Finding Genius Podcast

The dragonfly is the fastest flying insect in existence—regularly breaking most residential speed limits. This is just one of the many fascinating details discussed by entomologist Jessica Ware. Tune in to discover: How dragonflies use interception-style predation to catch mosquitoes and other flying insects How an understanding of dragonfly aerodynamics could be used as bioinspiration for our own flight styles How male dragonflies use their two penises to mate with a female Why dragonflies can be used as a measurement of water pollution levels Jessica Ware is an assistant curator in invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History whose work centers around insect evolution—and that of dragonflies in particular. She welcomes listeners into the world of dragonfly social behaviors, physiology, and development, discussing aerial hunting, eating, and mating styles, the unique stages of their life cycle, and more. Ware also discusses her latest work, which involves genome sequencing on over 6,000 species of dragonflies and damselflies, and the collection of morphological, ecological, and other data to develop a complete picture of the evolutionary history of these insects. The hope is that this information will lead to a better understanding of how insects in general are responding to climate change, and the evolution of color, vision, dispersal, and migration. For more, visit https://www.amnh.org/research/invertebrate-zoology/staff/curators/jessica-ware and follow her on Twitter @JessicaLWareLab. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Paul Sloane’s always been interested in lateral thinking puzzles and has written international best sellers on the subject. He shares how he’s translated those methods into solving problems in the business world. A professional who’s helped busy executives with creativity and innovation in their companies for over fifteen years, he describes some of his methods to raise the bar for leadership and problem solving. Listen and learn How lateral thinking starts with approaching problems from the side, Examples of his 12 “great ways to innovate,” Why corporate culture provides little incentive to innovate and how he advises to change that, and Some of the most interesting puzzles he’s faced in the corporate world. Author, speaker, and innovator Paul Sloane explains his cutting-edge approach to business problems and solutions for listeners with concrete examples and the philosophy behind what he does. It all starts with countering the staid habit of vertical thinking. That’s where “you build block on block on block, and that's fine. But lateral means coming at the problem from the side. It means finding a new and fresh and different approach to the problem,” says Sloane. He says that’s how great leaps, like our modern grocery shopping system, have evolved.  Unfortunately, he says that corporate culture is often works against innovation, mostly at the middle level when goals are geared toward meeting one’s numbers rather than risk taking that might not pan out. Sloane has numerous methods to address these, from brainstorming groups to creativity training. “Everyone can be more creative than they think. Everyone started out as creative. Kids are terrifically creative,” he says and he discusses how he helps to revive that creativity within corporate walls. Listen in to find out more about his effective ideas.

Can examining the world of insects give humans insight into our state of being? Research may show that many fields of human health can be advanced through the study of insects. Listen up to learn: How colony collapse disorder may be solved How communication suffers from lack of sleep The role of sleep in the world of insects Barrett Klein, professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, shares his research on the relationship between human and insect social biology. Humans have a lot to learn from the intricacies of insect ecology, including the possibility to understand many aspects of our culture and bodies better. Through research into social insect biology and how they sleep, new elements of the ecological role of insects have been discovered. Though bugs were not initially thought to sleep in the same way that other groups of animals do, discoveries into how and why they sleep have shed light on the impact it holds even beyond the insect kingdom. It even has the potential to profoundly affect bees in negative ways regarding colony communication and travel. To learn more, visit http://pupating.org. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Is studying cellular community ecology the next direction cancer research will take? By gaining insight into the behavior of cancer cells, new treatments may be uncovered. Press play to learn: If cancer is an intelligent entity within the body How cancer cells cooperate and compete  How a cell shifts from benign to aggressive behavior Evolutionary Biologist, William Miller Jr., shares his insight into the motivation of cancer cells and how it may shape the course of the disease and treatment. By examining cancer through the lens of a separate and self-aware group of cells, we may finally be able to understand the motivation of cancer's spread throughout the body. Cancer cells even go as far as cooperating with various systems and tissues throughout the body to achieve homeostasis. Since every cancer has a unique tumor microbiome, it has specific triggers that cause it to grow, spread, or adapt as its conditions change. By considering factors such as these, treatment can be focused less on interrupting the cell cycle and moving more toward finding alternative therapies. Visit themicrocosmwithin.com for more information. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

