Finding Genius Podcast

Stephen Collette is a building biologist; what's building biology, you wonder? It's a German school of thought that considers built environments and how they interact with and impact occupant and environment health. The field arose post-World War II, when as a result of widespread destruction from the war, the Germans found themselves having to build a lot of homes in a short period of time. This led to the creation of neighborhoods of poorly constructed homes that eventually became associated with a number of illnesses in the 1960s. Today, this problem still exists, and according to Stephen Collette, some of the biggest concerns are found in the homeowner market. When on the market to purchase a home, most people are focused on details such as the colors of the walls, the carpets, and updated appliances, but not nearly as many consider the fundamental aspects of the building itself, such as whether there is the potential for water to leak into the basement, whether there are new chemicals off-gassing through the space, or whether there are phone towers nearby. "We don't really take into consideration the fact that although our homes are our castles, they can in fact also make us really sick," says Collette. He joins the podcast today to discuss what he does as a building biologist, building scientist, and environmental consultant focusing primarily on residential buildings. He also discusses how buildings work and how they catastrophically fail, indoor air quality concerns, mechanical ventilation in modern homes, and how he leads clients to develop greater understandings of their homes and their health. Learn more by visiting http://www.yourhealthyhouse.ca/.

A single bacterium isn't capable of doing much—it can't overcome the host's immune response or make enough of an impact to create changes within the host. But it's a whole different story when many bacteria exist in the same environment, as together they have the ability to generate virulence factors, unleashing the full force of their weapons, if you will, and as a result, overpowering the host's immune response. But what leads to these coordinated activities? What must happen in order for an individual bacterium to sense others of their kind, and to respond accordingly? The term for it is quorum sensing, and it's the focus of Dr. E. Peter Greenberg's research in the Greenberg Lab at the University of Washington. For him, understanding the fundamentals behind quorum sensing, such as the nature of the signal generators involved, how the receptors work, what genes these receptors control in bacteria, and how to interpret the sociobiological aspects of quorum sensing is critical to further this area of research and use it for beneficial and therapeutic ends. Dr. Greenberg discusses a number of interesting topics, including nutrient and temperature cues for bacteria, antibiotic resistance, and the focus of his most recent research. Interested in learning more? Press play and check out https://microbiology.washington.edu/users/e-peter-greenberg.

How do plants control what they do? How do they grow and develop, and how is their growth and development controlled? At its core, all of Dr. Anthony Trewavas' work as a molecular biologist has revolved around these questions. He's been studying plant life and biochemistry for decades now, collecting and developing an impressive amount of technical knowledge along the way. On today's episode, he explains what triggered this lifelong interest, how his career has developed and evolved over the years, and what he's learned about a number of aspects of plant behavior and development. One of his main focuses has been on protein phosphorylation, which he explains is the most basic method of changing what cells do by modifying enzymatic activity. He also explains the role and effects of a plant hormone called auxin, plant mechanical stimulation, the importance of calcium in the process of responding to signals, how plants take up and store calcium, general systems theory as it applies to the study of plant hormones, and so much more. Press play for the full conversation, and find out more about Dr. Trewavas' work by searching for his name on the web.

Aaron Johnson, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, delivers an informative overview of the future of robotics. Johnson's work focuses on the design of intelligent interactions between a robot and its specific environment. Johnson is interested in the practical applications of robotics, taking robots out of a lab or industrial setting and putting them in the real world. Johnson's areas of study have varied widely, from unique robot design and behavior design to platform and controller design, dynamic transitions, physics-based planning and management, robot vision, bio-inspired robotics, ethics, and more. Johnson elaborates on the complex environments in which robots are expected to flourish. As he explains, advanced robots are often designed and tested in environments that are created with a robot's movement and needs in mind. But what happens when robots enter the real world and are faced with impediments, such as debris, clutter, or uneven surfaces, not typically found in an industrial factory setting? Johnson explains how these problems relate to progress gained in the development of autonomous vehicles. And even in engineered environments, variations and difficulties can exist, such as lighting that makes painted road lines or information difficult to see. Johnson talks about these issues and more that impact robot design and the improvements that are on the horizon. The mechanical engineering professor talks in detail about robotic vision, sensors, and how much information can be collected. He discusses data and computational limits, and how these limits can be overcome through advancing technologies. Johnson discusses the various kinds of robots that he works within his lab and the bioinspiration that is driving some of their work. Johnson received a BS in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. in electrical and systems engineering from the prestigious, University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Sönke Ahrens, author, How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning, and Thinking – for Students, Academics, and Nonfiction Book Writers, provides valuable information that we can all use to help us take better notes and be more productive. Dr. Ahrens is a noted writer and researcher in education and social science. He regularly publishes, and his book titled, Experiment and Exploration: Forms of World-Disclosure: From Epistemology to Bildung is an award winner and continues to be a talked-about piece. In addition to being a prolific author, Dr. Ahrens still finds time to teach at university in the area of philosophy of education. Dr. Ahrens talks about his background and how it was his own Ph.D. education experience that inspired him to later write his book on taking notes. He states, as students, we are constantly taking notes, but Dr. Ahrens was interested in how we could more efficiently retain the data and information that we are given—how do we take notes? Dr. Ahrens discusses his interest in the work of Niklas Luhmann​, the​ German sociologist​ , and ​philosopher of social science​ who was a major voice in the field of systems theory​. ​He explains the theoretical studies of Luhmann and his discoveries about the man and how Luhmann was incredibly efficient and productive in the taking off and producing notes that allowed him to spark new ideas. Luhmann essentially mastered productivity, and his technique is at the center of Dr. Ahrens' keen interest and study. Zettelkasten is the German word for 'slip box,' and the slip box technique was Niklas Luhmann's major contribution to modern-day note taking and information gathering. The German sociologist used index cards for all of his notes and thus developed a systematic method of cross-referencing and connecting all of his many notes. Luhmann assigned each card a specific number, which positioned the card in a certain place within his filing system. This technique allowed Luhmann to have it referenced on other cards. Dr. Ahrens elaborates on some of the techniques and processes that make for more efficiency in learning and note-taking. Dr. Ahrens explains how certain organizational techniques can be standardized and thus become a daily routine, which increases productivity. He discusses how the everyday person can utilize steps, such as collecting, then processing, and writing information that makes connections to other data that you've collected, etc. Dr. Ahrens states that the key is to get into a topic at the content level where we last left it, and pick up our research or study again as quickly as possible.

It's adaptive, convenient, and also fashionable: BILLY Footwear is completely changing the game in terms of versatile footwear that's desired by anyone and everyone—not just those who actually need it. Founder of BILLY Footwear, Billy Price, joins the podcast to discuss the shoe that's garnering a lot of attention due to its unique and unprecedented design, which, rather than forcing you to shove your foot into the shoe and use dexterity of the fingers to maneuver shoe laces, allows you to step into it with ease and pull a single zipper to secure it on your foot. Billy Price shares his story with us, explaining what led to his need for the shoe, as well as his process in developing and marketing it. He draws attention to what many people may be all too familiar with: that feeling of being the only person to wear something purely adaptive, and having to experience the negative attention that can come along with it. For those who have disabilities, this shoe can change everything for them by restoring independence, while at the same time allowing them to wear something that everyone finds desirable and convenient. In fact, the vast majority of his customers seek the shoe simply because of its attractive design. In addition, the design is attracting a number of think tanks interested in a shoe that can act as a receptacle for studies designed to study differences in gait. Interested in learning more or getting a pair for yourself? Visit billyfootwear.com.

