel laureates. She has spoken at international conferences such as Towards a Science of Consciousness and the IONS annual conference. Her research findings and hypotheses about the brain and psi are published in her  book,The ESP Enigma: A Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena.  Her current research focuses on autistic savants. Their abilities are so similar to psychic phenomena that they defy the current paradigm about the brain and consciousness, but unlike psychic abilities, theirs are accepted because they are reproducible. Her current project investigates savants who also report psi.

This episode is brought to you by  Bon Charge and Momentous. We used to think circadian rhythm only applied to sleep. But emerging science has revealed a link between our circadian rhythm and metabolism, cognition, risk for chronic diseases, and many other crucial aspects of our health. Our biology was designed to live in sync with a natural light-dark cycle, but modern-day society has disrupted this natural balance.  Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes with Dr. Satchin Panda. Dr. Panda dives deep into his groundbreaking circadian biology research and shares how leveraging your circadian rhythm can dramatically improve your sleep, lower your risk of chronic disease, and improve your cognitive function. They also discuss how time-restricted eating, exercise, and light can be used to help program your circadian rhythm and why it's especially important for shift workers to take advantage of these tools.  Dr. Panda is pioneering circadian biology research. He is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a Pew Biomedical Scholar, founder of the UC San Diego Center for Circadian Biology, and recipient of the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research. Dr. Panda has spoken at conferences around the world about his work on circadian rhythms and diabetes, including Diabetes UK, the American Diabetes Association, the Danish Diabetes Association, and the professional diabetes societies of Europe and Australia. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Panda dive into: Why late-night eating is so detrimental to our health (2:15) Organ systems that have a circadian rhythm (8:24) Common ailments that could be related to circadian rhythm disturbances (14:11) Night-shift work and cancer risk (20:19) How poor sleep perpetuates bad food choices (27:00) What happens in the body when you rely on an alarm clock (44:01) Why you need to accumulate sleep debt for better sleep (51:25) Time-restricted eating and sleep (1:00:40) How to combat fragmented sleep (1:15:35) The best time to work out (1:55:50) The link between exercise and cancer (2:07:55) Positive changes for better sleep health on a global scale (2:17:20) Strategies for night-shift workers to combat circadian rhythm disruption 02:45:10) Dr. Panda's research in firefighters (2:48:46) Tips for optimizing your circadian rhythm (3:14:20) Where to follow and support Dr. Panda's work (3:27:50) Also mentioned in this episode: The Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight The Circadian Diabetes Code: Discover the Right Time to Eat, Sleep, and Exercise to Prevent and Reverse Prediabetes and Diabetes Download the MyCircadianClock app Try This: 6 Crazy Facts About Sleep Try This: How Exercise Helps Fight Cancer For more on Dr. Satchin Panda, follow him on Twitter @SatchinPanda, Instagram @satchin.panda, or his Website. This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge and Momentous. Right now, BON CHARGE is offering my community 15% off; just go to boncharge.com/DHRU and use coupon code DHRU to save 15%. Optimize your energy and mental clarity with the Momentous Three: Protein, Omega-3s, and Creatine made by and used by the best. Go to livemomentous.com and enter promo code DHRU to get 20% off any order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Things are changing in Alzheimer's research. We've got new tools and new ideas, and we want you to know about them. To kick off Salk's “Year of Alzheimer's,” hear how our scientists are bringing us closer to a more modern and personalized landscape of Alzheimer's diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Full script at: www.tcmpodcast.me Short script: Advances in nutrition, healthcare, and awareness of healthy living have led to increased life expectancy and lower mortality rates.  Currently, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea hold the highest life expectancies worldwide, significantly influenced by Chinese cultural practices, particularly in the realm of traditional medicine, which plays a crucial role in the region's health and longevity. Cultural habits and dietary choices are deeply rooted in these societies. Studies have suggested that a diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates can promote longevity. Research from the Salk Institute found that eating within a shorter timeframe daily can result in health benefits, making a lower-carb, higher-protein diet potentially less advantageous compared to a balanced, moderate carbohydrate diet akin to the Okinawan style. Centenarian studies in regions with high numbers of those living past 100, like Okinawa and parts of Italy, emphasize plant-based diets low in protein and sugars, focusing instead on complex carbohydrates from beans and other plants. Many centenarians consume fewer meals daily, often finishing their evening meals before nightfall. Comparative analyses show that older Okinawans typically consume less meat and more vegetables than their American counterparts, contributing to lower instances of cancer and heart disease among them.

Today we have a very special episode. Visit California invited us out of our New York City studio and over to the West Coast for a food-focused road trip around San Diego and North County, including stops in Carlsbad and Oceanside. We start our journey at the source at the legendary Chino Farm, where three generations of Japanese American Chinos have been growing incredible produce used by chefs throughout California. Our next stop is a visit with Jeff Lozano, a brand ambassador at San Diego's Ballast Point Brewing, one of the foundational craft beer makers in a city famous for its great beer. The journey then heads up Interstate 5 to Carlsbad, where we catch up with Eric Bost, a prolific chef behind the newly opened Wildland and the soon-to-open tasting menu restaurant Lilo. To close, Aliza and Matt share many more discoveries from their road trip around Southern California.More places we visited: Rare Society, City Tacos, Tribute Pizza, Wayfarer Bread, Aisu Creamery, Little Fox Cups and Cones, Wrench & Rodent. You can visit the Salk Institute for Biological Studies by reserving a spot on a weekly docent-led tour. And some great hotels to keep in mind: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.To donate to California wildfire relief, visit Restaurants Care. This very special episode of This Is TASTE is supported by Visit California. While this episode was recorded before the LA wildfires in January, all of the restaurants featured are open for business, and we can't think of a better time to pay California a visit for your own food-obsessed road trip. Dining out in LA is one way to help support the city, and these truly were some amazing places. Questions about visiting LA now?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neurons have long enjoyed a kind of rock star status. We think of them as the most fundamental units of the brain—the active cells at the heart of brain function and, ultimately, at the heart of behavior, learning, and more. But neurons are only part of the story—about half the story, it turns out. The other half of the brain is made up of cells called glia. Glia were long thought to be important structurally but not particularly exciting—basically stage-hands there to support the work of the neurons. But in recent decades, at least among neuroscientists, that view has faded. In our understanding of the brain, glia have gone from stage-hands to co-stars.   My guest today is Dr. Nicola Allen. Nicola is a molecular neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. She and her lab study the role of glial cells—especially astrocytes—in brain function and dysfunction.   Here, Nicola and I talk about how our understanding and appreciation of glial cells has changed. We do a bit of Brain Cells 101, reviewing the main division between neurons and glia and then sketching the subtypes within each category. We discuss the different shapes and sizes of glial cells, as well as the different functions. Glia are an industrious bunch. They're involved in synapse formation and pruning, the production of myelin, the repair of injuries, and more. We also talk about how glial cells have been implicated in various forms of brain dysfunction, from neurodegeneration to neurodevelopmental syndromes. And how, as a result, these cells are attracting serious attention as a site for therapeutic intervention.   Well, it's that time of year again folks. Applications are now open for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, or DISI. This is an intense program—highly interdisciplinary, highly international—for scholars and storytellers interested in all forms and facets of intelligence. If you like thinking about minds, if you like thinking about humans and animals and plants and AIs and collectives and ways they're alike and different—you would probably like DISI. For more info, check out disi.org—that's D-I-S-I dot org. Review of applications begins March 1st, so don't dally too too long.   Alright friends—on to my conversation with Dr. Nicola Allen. Enjoy!   Notes and links 3:00 – Correction: “glia” actually comes from the Greek—not the Latin—for “glue.” 3:30 – See this short primer on glia by Dr. Allen and Dr. Ben Barres. For a bit of the history of how glial cells were originally conceived, see this article on Ramón y Cajal's contributions to glia research. 10:00 – On the nascent field of “neuroimmunology,” see here. 14:00 – On the idea that “90% of brain cells are glia” see this article by (former guest) Suzana Herculano-Houzel. 18:00 – The root “oligo” in “oligodendrocyte” means “few” (and is thus the same as the “olig” in, e.g., “oligarchy"). It is not related to the “liga-” in “ligament.” 28:00 – On the idea that the glia-neuron ratio changes as brains grow more complex, see again the article by Dr. Herculano-Houzel. 30:00 – See Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of glia as “architects.” See also Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of glia as “sculptors.” 33:00 – See Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of the “tripartite synapse.” 42:00 – A recent paper reviewing the phenomenon of adult neurogenesis.  48:00 –  See Dr. Allen's recent review of the role of astrocytes in neurodegeneration. 51:30 – A recent article on the roles of APOE in Alzheimer's.   Recommendations Glia (2nd edition), edited by Beth Stevens, Kelly R. Monk, and Marc R. Freeman   Many Minds is a project of the Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, which is made possible by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation to Indiana University. The show is hosted and produced by Kensy Cooperrider, with help from Assistant Producer Urte Laukaityte and with creative support from DISI Directors Erica Cartmill and Jacob Foster. Our artwork is by Ben Oldroyd. Our transcripts are created by Sarah Dopierala.   Subscribe to Many Minds on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also now subscribe to the Many Minds newsletter here! We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. Feel free to email us at: manymindspodcast@gmail.com.    For updates about the show, visit our website or follow us on Twitter (@ManyMindsPod) or Bluesky (@manymindspod.bsky.social).

