Finding Genius Podcast

A metabolic pathway study on an ocean floor compound led marine scientist Veronika Kivenson straight to our gut. When she found evidence that a genetic code expansion utilized for metabolism in an ocean sediment compound also appears in the human gut, she knew she needed to understand this pathway better. Listen and learn How both the human gut and ocean sediment have an amino acid that converts trimethylamine (TMA), What trimethylamine presence has to do with plant-based versus animal-based diets and the importance of gut health, and How these findings might lead to understanding the impact and function of gut bacteria like Bilophila have on preventing arterial plaque buildup. Veronika Kivenson recently received her Ph.D. in Marine Science from UC Santa Barbara and is now working on a post doc at Oregon State University. She studies microorganism and how they react with their surroundings, especially their metabolism, and what they consume and produce. While studying marine sediment, she came across an interesting connection with gut metabolism. An amino acid that converts from a stop codon in order to metabolize trimethylamine appears in both places. Furthermore, trimethylamine is listed in the negative column in animal-based diet pros and cons. Animal-based foods are a major source of trimethylamine. In our liver, it becomes trimethylamine-N-oxide, or TMAO, which causes plaque, an element of cardiovascular disease symptoms. But if a pathway in the gut can prevent that formation of TMAO, that's significant. Veronika Kivenson is looking at the potential beneficial role in the genetic code expansion pathway that consumes and prevents TMA from becoming TMAO, or part of plaque formation. What's really interesting is that this consuming bacteria is also associated with meat consumption. The Bilophila genus bacteria, through genetic code expansion, prevents the formation of the harmful TMAO. Studies on these pathways could lead to probiotic therapies to address cardiovascular disease. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

The tangle of online social media sights provided one researcher with a new direction for studying the physics of systems. He and multi-disciplinary colleagues have applied complex systems and data science to the dynamics of online group trends, trying to uncover better ways for engaging with information. Listen and learn How his studies progressed through the years from excitons and correlated connections to Isis communities to today's online vaccine debates, What three elements of force they've identified that act on a participant in such groups, and How a map of the forces of trends and opinion might lead to better solutions and improved engagement. Neil Johnson is a professor of physics at George Washington University. He's spent his career studying the surprising things that happen when you combine objects. For example, he describes all the ways water molecules can have huge impacts under different conditions just by putting them together: ice skating, the titanic wreck, bubbles emitting from boiling. "When something is collected," he says, "things happen that you would never predict." While his early studies involved excitons, which are collections of positive and negative particles, he migrated to other collections and eventually to data science real-world applications. He researched the formation of online extremism as seen by Isis communities combining and separating, like gears and wheels, impacting each other in various ways, which became a type of crime network analysis. But he and his colleagues are working on possibly the most complex and hard-to-pin-down collection yet: social media groupings that form opinions on platforms like Facebook. They're taking on these data science real-time projects from a physicist's perspective of force and reaction. What are the tipping forces? How do sudden shifts evolve? The competition between three essential forces interests them: each individual's internal compass, some external field like news sources, and local interactions with other objects within one's community such as neighbors. "You can't win any misinformation battle without a map of the battlefield," he adds. By understanding how forces exert pressures and having a map with the dynamics better evaluated, our information sharing methods and means can hopefully improve. For more information, see physics.columbian.gwu.edu/neil-johnson. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