Not more than 20 years ago, epigenetics was something not many people understood or even knew much about, but now we not only have a good understanding of epigenetics, but the ability to manipulate the epigenome. CRISPR is one of the new tools used in accomplishing this, and additional genome editing tools are contributing to the growing pool of data on the genome and epigenome of both plants and animals. On today's episode, Dr. Dana Carroll from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine imparts a significant amount of insight and information on this growing field of research, including the latest developments, implications, and future possibilities. Among other topics, Dr. Carroll discusses how genes function and why it's been challenging to come to a consensus definition of what a "gene' actually is, how cells repair DNA in different ways (some of which can lead to problematic mutations at the site of repair), how viruses are being used to support CRISPR technology, ex vivo therapy, and when he thinks clinical applications of gene editing tools might be widely available. Press play to learn more.

Dr. Zoran Radic is a scientist working at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at UC San Diego, where he focuses his research on nerve agents and the development of good antidotes that have the ability to treat or even prevent nerve gas toxicity. He's using a tool from a company by the name Nanome that allows for virtual reality 3D visualization and analysis of molecules that could function as antidotes to a range of toxic substances. He explains that this tool allows scientists to observe and examine with the natural senses compounds that are microscopic, which is opening the door to an unprecedented level of understanding of the ways nerve agents and antidotes interact in the body and with one another. On today's episode, Dr. Radic also discusses the mechanisms of the most common nerve agents that effectively disable normal neurotransmission in our bodies, which means disabling our ability to control bodily movements and breathe. He explains why developing antidotes has been so challenging, how the Nanome 3D tool is aiding in this process, his research on a particular class of substances that could treat a wide range of toxicities, and what he predicts will happen over the next few years in this exciting field of research. Find out more info about Dr. Radic's work at https://profiles.ucsd.edu/zoran.radic

When was the last time your doctor took the time to ask you about your lifestyle to identify and address the root of your symptoms? Did they prescribe a medication and send you on your way, or did they take the time to delve into your lifestyle and diet to devise an individualized treatment plan? Naturopathic Doctor Cheryl Burdette joins us today to share the principles that guide her medical practice. In today's episode, Dr. Burdette emphasizes the importance of taking thorough and accurate patient histories to help patients address health abnormalities as well as maintain their optimal health. Achieving optimal health, Dr. Burdette explains, takes time. Just like going to the gym once doesn't give us chiseled bodies, taking care of our bodies for one day won't heal chronic illness. Naturopathic doctors such as Dr. Burdette can help us find and maintain optimal health so that we may feel our very best in our day-to-day lives. For more information, visit www.progressivemedicalcenter.com.

Matt Richtel, Pulitzer Prize-winning tech reporter for The New York Times, talks about his background and work, covering technology and Silicon Valley. As a celebrated author and Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times, Richtel has been, to say the least, a little busy, and in demand. He is an outspoken voice on many and varied subjects, such as science and technology, business, cancer immunotherapy, and technology's effect on behavior as well as the brain. His work has also focused on the dot com boom (and subsequent bust), venture capital, startups, and all that is… Silicon Valley. Richtel talks about his vast background studying, researching, and reporting on Silicon Valley. The author and reporter discuss how he came to write his book, The Man Who Wouldn't Die, a comedic detective novel set in Silicon Valley that Richtel penned under a nom de plume that he humorously refers to as his nom de guerre. Richtel explains how he and his publisher came to the idea that they should publish it under a pen name. As he explains, after a lifetime of serious reporting, they decided that the public should have a little warning that this book was a great departure from the usual reporting Richtel delivers, and is celebrated for. The Pulitzer Prize winner muses about some of the early history of sports reporting, and how a program would gather facts and data to assemble a story. Further, he makes the connection to universal income as he talks about automation. Richtel discusses his thoughts on universal basic income and states that while he sees both sides as a journalist, it is certainly a conversation worth having, as automation is taking over jobs, livelihoods, and family incomes. Richtel talks about choices that people have available to them, and how especially in Silicon Valley, the entrepreneurial spirit leaches into literally everything. He discusses the advantages of technology and all that it has brought forth but underscores that even with such innovative changes that have made our lives better, technology has still failed to solve our existential challenges. Richtel won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, for a series of groundbreaking articles on the hazardous use of cell phones, computers, and various other devices during driving. As an author he is a New York Times bestseller and continues to report and write on various subjects of his interest, often focused on technology or its effects.