FutureTech Podcast

Mechanical engineering professor Dr. Adrian Bejan explains how his new book takes on the hierarchy system of natural movement. He explains the gist of this theory by discussing how from an engineering point of view, evolution is possible because movement is possible, why this freedom of movement makes change possible, and how this freedom of movement and change means hierarchy is unavoidable. In this podcast Dr. Adrian Bejan, distinguished professor at Duke University and author of more than thirty books, discusses the ideas that propel his new book, Freedom and Evolution: Hierarchy in Nature, Society and Science.  He explains connections between different disciplines to give a fuller picture of his idea. For example, he discusses the impact of society on science such that in technology, we talk in terms of evolution toward greater economy, easier life, and greater health. He asserts that these improvements and directions are due to changes that are possible because these moving parts have the freedom to change. He provides one example central to the approach in his new book: he tells listeners to think of evolution as a universal phenomenon and evokes an aerial view of the Mississippi river basin. He discusses the constant readjustment of the small tributaries due to force and movement. Essential however and evocative of the impact of society on science is the hierarchical nature of these relationships.  Ultimately what you see, he says, is the cohabiting of the few large with the many small: the big channel is not exploiting the many small, but rather the hierarchy works together in stasis or harmony. For more information, find his new book , Freedom and Evolution: Hierarchy in Nature, Society and Science for sale through most booksellers including Amazon and see his page on the Duke web site: https://mems.duke.edu/faculty/adrian-bejan

Denise Ruffner, Chief Business Officer, Cambridge Quantum Computing, discusses quantum computing. Denise Ruffner, as Chief Business Officer at Cambridge Quantum Computing, is a valuable member of the company’s executive leadership. Ruffner coordinates and oversees Cambridge Quantum Computing’s business development activities that build upon and support their active growth agenda, client development, corporate strategy, and important relationships. Denise earned her master’s degree in Neurobiology and Molecular Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. Podcast Points: What is quantum computing? As technology develops, so do ways to hack into environments. What can be done? An overview of encryption Ruffner discusses the details of her company, Cambridge Quantum Computing, and what quantum computing really is all about. She talks about the development of software for quantum computers, and the security devices they develop that can protect against quantum computers potentially breaking security environments. She explains the power of these quantum computer juggernauts, and how they will have the power to break through standard computer encryption safety walls. So companies that hold sensitive data need to start thinking about how they can protect confidential data. Ruffner explains their projects in development that use quantum physics to create non-hackable environments.  Expanding on her discussion, Ruffner talks about the scientists and teams involved in various projects in quantum finance and more at Cambridge Quantum Computing. She provides an overview of some of the projects and products she finds extremely interesting. She discusses t|ket⟩™ which is their software package that allows you to write quantum algorithms on top of it, and ultimately enables users to move their software and run it on different devices. As she states, there is a race in the quantum computer industry, and operating software can be quite varied, thus t|ket⟩™ provides a platform to move software and run algorithms on different devices seamlessly. t|ket⟩™ translates machine independent algorithms into truly executable circuits, and thereby optimizes for physical qubit layout, all the while reducing the total number of required operations. Continuing, Ruffner discusses quantum volume and the details of it. Wrapping up, Ruffner discusses some of the scientific problems that can be addressed with quantum computing, and the complex computational problems that still cannot be solved even with supercomputers, and how quantum computing can help.

