Finding Genius Podcast

Tiny microbes make a huge difference in our health. These internal ecological systems utilize communication or signaling to maintain this health, effecting immune system function. This podcast shares an important discovery in this communication that influences receptivity to cancer treatment. Listen and learn How scientists knew the human microbiome influences cancer immunotherapy, but couldn't identify a key player in this mucosal immunology impact factor, What study Dr. McCoy put into play to identify this player in the immune system of the human body, and What steps they might now be able to take to harness the power of the microbiome and translate it to therapies. Dr. Kathy McCoy is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary and the director of the International Microbiome Centre. Her research is focused on interactions between the microbiome and immune system and she shares an exciting just-published study that presents a key finding in cancer treatment. Specifically, her research asked how gut microbes play a rule in influencing or regulating the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy or cancer immunotherapy. She says that scientists have known for a few years that our microbiome is associated with immunotherapy success or lack thereof, but needed more information to make a difference in treatment. Here's the big idea behind her findings: while researchers have known there's a microbial immune conversation, they now know that it's a three-way conversation rather than a two-way conversation. In addition to the microbes and immune system players, metabolites sent out by microbes have a say; furthermore, this conversation gets enhanced by cancer immunotherapy. More specifically, they found that one of these metabolites, inosine, binds to a receptor present on T-cells and causes a signal transduction cascade that makes that T-cell turn on an anti-tumor response—it makes the cytokines necessary to attack cancer cells. If a patient doesn't have this metabolite, the immunotherapy may not work as well. The hope is researchers can figure out how to encourage this metabolite in patients. Listen in for more details about this study and about its life-changing implications. For more, see her lab website: kathymccoylab.ca. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Curious about science's latest effort to reverse aging? This podcast describes attainable treatments and the science behind theses gene therapy processes: Elizabeth Parrish discusses BioViva's anti-aging gene therapy products and research. Even better, she brings a different perspective—she has had viral vector gene therapy herself. Listen and learn The specifics behind four of their gene therapies, including how they work and what they accomplish; The process for getting gene therapy, from medications taken beforehand to what happens at the clinic; and The scientific explanation of the viral vector delivery method and how the therapy lengthens telomeres in our cells. Elizabeth Parrish is a returning guest and CEO of BioViva, a leader in health regenerative gene therapy. She takes listeners on a tour of anti-aging science, offering interesting and intelligent descriptions of available therapies and exciting future treatments in the works. She begins by describing four specific therapies BioViva offers through Integrated Health Systems: telomerase gene-inducement, myostatin inhibitors, mitochondrial improvement, and klotho gene therapy. Respectively, these address anti-aging, muscle growth, energy production, and organ systems and dementia issues. The process for how they accomplish these therapies is better than science fiction. Essentially, they use a viral vector that has had its pathogenesis removed. They fill this vector with the gene therapy and a promotor, which regulates the amount of gene delivered. These therapies are introduced into the body through various ways, but most frequently through an IV drip. She adds that clients will need to take an immune suppressant before and after this therapy, though usually it is on the milder side and tends to be prednisone or something similar. What really makes this interview interesting is Elizabeth's ability to explain how the biology behind this therapy works, why telomere length makes a difference, and how this turns on health-inducing genes without actually changing a person's DNA. In other words, it's not genetic engineering for extending life spans, it's gene therapy for enhancing and strengthening what the body already has. For more about the company, see bioviva-science.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

This podcast offers insight into how scientists keep our best animal friends safe, and in turn, their human companions. Because humans can get parasites from dogs and other animals, we are part of this equation. Italian scientist Domico Otranto teaches listeners What common parasitic diseases are of concern in the Mediterranean, Which of these have the potential to or have already become parasitic diseases in humans, and What research works best in parasitology to predict patterns and the spread potential of parasitic diseases. Domenico Otranto (DVM, PhD, Diplomate EVPC, FRES) is a full professor of Animal Parasitic Diseases in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari in southern Italy. While he mainly works on parasites of zoonotic concern, he also concentrates on when these become human parasitic diseases. This means he studies vector-born diseases that transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Such vectors include flies, ticks, and other bugs and worms that feed on the host and transmit these pathogenic parasites. They often have primary and secondary hosts. Such parasites present a particular problem in Mediterranean regions because of the climate. He has a special focus on leashmania, which is transmitted through sand flies. Dogs are the main host for leishmania, but it can also infect cats, rodents, and humans. He explains the challenges to fighting this parasite and explains why prevention of sand fly biting is actually the best approach. Furthermore, controlling it in dogs is an important step in preventing it in humans. Finally, he places these concerns in a socio economic context. Parasitic diseases are more typically problematic in the poorest countries. Therefore, his work is inspired by a social commitment to improve the quality of life and health in these areas. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