This episode is brought to you by Pique Life and Birch Living.  We used to think that the circadian rhythm only affected sleep. However, emerging science shows it's deeply connected to metabolism, cognition, chronic disease risk, and many other critical aspects of health. Our biology is designed to function in harmony with the natural light-dark cycle, but modern society has significantly disrupted this balance. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we bring you a special compilation episode featuring Dhru's conversations with leading experts on the critical role circadian rhythms play in our health and well-being. Dr. Satchin Panda delves into his groundbreaking research on circadian biology, revealing how leveraging your circadian rhythm can significantly improve sleep, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance cognitive function. He also shares how time-restricted eating, exercise, and light exposure can help program your circadian rhythm, with a special focus on the importance of these tools for shift workers. Dr. Moore-Ede discusses the dangers of chronic blue light exposure and its profound impact on health, highlighting research that reveals how it disrupts circadian rhythms. He also examines the connection between light exposure and obesity and explains why these risks remain underrepresented in mainstream media. Dr. Satchin Panda, a professor at the Salk Institute and founder of the UC San Diego Center for Circadian Biology, is a leading researcher in circadian biology. Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a former Harvard Medical School professor and expert in circadian rhythms, has conducted groundbreaking research on light's role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and overall health. In this episode, Dhru and his guests dive into: Why when we eat is more important than what we eat (01:38) Effects of chronic late-night eating (08:18) Adverse effect of disrupting our circadian rhythm (16:25) What is sleep debt (19:21) Paying attention to when you eat (30:16) Research on time-restricted eating (34:08) Why sleeping with the lights on is damaging to your health (39:01) Why sun exposure is critical for good health (41:55) Dr. Martin's recommended time for sun exposure (49:28) The link between blue light and obesity (51:42) Master clock of the circadian rhythm, cortisol, melatonin, and others (54:06) Why doctors aren't talking about the harmful effects of blue lights (59:03) Blue lights in hospitals and how they prevent healing (01:04:47) Also mentioned: Full episode with Dr. Satchin Panda Full episode with Dr. Martin Ede-Moore This episode is brought to you by Pique Life and Birch Living.  Right now, Pique Life is offering 15% off the Radiant Skin Duo plus a free beaker and frother when you go to piquelife.com/dhru. To get 25% off your Birch Living mattress plus two free eco-rest pillows, head over to birchliving.com/dhru today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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There are more potential moves on a Go board than there are atoms in the universe; the game is universally considered to be one of the most complex played by humans. And, yet, an AI computer program can play it perfectly. What does that mean for humanity? Terry Sejnowski is the Frances Crick Chair at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a Distinguished Professor at the University of San Diego, and author of the book “ChatGPT and The Future of AI.” Ricky Mulvey caught up with Sejnowski for a conversation about: - How chatbots work. - Mapping large neural models. - What a self-aware parrot can teach us about human consciousness. Premium Motley Fool members can catch replays from this week's AI Summit here: https://www.fool.com/premium/4056/coverage/2025/01/15/ai-summit-replay To become a premium Motley Fool member, go to www.fool.com/signup Host: Ricky Mulvey Guest: Terrence Sejnowski Producer: Mary Long Engineer: Rick Engdahl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Remarkable People, Guy Kawasaki engages in a fascinating dialogue with Terry Sejnowski, the Francis Crick Chair at the Salk Institute and Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego. Together, they unpack the mysteries of artificial intelligence, exploring how AI mirrors human learning in unexpected ways. Sejnowski shatters common misconceptions about large language models while sharing compelling insights about their potential to augment human capabilities. Discover why being polite to AI might yield better results and why the future of AI is less about academic debates and more about practical applications that can transform our world.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopologyListen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!Thank you for your support; it helps the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming business, technology, and society. On this episode of CXO Talk, Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, a renowned computational neuroscientist, deep learning pioneer, and author of "ChatGPT and the Future of AI," discusses the implications of this technological revolution. He explores how AI is evolving, drawing parallels with the human brain, and explains why a robust data strategy is crucial for successful AI implementation. Dr. Sejnowski holds the Francis Crick Chair at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and is a Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego. Dr. Sejnowski explains the importance of lifelong learning for employees and emphasizes AI's role in augmenting, not replacing, human capabilities. He also addresses critical topics such as explainability in AI decision-making, ethical considerations, and the potential impact of AI on the future of work. This discussion offers practical guidance for business and technology leaders navigating the complexities of AI integration and its implications for their organizations. Episode Participants Terrence J. Sejnowski is Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Distinguished Professor at the University of California at San Diego. He has published over 500 scientific papers and 12 books, including ChatGPT and The Future of AI: The Deep Language Learning Revolution. He was instrumental in shaping the BRAIN Initiative that was announced by the White House in 2013, and he received the prestigious Gruber Prize in Neuroscience in 2022 and the Brain Prize in 2024. Sejnowski was also a pioneer in developing learning algorithms for neural networks in the 1980s, inventing the Boltzmann machine with Geoffrey Hinton; this was the first learning algorithm for multilayer neural networks and laid the foundation for deep learning. He is the President of the Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) Foundation, which organizes the largest AI conference, and he is a leader in the recent convergence between neuroscience and AI. Michael Krigsman is a globally recognized analyst, strategic advisor, and industry commentator known for his deep expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and leadership. He has presented at industry events worldwide and written extensively on the reasons for IT failures. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in more than 50 books and journal articles; his commentary on technology trends and business strategy reaches a global audience. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureofWork #DeepLearning #CXO #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #TechnologyLeadership #ChatGPT #cxotalk

Kay Watt was not a scientist when she arrived in the remote jungles of Panama, assigned to help coffee farmers protect their plants from environmental harm. When she returned from the Peace Corps, she'd learned that driving change was a science in and of itself. Hear how the experience motivated Kay to become a plant geneticist and program manager, supporting the fight against climate change through Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills. We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions. We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: protocolsbook.com Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman  David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman  LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman  Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman  Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski   00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep   00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level   00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function   00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment   00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI   00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage   00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory   00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David   00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs   00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity   00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn' Course   00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media   00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv   01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media   01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function   01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria   01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities   01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia   01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression   01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research   01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes   01:50:04 Parkinson's Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines   01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning   02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning   02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams   02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention   02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter   Disclaimer & Disclosures

When it comes to weight management and all-around good metabolic health, we most often think about what to eat. But my guest would say that it's also crucial to think about when to eat,Emily Manoogian is a chronobiologist and clinical researcher at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Today on the show, Emily shares how to create an optimal schedule for a healthy metabolism by aligning your eating schedule with your circadian rhythm. She explains when to start eating after waking, when to stop eating before bed, the importance of sticking to a set schedule, and what happens to your metabolism when you don't follow these timing guidelines. We also talk about how to best distribute your calorie intake throughout the day and how to eat to mitigate the metabolic problems that come with being a shift worker.Resources Related to the PodcastThe Salk InstituteMy Circadian Clock appAoM Podcast #1,016: Unlock Better Sleep and Health by Harnessing Your Circadian RhythmConnect with Emily ManoogianEmily on LinkedInEmily on X

As the longtime collaborator of the 2024 Nobel laureates John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, Terrence Sejnowski is one of America's most distinguished AI scientists. In his new book, ChatGPT and the Future of AI: The Deep Language Revolution, Sejnowski addresses some of the central technical and philosophical issues of today's large language model AI revolution. And in this wide-ranging conversation, we talked about everything from the origins of human language to the existential question of whether our brains and smart machines are converging. Unlike other AI researchers, Terry Sejnowski is able to make the deep language revolution accessible to a mainstream audience. Strongly recommended. Terrence J. Sejnowski is Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Distinguished Professor at the University of California at San Diego. He has published over 500 scientific papers and 12 books, including The Computational Brain with Patricia Churchland. He was instrumental in shaping the BRAIN Initiative that was announced by the White House in 2013, and he received the prestigious Gruber Prize in Neuroscience in 2022.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

How should we go about understanding LLMs? Do these language models truly understand what they are saying? Or is it possible that what appears to be intelligence in LLMs may be a mirror that merely reflects the intelligence of the human observer? In this episode, Terry Sejnowski explores the history and future of AI and its profound implications for understanding the human mind. He explains AI's evolution from early logic-based systems to cutting-edge advancements like deep learning and large language models, including ChatGPT, emphasizing the need for clear operational definitions and a strong mathematical foundation to advance AI research. Sejnowski also highlights the parallels between scientific discovery and engineering, discussing practical applications of AI in areas such as language translation and weather prediction. Terry Sejnowski is the Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, San Diego. He has published over 500 scientific papers and 12 books, including ChatGPT and The Future of AI: The Deep Language Revolution.

"What are the things that cause cancer in people? Can we prevent cancer?" These are the questions Assistant Professor Daniel Hollern is asking in his research at Salk. From blending spices and vinegar on his kitchen floor growing up in Michigan to blending computational biology and immunology on the lab bench in San Diego, learn about Hollern's life and scientific journey in this episode of "Beyond Lab Walls."

Join us for an episode tackling some of the tougher conversations that need to be had - the ones that take up space, the ones that are the elephant in the room, and the ones that require grit. Erika welcomes guest Alreen Haeggquist - a sex abuse survivor - as she shares her deeply personal story of childhood abuse and the steps she's taken to overcome the long-lasting effectsAlreen founded her own law firm, Haeggquist & ECK LLP which has helped hundreds of other women stand up for themselves. She have challenged high-profile entities including The Salk Institute, Trader Joe's, Kaiser Permanente, the San Diego Sheriff‘s Department, and a President-elect.Erika and Alreen open up about some of the most challenging circumstances they've ever had to overcome and how they have harnessed these experiences to make them who they are today. Together, they deliver what it means to summon the grit to come out stronger on the other side. Connect with Alreen:https://www.alreen.com/Connect with your host, Erika:LinkedIn (primary)https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenbergerIGhttps://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2FBhttps://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Ever wondered why some people seem to age faster while others barely slow down? Unpack the 12 hallmarks of aging, highlighting how hidden factors like inflammation & genomic instability could be sabotaging your health. But here's the good news: by adopting core lifestyle habits & understanding how supplementation really works, you'll take control of your aging process. With Chris Mirabile of Novos Labs, you'll gain insights from the largest database of longevity enhancing practices & how to fine-tune your routine for a longer, healthier life. Dive into all that & more in today's episode on ‘Novos Labs Longevity' Meet our guest Chris Mirabile is a serial entrepreneur, brain tumor survivor, & the youngest winner of NYU Stern's business plan competition. He co-founded multiple successful startups, including a real estate tech platform serving clients with over half a trillion USD in assets & Hotlist, a social platform that attracted interest from Google & Facebook. Driven by his passion for health & wellness, Chris turned his focus to longevity after surviving a brain tumor. As a “citizen scientist,” he spent over a decade researching aging & experimenting with lifestyle hacks. This journey led him to found NOVOS, the first nutraceutical company targeting the 12 biological causes of aging. NOVOS features a scientific advisory board with top biologists & geneticists from Harvard, MIT, & The Salk Institute, creating a biotech platform that empowers people to enhance their healthspan & lifespan. Thank you to our partners Outliyr Biohacker's Peak Performance Shop: get exclusive discounts on cutting-edge health, wellness, & performance gear Ultimate Health Optimization Deals: a roundup article of all the best current deals on technology, supplements, systems and more Gain mental clarity, energy, motivation, and focus with the FREE Outliyr Nootropics Mini-Course The simple, guided, and actionable Outliyr Longevity Challenge helps you unlock your longevity potential, slow biological aging, and maximize your healthspan Key takeaways Most supplement companies are primarily marketing-focused, not scientific or biotech-driven Combining ingredients can produce unexpected effects on the body Scientific studies should validate whether ingredient combinations are synergistic, rather than relying on marketing assumptions Negative synergy (dyssynergy) occurs when a combination of ingredients makes the result worse Feeling younger or looking better from HGH doesn't guarantee long-term health; it may actually be harmful Some antioxidants act as pro-oxidants, leading to an increase in the body's own antioxidants While you may feel a product works, negative biological effects might occur unnoticed Phosphatidyl inositol helps with stress & may benefit women with severe menstruation or hormonal issues About 70% of people are deficient in magnesium The supplement is designed for both biohackers & the average American, not just for obese individuals Tterastylabine is better absorbed through the gut & has a longer half-life in the blood than resveratrol, making it more effective Episode Highlights 06:23 Understanding The Truth About Longevity 17:07 What You Need to Know About Longevity Supplements 35:12 Behind The World's Largest Longevity Database 45:16 Longevity Practices To Start Your Journey Links Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CrcktKY9GlE  Full episode show notes: mindbodypeak.com/177 Connect with Nick on social media Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Easy ways to support Subscribe Leave an Apple Podcast review Suggest a guest Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for us? Let me know in the show notes above and one of us will get back to you! Be an Outliyr, Nick

How can an infection in your lungs have such a lasting effect on your brain? Lara Labarta-Bajo, a postdoctoral researcher in Associate Professor Nicola Allen's lab, studies how the immune system and the brain communicate with each other. Her latest findings reveal a surprising relationship between infections, brain aging, and mobility.