Guillermo A. Cecchi, Research Staff Member, Computational Neuroscience at IBM, discusses his background and the current state of computational neuroscience research. Podcast Points: What can we learn from neuroimaging? Is it possible to predict psychotic outbreaks? An update on new ALS research   Dr. Cecchi has an extensive background in Physics (MSc, University of La Plata, Argentina); in Physics and Biology (PhD, The Rockefeller University); as well as in Imaging in Psychiatry (Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell University). In this podcast, Cecchi discusses much of his current research. Dr. Cecchi has broken ground in the use of a computational linguistics approach to assess psychiatric conditions. He provides an overview of his work in computational psychiatry and the use of neuroimaging. Dr. Cecchi’s particular interests are in the varied aspects of theoretical biology, such as brain imaging, molecular computation, Brownian transport, spike reliability in neurons, the song production and representation in diverse songbirds, statistics of natural images as well as visual perception, and more. The computational neuroscientist discusses their work with adolescents who have a clinical risk for psychosis. As he explains, they conducted baseline interviews then followed patients for several years, to see if it is possible to predict which patients would have dramatic psychotic outbreaks, in an attempt to better understand how to work with patients, predict upcoming problems, and provide better early treatment. Dr. Cecchi explains how they observe speech and patterns, and interpret signs and signals. The research doctor goes on to discuss parameters they consider in their studies, and as he states, certain factors can be significant. He explains studies that have been successful in the identification of speech markers, and the factors that are involved, looking at baseline, and considering future trials. Dr. Cecchi cites further examples of their work researching ALS, and how they use data collected from smartphones, in order to observe deterioration, motor activity, and cognitive aspects over time. As Dr. Cecchi states, the goal on some of their work is to create a model that can be brought to the FDA, in order to eventually provide better treatment. 

Dr. Mark Z. Jacobson is an expert on global climate models and created one of the first. In this podcast, he describes how modeling took on more complexity over  the years and what its potential uses are, why measuring electric car payback is also about health effects, not just an emissions versus production measurement, and what states are approaching 100% renewable energy efforts and which technologies will get us there the fastest. Dr. Jacobson is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. He works on understanding air pollution and climate change issues and develops large-scale clean, renewable energy solutions. Currently, he's working on a three-dimensional atmosphere, biosphere, and ocean computer model. He simulates air pollution, weather, and climate to enable renewable energy road maps for states to transfer to 100% renewal energy systems in the near future. As a young person, he traveled to LA frequently and experienced physical effects of air pollution, inspiring him towards his present work. He's still working on a model he started in grad school that tracks the "life cycle" of air pollution. In this conversation, he talks about the process of collecting emissions data from a gridded system that integrates anthropogenic emissions. He then adds natural emissions as well and weather predictions.   He tells listeners that transportations is the biggest pollution emitter and why. He also explains that this not only causes the greenhouse effect, but also causes numerous health problems and thousands of deaths. Therefore, he reminds listeners, eliminating air pollution is a vital health issue. Finally, he explains how his global climate models are scaled to state-wide systems to help governments reduce air pollution and climate change through suggested technologies. For more, see his web page at Stanford. It contains links to his papers as well as a free online class he offers: https://web.stanford.edu/group/efmh/jacobson/ You can find him on twitter as @mzjacobson

Mark Pipher is the Vice President of FacilityConneX, a company that aims to reduce energy consumption through equipment optimization and smart building ideas.  He discusses the following: Why it can be so difficult for large companies to identify which pieces of equipment are using the most energy By what percentage energy usage can be decreased through the correction of faults found in different types of equipment Common and easily fixable problems found in industrial units Consider a 250,000 square-foot building that sees a three million-dollar electric bill on average, and also imagine the environmental and financial benefits that would come from cutting that cost by 10 to 20 percent. This is what FacilityConneX is doing for their clients on a continuous basis, resulting in reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and more efficient business and industrial operations overall. Pipher discusses some examples of the types of equipment they work to optimize and the ways in which optimization can occur, such as identifying and correcting simultaneous heating and cooling in an HVAC system. Through the use of analytic techniques, FacilityConneX is able to monitor every single piece of equipment in a building that houses thousands, and identify any existing or potential problems in real time. He discusses the three main aspects of the services they provide, some of the most common interventions used for specific problems, and the different approaches they use depending on whether they’re addressing an old building with old equipment, or new development, new equipment, or expansion of an existing facility. Tune in for the full conversation and learn more at https://www.facilityconnex.com/.  

