Science For Care

Imagine being able to detect neurological diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or multiple sclerosis years before symptoms even surface. It sounds like science fiction, but it's quickly becoming a reality thanks to advances in eye-tracking technology. In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre explores how tracking subtle eye movements can unlock critical insights into our brain health. Joined by experts Pierre Pouget and Antoine Pouppez from Neuroclues, Anca discusses the incredible potential of non-invasive eye tracking. From its origins in 19th-century research to today's cutting-edge devices using infrared cameras, discover how eye movement can reveal early signs of cognitive decline and other neurological disorders. The conversation delves into how this technology could soon become a vital tool in everyday medical consultations, providing doctors with objective data to improve diagnostics and patient care. Learn how Neuroclues aims to bring this groundbreaking technology to the forefront of neurological diagnostics, giving doctors the ability to predict and manage brain health like never before. With potential applications extending beyond neurological diseases to mental health and even stroke detection, eye tracking could reshape healthcare as we know it.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Pierre Pouget, Antoine Pouppez Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From decoding the human genome to tailoring treatments for individual patients, precision medicine is transforming healthcare as we know it. In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre takes you through the revolutionary journey of precision medicine, from the discovery of DNA to the cutting-edge therapies of today.Joined by Dr. Marc Abramovicz, a leading clinical geneticist, we explore how personalized care is shifting the medical landscape. Learn how precision medicine allows for targeted treatments based on each patient’s unique genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle, offering more effective solutions for diseases like cancer, rare genetic disorders, and even chronic conditions. Discover the exciting potential of early detection and individualized therapies, while also addressing the challenges of accessibility and cost. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance, the future of precision medicine looks more promising than ever.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Dr. Marc Abramovicz Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Can we control how our genes behave? In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre explores the fascinating world of epigenetics—where our environment and lifestyle can influence the way our DNA operates. Joined by Dr. Semira Gonseth Nusslé, a specialist in preventive medicine, we dive into how epigenetic mechanisms act like a switchboard, turning genes on or off in response to factors like diet, stress, and toxins.We explore how these epigenetic triggers could play a key role in the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s, where lifestyle choices may influence up to 95% of cases. With breakthroughs in detecting "epigenetic clocks" and the possibility of resetting harmful gene expressions, epigenetics could pave the way for revolutionary treatments in preventing and managing diseases. Discover how the choices we make every day can shape our health and well-being at the deepest level—our DNA.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Dr. Semira Gonseth Nusslé Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What do pacemakers, smartwatches, and toothbrushes have in common? They all stem from serendipitous discoveries that have revolutionized healthcare. In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre takes us through the fascinating journey of wearable health technology, from the accidental invention of the first pacemaker in 1958 to today’s sophisticated wearables that monitor everything from heart rate to sleep quality.Joined by Thomas Serval, CEO at Baracoda, we explore how wearable tech has evolved from niche medical devices into everyday tools that empower us to take control of our health. Whether it’s smart mirrors that monitor skin changes or toothbrushes that help prevent cavities, connected devices are transforming healthcare by making prevention and personalized care accessible to everyone. But where do we draw the line between well-being gadgets and medically validated devices?Learn how today’s wearables not only improve fitness but provide invaluable data for healthcare professionals, enabling early detection and intervention for chronic conditions. From smart bath mats to FDA-approved heart monitors, the future of health technology is here—and it's more accessible than ever.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Thomas ServalHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Alcohol addiction isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a complex medical condition that affects millions worldwide. In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre takes us on a deep dive into the world of alcohol dependency, exploring its roots, impact, and the modern solutions available for those battling this pervasive issue. With special guest Dr. Pascal Gache, an addiction specialist, we examine how alcohol alters brain chemistry, influences behavior, and leads to long-term health consequences. From the origins of the term "alcoholism" in 1848 to the rise of support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, we trace the evolution of addiction treatment and the changing medical understanding of this condition. We also explore the continuum of alcohol addiction, debunking the myth that alcoholism is simply a matter of daily drinking. Many struggle with alcohol dependency without fitting the typical stereotype. Dr. Gache highlights the most effective treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy to motivational interviewing, and the importance of finding new sources of joy beyond alcohol.Whether you're directly impacted by alcohol dependency or want to better understand this silent struggle, this episode offers a compassionate, science-driven perspective on one of the world’s most prevalent health issues.