It all starts with an explosion. Imaging tech's latest advancement involves nanodiamond particles created from a shockwave's pressure and temperature. Scientists are finding ways to put these tiny formations to use as sensors inside cells. Listen to Dr. Takuya Segawa describe this exciting new step in particles physics and learn The basics of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and MRI spectroscopy, including their limits, The increased sensitivity that imaging through nanodiamonds can offer biology research, and Examples of applications for this technology in the lab and the steps toward making it available on a bigger scale. Dr. Takuya F. Segawa is the Branco Weiss Fellow of the Society in Science in the ETH Zurich Laboratory for Solid State Physics. He is charged with finding better ways to investigate biomolecules inside cells. This led him to connect with a group in Japan that works with nanodiamonds. Why do scientists need a different way into cells? Dr. Segawa answers with a cogent explanation of the limits of magnetic resonance spectroscopy physics and how MRI machines work. The gist is that they lack sensitivity to give scientists the best information. He explains that this new nanodiamond won't necessarily replace clinical MRI diagnostics, but it has tremendous potential to make a difference in lab work. Here's how it works: about 25 years ago, a German scientist discovered that a crystal structure with a specific defect, a missing carbon atom, causes an electron spin and produces fluorescent light. Further study showed that manipulating the spin enables different light frequency emissions and leads to a fine-tuned sensitivity. Scientists then put this same defect in a nanodiamond, enabling a nanoparticle that can be used like an MRI system but with increased sensitivity. In addition, the magnetic resonance signal changes if it's met with a magnetic field. Therefore, two signals can split and provide information on temperature and position by using the orientation of this magnetic field in relation to the nanodiamond. He explains how scientists might use this amazing technique in lab work and how close the industry is to gaining larger production needs. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Life or death is a false dichotomy—at least when it comes to viruses. Robert Siegel posits that viruses exist somewhere on the hazy border between things that are and aren't alive. He sums it up uniquely in a short stanza: "A virus has a structure giving it properties that lie between Inanimate and truly living Less than cell, but more than gene." Press play to discover: In what way the symptoms we associate with viral infections are produced by the immune response itself How viruses are the exceptions that prove the rule of the central dogma of biology What might dictate whether a virus like SARS-CoV-2 or herpes becomes more or less deadly as it infects more hosts Siegel is a professor in the Stanford University Microbiology and Immunology Department, and has an extensive background as a teacher and researcher. He entered the field of virology and biological studies during an exciting time, just after viruses were sequenced. Since 1981, he's been teaching a course on human viruses, which makes him a great resource for Richard Jacobs's book on viruses. The many topics explored include the three primary ways of defining life (plus a bonus definition), why the incubation period differs from virus to virus, for what reason viruses might use quorum sensing or coordinate action, treatments that are aimed at viral proteins, such as those of hepatitis C, viruses as therapeutics and tools for diagnosis, and more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Phyllis Zee has studied circadian rhythm sleep disorders and symptoms for decades and shares key findings in this podcast. Listen and learn your way to better circadian habits. She explains How circadian rhythms set the timing for all other physiological processes in your day, What are some circadian rhythm disorder causes and diagnoses, and What are essential habits you can follow to help your sleep-wake internal clock do its best. Phyllis C. Zee is the Chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. This podcast offers listeners an enlightening conversation about how our circadian clocks work and what happens when they don't. She is able to combine years of research with practical advice for listeners to address sleep issues. She explains that our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake schedules set the stage for all our other timing; therefore, disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs at night might fall under these larger issues. She hits at the heart of sleep issues for many listeners: whether you are a night owl or morning lark, as long as you are able to keep to your ideal cycle, you might be ok; but problems arise when work and society dictate different hours. Therefore, your internal clock timing needs to be aligned with your social, physical, and work activities. She also addresses disorders outside of this tension such as the non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. These patients have an intrinsic rhythm that is 26 or 27 hours, so they will drift an hour every day and have no predictability for their sleep habits. She gives advice on how we can align our rhythm, from making sure we are exposed to daylight first thing in the morning to not eating within a few hours of bedtime. For similar suggestions and other glimpses into the mystery of sleep, listen in and enjoy. For more about her work, see the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine website. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Coral reefs struggle with the herpes virus just like we do. In fact, this virus runs all through the animal tree of life. How has it managed to become so successful? By effectively hiding from immune systems. Press play to explore the following: In what specific way are phages so important for bacteria? Why biological thinking may be too cell-centric, and how a fundamental change in the way we understand viruses could lead to important discoveries How viruses can sense whether a cell is living or dead Forest Rohwer is a microbial ecologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University who focuses primarily on two ecosystems: coral reefs, and the human body. He says that the former is a good analog of the latter, especially human mucosal surfaces. The ecology of cystic fibrosis, SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, and coral reef restoration are three areas of active research for Rohwer. With experience in a wide range of topics and research projects in biology, he contributes his knowledge and opinions on a series of compelling questions about viruses. He explains the difference between viral and cellular replication, what governs when and why a virus will re-enter the lytic phase after a latency period and how this is associated with the health state of the host, whether viruses can be considered a quasi-species in their coordination to enter and infect cells, and so much more. Visit https://coralandphage.org/ to learn more. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Paul Turner gives listeners a gift in this podcast with his clear yet complex exploration of viruses and immune system interactions. As he addresses Richard's questions in this continuation of Finding Genius's virus series, he allows for speculation yet also provides what evidence tells scientists. This perfect combination makes for an entertaining and enriching conversation. Listeners will hear A description of one of his favorite viral entry mechanisms—a bacteriophage that uses pili to its advantage for fusion, His take on infectious viruses' ability to sense, which leads to an amazing description of a two-part binding system, and Other fantastical ways viruses participate in Darwin's model of traits evolving over time. Paul Turner is the Rachel Carson Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in how viruses evolutionarily adapt as infectious diseases and also focuses on the potential of phage therapy as one of several public health intervention strategies. As he answers Richard's questions, listeners are in for a treat as his professorial skill at explaining combines with his own enthusiasm for the mechanisms viruses engage. He offers interesting examples to illustrate every answer, such as a bacteriophage that acts more like an animal virus with an envelope that fuses to a bacterial cell as its pili contract. As he addresses the question of viruses working together, he describes the ability of viral mechanisms to overwhelm the system; while a division of labor in viruses would be impressive, their capacity to overwhelm may be derived more from their variety and survival mechanisms. While division of labor is a part of cellular evolution, he says, and that's why multi cellularity is successful, do you viruses need that capability to be successful? He comments that we tend to valuate success as humans in limited ways and viruses are one of the most successful things on the planet. He also discusses his belief that viruses are alive, why long-term latency works in a virus like HIV, and the mechanism in viral spread that resets the configuration, constraining mutations between organisms more than we think. Listen in for many more examples of the vast viral world. For more about his work, see his website: medicine.yale.edu/profile/paul_turner. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Scarlet Ravin tells listeners a fascinating story that changed her views of evolution, growth and change, an experience that began after she took a substance called psilocybin derived from psychedelic mushrooms. This dramatic psilocybin experience inspired her to spread the word of love and how psilocybin can help achieve these higher consciousness benefits. Listeners will hear What happened in her first psilocybin experience and the vision that directed her to write her book and distribute the product, How love pervades her self-empowerment program derived from her vision, and What specifics about the compound and dosages are helpful to know, where it's legal, and how it might affect you. Scarlet Ravin is an author and founder of White Fox Medicinals, a company that uses tinctures and other substances to address higher level consciousness psychology. She brings her story to listeners and tells where she's headed next to achieve the goals from her trip that brought her in communication with the spirit of psilocybin. She explains that while we humans normally see three-dimensional objects as hard, everything is actually radiating energy. All living beings have spirit beings. She says that psilocybin expands our consciousness, and she shows how by describing her wild experience in which the spirt expanded her own consciousness and directed her on to next steps. Essential to her vision is to get this mind-expanding solution to mainstream people—to people outside of the community that already accepts these psychedelic experiences. She also talks about her book and says it's about love. She adds that love raises us above the three-dimensional realm of contrast, division, and waring forces that enable hate—in her vision she experienced the fifth dimension above these divisions. It says to choose love over war and hate; instead of thinking on levels of who's right and wrong, this dimension equals an emotionally mature state that is spiritually evolved. She was directed to write a book about this in her vision and to bring psilocybin to the mainstream. She is using her psilocybin chocolates, which don't have the substance in them so can be sold everywhere, to raise awareness of the substance. For more, see the company's website: psilocybinchocolate.com. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK

Michael McDonnel knew he was different than the average person. But it was in learning how to navigate his own life around his cystic fibrosis treatment and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes that give him the upper hand in organizing and prioritizing healthy habits. Listeners will find inspiration for a healthier life from this podcast, learning How the pressures Michael grew up with shaped him into achieving more physical capability and fitness than the average person, What made him realize being a personal trainer with only a few hours a week with someone wasn't enough, and How he is now able to guide clients toward prioritizing lifestyle strategies that ensure healthy habits when they aren't in the gym. Michael McDonnell is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He was born with cystic fibrosis and eventually developed a diabetes similar to type 2 from the mucus that cystic fibrosis causes acting like fat. His physical struggles, however, pushed him to work harder and longer than his peers at sports and fitness goals. He explains that he needed to think differently than other people to find his place in the world, both physically and in terms of work. Eventually, he used his expertise on developing physical fitness to become a personal trainer. But he had a realization: You can help people get healthy and fit by telling them to eat and exercise better, but the rest of their week is out of the gym. Maybe there a daily factors working against these goals. This realization along with his own hard-won lifestyle choices and skills sent him towards a lifestyle design profession. He studied and researched stress relief and organizational skills to help clients create time all week to be healthy. He now helps his clients put lifestyle design first so that health and fitness develops as a result. You can tell someone to eat better, he says, but their lifestyle needs to enable that. Therefore, he expanded his work into the self-improvement and self-development route, utilizing skills in prioritizing health and organizing one's day around fitness goals that he had been developing his whole life. He shares some great examples with listeners about ways he's helped others to reshape their daily life towards these goals. Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK