Melanie Matheu: Turning Science into Impact

Howie and Harlan are joined by Melanie Matheu, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Lyric Bio, who also shares evidence-based health and science information on TikTok as LaughterinLight PhD. They discuss developing new antibody therapies, building biotech companies, and communicating complex science to the public. Harlan warns that AI could drive up healthcare costs unless payment models change; Howie highlights encouraging declines in traffic deaths while noting the growing risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. Show notes: AI and Healthcare Costs "What Is Fee for Service in Healthcare and How It Works" "Payment for Clinical AI" "CMS floats new Medicare payment category for AI diagnostic software: 6 notes" Melanie Matheu LaughterinLight PhD on TikTok Lyric Bio Hyper-IgM (HIgM) Syndromes Polyclonal Antibodies (PAbs) Autoimmune Diseases Kawasaki disease NIH: R01 research grants Prellis Biologics Cyclosporiasis "FDA says false-positive lettuce test doesn't change Taylor Farms cyclospora probe" WHO: Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Dr. Zachary Rubin From Bench to Bedside podcast Zachary Rubin: All About Allergies: How to Live Well with Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever and More Road Safety "The '100 Deadliest Days' Have Begun" WHO: "Road deaths fall by 21% globally but stronger action is needed to save lives" NHTSA: "Crash-Stats: Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate in 2025" Consumer Product Safety Commission: "Micromobility Products-Related Deaths Injuries and Hazard Patterns 2017-2024" In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.