Lex Fridman Podcast

#146 – Michael Mina: Rapid Testing, Viruses, and the Engineering Mindset

Dec 19, 2020

Michael Mina, an esteemed immunologist and physician at Harvard, is renowned for his pioneering work on rapid COVID-19 testing. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the critical role of rapid testing in managing pandemics and its potential to empower individuals. Mina delves into the intricate relationship between viruses and society, the engineering approaches needed in public health, and how innovative technologies can enhance our understanding of viral behaviors. He also addresses the balance between data collection and personal privacy in tackling health crises.

02:19:17

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Episode guests

Michael Mina

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Supporting Creators and Promoting Health

5min

Viruses: Trojan Horses and Societal Impact

10min

Empowering Public Health Through Rapid Testing

17min

Understanding Rapid Antigen Testing

28min

Engineering Solutions for Public Health

16min

Innovating Public Health with Data and Biology

12min

Viruses, Data, and AI: Lessons from the Pandemic

19min

Resilience in Medical Innovation

9min

10.

The Transformative Power of Mindfulness

17min

11.

Contemplating Consciousness: The Biological Basis of Existence

2min

12.

Reflections on Engagement and Motivation

2min

Michael Mina is an immunologist, epidemiologist, and physician at Harvard. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Michael’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmina_lab
Michael’s Time article: https://time.com/5912705/covid-19-stop-spread-christmas/
Rapid Tests: https://www.rapidtests.org/

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:28) – Interacting between viruses and bacteria
(11:42) – Deadlier viruses
(15:13) – Will COVID-19 mutate?
(16:47) – Rapid testing
(34:11) – PCR vs rapid antigen tests
(43:55) – Medical industrial complex
(47:47) – Lex takes COVID test
(54:32) – FDA and cheap tests
(57:17) – Explanation of Elon Musk’s positive COVID tests
(1:04:25) – Role of testing during vaccine deployment
(1:07:54) – Public health policy
(1:17:34) – A weather system for viruses
(1:34:26) – Can a virus kill all humans?
(1:40:05) – Engineering a deadly virus
(1:44:47) – AlphaFold 2 and viruses
(1:50:42) – Advice for young people
(1:58:50) – Time as a Buddhist monk
(2:04:54) – Meditation
(2:12:32) – Meaning of life

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