ALLATRA Podcasts

Why are colorectal cancer rates rising among younger adults? Could chronic inflammation, modern lifestyle, diet, environmental exposures, and emerging contaminants such as micro- and nanoplastics be contributing factors? What does current science actually know—and what remains uncertain?In this episode of the ALLATRA Global Research Center Podcast, Dr. Karolína Hronová, Clinical Pharmacologist, Environmental Health Researcher at the ALLATRA Global Research Center and Dr. Jeffrey Long, Radiation Oncologist and Expert in Human Health Impacts of Environmental Factors have a conversation with Dr. Lorne J. Hofseth, Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Director of the Center for Colon Cancer Research, who shares insights from decades of research on chronic inflammation, colorectal cancer, environmental risk factors, and cancer prevention. His research focuses on understanding how chronic inflammation, diet, the gut microbiome, DNA damage, and environmental exposures interact to influence cancer development and human health. The conversation explores the global rise of early-onset colorectal cancer, the biological mechanisms linking chronic inflammation to cancer development, and the growing scientific interest in the role of the exposome, the cumulative environmental and lifestyle factors that influence human health throughout life. Dr. Hofseth also discusses the current evidence on micro- and nanoplastics, emphasizing what research has demonstrated so far, where important uncertainties remain, and which questions future studies must answer.In this episode:• Why is early-onset colorectal cancer increasing worldwide• Chronic inflammation as a driver of cancer development• Environmental exposures and the concept of the exposome• Diet, obesity, and the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer risk• What do current studies say about the potential impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the development of cancer• What scientists still do not know about environmental risk factors• Cancer prevention and the future of environmental health researchLearn more about Dr. Lorne J. Hofseth:https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/faculty-staff/hofseth_lorne.php Report of the ALLATRA Global Research Center “Nanoplastics. A Systematic Risk Analysis for Human Health, Ecosystems, and the Environment”https://allatra.org/global-research-center/publications/agrc.report.mnp.2026.04001 The podcast is hosted on the ALLATRA Global Research Center platform.This material is provided for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses expressed represent the personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ALLATRA or any other public association, organization, project, partner, affiliated entity, or individual unless explicitly stated otherwise.Publication of this material is intended to encourage open scientific dialogue and does not in itself constitute institutional endorsement, scientific confirmation, expert opinion, or professional medical advice.#ColorectalCancer #CancerResearch #EarlyOnsetCancer #Inflammation #Microplastics #Nanoplastics #EnvironmentalHealth #Exposome #Microbiome #CancerPrevention #PublicHealth #Science #Research #Podcast #ALLATRA #ALLATRAGRC

Much of the universe remains invisible to us. Ordinary matter, the atoms that make up stars, planets, and ourselves, accounts for only a small fraction of what the universe appears to contain. Dark matter, dark energy, the origin of fundamental particles, and the nature of space itself remain among the deepest unanswered questions in modern physics.In this episode of the ALLATRA Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Michael Albrow, a distinguished experimental particle physicist with more than six decades of research in high-energy physics. His scientific career has been closely connected with major experiments at CERN and Fermilab, including research that contributed to the study and discovery of fundamental particles. Drawing on this extensive experience, Dr. Albrow takes us into the world of particle physics and explores how scientists investigate some of the most profound questions about matter and the universe, from phenomena that cannot be observed directly to the search for physics beyond what is currently known. The conversation explores how physicists detect particles through the traces and effects they leave behind, what observations tell us about dark matter and dark energy, and how experiments continue to search for particles and phenomena beyond what is currently known. Dr. Albrow also discusses cosmic rays and the extreme energies they can reach, some of the remarkable questions raised by quantum physics, and the Higgs field and its role in our understanding of matter. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence and neural networks are used to analyze the enormous amounts of data produced in particle physics experiments, while highlighting the continuing importance of human curiosity, creativity, and original ideas in scientific discovery. In this episode:🔹 Why ordinary matter represents only a small fraction of the universe🔹 What dark matter is and how scientists detect evidence of something they cannot see directly🔹 Dark energy and the mystery of the accelerating universe🔹 How physicists “see” particles billions or trillions of times smaller than atoms🔹 The Higgs field and what may remain even in seemingly empty space🔹 Quantum physics, entanglement, and some of the strange properties of the microscopic world🔹 The search for new particles and possible connections between ordinary and dark matter🔹 Cosmic rays as nature’s own high-energy experiments🔹 How AI and neural networks help scientists search enormous datasets for rare and unexpected signals🔹 Why human curiosity and creativity remain essential to scientific discovery🔹 The connection between science, art, symmetry, and our perception of the universe🔹 What future discoveries could fundamentally change our understanding of the universeThe podcast is hosted on the ALLATRA platform.This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent the personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official position of ALLATRA or any other public association, organization, project, partner, affiliated entity, or individual unless explicitly stated otherwise.Publication of this material is intended to encourage open scientific dialogue and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material should not be interpreted as an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice. #ParticlePhysics #DarkMatter #DarkEnergy #QuantumPhysics #CERN #Fermilab #LargeHadronCollider #LHC #HiggsBoson #CosmicRays #Cosmology #Astrophysics #ArtificialIntelligence #Physics #Universe #ScientificResearch #Science #ALLATRA #Podcast