Stat: 13%: The average five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society. This is compared to a 90% average five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with breast cancer. Story: Scientists have made tremendous progress on cancer research to improve patient survival rates. But challenges still exist because some cancers can suddenly become unaffected by treatment.  In this episode, Christina Towers, a cancer cell biologist from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, explains how cancer cells can adapt their metabolic processes—through a mechanism she studies called autophagy—to resist drug therapies. She discusses how her research studying this process could lead to new approaches to prevent and control a cancer's resistance to treatment—and, ultimately, save lives. And as the first Black faculty member at Salk, Towers shares how her mantra, “Honored to be first but refuse to be the last,” guides her efforts to increase diversity across the scientific community. 

Did you know each of your cells contains a six-foot-long strand of DNA? In a miraculous feat of molecular origami, your genome can fold itself into a tightly packed structure that fits into the tiny space of a cell's nucleus. Hear how Assistant Professor Jesse Dixon combines his scientific and medical training to unravel the rules of DNA folding and explain how a single misplaced bend or loop can lead to diseases like cancer.

Dr. Susan Kaech is a Professor and Director of the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis at the Salk Institute. Her lab aims to understand how memory T cells are produced during infection and vaccination, how they function, and why they can fail to induce long-term immunity, particularly during chronic disease or cancer. In this episode, she talks about her research on T cell exhaustion and neuroimmunology, as well as her path from genetics to immunology.

