Mind & Matter

In this episode, guest Maxime Aubert, a geochemist and archaeologist from Griffith University, dives into the world of ancient cave art and human evolution. He reveals insights about the oldest known cave art and its implications for modern human cognition. The discussion highlights the significance of artistic expressions in understanding human migration and creativity, particularly in France's Chauvet Cave and Sulawesi's ancient sites. Aubert shares innovative dating techniques that are reshaping our understanding of prehistoric societies and the role of art in early human life.

Send us a textAbout the guest: Nick Jikomes, PhD is the creator and host of the podcast. You can read more about him here.Episode summary: Nick answers questions from listeners on topics such as: his scientific background & interests; staying up-to-date on research & selecting guests; thoughts on psychedelic science & drug use; questions related to diet, metabolic health & fat loss; controversial ideas worth considering; and more.*This content is never meant to serve as 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

June Round, PhD, is a microbiologist from the University of Utah, focusing on microbiome-host interactions related to gut health and obesity. In this discussion, she explores the immune system's relationship with the gut microbiome and how these interactions affect metabolic health. June reveals insights about dietary fiber and short-chain fatty acids, their role in obesity, and the importance of microbiome diversity. She also emphasizes the impact of early-life antibiotic use on health and the potential of microbiome assessments for predicting obesity risks.

Gregory Scherrer is a neuroscientist at the University of North Carolina, specializing in the neural basis of pain. In this discussion, he reveals how the brain interprets pain through emotional and cognitive lenses. Scherrer dives into the dual roles of opioids and the complexities of addiction risk versus pain relief. He also explores groundbreaking techniques using miniature microscopes to monitor neuronal activity in real time and highlights the powerful influence of placebo effects on pain management.

Steven Rofrano, co-founder and CEO of Ancient Crunch, delves into the controversial world of ancestral versus modern diets. He discusses the health risks associated with seed oils, linking them to inflammation and oxidative stress. Rofrano highlights the corrupting influence of private industry on food science and stresses the importance of traditional fats over processed options. He also shares insights from his personal health journey and the mission behind his startup, aiming to provide healthier snack alternatives. A compelling look at food and health!

Gary Taubes, a renowned researcher and science journalist, dives into the misconceptions surrounding nutrition epidemiology and its reliance on dubious science. He critiques the traditional energy balance approach to obesity, emphasizing the need for a fresh look at hormonal influences and individual differences. The discussion uncovers how social factors and funding biases twist research outcomes. Taubes also challenges the oversimplified views on caloric intake, urging a more personalized approach to diet and health.

Austin Argentieri, PhD, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, dives into the fascinating science of aging. He clarifies the difference between chronological and biological age and discusses the emerging role of DNA methylation in understanding our aging process. The conversation also explores proteomics, revealing how proteins impact our health as we age, and emphasizes the significance of the UK Biobank data in uncovering these connections. Argentieri highlights the need for focusing on improving healthspan—not just lifespan—by addressing age-related diseases and lifestyle factors.

Sean Hartig, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, specializes in adipose tissue and obesity research. He delves into the differences between visceral and subcutaneous fat and the roles of white, brown, and beige adipose tissue. The conversation covers leptin resistance's link to obesity and the impact of GLP-1 drugs on weight loss. Hartig also discusses how insulin resistance and fat dynamics influence reproductive health and the intricate relationship between obesity and inflammation.

Robin Carhart-Harris, a neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist at UCSF, dives into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their impact on the brain. He unpacks the 'entropic brain' hypothesis, revealing how psychedelics increase brain entropy, leading to heightened consciousness. The discussion covers the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin for conditions such as PTSD and depression, and critiques current regulatory hurdles. Insights into brain connectivity and the complexities of consciousness make this a thought-provoking exploration.

Send us a textAbout the guest: Caetano Reis e Sousa, DPhil is an immunologist and Principal Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute in London. His lab studies immune system function, including its ability to fight infection and cancer.Episode summary: Nick and Dr. Reis e Sousa discuss: dendritic cells & innate immunity; how the immune system recognizes pathogens, damaged cells, and cancer cells; gut microbiome & non-pathogenic bacteria; inflammation; vitamin D & gut-immune interactions; cancer; and more.Related episode:Ketogenic Diet, Cancer, Microbiome, Nutrition & the Immune System | Maayan Levy | #72*This content is never meant to serve as 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