Mind & Matter

Send us a textShort Summary: A rare, insider’s look at the messy realities of scientific research with Stanford’s Dr. John Ioannidis. The good, the bad, and the ugly about how scientific research actually works.About the guest: John Ioannidis, MD, PhD is a professor at Stanford University in medicine, epidemiology, population health, and biomedical data science, with an MD from the University of Athens and a PhD from Harvard in biostatistics. He directs the Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), focusing on improving research methods and practices. Renowned for his paper “Why Most Published Research Findings Are False,” he’s among the most cited scientists globally, tackling biases and reproducibility in science.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and everyone on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere. Full transcript and other information on Substack.Key Takeaways:Science’s “replication crisis” isn’t new—it’s baked into how tough and bias-prone research is, hitting all fields, not just “soft” ones like psychology.Ioannidis’s famous claim, “most published findings are false,” holds up: stats show many “significant” results are flukes due to weak studies or bias.Peer review’s a mixed bag—only a third of papers improve, and unpaid, tired reviewers miss a lot, letting shaky stuff slip through.Publishing’s a $30 billion game with 50,000+ journals; big players like Elsevier rake in huge profits from subscriptions and fees, often over $10,000 per paper.Researchers game the system—think fake co-authorships or citation cartels—boosting metrics like the H-index, which tracks papers with matching citation counts.Ioannidis’s early COVID-19 fatality rate (0.2-0.3%) was spot-on but sparked a firestorm as politics warped science into “clan warfare.”NIH funding’s clogged by red tape and favors older researchers, starving young innovators and risky ideas that could shake things up.He’s building tools like a public database of scientist stats (4 million downloads!) to spotlight gaming and push for transparent, fair research.*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts

Michael Snyder, a Professor of Genetics at Stanford University and director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, shares groundbreaking ideas on personalized health. He discusses the role of wearable technology in transforming health monitoring, emphasizing big data's impact on individual health insights. The conversation covers diabetes subtypes, dietary influences, and the crucial link between short-chain fatty acids and gut health. Snyder also highlights the potential of innovative technologies to revolutionize disease prevention and extend healthy living.

Send us a textShort Summary: Insider’s look at the COVID-19 pandemic response from a seasoned epidemiologist, unraveling myths and lessons with straightforward science.About the guest: Martin Kulldorff, PhD is an epidemiologist and biostatistician with decades of experience in infectious disease monitoring and vaccine safety. He was formerly a professor at Harvard Medical School. Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack. Partial versions are available elsewhere. Full transcript and other information on Substack.Episode Summary: Dr. Martin Kulldorff discusses the COVID pandemic response, reflecting on the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, which opposed lockdowns in favor of protecting the vulnerable. They explore the virus’s fatality rates, asymptomatic spread, and vaccine efficacy, contrasting textbook epidemiology with real-world decisions. He critiques institutional failures, like the CDC’s misleading claims. He shares optimism for future pandemics with better leadership and public awareness.Key Takeaways:Lockdowns ignored basic public health principles, causing collateral damage like missed cancer screenings, while Sweden’s focused protection approach led to lower excess mortality.Early data showed COVID’s risk was 1000x higher for older people, yet lockdowns didn’t prioritize them, unlike textbook strategies.Asymptomatic spread made containment impossible, unlike Ebola, where isolation works due to clear symptoms.Natural immunity was downplayed despite 2500 years of evidence, leading to wasted vaccines on those already immune.CDC falsely claimed vaccines stopped transmission, eroding trust when people got sick anyway, fueling vaccine skepticism.mRNA vaccine boosters lack proper trials, and their long-term effects need rigorous study, not assumptions.Kulldorff’s new Journal of the Academy of Public Health pushes open peer review to rebuild trust in science.Related episode:M&M #100: Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Pandemics, Health Policy, COVID, Politicization of Science | Jay Bhattacharya*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts

Dr. Diana van Heemst, a biologist at Leiden University Medical Center specializing in aging, dives into the fascinating world of thyroid biology. She discusses how the thyroid gland influences metabolism, energy regulation, and overall health. Listeners learn about the crucial roles of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, the importance of nutrients like iodine and selenium, and the implications of thyroid conditions on longevity. The conversation explores thyroid function variations, the impact of aging on hormone health, and the significance of early detection for well-being.

