Dr. Hans Van Dongen, director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center, dives into how sleep loss and circadian misalignment affect brain function. He discusses his mathematical modeling of fatigue's impact on performance, revealing startling insights about cognitive deficits from chronic sleep deprivation. The conversation also highlights the biological basis of chronotypes and the serious implications for health, emphasizing the importance of proactive sleep management in high-stakes situations. Along the way, he shares personal anecdotes that shaped his path into sleep research.

Dr. Rudy Tanzi, a leading neuroscientist and an authority on Alzheimer's, shares his journey from musical inspiration to groundbreaking research. He discusses the significant role genetics play in Alzheimer's, including insights on genes like CD33 and TREM2. Tanzi also explores his innovative brain organoid models that mimic disease pathology, enabling faster drug screening. The conversation touches on the connection between exercise, the hormone irisin, and cognitive health, highlighting lifestyle's impact on aging and brain vitality.

Anurag Singh, chief medical officer at a Swiss life-science company, focuses on mitochondrial health and research into urolithin-A. He reveals how this gut metabolite can enhance mitochondrial function and improve muscle strength. Singh explains the importance of polyphenol-rich foods like pomegranates for producing urolithin-A. The conversation delves into the impact of lifestyle and antibiotics on the gut microbiome, alongside urolithin-A's potential benefits for longevity and performance, especially for athletes and older adults.

Dr. Kevin Tracey, a leading neurosurgeon and pioneer in bioelectrical medicine, shares his groundbreaking insights into inflammation and neuro-immunology. He recounts how personal loss shaped his scientific path and the importance of asking tough questions. The discussion highlights his discovery of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its role in developing new therapies. Tracey emphasizes the potential of vagus nerve stimulation as a revolutionary treatment for inflammatory diseases, bridging the fields of neuroscience and immunology, and showcases exciting advances in bioelectronic medicine.

Ken, an expert on AI and global security, is joined by Dawn, a savvy speaker on health and technology. They dive into the recent FDA approval of a neural implant device for neuromuscular diseases, exploring its implications. The duo discusses the genetic factors linked to Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the APOE4 allele. They also tackle the trade-offs between ketogenic and low-carb diets, and why blood-flow restriction classes are often overlooked in gyms. Plus, Ken shares his favorite sci-fi author, making for a captivating blend of topics!

Harvard professor Charles Serhan discusses specialized pro-resolving mediators to resolve inflammation, shifting our understanding. Topics include his transition from a musician to a scientist, the potential of SPMs in healing, and their applications in various diseases.

Dave Feldman, founder of the Citizen Science Foundation, shares insights on cholesterol and the ketogenic diet. He discusses his journey, LDL cholesterol spike, and creation of Cholesterol Code. Topics include research collaboration, challenges in funding, and impact of carbohydrates on cholesterol levels.

Dr. Alessio Fasano, expert in celiac disease and gluten disorders, discusses gluten sensitivity affecting 20 million Americans. He shares insights on microbiome, intestinal permeability, and autoimmune disorders. Alessio talks about a new project studying infants at risk of celiac, published books 'Gluten Freedom' and 'Gut Feelings', and collaborative international research efforts. Additionally, he explores genetic aspects of celiac, complexities of microbiome research, gut permeability biomarkers, and the influence of genes, environment, and microbiome on autoimmune diseases.

Nicholas Norwitz, a Harvard Medical School student, discusses his journey overcoming diseases with a ketogenic diet. He delves into the effects of carbs vs. statins on cholesterol levels, lean mass hyper-responders, and the impact of a ketogenic diet on metabolic health.

Dr. Vyvyane Loh discusses atherosclerotic heart disease, focusing on variability in response to statins, the gap between medical practices and scientific advancements, and the connection between atherosclerosis and autoimmunity. She also explores therapeutic developments targeting inflammation and the significance of glyco-calics in disease development.