"Necessity is the birthplace of all creativity," says Ashok Gupta. He describes how his own chronic fatigue experience lead to the life-changing practices he now teaches others. He's dedicated his time to supporting people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and similar issues like fibromyalgia treatment. Listen in as he explains That while mainstream medicine is good at hardware problems, a lot of modern illnesses are more akin to software problems, Why our brain response needs reconditioning to address issues like fibromyalgia causes, chemical and mold sensitives, and other mysterious illnesses, and Some sample exercises listeners may use to recondition their own anxiety responses. Speaker, filmmaker, and health practitioner Ashok Gupta is Program Clinic Director with The Gupta Program. As an undergraduate at Cambridge University, he suffered a stomach bug that spiraled him into ME/CFS. It was "like a brick wall in front of him," he says, surrounded by professionals telling him there was nothing he could do to feel better and improve. After some research, he understood that there is an array of modern chronic conditions that are misunderstood, and mainstream medicine doesn't offer reliable solutions. He brought his research together and formed his own treatment program. Twenty years later and healthy, he's made it his work to effectively help others with ME/CFS and other similar issues like fibromyalgia exercises, chemical and mold sensitives, and MCAS. His program addresses what they call NICS: Neuro (has its birthplace in nervous system), Immune (aspects of immune system over-triggered), Conditioned (learnt action in brain as defensive response), and Syndrome (each patient has unique collection of symptoms). He likens the brain conditioning response in these modern illnesses to PTSD. An initial illness causes an over-reaction of the amygdala and this over-reaction is then triggered in other circumstances, activating the nervous and immune system. Their therapy involves teaching the brain that the body is no longer threatened, breaking the vicious cycle of the physiological response and reinforcements. Their main brain training technique is a seven-step technique with additional supporting methods. Lucky listeners can get a glimpse of his method as he takes listeners through a sample exercise called the "4S Technique." Listen in for peaceful and encouraging chronic illness motivation. For more about his program, see guptaprogram.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Picture it: Ian McKellan in a wizard hat surrounded by a green screen. Is that what artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry looks like? It certainly is a step toward incorporating the powerful modeling tools computers can use to generate scenery like the Mines of Moria. But how much further might AI move beyond today's standard movie-making video vfx? Alexis Kirke and Richard take listeners on a tour of the possibilities. Listen and learn Some of the philosophical differences artists might leverage when merging artificial intelligence and human behavior, How shows can be broken down into different elements and adjusted by a user's smart control, and How might the story line itself modulate with artificial intelligence methods and what are challenges to this. Alexis Kirke is a senior research fellow at the School of Humanities and Performing Arts and with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Plymouth, England. He's a screenwriter and quantum/AI programmer and shares intriguing AI ideas with listeners. Examples of AI most familiar to listeners include the blending of artificial and natural scenes in Marvel franchise movies or recreations of film stars no longer with us like Princes Leia in a recent Star Wars film. Alexis Kirke sees the blending of artificial and human intelligence as much more than automation in the film industry. Rather, he sees creative potential in how humans and machines collaborate, making each other more powerful and inspiring. In addition to contemplating possibilities, he helps listeners understand the practical uses. For example, adapting a TV program for someone with hearing difficulties in a meaningful way is more possible than ever. Creators have broken down all the sound elements in a piece and rated each one with narrative importance—someone could have an intelligent volume control and turn down the sounds in inverse relative importance, emphasizing only the most essential noises for the story. The job of the production team is only to break these elements down. The individualization is up to the device of the viewer. But of course, it goes far beyond this and he and Richard talk about the extent to which a story might be alterable as well as scenery and actors. Listen in for an entertaining discussion about the movies. For more about his work, see his website at alexiskirke.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Political and international relations expert David Olney tackles where we've been and where we're heading in this fascinating conversation on the past and present of civil-military relations theory, counter-terrorism strategies, and economic revolution. Listen and learn What "strategic culture" meant in early 20th century warfare and how defense and security studies had to play catch-up when facing Iraqi counter-insurgents, Where the current political tides across the globe seem to be heading and how hope lies in younger leadership, and What are the best resources and books to get a handle on history's transformations. David Olney is an associate lecturer with the Politics and International Relations (POLIR) department at the University of Adelaide in Australia. His background offers a unique combination of academic knowledge with the perspective of the "person on the ground' in military engagement. He shares some of the tools in his academic arsenal as he covers foundational defense and security studies theory and more. He offers concrete examples, such as the difference in warfare practices in World War 2 between western cultures and Japanese battle techniques, and describes the catch-up counter-terrorism strategies the west had to make when faced with Iraq and Afghanistan counter-insurgents. He also takes us to the rippling tension of the present and shares how the future may evolve. Government efforts toward COVID mandates "suits the paranoia" of a lot of terrorist organizations, he says. Such insurgent organizations easily believe that COVID measures could be the perfect cover for hidden means of control. He adds that in actuality, most states don't have enough adequate resources or time to battle the virus and have to make difficult decisions. He also tackles the polarization issues, and sees a light at the end of the tunnel. When conditions get bad, he says, collective action is one of the first movements to take hold, and in today's climate, environmental justice groups may join with economic efforts to bring about a substantial way forward. He discusses much more in this rich conversation, so listen in for a helpful perspective on our times. For more, he points listeners to his own podcast called Blind Insights with David Olney. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

There are 42 biological factors that affect our blood sugar levels, but clinicians and researchers like Dana Roseman are here to help. From choosing an insulin pump versus injections to better nutrition intervention for obesity, she coaches clients with a wide range of needs. Listen in as she helps listeners learn more about reaching healthy goals. She explains The mechanism of type 1 diabetes and what exciting technologies and therapies are in the works to treat it, The best practices for prediabetic listeners to decrease insulin resistance and activate obesity intervention strategies, and How clinicians like her are able to coach and guide patients on a global level. Dana B. Roseman is Director of Technology and Applied Research with Integrative Diabetes Services. She is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and a Registered Dietitian. While she does both research and clinical work, the pandemic has pushed most of her current work into the clinical sphere. She starts by giving listeners the basics on the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and explains why that means she has a variety of patient profiles. For example, while she might focus on diabetes and obesity relationships with type 2 patients, because type 1 is an autoimmune disease, there's less emphasis on diet and prevention of type 1 diabetes; therefore, her time with these patients revolves more around the technology of care. She shares solid information with listeners at all health levels, however. For example, listeners may be surprised to learn that a ketogenic diet could actually lead to insulin resistance. Why? Well, a high amount of fat, which means a high amount of triglycerides, increases insulin resistance. This is why blood sugar levels often remain elevated after high fat meals. So if someone already has a tendency toward developing insulin resistance, over the long term, a higher fat ketogenic approach could be an issue. She provides plenty of healthy advice, such as the role of the microbiome and ways to eat for a healthy gut. Finally, she has some exciting information about up-and-coming technology and beta cell research that speaks of an encouraging future for type 1 diabetics and their caregivers. For more about her work and for contact information, see integrateddiabetes.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

How is wind energy technically, economically, and environmentally superior to other forms of energy? It isn't. In fact, countless studies have shown it to be a liability in all three regards. Press play to discover: How the production of wind energy actually requires fossil fuels rather than avoids them What it is about wind energy projects that can lead to serious adverse health effects on communities nearby The two primary types of gas facilities and how they compare with regard to cost, response time, and CO2 emissions Physicist, environmental advocate, and creator of wiseenergy.com and a newsletter that covers many environmental topics, John Droz, shares surprising—if not shocking—information about alternative forms of energy, particularly wind power. He begins by describing the path that led him to retire from General Electric at age 34, and where he's taken his career since then. From state regulation of commercial water extraction, to a deep dive into research on what goes into wind energy production, to the primary pillars upholding the sentiment of climate change as an extremely urgent matter, Doz shares his insight on it all. The commonly-held belief is that the advantages of wind energy are many, and unquestionable. But Droz pushes for a closer, more critical look at the issue. He also shares his thoughts on climate change—what it means, to what degree it may be occurring, and what ideas may be more politically driven than anything. Learn more at http://wiseenergy.org/. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

