Finding Genius Podcast

Cancer might be a third category of cell type, thinks clinician Doru Paul. He discusses the continuous interaction and communication between tumor cells versus normal cells that make cancer a disease of the macro environment. Listen and learn Why cancer is a multi-level disease, with influences beyond the cancer and genetics connection, What is known and unknown about the first cells that make cancer, How the metastatic process is primarily an epigenetic process and why that's significant, and What makes the role of cell metabolism and energy fundamental in understanding cancer.  Doru Paul is an associate professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He brings a vivid understanding of the process of cancer cells in the human body as the disease grows and transforms. He adds that "the organism itself is giving, in a sense, birth to cancer," and compares the area of cancer growth as akin to placenta, altering to provide a suitable environment for cancer cells. But he sees it not just as a disease of the tissue, but rather a combination of factors at the cellular, genetic and epigenetic, and tissue levels.  Key to this combination and fundamental to cancer growth is the metabolic process. Metabolism is essential for cancer cell activity, for division, invasion, growth, and spread. "So, to me," he adds, "cancer is a disease of energy and a disease of communication." He also lets listeners in on what researchers know about why cancer progresses differently, as with lung cancer stages, and what he's witnessed about the unpredictable speed of growth under the chemotherapy process. Finally, he offers promising glimpses into the future of cancer treatment along the lines of immunotherapy combinations and ways to make, for example, the liver less conducive to cancer growth. In other words, researchers are finding ways to make our bodies less comfortable hosts. 

Is cancer a living organism beyond the rogue cells that comprise it? Research shows that the cells may cooperate to benefit the group as a whole. Listen up to learn: What part of a tumor forms first? How cancer cells communicate What we may be missing in our understanding of cancer Professor Robert Gatenby of Moffitt Cancer Center drops by to share his research into adaptive cancer therapies and new theories in oncology. Individual cancer cells may benefit each other through their self-fulfilling fitness function. The cells share signals that help them interact and adapt to the environment around them in the body. Some tumors may be differentiated by the structures they form within the body. These structures and differentiating components can be targeted with multiple medications throughout treatment stages rather than targeting them all at once, which can lead to more effective therapeutics. To learn more, visit pubmed.gov or moffitt.org.

What was the origin of modern humans, and where can the lines of our ancestors be traced? Archaeological discoveries and cultural anthropology give a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Press play to discover:  If there is a common ancestor between humans and Neanderthals How modern humans ended up in Australia What can qualify as a species Research leader of human evolution at the Natural History Museum, Chris Stringer, shares his insight and gives a look into the process of human origins. New archaeological discoveries show the possible intermingling of early human ancestors, previously thought not to be the case. Evidence of travel between South Asian areas and around the world gives clues into how our early ancestors lived. The anatomical science of how specific traits were either left in the past or appear in modern humans is also significant in forming a roadmap of evolution. The human face shape may show divergence from Neanderthals and assimilation with a hybrid human group. Visit @ChrisStringer65 on Twitter to learn more.

Why is it that physicians have failed in neurodegenerative disease treatment? That's what Dr. Dale Bredesen wants to understand and his research into brain fitness is showing signs of success. He's spent 30 years studying neurodegeneration at the molecular level and brings his findings to listeners. He discusses How he's just completed a successful trial with a fundamentally different approach to treatment, Why understanding Alzheimer’s disease means understanding insufficiencies in four general areas that affect plasticity, How Alzheimer’s is a cytokine drizzle that goes on for years, and How Dr. Bredesen has put together an assessment of 150 factors to help prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease symptoms through his protocol.  Dr. Dale Bredesen started Apollo Health to bring new vigor into the research and treatment of Alzheimer's. He works with a holistic approach to bring precision medicine to patients in line with the complex mix of causes that can affect the health of brain cells. He's implemented findings of his research into his preCODE and reCODE programs, which he explains for listeners. He found that four areas of physiology showed insufficiencies that lead to neurodegeneration: energetic support, trophic support, pathogens, and toxins. He explains how these areas experience debilitation and how that affects brain health. But he also has divided Alzheimer’s disease into five different types that result from different degrees and types of insufficiency. How did he come up with these distinctions? He takes listeners back to 2011, when he and his team proposed "the first trial in history in which, instead of trying one thing, you would look at a multivariable solution." This approach, he felt, was appropriate for a multivariable disease. But because it was different than the norm, he's spent years accumulating anecdotal studies and proof of concept work. Eventually a small trial lead to such success that he's moving on to a larger study. He discusses his protocol and how to access it as well as some of the most common indicators of neurodegeneration.  Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

