InfoPoint

Today, I speak with Dr. Susan Weiss, the Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a renowned leading expert who has spent the past 40 years of her career studying coronaviruses long before they became widely recognized. Dr. Susan Weiss is also the co-director of the Penn Center for Research on Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Pathogens at the Perelman School of Medicine. She completed her PhD in Microbiology from Harvard University and did her postdoc research at the University of California, San Francisco.We discuss how these viruses work and what we can learn from past outbreaks to better prepare for the future. We also dive into the importance of basic science research and public misconceptions such as the human-made virus theory. Join us to explore the complexities of coronaviruses.

Today's guest is Dr. Liad Mudrik, a renowned neuroscientist and expert in the study of consciousness and perception. Dr. Mudrik holds two PhDs—one in cognitive neuroscience (TAU & HUJI), and another in philosophy (TAU). The latter was awarded the Robert J. Glushko Prize for outstanding dissertations in cognitive science. After completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Caltech, she now leads the High-Level Cognition Lab at Tel Aviv University, where her groundbreaking research explores the neural mechanisms underlying our conscious experience. In this episode, we’ll dive into the methodologies of her research and discuss the practical and ethical implications of consciousness and perception studies.

Today's guest is Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, a distinguished professor at Duke University with appointments in the departments of philosophy, practical ethics, and neuroscience. He has authored numerous books and research articles, including his most recent work, Moral AI: And How We Get There. In this episode, we will explore the intersections between morality and AI and dive into fascinating topics such as neuroethics, morality, and free will.

War creates countless devastating impacts on society, with the environment often being a major yet overlooked victim. Given the various conflicts worldwide, it's crucial to recognize the environmental consequences of armed conflict. Join my guest Jonathan Walsh, a remarkable researcher at The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), as he delves into the ecological toll of war and his role in assessing the damage.

Neonatologists play a crucial role in society, providing specialized care to premature babies. Join Patricia McMahon-Haxton, an outstanding neonatology physician assistant, to understand the wonders, hardships, and ethical concerns in the NICU. Let’s understand what the gift of humanity really means.

CRISPR, a gene editing tool, allows humanity to change the foundational chemical nature of who we are. It could threaten those judged by society to be biologically inferior, or it could fight disease and change lives. How should we utilize this powerful technology?

Grief is a tough and undeniable part of life, creating ripple effects on both individuals and society. Join Jessica Polugruto, a licensed social worker at Peters Place, as we explore how grieving centers help people navigate the journey after experiencing loss.

The world's first genetically edited pig kidney transplant was performed on March 16, 2024! Can you believe it?!? Let's unpack this medical breakthrough and explore xenotransplantation!

Dreams sure are puzzling! They can scare, help, or disgust you. Have you ever wondered why they happen? Let's dive into the world of dreams and discover its many secrets.

It's a gray ball of mush. It's the brain! Learn all about the most complex part of the body, from the parts of the brain to its function. 

Carnivorous plants! These fascinating plants eat creatures. We'll journey into the world of different carnivorous plants and unravel their mysteries.

Calling all kids and curious minds who want to learn about the spooky bones that make up the body.  Learn everything from their intricate structures to their fascinating abilities. 

Gain an understanding of Fracking, a complex method of extracting oil or natural gas from the earth. Learn about how this works and the issues associated with it.

Learn all about stem cells, from what they are to their origin. These fascinating cells are unique in what they do and are of great interest to scientists.