Every weather forecast begins long before an icon appears on your phone. Behind each prediction lies a vast global system of satellites, sensors, data centers, supercomputers, and decades of scientific research working together to observe our living planet.In this episode of the ALLATRA Podcast in collaboration with ALLATRA Global Research Center, Dr. Stephen M. Volz shares insights from decades of leadership in NASA and NOAA. As former Associate Director of NASA's Earth Science Flight Program and former Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), he helped build and oversee the systems that monitor our planet from space.Drawing on decades of experience in NASA and NOAA, Dr. Volz explains how humanity has transformed its ability to observe Earth, from studying individual atoms and the origins of the universe to managing constellations of satellites that continuously monitor our planet. He shares why Earth should be understood not as separate oceans, atmosphere, and land, but as one interconnected living system.The conversation explores how satellite observations become weather forecasts, why climate prediction is far more complex than it seems, how artificial intelligence is reshaping Earth observation, and why human expertise remains irreplaceable. Dr. Volz also discusses the critical role of oceans in Earth's climate system and why understanding our planet is one of humanity's greatest scientific challenges.In this episode:• How satellites observe Earth from space• How weather forecasts are created• Weather forecasting vs. climate prediction• The role of oceans in Earth's climate• AI in Earth observation: opportunities and limits• Why human expertise still matters• The future of Earth observationThe podcast is hosted on the ALLATRA platform.This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent the personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official position of the ALLATRA or any other public association, organization, project, partner, affiliated entity, or individual unless explicitly stated otherwise.Publication of this material is intended to encourage open scientific dialogue and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material should not be interpreted as an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.#EarthObservation #NASA #NOAA #Satellites #Weather #Climate #ClimateScience #RemoteSensing #ArtificialIntelligence #EarthScience #SpaceTechnology #EnvironmentalMonitoring #Science #Podcast #ALLATRA #ALLATRAGRC

