Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

Karen Toffler Charitable Trust
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  • علوم حياة

Delve into the frontiers of cutting-edge brain science with ‘Research Renaissance’ a podcast presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Join us on a journey of discovery with a diverse lineup of guests, including early career researchers undertaking groundbreaking studies. Hear their insights alongside voices from investment communities, policymakers, and research institutions. Collectively we explore the complexities of neurological diseases, their root causes, potential treatments, and the pursuit of cures. Join us in illuminating the path towards a comprehensive understanding of the brain and advancements in addressing its ailments. 

  1. ١٩ أغسطس

    Transforming Communities Through Resilience Science with Dr. Wendy Ellis

    In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Wendy Ellis, Assistant Professor of Global Health at George Washington University and Founding Director of the Center for Community Resilience. Together, they explore how resilience science and systems-level thinking can drive lasting change for communities impacted by adversity. Dr. Ellis shares her groundbreaking Pair of ACEs Framework, which connects adverse childhood experiences to adverse community environments, and discusses how this approach is helping policymakers, educators, and community leaders address root causes rather than symptoms. From innovative school-based partnerships in Portland to the development of an Opportunity Dashboard that measures both social and economic return on community investments, this conversation reveals how data, collaboration, and hope can transform entire neighborhoods. Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about what it means to build truly resilient communities. 🎙 What you’ll learn in this episode:  • Why resilience science must go beyond individuals and address systems.  • The power of the Pair of ACEs Framework in reframing public health and policy.  • How community-driven solutions have produced measurable results in education, healthcare, and economic stability.  • Why connecting health data with economic outcomes can shift investment and policy decisions.  • The role of hope, social cohesion, and collaboration in driving lasting change. Subscribe to Research Renaissance and join us in exploring the science, policy, and community action shaping the future of brain health and resilience. Visit tofflertrust.org for resources and updates. #ResilienceScience #PublicHealth #PairOfACEs #CommunityResilience #SystemsThinking #SocialImpact #AdverseChildhoodExperiences #HealthEquity #BrainHealth #TraumaInformed #PolicyChange #CommunityHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CollaborativeLeadership #EconomicMobility #EducationEquity #HealthcareInnovation #DataDrivenPolicy #CommunityDevelopment To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٤٧ من الدقائق

  2. ٥ أغسطس

    Ataxia, Advocacy, and Accelerating Research: Inside the National Ataxia Foundation

    Welcome back to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal explores the cutting edge of rare disease research with special guests Andrew Rosen, CEO of the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), and Dr. Lauren Moore, NAF’s Chief Scientific Officer. Together, they unpack how the NAF has evolved from a small support-focused nonprofit into a strategic, science-driven organization that’s advancing treatments and reshaping what’s possible for people living with ataxia—a rare, progressive neurological condition affecting movement and coordination. 🔍 In this episode, we explore: The history and mission of the National Ataxia Foundation—from its 1957 founding to its current research initiativesWhat ataxia is, how it’s diagnosed, and why it’s so often misunderstood or misdiagnosedThe diagnostic odyssey patients face and how genetic testing is both essential and still evolvingHow patient advocacy, family involvement, and rare-disease communities are accelerating the pace of scientific discoveryLauren’s personal journey from biomedical physics student to ataxia researcher—sparked by her father’s diagnosisWhy wearable tech, remote trials, and AI are changing the game for neurological researchThe power of public-private partnerships and how the first FDA-approved ataxia treatment led to a $7.3B acquisition by BiogenWhy “rare” doesn’t mean small—and why rare diseases deserve different standards of study, funding, and approval 🧠 Key Takeaway: Treatments are on the horizon—but getting there takes relentless advocacy, strategic funding, and courageous participation from patients and families. As Andrew puts it: “We’d love to put ourselves out of business someday. Until then, we’re here to build the infrastructure that gets us there.” 🌐 Resources & Links: National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)Karen Toffler Charitable TrustLearn more about hereditary ataxias and ongoing research initiativesSupport or participate in patient-driven research and advocacy🎧 Subscribe to Research Renaissance  Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. For more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and purpose-driven science, follow us at tofflertrust.org or get in touch. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

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  3. ٢٩ يوليو

    Unlocking Parkinson’s Potential: The Brain-Immune Link with Dr. Adithya Gopinath

    In this groundbreaking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal reconnects with Dr. Adithya Gopinath, University of Florida, to explore a game-changing discovery in Parkinson’s research: a direct connection between dopamine neurons in the brain and the peripheral immune system, specifically the spleen. Dr. Gopinath shares how his lab’s findings could reshape the future of Parkinson’s diagnosis and treatment—potentially identifying the disease earlier and opening new therapeutic avenues using existing immune-modulating drugs. The episode also touches on surprising implications for conditions like addiction, ADHD, and even cancer. Key Topics Covered: The role of dopamine transporters in both the brain and peripheral immune cellsA newly mapped brain-to-spleen pathway and its implications for Parkinson’sWhy gastric bypass surgery offers unexpected clues about neuroimmune functionHow Parkinson’s might eventually be detected through blood biomarkersThe challenge of longitudinal studies and the need for philanthropic supportCrossovers with autoimmune disease, glioblastoma, and methamphetamine useThe future vision for translational research at Dr. Gopinath’s lab Standout Quote:  "If we're able to identify Parkinson’s early, we may have the opportunity to either slow or stop its progression. And we might already have the tools—we just need to apply them in the right way." – Dr. Adithya Gopinath Connect with Us:  🔗 Learn more and subscribe: https://tofflertrust.org 📧 Interested in supporting or collaborating? Dr. Gopinath’s contact info: adithya.gopinath@neurology.ufl.edu or adithya@ufl.edu  To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٣٥ من الدقائق

  4. ٢٢ يوليو

    The AI Cure: How Drug Repurposing is Saving Lives

    In this episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Grant Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Every Cure — a nonprofit revolutionizing how we treat disease using artificial intelligence and drug repurposing. You’ll hear the incredible true story behind the organization’s founding: a rare disease, a near-death diagnosis, and the life-saving power of finding the right drug at the right time — one that was already FDA-approved but never intended for that disease. Dr. Mitchell unpacks how Every Cure is: Using AI to map connections between 4,000+ FDA-approved drugs and 20,000+ diseases.Tackling the “organizational problem” in medical research — not just the scientific one.Building a nonprofit model that bypasses commercial incentives to focus purely on patient outcomes.Launching a new public platform that will allow researchers, doctors, and even patients to explore potential drug-disease matches.💡 From real-world case studies to a bold vision for transforming clinical trial timelines, this is an inspiring and eye-opening look at how a small team might just be out-innovating Big Pharma — and doing it faster, cheaper, and with more heart. Resources Mentioned: Visit everycure.org to learn more or get involved.Contact Grant directly at grant@everycure.orgLearn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust at tofflertrust.orgNever miss an episode of Research Renaissance — subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us at tofflertrust.org for updates. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٥١ من الدقائق

  5. ١٥ يوليو

    Unlocking Sex-Based Differences in Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Rachel Buckley

    In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Rachel Buckley, Associate Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Together, they explore a growing body of research that challenges long-standing assumptions about sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Buckley shares her unexpected journey from skepticism to advocacy in studying how biological sex and hormonal changes—particularly around menopause—can influence Alzheimer's risk, pathology, and progression. From PET scans to postmortem tissue studies, she unpacks what we now know about tau pathology in women, the role of hormone therapy, and how reproductive history may shape brain health. You’ll also hear about: Why women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s—and why it’s more than just longevityHow timing of hormone therapy may impact tau buildupSurprising research around pregnancy, caregiving, and even the X chromosomeWhere the research gaps still exist—and how AI might help close themWhy training the next generation of sex-based neuroscientists is essentialWhether you’re a caregiver, clinician, researcher, or simply curious about how brain health intersects with gender, this episode offers eye-opening insight and hope for the future. Guest Bio:  Dr. Rachel Buckley is an internationally recognized neuroscientist focused on the intersection of sex differences and Alzheimer's disease. She leads groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital and serves as Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Sex and Gender Professional Interest Area. Resources & Links:  🔗 Learn more: https://www.tofflertrust.org 📧 Contact Dr. Buckley via email or LinkedIn 💡 Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes—subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on social for updates. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٤٨ من الدقائق