“I went into oncology because I was fascinated by the human side of cancer,” says Dr. Eisenberg. This motivation gives him a unique focus while struggling alongside his patients searching for a cancer cure. He talks about not leaving his patients’ humanity out of the picture of cancer cells, and how that ultimately provides an effective medicine. Listen and learn How he sets the tone at his first patient meeting and what measures he takes to keep that connection during treatment, Why doctors are facing burnout and how keeping empathy and connection front and center can speak to that struggle, Why patient engagement and physician enrollment are vital, and How the mind-body connection can be an ally for a physician and patient. Oncologist Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg is the author of the new book Love is the Strongest Medicine. He shares the impetus behind the book, including stories of patient interactions and his own burnout and cancer diagnosis that propelled him to a healthier way to be with his patients. He emphasizes the importance of eye contact and dialogue, especially when patients are facing a diagnosis of cancer and negative emotions that accompany it. He says, “You've got to share your true self, your highest self with that human being that’s suffering in front of you. . . . You refuel your compassion stores, when you break down the wall between doctor and patient.” He’s also treating and helping doctors with what he says is some of the worst burnout numbers we’ve seen. The pressures of success, the tangle of paperwork, and the fear-draining emotions combine to make it a hard atmosphere for doctors. He’s actually starting a support group called Doctors without Burnout to speak to this trend and help doctors find their motivation again. His approach is about finding the humanity in both the patient and doctor. When interacting with patients, he says, “Well, if I could make someone smile, if I could make them feel a little bit better, even 1% better than they did before they walked in that office that day,” then he’s practiced an important part of medicine. Listen in for more inspiration. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Is a cell as complex as a major city? Or is it thousands of times more complex? Tune in to explore the answer, and learn: How all of life generates energy What cells sense, and how they do it Why cancer cells are like super-microbes Dr. Jon Lieff is a nationally recognized neuropsychiatrist, expert on cellular communication, and author of The Secret Language of Cells, which is a synthesis of an impressive amount of science literature that culminates in a compelling and easy-to-understand look at cellular communication—how it works, and what it means for our bodies. “It’s not that life is defined as a cell; it’s that life is defined as an intelligent cell who can talk with other cells and make decisions about the physiology of our bodies, about health and disease,” says Dr. Lieff. The complexity of cells, the source of life, energy, and consciousness, the wired and wireless brain, cellular signaling, and cancer cell communities are just a few of the topics explored in today’s episode. Tune in, and learn more at https://jonlieffmd.com/. Follow Dr. Lieff on Twitter @JonLieffMD. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Do doctors have the correct insight to treat common health issues effectively? Research shows that simple vitamins and minerals may play a much more significant role than you've been led to believe. Press play to learn: How vitamin C can be beneficial for more than just your immune system If nebulization can present new paths towards cures How your body naturally fights viruses Author and cardiologist Dr. Thomas Levy shares his experience and research into treating patients with more natural remedies the coverup by the industry at large.       Our bodies may respond more effectively through administering natural vitamins and minerals than when treated with standard pharmaceuticals. Since this path of treatment is actively shunned by most medical fields, the treatments that may drastically benefit many individuals worldwide are being stifled.  Hydrogen peroxide is often overlooked as a natural antibiotic even though the benefits are immense and can be easily administered through nebulization. The body produces it naturally with every breath, and it naturally protects the lungs from antibodies.  To learn more, visit rvr.medfoxpub.com. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

