STEM-Talk

Episode 171: Ken and Dawn on AI, Alzheimer’s, global security, keto vs low carb and more

Aug 8, 2024

Ken, an expert on AI and global security, is joined by Dawn, a savvy speaker on health and technology. They dive into the recent FDA approval of a neural implant device for neuromuscular diseases, exploring its implications. The duo discusses the genetic factors linked to Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the APOE4 allele. They also tackle the trade-offs between ketogenic and low-carb diets, and why blood-flow restriction classes are often overlooked in gyms. Plus, Ken shares his favorite sci-fi author, making for a captivating blend of topics!

48:40

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Dawn

Ken

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Recent advancements in brain-computer interface technologies hold promise for patients with neuromuscular disorders but face challenges that require further research.

The complexities surrounding the APOE4 allele's link to Alzheimer's disease emphasize the importance of considering both genetic factors and lifestyle modifications in risk assessment.

Deep dives

The Evolution and Potential of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies have evolved since the 1970s, aiming to establish communication between brain activity and external devices. Recent media attention has notably focused on Neuralink, a company working on implantable BCIs designed to help patients with neuromuscular diseases control devices using their thoughts. Despite initial successes, challenges persist, such as the detachment of implant threads from brain tissue, which Neuralink aims to address in future trials. Overall, while the technology shows significant potential, further research and the development of non-invasive methods are crucial for broader application and efficacy.

Intro

2min

Brain-Computer Interfaces and Genetic Insights

20min

Exploring Sleep Deprivation and Glymphatic Function Research

5min

Challenges in BFR Training and AI Technology

10min

Dietary Approaches and Cardiovascular Health Insights

3min

Optimizing Exercise for Older Adults

8min

In today’s Ask Me Anything episode, Ken and Dawn answer a wide range of questions that cover:

A recent FDA approval of a neural implant device for people with degenerative neuromuscular disease or spinal-cord injuries.
Global security in the age of AI.
A study that looked at ways to optimize glymphatic clearance for people with acute or chronic sleep deprivation.
Why more gyms don’t offer blood-flow restriction classes for their clients.
Developments in the realm of Generative AI.
The tradeoffs between a low-carb diet versus a ketogenic diet.
A study on Alzheimer’s titled, “APOE 4 Homozygosity Represents a Distinct Genetic Form of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Plus, Ken reveals his favorite science-fiction author.

[00:02:38] Dawn opens the episode with a question for Ken about the FDA’s recent approval of a neural implant device which is touted as a means of allowing people with degenerative neuromuscular disease, or spinal-cord injuries, to interface with external technology via neural signals. The listener asks Ken for his insights into what is being called “brain-computer interface technologies.”

[00:05:44] A listener asks Ken if he has a favorite science-fiction writer, or if there is a particular sci-fi series/story that really moves him.

[00:08:48] Multiple listeners ask Ken about a paper recently published titled: “APOE 4 Homozygosity Represents a Distinct Genetic Form of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Listeners ask if it is true that people with two copies of APOE4 allele are certain to develop the disease.

[00:19:30] A listener asks Ken about his time on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The commission issued its report five years ago with specific recommendations on how the government should prepare for and defend against the national security implications of AI. Ken shares his thoughts on the implementation of the commission’s recommendations.

[00:21:16] A listener asks Dawn about her collaboration with Dr. Jeff Iliff that looked at a potential approach to optimizing glymphatic clearance for people with acute or chronic sleep deprivation.

[00:27:10] A listener asks Ken why more gyms and physical therapy centers don’t have blood flow restriction devices (BFR) available for their clientele, given that studies have shown that BFR improves strength and muscle mass in both young and older adults. (Two STEM-Talk episodes that cover blood-flow restriction include episode 34 and episode 161.

[00:28:38] A listener asks Ken for his thoughts on AI given the recent developments in the field, particularly in the realm of Generative AI, with programs like Chat GPT becoming a household name. The listener mentions that one of their friends thinks that AI is about to peak, and another says that AI is just getting warmed up.

[00:37:00] A listener writes that they are astounded at how many disorders can be treated with a ketogenic diet and mentions that they themselves have difficulty with a ketogenic diet. Instead, the listener eats low-carb diet and asks if the benefits of a low-carb, non-ketogenic diet are similar to a ketogenic one.

[00:38:19] A listener asks if Ken could talk about carotid scans and if this is a test that those with high LDL should consider getting.

[00:40:17] A 72-year-old listener explains how they structure their daily exercise routine between resistance and endurance training. The listener asks Ken whether they should focus more on resistance training as they are beginning to lose strength, and if so, how they should implement that given their age and the increasing risk for injury.

[00:45:51] To wrap up this episode, a listener asks Ken if he has any new annoyance that he would like to share, as he did in 2022, when he noted his disdain for the phrase “new normal” and the prevalence of cellphone addiction.

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