Best Astrocytes Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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TWiN 63: Microbiome-targeted neurotherapy 1:31:51

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1M ago1:31:51

1:31:51

TWiN discusses research showing that Lactobacillus acidophilus promotes cognitive function recovery after cerebral ischemia, by regulating microglial peroxisomal function. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Vivianne Morrison, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Arc is pdb mol…

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TWiN 62: Memories of bad food 1:21:48

2M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

TWiN explains research which identifies the regions of the brain that register a long-lasting aversion to potentially poisonous food even with meal to illness delays of several days. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server A neural mechanism for…

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TWiN 61: Blood to the brain 1:40:12

3M ago1:40:12

1:40:12

TWiN reveals that proteins travel from the blood to the brain where they are taken up by microglia, revealing a new mode of communication between the brain and the periphery. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Tim Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Circulatory…

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TWiN 60: You get the gist of it? 1:05:21

4M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

TWiN discusses experiments which show that high-fidelity memories that lose their precision with time depends on reorganization of hippocampal circuitry. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Loss of precision memory and the hi…

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TWiN 59: AI co-scientist 1:14:45

6M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Tim explains AI co-scientist, a tool released by Google, which it hopes to help scientists generate hypotheses and research proposals, and to accelerate the speed of scientific and biomedical discoveries. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Tim Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode Microb…

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TWiN 58: Tongue-dragging rescue behavior 1:14:21

7M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

TWiN explains a study showing that when a mouse is confronted with an unconscious conspecific, it engages in behavior including tongue-dragging to resuscitate the animal via a tongue-brain connection. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Tim Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV …

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TWiN 57: Repetitive injury, herpes, and Alzheimer's 40:09

8M ago40:09

40:09

TWiN discusses a study showing that repetitive injury reactivates HSV-1 in a human brain tissue model and induces phenotypes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Repetitive injury, herpes, and Alzheimers (S…

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TWiN 56: Astrocytes help neurons remember 1:00:44

10M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

TWiN explains a study showing that while groups of neurons, form the basis for memory, astrocytes are key components of the adaptive reponse to learning experiences, and regulate the flow of information during circuit plasticity and memory recall. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Pod…

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TWiN 55: A brain circuit for day/night balance 1:09:29

11M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

TWiN explains the identification of a brain circuit and periodic branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment that regulates organismal adaptation to photoperiod change. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Brain circuit for ph…

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TWiN 54: How pregnancy transforms the brain 1:05:25

12M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

TWiN explores how pregnancy leads to modifications in brain structure and function that may prepare the mother for parenting. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Pregnancy transforms the brain (Nature) Hormone-mediated…

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TWiN 53: Slowing time by cooling the brain 1:10:03

1y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Joseph Paton and Felipe Rodrigues join TWiN to explain how they used temperature manipulation to alter the speed of neuronal dynamics in the dorsal striatum of rats, a manipulation that selectively slowed down or sped up time perception, illuminating the mechanisms of time-based decisions. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, …

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TWiN 52: Probiotic improves social behavior in children with ASD 1:05:50

1+ y ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Mauro Costa-Mattioli returns to TWiN to discuss the results of a placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial of a probiotic which improved social behavior but not autism severity in children with ASD. Hosts: Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Guest: Mauro Costa-Mattioli Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS L…

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TWiN 51: Sensory processing dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders 1:11:20

1+ y ago1:11:20

1:11:20

TWiN reviews altered somatosensory reactivity, which is frequently observed among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and in mouse models the developmental timing of aberrant touch processing can predict the manifestation of ASD-associated behaviors in mouse models. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivian…

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TWiN 50: Neurological sequelae after COVID-19 1:04:25

1+ y ago1:04:25

1:04:25

TWiN reviews experiments which show that SARS-CoV-2 triggers the up-regulation of synaptic components and perturbs local electrical field potential in cerebral organoids, organotypic culture of human brain explants and post-mortem brain samples from individuals with COVID-19. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne M…

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TWiN 49: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest mouse of all? 1:31:25

1+ y ago1:31:25

1:31:25

TWiN welcomes mice to the elite club of ‘self-aware’ animals, with a study demonstrating a mirror-induced self-directed behavior in mice resembling visual self-recognition. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Mice are …

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TWiN 48: Traumatic brain injury and retroviruses 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

TWiN describes a study that reveals activation of endogenous retroviruses in oligodenroglia from patients with traumatic brain injury. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Activation of endogenous retroviruses in TBI oligo…

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TWiN 47: Walking after spinal cord injury 55:25

1+ y ago55:25

55:25

TWiN explains an amazing study of a man who was paralyzed after a spinal cord injury and regained the ability to walk after implantation of a brain-spinal cord interface. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Walking natura…

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TWiN 46: Neuronal activity promotes glioma progression 51:04

1+ y ago51:04

51:04

TWiN explains research showing that interaction between glioma cells and neurons in the brain shares mechanistic features with synaptic plasticity that contributes to memory and learning in the healthy brain. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode M…

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TWiN 45: Acupuncture modulates the immune system 52:24

2y ago52:24

52:24

TWiN discusses research showing that sciatic nerve activation with electroacupuncture at the sciatic nerve controls systemic inflammation and rescues mice from polymicrobial peritonitis, by inducing vagal activation of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, leading to the production of dopamine in the adrenal medulla. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason…

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TWiN 44: ADHD and persistent pain 1:00:41

2y ago1:00:41

1:00:41

TWiN reviews a mouse model of ADHD to characterize hypersensitivity to pain, and that sensitization is further amplified in a pathological inflammatory state. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Pain hypersensitivity in A…

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TWiN 43: Pavlovian opioid tolerance 1:02:41

2y ago1:02:41

1:02:41

TWiN discusses a study of on the pathways that control opioid analgesic tolerance, a root cause of opioid overdose and misuse, which can develop through an associative learning. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Associa…

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TWiN 42: Therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs 56:34

2y ago56:34

56:34

TWiN explains how psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, which are being explored for treating a wide range of neuropsychiatric diseases, reopen the social reward period for critical learning. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Click arrow to play Download TWiN 042 (34 MB .mp3, 57 min) Subscribe (free): Appl…

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TWiN 41: Alzheimer's and melanin-concentrating hormone 1:18:30

2+ y ago1:18:30

1:18:30

Vivianne explains how early in Alzheimer’s disease, the brain attempts to counteract the increased excitatory drive caused by amyloid deposition, and that melanin-concentrating hormone, produced during sleep, is involved in this protective response. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): A…

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TWiN 40: Dopamine organizes behavior's syllables 1:04:17

2+ y ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Tim takes TWiN through two studies on the role of dopamine: that syllables are natural units of spontaneous behavior used by the brain to structure action, and that mesolimbic dopamine release conveys causal associations but not reward prediction errors, thereby challenging the dominant theory of reward learning. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Sh…

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TWiN 39: Virus-like capsids trigger paraneoplastic disease 52:39

2+ y ago52:39

52:39

Junjie from Jason’s lab joins TWiN to discuss the observation that the cell gene PNMA2 encodes non-enveloped virus-like capsids that induce autoantibodies which underlie paraneoplastic syndrome. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Junjie Xu Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode Micr…

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Arthritis breakthrough: New Research may have found a way to treat and even reverse osteoarthritis 53:15

2+ y ago53:15

53:15

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we peek under the microscope and dives deep into the latest research, innovations, and treatment options for osteoarthritis. In this captivating, conversational, and very descriptive audio journey, we'll keep you on the cutting edge of osteoarthritis care and inspire hope for a future where chronic joint pai…

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Don't Let COPD Take Your Breath Away: Prevention and New Regenerative Treatment Options with Stem Cells 44:09

2+ y ago44:09

44:09

The episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time, and it can be caused by factors such as smoking or exposure to air pollution. The podcast covers the symptoms, diagnosis, and new treatment options for COPD,…

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TWiN 38: Bacterial immunity heals sensory neurons 1:04:57

2+ y ago1:04:57

1:04:57

TWiN explains the finding that immunity to commensal bacteria promotes sensory neuron regeneration via the cytokine interleukin-17A. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Ori Lieberman, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Immunity to the microbiota promote…

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Heart disease prevention and new treatment options for coronary artery atherosclerosis 21:27

2+ y ago21:27

21:27

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss Heart disease prevention and new treatment options for coronary artery atherosclerosis. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and coronary artery disease is one of its most common forms. Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutr…

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TWiN 37: Microglia at the crossroads 1:15:05

2+ y ago1:15:05

1:15:05

TWiN reviews the field of microgial research, which has advanced in recent decades but is constrained by nomenclature that is necessary but often implies specific functions. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode Microglia states …

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Introducing Astrocytes Cells to combat the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis 27:04

2+ y ago27:04

27:04

Welcome to the first show of 2023. In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the the latest advancements in multiple sclerosis research. Using a novel strategy, scientists have isolated signalling molecules that control the activation of specific subsets of astrocytes, which are implicated as the primary inflammatory drivers in multiple s…

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TWiN 36: Unbearable neurologists 1:29:33

2+ y ago1:29:33

1:29:33

TWiN answers listener questions about Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma and the microbiota, Dravet’s Syndrome, schizophrenia, brain development, and chips implanted in the human brain. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode Letters re…

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TWiN 35: Neuromodulation in treatment-resistant depression 1:09:13

3y ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Jason and Tim review the use of an implanted chronic deep brain sensing and stimulation device to carry out biomarker-driven closed-loop therapy that resulted in a rapid and sustained improvement in depression. Hosts: Jason Shepherd and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Closed-loop n…

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The Viral Social Media 'Ice Bucket Challenge' help fund a new ALS treatment, but experts have varying opinions about its approval 21:20

3y ago21:20

21:20

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the Ice Bucket Challenge funding research for ALS. ALS or or Lou Gehrig’s disease is a nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells that control our voluntary muscle movement. For most patients, symptoms do get worse over time, resulting in respiratory failure. Remember the “Ice Bucket Challeng…

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A Stong Nose Detected the Scent of Parkinson’s, Leading to an Experimental Therapy for the Illness 1:08:41

3y ago1:08:41

1:08:41

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the latest advancements in Parkinsons disease. Parkinson's disease or "PD" is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system and the parts controlled by the nerves. Symptoms often start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are also common, bu…

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TWiN 34: Microglia vital after spinal cord injury 1:09:17

3y ago1:09:17

1:09:17

TWiN explains how central nervous system resident macrophages known as microglia coordinate cellular interactions during spinal cord repair in mice. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Microglia coordinate spinal cord re…

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Research shows that Night owls might be more prone to diabetes & heart disease 53:18

3y ago53:18

53:18

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Night owls may be more prone to heart disease and diabetes than early birds because their bodies are less able to burn fat for energy. The findings may help explain why night owls are…

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TWiN 33: Viruses leaving the brain 58:11

3y ago58:11

58:11

TWiN describes how neurotropic viruses leave the brain via meningeal lymphatic vessels located dorsally and basally beneath the skull. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Ori Lieberman, Jason Shepherd, and Timothy Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Meningeal lymph vessels and viral exit from brain (Na…

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Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes and New Treatment options 28:32

3y ago28:32

28:32

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss common Autoimmune diseases that can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage. Depending on the kind of immune system dysfunction, either abnormally low activity or high activity may occur. Overactive immune systems cause tissue damage and destruction by attacking healthy cells (aut…

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Lyme disease: The long wait for a cure against the tick-borne disease could be over soon 43:50

3y ago43:50

43:50

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss untreated Lyme disease that can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. These include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis. Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. The most commonly reported sign of Ly…

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TWiN 32: Relearning how to move after stroke 59:47

3y ago59:47

59:47

TWiN reviews how, in a mouse stroke model, recovery of movement is associated with the remaining cortex and the striatum coordinating their activity together. Hosts: Ori Lieberman, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Recovery after stroke in mice (Cell Rep) Times…

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Research Shows New Options to Boost Regeneration of Damaged Nerves After Spinal Cord Injury 1:25:15

3y ago1:25:15

1:25:15

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the latest advancements in spinal cord injuries. Our guests specialize in spinal injuries. The main cause of spinal cord injury is a sudden traumatic blow to the back, such as a fall. Another cause is a gunshot wound or a knife wound. In either case, the spinal cord is damaged in the immediate are…

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TWiN 31: HIV-1 co-receptor shapes window for memory linking 1:11:52

3y ago1:11:52

1:11:52

TWiN explains the observation that in mice, the HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 closes the temporal window for linking different memories. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode CCR5 and memory linking (Nature) Timestamps by Jolene.…

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New therapeutic approaches seek to harness the body's immune system to protect against brain damage after strokes 49:11

3+ y ago49:11

49:11

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss brain strokes. Our guest is a therapist who specializes in the treatment of brain stroke can help stroke survivors regain their former patterns of thinking and emotional responses. Occupational therapists can help people cope with the loss of sensory functions, which may result in weakened muscle …

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TWiN 30: Gut to brain spread of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease 1:09:52

3+ y ago1:09:52

1:09:52

TWiN describes experiments demonstrating that gut injection of alpha-synuclein fibrils in mice converts endogenous alpha-synuclein to a pathologic form that spreads to the brain and leads to features of Parkinson’s disease. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Ori Lieberman, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcas…

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TWiN 29: Astrocytes close the critical period 1:02:05

3+ y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

TWiN explains the finding that in the mouse visual cortex, astrocytes are key elements in the experience-dependent wiring of brain circuits. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiN! Links for this episode Astrocytes close t…

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TWiN 28: Oligodendrocyte performance enhancing exosomes 1:13:59

3+ y ago1:13:59

1:13:59

TWiN reveals how oligodendrocytes enhance axonal energy metabolism by transcellular delivery of a protein, SIRT2, that deacetylates mitochondrial proteins. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Click arrow to play Download TWiN 028 (77 MB .mp3, 64 min) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a…

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New study published on traumatic brain injury highlights global inequality in available treatment options - How to treat, manage patients with head injuries in 2022 11:31

3+ y ago11:31

11:31

In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly Podcast, we discuss traumatic brain injuries, following the recent revelations surrounding the death of comedian Bob Saget. We will discuss what providers need to know about TBIs, as well as how to better treat & manage suspected head injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that causes dama…

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How to prevent kidney failure, new treatment options to avoid dialysis, reverse kidney disease & IgA Nephropathy naturally 1:02:41

3+ y ago1:02:41

1:02:41

What Is Acute Kidney Failure? Acute renal failure is when your kidneys stop working suddenly. Nephrologists sometimes call it acute renal failure compared to chronic kidney disease acute faulure can happen over just a few hours or days. Acute kidney failure isn’t always permanent but requires immediate attention. If you get treatment right away and…

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TWiN 27: Eyes wired to the auditory cortex 1:03:47

3+ y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

TWiN discusses the finding that rewiring retinal projections to the auditory thalamus in ferrets leads to visually responsive cells that are typical of cells in the visual cortex. Hosts: Ori Lieberman, Jason Shepherd, Timothy Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiN! Links f…