Paul Talks Science

In this insightful episode of Paul Talks Science, host Paul Adepoju, PhD explores the hidden dangers of PFAS chemicals with Hailey Hampson, PhD, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of South Carolina and the University of Washington. Hailey, the lead author of a groundbreaking study on PFAS and kidney function, uncovers the complex relationship between these "forever chemicals," gut microbiomes, and chronic kidney disease.

Together, they dive into the biological mechanisms behind PFAS toxicity, revealing how these pollutants disrupt gut bacteria and lead to kidney damage. They also discuss the public health implications, challenges in regulating PFAS, and the socioeconomic inequities surrounding exposure.

This conversation draws on Hailey’s latest research published in Science of The Total Environment and her interview with The Revelator, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of PFAS on human health and the environment.

• Read Hailey's study: Impact of PFAS on Kidney Function
• Dive into the broader implications: The Revelator – PFAS Deregulation

PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” – have infiltrated our water, air, food, and even our bodies. But how did we get here, and what can be done? In this episode, Paul Adepoju speaks with Erik Olson, Senior Strategic Director for Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to unpack the science, politics, and industry influence behind PFAS pollution.

From hidden studies and corporate cover-ups to the latest regulatory rollbacks under the new U.S. administration, we explore the ongoing battle to rein in these toxic substances. Erik shares insights from his years in environmental advocacy, his experiences testifying before Congress, and why the fight against PFAS is far from over.

🔍 Read Paul’s article on PFAS deregulation and the challenges ahead: The Revelator

🎧 Tune in as we discuss:
✔ The health and environmental risks of PFAS exposure
✔ Industry pushback and the role of government in regulation
✔ What’s happening at the global level – and why developing nations may pay the price
✔ Potential solutions, from green chemistry to policy reforms

💡 PFAS contamination affects us all. What can you do to demand action? Find out in this urgent and eye-opening conversation!

📌 Listen now

Join host Paul Adepoju on Paul Talks Science as he sits down with Dr. Jesse Mez, neurologist and associate professor at Boston University, to dive into the startling connections between ice hockey, repetitive head impacts, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In this eye-opening conversation, they unpack groundbreaking research from BU’s UNITE Brain Bank, revealing how years of play increase risks of this neurodegenerative disease—and why even non-concussive hits matter.

Discover why elite hockey players aren’t the only ones at risk, how “enforcer” roles factor into the equation, and what policy changes could make contact sports safer. Dr. Mez also shares hope for future diagnostics, treatments, and the importance of openly addressing brain health in athletics.

This episode is based on Paul’s original reporting for Harvard Public Health. Read the full story here: The Hidden Brain Risks of Ice Hockey.

Subscribe to “Paul Talks Science” for more deep dives into the intersections of health, research, and the human story.

Keywords: CTE, Ice Hockey, Brain Health, Sports Safety, Neurodegenerative Disease, Concussion, Neurology, Boston University

How much does your environment influence your health? More than you might think. In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I sit down with Dr. Rumi Chunara, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Health Data Science at NYU, to explore the fascinating intersection of AI, urban design, and public health.

Dr. Chunara’s research leverages Google Street View data, machine learning, and public health insights to reveal how the places we live, walk, and interact with shape our well-being. From uncovering hidden biases in AI-driven urban mapping to rethinking how we define physical activity, this conversation challenges the individual blame game and highlights the structural factors influencing health outcomes.

Tune in as we discuss:
✅ How AI and big data are reshaping public health
✅ Why sidewalks (or the lack of them) matter more than you think
✅ The surprising relationship between environment and diseases like diabetes and obesity
✅ How cities can be redesigned to promote healthier living

Could your city be making you healthier—or sicker? Find out in this deep dive into the power of data-driven urban health insights.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

📖 Want to dive deeper? Read my article on this research in Harvard Public Health Magazine: Cities, Health, and the Big Data Revolution

Did you know that where you live could impact your cancer survival chances? Despite having a centralized healthcare system, the UK still faces stark inequalities in cancer care—and for many patients, their postcode can be a deciding factor in their prognosis.

Long COVID remains one of the biggest medical mysteries of our time, affecting millions worldwide—but how much do we really know about it? In this episode of Paul Talks Science, Dr. Igor J. Koralnik, Chief of Neuro-infectious Disease at Northwestern University, shares insights from his pioneering research on the neurological manifestations of long COVID.

With over 2,800 patients seen at his clinic and international collaborations spanning Nigeria, Colombia, and India, Dr. Koralnik unpacks the real-world impact of brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. We discuss the global disparities in diagnosis and treatment, the challenges of studying a condition with no clear endpoint, and what the future holds for long COVID research.

🔎 Why is long COVID underdiagnosed in lower-income countries?
🧠 How does cognitive rehabilitation help patients regain their quality of life?
🌍 What can global health systems learn from ongoing studies?

This conversation builds on my recent Devex article, Fatigue and Fog: Navigating Nigeria’s Long COVID Crisis, where I explored how long COVID is affecting lives in Nigeria and the urgent need for better diagnosis and care.

🎧 Listen now at PaulTalks.Science

#LongCOVID #MedicalResearch #Neurology #PaulTalksScience #GlobalHealth #Devex

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I sit down with Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, on the sidelines of the World Cancer Congress 2024. We delve into Macmillan’s groundbreaking efforts to address inequities in cancer care, exploring how the organization is partnering with communities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

From challenges in cancer diagnosis to leveraging technology like AI for marginalized populations, Gemma shares her vision for a more inclusive future in cancer care. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about bridging gaps and reshaping the narrative of cancer support in the UK and beyond.

#CancerCare #HealthEquity #WorldCancerCongress #PaulTalksScience

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, Dr. Paul Adepoju sits down with Dr. Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), to discuss the transformative role of the World Cancer Congress in global cancer control. They delve into the progress made in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment over the past decade and explore the challenges of addressing inequities in healthcare systems worldwide.

Dr. Adams shares insights on the importance of implementation science, the need for equity in cancer care, and the role of governments in prioritizing universal health coverage. He also highlights lessons learned during his 15-year tenure, key quick wins for tackling cancer globally, and the UICC's vision for the future.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, policy advocate, or simply curious about the global fight against cancer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how we can create a healthier and more equitable world.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on making impactful strides in global health!

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we dive into the insights and challenges presented in the 2024 World Malaria Report. Joining us is Prof. William Moss, Deputy Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, who sheds light on the progress made in malaria control over the past two decades, the advent of malaria vaccines, and the critical inequities that still need addressing.

We discuss the spread of the urban-friendly Anopheles stephensi mosquito, the challenges of drug and insecticide resistance, and the exciting yet complex future of genetically modified mosquitoes. Prof. Moss also shares lessons learned from decades of malaria control and offers a call to action for stable and increased funding to combat this persistent global health challenge.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about science, innovation, and the collective fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

🎧 Listen now and join the discussion!

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we explore the transformative impact of Project ECHO, a global initiative that's bridging health inequities by democratizing expertise and empowering underserved communities.

Dr. Sanjeev Arora, founder of Project ECHO, shares the powerful story of how a heartbreaking patient encounter inspired him to create this innovative hub-and-spoke model that’s now helping millions worldwide. We’re also joined by Dr. Daniel Jose Fofi from South Africa, who explains how he’s using Project ECHO to revolutionize cancer care in the Northern Cape, addressing late diagnoses, resource gaps, and access challenges.

This episode ties closely to my recent article published in The Lancet, where I delve deeper into Project ECHO’s global health implications. You can read the article here: The Lancet - Project ECHO.

Tune in to discover how knowledge sharing and collaboration are saving lives and creating a more equitable future for healthcare.