“When something provokes in you a certain feeling that you can’t describe, you can recreate that feeling for the viewer in a painting,” says Jordan Henderson, an artist who has done just that with something few would consider subject matter for artwork: the current pandemic. Tune in to learn: What led Henderson to view the current virus situation through an artistic lens, and how people are responding to it How art and a little hyperbole can make people see the absurdity of what they’ve grown accustomed to What makes the current virus situation so ideal for visual art How opposition to the current situation can take place from anyone at any time For an interesting and unique look at the current situation, listen to Henderson share his insights on it, and how he is using his artistic talent to make powerful statements which are resonating with many. He shares feedback on his pieces, the meaning behind them, details of the piece he is in the process of painting, plans for future paintings, and more.  To check out his work and purchase something for yourself (like a mug, T-shirt, or even a yoga mat with an image of his paintings!) visit https://www.jordanhendersonfineart.com/ and https://jordan-henderson.pixels.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

"Who eats first?" Richard asks Dr. Emeran Mayer as the researcher discusses his new book about the gut-immune connection. The answer is as complex as gut health and immune system interactions, but also just as fascinating. Listen and learn How the rapid timeline of microbiome research led to understanding connections between gut microbiota and immunity, How facial expressions from emotions are also happening, in a sense, in the gut, How your brain monitors what's happening in your gut through the gut-immune connection, and What hormones are released in your gut and how those tie to emotional reactions. Dr. Emeran Mayer's discusses his latest book, The Gut-Immune Connection: How Understanding the Connection Between Food and Immunity Can Help Us Regain Our Health. He digs deep on some of this timely book's topics, including the ties between our emotions and gut processes. The trillions of microbes producing their own chemicals, or metabolites make for quite a "bi-directional dialogue," he explains. Neurotransmitters throw another element into the mix and the food we bring in completes this intense conversation between our gut and brain. Who does eat first? Well, it's not a one-answer question, explains Dr. Mayer, because different microbes eat different foods. "With a typical standard American diet," he says, "most of it would be absorbed in that very beginning of the small intestine, because everything is processed with very little fiber . . . but if you eat a diet like our ancestors used to eat . . . much higher in fiber . . .  it has to travel down." And, it turns out, which microbes get fed the most affects how our body responds, and ultimately, our health. Listen in for more about this integral and fundamental connection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

"Everything's a chemical interaction, isn't it?"  says Brendon Coventry, as he describes how lymphocytes are affected by a chemical released from tumor cells that mutes their response. The challenge he and other researches face is how to work within these reactions towards effective cancer prevention and suppression strategies rather than irrelevant efforts. He addresses some exciting therapies, like immunotherapy, and what researchers understand about the nature of tumors. Listen and learn What some of the newer and promising therapies are that address the cancer immune system interaction, How tumors produce factors that down regulate the immune system in proximity to the tumor, Which types of cancer respond more effectively to immunotherapy than others, and Why one of the most interesting characteristics of the immune system, its plasticity, makes it difficult to measure effective cancer therapy treatment. Brendon Coventry is an associate professor of surgery in Adelaide, South Australia. He's spoken with Richard in previous interviews, and always brings a keen perspective to the latest research. In particular he addresses the "notion of immunotherapy" and the extensive studies trying to pinpoint optimum timing, such as pre-surgical oncology treatment versus post-surgery. He also brings listeners up to speed on a cytotoxic chemotherapy procedure called neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is a chemotherapy process delivered before other treatment to reduce the tumor size. But obviously, any approach to cancer treatment is full of challenges, and he explains some of the reasons why. He says, "We're trying to sort out some keys to unlock how we might deliver treatment. And this is showing us some insights into the tumor microenvironment, how tumors are behaving, and what sort of ways the immune system might be able to be manipulated." He explains what the often-described heterogeneity of tumors means, and why, while researchers can show the lineage of how breast cancer may have spread to the lung, actual tumor cells are much more genetically different from other than, say, liver cells are compared to each other. That's a big part of the challenge for treatment. Listen in to hear how researchers hope to meet this challenge and others. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C