Science Savvy

• Genetics: You Are More Viral Than You Think

  Welcome to the Genetics episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I am joined by neuroscientist and PhD researcher Aitana Padilla Requerey. Leveraging my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I speak with Aitana to better understand gene expression, viral DNA, and genetic editing. This episode covers the role of ancient viral elements embedded in our genome, how epigenetics acts like a dimmer switch on gene activity, and how genetic tools like CRISPR are changing the future of medicine. Aitana earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UCLA, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and conducting research on Multiple Sclerosis using advanced lab techniques. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Clinical Neuroscience at UCL, where she worked on mouse models to investigate molecular systems involved in antiviral responses and their relevance to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Now, as a PhD candidate, she’s investigating how ancient viruses embedded in our DNA may influence the development of schizophrenia, bridging genetics, virology, and psychiatry in her groundbreaking research. Whether you’re curious about DNA, mental health, or how the environment shapes your biology, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research. Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place. Further reading and references: Bohacek, J., & Mansuy, I. M. (2015). Epigenetic inheritance of disease and disease risk. Neuropsychopharmacology, 40(1), 245–262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20643310/ Champagne, F. A., & Curley, J. P. (2009). Epigenetic mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of maternal care on development. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 33(4), 593–600. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20363720/ Feil, R., & Fraga, M. F. (2012). Epigenetics and the environment: Emerging patterns and implications. Nature Reviews Genetics, 13(2), 97–109. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22906839/ Muller, P. A. J., & Vousden, K. H. (2014). Mutant p53 in cancer: New functions and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Cell, 25(3), 304–317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30538286/ Mantovani, F., & Collavin, L. (2024). TP53 mutations in cancer: Molecular features and therapeutic implications. Molecular Oncology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39450536/ Balestrieri, E., et al. (2011). Human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) in schizophrenia. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 14(3), 123–130. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21936762/ Frank, O., et al. (2005). Human endogenous retrovirus expression in brains of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Journal of Virology, 79(17), 10890–10901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26793126/ Ripke, S., et al. (2014). Biological insights from 108 schizophrenia-associated genetic loci. Nature, 511(7510), 421–427. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25056061/ Sullivan, P. F., et al. (2018). Genetic architectures of psychiatric disorders. Nature Reviews Genetics, 19(8), 537–551. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780348/ Chiang, C., et al. (1996). Cyclopia and defective patterning in mice lacking Sonic hedgehog. Nature, 383(6599), 407–413. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9205942/ Briscoe, J., & Small, S. (2015). Sonic Hedgehog signaling in neural tube patterning. Development, 142(21), 3771–3780. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36672161/ Takahashi, K., & Yamanaka, S. (2006). Induction of pluripotent stem cells by defined factors. Cell, 126(4), 663–676. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16904174/ Okita, K., et al. (2011). Integration-free human iPS cell generation. Nature Methods, 8(5), 409–412. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26883003/ Bosley, K. S., et al. (2015). CRISPR germline engineering—The community speaks. Nature Biotechnology, 33(5), 478–486. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28879860/ Brokowski, C., & Adli, M. (2019). CRISPR ethics: Moral considerations. Journal of Molecular Biology, 431(1), 88–101. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29885329/ Hogarth, S., et al. (2008). Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: Legal, ethical, and policy issues. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, 9, 161–182. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18852208/

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• Built to Be Mid: The Evolutionary Problem With Happiness

  Welcome to this Science Savvy episode on Happiness. In this episode, I explore what happiness really is from a neuroscience & evolutionary perspective, and explain why it’s a biological miracle that we feel joy at all. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and in this episode I cover why dopamine gets all the hype (but shouldn’t), how gratitude rewires your brain, why you’re not supposed to be happy all the time, and what Tibetan monks can teach us about brain waves and contentment. Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place. Further reading and references: Farhud, D. D., Malmir, M., & Khanahmadi, M. (2014). Happiness & Health: The Biological Factors – Systematic Review. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 43(11), 1468–1477. (Overview of genetic, neurochemical, hormonal, and health correlates of happiness)​ Machado, L., & Cantilino, A. (2017). A systematic review of the neural correlates of positive emotions. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 39(2), 172–179. (Review finding increased left frontal and decreased right frontal activity, among other regions, during happiness)​ Tan, J. J. X., Kraus, M. W., Carpenter, N. C., & Adler, N. E. (2020). The association between objective and subjective socioeconomic status and subjective well-being: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 146(11), 970–1020. (Meta-analysis of 335 studies; reports an average income-happiness correlation of ~0.23)​ Killingsworth, M. A. (2021). Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(4), e2016976118. (Large experience-sampling study showing no plateau in happiness up to ~$200k, though marginal gains diminish at higher incomes)​ Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81–84. (Study of characteristics of extremely happy individuals – they had strong social relationships as the most notable common feature) Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. (Seminal theory paper proposing that positive emotions broaden cognitive-behavioral repertoires and build lasting resources)​ Coles, N. A., Larsen, J. T., & Lench, H. C. (2019). A meta-analysis of the facial feedback literature: Effects of facial feedback on emotional experience are small and variable. Psychological Bulletin, 145(6), 610–651. (Meta-analysis confirming that while facial expressions do influence feelings, the effects are modest)​ Cregg, D. R., & Cheavens, J. S. (2021). Gratitude interventions: Effective self-help? A meta-analysis of the impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(2), 413–445. (Meta-analysis of 27 studies showing gratitude exercises reliably improve well-being and reduce depressive symptoms)​ Moll, J., et al. (2006). Human fronto–mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(42), 15623–15628. (fMRI study demonstrating that donating to charity activates the brain’s reward circuits similarly to receiving a monetary reward)​ Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Rawlings, N. B., Ricard, M., & Davidson, R. J. (2004). Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(46), 16369–16373. (Research on Buddhist monks showing meditation can produce intense gamma wave synchrony, linked to positive emotional states)​ Helliwell, J. F., Huang, H., Wang, S., & Norton, M. (2023). World Happiness Report 2023. New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (Annual report that uses Gallup data to rank countries by happiness and analyzes factors like GDP, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption)​ ​ Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 32(6), 394–399. (Review of the relation between serotonin and mood, noting that positive mood is associated with higher serotonin function and discussing non-pharmacological ways to boost serotonin, like sunlight and exercise)​ And my personal fave: worldhappiness.report

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• Boss?! How our brains make (and break) trust with Dr. D'Amico

  In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions. My name is Carmen, I am the host of Science Savvy. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. Science Savvy podcast is all about breaking down the extraordinary science behind everyday life. In this episode, Dr. D'Amico shares her insights from mentoring over 900 startups and researching how trust and emotion shape behavior in professional environments. This episode covers why first impressions are sticky, how oxytocin builds trust and lowers stress, what role emotions really play in strategic decisions, and how to rewire your habits to make better choices. Whether you're curious about brain chemistry, leadership, mental health, or simply how to make smarter decisions, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research. Also, the cover at the beginning of the episode is from my band! Comment if you recognise it ;) Further reading and references: Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592–598. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01750.x Todorov, A., Mende-Siedlecki, P., & Dotsch, R. (2013). Social judgments from faces. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 23(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2012.12.010 Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P. J., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. Nature, 435(7042), 673–676. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03701 Baumgartner, T., Heinrichs, M., Vonlanthen, A., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2008). Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humans. Neuron, 58(4), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2008.04.009 Crum, A. J., Salovey, P., & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(4), 716–733. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031201 Taylor, S. E. (2006). Tend and befriend: Biobehavioral bases of affiliation under stress. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(6), 273–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2006.00451.x Bechara, A., Damasio, A. R., Damasio, H., & Anderson, S. W. (1994). Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex. Cognition, 50(1–3), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(94)90018-3

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• Building Minds: How Architecture Shapes Our Lives and Well-Being