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Dr. Pascal GacheHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if Sherlock Holmes were on the case of a mysterious, yet common medical condition? In this episode of Science for Care, host Anca Petre takes us on a detective’s journey to crack the case of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a complex condition affecting 1 in 10 women, yet often remaining undiagnosed. PCOS is responsible for a wide range of symptoms, from irregular periods to infertility, and it can take years to uncover the full scope of its impact. With special guest Caroline, founder of Asso SOPK, a patient advocacy group, we explore her personal story of living with PCOS and the struggles many face to get a proper diagnosis. Caroline sheds light on the challenges, misdiagnoses, and eventual discovery of her condition, while advocating for better awareness and treatment. Dive into the origins of PCOS, from its first identification in the 1930s to the latest scientific breakthroughs. Learn about exciting new research revealing that PCOS may be linked to hormonal imbalances in the brain, offering new hope for more effective treatments beyond symptom management. This episode uncovers the complexities of PCOS, the frustration of delayed diagnoses, and the potential for new discoveries that could transform care for millions of women.Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio Host: Anca Petre Guest: Caroline, Founder of Asso SOPKHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today's episode of Science for Care, join Anca Petre as she delves deep into the captivating world of biomimicry – the art and science of observing nature to solve complex human challenges. It’s more than just mimicking the obvious; it's about adapting and innovating using nature’s 3.8 billion years of research and development as our blueprint. Explore the historical evolution of biomimicry, from the Wright brothers drawing inspiration from pigeons for flight, to the foundational contribution of Otto Schmitt and the enlightening insights of Janine Benyus. Listen in as Thomas PEYBERNES from Ceebios unravels the remarkable innovations in healthcare spurred by nature's designs. Discover the fascinating intricacies of the mosquito's painless bite, the transformative potential of the lugworm's hemoglobin, and the unique biocompatible qualities of spider silk in surgery. Biomimicry isn't just about borrowing ideas; it's a testament to the intertwined fates of humans, animals, and the environment. This episode reminds us of the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility, urging us to not only take inspiration from nature but also to give back. Join us in celebrating the profound impact of biomimicry on healthcare and embrace the holistic concept of One Health. Nature's secrets are all around us, and sometimes, the answers we seek are hidden in plain sight. So, the next time you marvel at nature's wonders, remember: imitation isn't just the sincerest form of flattery; it's also the path to groundbreaking innovation. Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Thomas PEYBERNESHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Science for Care with your host, Anca Petre. In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of medical innovation by exploring the concept of "digital twins" – a groundbreaking approach set to reshape the future of cardiology.  As cardiovascular diseases continue to be the world's leading cause of death, there's a pressing demand for innovative, predictive, and personalized healthcare solutions. Enter the universe of digital twins. Originally envisioned by NASA in the 1960s for space missions, digital twins provide real-time virtual replicas of physical entities, be it a spacecraft or, as we'll learn, the human heart.  Join us as Myriam Beaves, the Business Director at 3DEXPERIENCE Lab of Dassault Systèmes, sheds light on the transformative journey of digital twins. From creating virtual aerospace solutions to recently pioneering virtual trials for cardiovascular diseases, 3DEXPERIENCE Lab stands at the forefront of this revolution. In this episode, we'll discover how the synthesis of technology, science, and healthcare could offer profound insights into cardiological issues before they manifest in the real world. As digital twins promise to usher in a new age of medical treatment and patient care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the future of healthcare and cardiology. Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Myriam BeavesHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Dive into the revolutionary world of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in this riveting episode of Science for Care. Hosted by Anca Petre, we journey from the space age beginnings of RPM, where it monitored astronauts' health in the great cosmic beyond, to its profound terrestrial impact today. But why is RPM reminiscent of doctor's house calls of the past? How did a pandemic pivot its role in cancer care? Learn about the dawn of RPM, a system that teleports the doctor's black leather bag into the digital age, replacing it with cutting-edge software. Unravel its origins that orbit around NASA's ambitious efforts in the 1960s and its evolution on Earth, bringing a digital revolution to healthcare. Especially in oncology, RPM stands as a beacon of hope, offering patients a lifeline during pandemic-induced lockdowns.  