In this podcast, Thomas Czech, Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a lineage of remarkable contributions on RNA, ribozyme, and telomeres, discuss why RNA is so incredibly versatile.Video snippet from our conversation. Full videos of all Ground Truths podcasts can be seen on YouTube here. The audios are also available on Apple and Spotify.Transcript with links to the audio and external linksEric Topol (00:07):Well, hello, this is Eric Topol from Ground Truths, and it's really a delight for me to welcome Tom Cech who just wrote a book, the Catalyst, and who is a Nobel laureate for his work in RNA. And is at the University of Colorado Boulder as an extraordinary chemist and welcome Tom.Tom Cech (00:32):Eric, I'm really pleased to be here.The RNA GuyEric Topol (00:35):Well, I just thoroughly enjoyed your book, and I wanted to start out, if I could, with a quote, which gets us right off the story here, and let me just get to it here. You say, “the DNA guy would need to become an RNA guy. Though I didn't realize it at the time, jumping ship would turn out to be the most momentous decision in my life.” Can you elaborate a bit on that?Tom Cech (01:09):As a graduate student at Berkeley, I was studying DNA and chromosomes. I thought that DNA was king and really somewhat belittled the people in the lab next door who were working on RNA, I thought it was real sort of second fiddle material. Of course, when RNA is acting just as a message, which is an important function, a critical function in all life on earth, but still, it's a function that's subservient to DNA. It's just copying the message that's already written in the playbook of DNA. But little did I know that the wonders of RNA were going to excite me and really the whole world in unimaginable ways.Eric Topol (02:00):Well, they sure have, and you've lit up the world well before you had your Nobel Prize in 1989 was Sid Altman with ribozyme. And I think one of the things that struck me, which are so compelling in the book as I think people might know, it's divided in two sections. The first is much more on the biology, and the second is much more on the applications and how it's changing the world. We'll get into it particularly in medicine, but the interesting differentiation from DNA, which is the one trick pony, as you said, all it does is store stuff. And then the incredible versatility of RNA as you discovered as a catalyst, that challenging dogma, that proteins are supposed to be the only enzymes. And here you found RNA was one, but also so much more with respect to genome editing and what we're going to get into here. So I thought what we might get into is the fact that you kind of went into the scum of the pond with this organism, which by the way, you make a great case for the importance of basic science towards the end of the book. But can you tell us about how you, and then of course, many others got into the Tetrahymena thermophila, which I don't know that much about that organism.Tom Cech (03:34):Yeah, it's related to Tetrahymena is related to paramecium, which is probably more commonly known because it's an even larger single celled animal. And therefore, in an inexpensive grade school microscope, kids can look through and see these ciliated protozoa swimming around on a glass slide. But I first learned about them when I was a postdoc at MIT and I would drive down to Joe Gall's lab at Yale University where Liz Blackburn was a postdoc at the time, and they were all studying Tetrahymena. It has the remarkable feature that it has 10,000 identical copies of a particular gene and for a higher organism, one that has its DNA in the nucleus and does its protein synthesis in the cytoplasm. Typically, each gene's present in two copies, one from mom, one from dad. And if you're a biochemist, which I am having lots of stuff is a real advantage. So 10,000 copies of a particular gene pumping out RNA copies all the time was a huge experimental advantage. And that's what I started working on when I started my own lab at Boulder.Eric Topol (04:59):Well, and that's where, I guess the title of the book, the Catalyst ultimately, that grew into your discovery, right?Tom Cech (05:08):Well, at one level, yes, but I also think that the catalyst in a more general conversational sense means just facilitating life in this case. So RNA does much more than just serve as a biocatalyst or a message, and we'll get into that with genome editing and with telomerase as well.The Big Bang and 11 Nobel Prizes on RNA since 2000Eric Topol (05:32):Yes, and I should note that as you did early in the book, that there's been an 11 Nobel prize awardees since 2000 for RNA work. And in fact, we just had Venki who I know you know very well as our last podcast. And prior to that, Kati Karikó, Jennifer Doudna who worked in your lab, and the long list of people working RNA in the younger crowd like David Liu and Fyodor Urnov and just so many others, we need to have an RNA series because it's just exploding. And that one makes me take you back for a moment to 2007. And when I was reading the book, it came back to me about the Economist cover. You may recall almost exactly 17 years ago. It was called the Biology's Big Bang – Unravelling the secrets of RNA. And in that, there was a notable quote from that article. Let me just get to that. And it says, “it is probably no exaggeration to say that biology is now undergoing its neutron moment.”(06:52):This is 17 years ago. “For more than half a century the fundamental story of living things has been a tale of the interplay between genes, in the form of DNA, and proteins, which is genes encode and which do the donkey work of keeping living organisms living. The past couple of years, 17 years ago, however, has seen the rise and rise of a third type of molecule, called RNA.” Okay, so that was 2007. It's pretty extraordinary. And now of course we're talking about the century of biology. So can you kind of put these last 17 years in perspective and where we're headed?Tom Cech (07:34):Well, Eric, of course, this didn't all happen in one moment. It wasn't just one big bang. And the scientific community has been really entranced with the wonders of RNA since the 1960s when everyone was trying to figure out how messenger RNA stored the genetic code. But the general public has been really kept in the dark about this, I think. And as scientists, were partially to blame for not reaching out and sharing what we have found with them in a way that's more understandable. The DNA, the general public's very comfortable with, it's the stuff of our heredity. We know about genetic diseases, about tracing our ancestry, about solving crimes with DNA evidence. We even say things like it's in my DNA to mean that it's really fundamental to us. But I think that RNA has been sort of kept in the closet, and now with the mRNA vaccines against Covid-19, at least everyone's heard of RNA. And I think that that sort of allowed me to put my foot in the door and say, hey, if you were curious about the mRNA vaccines, I have some more stories for you that you might be really interested in.RNA vs RNAEric Topol (09:02):Yeah, well, we'll get to that. Maybe we should get to that now because it is so striking the RNA versus RNA chapter in your book, and basically the story of how this RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 led to a pandemic and it was fought largely through the first at scale mRNA nanoparticle vaccine package. Now, that takes us back to some seminal work of being able to find, giving an mRNA to a person without inciting massive amount of inflammation and the substitution of pseudouridine or uridine in order to do that. Does that really get rid of all the inflammation? Because obviously, as you know, there's been some negativism about mRNA vaccines for that and also for the potential of not having as much immune cell long term activation. Maybe you could speak to that.Tom Cech (10:03):Sure. So the discovery by Kati Karikó and Drew Weissman of the pseudouridine substitution certainly went a long way towards damping down the immune response, the inflammatory response that one naturally gets with an RNA injection. And the reason for that is that our bodies are tuned to be on the lookout for foreign RNA because so many viruses don't even mess with DNA at all. They just have a genome made of RNA. And so, RNA replicating itself is a danger sign. It means that our immune system should be on the lookout for this. And so, in the case of the vaccination, it's really very useful to dampen this down. A lot of people thought that this might make the mRNA vaccines strange or foreign or sort of a drug rather than a natural substance. But in fact, modified nucleotides, nucleotides being the building blocks of RNA, so these modified building blocks such as pseudoU, are in fact found in natural RNAs more in some than in others. And there are about 200 modified versions of the RNA building blocks found in cells. So it's really not an unusual modification or something that's all that foreign, but it was very useful for the vaccines. Now your other question Eric had to do with the, what was your other question, Eric?Eric Topol (11:51):No, when you use mRNA, which is such an extraordinary way to get the spike protein in a controlled way, exposed without the virus to people, and it saved millions of lives throughout the pandemic. But the other question is compared to other vaccine constructs, there's a question of does it give us long term protective immunity, particularly with T cells, both CD8 cytotoxic, maybe also CD4, as I know immunology is not your main area of interest, but that's been a rub that's been put out there, that it isn't just a weaning of immunity from the virus, but also perhaps that the vaccines themselves are not as good for that purpose. Any thoughts on that?Tom Cech (12:43):Well, so my main thought on that is that this is a property of the virus more than of the vaccine. And respiratory viruses are notoriously hard to get long-term immunity. I mean, look at the flu virus. We have to have annual flu shots. If this were like measles, which is a very different kind of virus, one flu shot would protect you against at least that strain of flu for the rest of your life. So I think the bad rap here is not the vaccine's fault nearly as much as it's the nature of respiratory viruses.RNA And Aging Eric Topol (13:27):No, that's extremely helpful. Now, let me switch to an area that's really fascinating, and you've worked quite a bit on the telomerase story because this is, as you know, being pursued quite a bit, has thought, not just because telomeres might indicate something about biologic aging, but maybe they could help us get to an anti-aging remedy or whatever you want to call it. I'm not sure if you call it a treatment, but tell us about this important enzyme, the role of the RNA building telomeres. And maybe you could also connect that with what a lot of people might not be familiar with, at least from years ago when they learned about it, the Hayflick limit.Tom Cech (14:22):Yes. Well, Liz Blackburn and Carol Greider got the Nobel Prize for the discovery of telomerase along with Jack Szostak who did important initial work on that system. And what it does is, is it uses an RNA as a template to extend the ends of human chromosomes, and this allows the cell to keep dividing without end. It gives the cell immortality. Now, when I say immortality, people get very excited, but I'm talking about immortality at the cellular level, not for the whole organism. And in the absence of a mechanism to build out the ends of our chromosomes, the telomeres being the end of the chromosome are incompletely replicated with each cell division. And so, they shrink over time, and when they get critically short, they signal the cell to stop dividing. This is what is called the Hayflick limit, first discovered by Leonard Hayflick in Philadelphia.(15:43):And he, through his careful observations on cells, growing human cells growing in Petri dishes, saw that they could divide about 50 times and then they wouldn't die. They would just enter a state called senescence. They would change shape, they would change their metabolism, but they would importantly quit dividing. And so, we now see this as a useful feature of human biology that this protects us from getting cancer because one of the hallmarks of cancer is immortality of the tumor cells. And so, if you're wishing for your telomeres to be long and your cells to keep dividing, you have to a little bit be careful what you wish for because this is one foot in the door for cancer formation.Eric Topol (16:45):Yeah, I mean, the point is that it seems like the body and the cell is smart to put these cells into the senescent state so they can't divide anymore. And one of the points you made in the book that I think is worth noting is that 90% of cancers have the telomerase, how do you say it?Tom Cech (17:07):Telomerase.Eric Topol (17:08):Yeah, reactivate.Tom Cech (17:09):Right.Eric Topol (17:10):That's not a good sign.Tom Cech (17:12):Right. And there are efforts to try to target telomerase enzyme for therapeutic purposes, although again, it's tricky because we do have stem cells in our bodies, which are the exception to the Hayflick limit rule. They do still have telomerase, they still have to keep dividing, maybe not as rapidly as a cancer cell, but they still keep dividing. And this is critical for the replenishment of certain worn out tissues in our such as skin cells, such as many of our blood cells, which may live only 30 days before they poop out. That's a scientific term for needing to be replenished, right?Eric Topol (18:07):Yeah. Well, that gets me to the everybody's, now I got the buzz about anti-aging, and whether it's senolytics to get rid of these senescent cells or whether it's to rejuvenate the stem cells that are exhausted or work on telomeres, all of these seem to connect with a potential or higher risk of cancer. I wonder what your thoughts are as we go forward using these various biologic constructs to be able to influence the whole organism, the whole human body aging process.Tom Cech (18:47):Yes. My view, and others may disagree is that aging is not an affliction. It's not a disease. It's not something that we should try to cure, but what we should work on is having a healthy life into our senior years. And perhaps you and I are two examples of people who are at that stage of our life. And what we would really like is to achieve, is to be able to be active and useful to society and to our families for a long period of time. So using the information about telomerase, for example, to help our stem cells stay healthy until we are, until we're ready to cash it in. And for that matter on the other side of the coin, to try to inhibit the telomerase in cancer because cancer, as we all know, is a disease of aging, right? There are young people who get cancer, but if you look at the statistics, it's really heavily weighted towards people who've been around a long time because mutations accumulate and other damage to cells that would normally protect against cancer accumulates. And so, we have to target both the degradation of our stem cells, but also the occurrence of cancer, particularly in the more senior population. And knowing more about RNA is really helpful in that regard.RNA DrugsEric Topol (20:29):Yeah. Well, one of the things that comes across throughout the book is versatility of RNA. In fact, you only I think, mentioned somewhere around 12 or 14 of these different RNAs that have a million different shapes, and there's so many other names of different types of RNAs. It's really quite extraordinary. But one of the big classes of RNAs has really hit it. In fact, this week there are two new interfering RNAs that are having extraordinary effects reported in the New England Journal on all the lipids, abnormal triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, APOC3. And can you talk to us about this interfering the small interfering RNAs and how they become, you've mentioned in the book over 400 RNAs are in the clinic now.Tom Cech (21:21):Yeah, so the 400 of course is beyond just the siRNAs, but these, again, a wonderful story about how fundamental science done just to understand how nature works without any particular expectation of a medical spinoff, often can have the most phenomenal and transformative effects on medicine. And this is one of those examples. It came from a roundworm, which is about the size of an eyelash, which a scientist named Sydney Brenner in England had suggested would be a great experimental organism because the entire animal has only about a thousand cells, and it's transparent so we can look at, see where the cells are, we can watch the worm develop. And what Andy Fire and Craig Mello found in this experimental worm was that double-stranded RNA, you think about DNA is being double-stranded and RNA as being single stranded. But in this case, it was an unusual case where the RNA was forming a double helix, and these little pieces of double helical RNA could turn off the expression of genes in the worm.(22:54):And that seemed remarkable and powerful. But as often happens in biology, at least for those of us who believe in evolution, what goes for the worm goes for the human as well. So a number of scientists quickly found that the same process was going on in the human body as a natural way of regulating the expression of our genes, which means how much of a particular gene product is actually going to be made in a particular cell. But not only was it a natural process, but you could introduce chemically synthesized double helical RNAs. There are only 23 base pairs, 23 units of RNA long, so they're pretty easy to chemically synthesize. And that once these are introduced into a human, the machinery that's already there grabs hold of them and can be used to turn off the expression of a disease causing RNA or the gene makes a messenger RNA, and then this double-stranded RNA can suppress its action. So this has become the main company that is known for doing this is Alnylam in Boston, Cambridge. And they have made quite a few successful products based on this technology.Eric Topol (24:33):Oh, absolutely. Not just for amyloidosis, but as I mentioned these, they even have a drug that's being tested now, as you know that you could take once or twice a year to manage your blood pressure. Wouldn't that be something instead of a pill every day? And then of course, all these others that are not just from Alnylam, but other companies I wasn't even familiar with for managing lipids, which is taking us well beyond statins and these, so-called PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, so it's really blossoming. Now, the other group of RNA drugs are antisense drugs, and it seemed like they took forever to warm up, and then finally they hit. And can you distinguish the antisense versus the siRNA therapeutics?Tom Cech (25:21):Yes, in a real general sense, there's some similarity as well as some differences, but the antisense, what are called oligonucleotides, whoa, that's a big word, but oligo just means a few, right? And nucleotides is just the building blocks of nucleic acid. So you have a string of a few of these. And again, it's the power of RNA that it is so good at specifically base pairing only with matching sequences. So if you want to match with a G in a target messenger RNA, you put a C in the antisense because G pairs with C, if you want to put an A, if want to match with an A, you put a U in the antisense because A and U form a base pair U is the RNA equivalent of T and DNA, but they have the same coding capacity. So any school kid can write out on a notepad or on their laptop what the sequence would have to be of an antisense RNA to specifically pair with a particular mRNA.(26:43):And this has been, there's a company in your neck of the woods in the San Diego area. It started out with the name Isis that turned out to be the wrong Egyptian God to name your company after, so they're now known as Ionis. Hopefully that name will be around for a while. But they've been very successful in modifying these antisense RNAs or nucleic acids so that they are stable in the body long enough so that they can pair with and thereby inhibit the expression of particular target RNAs. So it has both similarities and differences from the siRNAs, but the common denominator is RNA is great stuff.RNA and Genome EditingEric Topol (27:39):Well, you have taken that to in catalyst, the catalyst, you've proven that without a doubt and you and so many other extraordinary scientists over the years, cumulatively. Now, another way to interfere with genes is editing. And of course, you have a whole chapter devoted to not just well CRISPR, but the whole genome editing field. And by the way, I should note that I forgot because I had read the Codebreaker and we recently spoke Jennifer Doudna and I, that she was in your lab as a postdoc and you made some wonderful comments about her. I don't know if you want to reflect about having Jennifer, did you know that she was going to do some great things in her career?Tom Cech (28:24):Oh, there was no question about it, Eric. She had been a star graduate student at Harvard, had published a series of breathtaking papers in magazines such as Science and Nature already as a graduate student. She won a Markey fellowship to come to Colorado. She chose a very ambitious project trying to determine the molecular structures of folded RNA molecules. We only had one example at the time, and that was the transfer RNA, which is involved in protein synthesis. And here she was trying these catalytic RNAs, which we had discovered, which were much larger than tRNA and was making great progress, which she finished off as an assistant professor at Yale. So what the general public may not know was that in scientific, in the scientific realm, she was already highly appreciated and much awarded before she even heard anything about CRISPR.Eric Topol (29:38):Right. No, it was a great line you have describing her, “she had an uncanny talent for designing just the right experiment to test any hypothesis, and she possessed more energy and drive than any scientist I'd ever met.” That's pretty powerful. Now getting into CRISPR, the one thing, it's amazing in just a decade to see basically the discovery of this natural system to then be approved by FDA for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. However, the way it exists today, it's very primitive. It's not actually fixing the gene that's responsible, it's doing a workaround plan. It's got double strand breaks in the DNA. And obviously there's better ways of editing, which are going to obviously involve RNA epigenetic editing, if you will as well. What is your sense about the future of genome editing?Tom Cech (30:36):Yeah, absolutely, Eric. It is primitive right now. These initial therapies are way too expensive as well to make them broadly applicable to the entire, even in a relatively wealthy country like the United States, we need to drive the cost down. We need to get them to work, we need to get the process of introducing them into the CRISPR machinery into the human body to be less tedious and less time consuming. But you've got to start somewhere. And considering that the Charpentier and Doudna Nobel Prize winning discovery was in 2012, which is only a dozen years ago, this is remarkable progress. More typically, it takes 30 years from a basic science discovery to get a medical product with about a 1% chance of it ever happening. And so, this is clearly a robust RNA driven machine. And so, I think the future is bright. We can talk about that some more, but I don't want to leave RNA out of this conversation, Eric. So what's cool about CRISPR is its incredible specificity. Think of the human genome as a million pages of text file on your computer, a million page PDF, and now CRISPR can find one sentence out of that million pages that matches, and that's because it's using RNA, again, the power of RNA to form AU and GC base pairs to locate just one site in our whole DNA, sit down there and direct this Cas9 enzyme to cut the DNA at that site and start the repair process that actually does the gene editing.Eric Topol (32:41):Yeah, it's pretty remarkable. And the fact that it can be so precise and it's going to get even more precise over time in terms of the repair efforts that are needed to get it back to an ideal state. Now, the other thing I wanted to get into with you a bit is on the ribosome, because that applies to antibiotics and as you call it, the mothership. And I love this metaphor that you had about the ribosome, and in the book, “the ribosome is your turntable, the mRNA is the vinyl LP record, and the protein is the music you hear when you lower the needle.” Tell us more about the ribosome and the role of antibiotics.Tom Cech (33:35):So do you think today's young people will understand that metaphor?Eric Topol (33:40):Oh, they probably will. They're making a comeback. These records are making a comeback.Tom Cech (33:44):Okay. Yes, so this is a good analogy in that the ribosome is so versatile it's able to play any music that you feed at the right messenger RNA to make the music being the protein. So you can have in the human body, we have tens of thousands of different messenger RNAs. Each one threads through the same ribosome and spills out the production of whatever protein matches that mRNA. And so that's pretty remarkable. And what Harry Noller at UC Santa Cruz and later the crystallographers Venki Ramakrishnan, Tom Steitz, Ada Yonath proved really through their studies was that this is an RNA machine. It was hard to figure that out because the ribosome has three RNAs and it has dozens of proteins as well. So for a long time people thought it must be one of those proteins that was the heart and soul of the record player, so to speak.RNA and Antibiotics(34:57):And it turned out that it was the RNA. And so, when therefore these scientists, including Venki who you just talked to, looked at where these antibiotics docked on the ribosome, they found that they were blocking the key functional parts of the RNA. So it was really, the antibiotics knew what they were doing long before we knew what they were doing. They were talking to and obstructing the action of the ribosomal RNA. Why is this a good thing for us? Because bacterial ribosomes are just enough different from human ribosomes that there are drugs that will dock to the bacterial ribosomal RNA, throw a monkey wrench into the machine, prevent it from working, but the human ribosomes go on pretty much unfazed.Eric Topol (36:00):Yeah, no, the backbone of our antibiotics relies on this. So I think people need to understand about the two subunits, the large and the small and this mothership, and you illuminate that so really well in the book. That also brings me to phage bacteria phage, and we haven't seen that really enter the clinic in a significant way, but there seems to be a great opportunity. What's your view about that?Tom Cech (36:30):This is an idea that goes way back because since bacteria have their own viruses which do not infect human cells, why not repurpose those into little therapeutic entities that could kill, for example, what would we want to kill? Well, maybe tuberculosis has been very resistant to drugs, right? There are drug resistant strains of TB, yes, of TB, tuberculosis, and especially in immunocompromised individuals, this bug runs rampant. And so, I don't know the status of that. It's been challenging, and this is the way that biomedicine works, is that for every 10 good ideas, and I would say phage therapy for bacterial disease is a good idea. For every 10 such ideas, one of them ends up being practical. And the other nine, maybe somebody else will come along and find a way to make it work, but it hasn't been a big breakthrough yet.RNA, Aptamers and ProteinsEric Topol (37:54):Yeah, no, it's really interesting. And we'll see. It may still be in store. What about aptamers? Tell us a little bit more about those, because they have been getting used a lot in sorting out the important plasma proteins as therapies. What are aptamers and what do you see as the future in that regard?Tom Cech (38:17):Right. Well, in fact, aptamers are a big deal in Boulder because Larry Gold in town was one of the discoverers has a company making aptamers to recognize proteins. Jack Szostak now at University of Chicago has played a big role. And also at your own institution, Jerry Joyce, your president is a big aptamer guy. And you can evolution, normally we think about it as happening out in the environment, but it turns out you can also make it work in the laboratory. You can make it work much faster in the laboratory because you can set up test tube experiments where molecules are being challenged to perform a particular task, like for example, binding to a protein to inactivate it. And if you make a large community of RNA molecules randomly, 99.999% of them aren't going to know how to do this. What are the odds? Very low.(39:30):But just by luck, there will be an occasional molecule of RNA that folds up into a shape that actually fits into the proteins active sighting throws a monkey wrench into the works. Okay, so now that's one in a billion. How are you going to find that guy? Well, this is where the polymerase chain reaction, the same one we use for the COVID-19 tests for infection comes into play. Because if you can now isolate this needle in a haystack and use PCR to amplify it and make a whole handful of it, now you've got a whole handful of molecules which are much better at binding this protein than the starting molecule. And now you can go through this cycle several times to enrich for these, maybe mutagen it a little bit more to give it a little more diversity. We all know diversity is good, so you put a little more diversity into the population and now you find some guy that's really good at recognizing some disease causing protein. So this is the, so-called aptamer story, and they have been used therapeutically with some success, but diagnostically certainly they are extremely useful. And it's another area where we've had success and the future could hold even more success.Eric Topol (41:06):I think what you're bringing up is so important because the ability to screen that tens of thousands of plasma proteins in a person and coming up with as Tony Wyss-Coray did with the organ clocks, and this is using the SomaLogic technology, and so much is going on now to get us not just the polygenic risk scores, but also these proteomic scores to compliment that at our orthogonal, if you will, to understand risk of people for diseases so we can prevent them, which is fulfilling a dream we've never actually achieved so far.Tom Cech (41:44):Eric, just for full disclosure, I'm on the scientific advisory board of SomaLogic in Boulder. I should disclose that.Eric Topol (41:50):Well, that was smart. They needed to have you, so thank you for mentioning that. Now, before I wrap up, well, another area that is a favorite of mine is citizen science. And you mentioned in the book a project because the million shapes of RNA and how it can fold with all hairpin terms turns and double stranded and whatever you name it, that there was this project eteRNA that was using citizen scientists to characterize and understand folding of RNA. Can you tell us about that?RNA Folding and Citizen ScienceTom Cech (42:27):So my friend Rhiju Das, who's a professor at Stanford University, sort of adopted what had been done with protein folding by one of his former mentors, David Baker in Seattle, and had repurposed this for RNA folding. So the idea is to come up with a goal, a target for the community. Can you design an RNA that will fold up to look like a four pointed cross or a five pointed star? And it turned out that, so they made it into a contest and they had tens of thousands of people playing these games and coming up with some remarkable solutions. But then they got a little bit more practical, said, okay, that was fun, but can we have the community design something like a mRNA for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to make maybe a more stable vaccine? And quite remarkably, the community of many of whom are just gamers who really don't know much about what RNA does, were able to find some solutions. They weren't enormous breakthroughs, but they got a several fold, several hundred percent increase in stability of the RNA by making it fold more tightly. So I just find it to be a fascinating approach to science. Somebody of my generation would never think of this, but I think for today's generation, it's great when citizens can become involved in research at that level.Eric Topol (44:19):Oh, I think it's extraordinary. And of course, there are other projects folded and others that have exemplified this ability for people with no background in science to contribute in a meaningful way, and they really enjoy, it's like solving a puzzle. The last point is kind of the beginning, the origin of life, and you make a pretty strong case, Tom, that it was RNA. You don't say it definitively, but maybe you can say it here.RNA and the Origin of LifeTom Cech (44:50):Well, Eric, the origin of life happening almost 4 billion years ago on our primitive planet is sort of a historical question. I mean, if you really want to know what happened then, well, we don't have any video surveillance of those moments. So scientists hate to ever say never, but it's hard to sort of believe how we would ever know for sure. So what Leslie Orgel at the Salk Institute next to you taught me when I was a starting assistant professor is even though we'll never know for sure, if we can recapitulate in the laboratory plausible events that could have happened, and if they make sense chemically and biologically, then that's pretty satisfying, even if we can never be absolutely sure. That's what a number of scientists have done in this field is to show that RNA is sort of a, that all the chemistry sort of points to RNA as being something that could have been made under prebiotic conditions and could have folded up into a way that could solve the greatest of all chicken and egg problems, which came first, the informational molecule to pass down to the next generation or the active molecule that could copy that information.(46:32):So now that we know that RNA has both of those abilities, maybe at the beginning there was just this RNA world RNA copying itself, and then proteins came along later, and then DNA probably much more recently as a useful but a little bit boring of genetic information, right?Eric Topol (46:59):Yeah. Well, that goes back to that cover of the Economist 17 years ago, the Big Bang, and you got me convinced that this is a pretty strong story and candidate. Now what a fun chance to discuss all this with you in an extraordinary book, Tom. Did I miss anything that you want to bring up?Tom Cech (47:21):Eric, I just wanted to say that I not only appreciate our conversation, but I also appreciate all you are doing to bring science to the non-scientist public. I think people like me who have taught a lot of freshmen in chemistry, general chemistry, sort of think that that's the level that we need to aim at. But I think that those kids have had science in high school year after year. We need to aim at the parents of those college freshmen who are intelligent, who are intellectually curious, but have not had science courses in a long time. And so, I'm really joining with you in trying to avoid jargon as much as possible. Use simple language, use analogies and metaphors, and try to share the excitement of what we're doing in the laboratory with the populace.Eric Topol (48:25):Well, you sure did that it was palpable. And I thought about it when I read the book about how lucky it would be to be a freshman at the University of Boulder and be having you as the professor. My goodness. Well, thank you so much. This has been so much fun, Tom, and I hope everybody's going to get out there and read the Catalyst to get all the things that we didn't even get a chance to dive into. But this has been great and look forward to future interactions with you.Tom Cech (48:53):Take care, Eric.*********************Thanks for listening or reading this edition of Ground Truths.Please share this podcast with your friends and network. That tells me you found it informative and makes the effort in doing these worthwhile.All Ground Truths newsletters and podcast are free. Voluntary paid subscriptions all go to support Scripps Research. Many thanks for that—they greatly helped fund our summer internship programs for 2023 and 2024.Thanks to my producer Jessica Nguyen and Sinjun Balabanoff for audio and video support at Scripps Research.Note: you can select preferences to receive emails about newsletters, podcasts, or all I don't want to bother you with an email for content that you're not interested in. Get full access to Ground Truths at erictopol.substack.com/subscribe

Jake Minich is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Research Professor Todd Michael. Minich had a long and winding journey to Salk, crossing continents and oceans to land in sunny San Diego studying microbial ecology. Combining his childhood joy of fishing and a passion for community, Minich is working to alleviate or prevent the burden of undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries.

Sunlight has kept our brains on a 24-hour schedule for hundreds of thousands of years. Here's how. When sunlight touches your skin or hits your eyes, your brain ups the production of serotonin, to make you feel alert. And when night falls, your brain switches to releasing melatonin, so you know it's time to sleep. So when we don't get enough sunlight, our biological cycles can start to break. In this episode, we discuss: • How Vitamin D is made, and what benefits it has for your brain health • The evolutionary complexities of your circadian rhythm, and how it's been thrown into chaos by modern life • What happens to our mental health when winter shortens daylight hours • How light therapies can help people living in cloudier climates to protect their cognitive health • The association between not getting enough sunlight and developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia We're joined by Population Health Science and Policy scientist and ‘lighting researcher' Dr. Mariana Figueiro to discuss how light-emulating technologies can help simulate sunlight in darker spaces during gloomier times of year. And Dr. Satchin Panda, leading expert in the field of circadian rhythm research and a founder of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, to dive deep into the neurological intricacies of our 24-hour body clock. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Sunlight' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 5   LINKS: Dr. Mariana Figueiro: at The Center for Health Design: https://www.healthdesign.org/experts/mariana-figueiro-phd TED Talk: https://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=293012 Dr. Satchin Panda: at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/satchidananda-panda/ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satchin.panda    FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

As a brain tumor survivor and the youngest winner of NYU Stern's business plan competition, Chris Mirabile is known for beating the odds. Throughout his career, Chris has pursued a lifelong passion “health and wellness“ with an emphasis on avoiding disease, and extending his healthy lifespan. According to independently verified third-party epigenetic, metabolomic, telomere, and physiological tests, he was able to reduce his biological age by 37% and his pace of aging by 31%. Now approaching a chronological age of 40, Chris' biology is by most accounts that of someone in his mid-twenties. In following his life-long passion and after more than a decade of research and experimentation, Chris founded NOVOS, the first nutraceutical company that targets the 12 biological causes of aging to increase longevity. NOVOS includes a Scientific Advisory Board of six of the world's top biologists and geneticists who study aging from Harvard, MIT, The Salk Institute, and more. With NOVOS, Chris created much more than a supplement company, he built the leading consumer biotech platform that leverages the latest science to help people take control of their healthspans and lifespans. NOVOS is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC).

Satchidananda (Satchin) Panda, PhD discusses the impact of food timing on health, advocating for personalized eating windows and gradual changes to fasting routines. Dr. Panda and Dr. Mindy explore the relationship between fasting, metabolic health, and gut microbes, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, and diverse gut microbiota for overall well-being. Dr. Panda shares tips on adjusting to different time zones to support metabolic health during travel, highlighting the holistic approach to health through healthy daily routines. To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://drmindypelz.com/ep236 Satchidananda (Satchin) Panda, PhD is a Professor at the Salk Institute in California, where his research focuses on the circadian regulation of behavior, physiology, and metabolism in model organisms and in humans. Dr. Panda discovered a blue-light sensing cell type in the retina entrains our master circadian clock, affects mood, and regulates the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Recently, he discovered that maintaining a daily feeding-fasting cycle – popularly known as time-restricted feeding (TRF) – can prevent and reverse metabolic diseases. Based on a feasibility study in humans, his lab is currently carrying out a smartphone-based study to assess the extent of circadian disruption among adults. Dr. Panda has received the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research, the Dana Foundation Award in Brain and Immune System Imaging, and was a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences   Check out our fasting membership at resetacademy.drmindypelz.com. Please note our medical disclaimer.

In this episode of the Epigenetics Podcast, we talked with Sven Heinz from the University of California in San Diego about his work on the impact of sequence variation on transcription factor binding affinities and genetic diversity. Sven Heinz talks about a landmark study published in Nature that examined the impact of sequence variation on transcription factor binding affinities and downstream effects on gene expression. Modifying genetic sequences to understand the influence of different motifs provided valuable insights into how genetic variation shapes cellular responses and gene expression patterns, underscoring the importance of genetic diversity. Methodological approaches using inducible systems to observe changes in transcription factor binding patterns highlight the critical role of motif variation and redundancy in transcription factor families. These studies provide essential insights into the complex network of transcriptional regulation and chromatin dynamics, revealing the nuanced mechanisms that control gene expression and chromatin organization. In addition, he is investigating how small nucleotide changes can significantly affect transcription factor binding in macrophages from different mouse strains, shedding light on the intricate effects of genetic variation on transcription factor binding. Sven's career path from project scientist to assistant professor at UC San Diego and the Salk Institute reflects a journey marked by serendipitous opportunities and a collaborative, innovative research environment. The podcast delves into the effects of influenza virus infection on chromosomal territories, gene transcription, and chromatin structure, unraveling the sophisticated interplay between viral infection and host cell transcriptional regulation.   References Heinz, S., Benner, C., Spann, N., Bertolino, E., Lin, Y. C., Laslo, P., Cheng, J. X., Murre, C., Singh, H., & Glass, C. K. (2010). Simple combinations of lineage-determining transcription factors prime cis-regulatory elements required for macrophage and B cell identities. Molecular cell, 38(4), 576–589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2010.05.004 Heinz, S., Romanoski, C. E., Benner, C., Allison, K. A., Kaikkonen, M. U., Orozco, L. D., & Glass, C. K. (2013). Effect of natural genetic variation on enhancer selection and function. Nature, 503(7477), 487–492. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12615 Texari, L., Spann, N. J., Troutman, T. D., Sakai, M., Seidman, J. S., & Heinz, S. (2021). An optimized protocol for rapid, sensitive and robust on-bead ChIP-seq from primary cells. STAR protocols, 2(1), 100358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100358   Related Episodes Pioneer Transcription Factors and Their Influence on Chromatin Structure (Ken Zaret) Multiple Challenges in ChIP (Adam Blattler) The Role of Pioneer Factors Zelda and Grainyhead at the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition (Melissa Harrison)   Contact Epigenetics Podcast on X Epigenetics Podcast on Instagram Epigenetics Podcast on Mastodon Epigenetics Podcast on Bluesky Epigenetics Podcast on Threads Active Motif on X Active Motif on LinkedIn Email: podcast@activemotif.com

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, we are joined by George Koob, PhD, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Dr. Koob talks about his background and career journey, along with major insights made through his research, including regarding alcohol withdrawal. He addresses stigma related to alcohol use (or abstinence from) and offers advice for the next generation of researchers and clinicians in this exciting and dynamic space, with so much potential for expanding knowledge. Dr. Koob shares resources for individuals, family members, physicians, or anyone looking for information related to alcohol use and alcohol use disorder, including Rethinking Drinking and the NIAAA Treatment Navigator. He emphasizes the importance of motivation (e.g., motivational interviewing) rather than confrontation and seeing your doctor, or encouraging your loved one to see their doctor, for a physical as a good first step in addressing any issues related to alcohol use. Dr. Koob finally explains his motivation for continuing his work in this field. In addition to serving as director of NIAAA, Dr. Koob is also a senior investigator at the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse where he directs the Neurobiology of Addiction Laboratory in the Integrative Neurosciences Research Branch. As an authority on alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, and stress, he has contributed to our understanding of the neurocircuitry associated with the acute reinforcing effects of alcohol and drugs and the neuroadaptations of the reward and stress circuits associated with the transition to dependence. He has published over 800 peer reviewed papers; mentored 13 PhD students, 85 post-doctoral fellows, and 11 K99's (Pathway to Independence Award postdoctoral researchers); and authored several books including the Neurobiology of Addiction. He received his PhD in behavioral physiology from Johns Hopkins University in 1972. He did post-doctoral studies at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the University of Cambridge (England). He subsequently held positions at The Salk Institute and the Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Koob is the recipient of many honors, including membership in the National Academy of Medicine (USA) and award of the Legion of Honor (France). Links: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Society for Neuroscience – Autobiographical Chapter Rethinking Drinking NIAAA Treatment Navigator National Institute on Drug Abuse Neurobiology of Addiction The Healthcare Professional's Core Resource on Alcohol American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)   If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM's Patient Resources page for more information. The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Per Pallav's website, he studied physics in college at KTH in Stockholm, Sweden (where I'm from). As a PhD student in the lab of Julio Fernandez at Columbia University, he studied the mechanics of protein folding and discovered that we can modulate this process to alter the elasticity of muscles. He then moved to Harvard University as a postdoc in the lab of Xiaowei Zhuang, where he used DNA to invent and build nanosensors that make it possible to see molecular movements. Since starting my lab at the Salk Institute in 2021, he has been excited about building a diverse and thriving research community, while training future leaders in biophysics. When I'm not in the lab, you can find him rock climbing, skiing, or learning to surf. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromwheredoesitstem/message

