
The DeSci Podcast
Rethinking Science - Let's talk to the leaders of the decentralized science industry about the future of biotech. Brought to you by www.molecule.to
Want to join the stage? Apply as a speaker here: podcast@molecule.to
Latest episodes

Jul 1, 2025 • 42min
The Future of Cancer Therapy: Modular, Safe & Open!
What if your immune cells came with a smart upgrade?In this episode of the DeSci Podcast, we speak with Dr. Henry Erdlei, medical doctor, cancer researcher, and founder of GoCart, a new cell therapy platform building safer, modular CAR-T therapies through decentralized science.Henry breaks down:* How CAR-T cell therapies work* The real-world risks of immune overactivation* Why cancer is hard to distinguish from healthy tissue* The problem with existing logic gates in cell therapies* His own innovation: an external AND-gate adapter system* Why DeSci and IP-NFTs are the right path for early-stage therapeutics🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@Molecule_dao/?sub_confirmation=1______If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.toTimestamps0:00 – Intro: What is CAR-T therapy?2:00 – Henry’s background & journey into cancer research4:20 – What T-cells do and why they fail in cancer7:30 – CAR-T vs chemotherapy: cost, complexity, and potential11:00 – Which cancers are eligible for CAR-T treatment?13:10 – Risks: cytokine storms, immune cascades, suicide switches17:30 – Emily Whitehead: the first CAR-T success story20:30 – Current limitations of approved CAR-Ts (CD19, BCMA)23:00 – Introducing GoCart and their “AND gate” design26:00 – Why tumor targeting needs precision logic29:00 – Modular CAR-Ts and the future of personalized medicine32:00 – Why GoCart is building in public with Molecule34:30 – Can DeSci unlock truly customizable cell therapies?37:00 – From research to startup: bridging the valley of death40:00 – How to follow GoCart and get involved______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.gg/ZHGpJQzeTqMolecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

Jun 24, 2025 • 58min
The Hidden Quantum World Inside Your Body!
What if you were told that your body is secretly responding to Wi-Fi signals you can't even feel?In episode 49 of the Molecule Podcast we meet Dr. Geoff Anders (Founder, Leverage) and Dr. Clarice D. Aiello (Quantum Engineer), to explore the cutting-edge field where quantum physics meets biology, revealing how the smallest particles in the universe might be controlling the largest processes in life itself. Whether you're a scientist, technologist, or simply curious about the quantum world around us, this deep dive into quantum biology will change how you think about life, technology, and the future of medicine. • Quantum biology explained in simple terms• Weak magnetic field effects on cellular processes• The radical pair mechanism and quantum sensing in nature• Space exploration and magnetic field implications• DeSci (Decentralized Science) and crypto funding for research• The future of quantum-controlled medicine• Open science and radical transparency in researchTake a leap into the never ending world of science and imagination with this podcast.Timestamps:00:00:02 - Introduction to Quantum Biology00:02:31 - Quantum Physics in Everyday Life00:04:34 - Understanding the Micro to Macro Connection00:08:11 - Weak Magnetic Fields and Cellular Response00:10:31 - Space Exploration and Magnetic Fields00:14:10 - Mars Colonization Challenges00:15:10 - Future Applications00:16:57 - Personal Backgrounds00:18:36 - From Quantum Sensors to Biology00:20:16 - The DeSci Connection00:27:07 - Real-World Applications Vision00:31:09 - Multiple Flavors of Quantum Biology00:35:45 - Music and Plant Growth00:43:19 - The Consciousness Question00:54:06 - Radical Open Science00:55:15 - How to Get Involved00:56:39 - Final Thoughts🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@Molecule_dao/?sub_confirmation=1______If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.toSpecial thanks to: ______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.gg/ZHGpJQzeTqMolecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

Jun 2, 2025 • 45min
If Einstein Was Born Today, He Would Have Chosen DeSci!
What if science wasn’t locked in labs or universities?In episode 47 of the Molecule Podcast, we meet Juan Keymer, Assistant Professor, Shenzhen X-Institute who enlightens us on the existing academic pipeline and how it can be made more flexible with the advancement in AI, DeSci (Decentralized Science), Blockchain Innovation, Open Credentials and more.• Reimagining the future of Science with DeSci.• This is a deep, thoughtful, and radically hopeful conversation about the future of learning, research, and planetary collaboration.• Indulge in a world of Science with Juan Keymer and Ella McCarthy-Page (SciComms Lead at Molecule) away from textbooks and traditional academic systems.In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into reimagining the infrastructure of science away from elite institutions and toward decentralized, gamified systems that anyone can engage in.Timestamps00:00:00 – Introduction: A New Vision for Science00:03:15 – The Problem with Academia & Closed Scientific Systems00:10:47 – Open Degrees & Scope for Open Credentials 00:15:20 – The New Scientific Interface00:20:34 – Biotic Games: How Living Systems Become Game Mechanics00:28:45 – Open Hardware and Decentralized Labs00:35:06 – Rewiring Academia: Parallel Programming & Self-Credentialing00:37:00 – Metaverse & Blockchain-Powered Ecosystems00:41:00 – Fun First, Research Second00:43:00 – Final Reflections: The Power of Play in Scientific Discovery🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@Molecule_dao/?sub_confirmation=1______If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.gg/ZHGpJQzeTqMolecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

May 22, 2025 • 44min
$2.2B in Research Grants Frozen: Can DeSci Save Research?
Over $2.2 billion in NIH research grants are frozen. Labs are going dark. What happens now?In Episode 46 of the Molecule Podcast, we speak with Aaron Weaver, Chief Commercial Officer at Molecule, about the ongoing NIH funding crisis, its global impact, and how decentralized science (DeSci) is becoming a critical alternative.Aaron brings a unique vantage point from the intersection of venture capital, biotech, and public science funding. This episode unpacks:• The real story behind the NIH funding freeze• Why the budget cuts on indirect costs are threatening university research• What happens when academia loses funding momentum• How DeSci offers new models for sustainability and collaboration• How to get involved — even if you’re not a researcherIf you care about the future of scientific discovery, this episode is essential.Timestamps- 0:00 – Intro: The NIH funding crisis1:30 – What’s actually frozen? Why $2.2B is stalled2:50 – Meet Aaron Weaver: CCO of Molecule & DeSci advocate5:00 – Why indirect costs are at the center of the issue9:00 – How operational freezes threaten lab survival11:30 – The fragility of foundational science13:45 – NIH’s critical role in FDA-approved drugs17:00 – Academic research vs. commercialization pipelines20:15 – Who’s affected most? Young researchers & labs23:00 – Global ripple effects & talent displacement27:00 – Why traditional VC can’t fill the gap30:10 – DeSci as a market structure for resilient funding32:45 – Are universities ready for DeSci?35:20 – Connecting scientists with global communities37:10 – Science as public purpose and personal mission40:00 – How you can get involved in the DeSci movement🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@Molecule_dao/?sub_confirmation=1______If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.toSpecial thanks to: Aaron Weaver : https://x.com/RealAaronWeaverJillian Casalini : https://x.com/JillianCasalini______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.gg/ZHGpJQzeTqMolecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

May 14, 2025 • 59min
How SpineDAO Is Redefining DeSci - From Back Pain to Blockchain
Vincent Challier, a pioneering spine surgeon and co-founder of SpineDAO, joins Virginie Lafage, a medical strategist, to explore innovative solutions for spinal health. They discuss how decentralized science can revolutionize spine care by fostering collaboration and addressing patient needs. Challenges in onboarding medical professionals into this new realm are highlighted, alongside the potential of blockchain technology. The guests also delve into the strategic choice of Solana and share their vision for building a community-centric approach in spine research.

May 7, 2025 • 40min
The Solution to Science's BIGGEST PROBLEM | Kevin Noessler
Kevin Noessler, Product Head at Molecule, leads the charge in reinventing intellectual property for science through decentralized infrastructure. He discusses 'Proof of Invention,' a blockchain solution for timestamping ideas that sidesteps traditional patent limitations. The conversation also dives into the UX challenges of making blockchain accessible for scientists and the shift from customers to contributors in stakeholder models. Noessler emphasizes the potential for community-driven development, aiming to empower researchers while revolutionizing scientific collaboration.

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
IP, DAOs & Cultural Ownership: Jesse Hudson Reveals the FUTURE of DeSci
Jesse Hudson, a prominent lawyer and Chief Legal Architect at Molecule, teams up with intellectual property lawyer Chris Burns to discuss the future of decentralized science. They explore the flaws in the current IP system and the power of tokenization in empowering communities. Jesse shares insights on reclaiming Indigenous cultural IP through blockchain, while Chris tackles the challenges posed by patent trolls. The duo highlights new governance models that promote collective ownership and ethical considerations in the evolving landscape of intellectual property.

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 48min
Graham Pechenik Reveals The FUTURE of Psychedelic Patents | The DeSci Podcast
The psychedelic industry is booming, but a major battle is unfolding: Who will control the future of these powerful medicines? Will open science prevail, or will corporations dominate through patents? In this episode, we sit down with Graham Pechenik, a leading expert in psychedelic patent law, to unravel the complexities of intellectual property in the space.Graham Pechenik is the founder of Calyx Law, a law firm specializing in psychedelic and cannabis patents. With a background in neuroscience and law, he provides deep insights into the legal landscape shaping the future of psychedelic medicine.Topics Discussed:• The role of patents in psychedelic research• Controversies around corporate control and monopolization• How open-source models could challenge big pharma• What legal battles mean for researchers, startups, and patients• The future of psychedelic accessibilityTune in to get expert insights from one of the leading voices in psychedelic IP law.______If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.toSpecial thanks to: Ella McCarthy-Page - https://x.com/EMcCarthyPageGraham Pechenik - https://x.com/calyxlaw______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.gg/ZHGpJQzeTqMolecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Future of Biotech: AI, Patents, and the Innovation Battle
Biotech is at a crossroads—AI, intellectual property, and startups are reshaping the future. But who really controls the breakthroughs? In this episode, Sara Holland, an IP advisor, explores how patents impact biotech, the challenges startups face against big pharma, and whether AI will change everything.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The hidden barriers to biotech innovation- How AI is transforming drug discovery and synthetic biology- The role of patents in protecting—or stifling—progress- Why decentralized science (DeSci) could be the key to the future______Special Thanks To:Ella McCarthy-Page : https://x.com/EMcCarthyPageSara HollandChris BrynesMark Nichols______Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2CTwitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_daoDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao______Molecule - The future of medicine belongs to everyone

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Decentralized Science vs. Rare Diseases: A Game-Changer? | Ethan Perlstein
Ethan Perlstein, founder of CureTopia, discusses revolutionary approaches to addressing rare diseases that affect over 30 million people in the U.S. He highlights the misleading notion of rarity and the neglect from Big Pharma. Perlstein advocates for decentralized science and blockchain as transformative tools to empower patient communities and streamline drug development. The conversation also explores drug repurposing, community engagement, and the emotional journeys of affected families, all while pushing for innovative funding models and greater awareness.