Gain insights from Paul-Louis BELLETANTE, the Chief Medical & Compliance Officer at Resilience Care. Understand the challenges RPM faces, particularly in Europe where the funding paradigm is ever-evolving. Discover how RPM startups like Resilience are innovating to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality. And, as we zoom out, RPM's story isn't just about advanced healthcare. It's about resilience, empowerment, and a paradigm shift in patient care. It's a tale of transformation, akin to how the Beatles changed music and 'Game of Thrones' changed television.  Join us as we journey from the infinite vastness of space to the cozy confines of our living rooms, exploring a healthcare innovation that's truly out of this world. Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Paul-Louis BELLETANTEHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to another exhilarating episode of Science for Care. This week, we take you on an extraordinary voyage through time and innovation as we unearth the power and potential of gene therapy. Picture this: a superhero with the might to rewrite our genetic code, mending genetic typos, and filling the blanks. That’s gene therapy for you! Journey back to the 60s, the dawn of our genetic adventures, and witness how a brave young girl named Ashanthi de Silva became the beacon of hope, being the first patient ever to be treated with gene therapy. The challenges, triumphs, and the unyielding spirit of pioneers like Pr Andrew H. Baker from the University of Edinburgh have paved the way to today's groundbreaking advancements. But what does gene therapy mean for our cardiovascular health? How is it addressing the aftermath of heart attacks? And why are coronary artery bypass grafts crucial in this narrative? Discover how gene therapy is making waves in rejuvenating the heart, promoting cell growth, and revolutionizing blood vessel function. But, like any hero's journey, there are hurdles. From delivery challenges to the crucial aspect of bioproduction, Pr Baker offers a candid perspective, sharing insights into how the medical world is gearing up for the widespread application of this remarkable therapy. Described as the Iron Man of medicine, gene therapy promises hope, innovation, and a better tomorrow. So, gear up for an adventure of a lifetime where the heroes don't sport capes, but instead, wield the power of genes. Tune in and join Anca Petre for this captivating exploration. Remember, in the realm of health and science, every discovery counts. Together, let's make a difference! Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Pr Andrew H. BakerHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Delve into the enigmatic world of endometriosis - a gynecological condition with a history that spans millennia but has only recently gained formal recognition. Journey through its murky waters, from its ancient attributions to its first scientific mention in 1860 by Karel Rokitansky.  In this episode, hear Dr. Emilie Joyeux, a renowned OB-GYN based in France, simplify the complex narrative of endometriosis. Understand its nature, the scientific theories behind its occurrence, and why it's often misdiagnosed, leaving millions of women in undue pain and distress. Then, listen to Marguerite's poignant story, who waited nearly 20 years for a correct diagnosis. Explore her life with this “uninvited guest” and how it seeped into every facet of her existence. With acute pain, chronic fatigue, and other complications, endometriosis is more than just a condition. It's an everyday battle. But there's hope. Discover the latest advancements in research, the treatments in the pipeline, and how medical professionals are arming themselves with better tools to tackle this prevalent yet under-recognized ailment. *"The best way out is always through,"* and the path to understanding endometriosis is no different. Join us for a deep dive into this intricate topic, brought to life by personal stories, expert insights, and a dash of hope for the future.  Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guests: Dr Emilie Joyeux and Marguerite de Rodellec Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Journey with Anca Petre on Science for Care as we traverse the timeline of medical imaging. Remember the early days when diagnosing ailments seemed like a mystical dance? Dive deep into the ingenuity of Dr. Rene Laennec and his creation of the stethoscope, an invention that forever changed the realm of medicine.  Venture into the world of ultrasound, as Dr. Karl Dussik ushers in a revolution with ultrasonic waves, giving doctors the much-sought-after ability to 'see' within. Hear from Olivier de Fresnoye of EchOpen as he takes us through the advancements, including POCUS – the pocket-sized ultrasound device turning doctors into real-life superheroes. But there's more! EchOpen aims to render medical imaging accessible for all. Imagine a world where your smartphone transforms into an ultrasound machine, making medical imaging as commonplace as the thermometer in your drawer. Discover the future of healthcare where AI-driven interpretations might just make imaging a household name. Will ultrasounds become the 21st-century stethoscope? Only time will tell. Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Olivier de Fresnoye Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, host Anca Petre takes listeners on a journey from the revolutionary discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 to the challenging landscape of antibiotic resistance we face today. Once heralded as miracle drugs, antibiotics have reshaped modern medicine, increasing human life expectancy and preventing potential pandemics. However, their misuse has led to rising challenges, including the grave threat of antibiotic resistance. Join us as Frederic Peyrane from the BEAM Alliance highlights the crucial role of antibiotics and the dire need for their judicious use. The WHO warns of an impending crisis with antibiotic resistance being linked to a startling 700,000 deaths annually, a number that could soar to 10 million by 2050. Alongside this human toll, the economic repercussions could reach an overwhelming $100 trillion by 2050.  Despite these challenges, why does the development of new antibiotics remain a less-trodden path? Discover the complexities surrounding antibiotic development and the reasons behind the declining investments in this space. However, hope isn't lost! Frederic Peyrane delves into how broadening our strategy can combat this menace, from rapid diagnostics to diversified therapeutic options. Learn about initiatives like the BEAM Alliance and the AMR Action Fund, which are at the forefront of supporting innovative antimicrobial therapies and funding novel treatments. End this episode with a hopeful toast to the countless researchers, innovators, and front-line warriors striving to ensure a future where antibiotic resistance becomes history. Here's to a healthier, safer world for all! Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Frederic Peyrane Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Explore the intricate weave of technology and healthcare in this eye-opening episode. Host Anca Petre journeys into the heart of metaverses, tracing its inception from the times of Lucasfilm Games in 1986 to its popularization by author Neal Stephensen in 1992. But it's not just about virtual landscapes; it's about their profound potential in revolutionizing healthcare.  Join in as Michael Kaldasch, the CEO of Aimedis, delves deep into the world of Avalon - the pioneer in healthcare-focused metaverses. Discover how these virtual worlds are more than just 3D spaces, offering real-time, immersive healthcare solutions, from telemedicine to psychotherapy, while ensuring utmost privacy.  Are we standing at the brink of a healthcare evolution powered by metaverses? Tune in to find out how the fusion of technology and healthcare might just redefine patient care and bridge gaps in doctor-patient interactions.  Embark on this enlightening exploration into 'metahealth' and reimagine healthcare's future! Podcast by HealthTech for Care Production: MedShake Studio  Host: Anca Petre  Guest: Michael Kaldasch Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hi, this is Anca, your host. After 8 successful episodes, season 1 of Science for Care has come to an end.  Together, we went on an exciting adventure behind the scenes of some of the most important scientific and medical breakthroughs of our time. We emerged ourselves into the fascinating stories that led to the discovery of things like mRNA vaccines, the microbiota or AI-driven surgical robots.  By our side, we had had the honor of welcoming incredible experts that helped us navigate their field. As we are preparing for Season 2, we would like to thank you for listening to our podcast and for all the positive feedback you sent us. We wish you a lovely holiday season and we will see you in 2023 with new episodes. Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is aging a disease? Or is it just the natural evolution of every human being? For how long can we extend human life? Is there a biological ceiling we will never be able to cross? These questions have fascinated mankind since the dawn of time. Some dreamt of a Fountain of Youth whose waters could render a person immortal. Others relied on incantations, prayers or to protect them from the effects of aging. But one thing remained consistent: people feared getting older. It was a sign of degradation and ultimately of death. But what exactly is aging from a biological perspective? Is it nothing more than a loss of functions? A programmed senescence? Our understanding of aging has changed dramatically because of a series of major discoveries that we will unveil in today’s episode… Those moments were nothing short of revolutionary for today’s modern medicine and science. They not only helped us better understand why we age, but they also opened the door to a new perspective: maybe, just maybe, we will one day be able to cure aging. Crazy, right? To help us better understand what is science and what is science fiction, we reached out to a specialist in this field. What you will learn in this episode: definitions Gerontology: the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems of old people. It deals with the social, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of aging individuals. Geriatrics: the branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people. It looks at the medical care surrounding aging individuals. Stress resilience: the ability to recognize and acknowledge that a situation has become difficult or painful and choose a response that leads to growth. Our cells combine aging mechanisms in various ways. Depending on this combination, they can be more or less resistant to degradation or stress. Immunotherapy: the prevention or treatment of disease with substances that stimulate the immune response. dates 1983 - a scientist named Michael Klass identified a genetic pathway that allowed worms to live longer. This discovery marked the beginning of a new era in aging research. Since then, scientists have been able to identify what they call “the 9 hallmarks of aging”. Among them are things like telomere attrition, cellular senescence or mitochondrial dysfunction. In the 2000s - scientists started identifying cancer hallmarks, a range of cellular and molecular mechanisms that triggered the disease. Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

