Finding Genius Podcast

Could procrastination play a starring role in anxiety and depression? For David Parker, it definitely did. Tune in to learn how he overcame it, and discover: Why making a to-do list might not be the best way to tackle procrastination What types of procrastination exist and why they exist How tiny accomplishments for David Parker paved the way for an immeasurably improved life Procrastination, anxiety, and depression can form a vicious loop; we feel anxious about getting something done, so we push it off and avoid it, only to feel more anxious and even depressed about having procrastinated in the first place. When putting a line through even one task on the longest, most concise to-do list feels impossible, it may be a sign that we’ve taken the wrong approach. Since childhood, David Parker suffered from severe anxiety and depression, and found no relief in multiple psychotherapists and antidepressants. Day after day, the strongest allure was anything and everything that cou...

In 1966, a random genetic mutation led to the birth of Prune, a hairless kitten that would ultimately lead to birth of many, many more of its kind. Tune in for a unique episode on Sphynx cats, and discover: What to know about the fatal heart disease called HCM, why Sphynx cats are particularly prone to developing it, and how to screen and/or test for it Why a higher metabolism can actually be connected to higher rates of obesity in Sphynx cats Whether a Sphynx cat is actually a hypoallergenic solution for those with a cat allergy Common and quirky behaviors of Sphynx cats Many would say that the certified veterinary technician (CVT) is the veterinary equivalent of the registered nurse (RN); both are tasked with the majority of hands-on patient care, both need good bedside manner, and both can offer insights that a doctor might not. Since 2013, Kelsey Nightingale, CVT has fulfilled just that role in small animal general practice. She’s also an excellent source on all things Sph...

Diyar Talbayev, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the Tulane School of Science and Engineering and an experienced condensed matter physicist. His current research involves the optical and electronic properties of complex materials. He has a keen interest in high-speed spectroscopy as well as solid state physics. Click on play to learn: How an electron is probed for research purposes. What role laser pulses play in the study of electrons. How the uncertainty principle affects current research on light interaction with matter. Research in the Femtosecond & Terahertz Spectroscopy Laboratory focuses on observing and identifying activities inside electrons. The studies encompass magnetism, electricity, insulators, and super conductivity, and possible uses in semi-conductor chips and magnet materials for the purpose of data storage. Researchers are gathering data on laser-pulse experiments to determine effects of electron behaviors. As light interacts with matter, it changes in ...

Why has the spectrum of bipolar disorder symptoms been separated for so long? With a new understanding of the reciprocity of manic and depressive episodes, treatments can be honed to better help patients. Listen in to learn: When the medical world realized manic depression was not one-sided Which drugs can benefit bipolar mood disorders How whole grains and olive oil may be beneficial Chris Aiken, M.D., the Director at the Mood Treatment Center, shares his work helping advance the world of bipolar disorder research to help patients find a state of normality. Bipolar disorder has long been misunderstood by researchers and physicians, leading to ineffective treatment and a misunderstanding between patients and therapists. However, through a combination of refined therapy and a more comprehensive understanding, patients can find a method of treatment that works for them. While there are plenty of pharmaceutical solutions for mood disorders, there are many holistic alternatives as ...

What causes inflammation in the brain, and how can this affect us as we age? Astrocytes found in the brain may be the key to unlock a better understanding. Press play to learn: Where astrocytes are located in the body How inflammation can cause issues in human bodies as we age The smallest cells astrocytes can be found in Soraya Vallés Marti, a Physiology Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Valencia, Spain, shares her research surrounding astrocytes and the negative impact of inflammation in the body. It has been known that inflammation is a damaging and potentially dangerous state of the tissue in the body. However, it has recently been thought to cause much more damage than initially thought by researchers. While some inflammation in the body can be a sign of healing, chronic and widespread inflammation has been thought to cause neurodegenerative diseases and other complications as sufferers age. While many aspects remain a mystery, studying astrocytes...

