PODCAST · science
Science Changing Life
by Science Changing Life
The award-winning Science Changing Life podcast offers an inside look into how Scripps Research scientists are solving the most pressing mysteries in human health and disease. Join hosts Lauren Fish and Melissa Suran, PhD, as they speak with world-class scientists at the forefronts of immunology, infectious disease, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, neuroscience and much more. Science Changing Life gives listeners a glimpse into the people behind the science, their motivations, paths to discovery, and how they’re changing the world. Follow us on social media for more updates:@scrippsresearch on Twitter and Instagram@ScrippsResearchInstitute on FacebookScripps Research on LinkedIn
Episodes
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2025 Year in Review: Five insights we’re still thinking about
In a special year-end episode of Science Changing Life, we’re revisiting five moments from 2025 that continue to shape how we think about science. Featuring insights from Scripps Research experts across genetics, infectious disease, public health surveillance and chronic illness, this episode...
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What’s next for IBD care: Insights from a surgeon-scientist
The data is clear: inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are on the rise worldwide. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy Lightner—VP of Clinical Development at Calibr-Skaggs and colorectal surgeon at Scripps Clinic—to explore what drives these diseases, an upcoming...
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Scientists offer their best career (and life) advice
This year on Science Changing Life, we’ve had some amazing scientists join us to share their work, their stories and what drives them. There’s one question we love to ask our guests: What advice would you give to scientists just starting out? We compiled their refreshingly honest answers into one...
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Wired for risk: The science of addiction and mental health
Depression and alcohol dependence are often seen as personal struggles—but decades of study by Scripps Research professor Cindy Ehlers reveal a much bigger picture. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Ehlers breaks down how biology, culture and trauma interact to shape mental health…
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Pathogens in the pipeline: How wastewater holds clues to the next pandemic
What if the key to detecting the next pandemic was hidden in our wastewater? By analyzing pathogens found in sewage, scientists can track the spread of infections before they become widespread threats. In this episode of Science Changing Life, project scientist Josh Levy and PhD student Praneeth...
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Virologist gives update on H5N1, mpox, and preparing for an uncertain future
Roughly two years ago, virology expert and Scripps Research professor Sumit Chanda sat down with Science Changing Life to discuss all things pandemic preparedness and COVID-19. But the world is in a very different place now, with infectious disease threats like H5N1, mpox and Dengue virus on the...
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The long haul: Personal and scientific insights into long COVID
Long COVID affects millions of people worldwide, yet many questions about the condition remain unanswered. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Julia Moore Vogel, PhD, shares what it’s like to study—and live with—long COVID. As the senior director of the All of Us Research Program, Julia...
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Futureproof: Eric Topol on revolutionizing pandemic preparedness
In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Eric Topol, we explore how examining the past is necessary to ensure we’re more prepared for our future. From universal vaccines and advanced antiviral therapies to cutting-edge digital tools like wearable biosensors and genomic surveillance, Dr....
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Beyond the hype: AI’s impact on medicine and science with Eric Topol
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing what we once thought impossible. But how can we distinguish genuine breakthroughs from mere hype? In this episode of Science Changing Life, we welcome Eric Topol, MD—renowned physician, scientist, and author. As executive vice president at Scripps…
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Gene editing, CRISPR, and drawing the line between science and fiction
Thanks to revolutionary technologies like CRISPR, we’re now living in an age where it’s becoming possible to rewrite the very building blocks of life itself—our DNA. We sit down with Scripps Research Fellow and CRISPR expert Shannon Miller, PhD, to discover how these gene editing technologies are...
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Everything we know about H5N1 bird flu
Four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, another virus threatens to reach pandemic potential: the H5N1 bird flu. We sit down with Arnab Chatterjee, vice president of medicinal chemistry at Calibr-Skaggs, who explains the need to invest in the best science to make sure we’re more...
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Building a 'telescope' for the brain
Galileo’s telescope revolutionized our modern understanding of the universe. Assistant neuroscience professor Xin Jin, PhD, wants to do just that—except for the brain. By building new tools that enable her and other neuroscientists to peer into the inner workings of the mind, Jin is uncovering…
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A physician-scientist’s guide to developing medicines
More than 90% of drugs fail to make it from the lab bench to approval. How, then, has a physician-scientist like Hugh Rosen found so much success in developing medicines? Rosen, who’s the chair of molecular and cellular biology at Scripps Research, co-invented the drugs ozanimod (approved for...
