Big Brains

You’ve heard of plastic polluting oceans. But what if it’s polluting you—your brain, your reproductive system, even your unborn children?In this eye-opening episode, we speak with Prof. Matthew Campen, a scientist at the University of New Mexico, whose latest studies have uncovered evidence of microplastics in placentas, reproductive organs and brains of humans—particularly in the frontal cortex, where decision-making and personality live.We explore how these plastic particles are entering our bodies (hint: it’s not just your water bottle), what they might be doing to us, and why scientists are just beginning to understand the true scope of the issue. From declining sperm counts to potential links with dementia, this episode asks a critical question: Are microplastics the next big public health crisis?

Adam Alter, a business and psychology professor at NYU and author of Anatomy of a Breakthrough, unpacks the reasons we often feel stuck in life. He explores fascinating psychological barriers and offers practical strategies to overcome stagnation, emphasizing the importance of persistence and reflection. Through the lens of entities like Netflix, he illustrates how understanding friction can enhance personal growth. Alter also discusses creativity, encouraging listeners to collect and recombine ideas for innovative breakthroughs.

Bob Grossman, a faculty member at the University of Chicago specializing in AI for healthcare, joins Ben Zhao, a professor focused on securing AI rights for creatives, and Jens Ludwig, an economist tackling social issues with data. They dive into how AI is reshaping healthcare and the arts, discussing the need for safeguards against misuse. The conversation highlights the role of AI in addressing gun violence, emphasizing the importance of representative data for effective solutions. Ethical considerations and rapid advancements in AI take center stage, sparking an engaging dialogue.

In this insightful discussion, Jerry Avorn, a Harvard physician-researcher and author of 'Rethinking Medications,' uncovers the flaws in the FDA's drug approval processes, particularly the Accelerated Approval Program. He highlights how many medications are rushed to market without proven benefits, including ineffective cold and cancer treatments. Avorn critiques the reliance on surrogate measures for effectiveness, using the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm as a key example. He also emphasizes the need for transparency in drug pricing and informed patient choices.

James Evans, a University of Chicago sociologist and data scientist, discusses the limitations of training AI to think like humans. He argues that this approach stifles scientific discovery and advocates for the creation of 'cognitive aliens'—AIs that think differently to unlock breakthroughs. Evans explores how expanding AI’s sensory capabilities can lead to new forms of innovation and emphasizes the need for a shift in AI development to overcome biases in research. He also addresses AI's paradoxical role in both hindering and enhancing scientific inquiry.

When someone we know or love starts to develop psychological issues, we don't often associate it with a form of dementia. However, this trait is one of the most common signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) — the most common neurodegenerative disease in people under the age of 65. In his new book, Mysteries of the Social Brain: Understanding Human Behavior Through Science, Dr. Bruce Miller highlights his experiences observing people with FTD and what they have taught him about what he calls the "social brain."Dr. Bruce Miller has been observing people with FTD for decades in the Memory and Aging Center at the University of San Francisco, where he is also Professor of Neurology and the Founding Director of the Global Brain Health Institute. He shares key insights on how to keep our "social brain" healthy and how it can even unlock our creative potential.

Jacob Bean, an astrophysicist from the University of Chicago, is on the frontlines of the quest for extraterrestrial life. He discusses the groundbreaking detection of carbon dioxide on a distant exoplanet, a pivotal moment for astrophysics! Bean explores potentially habitable worlds like K2-18b and debunks false hopes like Gliese 486b. He reflects on the significance of atmospheric analysis in identifying biosignatures and ponders humanity's shared fragility in the vast cosmos, sparking thoughts about our place in the universe.

Jens Ludwig, a Professor at the University of Chicago and director of the crime lab, dives into the complex world of gun violence. He argues that most shootings stem from impulsive arguments rather than premeditated plans. Ludwig explores stark differences in gun violence rates between similar neighborhoods, attributing these disparities to emotional triggers. He advocates for innovative, data-backed interventions like the 'Becoming a Man' initiative, emphasizing community engagement and youth empowerment as crucial steps toward a solution.

Dalton Conley, a Princeton University sociologist and author of "The Social Genome," discusses the fascinating intersection of DNA and societal outcomes. He reveals how polygenic scores could predict not just physical traits, but also socioeconomic success, relationships, and even your future spouse. Conley dives into the controversial idea of genetic sorting that influences social interactions and raises urgent questions about potential inequalities. He explores the ethical implications of genetic data in areas like dating, healthcare, and education, questioning our trajectory toward a genetically determined future.

Mary Frances O'Connor, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona, offers compelling insights into how grief affects both the mind and body. She discusses the startling link between profound loss and serious health risks, including heart attacks and immune system issues. O'Connor argues for a shift in how society and healthcare view grief, advocating for grief as a medical concern that requires careful attention. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the need for better support systems and coping strategies for those navigating the complex terrain of loss.