Science Changing Life

• 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 outcomes.Learn how her work is paving the way for more effective interventions, and how new strategies—like culturally grounded prevention programs and digital tools—can reduce harm in high-risk communities.//Ehlers lab: https://www.scripps.edu/ehlers/index.html Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu 

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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 Gangavarapu explain how analyzing what goes down the drain can offer life-saving insights into the future of public health.  Learn more about the role of wastewater surveillance in tracking a range of viruses—including SARS-CoV-2, H5N1 and even seasonal influenza. //Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/josh-levy.bsky.social, https://bsky.app/profile/praneethg.bsky.social  Andersen lab: https://andersen-lab.com/  Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/ 

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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 rise. Chanda joins us once again to share the latest in the virology space, how scientists can be better communicators, and his advice for making sure we’re as prepared for an uncertain future as we can be. Instagram: instagram.com/thechandalab/ Chanda lab: chandalab.org/ Twitter/X: x.com/thechandalab Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

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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 discusses how her experience has fueled innovative research to improve symptom management and health equity for patients with the condition. Listen in to learn how Julia transforms personal challenges into professional breakthroughs. Twitter: https://x.com/julialmv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliamoorevogel All of Us Research Program: https://www.joinallofus.org/ Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

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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. Topol shares actionable insights on harnessing technology and data to revolutionize pandemic preparedness. Listen in as we discuss the path to a safer, healthier future. // Episode transcript: https://www.scripps.edu/_files/images/2024_images/topol-pandemic-prep-transcript.pdf Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTopol LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-topol-md-b83a7317/ Ground Truths podcast: erictopol.substack.com Scripps Research Magazine: magazine.scripps.edu/

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