MYCIN. This is the name of the very first AI program developed in the medical field at Stanford University in the 1970s. Its goal was to recommend treatments to physicians for certain infectious diseases. Although this program was only live for a couple of years, it opened the door to greater innovations and breakthroughs.  Today, AI helps doctors make diagnoses, it aids surgeons in defining the “next best step” for their patients and it assists researchers when screening new drugs. But the road to a fully AI-driven healthcare system is still long and tortuous. The MYCIN program was dropped because of low acceptability by physicians and poor integration into their daily practice. Sound familiar? If it does, that’s because these challenges still exist today, over 50 years later. In today’s episode, you can expect some turbulence, because there is no such thing as disruption without some friction. Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seat, fasten your seat belts and prepare for take-off.  We have the pleasure of welcoming on the podcast James Somauroo, CEO at SomX and fellow podcast host of the HealthTech Podcast and HealthTech Pigeon. What this episode contains: AI anecdotes  Barrier to AI adoption  Evolving AI conversation  What you will learn in this episode:  Artificial intelligence was created in the 1950s One of the pioneers in this field was mathematician Alan Turing.  the “Turing test” to assess a machine’s ability to act “smart”.  The idea was for a human examiner to evaluate the discussion between a human and a machine without knowing which was which.  Two main movements emerged after the creation of the test: those advocating for a strong artificial intelligence, capable of human thinking and those advocating for a weak artificial intelligence, capable of helping humans in their tasks.  one of the first and most famous experiments regarding artificial intelligence in healthcare is SPHINX, a program designed to help doctors identify patients with jaundice, which is a yellow pigmentation of the skin in people suffering from liver conditions.  There are a growing number of applications of AI in healthcare: algorithms capable of identifying tumors on X-Rays, AI to help doctors interpret ECGs.  During Covid, AI was used by hospitals to predict the incoming flow of patients and adapt their activity. The same technology was used by governments to anticipate the number of masks or vaccines that should be ordered depending on the evolution of the situation. Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What was once science fiction is now a reality. This pretty much sums up the history of surgical robotics. Now, before you panic, let me define what they are. Surgical robots are not living and breathing machines capable of taking medical decisions alone. That is still science fiction. The reality is that surgical robots are mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them that are guided by surgeons. I know, this description takes away from the fantasy. But wait until you hear about the incredible things they can do!  In today’s episode, we will explore how scientists and engineers put their imagination to work and created highly sophisticated robots capable of assisting surgeons in the OR. I will give you a couple of mind-blowing examples and you will even get to hear from a specialist in this field: Jeffery Alvarez, Chief Strategy Officer at Moon Surgical. Key concepts Robotic surgery, also called robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques. According to UCLA Health, this type of surgery includes very small incisions and better magnification, resulting in faster recovery times and fewer risks. What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?  less pain and blood loss ; fewer complications, such as surgical site infection ; smaller, less noticeable scars ; shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. What you will learn in this episode Although the word “robot” only appeared in the 20th century, the idea of robots dates all the way back to antiquity.  The Maestro is a two-armed robotic surgical assistant that can hold and manipulate standard laparoscopic instruments developed by an innovative company called Moon Surgical. Laparoscopy allows the observation of the various digestive, genital, or urinary organs. Various pathologies can be diagnosed and even treated without having to open the abdomen. Key dates  1921 - The term “robot” is used in a play published by Karel Čapek. It is derived from the Czech word, robota, which means labourer.  1985 - creation of the first surgical robot called PUMA. In the 80s: NASA engineers and Stanford surgeons came up with the idea of telepresence for surgeons.  1995 - The company Intuitive Surgical was formed. It developed the world-famous daVinci robotic surgical system. The daVinci is equipped with several arms that can replicate a surgeon’s movements with extreme precision.  Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How would you feel if I told you that you are not the only one that inhabits your body? Well, your body is host to anywhere from 10 to 100 trillion micro-organisms that live in symbiosis. These micro-organisms are bacteria, viruses or fungi. But not to worry, they are not the bad kind of germs that make us sick or cause pandemics. Quite the opposite! They are good, if not excellent, for your health. These micro-organisms that live inside us are called microbiota.  Scientists know today that they are essential for our bodies to work properly. They support our digestion, strengthen our immune system and can even help us combat diseases like cancer. In today’s episode, I would like to share how the human microbiota were discovered and how they are used today to help patients. I will tell you the stories of the people that greatly impacted this field and you will even get to meet one of them: Hervé Affagard, the CEO of MAAT Pharma! Buckle up, here we go. What you will learn in this episode: A bit of history 1681 & 1683 - One of the first descriptions of the micro-organisms living on and in our body came from Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 1880s - It was commonly acknowledged by the vast majority of physicians that germs cause diseases such as tuberculosis or cholera 1885 & 1886 - Theodor Escherich published a series of articles explaining in much detail, the microbiological composition of an infant’s gut and the role it could play 20th century - While Pasteur was studying pathogenic micro-organisms, one of his students, Ilya Metchnikov, decided to study the properties of the non-pathogenic bacteria found in our gut 2012 - Scientists discovered that our gut microbiota have a strong effect on our brain and our behaviour Learn more about this subject Definition of microbiota Scientists define the microbiota as : all microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, viruses) present in a defined environment. Microbiota and microbiome : what is the difference? Although “microbiota” and “microbiome” are often interchangeable, there are certain differences between the two terms. What is the gut microbiota? The microbiota consists of a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms present in a singular environment, such as the human digestive tract. What is the human microbiome? The microbiome refers to the entire habitat of the body, including its microorganisms, genomes, and the surrounding environmental conditions. Do you know The French Gut? It is a national contribution on microbiota. Its ambition? To map and understand the heterogeneity of healthy French gut microbiota, the factors that impact them, and their deviations in chronic diseases. By 2027, the stools of 100,000 volunteers as well as the associated nutritional and clinical data will be collected. Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Rare diseases. The only thing really rare about them is their name! While it is true that individually, each rare disease only affects a handful of people, together, they represent 300 million individuals worldwide. That is 4% of the human population.  These 300 million people suffer from over 7.000 different diseases that are catalogued under the generic name ‘rare diseases’, simply because they have a common feature: they affect fewer than 5 in 10.000 people. But that is not the only thing these diseases have in common. Most of them are genetic, appear during childhood and are incredibly challenging to diagnose.  Did you know that it takes an average of 7 to 8 years before a diagnosis is reached? During this time, a patient’s condition can significantly deteriorate. To better understand this fascinating field, we have the pleasure of welcoming on this podcast Pr. Stanislas Lyonnet, the Director of Imagine, the Paris-based Institute of Genetic Diseases. He is also a renowned Professor of Genetics and a clinical geneticist. What you will learn in this episode:  most rare diseases have a genetic cause  gene therapy is a medical approach that treats or prevents diseases by correcting the underlying genetic problem  90% of rare diseases have no effective treatment  finding solutions for rare disease patients has become a global fight  A bit of history: 1953 - discovery of the structure of DNA 2001 - publication of the first draft of the human genome  2021 - adoption of the first UN Resolution on Addressing the Challenges of Persons with Rare Diseases and their Families by Europe’s Member States Learn more about diseases names Rare genetic disorders include:  Ehlers-Danlos syndrome AA amyloidosis Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) Usher syndrome Mitochondrial diseases What is the rarest genetic disorder? According to the Journal of Molecular Medicine, Ribose-5 phosphate isomerase deficiency, or RPI Deficinecy, is the rarest disease in the world with MRI and DNA analysis providing only one case in history. What are genetic disorders? Genes are made of DNA, which contain instructions for cell functioning and the characteristics that make every human being unique. Genetic disorders occur when a mutation affects genes or when someone has the wrong amount of genetic material. We receive half of our genes from each biological parent and may inherit a gene mutation from one parent or both. Sometimes genes change due to mutations, namely issues within the DNA. This can raise your risk of having a genetic disorder. Genetic disorders can be: chromosomal, complex, single-gene. Science for Care is a podcast by HealthTech for Care, a non profit organization designed to support and promote access to care for all. If you enjoy our show, please mention it to your friends, family and co-workers, and leave ratings and reviews on your favorite listening platform. Production: MedShake Studio Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.