Ground Truths

Katerina Akassoglou, a leading neuroimmunologist at the Gladstone Institutes, dives into the intricate relationship between blood, brain health, and inflammation, particularly in the context of COVID-19. She discusses groundbreaking research linking the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to fibrin and its inflammatory impact on the brain. The conversation highlights the nuances of neuroinflammation in long COVID and explores potential therapeutic strategies. Akassoglou also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tackling these complex health issues and the role of foundational research in vaccine development.

Patrick Hsu, a visionary in genome editing and AI, co-founded the Arc Institute where biomedical science meets machine learning. He shares insights on the revolutionary bridge RNAs that could redefine genome editing, likening it to CRISPR 3.0. Hsu discusses the role of AI as an autonomous assistant in research, and how it fosters creativity in labs. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome challenges in computational biology, all while exploring the exciting potential of merging AI with life sciences.

Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, esteemed computer scientists from Princeton, dive deep into their book 'AI Snake Oil.' They challenge the hype around predictive AI by discussing its failures, particularly in healthcare. The conversation highlights a case where an algorithm discriminated against Black patients. They also explore the balance between predictive and generative AI, stressing the need for skepticism in its applications. Plus, they touch on the complexities of AI in content moderation and the significance of human oversight.

In a riveting conversation, Francis Collins, former director of the NIH and pioneer in human genetics, discusses the tensions between science, truth, and faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the damaging impact of misinformation on public trust in vaccines, advocating for a collaborative effort to build understanding. Collins also addresses the urgent hepatitis C crisis, emphasizing the need for effective treatment strategies. With a call for a commitment to respect diverse perspectives, he promotes healthier discourse and the importance of humility in decision-making.

Joseph Allen, a professor at Harvard's Chan School of Public Health, champions the importance of air quality and ventilation. He discusses how indoor environments impact public health and even cognitive function. Allen highlights effective strategies to improve air quality, such as using MERV 13 filters and CO2 sensors. He also raises alarms about 'forever chemicals' and the pressing need for regulatory reforms. His optimistic vision links healthier buildings to well-being and climate change resilience.

Join Steve Horvath, a renowned geneticist and inventor of the Horvath Clock, as he discusses groundbreaking advances in epigenetics. He explores how DNA methylation can predict biological age and health risks. Discover the complexities of measuring aging and how unique methylation landscapes in long-lived species reveal new insights. Steve also touches on exciting anti-aging research at Altos Labs and the potential of GLP-1 drugs to revolutionize aging interventions. It's a fascinating glimpse into the future of age-related health!

Pradeep Natarajan, a distinguished geneticist and Director of Preventive Cardiology at Mass General Hospital, dives into groundbreaking advancements in heart disease prevention. He discusses innovative therapies, like small interfering RNAs, and their advantages over traditional treatments. The importance of APO-B in assessing cardiovascular risk, along with the implications of lipoprotein(a) and inflammation on heart health, are highlighted. Natarajan also emphasizes the need for integrating genetic insights and novel risk assessment methods into clinical practice.

Shane Crotty, a leading immunologist and virologist from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, discusses a groundbreaking study on upper airway mucosal immunity. He delves into how the immune system responds in the upper respiratory tract during COVID-19, focusing on innovative sampling techniques and the vital role of T follicular helper cells. Shane highlights the development of nasal vaccines to enhance immunity at the infection site and reveals how age affects these immune responses. His insights promise to advance our understanding of resilience against respiratory infections.

Faisal Mahmood, a Harvard Medical School professor and pathologist at Mass General Brigham, discusses how AI is revolutionizing pathology. He highlights the evolution of deep learning in medical diagnostics, the exciting use of foundation models like Uni and Conch, and innovations in 3D pathology that improve accuracy. Faisal also addresses the challenges of digital pathology, including resistance to change, while emphasizing accessible technologies to enhance care. His insights provide a glimpse into the future of diagnostics through AI.

Professor Euan Ashley discusses the groundbreaking work in human genomics and the physiologic effects of exercise from the MoTrPAC initiative. Topics include rapid whole genome sequencing, the science of exercise, targeted drug development, biologic aging, long COVID fatigue, personalized exercise routines, customized training for athletes, and the impacts of extreme exercise on heart health.