Finding Genius Podcast

Christopher Barrett, PhD, is a distinguished professor and the executive director of the newly established Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative at the University of Virginia. Dr. Barrett talks about biocomplexity and the premise of his work. Dr. Barrett is an established interdisciplinary computational scientist. Over his illustrious 35-year career he has published more than100 research articles examining many aspects of various scale interaction systems. Dr. Barrett is celebrated for his outstanding work, and for founding some of the most notable national and international technology programs of their kind. He has worked with the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy as well as the Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Barrett states their mission: to look at massively interacting systems, systems built of extremely large numbers of interacting heterogenous pieces. From cells within our bodies to the cellular machinery involved, to ecology and life on the planet, and more… the Biocomplexity Initiative will cast a wide net as they study many and various systems. He states they are focused on practical applications in important areas such as epidemiology, bioinformatics as it relates to nucleotide sequences, and to basic public policy and how it affects human health. The biology and infectious disease expert discusses how population and other social determinants, sanitary practices, etc. impact the spread of disease. He talks about infrastructure modeling, health modeling, and economic variables that are studied to see the bigger picture and make assessments about possibilities. The Biocomplexity Initiative provides high-performance computing capabilities that will assist researchers as they develop a greater understanding of the complex relationship between human genomics, behavioral aspects of health, as well as the environmental effects, in the myriad ways that diseases may exhibit. Dr. Barrett discusses their disciplined approach that seeks to forecast, explain, and visually present the behavioral interactions of substantial, highly complex systems. Dr. Barrett's long-term mission is to enable research and help researchers to get a better grasp of how diseases spread based on various factors such as cultural behavior, specifics of a pathogen, human transportation of disease, and other important issues. And the ultimate goal of the work is to be prepared for the worst-case scenario—global pandemic.

James A. Shapiro, professor of microbiology with the department of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Chicago, provides an overview of how organisms adapt to change. Since 1973, Shapiro has been helping to shape the field of microbiology. In fact, he was a member of the initial team to successfully isolate a single gene from an organism. With a long history in the study of bacterial genetics, Shapiro has helped to craft the concept of natural genetic engineering, a process of biological evolution. As a supporter of non-Darwinian evolution and outspoken critic of the modern synthesis, Shapiro has published many works in the field detailing his analyses of the various related subjects and topics. Shapiro discusses his basic thoughts on the concept of evolution. He provides a historical analysis on the theory that random mutations and natural selection are the essential elements of evolutionary change, and states that not only is this an oversimplification—it is inaccurate. As Shapiro states, many active biological functions are taking place, and accidents are not necessary for evolution; essentially, organisms can create their own evolution when challenged. Shapiro details some of their early experimentation with bacteria in the study of antibiotics. He states that they found in their experimentation that mutations in bacteria were able to allow bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. The microbiology expert talks about symbiotic organisms such as the microbiome, which contributes to properties of the larger organism. He discusses what happens in cells and the cellular activity that creates change in organisms. Specifically he discusses mitochondria and DNA sequences and the relational aspects in terms of biology. He explains how disparate organisms in our bodies share the same genome, yet they have different characteristics. Epigenetic changes determine which regions of the genome are being expressed. Epigenetics, simply stated, is the study of heritable changes within gene expression that do not involve any specific changes to an underlying DNA sequence, and as such affects how cells can then read genes. As he underscores, organisms sense changes and adjust to them. And interestingly, as Shapiro states, bacteria and cells in general are keenly aware of what is happening in their environment. James Shapiro's latest book, Evolution: A View from the 21st Century, discusses his thoughts on new ways to understand the tenets of biological evolution.

In comparison to most plants, cyanobacteria are simple and easy to work with—after all, they can be grown in glass tubes. However, there is a lot that is still unknown about them, and as such, they're the focus of a great deal of research. Dr. Ben Long received his PhD in plant biology from La Trobe University in Australia where he spent time as an undergraduate and post-doctoral student studying cyanobacteria and trying to identify all the compounds they produce. In particular, he's looking at the type and quantity of toxins and other bioactive compounds they produce and what can be learned about these compounds. For example, just within the last several years, cyanobacteria have been shown to produce an amino acid that may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Long brings a wealth of interesting information to the conversation on today's podcast, detailing cyanobacteria biochemical reactions previously thought to be nonexistent, discussing the difference between the way plants and cyanobacteria fix carbon dioxide in the environment, mysterious toxins called microcystins produced by cyanobacteria, the photosynthetic efficiency of C4 plants, and the application of cyanobacteria compounds in bioreactor work, such as the ability to produce oils from them that could be used as a form of fuel. Tune in for the full conversation and learn more by searching for RIPE photosynthesis on the web and visiting http://photosynthesis.org.au.

