This episode we’re diving into the science of memory, aging, and what might be quietly shaping the health of aging minds.

Guest Ramon Velazquez explains what happens in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia — and more importantly, what might trigger them in the first place. From essential nutrients to common weedkillers, his research is uncovering how everyday exposures can influence lifelong brain health.

Read more about Ramon’s research on:

• 🧠Low choline levels and Alzheimer's disease
• 🌱Lasting effects of glyphosate on the brain

Learn more about the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and Ramon’s lab.

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! We are at the mercy of the mighty, fickle algorithms and reviews help new listeners find our show.

Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber

Edited by Quinton Kendall

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Research and reporting by Richard Harth

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclaimer:

Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Arizona State University is committed to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in advancing research that benefits humans, animals and the environment. Learn more about ASU’s Animal Care and Use Program.

Amidst ever-increasing temperatures, how can we keep people safe from heat-related illness and death?

Listen as two experts from Maricopa County — home to the sweltering city of Phoenix — share how they work and collaborate to ensure everyone has a fighting chance when extreme heat strikes. This episode features Patricia Solís, executive director at the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience at Arizona State University and Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer at Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

Learn more about the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience and their mission to tackle interconnected problems with use-inspired research that builds community resilience. The Knowledge Exchange for Resilience is a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory® at ASU.

Learn more about:

• Maricopa County’s heat reports
• The Heat Relief Network
• 211 Arizona

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! We are at the mercy of the mighty, fickle algorithms and reviews help new listeners find our show.

Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin

Original music by Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Special thanks to Courtney Kreuzwiesner and Sonia Singh

Disclaimer

Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

Listen as guest Carlo Maley tells us about what biology and evolution can teach us about cancer suppression and all the interesting ways creatures big and small have evolved to combat cancer.

Read more about Carlo’s research on:

• 🧽 Sponges’ extreme radiation resistance
• 🐘 Cancer across the animal kingdom
• 🐉 Using evolution for fantasy world building

Learn more about the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and Carlo’s Arizona Cancer Evolution Center.

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

Like the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!

Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. We’d love to hear from you! As long as you are nice. Be nice.

Episode credits

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber, edited by Alexander Chapin

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

Art by Andy Keena

Editorial support from Diane Boudreau and Sandy Leander

Research and reporting by Richard Harth

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclaimer:

Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Arizona State University is committed to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in advancing research that benefits humans, animals and the environment. Learn more about ASU’s Animal Care and Use Program.