Seth Dillon had no idea that inquiring about becoming an investor in The Babylon Bee would result in his becoming CEO of the organization that is considered a conservative news satire website. After three years in that role, Dillion shares his thoughts about the ongoing success of The Babylon Bee and future endeavors. Click on play to learn: How satire works. What misconceptions are associated with the Babylon Bee. What impact the Babylon Bee has had in the past year. The Babylon Bee has the look and feel of a traditional news publication. Some media outlets recognize that content on The Babylon Bee is satire. However, the satire is so good, it is sometimes mistaken for fact and passed along as such by unsuspecting readers. According to Dillon, the plausibility of the satire means there is some truth there. In spite of being targeted by social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, popularity of The Babylon Bee continues to grow. New services inclu...

Dr. Steven Hayes, a Foundation Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, has researched language and cognition and is best known for his theories on acceptance, mindfulness, and values. His life’s work has focused on behavioral analysis, the nature of human language, and how these apply to the understanding and lessening of human suffering. Dr. Hayes has developed multiple tools that address psychological problems and solutions. Click on play to learn: How mindfulness, acceptance, and values can improve mental health. How acceptance and commitment therapy support being cognitively and emotionally flexible. What six skills lead to psychological flexibility in dealing with painful thoughts. As someone who has suffered from a panic disorder, Dr. Hayes understands how disabling the condition can become. It took a 40-year journey to learn how to carry the pain of his past. He was able to find a way forward and learned from his experience to become a respe...

How can the body be better prepared to fight cancer? By combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other therapeutic techniques, various beneficial effects can be found. Listen up to learn: Why early cancer cells are more challenging for the body to detect What therapies can kill cancer cells with the fewest mutations How the mutational burden affects treatment efficacy Dr. Joanne Lysaght, an Associate Professor, and the Immunotherapy Group Lead at Trinity College, shares her most recent work with cancer immunology and immunotherapy . Internal factors broadly impact the body's response to tumors determined by where in the body they are and how the tumor micro-environment presents. Therefore, in combination with other regimented treatments, immunotherapies have been found to be especially effective.  Since the tumor microenvironment is critical to treatment, more research is needed to find a broader method. However, with a concentrated effort on new techniques, the per...

What insight can be gained about humans by examining animals first? If groups of animals are vulnerable to specific factors, chances are, humans may be too. Press play to learn: What increased vulnerability in animals can tell us about humans If animals share behaviors with humans  How other species may be susceptible to breast cancer Barbara Natterson Horowitz, a cardiologist and evolutionary biologist at Harvard Medical School, shares her work examining the natural world and gaining insights into the human experience. Attempting to understand human health without examining that of animals and the planet tends to be relatively ineffective. However, by reviewing how disease and other processes emerge in other species, more can be learned about human vulnerability and how some negatives can be avoided.  By looking for other species that contain unique biology, there may be solutions to problems humans have been unable to solve. In the future, searching for plausible h...

Overeating. Drinking alcohol. Watching mindless TV. Gambling. These are just a few of the ways in which people avoid troubling and painful emotions. As soon as we feel them creeping up, we tend to distract ourselves. It might feel good in the short-term, but what are the long-term costs? Tune in to discover: The difference between immediate and earlier antecedents, and how identifying them can help treat addictions The role of prior trauma and anxiety in substance abuse and behavioral addictions How quickly behavioral changes can follow from new insights and realizations about triggers Whether psychedelic-assisted therapies hold promise for addiction treatment Nicole Cross, PhD is an associate psychologist with Cognitive Behavior Therapy Associates of Denver, where she focuses on helping people who struggle with substance and behavioral addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), p...

Why has so much misinformation spread surrounding endometriosis? While initially thought to be simply the cause of painful periods, the picture has become more transparent than ever before. Press play to learn: Where endometriosis may appear The average time it takes to get a proper endometriosis diagnosis Alternative options to surgery  Heather C. Guidone, BCPA and Surgical Program Director at the Center for Endometriosis Care, shares her work helping people find solutions that work with their endometriosis and educating researchers in the field. For years, the information surrounding endometriosis has been cloudy at best, and victims have struggled to find validation. Unfortunately, the thought to be cures of the past may have had very little efficacy in treating the condition. While endometriosis has various effects based upon the sufferer, there is also a range of solutions and treatments becoming available to patients. However, it is essential to find a specialized pro...

In 1995, a research group at Lund University led by Professor Catharina Svanborg discovered a component in human breast milk that kills tumor cells without harming healthy, mature cells. Additional studies and experiments determined that a common protein in human milk known as alpha-lactalbumin is responsible for this effect when bound with oleic acid. The new biological complex is called Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to tumor cells, also known as HAMLET. Click on play to learn: How HAMLET was discovered. What side effects were identified in the HAMLET treatment of bladder cancer. What other kinds of cancer can be treated with HAMLET. Initial findings showed that HAMLET killed numerous types of cancers using harmless molecules from breast milk. It was confirmed to be safe in proof-of-concept studies in animals. A clinical trial with bladder cancer patients used breast milk. Patients responded very quickly with no apparent side effects. They rapidly shed large numbers of ...

How can conditions be corrected in a child before they are even born? Fetal gene therapy may hold the key. Listen in to learn: How fetal surgery was introduced How fetal genetic editing can be introduced Where the genetic material can be introduced William H. Peranteau, MD, is an attending surgeon in the Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Today he stops by to share his hope for the future of surgical possibilities for fetuses. While the possibilities for fetal surgery have been speculated for decades, fetal genetic engineering is the bleeding edge of new techniques. By proving its efficacy to the FDA and the medical community at large, editing genetics may bring a wave of hope similar to the ability to operate in utero. Though the technique is most effective if introduced as young as possible, the younger the patient is, the more complex the editing is. In the future, the hope is that procedures become more acces...

New findings in the understanding of tumor cell resistance to therapies—a main contributing factor to tumor recurrence —are being discovered and analyzed. Tune in to learn: How cancer cells develop resistance to certain drugs Whether tumor cells coordinate action amongst themselves and act as one entity Why a drug that initially has excellent clinical responses ultimately fails to prevent tumor recurrence  How tumor cells change within a matter of hours following targeted therapy In the Marusyk Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center, Andriy Marusyk, PhD is studying how cancer develops resistance to targeted therapies, with the aim of better understanding how tumors change over time and evolve in response to therapy-induced pressures. Equipped with this knowledge, Marusyk believes we’ll be that much closer to knowing how to obtain better treatment outcomes. He explains the design of his experimental system and shares some early research findings. “We’ve found that we cannot explain...

Diffusion Pharmaceuticals is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that is currently developing novel therapies that enhance the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to areas where the need is greatest. In 2021, Diffusion reported successful test results for human safety and tolerance from a Phase 1b trial for trans sodium crocetinate (TCS), Diffusion Pharmaceuticals’ lead therapy. Click on play to learn: How TCS enhances the diffusion process. What clinical trials for cellular oxygen deficiency are in the pipeline at Diffusion Pharmaceuticals. What the next steps are for current clinical studies and drug development. Dr. Robert Cobuzzi, Jr., an accomplished life sciences professional, is President, CEO, and Board Member at Diffusion Pharmaceuticals as of September 2020. He has more than 25 years of experience in cross-functional leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. TSC is Diffusion’s lead drug candidate and recently completed a Phase 1b study...

How have researchers been viewing obesity incorrectly for years? Many forms of obesity may actually be driven by biochemical pathways going awry. Listen up to learn: How hypothalamic damage affects the body Why some individuals may resist insulin signals What a healthy diet really looks like Robert H. Lustig, M.D., is a Professor of Pediatrics and joins the discussion to share his research on various schools of thought surrounding obesity and diabetes . Many folks suffering from obesity and diabetes have received the same treatment and explanations from medical professionals for years. However, gluttony and sloth may not be the complete picture when it comes to individuals who struggle with health and weight. In truth, many of the patients viewed and studied have other root causes within their bodies that may explain their prolonged struggle. However, by following diets laid out over extensive research, there has been a marked shift in the success of many patients. If you...

How can studying the vocal abilities of animals lend insight into their world? By studying acoustic patterns and cognition, a new understanding of how various animals can be gained. Press play to learn: What animal has the largest brain to body ratio other than humans How dolphins communicate to hunt The impact of studying animal communication Diana Reiss, Ph.D. Professor and Director of the Animal Behavior & Conservation MA & Certificate Programs, stops in to share her work studying the capacity of various species to communicate with one another and what it may indicate. Many people know of the ability of parrots to mimic words and dolphins' ability to echolocate. However, the vast majority do not understand the miraculous cognitive complexity needed to facilitate this ability in animals across the animal kingdom. By attempting to understand how and why animals communicate or feel the need to mimic, humans can better understand how these species operate on a dail...

As a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D. has established an environment that challenges researchers and facilitates cancer research. She is an expert on melanoma metastasis, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the effects of aging on melanoma metastasis. Dr. Weeraratna also serves as president of The Society of Melanoma Research. Click on play to learn: What happens to healthy cells that are surrounded by cancer cells. How age-related changes at the molecular level may affect tumor cells. How cells are affected if they are a localized cancer versus a metastatic niche. The Weeraratna lab is known for cancer biology research and is currently studying the molecular mechanisms that lead to metastatic progression and therapy resistance. Dr. Weeraratna has conducted research on the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways to determine what causes cells to become more aggressive and de...

From a tiny, rented house in Copán Ruinas, Honduras, Emily Monroe began to implement her dream of providing daycare, child protection, and education to at-risk children. With few resources, much hope, many ideas, and the help of friends, the dream of helping children stay with their families has become reality. Casita Copán, a community-based organization in Copán, Honduras provides economic opportunities and social assistance to single mothers and their children. Click on play to learn: Why children are at risk of abandonment in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. How family style homes provide temporary foster care at Casita Copá What assistance is available through the Mercadito program to help women start a business. There are few opportunities to find employment for single mothers in small rural towns in Honduras to earn enough money to support their children. Emily Moore saw a need for gainful employment when she visited Honduras more than 10 years ago and began to think about what sh...

Dr. Vanessa LoBue has a keen interest in emotional development, and the effects of emotion and experience on perception and learning. She is the Lab Director at the Child Study Center at Rutgers University that conducts studies on the emotional, cognitive, and perceptual development of infants and children. In a current study, Dr. LoBue has been following a group of children from the age of four months to their current ages of three years old. The goal is to follow the same group of children as they continue to grow and develop. Click on play to learn: What is currently known about perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that may shape behavior. How an infant’s temperament may influence their sensitivity to emotions around them. What are the discoveries on the subject of children’s avoidance responses. Ongoing research at the Child Study Center explores the behavioral responses to negative or threatening stimuli. Dr. LoBue has been working on studies that focus on infants and their ...

How can learning about your dog's DNA help keep them in better health? By pinpointing specific markers for possible disorders or diseases, preemptive medical attention can be given as needed. Listen up to learn: How canine DNA matches up with that of humans What differentiates breeds of dogs The percentage of dogs that die of cancer Adam Boyko, the co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Embark Veterinary & Associate Professor at Cornell University, shares his work with genomic data to improve dogs' health. By studying the canine DNA sequence and applying techniques previously used for recording human DNA data, many points of information can be gained. From coat type to possible diseases, the more the genome is explored, the better we can understand our furry friends. Using similar techniques to the 23andMe model, previously mysterious portions of the dog genome can be demystified and studied. Complicated genomic points of information often cause complex diseases ...

If diabetes were a country, it would be the third largest country in the world.That’s right—there are about 463 million people globally who have diabetes, and only a very small percentage of those people are actually successfully treated and not impacted by comorbidities. When examining this problem, are we considering all contributing factors? Tune in to learn: ·        What ‘social vulnerability’ means in the context of health and other inequalities ·        How diabetes is negatively impacting healthcare systems on a global scale ·        How technologies like AI can aid in the understanding of complex biological, social, geographical, and cultural factors impacting health and equality around the world David Napier is a professor of medical anthropology at University College London, where he also serves as the director of the Center for Applied Global Citizensh...

Professor Ghil’ad Zuckerman believes that languages are the building blocks of community identity and authority. In an effort to civilize the aboriginal people in Australia, their language was taken away from them in the 1900s resulting in linguicide (language killing) and glottophagy (language eating). In recent years, the concept of language reclamation has become a popular theory as people seek to uncover their roots and reclaim their cultural autonomy. Click on play to learn: What it takes to revive a language in general. What reasons support the investment of time and money for language revival. What are ‘sleeping beauty’ languages. Professor Zuckermann is the founder of Revivalistics, a global, trans-disciplinary field of enquiry surrounding language reclamation, revitalization, and reinvigoration. He believes that the loss of a language is more damaging for indigenous peoples than the loss of their land. While compensation may be given for lost land, there is no compensat...

How does adrenaline leftover in the body affect more than just the fight or flight response? Excess adrenaline may actually be the root cause of many ailments suffered daily by many people. Press pleat to learn: How cortisol and adrenaline interact Why adrenaline peaks at 2:30 am How progesterone can benefit wellness Dr. Michael E. Platt, the Author of Adrenaline Dominance, shares his research into the problems caused by the body holding excess adrenaline. From weight gain to the common headache, adrenaline may be the underlying cause not previously considered. By considering adrenaline as equally powerful as other hormones in daily life, adrenaline can be used to tweak the body's chemistry to live a more comfortable lifestyle. Since adrenaline may be the only cause of anxiety, controlling its levels within the body may be a boon to mental health. The key to living a happy and healthy life , in general, may be limiting adrenaline and maintaining an even level from day to...

What can be learned about all cancer by studying rare cancer? Since they make up a large portion of total cancers when combined, valuable insight can be gained. Press play to learn: Why rare cancers have a worse prognosis How driver mutations affect cancer How researchers determine which mutations to treat  Holly Barker, Ph.D., a Stafford Fox Centenary Fellow of Rare Cancer Biology and Genomics, stops by to share her work researching rare forms of cancer. While rare cancers only make up around one-fifth of all diagnosed cancer cases, they account for around one-third of cancer deaths. Moreover, due to misdiagnosis or lack of appropriate treatment, they tend to be much more dangerous than other forms. Treating specific mutations within the cancer genome can be more targeted and, therefore, more effective. In addition, when sequencing the genome, insights on precisely how to treat specific cancer a patient suffers from can be pinpointed. To learn more, visit wehi.edu.au/re...

Dr. Arwen Podesta is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in New Orleans. Her practice includes adult psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry, and integrative and holistic medicine. She collaborates with patients to help them decrease anxiety, improve mood and sleep, and move from misery to wellness with dignity. Dr. Podesta is a renowned speaker who lectures at conferences on the topics of mental health , addiction medicine, and integrative psychiatry. Click on play to learn: How integrative mental health therapies treat mental health issues. How genetics may play a role in addiction and anxiety. What new therapies are in the pipeline for treating anxiety and addiction. When treating drug addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues , Dr. Podesta and her staff at Podesta Wellness use multiple tools, treatments, and methods that are specific to the needs of each patient. She begins with a clinical interview with a patient to identify a root c...

How can treatments for mental health issues and be reimagined to work more effectively for more people? By offering new solutions and strategies to individuals struggling with their mental health, breakthroughs provide hope to those who it was not previously available. Listen in to learn: How Netflix can give hints on how to better optimize mental healthcare Which collected data may be most valuable How more intensive care can be given the same updates  Dr. Adam Chekroud, chief scientist and co-founder of Spring Health, discusses his work to combat the country's mental health epidemic and offers innovative new approaches to treatment. Mental health is an oft-overlooked aspect of health that can lead to many physical symptoms and struggles that can occupy an individual's day-to-day life. However, using new techniques like machine learning and algorithms to find patients increasingly optimized and personalized care, more targeted therapeutic approaches can be applied. Thr...

“Precancerous events are happening in everyone’s body every day,” says Sandy Bevacqua, explaining the importance of “fine-tuning” the immune system in order to promote tumor regression naturally, the way it was designed to happen. This is just one aspect of her approach to cancer. Tune in to discover: How cancer crosses barriers in the body during metastasis Why many people overcome one type of cancer only to develop another down the road (and what to do about it) The importance of undergoing testing to determine what a tumor is and isn’t sensitive to How to detox from chemotherapy Returning guest, Sandy Bevacqua, has a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, conducted scientific research in both university and government settings, and lectured around the world for decades. Her work has revolved primarily around melanoma due to its capacity for metastasis. Today, she discusses how cancer spreads throughout the body, what a cancer cell needs in order to thrive as opposed to w...

Michelle Seiler Tucker is a best-selling author who has been in business for more than twenty years. She is an authority on buying and selling, improving businesses, and developing revenue streams. Seiler Tucker co-authored Exit Rich: The 6P Method to Sell your Business for Huge Profit with finance expert Sharon Lechter that educates readers on how to increase revenue productivity and many other techniques for creating a prosperous business that will be attractive to buyers. Click on play to learn: How to objectively evaluate your business. How to use Seiler Tucker’s twofold approach to sell your business for maximum profit. How to improve your chances of finding the right buyer for your business. With more than 20 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, Seiler Tucker has been instrumental in the sale of hundreds of businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Seiler Tucker Incorporated and currently owns several other successful businesses. Seiler Tucker specializes in buyi...

