The gut microbiome has become a hot topic in recent years, capturing the attention of scientists and the general public alike. In our latest podcast episode, we met with Professor Paul Wilmes, head of the Systems Ecology group at the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine (University of Luxembourg). He shares insights into the complexities of the microbiome, its role in human health, and the groundbreaking research being conducted in Luxembourg.

One of the key highlights of the discussion is the impact of the gut microbiome on chronic diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. Professor Wilmes discusses the ERC Proof of Concept grant he received to explore biomarkers that could detect early signs of Parkinson's disease through shifts in the gut microbiome. This research could pave the way for early interventions and better management of the disease. The conversation also touches on the factors that influence our microbiome, including diet, environment, and even the mode of delivery at birth.

USEFUL LINKS

Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/

More about Prof. Paul Wilmes - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/people/paul-wilmes/

Human Microbiome Project - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Microbiome_Project

MetaHIT - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/201052/reporting

ExpoBiome Project - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/research-projects/expobiome-deciphering-the-impact-of-exposures-from-the-gut-microbiome-derived-molecular-complex-in-human-health-and-disease/

This episode features Dr. Adam Hulman, a mathematician with a PhD in epidemiology who specialises in bridging the gap between computer science and clinical research. Adam discusses the significant challenges involved in developing prediction models that actually work in real-world healthcare contexts, particularly in diabetes management.

The conversation covers machine learning applications in medical settings, the complexities of training models with medical data, and the importance of clinical validation. Adam also shares insights about his research methodology, including his use of the LEGO Serious Play approach in scientific work.

Adam's unique dual expertise in mathematics and epidemiology provides valuable perspectives on both the technical and practical aspects of healthcare data science.

USEFUL LINKS:

More about Adam Hulman: https://www.au.dk/en/adam.hulman@ph.au.dk/

Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus: https://www.stenoaarhus.dk/kontakt/Adam-Hulman/

LEGO Serious Play: https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/serious-play/background

Tripod: https://www.tripod-statement.org/

Did you know Luxembourg is home to space weather experts?

Space weather – a term that may sound unfamiliar to many – encompasses a broad range of solar phenomena that can significantly impact life on Earth and the technology we rely on daily. This is the specialisation of Dr. Carl Shneider from SnT (University of Luxembourg), whom we spoke with recently.

One of the most fascinating aspects we discussed with Carl is the role of Earth's magnetic field in shielding us from solar radiation. He explained how the sun's magnetic field interacts with our own, creating a protective barrier that helps mitigate the effects of solar storms. However, when these storms are particularly intense, they can penetrate this shield, creating beautiful auroras but also posing potential hazards to our technology and infrastructure.

Listeners will also learn about historical events, such as the Carrington Event of 1859, which caused widespread disruptions to telegraph systems and serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by solar activity. Carl emphasised that as our reliance on technology increases, so does our need for robust space weather monitoring and preparedness.

USEFUL LINKS

More about SnT: https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/

More about Carl Shneider: https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/people/carl-shneider/

Laschamp excursion - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laschamp_event

Dynamo theory - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamo_theory

Forbush decrease - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbush_decrease

Goldilocks zone - https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/what-is-the-habitable-zone-or-goldilocks-zone/

5 things: Space Weather - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrloxznL93s&pp=ygUNc3BhY2Ugd2VhdGhlcg%3D%3D

SOHO - https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/

Parker Solar Probe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Solar_Probe

Swift Mission - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/swift/

LISA mission - https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/LISA/LISA_factsheet

Books Carl talks about:

*Bryan Gaensler, Extreme Cosmos: https://unsw.press/books/extreme-cosmos/

*Karel Schrijver, Living with the Stars: How the Human Body is Connected to the Life Cycles of the Earth, the Planets, and the Stars: https://academic.oup.com/book/34801

*Delores Knipp:

Paper: Timelines as a tool for learning about space weather storms: https://www.swsc-journal.org/articles/swsc/full_html/2021/01/swsc200106/swsc200106.html

Book: Understanding Space Weather and the Physics Behind It: https://spacetechnologyseries.com/books/Space-Weather.html