It's hard to imagine a world without honey, much less all the fruits they pollinate. That's one reason Zachary Huang's research into honey bee stressors is so important. Listen in as he teaches listeners about Primary bee stressors, including parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and agricultural transportation, In-depth information regarding their primary stressor, the Varroa mite and how it harms the honey bee, and Honey bee characteristics that make them especially vulnerable to these stressors. Zachary Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. He's also an avid photographer of all-things-honey bee, including the plants they pollinate. Honey bees face many stressors and are on the decline. Researchers across the country are trying to figure out why. Dr. Huang tells listeners about the Varroa destructor mite, which hitchhiked from Brazil or Asia on bees into North America. These purplish-red mites are about the size of a pinhead and feed on the fat body of the bee. They are an obligate parasite, meaning they are dependent on the bee for their life cycle. However, their bite transmits several viruses, which weaken and affect the bee anatomy and eventually lead to the death of the bee and increased hive vulnerability. These types of mites are actually responsible for the death of 35% of honey bees a year. Honey bee social behavior increases mite transmission likelihood. They can be transmitted from drifting, if a bee goes to the wrong nest and brings a mite back, or if a new colony takes over another colony's site. Researchers have tried several methods to combat these mites, from chemical methods to Dr. Huang's own method of "zapping" the drones and mites, killing them with heat so that infected drones and mites die and the colony is free to recover. Other research explores utilizing honey bee behavioral adaptations like grooming behaviors and hygiene, working on breeding bees with increased habits that will decrease the mite population in their hives. For more about his work and to see some of his photography, see bees.msu.edu. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

By the time a person presents with clinical diabetes, about 80 percent of their beta cells—the cells that produce insulin—have been destroyed. Could a better understanding of these cells lead to earlier intervention and more effective treatment for diabetes? Tune in to learn: What the main functions are of the pancreas, and what goes wrong in diabetes mellitus How immature insulin differs from mature insulin, and how this relates to type 1 diabetes How better treatment—or even a cure—for diabetes may be possible with a better understanding of beta cell health and the role of beta cells in the progression of disease Physician-scientist, Emily Sims, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University who focuses on the study of endocrinology and clinical and translational research on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, her lab is researching how pancreatic beta cells contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, and whether there is a way to cure rather than just treat the disease. Sims provides insight on the disparities between what she sees in the clinic versus the research lab. She shares what's been discovered through research using the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) depository, for instance, how type 1 diabetes pathology differs in young children versus adults. She also discusses what beta cell dedifferentiation means, and how it could be considered a new form of beta cell failure in type 1 diabetes. Visit https://www.trialnet.org/ to learn more about current developments and discoveries in the world of diabetes research. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Ready for Web 3.0? Skynet may be the solution. Sia, one of the main decentralized internet companies that provides an open market for data storage, released a new technology called Skynet. Engineering Manager Matt Sevey tells listeners how Skynet rises above other cloud storage providers. Listen and learn What the basics are on how a decentralized internet works, How Skynet has transformed the potential for sharing of content, applications, and transfer of data, and How Skynet circumvents onboarding, which required downloading blockchain cloud storage, for a much more accessible user experience from the start. Matt Sevey is an Engineering Manager and Core Developer with Skynet, which is part of the Sia network. Sia is a well-established group that utilizes decentralized internet blockchain technology to create an open marketplace for data storage. In March 2020, they launched Skynet, a technology that allows nodes, called portals, to run from a personal laptop, as well as web portals that are publicly discoverable. This means it offers a "global data layer," where any content uploaded is available to any other Skynet portal. From an application standpoint, this is huge. Matt says that it "breaks down the silos of data that we have on today's centralized internet," opening up numerous ways for building applications. From a user's standpoint, it allows for a single account for all one's interactions on the web and a revolutionary way to share data. Finally, from a content creator's standpoint, it allows for "recursive content monetization," which means advertisers no longer need interrupt the flow of content. An example of this usability? In a recent "hackathon," their term for coding competitions for students, one of the finalists was someone new to web development and had never heard of Skynet. Nonetheless, they were able to create an award-level application. In addition, this combined with the transferability of information is a game changer. If someone were to create a twitter-like application and it became problematic, a whole new application could be created and all participants and their past posts would transfer seamlessly. He and Richard discuss the nuances of information sharing, censorship, and dangerous content control in the Skynet system. And don't worry: he says that Sia still offers encrypted, private data storage for those who want that service. For more information to get started, see siasky.net. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK