TED Health
TED
What does exercise do to your brain? Can psychedelics treat depression? From smart daily habits to new medical breakthroughs, welcome to TED Health, with host Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. TED speakers answer questions you never even knew you had, and share ideas you won't hear anywhere else, all around how we can live healthier lives.Follow Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider on Instagram at @shoshanamd and LinkedIn at @shoshanaungerleidermdInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 28, 2025 • 7min
The surprising cause of stomach ulcers with Rusha Modi
Rusha Modi, the creator of a compelling TEDx lesson, dives into the groundbreaking discovery that H. pylori causes stomach ulcers. She debunks common myths about ulcers, explaining that they aren’t caused by stress or spicy food. The discussion highlights Dr. Barry Marshall’s daring self-experiment to show the connection between the bacterium and gastritis. Modi also sheds light on how our stomach protects itself and how antibiotics revolutionized ulcer treatments. This eye-opening exploration makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about ulcers!
Oct 28, 2025 • 3min
Introducing So Your Parents Are Old
Dive into the chaos of caring for aging parents with a blend of humor and honesty. Journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis shares her personal experiences navigating the challenges of dementia and the daily grind. Engage with heartfelt stories from celebrities and experts who offer practical advice, illuminating the emotional complexity of loss. Expect laughs amidst the chaos as they tackle the messy realities of this life stage. Join in on this relatable conversation that feels like a supportive group chat with friends.
Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
Interview: Could we detect breast cancer with a fingerprint? with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa
Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, joins chemist Simona Francese, known for her TEDx talk on fingerprint analysis. They discuss Francese's innovative research revealing that fingerprints may contain biomarkers for breast cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to mammograms. Dr. Srinivasa emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and addresses the emotional journey of reconstruction, advocating for patients' choices and the crucial role of support in recovery.
9 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 13min
Can cannabis help you sleep? Here's the science | Jen Walsh
Sleep physiologist Jen Walsh, who leads groundbreaking research on cannabis and sleep, discusses her world-first study into medicinal cannabinoids for insomnia. She shares the complexities surrounding cannabis as a sleep aid, noting its historical use and recent legal advancements that facilitate research. Jen reveals that participants in her study experienced increased sleep time and reduced wakefulness using cannabinoids. However, she emphasizes the need for caution, individual variability, and more research before regular use can be recommended.
Oct 10, 2025 • 27min
How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy | Speed & Scale
Pat Wood, former chair of the Texas Public Utility Commission, shares how Texas transformed from an oil giant to a wind energy leader. He recounts how innovative energy policies and bipartisan support propelled renewable sources. Wood discusses the significant public backing for wind energy, the creation of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and a massive $7 billion investment in transmission infrastructure that unlocked vast wind capacity. His pragmatic approach sheds light on how market dynamics, not just climate goals, drove this clean energy revolution.
Oct 7, 2025 • 41min
Interview: The life-saving secrets in your baby's DNA | Robert C. Green
Dr. Robert C. Green, a pioneering medical geneticist, discusses the revolutionary BabySeq Project, the first to sequence the DNA of healthy infants. He reveals that 4% to 12% of newborns carry actionable mutations, which can lead to early interventions. Green shares heartwarming family stories demonstrating the impact of early diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of making genomic testing accessible to all parents. He also tackles privacy concerns and advocates for ongoing genomic reanalysis, envisioning a future where genetics and AI transform preventive healthcare.
24 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 8min
Collagen's dirty secret — and its clean future | Fei Luo
Fei Luo, a chemical engineer and the founder of Liven, explores the untold truths of collagen sources. She discusses her innovative approach to brewing animal-free collagen using genetically modified yeast, a game-changer for both food and cosmetics. Luo also explains how traditional collagen extraction is ethically questionable and details the exciting potential of her techniques for creating sustainable, tasty alternatives. Imagine a future filled with luxurious collagen-rich snacks and slaughter-free options that everyone can enjoy!
9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 30min
Interview: What actually causes high cholesterol? | Hei Man Chan
Dr. Eric Topol, a renowned cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, joins to unravel the complexities of cholesterol. They discuss how dietary cholesterol isn't the sole villain, emphasizing the importance of fats and fiber instead. Topol dives into the revolutionary role of AI and genomics in personalized healthcare, advocating for public investment in preventive science. He also highlights the significance of blood biomarkers and the need for future doctors to train in cutting-edge technologies.
11 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 7min
Do you really need to take 10,000 steps a day? | Shannon Odell
Discover the transformative impact of walking on both physical and mental health. Shannon Odell delves into how even modest step increases can significantly enhance mood and heart wellness. The myth of needing to hit 10,000 steps daily is debunked, encouraging a more personalized approach to fitness. Explore the health benefits tied to walkable neighborhoods and their role in fostering community connections, promoting a healthier lifestyle beyond mere numbers.
Sep 9, 2025 • 42min
Interview: A parent's guide to raising kids after loss | Andy Laats
Andy Laats, an entrepreneur and single father, shares his heartfelt journey navigating parenting after losing his wife to cancer. His insights touch on finding meaning in everyday life and the healing power of connections. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, an expert on childhood adversity, discusses how early life experiences shape health and resilience. They delve into the lasting effects of trauma on children and the critical importance of supportive relationships and early interventions, emphasizing the role of parents in fostering empathy and understanding.
