Finding Genius Podcast

If you're of a particular age, you may remember watching a Saturday morning cartoon in which drivers blasted through space in levitating vehicles. And if you're a curious type, you may have wondered when that day would become a reality. While we're not quite there yet, technology is bringing the future to our highways and byways.Tim Sylvester, CEO & Chief Technology Officer of Integrated Roadways takes us on an amazing journey to the crux of technology-based, next-generation roads. With growing demands for smart cities, 5G cellular, and applications to connect electric-powered and autonomous vehicles, the need for powerful networks based in and around roadways is tremendous.The tech CEO provides an insider look into his company's strategies to turn physical roads into active digital networks. An obvious and immediate benefit of these digital networks would be in the area of driver safety. Auto accidents could be instantly identified and pinpointed and first responders such as police and EMT would be immediately notified, cutting down on time lag and possibly saving lives. And real time traffic data could modify signal timing and increase traffic flow during periods of congestion.Additionally, analytical data regarding traffic could enable small businesses to get a sense of how much traffic their potential business location might see on average, which could bolster rates of success.The digital network expert also helps to allay some of the misconceptions about the application of this technology. While some may think that building new roads to implement a digital strategy could be an excessive, unnecessary task, Sylvester explains that 50% of American roads are in desperate need of replacement right now. Integrated Roadways has patented a Smart Pavement system, which is created from precast concrete sections that can be embedded with digital technology and fiber optic connectivity that will transform everyday roads into smart roads. By targeting the commercial demands for data and wireless service, Sylvester expects to reinvigorate highway and road funding and step away from the traditional method of funding solely with tax dollars.Sylvester discusses the incredible advances that digital network roads will bring to the autonomous driving industry. The CEO explains that as smartphones go, so should the autonomous vehicle. In that he clarifies that just as the network technology that drives smartphones exists outside of the actual physical phone, autonomous vehicles should follow suit.Autonomous vehicles of the near future should begin to rely on digital network information in the actual roadways, not in the vehicle itself. And with a peek into the near future, the technology expert reveals his company's current plans for activating this digital system in multiple areas of the country. The future has arrived.

Abed Ajraou, Chief Data Officer and Co-Founder of AIEVE, discusses the first savings platform in cryptocurrency, which will utilize artificial intelligence on the Ethereum blockchain in order to better predict trends in cryptocurrency. The result? Consumers will be able to save and grow their money on a transparent platform while paying much lower fees than they would on other platforms. Rather than relying on trading bots, AIEVE uses artificial intelligence in order to cater to a market of people whose primary goal is to watch their funds increase in value rather than expend their energy on trading itself. While it's still a work in progress, Ajraou expects the platform to become fully functional in 2019. To stay up to date with the latest and for a detailed explanation of how the AIEVE platform will work, visit AIEVE's Telegram and YouTube channels.

Inerjys is a private equity fund investing in companies and technologies in the clean energy and climate change arena. Founder and managing partner, Stephan Ouaknine, discusses the following: Why the commercialization of technologies is crucial in order for products to make a real impact on climate change, and why commercialization can be difficult What types of new clean energy and agricultural technologies are being developed and how they work What would be necessary in order to lower the cost of solar energy Ouaknine understands that a budding technology company needs more than just the funds to develop its product: it needs early adopters and proof points in order to reach a greater market and actually have a tangible effect. In the world of technological developments designed to tackle climate change, this is even more important, since the cash risk is substantial for early adopters. In order to address this challenge, Inerjys ensures that they not only fund companies but invest in projects that will use the products those companies create, thereby commercializing the products and making them significantly more likely to be used as a feasible climate solution. Ouaknine shares information about some of the products in the Inerjys portfolio, including a new, cost-effective approach to hydropower turbines in the ocean and vertical farming in response to urbanization. He also discusses emerging techniques for carbon capture and conversion, why the price of solar power is still high and how it could be lowered, and the technologies that are becoming increasingly commonplace. He details the ways in which these technologies have a positive impact on the environment, and how to further commercialization of emerging technologies might stave off an otherwise imminent and devastating increase in global temperature. Tune in and learn more by visiting https://www.inerjys.com/.

Robert Quinn, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses his research, detailing information on rare bacterial lung infections, anaerobic bacteria infection, and especially cystic fibrosis. Podcast Points of Discussion: What exactly is cystic fibrosis? How might pure oxygen impact bad bacteria? What are the long term possibilities for a cystic fibrosis patient? Quinn's education includes: a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA, an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a BSc in Microbiology, also from the University of Guelph in Canada. Quinn discusses cystic fibrosis, which he states is a classic genetic disease, and those who are afflicted with it have various mutations in a particular gene. As he explains cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. He goes on to discuss some of the commonalities that exist between sick people with cystic fibrosis and the healthy. He discusses the issues in detail, discussing the oral cavity and upper airways. Quinn continues his discussion by recounting some experiments he was involved with during his time at San Diego State University. In the experiments, patients would not only breathe oxygen, but they would actually sit in a hyperbaric chamber full of oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen while inside a pressurized room or tube. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a commonly used treatment for decompression sickness, which is a hazard of scuba diving. While there were potential risks due to the pressurization, the idea was that this environment could possibly kill some unwanted bacteria, such as anaerobic organisms, or anaerobes, which are organisms that do not require oxygen for growth, and thus they may respond negatively or perhaps even die if free oxygen is presented. Quinn goes on to discuss cross-contamination concerns between cystic fibrosis patients due to the fact that they have highly resistant bacteria. He explains broad-spectrum antibiotic use and talks about the pros and cons of various treatments.

Most of us have heard about intestinal microbiomes, but researchers found that eyes have their own bacteria presence as well. Dr. St. Leger discusses his findings, such as: The part of the eye that works as a niche for the beneficial bacteria. The roles elements like tears and dry eye play in this micro ecology. Future therapies researchers hope to initiate based on these findings as they better understand eye microbiome and disease. Anthony St. Leger is an assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. About three years ago, he and his lab found the presence of bacteria in a mouse's diseased eye that seemed to serve the same function as the bacteria we have in our intestinal tract. In other words, these bacteria appeared to modulate the susceptibility to infectious disease and immunity. This prompted a more intensive study to understand more fully the purpose for its stable coexistence with the eye. Dr. St. Leger explains that the bacteria is only present under the eyelid. The rest of the eye, especially the center, is bacteria free, but the area under the lid seems to support this niche ecology of beneficial bacteria. After he and his lab were given permission to use isolates from numerous past patients at the university clinic, they found that the mouse and human eye had enough similarity in a bacterium that researchers could apply what they learned from the mouse eye to the human eye. Therefore, these researchers hope to use their studies to see if these bacteria can be beneficial drug carriers and offer other solutions regarding eye microbiome and disease, including pro-biotic-like therapies. For more information and links to Dr. St. Leger's papers, see his lab's web page at http://ophthalmology.pitt.edu/people/anthony-st-leger-phd

In this podcast, Dr Claudia Gray, PhD, Paediatrician and Allergologist, Kids Allergy Paediatric & Allergy Centre—South Africa, talks in detail about allergy issues and research, discussing many common child allergies, child skin allergy treatment, and what's coming in the future for allergy testing and treatment. Podcast Points of Discussion: How do allergy tests work? Why do certain allergies improve over time, but some actually worsen? Do allergy shots work as an effective treatment? Dr Gray has an extensive history and background in her field, as a paediatrician with a subspecialist accreditation in allergology, and as a noted researcher. She received her medical degree from the University of Cape Town, then continued studies in London, specializing in paediatrics, paediatric clinical pharmacology, and paediatric allergy. Additionally, she holds a PhD related to the specific study of eczema and food allergy. Dr Gray talks about her background, why she decided to specialize in paediatrics and allergies, and some of the current research in the field. Allergologists have a wide range of studies that includes eczema, asthma, environmental allergies, drug allergies, food allergies, gut allergies, and insect venom allergies. Dr Gray provides detailed information on why some allergies improve over time, but others worsen. The research doctor and professor explains how allergy shots work, and why they are successful with some patients. She discusses the various mechanisms through which allergies can improve over time, discussing the artificial processes (such as allergy shots) that are designed to trick the body into producing protective antibodies. She explains how they work with their patients, discussing medicines, and specific allergies—such as peanut allergies, detailing how early oral exposure can help to build up a tolerance. She describes how desensitization for bee allergies, and other allergies, can sometimes work and explains why exposure is only becoming accepted as a method of treatment lately, in some circles. Dr Gray discusses eczema management, and the importance of discussing issues and information with your doctor, as opposed to trusting what you might find on the internet. As a respected speaker and noted authority, Dr Gray has contributed to more than 70 publications in her fields of expertise and she is a regular speaker at many international and local conferences.