How has the quantum revolution allowed researchers a new understanding of light? By examining the properties and behavior of light, discoveries like gravity waves can be found. Press play to learn: How quantum optics function Why pairs of photons are quantum correlated What the signal to noise ratio signifies Ryan T. Glasser, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Tulane EDU, School of Science & Engineering, stops by to share his work with quantum optics and discusses what this work may hold for the future. A higher-quality image can be gained by quantizing light in a specific way, allowing a more extended range for optics to be used effectively. By quantum correlating the pairs of photons, accurate measurements, even beyond lasers, can be created. By eliminating "noise" in calculations using quantum optics, the data collected from the experiment can be much more dependable. This is in part the quality of quantum optics that allowed a team of researchers to earn a Nobel...

Nathan Crane is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, cancer health researcher, and award-winning documentary film maker. With more than 15 years of experience in the health and wellness field, he shares his dynamic perspective on the connection between cancer and lifestyle focusing on the prevention and reversal of this deadly disease.  Click on play to learn: How processed foods, toxins, and chemicals may cause DNA breakdown. How DNA damage leads to cancer.  What natural therapies promote healthy healing. Mr. Crane’s search for a healthy lifestyle comes from a troubled childhood, mental and emotional trauma, drug addiction, house arrest, and homelessness. He has overcome past troubles and uses what he learned to move forward in a positive direction towards a healthy lifestyle. His research has focused on the link between cancer and the immune system. Nathan has extensively studied indigenous, energy, holistic, and naturopathic medicines in his quest for eradi...

“The ruling class and the people who put this all together are in trouble and they know it,” says Pamela Popper, president of Wellness Forum Health. She’s talking, of course, about the cv1-9 situation. Press play to discover: What a survey conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation showed about the percentage of Americans who are currently vaccinated Why protests don’t change anything, and what does Whether the cv1-9 situation will drive some states to secede from the Union How viewership of mainstream media is changing Popper shares the latest developments in the unfolding of the cv1-9 situation around the world, including a number of lawsuits in the U.S. regarding vaccines and mandates (lockdowns, masks, etc.). How were things different a year ago than they are today? What’s going on inside the minds of the majority of Americans regarding the cv1-9 situation? How are children being psychologically and intellectually affected by the current situation? What’s in store for the comi...

Many medical institutions only treat the patient when the industry at large is sick. By considering the techniques and practices that realistically work for people, there is hope to save the healthcare industry and treat how it helps people. Listen in to learn: How to change the user experience in the digital health industry Current issues in health portals How behavioral health holds the key to sustained improvement Omar Manejwala, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer of DarioHealth, discusses his work treating the issues in the healthcare industry and how new platforms can more effectively treat more people. Many solutions presented in the healthcare industry provide patients with only narrow solutions for specific problems. A more effective medical field can be reached by using a program that adapts to and enables the patients and users. By using direct consumer solutions, Dario finds new ways to engage its users and empower them to reach their health goals with more success an...

How can systems of life be analyzed to offer insights into human evolution ? By taking a broader approach to examination, a clearer picture materializes than ever before thought possible. Listen in to learn: How coevolution plays a part in the lifecycle of viruses What factors may be manipulated to alter the aging process How the microbiome relates to the phage-ome Eric Bapteste, a CNRS Research Director at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, shares his insight into viruses and how they evolved to target human cells. Since fitness is often regarded as an evolutionary success, the relationships and systems responsible for this fitness are overlooked. By taking a topographic search into these factors, hints can be gained into which interactions are specifically responsible for effective evolutionary biology . Due to the complexity and variability of the biome within a phage, it is challenging to nail down the specific processes and causes of certain phenomena. Thus, one of ...

