Podcasts about stanford medicine

Brain cancers are rare, but devastating. Patients face short life expectancies after diagnosis. Brain tumors are often impossible to remove completely. And radiation and chemotherapy don't always stop them from spreading.  It's a daunting class of disease to study, but that didn't dissuade Michelle Monje from trying. She has spent two decades studying how brain tumors form and interact with healthy brain cells, and pioneered the field of cancer neuroscience.  Guest: Dr. Michelle Monje is a professor of pediatric neuro-oncology at Stanford Medicine.  Other episodes you may enjoy: Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer and ALS The new frontier of cancer research is in space Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Follow our show on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky @scifri and sign up for our newsletters. Got a science question that's keeping you up at night? Call us: 877-472-4374 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Back in the 1950s, doctors didn't know a whole lot about the heart. If someone came in with chest pain, clinicians would ask a few questions, then take a stab at treating what might be heartburn or a heart attack. That's where mental health care is today, according to today's guest, Leanne Williams.For example: you come into a psychiatrist's office. The psychiatrist determines that you've experienced five or more depressive symptoms for at least two consecutive weeks and you get a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Maybe you get prescribed some combination of therapy and medication. For some it works. For others it doesn't. On average, finding an effective treatment for depression takes patients about 7 years – one of the reasons we're in a mental health crisis.Williams says that the key issue is that psychiatry does not base its diagnoses or treatment plans on any direct test of the organ of interest: the brain. According to Leanne's research, people with depression actually fall into clearly different categories, caused by changes in specific brain networks that can be  seen using brain imaging. She's shown that using this data can lead to much more targeted and effective therapies.Williams leads the Precision Mental Health Center at Stanford and is helming a new international task force that aims to create a road map for transforming  mental health diagnosis and treatment based on biological data and brain imaging. We invited Leanne on the show to tell us about a sea change she sees happening in psychiatry.Learn moreStanford Center for Precision Mental HealthStanford PanLab: Personalized and Translational Neuroscience LabReimagining mental health: Stanford Medicine experts chosen to lead precision task force (Stanford Medicine, 2026)Depression's distinctive fingerprints in the brain (From Our Neurons To Yours, 2024)Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression can lead to lasting changes in the brain (Stanford Report, 2024)A study identified 6 types of depression. Here's why that matters (CNN, 2024)Leanne Williams receives $18 million NIH grant to diagnose and treat depression (Stanford Report, 2024)Brain scans could help personalize treatment for people who are depressed or suicidal (Science, 2019)The Precision Mental Health Commission: transforming mental health through brain circuit science (Nature Mental Health, 2026)Personalized Treatment Selection in Depression Using Clinically Interpretable Neuroimaging Biotypes (Biological Psychiatry, 2026)Personalized brain circuit scores identify clinically distinct biotypes in depression and anxiety (Nature Medicine, 2024)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

urple Political Breakdown, hosted by Radell Lewis. Political Solutions Without Political Bias. The Supreme Court struck down this administration's tariffs. So it found a different law and taxed 99.4 percent of everything America imports anyway. A federal judge blocked the order rewriting how you get a mail ballot. So it went to the Supreme Court, and the Postal Service started building the portal regardless. OpenAI sealed two AI models in a sandbox to test whether they could hack. The models picked the lock and hacked a real company on the way out. Nobody in this episode broke a rule. Everybody found a way around one. That is the thread. This week we launch a new opening segment, What Has Trump Said This Week, going straight to the tape on the fourth term comments and the Netanyahu remarks. NUANCED NEWS: The tariff sequence nobody is explaining. Three different legal authorities in six months producing nearly the same outcome, each time a court closed a door. Section 301 after Section 122 after the Supreme Court struck the original Liberation Day tariffs. Then the same authority aimed at the European Union one day later over the Google antitrust fine, and a lawsuit filed by Friday afternoon. Plus the mail ballot executive order reaching the Supreme Court with a response due August 3, two federal appeals courts splitting on ripeness in the same week, and the postal portal getting built anyway. Plus the OpenAI containment breach, including the detail almost nobody reported: when OpenAI tried to defend against its own attacking agent, another American lab's safety guardrails made its model useless, so the defense ran on an open source Chinese model. RESEARCH ON A DIME: Jay Clayton, confirmed Director of National Intelligence 51 to 47, and the surveillance law nobody will vote on. Section 702 of FISA has been dead since June 12. It is not being debated on its merits. It is collateral. And on July 10, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law without a presidential signature for the same reason. Same bill. Two hostages. Then Michigan's Senate primary, the 36 million dollars in outside spending, and the 16.8 million from a group that does not have to say who funds it until after you vote. BREAKDOWN IN THE PUBLIC: Is it actually harder now, or does it just feel that way? New Pew data on how young adults see homeownership, education, savings, and jobs, the Minneapolis Fed's argument that we may be measuring American homeownership 12 points wrong, and an honest steel-man of the case that the whole gerontocracy frame is a misdirection. GOOD NEWS: States are revoking data center tax breaks after residents connected their power bills to the building down the road. Solar hit a quarter of all EU electricity for the first time. And a Stanford Medicine trial has kids with multiple food allergies eating full servings safely. Join the conversation about real political solutions: https://www.reddit.com/r/policysolutions/ New episodes stream live every Wednesday. Full audio drops Thursday. Standard Resource Links & Recommendations The following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORK Check Out the Podcast Website: https://www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.com ALIVE Podcast Network: Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMS HeadOn: A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/ Living Room Conversations: Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTS Us United: A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATION OtherWeb: An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACY Equal Vote Coalition & STAR Voting: Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/star Future is Now Coalition (FiNC): A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT Independent Center: Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWS Text 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/ Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com Subscribe to the Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/purplepoliticalbreakdown ALL LINKS https://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdown The Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias." Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics, where we find common ground in the middle! 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In today's episode, we welcomed Everett Meyer, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine (blood & marrow transplantation), an associate professor of pediatrics (stem cell transplantation), and an associate professor of surgery (abdominal transplantation) at Stanford Medicine in California.In the exclusive interview, Dr Meyer discussed the significance of the June 2026 FDA approval of allogeneic regulatory T cell–based immunotherapy with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) and T cells-vldq (Tregzi; Orca-T) for use in matched donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with a myeloablative preparative regimen, for hematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution, and to improve chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGHVD)–free survival in the treatment of adults with hematological malignancies. Dr Meyer also broke down what the approval of Orca-T means for the transplant field, detailed the design and key outcomes from the phase 3 Precision-T trial (NCT05316701) that supported the approval, and outlined how this approach could be integrated into clinical practice.

To combat negative effects of climate change, we all need to do our best to reduce the use of fossil fuels, water and land. California is confronting all three of these challenges simultaneously with Project Nexus, a pilot project to:Reduce the use of fossil fuels by deploying solar generation farms with battery storage.Avoid taking land away from agricultural uses by deploying them over existing canals.Conserve water by using solar arrays to cover canals, thus reducing evaporation.This project is also an unusual nexus of public, private and academic institutions, bringing together the consultancy Solar AquaGrid as project manager, the California Department of Water Resources as operator of the canals and solar farms and the University of California Merced to provide scientific assessment of the project.Joining us for this episode are ceo and co-founder Jordan Harris, chief creative officer and co-founder Robin Raj.Jordan Harris co-founded Solar AquaGrid to address one of California's most urgent challenges: water scarcity. Before committing his energy to advancing large-scale sustainability projects, Jordan had a background as a social impact entrepreneur and music business executive, including co-founding and chairing Virgin Records US, as well as leadership roles at Sony Music and A&M Records. Jordan launched many high-profile projects and pro-social initiatives – among them, co-founding Rock The Vote to engage young people in the political process by engaging the entertainment community. Jordan saw the dual-use opportunity hiding in plain sight long before anyone else was ready to act on it, and led Solar AquaGrid in commissioning the University of California Merced 2021 research study that sparked Project Nexus. After nearly a decade of advancing the water-energy nexus from concept to construction, Project Nexus is the proof of concept he hopes will unlock replication across California and beyond.In 2017, Robin Raj joined Jordan to co-found Solar AquaGrid to help conserve water and land, and generate renewable energy at scale by reimagining our water/energy infrastructure and covering large swaths of California's exposed canals with solar canopies. As an award-winning creative director, veteran of purpose-driven communications, and founder of Citizen Group, Robin has harnessed the power of media, storytelling, and community engagement throughout his career to advance social responsibility, sustainability, and climate action for some of the world's best-known brands and organizations for three decades – from Amnesty International, Bloomberg Philanthropies, NRDC, Sierra Club, Rock the Vote, and World Wildlife Fund, to Levi's, Major League Baseball, NBC Universal, Stanford Medicine, and Walmart Sustainability program.In this episode, we cover such topics as:The scale of California's canal system, stretching 4,000 miles in total.How Project Nexus is funded through the California's general fund.How Project Nexus will be evaluated. For more information on Project Nexus and the organizations running it, see:​Solar Aquagrid - Project NexusTurlock Irrigation District - Project NexusUniversity of California Merced - Project NexusSupport the showVisit us at climatemoneywatchdog.org!

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Daniel Olson, MD, of the University of Chicago, is joined by Stephanie Goff, MD, of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Allison Betof, MD, PhD, of Stanford Medicine to discuss the evolution and expanding role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in solid tumors. From its early development at the NCI to its recent FDA approval in melanoma, the conversation explores how TIL therapy is reshaping treatment options for patients with advanced solid tumors. The discussion highlights:The history and key milestones that led to the development and approval of TIL therapy. The role of TIL therapy in the current melanoma treatment landscape. Practical considerations for treatment delivery, including lymphodepleting chemotherapy and IL-2 administration.This episode provides valuable clinical and operational perspectives on one of the most promising cellular therapy approaches for solid tumors and what's next for the field.Listen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going. This episode was made possible through support fromIovance.

Hospitals are sitting on hundreds of hours of unwatched surgical video. Residents and attendings simply do not have the time to review it together. The footage sits on thumb drives and gathers dust.Dr. Chloe Nobuhara is a general surgery resident at Stanford. She sat down with Healthcare IT Today to discuss a new AI application built specifically for laparoscopic surgery. This tool watches the footage and analyzes surgeon performance. It automatically chunks the operation into distinct steps. Viewers will learn why generic large language models fail in the operating room. You will discover how a highly specific model gives educators their time back and helps surgeons master complex skills.