HEALTH NEWS   ·         Melatonin helps prevent weight gain in preclinical research ·         Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS ·         New England seafood loaded with more toxic ‘forever chemicals' than realized, especially shrimp and lobster ·         Nattokinase Dissolves Fibrinaloid Microclots ·         Protecting brain cells with cannabinol: Research suggests CBN shows promise for treating neurological disorders ·         Research explores how a father's diet could shape the health of his offspring       Melatonin helps prevent weight gain in preclinical research University of Granada (Spain), April 17 2024 (Life Extension)  Findings from a study reported in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy indicated that melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, may be helpful in the prevention of obesity. The study included 32 six-week-old rats that were bred to develop obesity and diabetes and 32 lean rats of the same age.  Obese rats that received melatonin gained less weight and had less visceral fat (central obesity) compared with obese untreated animals at the end of the 12-week period. Melatonin-treated rats also had less obesity-induced muscle fiber atrophy and showed increased mitochondrial activity, which may contribute to the decrease in weight gain observed in these animals. Additional research showed that melatonin increased a thermogenic response to cold exposure, which helps burn fat.  "During the day, it is good to expose yourself to natural light, do adequate physical activity, choose low-calorie diets loaded with unprocessed foods and replace these additives with thermogenic spices and herbs, avoid eating between meals, do not wear insulating clothing and keep the heating at a comfortable and cool temperature of around 17⁰ C, as well as showering with cool water," senior author Ahmad Agil of the University of Granada School of Medicine recommended.   Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS University of Gothenburg (Sweden), April 18, 2024 (Eurekalert)  Dietary treatment is more effective than medications in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These are the findings of a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. With dietary adjustments, more than seven out of ten patients had significantly reduced symptoms.  The current study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, compared three treatments: two dietary and one based on use of medications. The participants were adult patients with severe or moderate IBS symptoms at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. The first group was given traditional IBS dietary advice, focusing on eating behavior combined with low intake of fermentable carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs. These include e.g. products with lactose, legumes, onions, and grains, which ferment in the colon and can cause pain in IBS. The second group received a dietary treatment low in carbohydrates and proportionally high in protein and fat. In the third group, the best possible medication was given based on the patient's most troublesome IBS symptoms. Of those who received traditional IBS dietary advice and low content of FODMAPs, 76% had significantly reduced symptoms. In the group receiving low carbohydrates and high protein and fat, the proportion was 71%, and in the medication group 58%.     New England seafood loaded with more toxic ‘forever chemicals' than realized, especially shrimp and lobster   Dartmouth College, April 17, 2024 (Study Finds) A new study out of Dartmouth College suggests that seafood from succulent lobster to flaky cod may come with an unseen risk: exposure to a class of persistent, man-made toxins known as PFAS. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals that have been widely used in consumer products since the 1950s. You might know them best for their role in making non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, but they're also found in a host of other items, from food packaging to firefighting foams. PFAS are incredibly resistant to breaking down in the environment. They can linger for years, even decades, accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms. This persistence is particularly concerning because exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, thyroid problems, and reproductive disorders. Dartmouth researchers conducted a two-pronged study, published in the journal Exposure and Health. First, they analyzed fresh seafood samples purchased from a coastal New Hampshire market, testing for 26 different PFAS compounds. They focused on some of the most commonly consumed species in the region: cod, haddock, lobster, salmon, scallops, shrimp, and tuna. Several PFAS compounds were detected in the seafood samples, with the highest levels found in shrimp and lobster.  New Hampshire's children between two and 11 years-old in the state eat about a fifth of an ounce of seafood daily, putting them at the top end of the range for kids nationwide.   Nattokinase Dissolves Fibrinaloid Microclots University of Liverpool (UK), April 18, 2024 (BioRxiv) Post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID) and after COVID-19 vaccination are characterized by micro blood clotting . The work of Scheim et al suggests the majority of syndromes in both cases are due to Spike protein mediated hemagglutination and then the development of small clots that serve the major organs in the body.   Nattokinase, from the Japanese fermented food natto, is a protease with fibrinolytic activity that can thus degrade conventional blood clots. In some cases, however, including in Long COVID, fibrinogen can polymerise into an anomalous amyloid form to create clots that are resistant to normal fibrinolysis and that we refer to as fibrinaloid microclots.  The study shows that recombinant nattokinase is effective at degrading the fibrinaloid microclots in vitro. This adds to the otherwise largely anecdotal evidence, that we review, that nattokinase might be anticipated to have value as part of therapeutic treatments for individuals with Long COVID and related disorders that involve fibrinaloid microclots.   Protecting brain cells with cannabinol: Research suggests CBN shows promise for treating neurological disorders Salk Institute, April 18, 2024 (Medical Xpress) One in every 10 individuals above the age of 65 develops an age-related neurological disorder like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, yet treatment options remain sparse for this population. Scientists have begun exploring whether cannabinoids—compounds derived from the cannabis plant, like well-known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)—may offer a solution. A third, lesser-known cannabinoid called CBN (cannabinol) has recently piqued the interest of researchers, who have begun exploring the clinical potential of the milder, less psychoactive substance. In a new study, scientists at the Salk Institute help explain how CBN protects the brain against aging and neurodegeneration, then use their findings to develop potential therapeutics. The researchers created four CBN compounds that were more neuroprotective than the standard CBN molecule The findings, published in Redox Biology, suggest promise for CBN in treating neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, and also highlight how further studies of CBN's effects on the brain could inspire the development of new therapies for clinical use.   Research explores how a father's diet could shape the health of his offspring University of Sydney (Australia) April 16, 2024 New research, published in Nature Communications, finds that the macronutrient balance in the diet of male mice affects the level of anxiety-like behaviour of sons and the metabolic health of daughters. The research provides a step towards understanding how the effect of diet can transmit from one generation to the next via a father's sperm. It could ultimately inform dietary guidelines for fathers-to-be, with the goal of lowering the risk of metabolic disease and mood disorders in the next generation. At the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre in Australia researchers fed male mice one of ten diets differing in the proportions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, then allowed them to mate with females reared on standard diet. The behaviour and physiology of the resulting pups were then studied. The scientists discovered that male mice fed low protein and high carbohydrate diets were more likely to have male offspring with higher levels of anxiety, as measured by time spent in the safety zones of their maze. They also found that male mice that were fed high fat diets were more likely to have daughters with higher levels of body fat and markers of metabolic disease. “Our study shows that the type of diet eaten before conception can program specific characteristics of the next generation,” says co-senior author and leader of the GECKO consortium Professor Romain Barrès, from the University of Copenhagen and Université Côte d'Azur, Nice.

The overwhelming levels of abuse against Women currently & historically is deeply devastating to all of us who wish for greater security & peace for Females. So often those who have incurred abuse or assault are never able to pursue justice or healing because they are too afraid to speak out about it. This is why today's guest is such a remarkable & noble individual. We all can do our part to encourage & support Women yet Alreen Haeggquist defends them as a lawyer. Alreen Haeggquist wakes up each day with a fervent passion to advocate for women who suffer from sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination. As a lawyer with 21 years of experience, she has recovered millions of dollars for clients in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Alreen has an unwavering commitment to not allow wealth, power, influence, or status to exempt anyone from the rules of society.On today's guest episode, Alreen illuminates the path of moving from silence, fear, & shame to liberation & victory. Alreen's shares her personal story of being abused to helping the abused & moving on to offer ways to heal from trauma caused by sexual violence. She also tells us why speaking out against sexual abuse matters, how silence is the biggest gaslight of all, & how to stand up against your abuser.Alreen‘s father was a terrifying presence who subjected her to sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. Despite knowing, her mother remained silent. Darkness loomed within Alreen, leading to depression and multiple suicide attempts. She remained quiet out of fear and shame, never telling a soul. Typical victim behavior. Motivated by the pains of her childhood, Alreen became a lawyer in order to stand up for victims of abuse. Shefounded her own firm, Haeggquist & Eck, LLP, in San Diego in 2008, which has helped hundreds of other women stand up for themselves. Alreen has challenged high-profile entities including The Salk Institute, Trader Joe's, Kaiser Permanente, the San Diego Sheriff‘s Department, and a President-elect. Alreen's core message is that, as a society, we need to break the silence and help women stand up to theirabusers. In 2023, she broke her own silence and published her story in the book, Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma.Learn more about Arleen & find her book here:https://www.alreen.com/

Join Dr. Sanya Virani and her guests, Alka Mathur, M.D., and Neal Amin, M.D., Ph.D. to discuss the invaluable new title The Psychiatry Resident Handbook which aims to provide support, experience and mentorship to new residents, a book that trainees across the country will benefit from having on their bookshelves. In this episode, our guests -both contributors to the chapter on telepsychiatry- share their experiences and perspectives around the pros and cons of moving to a remote, digital workspace, how Covid-19 has accelerated our societal transition to reliance on video-screens, and the challenges posed by new technology. In this episode: Introduction (0:09) This episode's guests (1:14) Post-pandemic changes in the role of telepsychiatry (6:20) The experience of a trainee during Covid-19 (8:59) Experiences with different platforms (12:12) Advantages of telepsychiatry (13:53) Whither telepsychiatry? (18:37) Interstate regulation (24:00) Malpractice (25:39) Consent and documentation (29:00) Emergencies (34:00) Platforms and the role of AI (37:01) The age spectrum, and privacy concerns (39:14) Conclusion (42:20) Alka Mathur M.D. is a Stanford trained Psychiatrist where she is a Clinical Assistant Professor on the Affiliate Faculty Line. She previously served as the Medical Director of Virtual Behavioral Health Services for the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, overseeing Telehealth services for all Mental Health Programming. Dr. Mathur has a strong interest in health innovation and digital applications to increase access to care. Neal Amin M.D., Ph.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University. He completed the Research Track Psychiatry Residency Program at Stanford University. He earned his MD and PhD degrees from the University of California, San Diego where he conducted his graduate studies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Other podcasts from the APA

Today's podcast is titled, “DNA, Protein, and Disease.” Recorded in 1999, Dr. Renato Dulbecco, President Emeritus, Salk Institute, 1975 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, and Dr. Joseph P. Noel, Assistant Professor, Salk Institute, discuss the relationship between DNA, proteins, and disease. Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe to get updates each week for the Free To Choose Media Podcast.