Christopher Chapman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Endoscopy, Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago, provides an overview of his research, specifically detailing the area of gastroenterology, and his work with patients. Podcast Points: What are the medical procedures designed to help lose weight? Can I lose weight medically, but without surgery? What does an endoscopic procedure entail? Dr. Chapman has extensive training and experience in Interventional Endoscopy and Gastroenterology. He is a noted gastroenterologist and member of the Center for Endoscopic Research and Therapeutics (CERT), where he regularly treats patients who suffer from various gastrointestinal disorders, through the use of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. The research doctor discusses his background at Johns Hopkins University, and now at the University of Chicago, and also his current work, which he describes as about 80% clinical and 20% research. As he explains, a good deal of his work deals with endoscopic procedures designed to help people lose weight, so they can improve their health, and reduce or eliminate their obesity-related conditions. He explains how these procedures differ from bariatric surgery. As he states, many of these procedures are done through the ‘natural orifice’ meaning they go in through the mouth while the patient is asleep. He provides an overview of the intragastric balloon procedure, which essentially inserts a balloon type device inside your stomach that allows you to feel fuller faster; endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), which reduces the size of the stomach; and then aspiration therapy, which is a bariatric approach that can help to siphon ingested food out of the stomach through an implanted tube and port it to the outside of the body to then be discarded. Dr. Chapman discusses the many ways they, as researchers and doctors, seek to innovate in the space, applying new procedures and techniques to aid their patients with a wide assortment of medical maladies. He talks about clinical trials for their balloon devices, devices that can help people lose more weight and/or make the balloon more tolerable to patients who have difficulty. He talks about other options in clinical trials, that focus on diabetes, and also some that are endoscopy-free. Many new techniques are on the horizon that will be minimally invasive, yet still provide immense benefits to patients.  Continuing, Dr. Chapman talks about the work they are doing to try to get insurance companies to cover certain procedures, which will help those who may be underinsured or facing financial struggles, to get procedures they need for their health. 

Robert Quinn, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses his research, detailing information on rare bacterial lung infections, anaerobic bacteria infection, and especially cystic fibrosis. Podcast Points of Discussion: What exactly is cystic fibrosis? How might pure oxygen impact bad bacteria? What are the long term possibilities for a cystic fibrosis patient? Quinn’s education includes: a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA, an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a BSc in Microbiology, also from the University of Guelph in Canada. Quinn discusses cystic fibrosis, which he states is a classic genetic disease, and those who are afflicted with it have various mutations in a particular gene. As he explains cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. He goes on to discuss some of the commonalities that exist between sick people with cystic fibrosis and the healthy. He discusses the issues in detail, discussing the oral cavity and upper airways.  Quinn continues his discussion by recounting some experiments he was involved with during his time at San Diego State University. In the experiments, patients would not only breathe oxygen, but they would actually sit in a hyperbaric chamber full of oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen while inside a pressurized room or tube. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a commonly used treatment for decompression sickness, which is a hazard of scuba diving. While there were potential risks due to the pressurization, the idea was that this environment could possibly kill some unwanted bacteria, such as anaerobic organisms, or anaerobes, which are organisms that do not require oxygen for growth, and thus they may respond negatively or perhaps even die if free oxygen is presented. Quinn goes on to discuss cross contamination concerns between cystic fibrosis patients due to the fact that they have highly resistant bacteria. He explains broad-spectrum antibiotic use and talks about the pros and cons of various treatments.