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Solving the origins of life and other mysteries in chemistry
Donna Blackmond never thought her career would lead to solving how life first formed on the prebiotic Earth. But as she points out in this episode of Science Changing Life, does any scientist start out knowing where their research will take them? Blackmond, who is a professor and the John C.…
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How biosensors are enabling a new era in medicine
Dr. Jay Pandit is a director of digital medicine at the Scripps Research Translational Institute and an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research, where he combines medicine and technology to improve patients’ clinical outcomes. Listen in as we explore how...
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Episode 43 – Ahmed Badran: Bioengineering our way out of climate change
Ahmed Badran is an assistant professor of chemistry at Scripps Research, where his lab harnesses synthetic biology to address some of biggest global problems. Listen in as we discuss reengineering plant enzymes to capture carbon, plastic-eating bacteria and new classes of antibiotics that spare…
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Episode 42 – Mia Huang: How sugar biology can help diagnose and treat cancer
Professor Mia Huang is based in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research, where her lab explores how vital sugar molecules in the body orchestrate complex biological events. Listen in as we discuss deciphering cancer cell signals to develop new therapies, engineering red blood…
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Episode 41 – Ram Krishnamurthy: Astrobiology, origins of life and the search for extraterrestrials
Professor Ram Krishnamurthy is based in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research, where his lab investigates the reactions that could have first given way to life on Earth. Listen as we discuss finding biological building blocks on meteorites, NASA’s search for life on other planets, and...
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Episode 40 – Sumit Chanda: How can we prepare for the next pandemic?
Professor Sumit Chanda is an infectious disease expert and immunologist, where he works both in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology and at Calibr, Scripps Research’s nonprofit drug discovery and development division. He has devoted his career to understanding how the immune system...
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Episode 39 – Ali Torkamani: Preventing heart disease with personalized genetic testing
Professor Ali Torkamani is the Director of Genome Informatics at the Scripps Research Translational Institute, where his team mines population-level genetic data to make predictions about future disease risk. Listen in as we discuss smartphone apps that could help predict the risk of a heart...
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Episode 38 – Danielle Grotjahn: What mitochondria tell us about disease, stress and cell death
Are the mitochondria truly the powerhouses of the cell? In this episode, assistant professor Danielle Grotjahn shares why she thinks “the stress sensors of the cell” may be a more appropriate name for this cellular organelle–and more. Dr. Grotjahn works in the Department of Integrative Structural...
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Episode 37 – Stuti Jaiswal: Improving sleep health with wearable devices
Dr. Stuti Jaiswal is an assistant professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research and an internist at Scripps Clinic. Listen in as we discuss the health issues associated with insufficient sleep, the best time to go to bed and what the latest wearables can tell us about our sleep patterns.…
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Episode 36 – Evert Njomen: Hacking our cellular recycling system to prevent the next deadly pathogen
Dr. Evert Njomen is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Professor Ben Cravatt, based in the Department of Chemistry. Listen as we talk about the autophagy process to cleanse cells, new ways of dealing with antibiotic resistance and cooking with homegrown herbs. Show notes: Episode transcript:...
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Episode 35 – Andrew Su: How artificial and community intelligence are shaping medicine
Professor Andrew Su is based in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, where his lab develops digital tools to draw conclusions from the vast streams of medical data generated each day. Listen to us discuss gaming as a way of being a scientist, the replacement of...
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Episode 34 – Travis Young: Finding a cure for cancer with novel immunotherapies
Dr. Travis Young is the Vice President of Biologics at Calibr, the drug discovery and development division of Scripps Research. Travis and the team have created a new type of immunotherapy called “switchable” chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which is already delivering precise and...
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Episode 33 – Frederick Barrett: Psychoactive compounds to treat depression, addiction & inflammation
Part three of our mini-series centered on brain health. Professor Frederick Barrett is based in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Associate Director at the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. Fred and his colleagues investigate...