This episode is sponsored by Netsuite by Oracle, the number one cloud financial system, streamlining accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, and more. Download NetSuite's popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance - absolutely free at https://netsuite.com/EYEONAI Join host Craig Smith in episode #178 of Eye on AI for an enlightening conversation with Terry Sejnowski, President of the NeurIPS Foundation and is the Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where he directs the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory  In this episode, Terry shares his unique insights into the evolution of neural networks, the monumental impact of models like GPT-4, and the intricate relationship between AI technologies and societal norms. Learn about the future trajectory of AI development, as Terry highlights the importance of integrating human brain development aspects into AI to foster models that better understand and integrate into human culture. Discover Terry's perspective on the role of reinforcement learning in AI, the challenges of aligning AI with ethical considerations, and the potential of neuromorphic engineering to revolutionize energy-efficient computing. This discussion also touches on the implications of AI in reshaping industries, science, and the global workforce. An essential listen for those fascinated by the ethical dimensions of AI, the potential of neuroscience to inform AI development, and the broader societal impacts of technological advancement.  If you're drawn to the complexities of AI and its potential to redefine our future, don't forget to rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Stay Updated: Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI (00:00) Introduction to Terry Sejnowski  (01:54) Bridging Computational Neuroscience with AI Development (05:24) Biological Principles in AI: Learning and Adaptation (07:07) The Crucial Role of Reinforcement Learning in AI (10:12) Breakthroughs in AI: Scaling Models and Language Processing (13:38) The Rapid Pace of AI Evolution: Implications and "AI Time" (16:58) Ethical Considerations and AI Alignment Challenges (20:23) Neuromorphic Engineering and Energy Efficiency (25:42) Real-world Applications: AI's Expanding Role in Society (29:04) The Developmental Approach: Training AI with Human Nuances (33:32) The Impact of AI on Science and Discovery (40:19) AI Education and Lifelong Learning: Overcoming Barriers (43:20) MOOCs and the Democratization of Learning in the AI Era (47:08) Balancing Innovation and Safety in the Accelerating AI Landscape  

While working at the Salk Institute in California, Ursula Bellugi discovered that sign language was made up of specific building blocks that were assembled following strict rules, much like in spoken language. Her subsequent discoveries about the complexities of sign language led both to linguistic breakthroughs and to changes in the way deaf people felt about signing. Bellugi demonstrated that sign language is as rich and complex as any spoken language. Her work deepened our understanding of what it means to communicate as humans.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kay Tye, PhD, Professor of Systems Neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator. We discuss the neural circuit basis of social interactions and loneliness. We also discuss how animals and people establish themselves in a group hierarchy by rank and how the brain responds to dominance and subordination. Much of our discussion relates to how social media impacts our sense of social connectedness or lack thereof. The topics covered in this episode are directly relevant to anyone interested in the neuroscience of mental health, work-life balance, abundance versus scarcity mindset, and interpersonal dynamics. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Kay Tye (00:02:39) Sponsors: Eight Sleep, Levels & LMNT (00:06:40) Amygdala; “Valence” (00:12:43) Novelty; Reward & Punishment Response (00:20:06) Amygdala & Hunger; Social Interaction (00:26:21) Social Media & Social Connection; Tool: Email & Time Management (00:35:03) Sponsor: AG1 (00:36:30) Social Media; Friction & Feedback, Leadership (00:43:44) Social Isolation, Harlow Experiments, “Loneliness Neurons” (00:51:47) Social Homeostasis, COVID-19 Pandemic & Loneliness (01:01:29) Quality of Social Contact, Social Homeostasis, Social Media (01:08:40) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:09:42) Social Media, Relationships; Social Isolation & Exclusion (01:18:26) Empathy: Friend vs. Foe (01:28:40) Background & Empathy, Diversity, Emotional Regulation (01:34:34) Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset (01:37:22) Social Rank & Hierarchy, Sibling Order, Development (01:45:54) Dynamic Hierarchy; Dominants vs. Subordinates; Mentors (01:55:32) Psychedelics: Research & Mechanisms; Psilocybin (02:06:28) Work-Life Balance, Fitness & Extracurriculars (02:11:56) Personal Life, Diversity, Happiness; Typical Day (02:15:42) Science & Academia; Future Directions (02:23:48) Research & Science Outreach (02:28:48) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer

A controversial fishing method may release CO2 from the sea floor Bottom trawling is a widely-used fishing method that involves dragging weighted nets that scrape along the seafloor. It's sometimes been criticized for damaging marine ecosystems. Now a new study in Frontiers in Marine Science suggests that it also can release significant amounts of carbon trapped in seafloor sediments into the atmosphere. Trisha Atwood, an associate professor at Utah State University and a marine researcher with National Geographic's Pristine Sea Program worked with scientists at NASA and The Global Fishing Watch for this study. Travel tales a mammoth tusk can tell Researchers have been analyzing the tusk of a woolly mammoth that died in Alaska 14,000 years ago. Using modern chemical analysis, they've been able to track the pachyderm's travels through its life, and the trail it took to its final demise, likely at the hands of human hunters. Dr. Matthew Wooller at the University of Alaska Fairbanks worked with the Healy Lake Village Council, the University of Ottawa and Hendrik Poinar's laboratory at McMaster University on this study published in Science Advances. Common sense is not that common, but is quite widely distributed Sociologists at the University of Pennsylvania have helped answer the age-old question, do most of us have common sense? Researchers including Mark Whiting explored this by asking 2000 people if they agreed with thousands of terms that had been deemed as “common sense.” In a paper published in PNAs, the team found that the larger the group, the less likely there was commonly shared knowledge, and no one age, educational or political group stood out as having more common sense than others. Male birds who practice their songs do better with females A new study suggests that male songbirds who attract mates with their songs need to practice their tunes or their attractiveness suffers. The researchers found a way to harmlessly discourage the birds from singing, and found that without practice females snubbed their efforts. Iris Adam, a biologist at Southern Denmark University, was part of the team, whose research was published in Nature Communications. Better living through pharmacology — Can drugs duplicate a healthy lifestyle? The key to good health used to be simple: eat less and exercise. But popular new weight loss drugs could soon be joined on the shelf with a new class of pharmaceuticals that duplicate the effects of a trip to the gym. We explore just how these new pharmaceuticals work and just how much they can replace a healthy lifestyle. First developed to treat type 2 diabetes, now widely popular as weight loss drugs, GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic may in fact have benefits beyond helping with obesity and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Daniel Drucker, a senior research scientist at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and the University of Toronto, early evidence suggests they may also work to treat kidney disease, addiction related disorders, metabolic liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. To counter our modern sedentary lifestyles, scientists are also looking for the equivalent of an exercise pill. Ronald Evans, a professor at the Salk Institute, has been working on drugs that control genetic “master switches” that can turn on the same network of genes — and confer many of the same benefits — as a brisk walk or a jog would do.

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Dr. Satchin Panda is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a leading expert in the fields of time restricted eating (TRE), circadian biology and circadian rhythm research. Today we discuss: Why you should care about your circadian rhythm and the signs that your circadian clock is misaligned, how to optimize your circadian rhythm to improve sleep quality and your overall health, the science of intermittent fasting and proper techniques to fast effectively, the most beneficial times to view light and when it's best to stop viewing light, the insane benefits of following a well structured schedule and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you've consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.  SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I chat with illustrator and author, Rachel Ignotofsky about blending illustration and education, crayons, women in STEM, and her latest book, What's Inside A Caterpillar Cocoon? Rachel Ignotofsky is a New York Times Best Selling author and illustrator, based in California. She grew up in New Jersey on a healthy diet of Star Trek and pudding and graduated from Tyler School of Art in 2011 with a BFA in Graphic Design.  Rachel's career as a scientific communicator started by nurturing her own curiosity. Out of college, she created art and infographics about topics she found interesting and important- with a focus in science literacy. She had many friends starting their careers in teaching, and Rachel wanted to create resources to help them with their lessons. Soon Rachel's online store was selling her posters to schools, labs and science enthusiasts across the country and her work was scooped up to be featured on the likes of Scientific American, Fast Company, PRI and PBS. Rachel's art has been embraced by the science community and she has spoken at and partnered with institutions like NASA, The Salk Institute, The San Diego Natural History Museum, The Chicago Field Museum, The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and many more! Rachel believes when you take the time to organize complex information—and then take the next step to make it beautiful with art — you can reach even the most reluctant learner. Illustration is a powerful tool when it comes to education.  With her first book Women in Science (2016), Rachel used her art to address the growing gender gap in STEM and shed a light on women's stories. It became an instant success and was on the NY Times Best seller list for over 90 weeks. Since then, Rachel has continued to use her background in graphic design and her skills as a storyteller to make dense information and fun and accessible. Her work is published in over 24 different languages and enjoyed by readers all over the world! She has written more books about women's history like Women in Sports (2017) and Women in Art (2019). As well as tackling topics like conservation and climate change in her book The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth (2018). She has introduced backyard biology to the youngest readers with What's Inside a Flower? (2021) which is the first installment of her new picture book series with Random House Kids. Now she is excited to share her newest book The History of the Computer (2022). This book is the first of its kind — a fully illustrated book that spans over 25,000 years of human history and tells the story of our evolving relationship with technology. Rachel sees all of her books as a love note to educators, and is thrilled to see them used in classrooms.Rachel IgnotofskyRachel's Etsy ShopRachel's BooksThe Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, Steve BrusatteThe Rise and Reign of the Mammals, Steve Brusatte Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

This episode is brought to you by Birch Mattress by Helix and LMNT. Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Dr. Satchin Panda to dive deep into his groundbreaking circadian biology research and how leveraging your circadian rhythm can dramatically improve your sleep, lower your risk of chronic disease, and improve your cognitive function. They also discuss how time-restricted eating, exercise, and light can be used to help program your circadian rhythm and why it's especially important for shift workers to take advantage of these tools. Dr. Panda is pioneering circadian biology research. He is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a Pew Biomedical Scholar, founder of the UC San Diego Center for Circadian Biology, and recipient of the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research. Dr. Panda has spoken at conferences around the world about his work on circadian rhythms and diabetes, including Diabetes UK, the American Diabetes Association, the Danish Diabetes Association, and the professional diabetes societies of Europe and Australia.In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Panda dive into:-Why late-night eating is so detrimental to our health (2:15)-Organ systems that have a circadian rhythm (8:24)-Common ailments that could be related to circadian rhythm disturbances (14:11)-Night-shift work and cancer risk (20:19)-How poor sleep perpetuates bad food choices (27:00)-What happens in the body when you rely on an alarm clock (44:09)-Why you need to accumulate sleep debt for better sleep (51:55)-Time-restricted eating and sleep (1:00:56)-How to combat fragmented sleep (1:16:16)-The best time to work out (1:55:48)-The link between exercise and cancer (2:08:04)-Positive changes for better sleep health on a global scale (2:18:06)-Strategies for night-shift workers to combat circadian rhythm disruption (2:45:40)-Dr. Panda's research in firefighters (2:49:42)-Tips for optimizing your circadian rhythm (3:14:20)Also mentioned in this episode:-The Circadian Code-The Circadian Diabetes Code-Download the MyCircadianClock app-Download the Ontime app, an app to help you reprogram your circadian rhythm-Try This: 6 Crazy Facts About Sleep-Try This: How Exercise Helps Fight CancerFor more on Dr. Satchin Panda, follow him on Twitter @SatchinPanda or Instagram @satchin.panda.Birch Mattress by Helix is made out of organic latex, organic cotton, New Zealand wool, and American steel springs. To get 20% off your Birch Living mattress plus two free eco-rest pillows, head over to birchliving.com/dhru today.Right now, LMNT is offering my listeners a free sample pack with any purchase. That's eight single-serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all eight flavors or share LMNT with a salty friend. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/DHRU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.