YJBM Science News 30: Reproductive Health and Immunology

YJBM Science News 30: Reproductive Health and Immunology

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In this week’s installment of YJBM Science News, Majo and Roxanna discuss recent Yale-affiliated research about contraceptives, fertility, and immunology! Can our genetic variants help us predict which birth control method would be the most effective? What can the gut microbiome tell us about the immune systems of multiple sclerosis patients before and after undergoing immunotherapy treatment? Join us as we explore not only the answers to these questions, but also as we learn more about the trials and tribulations of data generation!

Papers featured in this episode:

“Pharmacogenomics of the Etonogestrel Contraceptive Implant: A Genome-Wide Association Study of Steady-State Etonogestrel Concentrations” – https://doi.org/10.1097/og9.0000000000000066
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/analyzing-genetics-may-lead-to-better-contraceptive-experiences-for-women/

“Allosteric inhibition of the IZUMO1–JUNO fertilization complex by the naturally occurring antisperm antibody OBF13” – https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2425952122
https://news.yale.edu/2025/03/03/scientists-discover-how-naturally-occurring-mechanism-hampers-fertility

“A single-cell atlas of circulating immune cells over the first 2 months of age in extremely premature infants” – https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adr0942
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/new-insights-into-preterm-infant-immunity-could-inform-care/

“Alterations in Gut Microbiome-Host Relationships After Immune Perturbation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis” – https://doi.org/10.1212/NXI.0000000000200355
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/gut-microbiome-changes-linked-to-multiple-sclerosis-ms-new-study-finds/

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A Tale of Two Viruses: Interview with Sasha Tabachnikova

A Tale of Two Viruses: Interview with Sasha Tabachnikova

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What do COVID and mono have in common? How can infectious diseases impact our health for life? How does a dancer end up doing basic science research? Join our hosts Isha Yardi and Elaine Yang in conversation with Sasha Tabachnikova about her work as a PhD student in the Iwasaki Lab. Today, she is our guide through the evolving landscape of research on post-acute infection syndromes.

Learn about YJBM here: https://medicine.yale.edu/yjbm/

Viruses and Autoimmunity issue: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yjbms-december-2024-issue-focuses-on-viruses-and-autoimmunity/

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Improving obstetric anesthesia through teaming

Improving obstetric anesthesia through teaming

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In this episode, we explore the concept of a highly functional team, its characteristics, and the importance of fostering interdisciplinary teamwork among healthcare professionals such as anesthesiologists, obstetricians, nurses, and others. Dr. Girnius emphasizes that such collaboration enhances communication and efficiency and improves patient outcomes. Additionally, we discuss the process of identifying and implementing what needs to change while addressing the challenges associated with introducing change within our healthcare system.

Improving Obstetric Anesthesia Care Through Teaming and Improvement Science
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39325012/

Preoperative Multidisciplinary Team Huddle Improves Communication and Safety for Unscheduled Cesarean Deliveries: A System Redesign Using Improvement Science
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39269911/

Leading the Way | Jigar Shah | Driving Clean Energy Innovation Through Finance and Leadership

Leading the Way | Jigar Shah | Driving Clean Energy Innovation Through Finance and Leadership

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Jigar Shah, a trailblazer in clean energy finance, shares his insights on scaling sustainable technology and aligning capital with long-term impact. Drawing from his experience as the founder of SunEdison and leader of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, Jigar discusses the challenges of commercializing clean energy solutions and the role of strategic leadership in accelerating the transition. He emphasizes the importance of financial innovation, building high-performing teams, and navigating industry shifts to drive lasting change. This episode offers valuable lessons on financing the clean energy future and leading with purpose.

Leading the Way | Jens Molbak | Harnessing Tri-Sector Innovation for Greater Impact

Leading the Way | Jens Molbak | Harnessing Tri-Sector Innovation for Greater Impact

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Jens Molbak, founder of Coinstar, WinWin, and NewImpact, shares his vision for leveraging tri-sector innovation aligning resources from businesses, nonprofits, and government to create systemic change. He discusses how his experience building Coinstar shaped his understanding of scalable impact and how NewImpact is pioneering a data-driven approach to solve complex societal challenges. Jens highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors, identifying underutilized assets, and shifting mindsets to unlock greater efficiency and innovation. This episode offers valuable insights on designing solutions that maximize shared value and create lasting social and economic benefits.

Exploring Ethnomusicology, Hindustani Music, and the Sarangi

Exploring Ethnomusicology, Hindustani Music, and the Sarangi

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In this episode, Dr. Suhail Yusuf joins Sindy Yang (MAR ’24) for a conversation about his identity and work as an ethnomusicologist and performing musician. They also dive into discussion about his main instrument, the sarangi, with its rich history and profound cultural connotations.

Developing the #1 religion app in the world with Bryan Enriquez

Developing the #1 religion app in the world with Bryan Enriquez

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Yale SOM grad Bryan Enriquez ’21 discusses launching the Hallow prayer app, argues that technology and artificial intelligence are good for religion and religious practice, and responds to critics who say that the marketing of Hallow commercializes faith.

Transcript available here: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/quadcast-developing-1-religion-app-world-bryan-enriquez

YJBM Science News Episode 29

YJBM Science News Episode 29

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Does mRNA play a role in cell migration? Can we use therapeutic vaccines to treat cancers like kidney cancer? Join co-hosts Majo and Roxanna in this week’s installment of YJBM Science News as they discuss the most recent Yale-affiliated biomedical and biological research that answers these questions and more!

Papers featured in this episode:
“Resolving the three-dimensional interactome of human accelerated regions during human and chimpanzee neurodevelopment” – http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.007
https://news.yale.edu/2025/02/06/study-sheds-light-genetic-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution
“A neoantigen vaccine generates antitumour immunity in renal cell carcinoma” – https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08507-5
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/personalized-therapeutic-vaccine-steers-the-immune-system-to-fight-kidney-cancer/
“G3BP1 ribonucleoprotein complexes regulate focal adhesion protein mobility and cell migration” – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115237
https://news.yale.edu/2025/02/13/feet-first-understanding-how-mrna-helps-cells-walk
“A human gut bacterium antagonizes neighboring bacteria by altering their protein-folding ability” – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2025.01.008
https://westcampus.yale.edu/news/2025-02-04-the-hidden-battle-in-your-gut-how-one-bacterium-outsmarts-its-rivals

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Leading the Way | Tarek Mouganie | Pioneer of financial inclusion in Africa

Leading the Way | Tarek Mouganie | Pioneer of financial inclusion in Africa

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Tarek Mouganie is the founder of Affinity, a digital bank revolutionizing financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa. With a background in engineering, physics, and finance, Tarek’s journey has been shaped by his desire to build platforms that unlock human potential. In this episode, he shares how his experiences from growing up in Ghana to his academic path at Cambridge and Imperial College led him to create a banking solution for underserved populations. Tarek discusses the challenges of launching a bank, the impact of financial access on small businesses, and his personal evolution as a leader. He also reflects on his time as a Yale World Fellow, where he explored how to scale his mission while maintaining personal balance.

Marisol Orihuela on Fighting for Mental Health Justice

Marisol Orihuela on Fighting for Mental Health Justice

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Clinical Professor of Law Marisol Orihuela talks about leading a new clinic focused on mental health justice, how mental health and criminal justice are intertwined, and the importance of decompressing during stressful times.

Episode webpage and transcript