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Episode 32 – Ryan Shenvi: Ethnomedicine to improve learning, memory and mental health
The second part of our three-part mini-series on brain health. Professor Ryan Shenvi is based in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research, where his lab reconstructs useful molecules typically found in remote corners of the world. Listen as we talk about traditional remedies of indigenous...
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Episode 31 – Sandra Encalada: Linking traffic jams in the brain to neurodegenerative disease
We kick off the Summer 2022 podcast season with the first of a three-part mini-series dedicated to brain health. Professor Sandra Encalada is based in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research, where her lab investigates the transport of cargo within brain cells and its role in...
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Episode 30 – The biochemistry of aging: Scripps Research Magazine
The fifth and final episode in our healthy aging series. We discover what happens inside the cell with age and how new chemical tools are leading us towards ways of repairing the damage and preserving our youth. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 of our award-winning Scripps Research...
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Episode 29 – Precision therapies for age-related diseases: Scripps Research Magazine
The fourth segment of our series on healthy aging. We take a look at how breakthroughs in chemistry have enabled the rational design of therapies that can stop or slow complex diseases of the heart and nervous system. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 of our award-winning Scripps…
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Episode 28 – Personalized genetic testing: Scripps Research Magazine
We roll on with part 3 of our healthy aging series. We examine the role of our DNA blueprint in the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as how understanding our personal genetic risk scores could help us avoid that deadly heart attack. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 of our...
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Episode 27 – Overcoming arthritis: Scripps Research Magazine
In the second of this series on healthy aging, we reveal how Scripps Research scientists are developing interventions to remove stiff, achy joints from the aging equation. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 of our award-winning Scripps Research Magazine. Show notes: Explore the Scripps...
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Episode 26 – Cellular secrets to a longer life: Scripps Research Magazine
Peer into the future of healthy aging. In this episode (the first of a 5-part series), we shed new light on how our cells and organs work together to influence longevity, and how newly discovered molecules may be able to block biological degeneration. This article is taken from the Summer 2021 of...
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Episode 25 - Ed Ramos: Reversing diabetes with personalized nutrition
Dr. Ed Ramos is director of Digital Clinical Trials for the Scripps Research Digital Trials Center. Listen as we talk about empowering the individual with wearable health devices, the worst foods for spiking our blood sugar and the importance of lifelong flexibility. Show notes: PROGRESS study...
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Episode 24- Eric Topol & Andrew Ward: How Spike Protein Discoveries Drove Coronavirus Vaccine Design
Another special edition featuring an extended conversation between Dr. Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, and Professor Andrew Ward in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research. Listen as they talk about structural...
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Episode 23 – Daphne Lurie: Taking Care of your Mental Health
Dr. Daphne Lurie is a California-licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on the Scripps Research La Jolla campus. Listen as we talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health trends, using mindfulness to become more efficient...
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Episode 22 – Discovery in an Era of Social Distancing: Scripps Research Magazine
Stories brought to life! Today’s audio adventure comes from the Fall 2020 edition of our Scripps Research Magazine. We dive into the adaptations made by institute researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure both safety and continued scientific discovery. Show notes: Explore our Scripps...
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Episode 21 - Kara Marshall: The Science of Bladder Control
Dr. Kara Marshall is based in the Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research, working as a postdoctoral researcher in Professsor Ardem Patapoutian’s lab. Listen as we talk about the circuitry involved in urination, burst bladders and improv comedy. Show notes: The Patapoutian Lab...
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Episode 20 – Eric Topol & Dennis Burton: Antibodies, Vaccines and the Current State of COVID-19
Today’s special edition features an extended conversation between Dr. Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, and Professor Dennis Burton, Chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research. Listen as they talk about antibody cocktail...
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Episode 19 – Amanda Roberts: Mice in Outer Space
Dr. Amanda Roberts is the Senior Scientific Director of the Mouse Behavioral Core at Scripps Research. Listen as we talk about microgravity as a model of accelerated aging, NASA’s top-secret agents and what happens to slime in space. (Image Credit: Andrew Roberts) Show notes: Amanda’s research...