In this podcast, Dr Claudia Gray, PhD, Paediatrician and Allergologist, Kids Allergy Paediatric & Allergy Centre—South Africa, talks in detail about allergy issues and research, discussing many common child allergies, child skin allergy treatment, and what’s coming in the future for allergy testing and treatment.   Podcast Points of Discussion: How do allergy tests work? Why do certain allergies improve over time, but some actually worsen? Do allergy shots work as an effective treatment? Dr Gray has an extensive history and background in her field, as a paediatrician with a subspecialist accreditation in allergology, and as a noted researcher. She received her medical degree from the University of Cape Town, then continued studies in London, specializing in paediatrics, paediatric clinical pharmacology, and paediatric allergy. Additionally, she holds a PhD related to the specific study of eczema and food allergy.  Dr Gray talks about her background, why she decided to specialize in paediatrics and allergies, and some of the current research in the field. Allergologists have a wide range of studies that includes eczema, asthma, environmental allergies, drug allergies, food allergies, gut allergies, and insect venom allergies. Dr Gray provides detailed information on why some allergies improve over time, but others worsen.  The research doctor and professor explains how allergy shots work, and why they are successful with some patients. She discusses the various mechanisms through which allergies can improve over time, discussing the artificial processes (such as allergy shots) that are designed to trick the body into producing protective antibodies. She explains how they work with their patients, discussing medicines, and specific allergies—such as peanut allergies, detailing how early oral exposure can help to build up a tolerance. She describes how desensitization for bee allergies, and other allergies, can sometimes work and explains why exposure is only becoming accepted as a method of treatment lately, in some circles.  Dr Gray discusses eczema management, and the importance of discussing issues and information with your doctor, as opposed to trusting what you might find on the internet.  As a respected speaker and noted authority, Dr Gray has contributed to more than 70 publications in her fields of expertise and she is a regular speaker at many international and local conferences.

Dr. Daniel Griffin, physician, and associate research scientist/instructor (clinical medicine) Columbia University, provides an overview of infectious disease research and treatment, and his career in clinical medicine. Podcast Points: Treatment and research for infectious diseases An overview of parasitic diseases found in the United States and around the world The current state of the HIV epidemic   Dr. Griffin discusses his important work and research in infectious diseases, including HIV, tropical medicine, and especially parasitic diseases. Dr. Griffin has a long history in the field of medical and clinical research and he has a particular interest in HIV, stem cells, and malignancies. As a medical doctor he provides care for patients with infectious diseases, in addition to his role as an educator, teaching medical students, residents and fellows in NYC. Dr. Griffin discusses New York City as the center of the developing world, and as he explains, people come in from all over the world, for tourism, but also for treatment and ongoing medical care. The research doctor talks about his experiences and cites examples of patients he sees regularly through the year, who come to NYC for their healthcare treatment. Dr. Griffin discusses tropical diseases, and he speaks about the many cases of malaria, Zika, and more, and the ill patients that find their way to his office seeking treatment. Dr. Griffin talks about public health issues, how they are handled, detailing specific diseases such as TB and others. He discusses the types of therapies that are effective and how some nations handle disease management better than others seemingly. The research physician continues his discussion, providing information about the impact of HIV in the United States versus abroad. And he explains how many parasitic diseases exist right here in the United States, and how they can be recognized and subsequently treated.

Researcher and author Dr. Richard J. Johnson has looked into the role fructose plays in many modern disease epidemics. He discusses this by describing.  what fructose can do to help some animals survive harsh conditions, how those assets turn into dangers in our modern world of plenty, and what alternatives we might use to ease the cravings and replace fructose in our daily diet.   Dr. Richard J. Johnson is a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado. He researches how fructose causes diseases like hypertension, kidney disease, and obesity and diabetes. He's written two books about this epidemic—The Fat Switch and The Sugar Fix—and has written numerous papers on fructose as well.  Dr. Johnson discusses the role fructose plays in the excessive obesity and diabetes rates in our society. He talks about how hard to avoid, from an ingredient in table sugar to the ubiquitous high fructose corn syrup, an easy addition for manufactures looking for something cheap and appealing to put in processed foods. He also explains why it is so dangerous by first explaining it evolutionary role. Dr. Johnson discusses how it can be helpful to animal systems in dire survival mode. He uses an analogy to explain its function, commenting that it's akin to an alarm system for our body: it sends a signal to our system that we're in trouble .In order to protect ourselves, we become insulin resistant to guard our brain and increase inflammation to protect our physiology. Of course these measures completely undermine our health in times of plenty and increase risks for obesity and diabetes. He finishes the discussion with suggestions for ways to ween ourselves, from more effective ways to eat fruits to what alternatives to fructose are best.  For more, find his papers in pub med, his books and, see his lab web site at https://physiology.case.edu/person/richard-j-johnson/

Alejandro Reyes, Associate Professor, Microbiologist and MSc in Biological Sciences, the University of the Andes, discusses microbes and the importance of gut health. Podcast Points: How do viruses affect the gut? What is a phage? How does the microbiome impact our health?   Reyes holds a PhD in Computational and Systems Biology at Washington University in San Luis, MO, United States. Reyes discusses his background and work, and his more than ten years of research studying the microbiome. Reyes’s work is focused on Applied Computational Biology, in the development of many tools that can be used for the analysis of data that is derived from current technologies of optical studies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc. for the characterization and classification of microbial communities and their interactions with the environment. He is interested in applications that can be applied to human health outcomes. He discusses viruses and the microbiome in detail, touching on the many viruses that may not make you sick, but stay with you nonetheless, over time.  The microbiologist discusses what he specifically studies, regarding the microbiome, detailing information on phages. Bacteriophages, commonly referred to as simply, phages, are the most plentiful organisms within the biosphere. They are an ever-present feature of prokaryotic existence. A bacteriophage, specifically speaking, is a virus that infects a bacterium. Viruses, as we know often infect bacteria, are perhaps the most diverse components of the biosphere, genetically speaking. And the characterizing of phage diversity within the human gut is creating a buzz in the science community in regard to how we view ourselves as supra-organisms. Reyes discusses phage therapy in detail, and he talks about how phages are triggered, providing information on bacteria and how they sacrifice themselves.  Reyes continues his discussion by providing information on his thoughts regarding cell attachment. Additionally, he discusses phage population, and some other studies they conducted, and he states there is so much that they still must learn about viruses, genes, and phages. 

Dr. Carolyn Kurle describes how a biogeochemical tool can explain the foraging patters and locations of animals to improve ecosystem management strategies. She explains: How stable isotope analysis looks at ratios of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes in animal tissues to understand where that animal is foraging. Why this knowledge can be passed to wildlife managers to increase animal conservation success. Why understanding animal foraging is even more important now because of the effects of climate change.   Associate professor in the ecology and behavior and evolution sections at UC San Diego, Dr. Carolyn Kurle works with animal foraging data to improve wildlife management efforts. In this conversation she explains in particular how stable isotope analysis presents ratios of light to heavy nitrogen and carbon isotopes that tell researchers where an animal has eaten and what they have eaten. She elucidates this complex system by first explaining trophic interactions ecology—a level system from producers up to herbivores, then omnivores, and finally to top predator carnivores. The heavier isotope accumulates at each level and the resulting ratio of heavy to light gives specific-enough information to make foraging inferences. Wildlife managers can create ecosystem management strategies by using this data to understand, for example, how essential the white bark pine needle tree is to grizzly bears. Therefore as this tree is facing disease and pest infestation with reduced numbers, managers know to plan for more effective and specific grizzly bear management. Dr. Kurtle discusses many other examples, including those that show how troubling biomagnification issues for California Condors might be better managed by understanding which populations depend on marine life with high toxic levels. For more, see her website at http://biology.ucsd.edu/research/faculty/ckurle

Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, biologist, and author, known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance, discusses morphogenetic fields, morphic resonance, evolutionary biology, and much more. Podcast Points: What is morphic resonance? Does the brain store memory? A discussion on developing structures and collective memory    During his tenure at Cambridge University, Dr. Sheldrake worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. Dr. Sheldrake discusses his background and his lifelong love of biology, starting out as a young boy—cultivated through his connections to animals and interest in plants. He discusses his thoughts on science throughout his studies at Cambridge and Harvard. He talks about form development, and the many questions of science, detailing some of his research in cells and cell death. He provides a detailed analysis of his thoughts on morphogenetic fields. A morphogenetic field, simply defined, is a group of cells that are able to respond to separate, local biochemical signals that lead to the development of precise morphological structures, or organs. Continuing, Dr. Sheldrake talks about plant and animal development, and modules that are organized by morphogenetic fields. Expanding his discussion, he explains how fields work, discussing electromagnetic fields and gravitational fields. As he explains, fields are spread out, in and around, a developing plant or animal, and they contain a formal structure, which is what molds or shapes the developing structures. He cites examples that substantiate his theories, regarding fields and the wholly integrative nature of those fields. He discusses his theories on morphic resonance, and how individual organisms can draw on collective memories of the form of their ancestors.  Going further, Dr. Sheldrake explains his other thoughts on form and other hypotheses regarding memory, and the brain’s memory storage abilities, detailing morphic resonance and how the evidence, he states, points to the fact that the brain actually tunes in to memory, but that memory is not actually ‘stored.’

Many suffers of thyroid issues that are only offered one medicinal choice, but Dr. Shames says there are several natural supplements that provide meaningful holistic wellness. In this conversation, you'll hear: His personal experience through his wife's struggles with treatment and how that opened his eyes to a vacuum in the medical community for thyroid care. The degree to which these thyroid conditions are an epidemic and what environmental conditions may be causing them. What connections between thyroid conditions and mental health exist and how treating our hormone glands with holistic health measures can achieve balance. Author Dr. Richard Shames has been in private practice for 25 years but shifted his focus after witnessing his wife's search for relief from symptoms due to irregular thyroid measures. The Synthroid prescription the endocrinologists she first saw did not ease her symptoms, but after being connected with a university research group, she found relief from holistic health treatment. They wrote the book Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled? to educate readers about better options to treat and balance our three hormone-producing glands: the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. He discusses why the diabetes epidemic may have overshadowed thyroid treatment's need for fuller attention. Because the medical system is less apt to look at hormone balance from a broader perspective, often the standard T3 medicine lacks the holistic wellness available from natural thyroid medicine.  Furthermore, he explains how the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands make for a hormone system that needs to be balanced in concert with each other. For example, women are often prescribed estrogen, which actually increases thyroid-binding agents in your bloodstream. By treating patients through a holistic wellness lens, these three hormonal-producing systems can work more effectively together.  For more information such as recommended doctors, see the Top Docs list at http://www.thyroid-info.com/index.htm. He also recommends seeking out a nutritional practitioner in addition to supplemental information. Dr. Shames also has a website at http://thyroidpower.com/

From shampoo to carpeting to baby bottles, chemicals are prevalent in our everyday items. Author Rick Smith discusses accompanying concerns such as: The depth of this issue, calling it the second great pollution problem facing humanity. Why the health effects of pollution from such chemicals are prevalent and should be taken seriously. Alternatives for many everyday products that are available. Co-author of Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things and director of Canada's Broadbent Institute, environmentalist Rick Smith describes the research he and co-author Bruce Lourie underwent to see common results of living in close quarters with chemicals. The prevalence of chemicals such as BPA in eating containers raised alarms and he wondered about the health effects of pollution on our bodies from such chemicals. He tells how he and his co-author experimented on themselves over 10 years with their own blood and urine samples. They would establish a baseline first, and then, for example, cook with plastic and retest themselves to see if there was an increase in chemical levels. In most cases, the answer was yes.  Mr. Smith details various other household products to be aware of, from shampoo to cosmetics to paint. He explains the danger and prevalence of phthalates and discusses how it can work as a hormonal disruptor in our body. Finally, he offers good news about the results of consumer pressure and tells the listener about safe alternatives for many of these products.