TED Health

David Baker, Nobel-winning biochemist and protein-design pioneer, explains how AI-created proteins can tackle viruses, pollutants and new materials. He talks about computing protein structure, AI methods like RF diffusion, real-world vaccines and sustainability applications. He also discusses open science, global access and the future of designed biology.

Max Jaderberg reveals how AI is revolutionizing scientific research, potentially compressing years of work into mere seconds. He discusses the breakthroughs of AlphaFold, which saves billions of years in protein research. Jaderberg highlights the cutting-edge use of AI analogs to simulate complex lab environments, significantly boosting drug discovery efforts. He envisions a future where AI designs personalized medicine at scale, urging more researchers to embrace this transformative technology and tackle pressing challenges in science and beyond.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the U.S., delves into the loneliness epidemic. He distinguishes between loneliness and isolation and how chronic loneliness can lead to severe health issues like heart disease and dementia. Sharing personal stories, he emphasizes the importance of true connections over social media interactions. Dr. Murthy also discusses strategies for reducing technology's negative impact and imagines healthier social architectures in schools and workplaces to foster genuine relationships.

Jennifer Parlamis, a social and organizational psychologist known for her insights on anger regulation, challenges the myth that venting helps with anger. Instead, she reveals that venting often intensifies feelings. Parlamis shares fascinating research showing that low-arousal activities like breathing can effectively reduce anger. She also presents four practical tools for managing anger in relationships, emphasizing curiosity over catharsis. Get ready to rethink your approach to emotional outbursts and strengthen your connections!

In this conversation, Bonnie Tsui, a journalist and author passionate about movement and the body, shares profound insights about muscle and its impact on identity. She reveals that muscle mass starts dwindling at thirty and stresses the importance of resistance training for health, especially as we age. Bonnie also discusses women breaking stereotypes in strength sports and shares practical weightlifting tips. Through anecdotes from her father's influence and the joy of movement, she inspires listeners to engage with their bodies and redefine strength.

Neuroscientist Jennifer Pfeifer shares her insights on the adolescent brain, reframing this tumultuous period as a time of growth rather than dysfunction. She discusses how puberty impacts sleep and body image, linking early puberty to increased depression risks. Dispelling myths, she explains that while adolescent brains mature into their mid-20s, teens can make sound decisions by age 16. Pfeifer emphasizes the minimal impact of social media compared to the influence of relationships and parental support on youth mental health.

In this thought-provoking discussion, BJ Miller, a palliative care physician and amputee, shares his transformative journey from trauma to a meaningful life. He emphasizes the importance of reframing society's view on disability as a social construct. Megan Hussey, a disability inclusion advocate, outlines four actionable steps to foster inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. Together, they highlight the critical need for a world designed for everyone, underscoring that inclusion isn't just a benefit—it's essential.

Kris De Meyer, a neuroscientist and TED Countdown speaker, explores how actions can drive beliefs in the fight against climate change. He challenges the conventional wisdom that awareness must precede action, presenting compelling arguments on how initial actions can rewire our brains. Kris discusses the pitfalls of fear-based communication and the 'Ginger effect', which illustrates miscommunication in climate terms. He offers practical steps to overcome feeling stuck and emphasizes how individual actions can lead to broader societal change.

Dr. Nathan Gray, a palliative care physician and cartoonist from Johns Hopkins, discusses the intersection of art and medicine. He highlights how comics can reveal emotional truths and foster communication in healthcare. Nathan shares his experiences using art to process clinical challenges and moral distress. The conversation dives into balancing empathy and professional boundaries while maintaining patient dignity. He also talks about the importance of integrating creativity into medical training to enhance resilience and understanding.

Jon Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of cognitive training and its impact on aging brains. He explains how mental exercises can boost acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter that declines with age. Listeners will learn about a study where older participants showed a significant increase in acetylcholine after cognitive workouts, essentially reversing a decade of decline. Hamilton also discusses the importance of combining physical and mental exercises for better brain health and shares tips for sustainable cognitive habits.