The Biology Brief

SHOCKING Truth About Thalidomide's Dark Past and Remarkable Comeback! The Bio Brief episode 12

Delve into the historical impact of Thalidomide in Episode 12 of "The Biology Brief" with insightful anecdotes from Dr. Jim Cardelli and Kiley Grant. From its origins in mid-1950s Germany to the devastating consequences leading to its ban in 1961, explore the intended uses and the profound fallout that reshaped the FDA's drug approval regulations. Learn about Francis Kelsey's heroic stance at the FDA, preventing Thalidomide approval in the US and avoiding potential tragedies. Uncover the overlooked clinical trials in the US, the disastrous outcomes, and the profound effects on the FDA's oversight. Understand how this repurposed drug evolved from a notorious history to becoming a crucial player in cancer treatment, showcasing the resilience and self-correcting nature of scientific advancements. Our company: https://www.oleo.live/ Buy Oligen here: https://oleocanthal.co/ 1:17 Jim remembers the impact of thalidomide in 1960.. He is really old. 2:04 Beginnings of Thalidomide in Germany mid 1950's. 3:00 Banned in 1961. Children born with deformities 3:53 Intended uses of Thalidomide 5:51 The fallout from this disaster changed how the FDA regulates drug approvals. 6:10 Francis Kelsey A hero in the FDA Stopped approval of Thalidomide being approved in the US 9:15 The FDA turned a blind eye to clinical trials using Thalidomide in the US which caused deaths and birth defects 10:47 What does Thalidomide do? 16:07 Dr. Kelsey the hero of the FDA as regards Thalidomide and more 20:10 The rebirth of Thalidomide as a drug for other indications. Starting with Leprosy 1965 23:43 Additional indications for Thalidomide including cancers, angiogenesis 26:00 Thalidomide derivatives 30:56 Thalidomide, a repurposed drug 35:00 How does Thalidomide do what it does? AND that thalidomide opened up a whole new area of cancer therapeutics 40:32 Thalidomide from Zero to Hero. Science as a self-correcting process

You Might Be Eating Too Much Protein - The Biology Brief Ep 11

Learn the intricate world of cardiovascular health in Episode 11 of "The Biology Brief" with hosts Kiley Grant and Dr. Jim Cardelli. Explore the role of mTOR in cardiovascular disease and the fascinating link between protein consumption and mTOR activation. Our company: https://www.oleo.live/ Buy Oligen here: https://oleocanthal.co/ 2:33 Overview of cardiovascular disease and role of mTOR in this process 5:50 High levels of consumed protein can activate mTOR 6:34 How much is too much protein? 9:45 The amino acid leucine is the key compound that induces mTOR and is found in high levels in meat and milk products 11:10 Some limitations of the paper 12:05 What is atherosclerosis (AS)? 13:12 Macrophage foam cells, AS and mTOR 16:21 Leucine activates mTOR after high protein meals 18:00 How do we begin to find the right balance of protein intake? 20:38 Vegetable proteins have lower leucine levels but also low essential amino acids. 21:42 Balanced diets are probably bet than the many fad diets out there. 22:15 mTOR activation leads to buildup of non functional organelles that build up and inhibit cell function. 23:01 Discussion of figure in paper 27:00 What is clear is that consumption of too much protein is detrimental to overall health 30:00 Wrap up

The Rise and Fall of Vitamin D - The Biology Brief ep 10

Expand your knowledge about the intricacies of Vitamin D in Episode 10 of "The Biology Brief." Join hosts Kiley Grant and Dr. Jim Cardelli as they explore Vitamin D production in the body, assess its dietary implications, and question national deficiency. Understand how our body manages Vitamin D, its 2020 surge in popularity, and the potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Reflect on the self-correcting nature of science, the risks of overdosing, and the crucial role of dosage in determining toxicity. Our company: https://www.oleo.live/ Buy Oligen here: https://oleocanthal.co/ 0:00 Introduction to Vitamin D 1:16 Observational studies and how they increased interest in Vitamin D 5:18 How is Vitamin D made in your body and should you add Vitamin D to your diet 8:11 Are we as a nation Vitamin D deficient? 14:00 How is Vitamin D produced to supplement milk? 14:47 Who came up with the name vitamin? 15:45 Scientific article cited Jan 2024 16:37 Clinical trials concluded vitamin D supplementation does not help most diseases 19:20 How does our body manage vitamin D 21:23 Why did vitamin D appeal to the public and scientists so much in 2020 22:56 Overdosing is a reality 27:05 Vitamin D in beer? 28:46 why was 2020 the peak of vitamin prowess? 30:51 The power of science as a self correcting process 32:23 Vitamin as an antiinflammatory and immune beneficial compound 36:47 It is ALL about the dose in stating what is toxic 37:46 wrap up

Navigating Senescence: The Biology Brief ep 9

Delve into the complexities of aging in the latest episode of "The Biology Brief," where hosts Kiley Grant and Dr. Jim Cardelli, the CEO and CTO of Oleolive, unravel the significance of senescence and explore the hallmarks of aging. In this thought-provoking discussion, we examine the dual nature of senescent cells, their positive roles in wound healing and potential positive role in cancer. Join us as we navigate the intriguing connections between senescent cells, exercise, and revolutionary CAR T therapy. Learn about UPAR as the target of CAR T cells, its associated costs, and the challenges in measuring the senescence burden in the body. Beyond UPAR, we explore other senescence markers, emphasizing the importance of targeting specificity in therapies. We'll also break down a relevant paper in this comprehensive exploration. Get a glimpse into the future with discussions on senolytic drugs and a preventive medicine approach. Our company: https://www.oleo.live/ Buy Oligen here: https://oleocanthal.co/ Article we read: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37841853/ 0:40 What is senescence and why should we care? 1:12 What are the Hallmarks of aging? 2:07 Outline for Podcast and introduction of senescence cells. 3:40 Senescence cells can be positive and negative. 6:20 Senescence cells and cancer - positive role 9:20 Senescent cells and wound healing - positive role 12:30 Senescent cells - Breaking Bad 14:38 Senescent cells in the top 5 of the Hallmarks of aging 16:19 Senescent cells found throughout the body 18:46 Introduction to Paper to be discussed 20:45 Senescent cells and exercise 21:45 CAR T Therapy 23:30 UPAR found on senescent cells and the target of the CAR T cells 27:42 CAR T and cost 29:34 Can you measure the senescence burden in the body? 34:06 UPAR is not the only senescence marker. 35:00 Why targeting specificity is important. 37:00 Paper summary 37:43 Senolytic drugs on the horizon 41:00 Preventive medicine approach 42:08 Wrap up.

Psychedelics for Psychotherapy - The Future is Now: The Biology Brief Ep 8

Explore the realm of psychedelic therapy in Episode 8 of "The Biology Brief." Join hosts Kiley Grant and Dr. Jim Cardelli as they analyze a groundbreaking paper on MDMA and PTSD, discussing flaws and the promising Phase 3 trial success. The episode covers the history of MDMA, clinical trials for PTSD, and potential FDA approval. Trace the evolution of psychedelic research from the 50s, dissect treatment protocols, and delve into the impact of various psychedelics. Learn about the formation of new neural connections with MDMA and Psilocybin, discuss adverse events, and contemplate the societal impact of creating drugs from natural products. Our company: https://www.oleo.live/ Buy Oligen here: https://oleocanthal.co/ Articles we read: Article 1, [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36636296/] Article 2 [https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/articles/an-introduction-to-five-psychedelics-psilocybin-dmt-lsd-mdma-and-ketamine-355897], Article 3, [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02565-4] Article 4 [https://www.academia.edu/99186936/Psychedelic_research_and_the_real_world] 0:00 Introduction 0:59 First Paper by Mitchell et al to be discussed; MDMA and PTSD 1:21 Flaw in this paper? 2:47 Intro to MDMA 4:18 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview 7:52 Clinical trials for PTSD treatment – MDMA 12:08 Phase 3 trial success predicts FDA approval in the near future. 12:45 Early studies in the 50s and 60s shut down in 1970 Nixon but growing since the 90s. 13:55 Clinical Treatment Protocol – who is in and who is not, cost? 19:44 Beyond MDMA. Other Psychedelics are being studied. 21:00 How do these drugs work? 21:45 MDMA action in the brain – new neural connections form 27:00 Psilocybin from Magic Mushrooms – New connections in the brain are formed 32:52 Adverse advents for these new treatments? 34:00 Can the hallucinogenic effects be separated from the improved response upon treatment? 36:08 Make new drugs from natural products – the impact on society and the health care system. 39:15 Wrap up