The challenge of fighting cancer lies in both stimulating and suppressing the immune system. That's why researcher Steven Fiering approaches immunotherapy cancer treatment by analyzing the signals and behaviors cancer cells initiate. Listen and learn What's significant about the classic study of cancer and genetic change regarding contact inhibition, How cancer tends to get more genetically unstable as it progresses, Why the origin of cancer lies in stem cells rather than differentiated cells and what that means for immune cancer therapy, and How he sees cancer's effect as that of a sterile wound and how efforts by the immune system to fight cancer reflect that. Steven N. Fiering is a professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. In this interview, he and Richard explore numerous aspects of cancer behavior, from the unique genetic behavior of colorectal cancer to the labyrinth of cell differentiation and stem cells as cancer begins to grow. He gives listeners a glimpse at the progression of cancer as a continuum of genetics and epigenetics alongside stress and inflammation. He addresses the turns that end in a benign tumor or continue into excessive divisions that form metastases and how he and other researchers understand these evolutions.  Ultimately, he helps define cancer by its interaction with the immune system and use of the body's natural signals and systems. For example, he comments that as cancer cells begin proliferating and growing, they ignore a normal regulatory signal that dissuades such growth. Yet, eventually, their accumulation "makes them more recognizable, potentially by the immune system, at which point a tumor may begin to develop resistance mechanisms against the immune system." In other words, cancer cells invade and use the body's own system to grow and evolve, but in a very particular way. But in understanding this peculiar way it engages only parts of the immune system, he hopes to find ways to trick the immune system into fighting back. Listen in to find out how.  Epsiode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Can specific diet and exercise help treat or even aid in preventing cancer? Research shows that many aspects of an individual's diet may play a key role. Listen in to learn: How a ketogenic diet can assist cancer therapy treatment If a high-intensity exercise can help the body's fight against cancer How radiation therapy may work alongside and be benefited by diet and exercise Associate professor at Duke University in radiation and oncology, Colin Champ, stops by to share his research into cancer prevention and therapy and how they can be assisted by diet and exercise. While challenging to study due to human behavior's inconsistencies, implementing rigorous exercise and a ketogenic diet may be a new treatment for certain kinds of cancer. While showing promising results in cancer prevention, they also offer benefits when used in concert with other cancer treatments. While a healthy diet and exercise may not work in every individual's circumstances, they are incredibly beneficial whenever added to a treatment plan. Combines with new therapeutic techniques in radiation and the chemotherapy process, they have the potential to reduce the length of treatment times. For more information, visit colinchamp.com or search for Colin Champ's research studies on pubmed.gov. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Could a revolutionary level of health and wellness be as simple as unscrewing a small cap, and putting the bottle up to your nose? Samantha Wright didn’t think so either, until she dug a little deeper and tried it for herself. Press play to learn: Where essential oils come from and the three primary ways of using them What it is about the molecular structure of essential oils that makes them so unique and beneficial for brain health Why it’s important to exercise caution when using essential oils on animals, especially cats Samantha Wright is the founder of The Essential Oil Revolution and runs two podcasts: The Essential Oil Revolution Podcast, and a podcast on podcasts themselves, called Pineapple Podcasting. She had been incorporating natural tools like herbalism into her life for as long as she could remember, but had never really gotten into the use of essential oils until a friend introduced her to them. From that point on, she began hearing one incredible story after the next about how they were revolutionizing people’s lives, and even eliminating lifelong issues like asthma and allergies, as well as alleviating anxiety and depression in many people. Having been a lifelong sufferer of severe allergies herself, Wright was astounded by how quickly a mixture of water and a few drops of essential oils significantly reduced her symptoms.   “Essential oils are literally all around us; when you take a walk outside, you’ll be instantly surrounded by essential oils…They play such a vital role in a plant’s ability to grow and live and evolve. Without their essential oils, plants could not survive; you could almost liken it to the blood of a plant,” says Wright. Since her discovery of the power of essential oils, Wright has started a podcast that aims to educate people on and promote the use of high-quality essential oils. In just over five years, The Essential Oil Revolution Podcast has gotten over four million downloads. Wright continues to interview experts on the various uses of essential oils, and despite having made so many episodes, there is still a seemingly endless number of topics to cover. She shares her knowledge and insights with listeners, diving into the details of the health benefits and some of the most common ailments that can be alleviated with particular essential oils. Want to learn more? Tune in, and visit https://revolutionoilspodcast.com/. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

How can ancient remains reveal what the world was like from when they were dated. DNA sequencing can give insight into how the environment and ecosystem looked and was shaped by the animals of the period. Press play to learn: How mammoths gave a peek into the genetic past What the closest relative to a mammoth is in the present day How mammoths looked when they still roamed the Earth Research assistant in computational and RNA biology at the University of Copenhagen, Patrícia Chrzanová Pecnerová, shares her research on wooly mammoth molars and discusses what it reveals about the past. Genetic sequencing of different ancient mammoths is instrumental in piecing together how the ecosystem and world looked when they were still alive. The mammoths were known as "keystone species" because of their significant impact on their environment and lasting influence on the world. Mammals have always had a drastic impact on the world, and even more so regarding human ancestors and modern-day humans. Pecnerová plans to continue her research by expanding the view of these ancient animals' genomes to gain more insight into how they lived and what the world looked like. To learn more about her work, find @PatriciaChrzan on Twitter. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

If our brains rely on thousands of different pathways to function, where do researchers even start for cognitive disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD)? It's as complicated as it sounds, but researcher Nikolaos Robakis is able to break the process down for listeners and offer insight on neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. Listen and learn How there are two forms of Alzheimer's and what molecular biology techniques are used to study them, What role risk factors like diabetes and cardiovascular disease play, Why they've zeroed in on the mutation evident in familial Alzheimer's and what it might mean for both types, and What they hope to understand about the cascade that leads to neurodegeneration. Nikolaos K. Robakis is a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. He's also the A.P. Slaner Professor for Alzheimer's Disease Research. Fine-tuning the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease relies on a clearer understanding of how the neurodegeneration develops, and that's where Dr. Robakis' work comes in. He explains that there are actually two forms of Alzheimer's disease: one is the genetic form, called familial Alzheimer's, and the other much more common type that has polymorphic causes is termed the sporadic familial form. While previously it was thought plaques and tangles in the brain caused Alzheimer's, researchers like Robakis have found that's not necessarily true. By creating a model of familial Alzheimer's, which has a very simple one-gene mutation at its inception, he hopes to learn more about the cascade that leads to the neurodegeneration in both types. While they know about this amino acid mutation, they don't understand how it leads to neuronal death. He adds, "the central question is, what causes the acceleration in the neuronal death?" Listen in to find out what they think thus far and how this might contribute to better treatment for dementia patients. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C

Could destructive, invasive, and often ineffective cancer treatments like surgery and chemotherapy be replaced with a vaccine? Tune in for the answer, and to discover: Why it is difficult to generate funding for true translational work between the clinic and the lab Why autoimmunity is “almost necessary” for the effectiveness of immunotherapies How and why vaccine therapy could effectively treat cancer Whether the gut microbiome can alter the effectiveness of some immunotherapies Brendon Coventry is an associate professor of surgery and medical researcher from Adelaide, South Australia. Splitting his time between the clinic and the lab, Coventry stresses the importance of true translational work, and encourages increased funding for it. He explains how he became interested in studying immunology early on in his education, when he discovered phagocytosis and the immune surveillance hypothesis of cancer. He also discusses how all cancer therapies—surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy—interact with the immune system, revealing a new understanding of cancer and the therapies most commonly used to treat it. This ties into Coventry’s more recent work on vaccines as a therapeutic for cancer. He refers to these vaccines as complex or “dirty” rather than pure. In fact, he says the purer the vaccine, the less effective at treating cancer. Coventry  shares a story of the effectiveness of a particular vaccine in treating a patient with multiple recurring melanomas, and a small study which showed very promising results in cancer patients who received vaccine therapy. At this point, his efforts are focused on developing a better understanding of why and how vaccines might effectively treat cancer, hoping that this could potentially lead to the development of more selective, effective vaccines for this purpose. Press play for the full conversation. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C Here are the links to some of the papers that Brendon Coventry mentioned in the Podcast: Coventry Vaccines August 2019 2515135519862234 Coventry VMCL JITC 2014 2051-1426-2-9 Coventry_CMAR-76163-long-term-survival-in-advanced-melanoma-patients-using-repea_042915-2 Immune Evolution & Cancer 2021 971412da-1bdd-48d3-b258-a1648862b96f_6718_-_brendon_coventry_v3