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Episode 18 - Biodiversity beyond the horizon: Scripps Research Magazine
Research discoveries brought to life! In today’s segment, we explore Scripps Research’s Natural Products Discovery Center, a historic natural collection that may hold the key to thousands of future therapies. This article is taken from the Fall 2019 edition of our Scripps Research Magazine. Show...
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Episode 17 - Time is ticking against Lyme: Scripps Research Magazine
Research discoveries brought to life! In today’s short story, we find out how medicines designed for our pets are now being repurposed by our scientists to provide a lasting, protective vaccine against Lyme disease. This article is taken from the Fall 2019 edition of our Scripps Research…
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Episode 16 – David Biello: What Makes a Great Science TED Talk
David Biello is an award-winning journalist and the scientific curator for TED. Listen as we talk about his favorite areas of science, how to craft a compelling narrative and being obsessed with blind cavefish. Show notes: David’s profile at TED (and book link)...
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Episode 15 – Kristen Johnson & Maria Millan: Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis
Dr. Kristen Johnson is a lead investigator at Calibr, the drug discovery division of Scripps Research. Dr. Maria Millan is the President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Listen as we talk about the world’s largest stem cell bank, restoring healthy cartilage to...
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Ep. 14–Brian Fiske & Jeff Kelly: Accelerating Discoveries to Treat Neurodegenerative Disease
Dr. Brian Fiske is the Senior Vice President for Research Programs at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease. Professor Jeff Kelly is in the Department of Chemistry at Scripps Research. Listen as we talk about biomarkers for early disease detection, the importance of long-term…
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Episode 13 – Eric Topol: High Performance Medicine – How Technology Can Bring Back Humanity
Dr. Eric Topol is the Founder and Director of The Translational Institute at Scripps Research. Listen as we talk about bringing back empathy in medicine, smartphone ultrasounds and the best media for absorbing scientific information. Show notes: Translational Institute at Scripps Research...
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Episode 12 – Arnab Chatterjee: Teaching Old Drugs New Tricks
Dr. Chatterjee is the Vice President of Medicinal Chemistry at Calibr, the biotechnology division of Scripps Research. Listen as we talk about re-purposing existing compounds for new diseases, the future of robotics in drug discovery and our favorite Superheroes. Show notes: About Calibr...
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Episode 11 – Matthias Pauthner: Novel Approaches to Combat Infectious Disease
Matthias is based in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research, working in Prof. Kristian Andersen’s Lab. Listen as we talk about wearable devices to monitor disease progression, research field-trips to West Africa and fancy nights at the symphony. **p.s. if you enjoyed…
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Episode 10 – Alyssa Shepard: Harnessing Social Media in Science
Alyssa is based in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research, under the supervision of Prof. Joseph Kissil. Listen as we talk about cancer biology, naked mole-rats and practical tips for improving science communication. Show notes: Kissil Laboratory https://www.scripps.edu/kissil/...
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Episode 9 - Courtney Miller: How To Forget Addictions
Prof. Miller is based in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research. Listen as we talk about methamphetamine-use disorder, short- and long-term memory formation, and Breaking Bad. Show notes: Prof. Miller’s Scripps Research bio https://www.scripps.edu/faculty/miller/ Pearson Center...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The award-winning Science Changing Life podcast offers an inside look into how Scripps Research scientists are solving the most pressing mysteries in human health and disease. Join hosts Lauren Fish and Melissa Suran, PhD, as they speak with world-class scientists at the forefronts of immunology, infectious disease, artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, neuroscience and much more. Science Changing Life gives listeners a glimpse into the people behind the science, their motivations, paths to discovery, and how they’re changing the world. Follow us on social media for more updates:@scrippsresearch on Twitter and Instagram@ScrippsResearchInstitute on FacebookScripps Research on LinkedIn
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Science Changing Life currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Science Changing Life about?
The award-winning Science Changing Life podcast offers an inside look into how Scripps Research scientists are solving the most pressing mysteries in human health and disease. Join hosts Lauren Fish and Melissa Suran, PhD, as they speak with world-class scientists at the forefronts of immunology,...
How often does Science Changing Life release new episodes?
Science Changing Life has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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