This podcast explores essential principals in childhood emotional development as researched by journalist Katherine Lewis. She discusses her book on this subject by explaining: Her discovery process that leads to combing the ideas of experts, observations, and studies together in her book. Unique behaviors children exhibit today such as lack of self-regulation, which was less common 30 years ago. Practical ways we can engage with children to help them learn better self-regulation skills. Katherine Lewis had been a journalist for 20 years covering business and policy issues when she became concerned by her own children's challenging behavior. She began intensive researching that led to a popular article and eventually a book: The Good News about Bad Behavior discusses parent's misguided attempts to correct behavior rather than offer behavioral skills. She found that the current generation of young people has fewer self-regulation skills than past generations. This means younger people have difficulty managing their behavior, thoughts, and emotions in a way that is unmanageable. We see high rates of anxiety, addiction, and suicide by teens as a result. Katherine Lewis explains that there are ways parents can address this to ease the gap between children's behavior then and now, from that meltdown moment and beyond, that will make space for these self-regulating skills to grow. She covers impediments to this from technology to social strata extremes and how connection, communication, and emotional capability building are key principals toward stronger emotional development. For more information, see her web site at https://www.katherinerlewis.com/

Marine biogeochemistry is the study of how microscopic organisms like bacteria and phytoplankton modify the chemistry of the ocean, and at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Joseph Vallino's work as Senior Scientist revolves around it. Tune in to learn: How microbes are distributed in the ocean and what kinds of processes and metabolic functions they carry out How the differences and similarities between living and nonliving systems is helping Vallino elucidate how living organisms might organize How the theory of maximum entropy production relates to marine chemistry and microbial function In a single liter of ocean water, there are billions of bacteria, which makes it difficult to identify all the players at any one time. In turn, this makes it difficult to understand the overall chemistry of the ocean, since each microbial process contributes to it. In an attempt to overcome this challenge, Joseph Vallino is developing different approaches based on ideas derived from thermodynamics. His aim is to develop a better understanding of ocean chemistry and the ways in which biological systems organize. He explains his unique approach to this problem and discusses a number of fascinating topics, including areas of active research in the field such as energy utilization science and microbial energy research. For more, visit https://www.mbl.edu/ecosystems/vallino/.

While working at his post doc at Oxford University, Dr. Akbar focuses on the signals the immune system uses and resulting actions through extracellular vesicles research. He discusses: How our body's healing mechanisms post-heart attack can both benefit and undercut healthy arteries through immune-induced inflammation. The difference between a healthy blood vessel and atherosclerosis plaque build up and how the epithelial cell cascade that the body sends to heal the area ends up progressing the inflammatory condition. Why his research to turn on and off these inflammatory signals may aid in better healing from heart disease. Dr. Naveed Akbar focuses on extracellular vesicles research and how the vesicles relate to metabolic disease. Atherosclerosis, which causes heart attacks and strokes, tends to be much thicker in a diabetic patient. He believes this junction of immunological and metabolic disease is an important crossroads. He explains that while atherosclerosis builds up over decades due to many other lifestyle causes, we don't understand is why diabetic patients are more apt to get fattier plaques that are more aggressive and more prone to rupture, which ends in the heart attack and stroke events. Therefore, he has studied how immune systems responds to damage within the blood vessel and why immune cells accumulate within the wall of an artery to drive these attacks. They've discovered that as the monocytes try and engulf the fat in an artery, this action attracts more immune cells, causing more inflammation. Trying to understand what signals turn on and off the message to cause inflammation may lead to better healing. Finally, he describes a current project: extracellular vesicles research into what happens after a heart attack and splint placement. Immune cells go to the heart and create more inflammation, which is harmful—a healing that has a defective element. Understand what's controlling their switch is important therapeutically. For more information, see his page on the Oxford University site: https://www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/people/naveed-akbar

In order to create anti-parasitic medications like filariasis treatment, researchers like Dr. Geary study how parasites hide from their hosts. When you listen in to this discussion, you'll learn: How parasites are closer in cell type to us than bacteria and why that makes them harder to kill. Why the coevolution of humans and malaria has made it unique among parasites. Why molecules that parasites release like micro RNAs may be the key to their ability to hide from their host and survive. Dr. Timothy Geary serves as Chair in Parasite Biotechnology at McGill University and also has an appointment at Queen's University in Belfast. His background is in pharmacology, but he has developed a specialty in anti-parasitic medication discovery. This includes genomic work on the host-parasitic interface, especially for filariasis treatment and gastrointestinal nematode infections. In this podcast, he explains several aspects of how parasites function and how vertebrates and arthropod vectors maintain the parasite's sometimes-complex lifecycle. Adaptive pressures affect parasites to the same extent as most animal life and Dr. Geary describes some interesting results of this such as the lower instance of immunological bowel diseases in regions where parasites are more common. He also helps differentiate parasitic nomenclature in a way that explains how and why many parasites can continue their life cycle so successfully. He catalogs the difference between single-celled protozoan parasites like the originators of toxoplasmosis and multi-celled nematode creatures. Finally, he explains his work to understand how parasites go into "stealth mode" and why this may lead to better anti-parasitic medication and treatment. Learn more about contacting Dr. Geary and find a list of his publications at https://www.mcgill.ca/parasitology/faculty/geary