Can AI Unlock the Language of Biology — Safely?

In this episode of A Moment in Health, Dr. Ashish Jha spotlights a striking new number: a 15% expected median increase in ACA health insurance premiums by 2026, with even steeper out-of-pocket costs if enhanced federal subsidies expire. He then reviews a study on California’s transition to zero-emission vehicles, showing real-world health benefits of electric cars. Dr. Shankar Sundaram, Director of the Bioresiliency Incubator at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, joins to explore the convergence of AI and biology, supercharged by advances in computing, as well as the associated benefits and risks.Dr. Jha discusses:Individual market insurers requesting largest premium increases in more than 5 years — Peterson-KFF Health System TrackerCalifornia's early transition to electric vehicles: Observed health and air quality co-benefits — Science of the Total EnvironmentAbout the GuestDr. Shankar Sundaram currently serves as the Director of the Bioresiliency Incubator at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and was formerly the senior director of global health security and biodefense at the White House. In his current capacity, he leads the laboratory’s bioengineering strategy and technology development activities that address critical challenges in health and biosecurity. He also serves on the LLNL leadership team that oversees lab programs in biosciences and bioengineering.About the HostDr. Ashish K. Jha is the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.Music by Katherine Beggs, additional music by Lulu West and Maya Polsky