Why does being sick make you so exhausted – and why does that exhaustion sometimes outlast the illness itself? Today, neuroscientist Julia Kaltschmidt returns to the podcast to talk about the body's hidden "sickness reflex," the gut-brain circuitry behind it, and what those things might reveal about chronic fatigue.Kaltschmidt, a Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute faculty scholar and professor of neurosurgery at Stanford Medicine, is an expert on the enteric nervous system — the gut's own semi-independent network of 200 to 600 million neurons. She's leading a new Big Ideas in Neuroscience project mapping out exactly how the body tells the brain it's sick, alongside Luis de Lecea, an expert in the brain circuitry of sleep, and Christoph Thaiss, who studies communication between the gut, the immune system, and the brain.The team believes that understanding the "reflex" of sickness fatigue could eventually lead to something patients with chronic fatigue and long COVID don't currently have: a real biomarker, and a path to treatment, for a condition that's too often been dismissed as "all in your head."Learn MoreBig Ideas in Neuroscience tackle brain science of everyday life and more (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2026)Your gut – the second brain? (Our first conversation with Julia Kaltschmidt)The gut's 'second brain' (Stanford Medicine, 2026)Discovery sheds light on earliest development of gut motility (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2024)Neuroscience sheds light on childhood gut disorders (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2024)Could boosting gut–brain communication prevent memory loss? (Podcast episode with Christoph Thaiss)Why sleep keeps us young (Podcast episode with Luis De Lecea)New Science Shows Immune "Memory" in the Brain (Quanta Magazine, 2021)Insular cortex neurons encode and retrieve specific immune responses (Cell, 2021)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

I received a podcast review that basically said because a guest talked about chronic inflammation it was a "MAHA podcast." So I decided to go straight to one of the top inflammation researchers in the world and ask him directly: is chronic inflammation actually real, or is it pseudoscience?  My guest is Dr. David Furman, the Director of Stanford Medicine's 1000 Immunomes Project (the largest longitudinal study on aging and the immune system in the world) and an Associate Professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and his answer might surprise you. We play a game of Myth or Fact and bust some of the biggest inflammation claims all over the internet, from gluten and dairy to seed oils, and microplastics. We also get into how to actually test whether you're inflamed, the surprising link between chronic stress, depression, and your immune system, why your coffee habit might be doing you a favor, and exactly what to do about all of it if you have no money to spend.

Guest: This special episode, created in partnership with the ISSCR Early Career Advisory Committee, features two rising leaders in stem cell research. Dr. Yifei (Simon) Miao, a Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discusses engineering vascularized organoids and integrating bioengineering approaches to build more physiologically relevant human tissues. Dr. Anca Pașca, an Assistant Professor at Stanford Medicine, explores how stem cell-derived brain organoids and assembloids are advancing our understanding of neonatal brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of developing new therapies for vulnerable infants. If you’d like to nominate yourself or a colleague for our Early Career Researcher Series, submit your nomination here. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 to discover breakthroughs, technologies, and clinical insights you can take back to your lab. Enter to win 350 US dollars or equivalent toward refreshments to fuel your journal club discussions. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Editing Early Human Development – Base editing of human embryos reveals that NANOG is essential for epiblast formation and human pluripotency. Reprogramming Colorectal Cancer – Loss of GATA6 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by driving multilineage cellular plasticity. Precision Medicine for Pancreatitis – Patient-derived organoids identify chronic pancreatitis subtypes and reveal CFTR modulators as a potential treatment. Tracking Heart Organoids – A wireless cantilever platform enables high-throughput measurement of contractile forces in human cardiac organoids. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Yifei (Simon) Miao and Anca Pasca Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Episode#340-Taped June 17, 2026 We talk about how to age healthy and happy. According to Stanford Medicine, the lifestyle choices that we make at any stage of our adult life can have a profound impact on how we age. Research shows that it is never too late to adopt healthy lifestyle habits which can help maintain our independence and improve our quality of life well into our 80s and beyond. Article discussed: Article-10 steps to healthy, happy aging-EveryDay Health It's All About Health & Fitness-Vicki Doe Fitness podcast Ranked on the Top 25 Midwest Fitness Podcasts to Listen to… with additional national recognition on the Top 100 US fitness podcast. Rate This Podcast Give us a 5-star review.  We appreciate you! Take this quick audience survey. Thank you! FREE Metabolic Makeover Masterclass Webinar Replay! Learn how to reset your metabolism, boost energy, and support sustainable weight loss using simple, science-backed strategies. Enroll in the Vicki Doe Fitness Academy to get instant access to the replay and begin your healthy living journey today. Vicki Doe Fitness-STORE Discover the Vicki Doe Fitness-STORE—your destination for stylish apparel, fitness gear, and wellness essentials like yoga mats, water bottles, candles, and premium supplements. Shop now and elevate your health journey! Resources *Note: Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning Vicki Doe Fitness receives a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use the link to make a purchase. Thank you for your support! Herbs and spices are the keys to delicious, flavorful, and sophisticated meals! FREE DOWNLOAD- Herbs and Spices Cheatsheet Let's get ECO-friendly.  Try ECOLunchbox.com ECOlunchbox specializes in stainless steel bento boxes, artisan fair trade lunch bags, napkins, snack sacks, and other eco-friendly lunchware. They are a certified green business.  ECOlunchbox is a consumer products company started by an eco mom in the San Francisco Bay Area. ECOLunchbox.com Go to our Resources page-   For the most recommended tools, you need to succeed on your healthy living journey!! Listen and share our podcast show- “It's All About Health & Fitness-” Vicki Doe Fitness Subscribe to Apple Podcast Subscribe on Stitcher Or on any of the platforms that you listen to your podcast! Watch & Subscribe on YouTube! Catch our latest health & wellness videos on YouTube at Vicki Haywood Doe – Vicki Doe Fitness YouTube-Vicki Haywood Doe-Vicki Doe Fitness Want a text from us? Join us to receive a health wellness message!

Support the Institute today. https://givenow.nova.edu/the-institute-for-neuro-immune-medicine-inim-2025   In this episode, Haylie Pomroy speaks with Jaime Seltzer, the Scientific Director at MEAction, to share professional insights and personal experiences living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Together, they discuss practical strategies, tools, and approaches that may support individuals navigating their own healing and regulation journey.   Jaime explores the range of symptoms and infection-associated conditions that may accompany ME/CFS, explains how the condition can overlap with other chronic illnesses, and discusses the important role nutrition may play in supporting overall health and symptom management.   Together, they also emphasize the value of identifying individualized sources of support, examine how environmental factors can influence recovery, and share practical tools and nutritional strategies that patients may incorporate into their care.   Jaime Seltzer is the Scientific Director at MEAction and a researcher with Stanford Medicine. At MEAction, she fosters communication between healthcare and government institutions, research scientists, clinicians, and people with infection-associated chronic illnesses. She has represented MEAction at CDC, NIH, on Capitol Hill, with national healthcare institutions in Australia, Canada, and the UK, and in university-led research groups for ME/CFS and Long COVID. She has worked with Stanford, Columbia, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Vanderbilt, and Project ECHO on post-infectious chronic complex diseases, including ME/CFS and Long COVID.  She is also a person living with ME/CFS. Website: https://www.meaction.net/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-seltzer-b23abb14/    Haylie Pomroy, Founder and CEO of The Haylie Pomroy Group, is a leading health strategist specializing in metabolism, weight loss, and integrative wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with top medical institutions and high-profile clients, developing targeted programs and supplements rooted in the "Food is Medicine" philosophy. Inspired by her own autoimmune journey, she combines expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, and patient advocacy to help others reclaim their health. She is a New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet.   Learn more about Haylie Pomroy's approach to wellness through her website: https://hayliepomroy.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayliepomroy  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayliepomroy  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hayliepomroy/videos  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayliepomroy/  X: https://x.com/hayliepomroy    Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter.

Lung cancer biopsies are still being done blind more often than you'd think, leading to costly diagnostic errors. In this episode, Reza Khorasaninejad, Founder & CEO at LEADOPTIK, discusses how advances in photonics and metasurface engineering are enabling highly miniaturized imaging systems for minimally invasive procedures. These innovations aim to address a major challenge in lung cancer biopsies: a lack of imaging guidance that can lead to significant diagnostic errors. Early clinical pilots across multiple sites are demonstrating strong performance, with one hospital already converting into a paying customer. Looking ahead, the company is partnering with Stanford Medicine to develop AI-driven decision support tools to further improve diagnostic accuracy. Tune in to learn how next-generation imaging and AI are changing that reality and helping physicians hit the right target the first time! Resources: Connect with and follow Reza Khorasaninejad on LinkedIn.Follow LEADOPTIK on LinkedIn and explore their website!

Send us Fan MailDr. Muthu Alagappan is the Founder and CEO of Counsel Health, the company automating access to high-quality, personalized medical advice from doctors. Counsel recently closed a $25M Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz and Google Ventures, following an $11M seed round that included A16Z, Asymmetric Capital Partners, Floodgate Fund, and Pear VC.He holds an MD from Stanford Medicine and a B.S. in Biomechanical Engineering from Stanford, and was among the earliest AI researchers to publish on clinical applications of machine intelligence.In this episode, Muthu draws on 15 years at the intersection of AI research and frontline clinical medicine to explore the shift toward semi-autonomous care.In this conversation, we discuss:How AI addresses the limitations of traditional primary care by offering a highly personalized, knowledgeable, and always available medical experience.Why patients might leapfrog clinicians in their willingness to adopt AI for medical advice, and how this shift challenges the traditional identity of physicians.What semi-autonomous care actually looks like in practice, and how Counsel Health uses a clinician cockpit to augment human compassion with real-time machine intelligence.How to leverage population-level patterns without compromising patient privacy.Why the double standard applied to AI is misplaced, and why Muthu argues we should hold AI to a much higher benchmark than human doctors simply.What the future of global healthcare could look like when cognitive medical expertise is fully democratized, ensuring that a patient's zip code no longer dictates the quality of care they receive.Explore the Conversation00:00 Intro & AI Fun Fact: Big Data Limitations and Bias in Clinical AI03:52 Meet Dr. Muthu Alagappan: From Stanford AI Researcher to Counsel Health CEO06:51 Why Primary Care Falls Short: The Case for AI-Augmented Medicine09:05 Human Doctors Are Human: How Patients Are Adopting AI Medical Advice12:20 Patient Privacy and Population Health: Learning Without Training on Data14:17 Inside the Clinician Cockpit: Real-Time AI Support for Doctors16:17 Why Counsel Health Employs Its Own Physicians: Messaging-Based Care19:00 From Semi-Autonomous to Fully Autonomous Care: Healthcare's Next Era24:19 AI Ethics in Medicine: Safety Standards, Model Values, and Data Ownership27:22 The AI Double Standard: Why Machines Deserve a Higher Benchmark Than Doctors31:07 Founder Lessons: Building a Category-Defining Healthcare AI Company33:53 Rewriting the Commencement Address: Medicine as Lifelong Learning35:37 Where to Connect with Dr. Muthu Alagappan and Counsel HealthResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Muthu on LinkedInAI fun fact article: Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: The Ethical Frontier via ConexiantOn the future of AI, Silicon Valley and Venture Capital LIVE EVENT: See how leading enterprises are using agentic AI to give employees back 4–6 productive hours every week. Join PeopleReign CEO Dan Turchin for a live demo on June 25, 2026.Register here: https://go.peoplereign.io/live-demo-how-agentic-ai-is-being-used-by-global-enterprises

Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we'll explore a series of pivotal advancements and challenges shaping the industry landscape—ranging from scientific breakthroughs to regulatory maneuvers, all underscoring the sector's dynamic evolution. Novartis has made headlines with its investigational drug, Delpacibart Braxlosiran, which successfully met primary endpoints in a Phase 1/2 trial for treating Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). This RNA therapy utilizes an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate to target the DUX4 gene, a significant cause of FSHD. The promising results not only mark a potential therapeutic breakthrough for this debilitating neuromuscular disease but also highlight Novartis' commitment to innovative treatments in rare diseases. In parallel, Enliven Therapeutics has reported positive outcomes from a Phase 1 trial of ELVN-001 for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), who are heavily pretreated. This small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor shows improved efficacy, offering hope for those who have exhausted existing treatment options. As ELVN-001 progresses into later-stage trials, it may significantly enhance therapeutic options and outcomes for CML patients. Regulatory activities remain at the forefront, exemplified by Amgen's engagement with the Duke Clinical Research Institute to defend Tavneos amid an FDA push for market withdrawal. This illustrates the intricate complexity of regulatory processes and the importance of evidence-based advocacy in preserving access to critical therapies. In another regulatory development, Guardant Health's Guardant360 CDx has received FDA approval as a companion diagnostic for Boehringer Ingelheim's Hernexeos targeting HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The approval emphasizes the growing significance of liquid biopsy technologies in personalized oncology care, offering precise and less invasive diagnostic solutions. In business development news, strategic collaborations are gaining momentum. Simcere Pharmaceutical has partnered with Stanford Medicine to develop first-in-class therapies for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Meanwhile, Ildong Pharmaceutical and Welt are joining forces to create AI-driven digital therapeutics. These alliances reflect an increasing trend towards integrating cutting-edge technology and cross-disciplinary expertise to accelerate drug discovery and development. Funding dynamics within the sector are evolving, as seen with Neion Bio's successful Series A fundraising of $23 million aimed at enhancing its biologics manufacturing platform. Similarly, Human Continuum secured $5.13 million to advance its exosome-based regenerative medicine platform. These investments underscore a strong focus on innovative platform technologies promising to transform therapeutic modalities and manufacturing processes. Not all news is positive, however; Jazz Pharmaceuticals and PharmaMar faced setbacks as their Phase 3 trial for Zepzelca (Lurbinectedin) failed to meet its overall survival endpoint in metastatic small cell lung cancer. This highlights the inherent challenges in oncology drug development and underscores the need for continuous innovation. Regulatory hurdles persist as well, evidenced by Camurus receiving a second complete response letter from the FDA regarding Oclaiz (Octreotide) due to manufacturing concerns. The industry is also navigating cybersecurity challenges, as seen with Novo Nordisk's recent data breach incident. This breach underscores vulnerabilities within biopharma companies concerning intellectual property and patient data protection. It serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information critical to clinical trials and corporate integrity. Meanwhile, strategic planning remains essential as Astellas confronts a looming $6 billion patent cliff with Xtandi, its prostate cancer drug. The company's five-year strategy focuses on cost savings while sustaining innovation and competitiveness amidst impending revenue declines. The biotechnology sector continues to thrive amidst these challenges, evidenced by record levels of initial public offerings (IPOs). Despite broader economic uncertainties, investor confidence remains robust, highlighting biotech's potential for groundbreaking advancements and lucrative returns. Finally, artificial intelligence is making significant strides across health agencies, with a reported 148% increase at the FDA by 2025 alone. This surge in AI integration highlights its transformative potential in regulatory processes and healthcare delivery—offering opportunities to enhance efficiency and decision-making within the sector. In summary, today's developments encapsulate the vibrant pharmaceutical and biotech industries characterized by scientific innovation, regulatory intricacies, strategic collaborations, and financial maneuvers. These advancements offer new hope for patients while navigating complex landscapes that demand continuous innovation and compliance—a balance that defines success in this ever-evolving sector.Support the show

Autonomous vehicles may be the closest real-world example of AI operating in life-and-death situations at scale. Justin Norden believes healthcare has a lot to learn from how that industry approached safety, testing, adoption, and trust. This week, Michael and Halle sit down with the founder and CEO of Qualified Health, fresh off the company's $125 million Series B, to discuss why healthcare organizations need to think differently about deploying AI. Justin shares how his experience at Stanford, Apple, Waymo, and in healthcare investing shaped his view that health systems need AI infrastructure, governance, and workforce buy-in, not just another point solution.We cover:What healthcare can learn from Waymo's approach to safe AI deploymentWhat founders need to understand about building around EpicWhy health systems need to treat AI as a CEO-level priority, not an innovation projectHow Qualified Health is helping systems deploy, monitor, and measure AI workflowsWhy governance, safety, and ROI matter as much as model performanceWhy clinicians are right to be skeptical about AI liabilityAbout our guest:Justin Norden, MD is Co-Founder and CEO of Qualified Health building the trusted platform for health system AI. Additionally, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Stanford Medicine in the Department of Biomedical Informatics Research where his research and teaching focused on AI in medicine and digital health where he founded and still teaches courses on digital health and generative AI in medicine. Previously, Dr. Norden was Co-Founder and CEO of Trustworthy AI, a company focused on algorithm safety and trust, which was acquired by Waymo (Google Self-Driving). He was a Partner at GSR Ventures leading investments in healthcare and AI, worked on the healthcare team at Apple, and helped start the Stanford Center for Digital Health. Dr. Justin Norden received an MD and MBA from Stanford University, an MPhil in Computational Biology from the University of Cambridge, and a BA in Computer Science from Carleton College.—

Right now, as you're reading this sentence, something remarkable is happening in your brain. Light waves from your screen hit your eyes, transform into electrical signals, and take on meaning. You understand what you're reading. This is language — our human superpower.But despite 150 years of intensive research, we still do not have a complete picture of how the brain actually accomplishes all of this. We don't even have a good answer to a seemingly simple question: Where in the brain does language happen? It turns out, the answer may be different in different people.Today we'll hear from neuro-linguist Cory Shain, one of the leaders of a new Big Ideas in Neuroscience project here at Wu Tsai Neuro that is combining multiple brain recording techniques to build individualized maps of the language network—and use these insights to improve brain implants for people who've lost the ability to speak or write due to brain injury or illness.Learn moreLaboratory for Computation & Language in Minds & BrainsLaboratory of Speech NeuroscienceNeural Prosthetics Translational LabBrainGateHow the Brain Processes Different Components of Language (Psychology Today, 2024)Big Ideas in Neuroscience tackle brain science of everyday life and more (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, 2026)Study of promising speech-enabling interface offers hope for restoring communication (Stanford Medicine, 2025)The neuroscience of understanding (Stanford Momentum, 2025)Distributed Sensitivity to Syntax and Semantics throughout the Language Network(Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2025)Hierarchical dynamic coding coordinates speech comprehension in the brain(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2025)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Lori Muffly MD, MS, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA Recorded on May 12, 2026 Lori Muffly MD, MS Professor of Medicine Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Stanford Medicine Stanford, CA In this episode, Dr. Lori Muffly from Stanford Medicine explores how hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) continues to play a central role in care, even as cellular therapies evolve. She also discusses recent advances in overall survival and graft versus host disease as well as clinical trials. We also explore barriers to access, the importance of multidisciplinary teams, and resources to support patients and healthcare professionals. Join us for this insightful episode on the important role of HSCT today, and where it's headed next. Mentioned on this episode: www.NMDP.org www.hematology.org Additional Blood Cancer United Resources: Blood Cancer United Accredited and Non-Accredited Healthcare Professional Education Blood Cancer United Resources for Patients

On this episode of The Social from Must Read Alaska, host Todd explores the powerful connection between food, health, and self-reliance with two expert guests: Kristen Rasmussen from the Culinary Institute of America and Brenda Josephson, Haines-based Culinary Institute of America-trained chef and author of MRAK's popular Foodies & Foragers column. In “Food, Health & the Future of What We Eat,” they discuss the groundbreaking Food is Life, Food is Health Summit held May 6–8, 2026, at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, California. Co-organized with Stanford Medicine, the summit brought together chefs, physicians, dietitians, and researchers to reimagine food as the foundation of personal and planetary health. Kristen shares insights from the national perspective — including cross-disciplinary kitchens where doctors and chefs trained side-by-side, the science validating traditional food wisdom, and practical strategies for culinary therapeutics. Brenda brings the authentic Alaska voice, connecting the summit's themes to real-life practices like foraging kelp, harvesting wild salmon, using devil's club, and embracing subsistence living in Southeast Alaska. This conversation celebrates food independence as a core Alaskan value. In a time of supply chain vulnerability and rising chronic disease, it affirms that hunting, fishing, gardening, and foraging aren't just traditions — they're powerful acts of health sovereignty and resilience. Listeners will gain validation for their lifestyle and fresh inspiration for making food truly medicine in their own homes. Whether you're deeply rooted in Alaska's wild food traditions or seeking practical ways to build greater self-sufficiency, this episode bridges national momentum with frontier wisdom. Tune in for thoughtful discussion on reclaiming control over what we eat — and why it matters now more than ever.   Food is Life, Food is Health Conference: https://www.foodislifefoodishealth.org/about Kristen Rasmussen Instagram: rootedfood   MRAK Foodies and Foragers with Brenda Josephson: https://mustreadalaska.com/foodies-and-foragers-food-is-life-food-is-health/   SPONSORS: Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/ Promo Code: thesocial10 for 10% off the 'All In' or 'In For News' prepaid annual plans The Wellness Company: https://www.twc.health/alaska Promo Code: ALASKA for 10% off + free shipping on every order

