When Science Speaks

Telling stories is a part of human history. Storytelling is one of those human elements that transcend culture and geography and time. Whether it be through theater, television, cinema, the written word, or even the oral traditions of the past, the communication of values, morals, and entertainment have been used throughout the ages.

Research is a critical component to continuing advances in technology and treatments in healthcare. A focused research mission is what leads to those improvements, and the ability for researchers to secure funding and operate efficiently goes a long way towards achieving that goal. So where is the best place to put resources into research and development?

This week's guest believes that research is best done hand-in-hand with academic institutions, and has a career of success to back it up.

Dr. Richard Larson is an entrepreneur and an academic leader. He serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, as well as President and Chairman of the Board of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority.

Dr. Larson also helped to found TriCore Reference Laboratories, New Mexico's 10th largest business and its largest Medical Laboratory. He was formerly Chairman of the Board of TriCore, and currently is a member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Larson received his PhD in Immunology from Harvard University as well as his MD from Harvard Medical School. He's also a summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where he earned his AB in chemistry.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[2:37] The challenges Dr. Larson has faced in his mission to improve public education and health care across the state of New Mexico

[3:57] Why university research is important

[5:34] Utilizing new discoveries to improve healthcare and society to promote job growth

[12:04] Promoting Healthcare equity for minorities

[18:30] Lessons Dr. Larson has learned in his work at the Health Sciences Center

[24:22] Improving wealth by improving health

[29:01] Dr. Larson's advice for upcoming entrepreneurs

Connect with Dr. Richard Larson

Bio for Dr. Larson

LinkedIn for Dr. Larson

Improving collaboration between departments

One of the difficult things about scientific discovery is that the scientific community as a whole is compartmentalized. Traditional medical school is broken up into different departments such as neuroscience, cell biology, and neurology. The faculty in these departments do not typically work with each other very often. As Dr. Larson says in the episode, it is difficult for a pharmacist to work with a neurologist.

Dr. Larson saw this issue and developed mechanisms that allowed them to collaborate more often and create a connection between departments. Because of these endeavors, as well as his work implementing incentive-based pay programs, Dr. Larson and his team were able to increase funding and advance their work in vaccines, HPV, Ebola, and sleep apnea. The increased results have helped lead to the funding of over 900 active projects.

Improving equity in the healthcare system

One of the biggest problems with healthcare in America today is the issue of equity. Treatment for the same injury will differ for each individual patient based upon their economic status, as well as other factors such as ethnicity. The work that Dr. Larson does in New Mexico is a unique experience because the state is one of the few majority minority states in the US, with 45% of the population being Hispanic, while 40% is Caucasian.

As Dr. Larson points out in this week's episode, there is also growing research into the idea that certain ethnic groups actually need different treatments. For example, Dr. Larson's research and clinical trials were able to show the differences in the way that African American children should be treated for asthma. So, while the need for equity of treatment quality needs to be improved for lower-income families, some treatments are better suited to one ethnicity than another.

Learn more about Dr. Richard Larson and his research at the University of New Mexico on this week's episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Richard Larson is an entrepreneur and an academic leader. He serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, as well as President and Chairman of the Board of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority.

The topic of stem cells can elicit a variety of responses from controversy to indifference. These widely misunderstood cells are usually thought to be the product of infants or something taken from the fetuses. The fact is that these amazing cells are a part of all of us, and could possibly lead to great advances in medicine.

If they are misunderstood, what are the best ways to educate the public on the benefits and uses of stem cells? That is a question that this week's guest wants to answer.

Dr. Geoff Hunt is the Director at LabX which is presented by the National Academy of Sciences. His focus is on public engagement, utilizing his scientific background and communication skills to help share science with the public at large. Dr. Hunt has also served as Manager of Public Outreach with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Dr. Hunt was a Post-doctoral fellow at Princeton University. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology at Princeton, as well. Prior to that, Dr. Hunt received his Bachelor's in Biochemistry from Cornell University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[2:15] Background on the LabX and Dr. Hunt's work there

[6:10] Knowing your audience and the importance of connection

[10:03] How Dr. Hunt develops ideas when building a presentation

[12:18] Describing the field of stem cell research to non-scientists

[16:28] How Dr. Hunt became interested in his field

[21:38] The disaster simulation game that LabX has developed

[24:25] What the future holds, and what Dr. Hunt is excited for right now

Connect with Dr. Geoff Hunt

LabX Website

Bio for Dr. Geoff Hunt

Extreme Event Game

LinkedIn for Dr. Hunt

What is Stem Cell research?

As with many scientific endeavors, an accurate understanding of the subject of stem cell research requires an intense education, which is the precise reason degrees like a PhD exist. It is a subject that is not often in the public eye. Most of the beliefs about stem cells, as Dr. Hunt points out, are that they come from babies or from fetuses. But what exactly is stem cell research, and what can we learn or benefit from it?