  6. ٨ يوليو

    How Regenerative Biology Could Help Treat Alzheimer’s with Dr. Prabesh Bhattarai

    In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Prabesh Bhattarai, Associate Research Scientist - The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease, the aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a 2024 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Bhattarai shares his groundbreaking work on regenerative biology and how understanding the remarkable ability of certain fish to regrow neurons could eventually lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. They explore: 🧠 How the fish geography can regenerate neurons lost to Alzheimer-like damage 🧬 The role of signaling molecules like IL-4 and BDNF in promoting brain regeneration 🐭 Why these regenerative processes don’t naturally occur in mice or humans—and what happens when researchers try to induce them 🔍 How astrocytes and the blood-brain barrier play a key role in Alzheimer’s pathology 🧪 How single-cell and spatial transcriptomics are unlocking new insights into brain cell function 🕵️‍♂️ The importance of identifying early biomarkers for Alzheimer’s to enable earlier intervention 🧩 Why Alzheimer’s is a multifactorial disease that requires a broad, integrative research approach 🔮 The future of therapeutic strategies—and the potential for delaying or even preventing disease progression Dr. Bhattarai also discusses his latest findings around fibronectin 1 as a promising therapeutic target, and the complex but hopeful road ahead in Alzheimer’s research. 👉 If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Bhattarai’s work or connect with him, you can reach him at: pb2886@cumc.columbia.edu 🎧 Stay tuned for more episodes of Research Renaissance—exploring the future of brain science. Visit tofflertrust.org to subscribe and learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust and its mission to advance cutting-edge brain research. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٤٥ من الدقائق

  7. ١ يوليو

    Decoding Alzheimer’s: Breakthroughs in Neural Recording using and Biostatistics & Machine Learning

    In this exciting episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Ted Zwang, Assistant Professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Andrew Holbrook, Assistant Professor at UCLA and Jasen Zhang, PhD student in biostatistics in Holbrook’s lab. Together, they share how novel neural recording devices and advanced machine learning techniques are transforming the study of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Ted and Jasen discuss their collaborative project—funded by the Kavli Foundation, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, and the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust—which captures how neurons change over time in Alzheimer’s mouse models. They reveal surprising discoveries about how some neurons “go quiet” and later recover—challenging long-held assumptions about neurodegeneration. The conversation also explores how these insights could lead to earlier diagnostics, predictive models of cognitive decline, and more personalized treatments for patients. 🔬 Topics include:  - How flexible neural recording devices track neuron activity over months  - Why biostatistics and machine learning is key to decoding massive neural datasets -  New findings about reversible neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s -  How predictive models could inform personalized medicine -  The challenges of translating animal research to human diagnostics -  The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in brain science Whether you’re a researcher, student, clinician, or curious learner, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of Alzheimer’s research—and why there’s new reason for hope. 🧠 Guests: Dr. Ted Zwang https://zwanglab.com/, Dr. Andrew Holbrook https://andrewjholbrook.github.io/ and Jasen Zhang https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasen-zhang/ 🌐 For more episodes and updates, visit: tofflertrust.org To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

    ٥٠ من الدقائق

  8. ٢٤ يونيو

    How Childhood Stress Shapes the Brain with Dr. Heather Brenhouse

    In this fascinating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Heather Brenhouse, professor of psychology and director of the Developmental Neuropsychobiology Lab at Northeastern University—and a 2024 Toffler Scholar. Together, they explore the deep connections between childhood adversity, brain development, and long-term mental health. Dr. Brenhouse discusses why early life stress impacts some individuals more than others, how adversity can alter the timing of puberty, and why understanding neurodevelopment is essential to preventing psychiatric disorders. They also delve into the biology of behavior, the role of immune cells in the brain, and how evolving tools in neuroscience are helping uncover hidden patterns that shape health outcomes later in life. 🔬 Topics include: What a neuropsychobiology lab really studiesHow early stress accelerates brain and body developmentThe surprising link between early adversity and pubertyWhy male and female brains respond differently to early life challengesHow microglia and inflammation relate to long-term brain healthThe future of neuroscience research—from metabolic studies to computational modelingHow eastern and western medicine might converge around mind-body health Whether you're a researcher, student, or curious lifelong learner, this episode sheds light on how early experiences shape us—and what that means for preventing disease and promoting wellness across a lifetime. 🧠 Guest: Dr. Heather Brenhouse  🔗 Learn more: brenhouselab.sites.northeastern.edu  📧 Contact: h.brenhouse@northeastern.edu 🌐 For more episodes and updates, visit: tofflertrust.org To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

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Delve into the frontiers of cutting-edge brain science with ‘Research Renaissance’ a podcast presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Join us on a journey of discovery with a diverse lineup of guests, including early career researchers undertaking groundbreaking studies. Hear their insights alongside voices from investment communities, policymakers, and research institutions. Collectively we explore the complexities of neurological diseases, their root causes, potential treatments, and the pursuit of cures. Join us in illuminating the path towards a comprehensive understanding of the brain and advancements in addressing its ailments. 

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Karen Toffler Charitable Trust
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢٤ - ٢٠٢٥
  • الحلقات
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  • التقييم
    ملائم
  • حقوق النشر
    © 2025 Karen Toffler Charitable Trust
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

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