Last month we saw a big shift in the federal government's approach to psychedelic medicine.Specifically, following an executive order by President Trump, the FDA announced it is fast-tracking its review of several clinical trials of psychedelic drugs for patients with mental health disorders. The executive order also directed more funds towards psychedelic research and a review of psychedelics' status as highly restricted Schedule 1 substances. To help us understand what all this means for the future of psychedelic medicine and the neuroscience of psychedelics, we're joined by Boris Heifets, an anesthesiologist at Stanford Medicine who runs a lab studying how psychedelics affect the nervous system and their impact on patients with psychiatric conditions.Learn MoreThe Heifets Lab at Stanford MedicineFDA plans ultra-fast review of three psychedelic drugs following Trump directive (Associated Press, 2026)Trump's order on psychedelics could have far-reaching science consequences (Scientific American, 2026)Psychedelics, placebo, and anesthetic dreams (From Our Neurons to Yours, 2024)Pychedelics inside out — how do LSD and psilocybin alter perception? (From Our Neurons to Yours, 2024)The power of psychedelics meets the power of placebo (From Our Neurons to Yours, 2024)Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (Nature, 2024)Magnesium–ibogaine therapy effects on cortical oscillations and neural complexity in veterans with traumatic brain injury (Nature Mental Health, 2025)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Today's episode is about the neuroscience of hard work—or maybe more specifically, the value we place on hard work.There's something different about hiking to the top of a mountain versus taking a helicopter. The view from the top is exactly the same, but if you've done the hard slog to get there, the payoff is going to be much more rewarding. The question is, how does the brain know the difference? To answer this, we need to take a deep dive into the brain's reward system, and one of our favorite neurotransmitters, dopamine. And it turns out, the way dopamine operates is more complicated than we thought.Our guest today, Stanford Medicine psychiatrist Neir Eshel, tells us about new research that's starting to reveal exactly how the brain pushes us to work hard for the things that matter to us. Learn MoreEshel's Stanford Translational Addiction and Aggression Research (STAAR) LabWhy we value things more when they cost us more (Stanford Medicine, 2026)Cholinergic modulation of dopamine release drives effortful behaviour (Nature, 2026)Striatal dopamine integrates cost, benefit, and motivation (Neuron, 2023)Dopamine and serotonin work in opposition to shape learning (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2024)Why we do what we do (From Our Neurons to Yours, 2024)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Traditionally, we think of Parkinson's as a movement disorder—defined by slowed movement, stiff muscles, and involuntary shaking. But it turns out there are other symptoms that appear years or even decades before movement problems bring patients to the clinic: sleep disturbances, chronic constipation, and loss of smell.For today's guest, these early symptoms represent an incredible opportunity to understand where Parkinson's begins and to identify patients much earlier in the disease.Kathleen Poston is a neurologist and division chief for movement disorders at Stanford Medicine. She's also a member of the steering committee for the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience at Wu Tsai Neuro, and advises the Michael J. Fox Foundation and pharmaceutical companies on Parkinson's research.We discuss why non-motor symptoms might hold the key to early diagnosis, how new biomarkers are redefining the disease, and whether Parkinson's might actually start in the gut.Learn MoreLearn about Poston's research on her lab siteLearn about the Stanford Lewy Body Dementia Research Center of ExcellenceRedefining Parkinson's Disease | Our previous conversation with Poston, in which we learned about a sea change in our understanding of Parkinson's Disease.Neuroscientists dive into the gut (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2025) | Our 2025 Symposium explored how our brains and bodies communicate—and what that means for our health and well-beingParkinson's comes in many forms. New biomarkers may explain why (Knight Initiative, 2025) | Blood and cerebrospinal fluid markers tied to inflammation and metabolism sort some patients into subgroups, a step toward predicting progression and tailoring care.A biological definition of neuronal α-synuclein disease: towards an integrated staging system for research (The Lancet - Neurology, 2024)International Working Group Proposes New Framework for Defining Parkinson Disease Based on Biology, Not Symptoms (Neurology Live article)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Welcome to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked, where we dive into the latest news on Ozempic, from medical breakthroughs to lifestyle impacts.Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, just announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI. Daily Sabah reports this collaboration will use artificial intelligence to speed up new medication development and deliver better treatments faster. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says it will accelerate scientific discovery and redefine patient care, with full integration by the end of 2026.In other big news, Apotex received the first United States Food and Drug Administration tentative approval for a generic version of Ozempic, semaglutide injection. PR Newswire and Apotex announcements highlight this milestone, developed with Orbicular, which could broaden access to affordable options once patents expire. Pearce IP Law notes it positions Apotex to launch early, following generics in India from companies like Dr Reddys and Sun Pharma.Novo Nordisk also launched a higher dose Wegovy HD at 7.2 milligrams for weight loss, approved under a priority program and now available in the United States.A new study in Genome Medicine, reported by Stanford Medicine and Science Daily, explains why Ozempic does not work for everyone. About one in ten people have genetic variants causing GLP-1 resistance, where their bodies produce more of the hormone but respond poorly, especially for blood sugar control. Lead researcher Anna Gloyn notes these variants reduce effectiveness after months of treatment. It is unclear yet if this affects weight loss at higher doses.University of Washington endocrinologist David Cummings praises GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for strong evidence in weight reduction, diabetes control, heart and kidney protection, arthritis relief, and sleep apnea improvement. Observational data suggests benefits against obesity-related cancers, substance abuse, and possibly dementia.As supply stabilizes post-shortage, compounded semaglutide remains available through certain pharmacies, but regulations tightened in 2026, per Injectco.These updates show Ozempic evolving, blending innovation with personalized health insights for better lifestyles.Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Send us Fan MailDr. Susan Hintz, Medical Director of the Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program and Robert L. Hess Family Endowed Professor at Stanford Medicine, delivers this year's Cool Topics keynote on collaboration, shared purpose, and the lessons learned building high risk infant follow-up infrastructure through the CPQCC. She challenges the neonatal community to move beyond the handoff to a pediatrician and think deliberately about true medical home design, including coordinated care teams, clearly defined roles across subspecialty and follow-up clinics, and better use of community based resources to support families long after NICU discharge. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!

Send us Fan MailDr. Jochen Profit, Chair and Principal Investigator at CPQCC and Wendy J. Tomlin-Hess Endowed Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss what truly separates high performing NICUs from the rest. He makes the case for process metrics over mortality as quality markers, highlighting normothermia on admission, breast milk feeding at discharge, and infection rates as deceptively simple yet deeply revealing indicators of unit culture. The conversation also explores how toxic work environments and provider burnout silently undermine quality improvement efforts.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!

Our memories and senses are deeply connected—like how a favorite song can recreate a whole glorious teenage summer. It turns out this relationship might extend beyond our five external senses to include our internal senses: the signals telling us what's happening inside our bodies, sometimes beyond the veil of conscious perception.New research by Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute affiliate Christoph Thaiss suggests that losing these internal signals as we age — in part due to changes in our gut microbiome — could one reason why our memories decline as we get older. Today we're talking with Thaiss about his new study in Nature that traces a surprising path from gut microbes to memory formation in the mouse brain.Learn MoreEnhancing gut-brain communication reversed cognitive decline, improved memory formation in aging mice (Stanford Medicine, 2026)Intestinal interoceptive dysfunction drives age-associated cognitive decline. (Nature, 2026)Christoph's presentation at Wu Tsai Neuro's 2025 Annual SymposiumNeuroscientists Dive into the Gut (Wu Tsai Neuro, 2025)The Thaiss Lab at the Arc InstituteThaiss Lab publicationsSend us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduLearn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Zara M. Patel, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford Medicine and Director of the Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss, discusses her pursuit of a cure for olfactory dysfunction, the science behind smell recovery, and the research milestones that have redefined what is possible for patients with smell and taste loss. Dr. Patel reflects on her cross-country training journey, the curiosity-driven path that led her into an underexplored corner of the specialty, and how olfactory training and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections went from novel ideas to evidence-based treatments. The conversation also covers the biology of olfactory nerve regeneration, the importance of mentorship in building an academic career, and the expanding frontier of neuro-rhinology. This episode is featured as part of celebrating WIO Day every March 8. Helpful Resources: Links for physicians and patients watching this: Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/smell.html/ Patient education page for Olfactory Training: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2782042 PRP studies:Pilot study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32337347/ Randomized Controlled Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507615/ Long term follow-up cohort study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39740091/ Systematic Evidence Based Review of PRP use in all fields of ENT: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38914822/ Case Report for use in Post-Traumatic Anosmia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39913151/

Epidemiologist Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado is an expert in vaccine research and public health. Look back centuries, and the story is always the same, she says: Death rates from viruses have plummeted, especially in children and the elderly. And yet, millions of children die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines need a return of public confidence, and that starts with better messaging and greater support of nongovernmental messengers like herself. The bottom line is that vaccines are safe, she says. Vaccines work and we have saved many lives because of them, Maldonado reminds host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Yvonne Maldonado Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado, a professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and population health at Stanford University. (00:03:01) Career in Vaccines Bonnie shares what led to her career in vaccine research. (00:04:53) How Vaccines Work How vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens. (00:06:46) Why Vaccine Responses Vary The variability in immune responses and breakthrough infections. (00:09:22) Risk vs. Benefit in Vaccines How researchers evaluate side effects versus disease severity. (00:11:53) How Viruses Evolve The evolutionary dynamics that shape viral behavior. (00:13:59) Vaccine Boosters Why some vaccines last for life while others require multiple doses. (00:17:14) Herd Immunity How community protection works and why vaccination rates matter. (00:21:22) Vaccine Controversy The controversy surrounding vaccines and what led to it. (00:24:27) Global Vaccine Hesitancy How declining trust and past outbreaks influence vaccination globally. (00:27:07) The Future of Vaccines Why vaccines are essential and how outbreaks shape public response. (00:29:08) Preparing for Future Pandemics How healthcare systems prepare for new threats after COVID-19. (00:30:43) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, public trust, and the future of health. (00:32:54) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the show, why do some of us age faster than others? Why do some of us grow old and die before our time while others seem to simply endure? And most of us have probably wondered at one point or another, which track am I on? Turns out it might be possible to predict the whole trajectory of an animal's life at a surprisingly young age, just by looking closely at subtle patterns of behavior. That's the conclusion of a new study from researchers at the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience here at Wu Tsai Neuro, out March 12, 2026 in the journal Science. The study focused on the African turquoise killifish, a little fish that lives fast and dies young. This species has one of the shortest lifespans of any vertebrate, which makes it ideal for studying the entire arc of a life in the laboratory setting.The important point here is that even short-lived killifish are dealt different lots by the fates. Even when you control for genetics and the environment, some killifish only live a month or two, while others can live as long as a year. So the big question is, what drives this difference in longevity? To learn more, we're joined today by the study's two lead researchers, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Postdoctoral Scholars, Claire Bedbrook and Ravi Nath, who performed the research in the labs of Anne Brunet and Karl Deisseroth here at Stanford.Learn MoreTo study aging, researchers give killifish the CRISPR treatment (Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience, 2023)Study pinpoints key mechanism of brain aging (Stanford Report, 2025)Killifish project explores the genetic foundation of longevity (Stanford Medicine 2015)Multi-tissue transcriptomic agingSend us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience. We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.edu Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this groundbreaking episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we interview Dr. Jayakumar Rajadas, a Stanford Medicine researcher who has discovered multiple breakthrough therapeutic candidates for Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella. His work includes the discovery of Disulfiram's effectiveness against Lyme and Babesia, Azlocillin's potent activity against Lyme and Bartonella, and advanced targeted drug-delivery systems designed to preserve the gut microbiome. Dr. Jay's research has been featured in TIME Magazine (Azlocillin) and Forbes (Disulfiram), and connects deeply with the work of leading Lyme researchers, including Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane), Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern), Dr. Kenneth Liegner, and Dr. Brian Fallon (Columbia University). This interview delivers hope, science, and unprecedented detail on what may become the next generation of Lyme disease treatments. Key Topics Covered 1. How the Stanford Tick Initiative Sparked a New Era of Drug Discovery In 2012, Stanford launched a major initiative in response to community demand for better Lyme treatments. Dr. Rajadas was selected to lead drug development, focusing specifically on persistent/chronic Lyme disease, where few researchers were working. 2. Understanding Borrelia: Active vs. Stationary Forms & Why Chronic Lyme Persists Dr. J explains the three key survival modes of Borrelia burgdorferi: Active Phase The bacteria are replicating and metabolically active. Easier to kill with standard antibiotics. Stationary Phase Bacteria reach population limits and slow down growth. Represents early persistence mechanisms. Persister Forms Triggered by stressors like antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). Bacteria fold into round bodies, spiral forms, or compact “cement-like” protective balls. These forms: Shut down metabolic pathways Resist penetration Survive antibiotic exposure Why Doxycycline Can Fail Doxycycline can induce persisters, causing Borrelia to form impenetrable protective shells rather than die. This is why many patients initially feel better, then relapse. 3. Disulfiram (Antabuse): Lyme + Babesia Breakthrough Featured in Forbes One of the biggest scientific shocks of the last decade: Discovery Through Stanford's high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs, Disulfiram emerged as a top hit. Clears Borrelia (including persistent forms) Clears Babesia — a major advantage over standard antibiotics Does NOT harm the gut microbiome Is already FDA-approved and widely used for alcohol aversion therapy Highly potent but requires careful dosing due to side effects in inflamed patients. Why Some Patients Improve, and Others Suffer Chronic Lyme patients already have heightened inflammation. Disulfiram is a powerful molecule whose polymorphic forms behave differently in different people. His lab developed: Less toxic formulations Buccal & sublingual delivery systems Rectal delivery options These may reduce neuropsychiatric side effects reported by some patients. Clinical Connections Dr. Kenneth Liegner pioneered clinical use and published cases Dr. Brian Fallon conducted NIH-listed clinical trials. Many clinicians now use Liegner's protocols. Real-world example: Matt shares the story of Brooke Stoddard (Generation Lyme), who regained his life after Disulfiram treatment under Dr. Liegner. 4. Azlocillin: The Antibiotic That TIME Magazine Called a Gamechanger If Disulfiram is the Lyme and Babesia weapon, Azlocillin may be the frontline tool for Lyme and Bartonella. Why Azlocillin Is Revolutionary Eradicates both active and persister forms of Borrelia. Destroys doxycycline-induced “cement ball” persisters by drilling into their vulnerable cell-wall synthesis pathways. Proven effective against Bartonella when paired with azithromycin, based on research by Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane) . The Cell-Wall Vulnerability Breakthrough Persisters STILL must maintain minimal cell-wall synthesis to survive. Azlocillin exploits this tiny vulnerability: It penetrates the protective sphere Breaks the “cement wall” Forces the bacteria out of hibernation Kills them rapidly This discovery is one of the biggest scientific leaps in Lyme research in a decade. The Delivery System That Protects the Gut Microbiome Azlocillin is extremely hydrophilic, making absorption difficult.Dr. Jay fixed this by creating: A magnesium-lipid nanoparticle formulation Designed to release in the upper intestine Avoiding the colon (where most microbiome lives) This allows: High bloodstream absorption Minimal microbiome damage Oral availability of a drug previously only available via IV Why Azlocillin May Be Better Than Disulfiram Hits Borrelia + Bartonella Stronger anti-inflammatory effects No polymorphism issues Fewer side effects Potent against persisters A company is preparing to bring his oral formulation to clinical trials by next year. 5. Loratadine (Claritin): The First Clue from 2012 Before Disulfiram and Azlocillin, Dr. Jay's lab identified Loratadine (Claritin) as a manganese transporter inhibitor of Borrelia. Why it mattered: Borrelia uniquely relies on manganese, not iron. Blocking manganese uptake may weaken the bacteria. The discovery went viral, with many patients reporting improvement even at OTC doses—though the binding affinity was weak. This project introduced the concept of drug repurposing for Lyme to the scientific community. 6. Melittin (Bee Venom) — The Micro-Needle Patch Alternative Bee venom therapy is widely used in the Lyme community, but risks stings and allergic reactions. Dr. J is developing: Melittin micro-needle patches Delivering the active peptide without stinging Using dissolvable, painless needles A safe, controlled, pharmaceutical-grade delivery approach This could modernize bee venom therapy and make it more accessible. 7. Mechanism of Brain Fog & Fatigue in Lyme: A Major Breakthrough Dr. Jay's lab published a neuroscience paper demonstrating: Outer Surface Protein (Osp) Nanoparticles Borrelia sheds lipid-coated outer membrane particles. These form stable nano-vesicles that: Enter the bloodstream Cross into the brain Cause mitochondrial dysfunction Reduce ATP production Result: Brain Fog, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction This explains why neurological Lyme can persist even after bacterial levels drop. This work ties strongly to ongoing research at Columbia University under Dr. Brian Fallon. 8. Collaborations With World Leaders in Lyme Research Dr. J's research intersects with: Dr. Kim Lewis (Northeastern University) Reproduced and validated Disulfiram findings publicly. Helped launch interest in persister-killing therapies. Dr. Monica Embers (Tulane University) Demonstrated Azlocillin + Azithromycin effectiveness against Bartonella. One of the world's foremost experts in persistent infection models. Dr. Kenneth Liegner Early clinical pioneer of Disulfiram therapy. Published stunning recovery cases. Dr. Brian A. Fallon (Columbia University) Leading psychiatrist specializing in post-treatment Lyme. Conducted planned Disulfiram clinical trials. These collaborations form a powerful network accelerating treatment development. 9. New Anti-Inflammatory Discoveries: Galangin & More Dr. Jay recently co-authored a 2025 paper on: Galangin (Thai ginger rhizome extract) Which may reverse cardiac inflammation and fibrosis His team is also exploring other nutraceutical molecules for chronic inflammation relief in Lyme patients. 10. Dr. Jay's Personal Story of Illness and Hope He reveals for the first time: He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma Lost the ability to walk Suffered unbearable pain After cutting-edge therapies and research, he is now in full remission His message to Lyme patients: “There is ALWAYS hope.”

Artificial intelligence is already changing nursing workflows, but many healthcare systems are making decisions without nursing leadership at the table. In this episode, Charlene talks with Nerissa Ambers and Carlene Lugtu, Director and Manager, respectively, of the Health Informatics Transformation Team at Stanford Medicine. They talk about why nursing leadership matters in the AI space and how nurses can help shape technology that supports patient care. Host: Charlene Platon, MS, RN, FNP-BC (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@charleneplaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Guests: Nerissa Ambers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerissa-ambers-0510486/) Carlene Lugtu MCiM, RN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlene-lugtu/) About the show: ACNL in Action is a production of the Association of California Nurse Leaders, the professional organization for nurse leaders. New episodes come out on the first Friday of every month. Want to support ACNL? Consider making a donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.acnl.org/circleofgiving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about ACNL, including how to become a member, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠acnl.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @acnlnurse.

This week we bounce from weddings with questionable video evidence to universal vaccines, rogue dubstep artists named after shingles shots, and a time-loop story that left us… conflicted. Let's get into it. Real Life Ben officiated a wedding. It was beautiful. It was meaningful. It was legally binding. There may or may not be video proof. Somewhere, there's a phone with 3% battery and a shaky clip of vows. Or maybe not. Either way, two people are married and that's what counts. If you're going to officiate a wedding, here's the lesson: double-check the recording situation. Memory is not a backup drive. Ben also discovered that in newer versions of iOS, you can type to Siri. This is huge for anyone who has ever whispered a text into their phone in public and immediately regretted it. We are slowly evolving into silent thumb-typers talking to machines. The future is polite and awkward. Devon talked about how he uses ChatGPT — not casually, but intentionally. He uses it for work. He uses it to rewrite drafts, fix spelling, tighten arguments. Think of it as a second-pass editor that doesn't get tired. He went deeper into why he chose to pay for it and what "professional analysis" even means in an AI context. If you're billing by the hour, clarity matters. He also raised the question: does LexisNexis have AI baked in now? (Short answer: of course they do. Long answer: it depends how you define AI, which is half the battle in 2026.) Ben uses "AI" differently — mostly for data sifting. Large piles of information. Pattern spotting. Less magic robot, more extremely fast intern. Steven admitted he uses ChatGPT to help generate episode notes and images. If you're creating consistently, tools matter. The question isn't "Is this cheating?" The question is: "Are you using the tool to think better or to think less?" Big difference. We also watched The First Minute of Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip — and yes, he does the backflip. Watch the full clip on YouTube and the full special on Dropout. Demi Adejuyigbe (pronounced DEM-ee ə-DIJ-oo-EE-bay) is sharp, chaotic, and there's a killer Marge Simpson joke in the full show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kveA4wgIhI  Speaking of Marge — Marge Simpson is not dead. The French voice actress passed away. RIP. The character remains immortal yellow. Ben also plugged his ekphrastic poetry workshop — Write Poems with Me — happening Saturday 3/7 at the Beacon Art Show or online. If you've been waiting for a sign to try poetry, this is it. Show up. Make weird art. https://buttondown.com/penciledin/archive/write-poems-with-me-saturday-37-at-the-beacon-art/  Future or Now Steven brought in a wild one: a possible "universal" vaccine from researchers at Stanford Medicine. Instead of targeting a specific virus, this nasal spray supercharges the lungs' immune defenses. In mice, it reduced viral load, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. COVID. Flu. Pneumonia. Allergens. If this holds up in humans, that's not incremental. That's foundational. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm  Ben followed with research suggesting shingles vaccines might lower dementia risk. Studies around the shingles vaccines Zostavax and Shingrix have shown reduced dementia incidence in vaccinated older adults. There's also data suggesting the vaccine may slow biological aging markers, including inflammation. https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/02/could-a-vaccine-prevent-dementia-shingles-shot-data-only-getting-stronger/  This is where Steven held his jokes until the very end. Zostavax and Shingrix are dubstep artists. "Twenty Year Window" is their debut collaboration. "Dementia" is their first single. Sometimes you need the bit. But seriously — if preventing viral reactivation reduces neuroinflammation and long-term cognitive decline, that's massive. It's early. It's correlation-heavy. But it's promising. Pay attention to this space. Book Club This week: All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein (1958). https://lecturia.org/en/short-stories/robert-a-heinlein-all-you-zombies/19420/  Time travel. Identity loops. Paradoxes stacked on paradoxes. There are also… problems. Ben had major issues with the problematic elements. And they're not small issues. The story reflects the era it was written in, and not in a flattering way. Devon didn't love the no-stakes feeling. When a story collapses into inevitability, tension can evaporate. If everything always already happened, what are we gripping onto? Steven's take: the story is valuable as a historical artifact. It shows where science fiction was. You can see the mechanics. The ambition. The blind spots. You don't have to endorse it to learn from it. That's maturity in reading: understanding context without pretending flaws don't exist. Next week, we're reading Presence by Ken Liu, published in Uncanny Magazine. Ken Liu tends to blend emotional precision with speculative ideas, so expect something thoughtful. https://www.uncannymagazine.com/article/presence/  Read it. Come ready. Final Thought This episode circled one big theme whether we meant to or not: Tools. AI tools. Medical tools. Narrative tools. Historical tools. The question isn't whether tools change the world. They do. The question is whether we're using them deliberately. So here's your small challenge this week: Pick one tool you're already using — AI, writing software, research databases, even your phone — and ask yourself: Am I using this to sharpen my thinking? Or to avoid it? Be honest. We'll see you next week.