Dr. Hunt explains this beautifully in the episode. The reality is that stem cells are basic cells that can grow into any cell in the body. There are many diseases that can cause damage or even failure to one or more organs in the body. Organ transplants are possible, but the process is complicated and the supply is limited by available donors. Stem cells could theoretically be used to "grow" the organ needed and replace the one that has failed.

The Extreme Event game by LabX

Disaster can strike anywhere in the globe at almost any time. When a crisis event happens, knowing what to do and how to react can save lives. Once it happens, the opportunity for planning and preparation has already passed. Events such as these are, by nature, sudden and unexpected, so what can people do to prepare for the worst?

The National Research Council, which is the research wing of the National Academy, released a report that contained valuable lessons on how to prepare for a disaster. A game was developed to get these lessons out to the general public. Three different disaster scenarios are available: a hurricane, an earthquake, and a flood. The use of a game makes these important lessons more enjoyable to learn and gives the benefit of a role-playing scenario as a practice run for an actual event.

Learn more about Dr. Geoff Hunt and his research into stem cells on this week's episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

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Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Dr. Geoff Hunt is the Director at LabX which is presented by the National Academy of Sciences. His focus is on public engagement, utilizing his scientific background and communication skills to help share science with the public at large. Dr. Hunt has also served as Manager of Public Outreach with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The Arctic has experienced a dynamic change in the last couple of decades. Ice is disappearing at alarming rates, and the ocean is experiencing harmful acidification. With all of these ongoing environmental issues, what are some of the upcoming issues and difficulties that the planet and our society will experience? What can we do to mitigate or reverse the damage being done to our oceans?

Dr. Jeremy Mathis is the director of the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology at the National Academy of Sciences. He is also an adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University. Dr. Mathis previously served as the Director of the Arctic Research Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also spent time as the director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Ocean Acidification Research Center.

Dr. Mathis earned his PhD in Marine Chemistry attending the University of Miami. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from McNeese State University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[2:10] How Dr. Mathis came to work in the Arctic

[5:02] What has changed in the environment since Dr. Mathis started his work

[10:45] Acidification of the ocean

[14:52] What is happening in the Arctic is a window into the future

[18:22] What Dr. Mathis is working on now

Connect with Dr. Jeremy Mathis

Bio for Dr. Jeremy Mathis

Ocean acidification is not reversible

The Industrial Revolution has led to a massive increase in carbon emissions, and all of that carbon dioxide continues to find its way into the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. As Dr. Mathis points out this week, the abundance of liberated CO2 has led to alarming acidification of the oceans. So do scientists have a means of pulling that carbon dioxide out of the oceans? Can we reverse the trend and return the oceans to prior levels of acidification?

Unfortunately, Dr. Mathis says no. There are geoengineering solutions for pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, but we don't have any current technology to do the same for our oceans. There are natural cycles that will pull that CO2 out of the oceans, but those take place over periods of thousands of years. Even if we were to completely stop emitting carbon, acidification will still continue for some time.

Educating the next generation

One of the greatest catalysts for change is the actions of the upcoming generations. This is amplified right now by the fact that our society has experienced an incredible transition over the last few decades. The internet and social media are powerful tools, and the younger generations have grown up with them in their lives from birth. They will be the next generation of policymakers that will shape the future of our culture and planet.

In this episode, Dr. Mathis talks about how he has made it his focus to help teach the next generation of policymakers. He hopes they will not repeat the mistakes of prior generations and wants them to be better communicators. One of the greatest difficulties of creating positive change for the planet is communicating science to those who have deeply held beliefs that run counter what climate scientists are learning about the state of our environment.

Learn more about Dr. Jeremy Mathis, his work, and the acidification of our oceans in this week's episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com

https://bayerstrategic.com/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329

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On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/

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Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

The Arctic has experienced a dynamic change in the last couple of decades. Ice is disappearing at alarming rates, and the ocean is experiencing harmful acidification. With all of these ongoing environmental issues, what are some of the upcoming issues and difficulties that the planet and our society will experience? What can we do to mitigate or reverse the damage being done to our oceans?

Dr. Mike Holland is the Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Research Strategies at the University of Pittsburgh, which supports cross-disciplinary research and coordinates the University's response to research policy opportunities. He is also responsible for creating major research initiatives and maintaining the University research funding.

Dr. Holland has previous experience in government including a position as the senior advisor and Staff Director at the Office of the Undersecretary for Science at the United States Department of Energy.

Policymaking is one of the key ways that scientific research and discovery finds its way into the public sphere. It is not always an easy, direct path, and needs the participation of scientists and those with technical training to improve the process. Dr. Mike Holland has a successful career in science policy, working with government, universities, and the Center for Urban Science and Progress.