ALLATRA presents an interview podcast with Sean M. Wiswesser, a former CIA senior operations officer and Chief of Station with nearly thirty years of experience in intelligence, foreign service, defense, and national security.Sean M. Wiswesser served on multiple overseas tours and many other deployments on temporary duty, including war-zone service. He was a chief of station and had multiple joint-duty assignments with intelligence community partners. Sean was a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in history and Russian & Slavic linguistics. He was awarded a Master of Strategic Studies in 2023 from the Air War College and received the Russia Integrated Deterrence Award.In this in-depth conversation, Sean Wiswesser draws on his professional experience and research to discuss Russian intelligence, its history, tradecraft, and evolving methods of influence.The interview explores:• What first drew Sean Wiswesser to Russian history, language, and intelligence work• Why he decided to write a book about Russian intelligence tradecraft• How Russian intelligence services use active measures and hybrid warfare• Common Western misconceptions about the Russian intelligence system• The role of disinformation, emotional manipulation, sabotage, cyberattacks, and covert influence• How information operations target public trust and democratic institutions• Lessons Americans can learn from Europe’s experience with hybrid threats• Russia’s war against Ukraine and the risks of prematurely assuming that the war is nearing its end• How young people may be recruited and coerced through Telegram and other online platforms• What individuals, educators, and civil society can do to build resilience without creating an atmosphere of fearThis ALLATRA interview podcast offers an expert perspective on how intelligence operations extend far beyond traditional espionage and why understanding these methods is essential for protecting democratic societies.This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise. Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.Watch the full conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.#ALLATRA #SeanWiswesser #Podcast #Interview #CIA #NationalSecurity #Intelligence #RussianIntelligence #HybridWarfare #Disinformation #InformationWarfare #Ukraine #Democracy

How does modern disinformation work? Why are democratic societies vulnerable to information warfare? And can a nation be weakened without a single shot being fired?Ambassador John E. Herbst, one of America's most distinguished diplomats and leading experts on Ukraine, Russia, Eurasian security, and hybrid warfare, explores the evolving nature of propaganda, disinformation, and foreign influence operations in the twenty-first century. The discussion is presented on the ALLATRA platform as part of its focus on open dialogue around global security and democracy.Ambassador John E. Herbst, one of the highest distinctions in the United States Foreign Service, served as U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan during a period of growing strategic importance for Central Asia and later as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine during the Orange Revolution, a defining moment in the country's democratic development.At the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador John E. Herbst served as Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, leading U.S. civilian efforts to assist countries emerging from conflict and instability. He also served as Director of the Center for Complex Operations at the National Defense University, helping strengthen cooperation among diplomatic, civilian, and military institutions in addressing international crises.Today, Ambassador John E. Herbst serves as Senior Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center.Drawing on more than three decades of diplomatic service, Ambassador Herbst discusses how information has become a strategic instrument of power, why modern Russian disinformation differs from traditional propaganda, and how influence campaigns seek not only to shape opinions but also to erode public trust in institutions, facts, and objective truth itself.Among the key topics discussed:• Ambassador Herbst's diplomatic career and his journey toward studying disinformation and influence operations• Why the erosion of trust in truth has become a central objective of modern information warfare• The evolution of propaganda from the twentieth century to today's digital age• The strategic goals of Russian disinformation and its impact on democratic societies• Vulnerabilities in the United States and Europe and how democracies can build resilience• Information warfare as a national security challenge• Lessons from Ukraine's experience confronting Russian influence operations• How Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has changed Western thinking about deterrence, alliances, and security• The concept of "narrative laundering" and how disinformation moves from fringe spaces into mainstream discourse• The continuing relevance of George Kennan's "Long Telegram" and the importance of societal resilience in confronting foreign influenceAmbassador Herbst also reflects on how hybrid warfare has transformed traditional understandings of national security and why information operations have become a critical component of modern geopolitical competition.This conversation is part of ALLATRA’s ongoing commitment to create space for open dialogue with experts, diplomats, and thought leaders on issues that affect global security, democracy, and the future of society.#JohnHerbst #Disinformation #InformationWarfare #Russia #Ukraine #HybridWarfare #NationalSecurity #ForeignInfluence #Propaganda #Geopolitics #AtlanticCouncil #Democracy #Allatra #CyberSecurity #StrategicCommunication #InternationalRelations

Detecting micro- and nanoplastics is one of the greatest scientific challenges in environmental and biomedical research. As these particles become smaller, they become increasingly difficult to identify, measure, and distinguish within complex biological and environmental systems. Developing reliable detection technologies is an essential step toward understanding where these particles are found, how they interact with living systems, and how future monitoring strategies can be improved.

In this episode of the ALLATRA Global Research Center Podcast, John Ahn, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Scientist and Chair, ALLATRA Global Research Center, speaks with Shalini Prasad, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, Co-Founder, EnLiSense LLC. A pioneer in biosensors, electrochemical diagnostics, and nanotechnology, Dr. Prasad explores how advances in biosensing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and materials science are opening new possibilities for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in water, food, biological fluids, and environmental samples.

The conversation highlights the science behind next-generation detection technologies for micro- and nanoplastics, exploring the engineering principles, analytical challenges, and emerging approaches that could improve future environmental and biomedical monitoring. 

In this episode:

🔹 Why detecting nano-sized plastics remains one of the key analytical challenges

🔹 How electrochemical impedance spectroscopy can identify micro- and nanoplastics

🔹 Why particle size, charge, and morphology influence biological interactions

🔹 Emerging biosensor technologies for environmental and biomedical monitoring

🔹 From laboratory research to real-world applications: what it takes to commercialize scientific innovations

🔹 Future opportunities for large-scale monitoring of micro- and nanoplastics

Learn more about Dr. Shalini Prasad's research:

https://profiles.utdallas.edu/shalini.prasad

Report of the ALLATRA Global Research Center

"Nanoplastics. A Systematic Risk Analysis for Human Health, Ecosystems, and the Environment"

https://allatra.org/global-research-center/publications/agrc.report.mnp.2026.04001

The podcast is hosted on the ALLATRA Global Research Center platform.

This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.#Microplastics #Nanoplastics #Biosensors #Bioengineering #Electrochemistry #EnvironmentalScience #Nanotechnology #ScientificResearch #UTDallas #Diagnostics #ALLATRA #Research #Podcast

In this second ALLATRA podcast with retired CIA intelligence officer Glenn Corn, he discusses how history can be used in modern information warfare and political influence.With more than 34 years of experience in U.S. intelligence, diplomacy, and international security, including over two decades of service overseas in Central and South Asia and the Middle East, Professor Corn examines how Russian information campaigns use historical events and collective memory to shape public opinion and influence political decision-making.His career began at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and later included senior positions within the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. military. Throughout his career, he coordinated large multinational teams and served in a number of American diplomatic missions abroad, working on issues related to international security and strategic affairs.Today, Glenn Corn is a professor at the Institute of World Politics, where he teaches courses on Soviet and Russian intelligence and security services, as well as Turkish foreign policy, intelligence, and national security institutions.During the conversation, Professor Corn explains why the memory of World War II remains a central element of contemporary Russian state policy and how selected historical narratives can be used to create the image of an external enemy, mobilize society, and justify political decisions.Professor Corn also pays particular attention to how the Kremlin's so-called "anti-fascist" narrative functions as a political weapon in contemporary information operations against Ukraine and the West, as well as to the mechanisms through which fear, disinformation, and manipulated historical narratives can influence public opinion both inside Russia and internationally.In the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, the discussion also explores narratives surrounding Donbas, the legacy of the Soviet period, and the use of historical myths in international information campaigns. Professor Corn further emphasizes the importance of historical literacy and critical thinking as essential tools for building resilience against disinformation and cognitive warfare.The interview was produced by ALLATRA, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to public awareness, research, and education on climate and geodynamic risks, environmental issues (including microplastics and nanoplastics), and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise. Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.#Ukraine #Disinformation #InformationWarfare #RussianPropaganda #GlennCorn #HybridWarfare #ALLATRA #StandWithUkraine

In this interview, retired CIA Senior Intelligence Service Officer Glenn Corn discusses the nature of Russian disinformation and its role in modern warfare.

With more than 34 years of experience in U.S. intelligence and foreign affairs, including over two decades abroad in Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, Professor Corn reflects on how Russian information operations have evolved from Soviet-era “active measures” to contemporary approaches. 

His career, which began in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), expanded to include pivotal roles within the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Army, culminating in leadership positions overseeing diverse and expansive teams across U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad.

Glen Corn is a professor at the Institute of World Politics, teaching a Soviet and Russian Intelligence and Security Services and Turkish Foreign Policy, Intelligence, and Security Services courses.

The conversation examines how Russian intelligence services such as the SVR, GRU, and FSB are believed to employ “operational combinations,” agents of influence, and mirror narratives within open media environments, and why these methods may resonate within democratic societies.

It also touches on less visible channels of influence, including the potential role of pseudo-civil and “anti-cult” networks in shaping narratives and amplifying certain positions internationally.

In the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Professor Corn shares his perspective on the current state of the information domain, the shift toward long-term informational attrition, and possible approaches Ukraine and its partners could consider in response.

The discussion also looks ahead to questions of resilience and security in a post-war Ukraine, including institutional reforms and safeguards against ongoing hybrid threats.

This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise. 

Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.

#GlenCorn #CIA

The atmosphere is one of Earth's most dynamic and least visible systems. Alongside gases that sustain life, it carries microscopic particles that affect air quality and transport pollutants, including micro- and nanoplastics.

In this episode of the ALLATRA Global Research Center Podcast, Dr. Anastasiya Pashigreva speaks with Dr. Yue Zhang, Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University and recipient of the NSF CAREER Award. Dr. Zhang's research focuses on atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, air quality, and the emerging science of airborne micro- and nanoplastics. Using advanced laboratory techniques and real-time atmospheric measurements, his team investigates how these microscopic particles are transported through the atmosphere and why understanding them has become an important scientific challenge.

Rather than focusing only on what we already know, this conversation explores the questions scientists are still working to answer—from identifying the major sources of airborne microplastics to understanding their distribution, transport, and potential impacts on climate and human health.

In this episode:

• The science behind atmospheric aerosols and why they matter

• How airborne micro- and nanoplastics are measured in real time

• The most likely sources of microplastics in the atmosphere

• Indoor vs. outdoor exposure—what current research suggests

• Mobile atmospheric laboratories and field measurements

Learn more about Dr. Yue Zhang's research:

https://artsci.tamu.edu/atmos-science/contact/profiles/yue-zhang.html

Report of the ALLATRA Global Research Center “Nanoplastics. A Systematic Risk Analysis for Human Health, Ecosystems, and the Environment”

https://allatra.org/global-research-center/publications/agrc.report.mnp.2026.04001

The podcast is hosted on the ALLATRA Global Research Center platform. 

This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise. 

Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.

#Microplastics #Nanoplastics #PlasticPollution #Ecology #Science #Pollution #ScientificResearch #TexasAM #Aerosols #Research #ALLATRA #Sustainability #Podcast

This inspiring interview brings together two extraordinary voices in ocean exploration and planetary stewardship: Dr. Sylvia Earle, legendary oceanographer, explorer, founder of Mission Blue, and one of the world’s most influential advocates for the protection of the living ocean; and Liz Taylor, President of DOER Marine, whose work bridges deep-sea engineering, underwater robotics, scientific research, and ocean conservation. 

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Earle and Liz Taylor reflect on some of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today: industrial fishing, the depletion of marine life, plastic and microplastic pollution, deep-sea mining, ocean acidification, the loss of biodiversity, the need for open and interoperable ocean data, and the importance of translating scientific knowledge into public awareness and policy action. They also speak about the role of Mission Blue, Hope Spots, DOER Marine, and emerging deep-sea technologies in helping people see, understand, and protect the ocean before irreversible damage is done.

At its heart, this conversation invites society to rethink its relationship with nature — to move from extraction to protection, from indifference to responsibility, and from fragmented knowledge to collective action.

This material is for informational and discussion purposes only. The statements, assessments, interpretations, conclusions, and hypotheses contained herein represent personal views of their authors as of the date of publication and do not constitute an official stance of the ALLATRA international organization or any other public association, organization, project, partner, or affiliated entity or person, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.

#SylviaEarle #OceanConservation #MissionBlue #DeepSea #MarineBiology #OceanExploration #ClimateChange #PlasticPollution #Microplastics #SaveTheOcean #OceanScience #DeepSeaMining #MarineLife #EnvironmentalAwareness #Biodiversity #OceanProtection #LizTaylor #DOERMarine #BluePlanet #Sustainability