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: big updates for stem cell and islet transplants, new pen option for Zepbound, an implantable insulin pump moves forward and more! Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here. Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Omnipod - Simplify Life All about Dexcom  T1D Screening info All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Episode transcription with links: Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes. Quick reminder: I'm just back from MNO DC and I'm exhausted. But it's the best kind of tired. We had an incredible time – hope you can join us in Nashville. With a reminder that we have our first Club 1921 in Nashville – that's our educational dinner series for HCPs and patient leaders. All the info is over at diabetes-connections.com events/     Okay.. our top story this week: XX An "immune system reset" eliminated Type 1, diabetes in mice in a study conducted at Stanford Medicine without immune suppressant medications. This was a combined transplant of blood stem cells and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells from a donor whose immune profile did not match the recipient. The dual transplant approach both restored insulin production and retrained the immune system. For the full six months of the experiment, the animals did not need insulin injections or immune suppressive medications. Challenges remain using this approach to treat Type 1 diabetes. Pancreatic islets can be obtained only after death of the donor, and the blood stem cells must come from the same person as the islets. It is also unclear whether the number of islet cells typically isolated from one donor would be enough to reverse established Type 1 diabetes. But the researchers are working on solutions, which could include generating large numbers of islet cells in the laboratory from pluripotent human stem cells, or finding ways to increase the function and survival of transplanted donor islet cells. https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-scientists-cure-type-1-diabetes-in-mice-without-insulin-or-immune-suppression/ XX An electronic implant interlaced with islet cells is being looked at to treat type 1. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine worked with engineers at Harvard University to combine stem-cell biology with soft electronics. They inserted an ultrathin, flexible mesh of conductive wires — thinner than a human hair — into developing pancreatic tissue. As the cells assembled into clusters, the mesh became woven through them. The electronics can record the faint electrical signals produced by the cells that control insulin release. They can also deliver small pulses of electricity back to the cells.   After several days, the cells began to behave more like mature islets. Their internal signalling shifted, neighbouring cells started working in concert and insulin release became stronger and better timed.  Very early on here – and the transplanted cells still need to be protected from being attacked by the immune system. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/first-cyborg-pancreas-implants-type-1-diabetes-nxkv8r0fp?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqeJYYUF9TMR-GgGUG92hPyog-ISeiqGIgdyaaIKKcpvhtoftGiUaaOtQeG0NWI%3D&gaa_ts=699c50d4&gaa_sig=w-PQ0ArosZSznYDSWEzt8aQg4WC0FF5ZFRt9NedO5sSTL2FyWzupH8eSG7RCy2S8TQnlHOeKCudANWm1MNI59w%3D%3D XX Katie Beth (hand) Eledon trial – aaron kowalski post linkedin. Last fall we told you about promising results from Eledon's drug to prevent islet transplantation rejection in type 1 diabetes. The first six patients no longer had to inject or infuse insulin.. the trials continue and this month one of the patients – Katie Beth Hand – began posting about her experiences one month in, on social media, she says she's off basal insulin already and in range 99 percent of the time. She is also encouraging people to learn more about support the islet act https://lnkd.in/e8pQ7_Y7 XX This is a bill introduced last November which would change the wording on pancreatic cell transplants. The problem is that islets are classified as drugs rather than organs, making transplantations difficult for medical teams and centers to preform due to accessibility. Insurance companies are also less likely to provide reimbursements for treatment, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The official Journal of The Transplantation Society estimates the cost at about $140,000. The bill went to the senate committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in early November. No other action has been taken since then. https://www.wtoc.com/2026/02/19/bluffton-family-advocates-islet-act-help-diabetic-son/ XX Big change for the obesity drug Zepbound – now available in the multi dose KwikPen. This is a month's worth of doses in a single pen.. and it's multi dose – you can adjust it. Cash-paying patients can get the multi-dose device, called KwikPen, on the company's direct-to-consumer website, LillyDirect. Prices start at $299 per month for the lowest dose level. Until now, you could only get zepbound in a single dose auto injector or a sing dose vial. In a release, Lilly said the Food and Drug Administration approved a label expansion for Zepbound to include the multi-dose device. The KwikPen is already used for other drugs, such as Lilly's popular diabetes medication, Mounjaro – which is the same medication as zepbound, they're both tirzepitide. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/23/eli-lilly-launches-zepbound-obesity-drug-pen-one-month-doses.html   XX For years, researchers have observed that people who live at high elevations,  tend to develop diabetes less often than those at sea level. Although the trend was well documented, the biological explanation behind it was unclear. Scientists now say they have identified the reason. Their research shows that in low oxygen environments, red blood cells begin absorbing large amounts of glucose from the bloodstream. Their work showed that when oxygen is limited, red blood cells use glucose to generate a molecule that helps release oxygen to tissues. This process becomes especially important when oxygen is in short supply. The researchers also found that the metabolic benefits of prolonged hypoxia lasted for weeks to months after mice were returned to normal oxygen levels. They then evaluated HypoxyStat, a drug recently developed in Jain's lab that mimics low oxygen exposure. HypoxyStat is taken as a pill and works by causing hemoglobin in red blood cells to bind oxygen more tightly, limiting the amount delivered to tissues. In mouse models of diabetes, the medication completely reversed high blood sugar and outperformed existing treatments. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221060952.htm XX Watching this one closely – Portal Diabetes gets FDA breakthrough device designation for its implantable insulin pump system. This is a system that includes not just a device that's implanted into the abdomen, but also a new, temperature stable insulin. It will work with – quote – "modern" CGM technology with a fully closed loop - and aims to deliver a functional cure for type 1. While reports say Portal's system is the first in the US – there was an implantable pump developed and used by about 500 people worldwide, including about 100 in the US – by MiniMed. Medtronic bought the company and in 2007 they stopped that program. Portal Diabetes expects to begin clinical trials on its combination system around the fourth quarter of 2027. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/portal-diabetes-fda-breakthrough-implantable-insulin-pump/ XX Sequel Med Tech and Senseonics (NYSE:SENS) today announced the full U.S. launch of their CGM and insulin pump integration. That's the eversense cgm and twist pump. Sequel said its full launch with Eversense 365 makes twiist available with two compatible CGMs. twiist also pairs with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. Eversense 365, an implantable system, rests under the skin for the duration of a year. Users can change its external, silicone-based adhesive daily with almost no skin reactions. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/sequel-senseonics-full-launch-twiist-eversense/ XX Right back with a Dexcom update, and a look at which type of diet reduces insulin use overall.. right after this: -- Back to the news.. Dexcom is watching for expanded Medicare coverage of its continuous glucose monitors to people with Type 2 diabetes who don't take insulin. CEO Jake Leach told investors on Thursday that the company has been "sitting here waiting for a coverage decision" from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dexcom started to see commercial coverage unlock for Type 2, non-insulin users toward the end of last year, Leach said. He expects broader Medicare coverage for that group would allow nearly 12 million people to access CGMs.     In the meantime, the American Diabetes Association updated its guidelines last year to recommend clinicians consider using CGMs for Type 2 diabetes when patients are taking glucose-lowering medications other than insulin. Leach said that real world data the company has been generating supports that decision, and that Dexcom has launched a registry for non-insulin users. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-seeks-expanded-medicare-coverage-of-cgms-for-type-2-diabetes/812223/ XX Medtronic's separation of MiniMed is not yet complete.. but continues to move forward. The company has submitted their next pump – MiniMed Flex – to the FDA. This is a pump smaller than the 780G but uses the same reservoirs and infusion sets. It will also work with both the Simplera Sync and Instinct sensors. Medtronic also began a U.S. pivotal study for Vivera, its third-generation algorithm for automated insulin delivery. It also remains set to submit its MiniMed Fit patch pump system to the FDA by the coming fall. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/medtronic-submits-minimed-flex-fda-q3/ XX A study modelling how genes may influence a child's body mass index over time has found that BMI at age 10 and overall growth rate between ages one and 18 might be important factors, as the two are more likely linked to diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease in later life. Nearly 66,000 BMI measurements from around 6,300 children and adolescents aged one to 18 were analysed to understand the role of genes.     "Future research is needed to help identify the most effective ages to prevent obesity or poor growth for long-term benefit." https://www.ndtv.com/health/bmi-at-age-10-growth-rate-up-to-age-18-are-important-factors-for-diabetes-heart-disease-study-11125146 XX A low-fat vegan diet—without cutting calories or carbs—may help people with type 1 diabetes significantly reduce how much insulin they need. In a new analysis published in BMC Nutrition, participants following the plant-based plan lowered their daily insulin use by 28%, while those on a portion-controlled diet saw no meaningful change. Researchers say the reduced insulin requirement likely reflects improved insulin sensitivity. The original 2024 study reported additional benefits from the vegan diet. Participants lost an average of 11 pounds and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Cholesterol levels and kidney function also improved among those following the plant-based plan. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234212.htm XX Interesting little tidbit from the Winter Olympic Games.. the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was monitoring GLP drug use. An advisory group that makes recommendations about WADA's list of prohibited substances discussed the status of GLP-1 medications, and added semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) to its monitoring program That means patterns of use of these drugs will be tracked both in and out of competition.  The finding will be used to make recommendations about whether GLP-1 agonists should be added to the prohibited list, the spokesperson explained. While GLP-1 drug use is not currently prohibited, that could change before the next Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, he noted. https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/119770 XX That's it for in the news!