Dr. Holland earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Prior to that, he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and Chemistry, both from North Carolina State University.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[2:47] How Dr. Holland found his way into the policy world

[8:54] The story of how Vern Ehlers was the first research physicist to be elected to Congress

[15:22] Dr. Holland's experience working with Science Outside the Lab

[20:00] The 3 primary roles scientists can play in policymaking

[29:15] How Dr. Holland's scientific training informs his work in policymaking

[34:01] Dr. Holland's work with the Schwartzman Scholarship Program

[39:50] What Dr. Holland is working on right now

Connect with Mike Holland, PhD

LinkedIn for Mike Holland, PhD

Bio for Mike Holland, PhD

Science Outside the Lab

The example of Vern Ehlers

The path into policymaking for scientists has not always been an easy one. Vern Ehlers was the first physicist to serve in congress in 1993. As Dr. Holland points out in this week's episode, this unusual path led many people to want to know how he did it. So how did Vern Ehlers make the jump from being science faculty in a university to serving in the Congress of the United States?

As Dr. Holland talks about, Vern Ehlers wanted to bring his expertise in science to his state representative in Congress, which happened to be Gerald Ford, who later went on to become President of the United States. Becoming a scientific advisor for a future President planted a seed in Dr. Holland that grew into political aspirations. After building relationships in Congress, Vern Ehlers saw that he could make a difference himself, and that led to his eventual time as a US Congressman.

Bringing Science Outside of the Lab

Working in a lab requires focus and dedication, and is important work regardless of which branch of science is being studied. One of the most important aspects of scientific study is the ability to bring what is learned in the lab to the world at large. Policy-making is one avenue that science interfaces with the general public. Scientific training doesn't always show how this can be accomplished, so what can scientists do to better understand how to bring their work to the world?

Dr. Holland has worked with Science Outside the Lab, which was created to help PhD students in the natural sciences get their work to the public through policymaking. The program outlines potential jobs outside of the labs that PhD graduates can consider getting into to help facilitate scientific policy in the real world. Courses on Science Policy are rare in educational programs, so Science Outside the Lab helps students get a feel of the world outside of laboratory life.

Learn more about Mike Holland, PhD and his work with scientific policy in this week's episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com

https://bayerstrategic.com/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329

On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/

On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Subscribe to When Science Speaks on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Dr. Mike Holland is the Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Research Strategies at the University of Pittsburgh, which supports cross-disciplinary research and coordinates the University’s response to research policy opportunities. He is also responsible for creating major research initiatives and maintaining the University research funding.

Jason Latimer is the creator of Impossible Science, an academic platform that unites science and magic to inspire wonder in education. He is also the curator of the Fleet Science Center and co-host of SciJinks, a popular series on the Science Channel. Jason is a Grand Prix best overall World Champion of magic, having developed a thrilling style of magic that is as captivating as it is educational.

Education is one of the most important things in personal development, but it isn't always the most fun or interesting. Magic, on the other hand, can be incredibly interesting, though not necessarily informative. When this week's guest saw a magician as a child, it inspired a curiosity for science that has led to an exciting and successful career uniting these two seemingly distinct fields.

Jason earned his degree in mathematics and econometrics from the University of California Santa Barbara. While attending UCSB he also worked with other universities, doing research in Perceptual Psychology and Applied Physics. Jason's professional work has earned him recognition and awards in physics and engineering.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[2:48] How Jason came to love magic and how it relates to science

[9:58] Not knowing something is the key to learning

[13:01] What Jason is working on now

[19:31] Impossible Science is meant for all ages

[21:50] STEM topics should be taught as a tool

[24:15] The origin and etymology of the word "scientist"

[27:05] How to connect with Jason

Connect with Jason Latimer

Jason's Website

Twitter for Jason

YouTube for Jason

The unknown is a good thing

It doesn't feel good to be in the dark, and the unknown can be a frightening prospect. Gaining an understanding of the world, and acquiring scientific knowledge, can give a sense of control. The reverse of that is an almost limitless amount of things which we haven't learned yet. The realization of that truth can be tough to swallow. So what is the best way to gain the strength to embrace our lack of knowledge and gain a sense of wonder?

Kids tend to go through a phase where they are always asking "why". As Jason mentions in the episode, it is an honest and earnest question, and that spirit starts to diminish as we get older. Putting up an illusion of knowledge can be tempting, as it can provide a buffer of comfort when facing the vastness of the unknown. The alternative is to develop that sense of wonder and gain an appetite for learning.

Impossible Science is meant for all ages

Learning is certainly important for the young, but what is often overlooked is that we never stop learning - or at least we shouldn't stop! Learning not only enriches our experience of the world around us, but it also is very good for our minds and bodies to help keep us young. So is there a targeted age group at Impossible Science that Jason is hoping to reach? Absolutely not!

As Jason mentions in the episode, Impossible Science is for everyone of all ages. When the experiments for the project were being designed, they engineered them to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages. There have been certain appearances, such as ComicCon, where they have had a more targeted age group, but Impossible Science is for everyone from, as Jason puts it in the episode, "5 to 105".

Learn more about Jason Latimer and his work on Impossible Science in this week's episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
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