Why are stage 4 cancer patients not much better off today than in 1930, despite the U.S. government spending $250 billion on cancer research? Why are we losing the antibiotics race against bacteria, with superbugs evolving in a matter of minutes? According to Perry Marshall, author of  Evolution 2.0 :  Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design,  “These problems stem from an inadequate understanding of evolution itself…A prime reason cancer treatments fail is that the tumor cells evolve at tremendous speed by some kind of self-governing process.” Even in the most popular, best-selling books on evolution, critical mechanisms of high-speed evolution are hardly discussed or skipped altogether. These include symbiogenesis, transposition, epigenetics, horizontal gene transfer, reverse transcription, and endosymbiogenesis. These mechanisms go far beyond neo-Darwinism, and should compel us to examine what needs to change about the way we think about cancer. Could this b...

What secrets about the world do various species of fungi hold? By using time-lapse technology, a never before available peek into the life of mushrooms can be seen. Listen up to learn: How mushrooms can be used worldwide The techniques used to best capture the details of mushrooms The problems faced when trying to find fungi Nature photographer Stephen Axford joins the podcast to discuss his work photographing fungi and using time-lapse techniques to explore mycology's more deeply detailed world. Mushrooms are often overlooked in their awe-inspiring beauty and complex communication networks. Yet, by examining their development and taking the time to view them, new insights can be gained, and a glimpse into their extended set of uses can be broken down. Mushrooms are the masters of symbiosis, and therefore can be a gateway to view many fantastic relationships and organisms with fungi as a part of their everyday existence. Moreover, since there are estimated to be around si...

David Getoff is a naturopath and nutritionist who is a renowned traditional naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, and author. He has spoken at a number of scientific medical, nutritional, and organic agriculture conferences and currently works with clients helping them address lifestyle illnesses and regain their health using holistic and nutritional methods. Click on play to learn: How poor diet leads to many of the major diseases. What protocols may prevent and treat cancer. What common household products cause cancer. Mr. Getoff is a highly qualified and popular speaker on preventing and holistically treating health issues such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. He is a Board-Certified Naturopath, a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, and elected member of the American College of Nutrition and the International College of Integrative Medicine. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Price Pottenger Nu...

Sarah James is a co-founder of Jacaranda Hill Farm, an award winning, off-grid, self-sustaining farm one hour from Perth in Western Australia. Ms. James juggles her carer in a technology and engineering consultancy whilst running a permaculture farm that uses agriculture technology along with renewable resources and services. The farm is open to visitors and campers which provides an opportunity to share the concepts of permaculture farming. Click on play to learn: How technology and nature work together on 108 acres. Why partnerships with neighbors and local business are important to the growth of Jacaranda Hill Farm. What future upgrades are in the works for the farm. Nestled on just over one hundred acres outside of Perth, Jacaranda Hill Farm is a work in progress. Sarah and her husband value the importance of using technology in agriculture and are strong believers in the benefits of regenerative farming. They are in the process of transforming their land into a completely s...

Breno Fragomeni, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in Genomics at the University of Connecticut. He is currently conducting research to identify genetics that may play a role in heat tolerance in farm animals such as pigs and cattle. The goal is to be able to identify the genetics of farm animals such as cows and pigs who lose less weight or produce less milk during hot seasons and use the genomic information to identify better suited animals. Click on play to learn: What misconceptions are associated with genetics research. How genomic information may be used to determine which animals will perform better. How genomic selection may improve disease resistance and environmental hardiness. Dairy farmers and corporate farms would prefer an animal that may produce a little less but is more tolerant of heat stress. Dr. Fragomeni is interested in finding out whether there are any genetic aberrations that may maintain milk production in dairy cows, even during times of extreme heat. Gene...

Lishan Aklog, M.D. is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PAVmed, a multiproduct commercial stage medical device company with a unique business model. He is also the Executive Chairman of Lucid Diagnostics, a subsidiary of PAVmed. The first half of Dr. Aklog’s impressive career was focused on becoming a heart surgeon. He has always been interested in medical device innovation, how things are done, and how to do them better to improve the logistics of health care, the patient experience, as well as the clinician and nursing experiences. Click on play to learn: What EsoCheck is and how it functions as an alternative to endoscopy. How PAVmed has streamlined the process of bringing innovative products to market. What medical device projects are on the horizon. From the beginning, one of the goals of PAVmed was to commercialize innovative products to quickly get them to market. Of particular interest was finding ways to interact with academic medical centers, small start-up c...