How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication.Communication in high-stakes moments isn't about saying more — it's about connecting better. For Jonathan Berek and Phil Polakoff, the most effective communicators don't rely on jargon or performance. They rely on empathy, listening, and stories that resonate.Both longtime Stanford Medicine leaders, Berek and Polakoff have spent their careers translating complex, emotional, and often urgent health issues for patients, colleagues, and the public. And they've learned that the message only lands when it's delivered at the right level, with the right intention. “Know your audience,” Berek says, describing the importance of “leveling” — communicating in language that meets people where they are, without talking down or over their heads.For both Berek and Polakoff, listening is the foundation. “The two most important skills in communication are empathy and listening,” Berek explains — not as soft skills, but as the core mechanics of trust. Polakoff agrees, pushing for directness and clarity: “I like a yes or a no. I don't like ambivalence or ambiguity.” And when it comes to being memorable, he's relentless about simplicity: “Think bold, start small.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berek and Polakoff join host Matt Abrahams to examine what great communicators actually do: prepare deeply, speak concisely, listen with intention, and use storytelling to bring others along. Because as Berek puts it, “People feel the emotion when they see a story,” and emotion — paired with clarity — is what turns information into impact.Episode Reference Links:Phil PolakoffJonathan BerekConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:49) - Raising Awareness For Women's Cancer (03:46) - Redefining Health Beyond Disease (05:08) - Why Storytelling is Essential (07:08) - What Makes a Story Memorable (08:45) - Advice for Better Communication (09:46) - Making Complex Ideas Accessible (10:34) - Speaking at Your Audience's Level (11:57) - Listening & Empathy (12:39) - Improving Communication with Improv (14:08) - Communication for Collective Change (16:47) - Mentorship & The Big Picture (17:58) - The Final Three Questions (21:48) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Tara Graff, DO, MS Guest: Surbhi Sidana, MD While BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy has changed the treatment landscape for patients with relapsed and refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma, access remains uneven outside academic centers. In this expert-led discussion, Dr. Brian McDonough, Dr. Surbhi Sidana, and Dr. Tara Graff explore real-world barriers to referral and delivery, evolving care models, and the multidisciplinary coordination required to extend CAR T therapy into community practice. Dr. Sidana is an Associate Professor of Medicine, and she leads the Myeloma CAR T and Immunotherapy program at Stanford Medicine. Dr. Graff is the Director of Clinical Research at Mission Cancer + Blood, and she serves on the National CAR T-Cell Advisory Board for Multiple Myeloma.

Here's a question for you that may at first seem trivial, but is actually profound: Why do our minds drift? If you have ever dabbled in mindfulness or meditation, you know this mind wandering has an almost gravitational pull. In fact, researchers now think we spend as much as 50 percent of our waking time in this state, which cognitive scientists have dubbed the brain's “default mode.”Today's guest is Vinod Menon. He's a giant in the field of cognitive science who played a central role in defining the brain “default mode network” back in 2003. In our conversation, he argues our tendency to daydream may be at the core of our self-identities, our creativity – and also many of our most troubling psychiatric disorders, from Alzheimer's to ADHD.Vinod Menon is Rachel L. and Walter F. Nichols, MD., Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science at Stanford Medicine, and an affiliate of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.Learn MoreMenon's "Stanford Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Laboratory"Stanford Medicine study identifies distinct brain organization patterns in women and men (Stanford Medicine, 2024)Children with autism have broad memory difficulties, Stanford Medicine-led study finds (Stanford Medicine, 2023)Interactions between attention-grabbing brain networks weak in ADHD (Stanford Medicine, 2015)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience. We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.edu Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Pam Simon, MSN, CPNP, CPON, Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (SAYAC), Palo Alto, CA and H. Irene Su, MD MSCE, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA Recorded on January 20, 2026 Pam Simon, MSN, CPNP, CPON Nurse Practitioner & Program Manager Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (SAYAC) Palo Alto, CA H. Irene Su, MD MSCE Professor Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship Director Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Co-Director, Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Innovations Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Director, Moores Cancer Center Leadership Academy University of California San Diego San Diego, CA In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Irene Su, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UC San Diego, and Pam Simon, Nurse Practitioner and Program Manager of the Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Stanford Medicine. They discuss fertility risk across treatment types, approaches to fertility preservation and reproductive survivorship planning, insurance and access considerations, and the cultural and sociodemographic factors that shape care. They also share strategies to support shared decision-making and promote psychosocial well being for AYA patients and survivors. Tune in for practical insights to strengthen your approach to fertility care for AYAs. Mentioned on this episode: OncofertilityRisk.com The Alliance for Fertility Preservation Additional Blood Cancer United Resources: Blood Cancer United Accredited and Non-Accredited Healthcare Professional Education Blood Cancer United Resources for Patients

HEALTH NEWS   Can exercise turn back the clock on your brain? New study says yes Why leaving things unfinished messes with your mind Short-term, calorie-restrictive diet improves Crohn's disease symptoms Higher daylight exposure improves cognitive performance, study finds Breastfeeding may lower mums' later life depression/anxiety risks for up to 10 years after pregnancy     Can exercise turn back the clock on your brain? New study says yes AdventHealth Research Institute, January 13 2026 (Eurekalert) A simple, steady exercise routine may help your brain stay biologically younger, supporting clearer thinking, stronger memory, and a greater sense of whole-person well-being.   The study found that adults who followed a year-long aerobic exercise program had brains that appeared nearly a year “younger” than those who didn't change their activity levels.   Published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, the study explored whether regular aerobic exercise could slow, or even reverse “brain age,” a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based biomarker of how old your brain looks compared to your actual age. A higher brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD), indicates an older-appearing brain and has been linked to poorer physical and cognitive function and increased risk of mortality in previous research.  In this clinical trial, 130 healthy adults aged 26–58 were randomly assigned to either a moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise group or a usual-care control group. The exercise group completed two supervised 60-minute sessions per week in a laboratory plus home-based exercise to reach about 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, aligning with the American College of Sports Medicine's physical activity guidelines. Brain MRI and cardiorespiratory fitness, measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), were assessed at the beginning and end of the 12-month period.  Over 12 months, participants in the exercise group showed a measurable reduction in brain age, while the control group showed a slight increase. On average, the exercise group's brain-PAD decreased by about 0.6 years, indicating a younger-appearing brain at follow-up. In contrast, the control group's brains appeared about 0.35 years older, a change that was not statistically significant. Overall, the between-group difference in brain age was nearly one year, favoring the exercise group.     Why leaving things unfinished messes with your mind Yale University, January 12 2026 (Medical Xpress) In a new study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Yale professor of psychology Brian Scholl and lab members explored why humans so badly want to finish what we've started—in matters great and small. It turns out the brain just doesn't like dangling threads. The researchers had a hunch that visual clues could help explain the lure of the unfinished. Why is this state of leaving things undone so salient to us? It's an interesting quirk of human nature that science has not previously addressed. Unfinishedness has been found to decrease work satisfaction, impair sleep, and fuel ruminative thinking patterns. The researchers turned to the visual system. When we see unfinished events, are they somehow prioritized in memory?" To test their hunch that visual memory plays a role in making unfinishedness feel so sticky, the researchers ran four experiments involving a total of 120 participants who viewed computer animations of simple mazes populated by moving dots or lines. In several experiments, it seemed that the brain is wired to notice and remember incomplete things better than finished ones. The findings suggest that "unfinishedness" isn't just about motivation or satisfaction. It's built into the way people see and remember the world.   Short-term, calorie-restrictive diet improves Crohn's disease symptoms     Stanford University, January 13 2026 (News-Medical)   There have been few large studies of dietary interventions for IBD, a group of disorders that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Now a Stanford Medicine-led study finds a short-term, calorie-restrictive diet significantly improved symptoms. Their national, randomized controlled clinical trial found that a short-term, calorie-restrictive diet significantly improved both physical symptoms and biological indicators of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. A chronic condition affecting about a million Americans, Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms of diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and weight loss. Steroids are the only approved therapeutic for mild Crohn's, but their use is limited due to significant side effects, particularly with long-term use. The study compared the symptoms and biological indicators of patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease as they either followed a fasting mimicking diet or ate their normal diet for three consecutive months. The study enrolled 97 patients across the country, with 65 in the fasting mimicking group and 32 in the control group. Participants in the fasting mimicking group severely limited their calories for five consecutive days per month, eating between about 700 and 1,100 calories a day. Plant-based meals were provided during the fasting period. For the remainder of the month, the fasting mimicking group ate their normal diet. At the end of the study, two-thirds of the fasting mimicking group experienced improvement in their symptoms. The researchers found a significant decline in fecal calprotectin, a protein in the stool that indicates gut inflammation, in the fasting mimicking group compared with the control group. Some inflammation-promoting lipid mediators derived from fatty acids also declined in fasting mimicking group participants. Similarly, the immune cells of fasting mimicking group participants produced fewer of several types of inflammatory molecules.   Higher daylight exposure improves cognitive performance, study finds University of Manchester (UK), January 12 2026 (Medical Xpress) A real world study led by University of Manchester neuroscientists has shown that higher daytime light exposure positively influences different aspects of cognition. The first study of its kind showed that stable light exposure across a week and uninterrupted exposure during a day had similar effects. Participants in the study experienced improved subjective sleepiness, the ability to maintain focused attention and 7-10% faster reaction speeds under bright light when compared to recent dim conditions. Compared with their peers who went to bed later, participants with earlier bedtimes tended to be both more reliably wakeful under bright morning light and sleepy under dimmer evening light. Being exposed to bright, stable daytime light was linked to enhanced and more sustained attention in a visual search task in which participants were asked to find a specific target on a page. Higher daytime light exposure and fewer switches between light and dark were linked to improved cognitive performance. And higher daytime light exposure and earlier estimated bedtimes were also associated with stronger relationships between recent light exposure and subjective sleepiness. However, neither the time of day nor time awake significantly impacted cognitive performance; the effect of light was stronger than the effect of time of day.   Breastfeeding may lower mums' later life depression/anxiety risks for up to 10 years after pregnancy University College Dublin (Ireland), January 8 2026 (Eurekalert)   Breastfeeding may lower mothers' later life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of a small observational study, published in the open access journal BMJ Open. The observed associations were apparent for any, exclusive, and cumulative (at least 12  months) breastfeeding, the study shows. The researchers tracked the breastfeeding behaviour and health of 168 second time mothers who were originally part of the ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study for 10 years.   At the check-ups, the mothers provided information on: whether they had ever breastfed or expressed milk for 1 day or more; total number of weeks of exclusive breastfeeding; total number of weeks of any breastfeeding; and cumulative periods of breastfeeding of less or more than 12 months.   The study concludes there may be a protective effect of successful breastfeeding on postpartum depression and anxiety, which in turn lowers the risk of maternal depression and anxiety in the longer term.

