Finding Genius Podcast

The dragonfly is the fastest flying insect in existence—regularly breaking most residential speed limits. This is just one of the many fascinating details discussed by entomologist Jessica Ware. Tune in to discover: How dragonflies use interception-style predation to catch mosquitoes and other flying insects How an understanding of dragonfly aerodynamics could be used as bioinspiration for our own flight styles How male dragonflies use their two penises to mate with a female Why dragonflies can be used as a measurement of water pollution levels Jessica Ware is an assistant curator in invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History whose work centers around insect evolution—and that of dragonflies in particular. She welcomes listeners into the world of dragonfly social behaviors, physiology, and development, discussing aerial hunting, eating, and mating styles, the unique stages of their life cycle, and more. Ware also discusses her latest work, which involves g...

Paul Sloane’s always been interested in lateral thinking puzzles and has written international best sellers on the subject. He shares how he’s translated those methods into solving problems in the business world. A professional who’s helped busy executives with creativity and innovation in their companies for over fifteen years, he describes some of his methods to raise the bar for leadership and problem solving. Listen and learn How lateral thinking starts with approaching problems from the side, Examples of his 12 “great ways to innovate,” Why corporate culture provides little incentive to innovate and how he advises to change that, and Some of the most interesting puzzles he’s faced in the corporate world. Author, speaker, and innovator Paul Sloane explains his cutting-edge approach to business problems and solutions for listeners with concrete examples and the philosophy behind what he does. It all starts with countering the staid habit of vertical thinking. That’s where “yo...

Can examining the world of insects give humans insight into our state of being? Research may show that many fields of human health can be advanced through the study of insects. Listen up to learn: How colony collapse disorder may be solved How communication suffers from lack of sleep The role of sleep in the world of insects Barrett Klein, professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, shares his research on the relationship between human and insect social biology. Humans have a lot to learn from the intricacies of insect ecology, including the possibility to understand many aspects of our culture and bodies better. Through research into social insect biology and how they sleep, new elements of the ecological role of insects have been discovered. Though bugs were not initially thought to sleep in the same way that other groups of animals do, discoveries into how and why they sleep have shed light on the impact it holds even beyond the insect kingdom. It even has the pote...

Is studying cellular community ecology the next direction cancer research will take? By gaining insight into the behavior of cancer cells , new treatments may be uncovered. Press play to learn: If cancer is an intelligent entity within the body How cancer cells cooperate and compete  How a cell shifts from benign to aggressive behavior Evolutionary Biologist, William Miller Jr., shares his insight into the motivation of cancer cells and how it may shape the course of the disease and treatment. By examining cancer through the lens of a separate and self-aware group of cells, we may finally be able to understand the motivation of cancer's spread throughout the body. Cancer cells even go as far as cooperating with various systems and tissues throughout the body to achieve homeostasis. Since every cancer has a unique tumor microbiome, it has specific triggers that cause it to grow, spread, or adapt as its conditions change. By considering factors such as these, treatment c...

“I went into oncology because I was fascinated by the human side of cancer,” says Dr. Eisenberg. This motivation gives him a unique focus while struggling alongside his patients searching for a cancer cure . He talks about not leaving his patients’ humanity out of the picture of cancer cells , and how that ultimately provides an effective medicine. Listen and learn How he sets the tone at his first patient meeting and what measures he takes to keep that connection during treatment, Why doctors are facing burnout and how keeping empathy and connection front and center can speak to that struggle, Why patient engagement and physician enrollment are vital, and How the mind-body connection can be an ally for a physician and patient. Oncologist Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg is the author of the new book Love is the Strongest Medicine . He shares the impetus behind the book, including stories of patient interactions and his own burnout and cancer diagnosis that propelled him to a healthi...

Is a cell as complex as a major city? Or is it thousands of times more complex? Tune in to explore the answer, and learn: How all of life generates energy What cells sense, and how they do it Why cancer cells are like super-microbes Dr. Jon Lieff is a nationally recognized neuropsychiatrist, expert on cellular communication, and author of The Secret Language of Cells , which is a synthesis of an impressive amount of science literature that culminates in a compelling and easy-to-understand look at cellular communication—how it works, and what it means for our bodies. “It’s not that life is defined as a cell; it’s that life is defined as an intelligent cell who can talk with other cells and make decisions about the physiology of our bodies, about health and disease,” says Dr. Lieff. The complexity of cells, the source of life, energy, and consciousness, the wired and wireless brain, cellular signaling, and cancer cell communities are just a few of the topics explored in today’s...

Do doctors have the correct insight to treat common health issues effectively? Research shows that simple vitamins and minerals may play a much more significant role than you've been led to believe. Press play to learn: How vitamin C can be beneficial for more than just your immune system If nebulization can present new paths towards cures How your body naturally fights viruses Author and cardiologist Dr. Thomas Levy shares his experience and research into treating patients with more natural remedies the coverup by the industry at large.       Our bodies may respond more effectively through administering natural vitamins and minerals than when treated with standard pharmaceuticals. Since this path of treatment is actively shunned by most medical fields, the treatments that may drastically benefit many individuals worldwide are being stifled.  Hydrogen peroxide is often overlooked as a natural antibiotic even though the benefits are immense and can be e...