"Sleep affects everybody; we sleep for one third of our lives, it's the one activity we do the most of, and it's the one thing that if we don't do well or long enough, will have significant repercussions on our health, on our quality of life, and on others," says Dr. Quan, Clinical Chief and Medical Director of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham Women's Hospital. With over half of the American population reporting that they don't get enough sleep, he argues that sleep deficiency has become an epidemic. While many people dismiss the importance of sleep, studies have shown that regularly getting fewer than six hours of sleep per night increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, while lowering your overall quality of life and putting other people's lives in danger. Dr. Quan and his team are working to combat this problem with the Sleep Matters Initiative, which involves giving presentations about sleep health at various institutions and organizations, as well as administering screening questionnaires to all audience members after each presentation. If someone's answers on the questionnaire suggest that they might have a sleep issue, then the Sleep Matters Initiative will help them contact the right healthcare provider in order to have their sleep further evaluated. Tune in to learn more from Dr. Quan, visit www.brighamandwomens.org to find the clinic and make an appointment, and learn more at www.understanidngsleep.org.

Kamal Obbad, CEO and cofounder of Nebula Genomics (nebula.org), delivers a thorough overview of the current state of genomic data, research, and what the future holds for the study of the genome. As a self-described Harvard graduate and Cambridge University computer science dropout, Kamal Obbad has definitely taken his own path to success. Obbad is a passionate biotech entrepreneur whose keen interest in both tech, and helping others, led to his cofounding of Nebula Genomics. Obbad discusses the mission of his company—to make genomic data extraordinarily useful for medical researchers. Getting their start at Harvard Medical School in the lab of fellow cofounder George Church, known as the "father of synthetic biology," the entrepreneurs set out to expand the opportunities for genomic data to be used. From data driven clinical decision making to drug design, Obbad discusses the possibilities. He provides detailed information on sequencing genomes, explaining how a genome can be read, and what information can be gathered through the process. The science tech entrepreneur talks about how genomes are utilized in the study of diseases, and the mechanisms of genetic change. Obbad states that there are many barriers to getting genomic data, from regulation to personal fears about revealing one's genomic data. Genomics, specifically stated, is the interdisciplinary field of biology that focuses on the structure, mapping, function, evolution, and editing of genomes. And a genome is an organism's comprehensive set of DNA that includes all of its genes. Obbad discusses data sets that are accessible and the challenges to gather the appropriate amount of data in aggregate. Obbad states, when individuals use genetic data companies such as 23andMe and others, to gather personal information they are curious about, what the individuals are really doing is paying these companies for the privilege to resell this genetic data. Because of the many aforementioned problems and challenges, Obbad and his co-founding partners have decided to take Nebula Genomics in an entirely different direction, better for everyone involved. As they state, the future of health is in your DNA. Nebula Genomics allows users to contribute to significant medical breakthroughs and get rewarded for it, unlike other companies who may sell your data and provide you with no real compensation in any form. Nebula Genomics stands firmly on the idea that everyone should understand their genes, and truly own their personal health data. As such, Nebula Genomics has reinvented the genomic data business model, utilizing blockchain to connect data buyers with data users, and liberating genomic data by bringing records to a single network where researchers can gain critical access.

Rolls-Royce is an engineering company that makes jet engines which get distributed all over the world for use in land, air, and sea. Some engines made in the 1960s are still in use, and they aren't actually that different from the engines being made today—that is, with one main (and important) exception: they weren't designed with service or repair ability in mind. Without this design, repairs can be time-consuming and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is where the importance of keyholes—small holes through which repairs can be completed in the field—on jet engines becomes particularly important. As a technologist at Rolls-Royce engineering company, Dr. James Kell explains new ways of allowing more service ability with these engines, and how this challenge has spurred new projects and designs for the construction of jet engines. For example, the team at Rolls-Royce has already created engine health monitoring networks capable of monitoring an engine's temperature, pressure, and vibration. The newest project in the works is a permanently embedded camera network that would provide an unprecedented amount of insight into the functional health of the engines that the world so heavily relies upon. Tune in for all the details on this intriguing topic. To learn more, visit the media section of the Rolls-Royce website at rolls-royce.com.

Sandeep Jain, MD, FCCP, pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist, as well as the founder of ListenMD, discusses sleep issues and disorders, and the technology that is helping patients who suffer to get the care they need. ListenMD is an intelligent, innovative universal health care communication platform centered on patients that have been specifically designed for doctors and nurses, their staff, caregivers and patients alike. The platform minimizes tedious tasks and expands a doctor's time while improving care, and—saving money. The HIPAA compliant messaging app is easy to use and it allows a patient to control access and view their appointments with physicians or other healthcare providers. More information can be found online at listenmd.com. Since the dawn of medical records, maintaining accurate information has been challenging. Jain discusses ways that ListenMD can help. As Jain explains, patients are now able to use their app to put them in the center of the data collection process, which improves their chances for better health. Jain stresses the importance of communication in health care, especially in regard to sleep. Regarding patient care, Jain states that patients need to be looked in the eye and talked to directly so they can get the attention they deserve. Jain talks about obesity rates, how they are increasing, and thus—so is apnea. Jain talks about the advances in auto-titrating CPAP devices used by some patients with sleep issues. He explains how the technology can vary the pressure and deliver the best breathing possible for each patient, tailored to their daily needs. CPAP is an acronym that stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy. CPAP is a useful treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine contains a hose and mask, or sometimes a nosepiece, and it can deliver a steady air pressure to control breathing and keep it regulated. Finally, Dr. Jain provides some real advice for those who are concerned that they may have a sleep disorder, and what they can do about it. And he underscores the importance of quality sleep, and the dangers we face in our daily environment if we are performing activities, especially driving or operating machinery, when sleep deprived.