When neuroscientist Madeline Lancaster was a brand new postdoc, she accidentally used an expired protein gel in a lab experiment and noticed something weird. The stem cells she was trying to grow in a dish were self-assembling. The result? Madeline was the first person ever to grow what she called a “cerebral organoid,” a tiny, 3D version of a human brain the size of a peppercorn.In about a decade, these mini human brain balls were everywhere. They were revealing bombshell secrets about how our brains develop in the womb, helping treat advanced cancer patients, being implanted into animals, even playing the video game Pong. But what are they? Are these brain balls capable of sensing, feeling, learning, being? Are they tiny, trapped humans? And if they were, how would we know?Special thanks to Lynn Levy, Jason Yamada-Hanff, David Fajgenbaum, Andrew Verstein, Anne Hamilton, Christopher Mason, Madeline Mason-Mariarty, the team at the Boston Museum of Science, and Howard Fine, Stefano Cirigliano, and the team at Weill-Cornell. EPISODE CREDITS: Reported by - Latif Nasserwith help from - Mona MadgavkarProduced by - Annie McEwen, Mona Madgavkar, and Pat Walterswith mixing help from - Jeremy BloomFact-checking by - Natalie Middleton and Rebecca Randand Edited by  - Alex Neason and Pat WaltersEPISODE CITATIONS:Videos - “Growing Mini Brains to Discover What Makes Us Human,” Madeline Lancaster's TEDxCERN Talk, Nov 2015 (https://zpr.io/6WP7xfA27auR)Brain cells playing Pong (https://zpr.io/pqgSqguJeAPK)Reuters report on CL1 computer launch in March 2025 (https://zpr.io/cdMf8Yjvayyd) Articles - Madeline Lancaster: The accidental organoid – mini-brains as models for human brain development (https://zpr.io/nnwFwUwnm2p6), MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology What We Can Learn From Brain Organoids (https://zpr.io/frUfsg4pxKsb), by Carl Zimmer. NYT, November 6, 2025Ethical Issues Related to Brain Organoid Research (https://zpr.io/qyiATHEhdnSa), by Insoo Hyun et al, Brain Research, 2020 Brain organoids get cancer, too, opening a new frontier in personalized medicine (https://zpr.io/nqMCQ) STAT Profile of Howard Fine and his lab's glioblastoma research at Weill Cornell Medical Center: By re-creating neural pathway in dish, Stanford Medicine research may speed pain treatment (https://zpr.io/UnegZeQZfqn2) Stanford Medicine profile of Sergiu Pasca's research on pain in organoids A brief history of organoids (https://zpr.io/waSbUCSrL9va) by Corrò et al, American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology, Books - Carl Zimmer Life's Edge: The Search for What it Means to be Alive (https://carlzimmer.com/books/lifes-edge/)Sign up for our newsletter!! It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Signup (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.Leadership support for Radiolab's science programming is provided by the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Pablo Tallón entrevista a Ángel Alberich-Bayarri, ingeniero biomédico experto en análisis avanzado de imágenes médicas usando inteligencia artificial y cofundador de la compañía QUIBIM. Investigadores de Stanford Medicine han presentado SleepFM, un sistema de inteligencia artificial capaz de estimar el riesgo de más de un centenar de patologías —desde cánceres y dolencias neurológicas hasta problemas cardiovasculares o complicaciones del embarazo— utilizando únicamente datos fisiológicos recogidos durante el descanso nocturno.

Teenagers are turning to AI chatbots seeking mental health support. But new research has found that can put them in harm's way. The Wall Street Journal's Georgia Wells unpacks a new report from Common Sense Media and Stanford Medicine's Brainstorm Lab for Mental Health Innovation. Plus: WSJ reporter Katie Bindley explores how small businesses are using—and benefiting from—generative AI. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re probably heard the term “microplastics.” And you’ve probably also heard that they’re bad for you. A write up from Stanford Medicine says, quote, “they’re in the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the air we breathe.” But what exactly are they? A local doctor is helping us understand what exactly these particals are, and how or if we should avoid them. GUEST: Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a professor of pediatrics and adjunct professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington and the Seattle Children's Research Institute RELATED LINKS: Microplastics and our health: What the science says - Stanford Medicine Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine what it's like to lose your ability to speak. You know what you want to say, but the connection between your brain and the muscles that form words is no longer functioning. For people with conditions like ALS, or who experience a severe stroke, this is a devastating reality. Today's guest is Erin Kunz, a postdoctoral researcher in the Neural Prosthetics Translational Laboratory at Stanford, who is part of a global community of scientists working towards the vision of a brain–computer interface — or BCI — to bypass those broken circuits and restore the ability to speak to people with paralysis.We discuss how these BCIs work and the inspiring progress the tech has made in recent years, as well as the troubling question of whether a technology designed to decode what people intend to say from their brain activity could one day read out thoughts they never intended to communicate?Learn MoreStudy of promising speech-enabling interface offers hope for restoring communication (Stanford Medicine, 2025)For Some Patients, the ‘Inner Voice' May Soon Be Audible (The New York Times, 2025)These brain implants speak your mind — even when you don't want to (NPR, 2025)A mind-reading brain implant that comes with password protection(Nature, 2025)How neural prosthetics could free minds trapped by brain injury(From Our Neurons to Yours, 2024)Brain implants, software guide speech-disabled person's intended words to computer screen (Stanford Medicine, 2023)Software turns ‘mental handwriting' into on-screen words, sentences (Stanford Medicine, 2021)Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience. We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.edu Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, Amber Borucki, MD from Stanford Medicine, joins Host Sudheer Potru, DO, FASA, FASAM, and Co-Host Zafeer Baber, MD, to discuss acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood. They focus on a significant Swedish study that dispels myths about acetaminophen's links to autism, reinforcing its safety and effectiveness. Dr. Borucki highlights its role in pain management for expectant mothers and children, while the hosts discuss alternatives to opioids, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and stress the importance of consulting healthcare providers for proper dosing and guidance.About the GuestDr. Amber Borucki is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist focused on chronic pain management in children and young adults, particularly after surgery or due to chronic conditions. She earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed her residency at the University of Chicago. Dr. Borucki also underwent fellowships in pediatric anesthesiology and adult/pediatric pain medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham Women's Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. After a year of private practice in Reno, Nevada, she spent five years at UCSF as a pediatric anesthesiologist and the Director of the Pediatric Anesthesia Service at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.   

Cancer drugs cost more than ever, yet survival benefits are often modest—and in some cases, patients can't even access the care that already exists. After losing his father, Steve Jobs, to pancreatic cancer, Reed Jobs committed himself to making this the last generation that loses parents to the disease.Reed now leads Yosemite, a venture fund spun out of Emerson Collective in 2023, alongside Investor Matt Bettonville. Yosemite pairs life sciences and digital health investments with a grantmaking model to accelerate cancer research and ensure breakthroughs actually reach patients.We cover:

In this episode, Charlette Stallworth, MBA, Vice President of Business Development and Innovation at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, discusses how her team leverages AI, fosters partnerships, and balances digital innovation with patient-centered care and governance to advance the organization's mission.

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss the concerns associated with the use of AI by children. Read the articles from Stanford Medicine here and from Futurism here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Become a patron and support our work at http://www.Patreon.com/thementalbreakdown. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

Imagine if you couldn't distinguish between dreams and reality. If you couldn't tell whether what you were seeing or hearing was really there in front of you. What if you discovered you couldn't trust your own perceptions? Psychosis is something three out of every a hundred people will experience at some point in their lifetimes. But what exactly is it, and is it something people can learn to live with?Today we're fortunate to have on the show Dr. Jacob Ballon, the founding co-director of Stanford Medicine's Inspire Clinic, and Shannon Pagdon, a doctoral student, peer counselor, and advocate for those living with psychosis.Learn More:Learn about the Inspire 360 Program at Stanford MedicineExplore Pagdon's Psychosis Outside the Box project and additional stories of the lived experience of psychosis from the Hearing Voices NetworkRead: "Psychosis 101: Unmasking one of the brain's most mysterious Malfunctions" (Stanford Medicine, 2024)Watch: "Demystifying Psychosis" (Stanford Medicine, 2024)Read: "Two key brain systems are central to psychosis, Stanford Medicine-led study finds" (Stanford Medicine, 2024)Watch: "Schizophrenia: Early signs and treatment options" (Stanford Center for Health Education, 2022)We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.eduSend us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience. Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Kaiser Permanente will stop providing gender-affirming surgeries for patients under the age of 19, as a result of President Trump's executive order targeting health centers that provide care for transgender youth. Providers across the nation have been scaling back on gender-affirming care, including Stanford Medicine and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, but Kaiser's decision has shocked many providers and patients in the Bay Area. We talk with nurses, advocates, patients and specialists about what it means for them and the future of healthcare for gender-nonconforming minors. Guests: Michelle Jurkiewicz, licensed clinical psychologist and gender specialist Sydney Simpson, nurse, Kaiser Permanente S. Baum, correspondent, "Erin in the Morning" newsletter by Erin Reed Rhaetia Hanscum, teacher and member of the Bay Area Rainbow Families Action Group Will Lohf, San Francisco public high school student and activist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newt talks with Dr. Nolan Williams, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and co-author of the Stanford Medicine study, “Magnesium-ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries.” Stanford Medicine researchers have discovered that ibogaine, a plant-based psychoactive drug, combined with magnesium, can safely and effectively reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression, while improving functioning in veterans with traumatic brain injury. Published in Nature Medicine, the study included detailed data on 30 U.S. Special Forces veterans who underwent supervised ibogaine treatments. One-month post-treatment, participants showed average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms, and 81% in anxiety symptoms, alongside cognitive improvements. Dr. Williams discusses the potential of ibogaine for neural repair and addiction treatment, highlighting its ability to reestablish critical periods of brain plasticity and unbiased choice in addiction recovery. Despite cardiac risks, mitigated by magnesium, ibogaine offers promising results, with ongoing efforts to gain FDA approval and integrate it into veteran healthcare. The study suggests ibogaine could revolutionize treatment for PTSD, addiction, and traumatic brain injury, offering long-lasting benefits from a single dose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.