Works in Progress Podcast

Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the pressing issue of declining birth rates. He explains how low fertility impacts GDP and social systems, showcasing Japan and South Korea as examples of potential resilience. Jesús critiques current childcare subsidies and highlights the influence of social norms on fertility patterns. He advocates for housing policies as a means to boost birth rates, while also discussing the pitfalls of excessive education and its effect on family formation.

The discussion explores the transformative potential of AI in drug development, tracing its journey from discovery to delivery. Insights reveal AI's strengths in enhancing discovery but highlight the limitations posed by biological complexities and data availability. The hosts debate the need for empirical methods alongside AI, while emphasizing the challenges of recruiting participants for clinical trials. They also analyze economic incentives that skew R&D priorities and caution against misinformation in public health. Ultimately, AI aids innovation but cannot tackle all barriers alone.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, a U.S. Representative focused on economic growth and urban policy, joins to explore building new cities in America. He shares insights on treating 'cost disease' and why local politics often hinder housing development. Jake advocates for innovative transit solutions and discusses the importance of a master plan for cities. He critiques immigration policies and suggests a balanced approach, while also pushing for bold biomedical R&D initiatives, including a national moonshot to cure Alzheimer's.

Explore the exciting world of protein design using AI tools like AlphaFold and RF Diffusion. Discover how researchers can create entirely new proteins to address real-world challenges, from medicine to materials science. Learn about the innovative process of 'hallucinating' protein structures, validating their functions, and the potential impacts on scientific collaboration. With discussions on their strengths, limits, and the fusion of AI with traditional research, this conversation unpacks the future of biomolecular innovation.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing protein design, aiming to create safer and more effective vaccines. Tools like AlphaFold and ProteinMPNN are leading the charge in re-engineering proteins, particularly targeting the Strep A antigen for potential vaccines. The discussion highlights how modifying proteins can enhance manufacturability and stability. Listeners learn about the intricate processes of testing candidates in labs and how breakthroughs from AI have already impacted COVID and RSV vaccine development. Can we design entirely novel proteins using AI? Tune in to find out!

Nicholas Boys Smith, Chairman of Create Streets and a proponent of 'gentle density', dives into urban design principles that enhance livability. He argues that distrust towards planners fuels opposition to new buildings, driven by aesthetics and past failures. Nicholas contrasts thriving neighborhoods with poorly planned developments, advocates for adaptable housing, and highlights the pitfalls of traffic modernism. With insights on creating sociable streets and balancing cars with pedestrian needs, he presents a vision for vibrant urban spaces that work for everyone.

Discover the fascinating journey of insulin, from its crude beginnings with animal extracts to the cutting-edge genetic engineering that revolutionized diabetes treatment. Hear how bacteria became the powerhouse for insulin production, shaping the biotech industry. The episode dives into the evolution of insulin delivery methods, showcasing advancements from glass needles to high-tech solutions like insulin pens and glucose monitors. Get ready for a captivating tale of innovation that transformed millions of lives!

Alice Evans, a social scientist at King's College London and writer of 'The Great Gender Divergence,' discusses the unique success of Western feminism compared to East Asia's movements. They explore how dating markets and traditional values affect gender dynamics and marriage roles. Evans critiques family policies like baby bonuses and the need for joint tax filing to support changing family structures. The conversation also delves into workplace culture, advocating for inclusivity and alternative bonding practices beyond alcohol, showcasing the complexities of modern parenting and social norms.

Dive into the fascinating world of proteins as they unfold like a vibrant city’s layout. Discover how proteins fold into complex shapes, impacting everything from medicine to cooking. Learn about the largest human protein, Titan, and its astonishing structure. Explore the swift and precise actions of enzymes, the unsung heroes of biochemistry. The episode also touches on the intriguing interplay between mRNA size and micro proteins, inviting you to ponder the boundaries of protein function.

Dan Wang, author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," dives into the complexities of Chinese politics and economy. He debates whether engineers or lawyers make better leaders, revealing insights on China's political landscape under Xi Jinping. The conversation shifts to the secret of success for young professionals and the culinary diversity of China, offering tips on finding the best restaurants abroad. Wang also explores the intricate dynamics of Sino-American relations, highlighting the impact of influencer culture on dining trends in China.