Send us a textShort Summary: The complexities of neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's, environmental influences like glyphosate, and the crucial role of nutrients like choline, with actionable insights into brain health management.About the guest: Dr. Ramon Valazquez is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, leading a research lab at the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. His work focuses on environmental factors related to Alzheimer's and other dementias, alongside developing therapeutic strategies.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and to everyone on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere. Full transcript and other information on Substack.Episode Summary: Dr. Ramon Velazquez explores neurodegenerative disease, with a deep dive into Alzheimer's, its pathophysiology including amyloid beta plaques and tau pathology. It examines the controversy around these proteins' roles in disease progression, the influence of environmental toxins like glyphosate on brain health, and the preventive potential of nutritional interventions, particularly choline.Key Takeaways:Neurodegenerative Disease Basics: Alzheimer's disease involves both amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles, with tau pathology more closely linked to clinical symptoms.Environmental Impact: Glyphosate, a common herbicide, can cross into the brain, potentially exacerbating neurodegenerative pathways through inflammation.Choline: Essential for brain function and fat metabolism, it’s often deficient in diets, particularly plant-based ones. Adequate intake might prevent or mitigate cognitive decline and related diseases.Preventive Measures: Early nutritional intervention, like maintaining choline levels, could be vital for preventing neurodegenerative diseases. However, once symptoms are present, such interventions might not reverse existing pathology.Related episode:M&M #145: Epigenetics, Hormones, Endocrine Disruptors, Microplastics, Xenoestrogens, Obesogens & Obesity | Bruce Blumberg*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textShort Summary: The science of glycosylation, its impact on health, and potential treatments for congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs).About the guest: Dr. Eva Morava is a pediatric geneticist originally from Hungary, who has specialized in inborn errors of metabolism, particularly CDGs. She has a background in pediatrics and genetics from training in Hungary and the U.S. and is director of the Inherited Metabolic Disorders Section at GGS.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and to everyone on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere.Episode Summary: Dr. Eva Morava discusses the critical role of glycosylation in biology, where sugars are not just used for energy but in modifying proteins to perform their functions. She explains how defects in this process lead to CDGs, a group of rare genetic disorders. The conversation covers the mechanics of glycosylation, clinical presentations of CDGs, current research on treatments including dietary interventions and gene therapy, and the broader implications of glycosylation in health, such as in liver disease and cancer.Key Takeaways:Glycosylation Basics: Sugars are attached to proteins (glycosylation) to modify their structure and function, influencing everything from clotting to immune response.CDGs: These disorders are caused by genetic defects in the glycosylation process, leading to a wide array of symptoms because many proteins require glycosylation to function correctly.Clinical Variability: CDGs can range from severe, multi-systemic presentations to relatively mild cases, affecting life expectancy and quality of life variably.Therapeutic Approaches: Current research includes drug repurposing for enzyme activity enhancement, dietary interventions with special sugars like mannose, and gene therapy, with some trials underway.Liver Connection: A significant portion of glycosylation occurs in the liver; thus, liver diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can impact glycosylation.*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts

Joseph Henrich, a Harvard professor of human evolutionary biology, delves into the fascinating emergence of WEIRD psychology—traits unique to Western societies like individualism and analytic thinking. He explores how marriage customs and kinship networks shaped these traits, emphasizing the role of institutions in prioritizing individual rights. Additionally, Henrich discusses the evolution of cultural practices, the impact of societal transitions from hunter-gatherers to agriculture, and modern challenges like dating apps influencing relationships.

In this discussion, Dr. Lee Hood, a legendary scientist with a rich history in molecular biology, shares groundbreaking insights on systems biology and personalized medicine. He explores how genomic data can tailor health strategies to individuals, potentially preventing chronic diseases. The conversation extends to the innovative role of AI in healthcare, acting as a supportive tool for physicians. Hood also delves into the future of drug development, advocating for multi-modal approaches and emphasizing the need for preventive healthcare measures.

Momo Vuyisich, Chief Science Officer at Viome and a biochemist, dives into the transformative realm of preventive medicine. He explains how personalized nutrition can optimize health through microbiome analysis. Discover how modern lifestyles disrupt our gut health and the significance of tailored dietary recommendations. Momo highlights Viome's comprehensive testing methods and the critical links between diet, gut health, and chronic diseases like IBD. This insightful discussion showcases the power of technology in individualizing health care.

Send us a textShort Summary: A deep dive into the enigmatic world of sleep, exploring its biological functions, evolutionary origins, and diverse manifestations across different species.About the Guest: Nicola Segata, PhD is a professor at the University of Trento in Italy.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere.Episode Summary: Dr. Segata explains metagenomics, the study of genetic material from multiple species, and how it has revolutionized microbiome research; microbiome transmission from mother to child; stability and plasticity of the microbiome throughout life stages; obesity and cancer; influence of diet, lifestyle, and medications like antibiotics on microbiome composition.Key Takeaways:Microbiome Variability: The human microbiome varies significantly between individuals and is influenced by genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle. Thus, personalized approaches to microbiome health may be necessary.Transmission and Acquisition: Microbes are transmitted vertically from mother to child at birth and horizontally through personal interactions. This transmission can influence health outcomes over one's lifetime.Impact of Diet and Drugs: Diet, particularly coffee consumption, can significantly shape the microbiome, with some bacteria growing in response to specific dietary components. Medications like antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors can also markedly alter microbial communities.Health Implications: The microbiome is linked to various health conditions, from metabolic diseases to cancer, with some treatments like fecal microbiota transplantation showing promise in altering microbiome composition for health benefits.Ancient vs. Modern Microbiomes: Studies on ancient microbiomes, like the Iceman's, suggest that modern urban microbiomes differ from those of our ancestors, potentially impacting modern health issues.*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts