Works in Progress Podcast

Explore the chaotic origins of vaccines, from smallpox to polio, revealing risky experiments and groundbreaking discoveries. Discover Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's role in variolation and the serendipitous insights of Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur. Delve into the dark side of early vaccination methods, including arm-to-arm transfers and animal sacrifices. Hear about crucial advancements like cell culture techniques and the introduction of polio vaccines. This journey through scientific trial and error uncovers the remarkable evolution of immunization.

In this discussion, Samuel, an architecture contributor focused on conservation debates, shares insights on the YIMBY movement's division over aesthetics. He argues that aesthetic regulations can foster goodwill and curb opposition to development. They dissect the fine line between genuine complaints and those masking economic motives. The conversation explores how unified ownership and pattern-book designs can enhance visual appeal, while analyzing the mixed results of discretionary design reviews. Ultimately, the team advocates for local codes to balance beauty and function.

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.