Gabriel Rene, an architect of the spatial web, director of VERSES Foundation (verses.io), delivers an overview of the current state of technology, including AI and product interfaces as we move to a Web 3.0 world. Gabriel Rene is excited about technology. As an experienced deep technology entrepreneur and researcher, he has been a leader in the technology, telecom, and entertainment industries for over 25 years. Rene has helmed innovative tech companies, and has been instrumental in developing consumer software. He has advised many leading industry brands including Verizon, Sony, Coca-Cola, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, Universal, Boost Mobile, Conde Naste, Elle Magazine and even the Obama Campaign. Rene talks about the history of humans and our relationship to information, transitions, and experiences. He provides his thoughts on evolution and the progression of man in regard to communication, from early years all the way up to the computer revolution that is now powering a multi-trillion dollar economy progressing through Web 2.0 developments. Web 2.0 refers to websites that push user-generated content, simplify use, etc. As the web develops, Rene states that we are moving toward spatial web. Rene explains how the current AI boom will transition everything in our world into smart, autonomous, and self-programming products and devices. Blockchain and cloud-enabled systems and services will be able to support a secure data layer, and new virtual as well as augmented reality eyewear advancements will provide an opportunity to truly interface with an exciting, digitally-mapped, changing world, bursting with visual imagery and details never before seen. Rene's company, VERSES, is a non-profit foundation that is producing the universal protocols and standards for the next-generation web. No longer tied to a page, the Spatial Web will exist freely, as a single, worldwide network that can creatively link people, places, and things—in the virtual and physical realms—and enable flowing interaction, transaction, as well as full and immersive navigation between them for a more advanced way to experience our daily lives. Rene discusses the many regulatory issues surrounding data and privacy, etc. In Web 3.0, he states, the risks must be mitigated, and security must be built in to protect privacy, etc. He explains that a type of digital force field will be utilized to implement protections and securities for all of our products within our space, to control the information that is going out. Ultimately, as Rene states, much regulation will be needed, and that we will need to hold our elected officials accountable to implement laws that can help us all to enjoy the technological advances while keeping our privacy secure.

Trevor Morin, PhD, CSO biochemistry, and William Dunbar, PhD, cofounder and acting CEO, of Two Pore Guys, Inc., provide an interesting overview of nanotechnology as it applies to scientific advances. Morin and Dunbar's company, Two Pore Guys, Inc., is literally transforming human and environmental health by bringing nanotechnology and precision science together to detect and quantify biomolecular targets. The science and technology entrepreneurs discuss their products and advances in nanotechnology in regard to agriculture, human, and animal use cases. They discuss nanopores, which are sort of like tiny gateways that allow only one molecule to proceed through at a time. As they explain, this 'passing through' process allows for information to be gathered in detail. The sweet spot for their technology, as they explain, is identifying pathogens based on their DNA or RNA-specific sequence. Specifically, Morin and Dunbar's, Two Pore Guys, Inc. is a team of biochemists and engineers who work together to develop groundbreaking technology. Their innovative single-molecule-sensing platform can provide the precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of reference lab equipment while saving time and money. The scientific pathology tech guys elaborate on how they solve problems built into field-deployable products. With singe molecule counting using an electrical output they find that their accuracy is heightened, with extremely sensitive reagents. Their breakthrough technology allows for superior detection of multiple infectious agents. Their device differentiates among a whole suite of infectious diseases with improved time performance. Additionally, as they explain, the Two Pore Guys' platform eliminates the need for complex instrumentation and chemistries, and again, is more cost effective than traditional methods used currently. And in regard to quantifying genetic variants, their outstanding platform can detect and quantify cancer variants from liquid biopsies with the precision of droplet digital PCR, and again, at a faster rate and reduced cost than traditionally used methods. The science innovators discuss their timetable for revealing more of their product line. As they explain, their beta unit will be available in less than two years. Morin and Dunbar are excited about the possibilities and their continual advancement of products that can enhance scientific and medical innovation.

Quite a bit is known about bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts), but not much is known about bone marrow fat cells—aside from the fact that bone marrow becomes packed with them as we age or become obese. We also know that there is a correlation between the incidence of multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow) and age, and multiple myeloma and obesity. This naturally poses the question, how might bone marrow fat cells be connected to or aid in the development of the tumor cells seen in multiple myeloma? This is precisely what Michaela Reagan, PhD and her team at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute are investigating. She joins the podcast today to discuss a variety of interesting topics, including the details of this research, the process of multiple myeloma, how tumor and non-tumor cells enter the bloodstream from the bone, the parallels between bone cancer and osteoporosis, epigenetic changes in tumors, and where her research is headed. Press play for all the details and learn more by visiting mmcri.org and clicking on Dr. Reagan in the faculty list.