Finding Genius Podcast

About 300,000 whales and dolphins are killed every year as a result of human activity. Why is this allowed to continue? Roger Payne asked that same question before deciding to put his expertise toward this issue. He would eventually become well-known as the person who discovered that humpback whales sing songs. Tune in to learn: At what distances whale sounds can be heard, and how the increase in sound pollution has changed this The likely function of repeated patterns of “clicks” made by whales Why beluga whales are sometimes called “sea canaries” Founder and President of Ocean Alliance, Roger Payne, has spent decades studying the function and nature of the sounds that animals make and hear.  As the environmental crisis became increasingly serious, Payne wanted to shift his research efforts toward an animal that is actively threatened by the state of the environment. He chose whales—which, at the time, he knew a...

How can the body's immune system play a role in cancer therapy? By exploring treatment that relies on the immune system, new solutions continue to be found. Press play to learn: How vaccines could be used to treat cancer How the immune system is downregulated What else may be done to characterize cancer Brendon Coventry, an Associate Professor of Surgery in Adelaide, South Australia, shares his work looking into the profound part the immune system can play in fighting cancer. By examining the evolutionary roots of cancer, we have found out that it can track back to how bacteria proliferate and reproduce. Since this raised questions about cancer development, new lines of thinking were introduced, allowing for revolutionary new treatment techniques. By characterizing a cancer patient's cancer more specifically, treatment may be more effectively tailored to better fight the cancer. In addition, the body's immune response will be able to better assist and fight the tumo...

What does the future hold for us in the scope of near-future climate change ? From drought to fire, new solutions are needed now more than ever. Listen up to learn: The difference between El Niño and La Niña The California crops which significantly affect its climate How groundwater recharge can help reverse adverse effects Dr. Steven Ostoja is the director of the USDA California Climate Hub and has joined the conversation to share his experience battling climate change and to share a dire warning on what is to come.  Climate change has been an ongoing and widely known issue but has been altogether ignored for far too long. From the prospect of serious drought to the increasing severity of fires, the consequences will only continue to grow if no action is taken.  Using new technologies that can sense the areas of greatest benefits, groundwater recharge may hold the promise of protection from drought and pad our reserves moving forward. However, if fire management ...

How can camels conserve water so efficiently? By examining how their body handles cholesterol, the key may not just be the humps. Listen in to learn: How long camels can survive with no water If one gene is responsible for hydration Why cholesterol gives insight into hydration Fernando Alvira, an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Bristol, Murphy group, shares his research examining the secret to camel's high hydration efficiency.  Many other mammals rely on water every few days to remain alive, but camels can go for weeks on just a single standard hydration. While not entirely clear how, finding the genetic characteristics that make this possible may lead to new insights in our own bodies.  As the search for the specific gene in question remains ongoing, cholesterol in the camel's body shows promise. Hopefully, while perfect knowledge of the exact reason may elude us for now, narrowing the targeted research can make incremental progress. Visit https:...

Is there more than meets the eye with CBD? Due to its array of benefits across many ailments, you may find it can help more than you think. Listen up to learn: What distinguishes CBD from marijuana  How CBD helps with pain Why topical treatment may be the best Matt Parks, the Founder and CEO of One Less CBD, share his work developing and producing the highest quality CBD products that can help when other treatments have fallen short.  CBD is a cannabinoid that binds to your body receptors and provides a host of benefits, from pain relief to mental health benefits. Since the government has finally removed it from the controlled substance list, new work and developments have only expanded the benefits already known.  While many products offer ingestible solutions, it appears topical treatments may be the most effective and efficient solution. In the future, additions to the creams may improve delivery to the body, and pain patches may even emerge on the market....

Can we finally get a look into a tumor with cerebrospinal fluid? Using CNSide, Biocept may have found the answer. Press play to learn: How the fluid is concentrated for examination The validity of the metastatic chain Where the process can work most effectively Michael Dugan, MD, Biocept’s Senior Vice President, shares his work using new technology to better look into cancer tumors and metastasis.  Previous iterations of biopsies for tumors in the body are highly invasive and difficult to perform. However, with the new technology of CNSide, the implementation of cerebrospinal fluid can make the process much easier. With a better look into the tumors, a more targeted approach can be used for patient treatment. Additionally, since it can be easier to get a cell count, treatment efficacy can be more effectively gauged along the way.  Visit biocept.com/cnside-assay/ to learn more! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this...

Is graphene oxide the real killer we face in recent times? Due to its high toxicity and unique structure, it may not be the miracle solution we think. Listen up to learn: What graphene oxide is meant to be used for How graphene oxide relates to GMOs The impact on fertility caused by graphene oxide Dr. Bill McGraw, the author of Mercury: The Ultimate Truth and Chronic Disease, shares a warning about a prevalent and toxic chemical widely found in increasingly increased amounts.  While initially touted for its myriad revolutionary uses, graphene oxide may be much more dangerous than its benefits warrant. Yet, despite the hesitations of professionals globally, the use and spread of graphene oxide continue to proliferate. In these turbulent times we face today, graphene oxide has become more used than ever, leading to increased and more direct toxicity. However, the more each of us learns, the more protected we can be against inaccurate information. Visit newaquatechpanama.co...