Mind & Matter

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 showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) 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 showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) 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 showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) 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 showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textShort Summary: A deep dive into the enigmatic world of sleep, exploring its biological functions, evolutionary origins, and the diverse manifestations across different species.Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere.About the Guest: Vlad Vyazovskiy, PhD is a Professor of Sleep Physiology at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at Oxford University.Key Takeaways:Sleep as a Mystery: Despite extensive research, the fundamental reason why animals sleep remains elusive, with no comprehensive theory yet agreed upon.Local Sleep Phenomenon: Sleep might not be a whole-brain event; even within a sleeping brain, different areas can be in different states of activity or rest.Sleep in Animals: Sleep varies widely among species, from micro-sleeps in penguins to unihemispheric sleep in dolphins, suggesting sleep could serve multiple, context-dependent functions.Synaptic Homeostasis: The hypothesis suggests that sleep could be crucial for renormalizing synaptic connections formed during wakefulness, although this idea is still under scrutiny.Hibernation & Torpor: These states relate to sleep but involve significant metabolic changes, possibly acting as survival mechanisms by conserving energy and reducing detectability by predators.Psychedelics & Sleep: Research shows psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT can induce states where animals show signs of sleep in their brain activity while physically active, hinting at complex interactions between brain states and consciousness.Related episodes:M&M #43: Sleep, Dreaming, Deep Neural Networks, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Overfitted Brain Hypothesis, Evolution of Fiction & Art | Erik HoelM&M #16: Sleep, Dreams, Memory & the Brain | Bob Stickgold*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

Send us a textPodcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere.About the Guest: Alex Wiltschko holds a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard, focusing on olfaction. He transitioned from academic research to AI at Google before founding Osmo, where he applies his expertise in digitizing scents. He aims to innovate in areas like fragrance design and health applications.Episode Summary: Dr. Wiltschko explores the science of smell, discussing the divide between aroma and olfaction studies and how biological metabolism influences scent. He explains how only a tiny fraction of molecules emitted by strawberries are responsible for their smell, illustrating the precision of olfactory perception. The conversation also covers how Osmo is working to digitize scent, creating technology for safer, custom fragrances and potential future applications like non-invasive disease detection through scent.Key Takeaways:Aroma vs. Olfaction: There's a significant distinction in how the chemistry of scent creation (aroma) and brain processing of scents (olfaction) are studied, with little crossover between these fields.Biological Metabolism and Scent: Scent molecules are often byproducts of biological processes, with a complex relationship to nutrition and survival cues.Digitizing Scent: Osmo is pioneering the use of AI to digitize and manipulate scents, potentially revolutionizing fragrance design and detection technologies.Fragrance Innovation: The company focuses on creating unique, safe, and affordable fragrances for smaller brands, leveraging AI for quick design and production.Related episodes:M&M #114: Marijuana, Plant Chemistry, Terpenes, Volatile Sulfur Compounds, Cannabis Industry, What Pungent Weed Smells Like & Why | Iain Oswald*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts