Episodi
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In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore cutting-edge ideas in epigenetics and academic publishing. Oded Rechavi reveals how C. elegans worms defy conventional genetics by passing on traits through small RNAs, and discusses how these mechanisms might reshape our understanding of heredity. We also hear about a remarkable experiment hijacking Toxoplasma gondii—the so-called “cat parasite”—to deliver proteins into the brain, opening possible routes for new therapies.
Beyond the lab, we explore problems with modern publishing, from glacial review timelines to flawed incentives that push quantity over quality. Learn how AI-driven solutions might speed up peer review, allow scientists to focus on what truly matters, and help keep the spark of curiosity alive.
02:33 The Journey of Memeing on Twitter
06:50 Frustrations with Scientific Publishing
13:36 AI in Scientific Reviews
23:57 The Joys and Challenges of Academia
28:25 The Dead Sea Scrolls Project
45:15 Exploring Epigenetic Processes
47:16 Advantages of C. Elegans in Research
51:45 Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance
57:07 Challenges in Human Epigenetic Research
01:08:58 Model Organisms in Scientific Research
01:14:50 Innovative Brain Parasite Research
01:22:11 The State of Academic Science
01:29:19 Balancing Science and Life in Israel
01:32:00 Improving the Scientific SystemFollow us:
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:
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Website: https://www.632nm.com
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In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how diamond-based nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers went from being a curiosity in gemstone physics to a transformative tool for precision magnetometry. You’ll hear how these tiny defects enable room-temperature quantum sensing, providing ultra-high spatial resolution and remarkable resilience in extreme conditions—from planetary research unlocking secrets of our solar system’s earliest days to potential biomedical diagnostics. Our guest recounts the serendipitous connections, engineering challenges, and surprising scientific discoveries along the way.
We also discuss how interdisciplinary collaborations spark new ideas, how startups and academia differ in their pursuit of quantum breakthroughs, and why community-driven science can accelerate major scientific leaps.
00:42 The Fascination with Diamonds and NV Centers
02:58 Early Research and Collaborations
10:21 Breakthroughs and Applications in Science
50:48 Advancements in Magnetic Imaging
51:59 Commercial Applications of Quantum Diamond Microscopes
01:02:16 Challenges in Translating Research to Products
01:11:11 Future Prospects and Innovations
01:36:46 Exploring Quantum Systems and Defects
01:39:03 The Harvard Quantum Community
01:44:53 Precision Measurement and Quantum Applications
01:54:28 Advice for Aspiring Scientists*Follow us:*
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin*Subscribe:*
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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Website: https://www.632nm.com -
Episodi mancanti?
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In this episode, Jeremy England reframes the origin of life debate by applying non-equilibrium physics, challenging the notion that life’s emergence must be purely biological or chemical. He describes how matter can “learn” from its environment, drawing on examples from spin glasses, protein folding, and resonating mechanical systems.
England also shares how his deep engagement with religious texts—and his unexpected cameo as “the next Darwin” in popular media—shaped his understanding of science and spirituality. From his ordination as a rabbi to his groundbreaking thermodynamic research, England offers a unique perspective on the interplay between faith, scientific inquiry, and the age-old search for meaning.
Chapters:
02:59 Jeremy's Journey into Biophysics
08:46 Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
35:30 Dissipative Adaptation and Evolutionary Principles
44:34 The Evolution of Energy Consumption
51:35 Thermodynamics in Microbiomes and Ecology
57:18 Protein Folding and Cellular Computation
01:01:43 Origins of Life and Prebiotic Scenarios
01:26:02 Exploring Thermodynamic Constraints on Aging
01:31:48 Science, Religion, and the Infinite Regress
01:36:04 Jewish Law and Modern Materials
01:39:47 Torah's Approach to Existence
02:01:56 Moses' Signs and Worldview
02:09:03 Balancing Practicality and Spirituality
02:14:02 Advice for Aspiring ScientistsMore About Jeremy:
Twitter: Jeremy England (@lifelikephysics) / X
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Life-Fire-Thermodynamics-Explains/dp/1541699017
Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
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In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we sit down with 1517 Fund’s Danielle Strachman and Michael Gibson to explore their Flux program, a unique pre-seed fellowship backing wild, unorthodox scientific and technical ideas. They share how they’ve helped founders transform “garage science” projects—like nuclear batteries, quantum computing prototypes, and cutting-edge materials—into serious startups. Along the way, they discuss the pitfalls of chasing academic prestige, the power of genuine curiosity, and how to leverage minimal resources for big ambitions.
We also learn about the flexibility of Flux’s “cannon launch” grants, what it takes to persuade investors when your idea sounds like sci-fi, and why “hyper-fluency” and high agency are crucial for founders. Whether you’re a postdoc itching to leave the lab or a solo tinkerer with a radical concept, this conversation offers actionable insights on securing early funding and taking that bold plunge into world-changing tech.
Our Guests:
Danielle Strachman: https://x.com/DStrachman
Michael Gibson: https://x.com/William_Blake
1517 Fund: https://t.co/Ltt0eiRJkz
Want to apply for Flux? https://t.co/O8b5C0f21s
Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast
Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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Website: https://www.632nm.com/
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In this episode of the 632nm podcast, our guest traces the evolution from the early days of Bose-Einstein condensation experiments to pioneering trapped ion quantum gateways. He reveals how breakthroughs in laser cooling and atomic clock research unexpectedly paved the way for the first quantum logic gates, beating out the BEC community at a pivotal conference. We also hear about the surprising roles of entanglement, error mitigation, and photonic interconnects in shaping modern quantum hardware.
The conversation shifts to the commercial world, where government funding, venture capital, and startup challenges collide. Our guest shares insider stories about forming one of the first pure-play quantum computing companies, securing multi-million-dollar investments, and navigating the highs and lows of going public. From laser noise and integrated photonics to the promise of game-changing heuristic algorithms, this episode offers a rare look at both the science and business driving trapped ion quantum computing.
Chapters:
01:48 Journey into Trapped Ions
03:57 Early Career and Research at NIST
08:13 The Path to Bose-Einstein Condensate
11:32 Applications and Implications of BEC
22:05 Measuring Ultra-Low Temperatures
27:46 Advancements in Atomic Clocks
35:09 Challenges in Atomic Clock Precision
43:39 Historical Development of Quantum Computing
50:30 Early Experiments and Advances in Ion Traps
01:02:59 Understanding Dipole-Dipole Shifts in Quantum Systems
01:04:18 Initializing Qubits in Quantum Computing
01:09:05 Challenges in Scaling Quantum Computers
01:13:14 Fidelity and Error Correction in Quantum Gates
01:17:51 Laser Noise and Quantum Computing Limitations
01:35:08 Commercializing Quantum Computing: The IonQ Story
01:41:53 Bitcoin and Quantum Computing Threats
01:44:09 IonQ's Journey and Going Public
01:46:39 Quantum Computing Applications and Challenges
01:55:44 Quantum Hardware and Interconnects
02:21:01 Speculative Future of Quantum ComputingFollow us:
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast
Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
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In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how 193nm lasers unexpectedly overtook x-ray approaches and reshaped semiconductor manufacturing. Physicist Mordechai Rothschild describes the breakthroughs that turned a once “impossible” technology into the mainstay of chip fabrication, including the discovery of specialized lenses, the invention of chemically amplified resists, and the game-changing flip to immersion lithography. We also hear candid insights on the race to push below 13.5 nanometers, where new ideas in plasma sources and advanced coatings might one day carry Moore’s Law even further.
Dr. Mordechai Rothschild is a leading physicist and technologist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, serving as Principal Staff in the Advanced Technology Division. He has been instrumental in advancing micro- and nanoscale systems, with significant contributions to 193-nm photolithography—a technology critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. His work has earned him the 2014 SPIE Frits Zernike Award and the 2015 Edwin H. Land Medal. With over 220 publications and 16 patents, Rothschild's research spans metamaterials, microfluidics, and nanofabrication. He holds a BS in physics from Bar-Ilan University and a PhD in optics from the University of Rochester.
01:22 Early Days and Technological Challenges
08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography
19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography
25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics
28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography
44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers
47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers
49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources
58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges
01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials
01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography
01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems
01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights
01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline
01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development
01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab
01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography
01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography
02:06:40 Advice for Young ScientistsSubscribe:
Apple Podcasts
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Follow us:
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcast
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Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
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In this episode, physicist Federico Capasso recounts his winding path from struggling undergrad to pioneering inventor of the quantum cascade laser. He reveals how openness, daring ideas, and the bottom-up ethos at Bell Labs led to breakthroughs that redefined semiconductor research.
Capasso also discusses the blurred lines between basic and applied science, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the serendipitous moments that propelled his career. From avalanche photodiodes to metasurfaces to quantum biology, he offers a fascinating look at how big discoveries often begin with a simple spark of wonder.
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Eli Yablonovitch shares how Thomas Edison's approach of requiring "a thousand failed discoveries for every one that works" shaped his scientific philosophy. From solar cells to semiconductor lasers to photonic crystals to cell phone antennas, Yablonovitch reveals how each invention evolved from identifying fundamental physics concepts that others overlooked. He explains how his light-trapping concept now used in every solar panel stemmed from thinking about statistical mechanics. His strained semiconductor laser design, which initially faced industry resistance, eventually became the standard in all laser pointers and DVDs. Throughout his career spanning Bell Labs, Exxon, and academia, Yablonovitch demonstrates that true innovation comes from understanding basic physics principles and having the courage to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible.
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Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather. From his childhood days of building radios and telescopes to leading NASA's groundbreaking COBE mission, learn how a spectacular failure during his PhD research unexpectedly paved the way for his Nobel Prize-winning work. And hear the story of how NASA took a chance on a 28-year-old scientist who would change our understanding of the universe.
Dr. Mather shares insights into the engineering marvels behind modern space telescopes, including the James Webb Telescope's ingenious cooling system and the concept behind hybrid ground-space observatories. Hear details about near-mission failures, midnight revelations that saved COBE, and the surprising connection between space telescopes and stealth fighter technology.
Follow us:
Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6OR
Website: https://www.632nm.com
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Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions.
The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts
00:34 Avi Loeb's Journey and Achievements
01:15 Science vs. Politics
05:49 Early Life and Philosophical Influences
16:57 Astrophysics and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
55:19 Breakthrough Initiatives: A Surreal Presentation
56:40 Stephen Hawking's Visit and Human Limitations
59:17 The Search for Intelligent Civilizations
01:02:09 The Future of Space Exploration
01:05:33 The Age of the Universe and Interstellar Objects
01:42:23 The Quest for Immortality: Leaving a Legacy
01:43:31 AI and Human Existence: A Philosophical Dive
01:45:57 Navigating Politics: A Scientist's Perspective
01:48:13 The Scientific Method: A Path to Truth
02:03:27 Galileo Project: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life
02:40:52 The Simplicity of Science
02:41:25 Exploring Oumuamua and the Galileo Project
02:45:24 The Quest for Interstellar Discoveries
02:48:35 The Origins of Life and the Universe
02:59:22 The Future of AI and HumanityFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics.
01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics
01:35 Main Claims of Cybernetics
03:14 Cybernetics in Different Cultures
04:06 Historical Context and AI Precursors
05:30 Wiener Filter and Signal Processing
10:16 Philosophical Insights and Social Implications
22:48 Analog vs Digital and Future of AI
31:56 Debunking Doom Predictions
32:13 AI and Digital Control
32:59 AI and Physical World Challenges
35:13 Future Societal Structures
37:58 Global Fertility Trends
42:45 AI in Military and Arms Race
47:15 AI Creativity and Hallucinations
52:53 Psychedelics and AIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
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The 632nm team sat down with MIT professor Seth Lloyd for a mind-bending journey through quantum mechanics, information theory, and the early days of quantum computing. Lloyd shares fascinating stories from his pioneering work in quantum information, including how he nearly got expelled from his PhD program for pursuing what was then considered a "crazy" research direction. Through engaging examples and personal anecdotes, he explains why quantum mechanics is "irreducibly weird" and how information and entropy are fundamentally the same thing.
The conversation takes unexpected turns with remarkable stories about Stephen Hawking's quantum gravity lectures, Richard Feynman's three tricks that revolutionized physics, and epic MIT student pranks including the great Caltech cannon heist. Lloyd also tackles deep questions about consciousness, free will, and the computational nature of the universe, explaining why the universe itself may be its own most efficient simulation. His unique perspective as both a mechanical engineer and quantum physicist brings fresh insights to some of science's most profound mysteries.
00:00 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Philosophy
02:13 Academic Journey and Early Inspirations
05:26 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Quantum Information
11:17 Entropy, Information Theory, and the Second Law
25:33 Quantum Computing and Feynman's Hamiltonian
41:27 Discrete vs. Continuous Spectrums in Quantum Systems
42:39 Early Quantum Computing Breakthroughs
44:27 Building Quantum Computers: Techniques and Challenges
50:27 The Universe as a Quantum Computer
01:05:52 Quantum Machine Learning and Future Prospects
01:19:12 Navigating an Academic Family Background
01:19:50 Challenges in Quantum Information Career
01:24:32 Reflections on Harvard and MIT Experiences
01:27:01 Exploring Free Will and Consciousness
01:57:09 MIT Hacks and Anecdotes
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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In this episode, the 632 team interviewed Nobel laureate Moungi Bawendi, revealing his serendipitous journey to the discovery and development of quantum dots. From a summer internship at Bell Labs to an expired bottle of chemicals that contained the perfect mixture, Bawendi shares how some of chemistry's biggest breakthroughs came from unexpected places. He draws remarkable connections between medieval stained glass artisans and modern nanotechnology, explaining how thousand-year-old techniques unknowingly pioneered the manipulation of nanoparticles.
The conversation takes us through the evolution of quantum dots from laboratory curiosity to revolutionary technology, now powering millions of modern TV displays. Bawendi offers candid insights into the challenges of modern scientific research funding, even at prestigious institutions like MIT, while discussing how the path from discovery to real-world impact still takes decades despite our fast-paced digital era.
01:04 Understanding Quantum Dots
02:41 The Birth of Quantum Dots
03:49 Discoveries and Career Choices
09:05 The Evolution of Nanotechnology
11:02 The Chemistry Behind Nanocrystals
50:58 Bulk Phosphine and Cost Efficiency
53:56 Timeline of Quantum Dot Research
01:12:46 MRI Contrast Agents and Iron Oxide
01:17:14 Funding and Future of Scientific ResearchFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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In this captivating episode, we explore how Mark Bear's personal experience with congenital nystagmus sparked a revolutionary career in neuroscience. Mark shares his remarkable journey from struggling with a visual impairment to making groundbreaking discoveries about how the brain processes visual information, including the identification of a previously unknown neural pathway discovered during his undergraduate years.
The conversation delves deep into the fascinating mechanics of human vision, explaining how our brains transform input from two separate eyes into one unified visual experience. Perhaps most intriguingly, Mark reveals critical insights about the brain's developmental windows, particularly how infants must learn to see during their first year of life and why this ability has a strict deadline around age seven. This episode offers a unique blend of personal narrative and cutting-edge neuroscience, illuminating the remarkable plasticity of the human brain and the time-sensitive nature of neural development.
02:18 Discovering the Visual Cortex
06:58 Understanding Vision and Visual Processing
14:47 Exploring Plasticity in the Visual System
29:12 The Role of Sleep and Hallucinations in Vision
34:07 Memory, Plasticity, and Neuromodulation
41:47 Experience-Dependent Plasticity and Learning
48:39 Evolutionary Insights from Primate and Cat Visual Systems
49:37 Unique Features of Mouse Visual System
50:52 Visual Evoked Potentials: Techniques and Discoveries
53:19 Stimulus Selective Response Plasticity
54:38 Behavioral and Electrophysiological Correlates of Learning
01:02:03 Declarative vs. Procedural Memory
01:03:54 Hippocampus and Memory Storage
01:18:55 Challenges and Future Directions in NeuroscienceFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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In this eye-opening episode, former Zapata Computing CEO Yudong Chen reveals the sobering truth about quantum computing's potential impact on drug discovery and the industry's inflated market expectations. Chen explains why even with perfect quantum chemistry calculations, the business case for quantum computing in pharmaceuticals falls dramatically short of the billions being invested, with a total addressable market of only around $100M.
The conversation takes fascinating turns as Chen shares the unusual origin story of Zapata Computing, named after Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, and traces the company's journey from quantum computing to AI. He provides crucial insights into the field's future, discussing the emerging quantum winter and why government funding, rather than venture capital, may be the path forward. The episode concludes with Chen's compelling vision for advancing quantum computing through focused application development and the need for standardized infrastructure.
02:19 The Origin Story of Zapata Computing
04:27 Early Challenges and Realizations in Quantum Chemistry
06:22 Exploring Optimization and Machine Learning
15:46 Understanding Variational Quantum Algorithms
29:11 Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery and Industry
34:33 Economic Impact and Future of Quantum Computing
01:01:35 Classical Chips vs Quantum Devices
01:19:40 Reflections on Zapata's IPO and Market Dynamics
01:24:12 Future of Quantum Computing and Personal InsightsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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Dr. David Huang shares the remarkable journey of how a failed laser surgery project during his MD-PhD studies at MIT led to the invention of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), now used in over 40 million eye procedures annually. The story includes a pivotal moment when Professor James Fujimoto volunteered as the first human subject for OCT testing when no other students would agree to have an experimental laser pointed at their eye.
The development of OCT was made possible by the 1980s telecommunications boom, which provided crucial fiber optic components. Dr. Huang's unique background combining computer science and medicine proved essential for creating this breakthrough technology. The conversation also explores OCT's rapid commercialization, its impact on treating age-related macular degeneration, and future developments including smartphone-based screening and potential applications for diagnosing brain and heart disease through retinal imaging.
Reference Paper on OCT (Science 1991): https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1957169
02:31 Understanding Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
04:09 The Evolution of Eye Imaging Techniques
05:34 Technical Principles of OCT
10:38 Development and Early Applications of OCT
15:23 Challenges and Breakthroughs in OCT
25:54 Clinical Acceptance and Advancements in OCT
45:32 The Rise of Startups in Academia
51:27 Future of Imaging Technologies
54:02 Challenges in Developing OCT on a Chip
57:27 Rival Optical Imaging Technologies
01:05:54 Advice for Young ResearchersFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
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Origins of life researcher Anna Wang takes us on a fascinating journey through the latest theories about how life began, revealing why Darwin's "warm little ponds" are making a comeback and how ocean spray droplets may have served as nature's first test tubes. She explains why early cell membranes were more like soap bubbles - fragile and leaky - and how these imperfections were actually crucial for primitive life to function.
The conversation explores the cutting edge of synthetic biology, where scientists are attempting to build artificial cells from scratch. Wang shares illuminating analogies, comparing their work to vegan cooking where researchers must recreate sophisticated biological processes without using modern cellular ingredients. She also discusses the ultimate goal of creating truly evolving systems, while acknowledging both the excitement and concerns surrounding such an achievement.
Throughout the discussion, Wang emphasizes how the complexity of biological systems requires collaboration between physics, chemistry, and biology to unlock the mysteries of life's origins.
01:58 The Current State of Origin of Life Research
04:47 Challenges in Building Life from Scratch
12:28 Energy Sources and Membrane Dynamics
41:22 Membrane Dynamics and Chemical Gradients
48:42 Challenges in Synthetic Biology
59:16 Silicon in Biological Systems
01:14:37 Reflections and Future AspirationsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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MIT Professor Dennis Whyte's path to becoming a fusion energy pioneer began with an unlikely source - a Ripley's Believe It or Not comic strip he read as a teenager in rural Saskatchewan. The comic described how a bottle of water could theoretically contain the energy equivalent of 100 barrels of oil through fusion, sparking a lifelong fascination that would shape his career.
This fascination led Whyte to write his first high school paper on fusion energy and eventually become the first PhD student working on Canada's groundbreaking fusion project with Hydro Quebec. Now as Director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Whyte is leading cutting-edge research in fusion energy, including the development of revolutionary high-field magnets that could make commercial fusion power a reality.
Our conversation highlights his journey and how curiosity and inspiration led to a scientific career helping solve one of humanity's greatest challenges.
01:40 Dennis' Journey into Fusion Research
05:43 Understanding Fusion Reactions and Challenges
15:02 Containing 100 Million Degree Plasma
36:01 Why Deuterium-Tritium is the Sweet Spot
45:08 Understanding Plasma and Bremsstrahlung Radiation
52:45 Fusion Power Plant Challenges and Innovations
01:31:36 Fusion Challenges and Material Science
02:07:39 The Future of FusionFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
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Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYin
SUBSCRIBE:
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WEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com -
Nobel laureate Jack Szostak takes us on a fascinating journey through his remarkable scientific career, from conducting dangerous chemistry experiments in his basement as a curious child to making groundbreaking discoveries about telomeres that would earn him the Nobel Prize. He reveals how a forgotten DNA sample in his freezer led to fundamental insights about chromosome stability, and explains why studying unusual organisms often leads to the biggest scientific breakthroughs.
Beyond his work on telomeres, Szostak shares his current research into life's origins, including revolutionary ideas about how the first cells might have emerged and replicated their genetic material. He discusses his personal approach to choosing research directions, preferring to work in less crowded fields where he can think deeply about problems rather than competing in trendy areas. This philosophy, combined with his willingness to cross disciplinary boundaries, has enabled him to make transformative contributions across multiple fields of science.
02:03 Early Career and Interest in Genomics
03:32 Hot Topics in Biology and DNA Research
05:40 Telomeres and Chromosome Behavior
13:48 Telomerase and Its Role in Aging and Cancer
18:12 Exploring Life Extension and Aging
30:19 Origins of Life and Prebiotic Chemistry
43:22 Challenges in Replicating Early Cells
47:00 Exploring Protocells and Synthetic Biology
54:51 Environmental Conditions for Origin of Life
01:06:23 Interdisciplinary Approaches and Future Directions
01:25:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcast
Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT...WEBSITE:
https://www.632nm.com -
Professor Christoph Paus, a key figure in the discovery of the Higgs Boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, discusses his journey in high-energy physics, the challenges of leading large international collaborations, and the future of particle physics. As one of the co-conveners of the CMS Higgs physics group during the historic discovery, Paus provides unique insights into how the detection of this elusive particle was achieved through careful experimental design, data analysis, and team coordination.
He explains the Standard Model of particle physics, the significance of the Higgs field and boson, and explores current mysteries like dark matter and antimatter asymmetry. The conversation also covers future collider technologies, from circular and linear accelerators to speculative space-based systems, and the ongoing quest to probe higher energy frontiers.
02:24 Understanding the Standard Model
08:32 Challenges and Mysteries in Physics
11:46 The Higgs Field and Its Implications
18:57 Journey into Physics: From Engineering to Higgs
22:26 Early Days in High-Energy Physics
34:14 Leading Large-Scale Physics Collaborations
51:59 Balancing Project Goals and Individual Interests
53:07 Community Reviews and Prioritization
55:50 The Role of Machine Learning in Physics
56:53 Challenges in Discovering the Higgs Boson
01:06:07 Future Collider Technologies
01:34:51 Exploring Dark Matter and Dark Sectors
01:35:33 Current Anomalies in Physics
01:40:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future ProspectsFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcast
Substack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/
Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovsky
Misha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginov
Xinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE:
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