Jay Bhattacharya

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the NIH and former Stanford professor, discusses critical topics around public health. He unveils a $50 million autism initiative and highlights the importance of replication in science. Bhattacharya calls for a Silicon Valley approach to NIH funding, urging support for bold ideas and academic freedom. He addresses rebuilding public trust in health authorities post-pandemic and shares insights on integrating AI into drug discovery and clinical practices. His advice for future scientists emphasizes persistence and innovation.

In a deep dive with Jay Bhattacharya, the former Stanford professor and current NIH Director, the discussion spans his vision for transforming the NIH into an innovation powerhouse. He addresses the replication crisis in science, emphasizing the need for reliable findings and new funding models for replication studies. Bhattacharya also highlights changing metrics for scientist productivity and revitalizing public trust in health research. He explores AI's role in biomedical advancements and unveils a new policy to reduce animal testing, advocating for ethical research alternatives.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and researcher with the National Institutes of Health, joins to shed light on the controversial use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and its potential links to autism. He discusses the literature around neurodevelopmental risks and the NIH's cautious messaging. The conversation dives into the public's reaction to recent Tylenol studies, exploring the historical context and ongoing autism research initiatives. Bhattacharya also addresses the complexities of sibling-control studies and their implications for understanding causality.