  Welcome to the Architecture and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the built environment influences the way we think, feel, and connect with others. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind sensory perception and neuroarchitecture, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life. This episode covers the psychology of shared spaces, the impact of natural light and materials on mood and cognition, and why we’re hardwired to respond to beauty. I’m joined by Antonio, a talented architect, as we explore how thoughtful design can support mental health, foster community, and reflect evolving cultural values. Whether you’re passionate about urban planning, curious about how light and scent influence your brain, or just want to create a more inspiring space, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research. Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place. Further reading and references: Bentham, J. (1787). The Panopticon concept. Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1993). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. Galima, S. V., Vogel, S. R., & Kowalski, A. W. (2020). Seasonal affective disorder: Common questions and answers. American Family Physician, 102(11), 668–672. Pjrek, E., et al. (2020). The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 89(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1159/000502891 Tao, L., et al. (2020). Light therapy in non-seasonal depression: An updated meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 291, 113247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113247 Nussbaumer, B., et al. (2015). Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD011269. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011269.pub2 Do, A., et al. (2022). Blue-light therapy for seasonal and non-seasonal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(10), 745–754. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437221097903 Rolls, E. T. (2015). Limbic systems for emotion and for memory, but no single limbic system. Cortex, 62, 119–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2013.12.005 Mori, K., & Sakano, H. (2024). Circuit formation and sensory perception in the mouse olfactory system. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 18, Article 1342576. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2024.1342576 Mills, E. G. A., O'Byrne, K. T., & Comninos, A. N. (2019). Kisspeptin as a behavioral hormone. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 37(2), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3400239 Gaeta, G., & Wilson, D. A. (2022). Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 16, Article 1076354. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2022.1076354 Shahsavar, P., Ghazvineh, S., & Raoufy, M. R. (2024). From nasal respiration to brain dynamic. Reviews in Neuroscience, 35(6), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2023-0152

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• PCOS: The Reality Show Where No Egg Wins with Dr. Faris

  Welcome to the PCOS episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the mechanisms behind PCOS and unpack how it shows up in your daily life. This episode features a conversation with Dr. Basma Faris, a board-certified OB/GYN and certified culinary medicine specialist. We discuss why PCOS is not just about cystic ovaries, how insulin resistance contributes to hormonal imbalance, and the ways diet, sleep, and stress management play a role in symptom control. We also talk through the myths, the science, and the danger of wellness misinformation. Whether you're navigating a diagnosis or simply curious about how hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle connect, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research. Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place. Further reading and references: St-Onge, M. P., et al. (2023). The interrelationship between sleep, diet, and glucose metabolism. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 69, 101788. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010061 Ehrhardt, N., & Al Zaghal, E. (2018). Behavior modification in prediabetes and diabetes: Potential use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 13(2), 271–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932296818790994 Hanefeld, M., et al. (2014). Differences in glycemic variability between normoglycemic and prediabetic subjects. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 8(2), 286–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932296814522739 Dmitrovic, R., et al. (2011). Continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 118(4), 878–885. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31822c887f Tao, M., et al. (2011). Continuous glucose monitoring reveals abnormal features of postprandial glycemic excursions in women with PCOS. Postgraduate Medicine, 123(2), 185–190. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2011.03.2277 Merino, J., et al. (2022). Validity of continuous glucose monitoring for categorizing glycemic responses to diet. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1569–1576. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac026 Wyatt, P., et al. (2021). Postprandial glycaemic dips predict appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals. Nature Metabolism, 3(4), 523–529. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00383-x Zahalka, S. J., et al. (2024). Continuous glucose monitoring for prediabetes: What are the best metrics? Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 18(4), 835–846. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968241242487 Basiri, R., & Cheskin, L. J. (2024). Personalized nutrition therapy without weight loss counseling produces weight loss in individuals with prediabetes. Nutrients, 16(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142218 Joseph, J. I., et al. (2018). Glucose sensing in the subcutaneous tissue: Correlation with immune response and CGM accuracy. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 20(5), 321–324. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2018.0106 Jospe, M. R., et al. (2024). Leveraging continuous glucose monitoring as a catalyst for behaviour change. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01622-6 Zhu, J. P., et al. (2013). Increased mean glucose levels in patients with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia as determined by CGM. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 92(2), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.12031 Rizos, E. C., et al. (2024). Difference on glucose profile from CGM in people with prediabetes vs. normoglycemic individuals. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 18(2), 414–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968221123530

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