Topics & People

Dean of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, who published a meta-analysis of 46 studies showing a slight positive association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and ADHD/autism spectrum disorder.

A condition where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy proteins, the subject of a new therapeutic breakthrough.

A protein that is essential for transporting folate (a B vitamin) into cells. The podcast discusses a theory where auto-antibodies against this receptor can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to the development of autism.

A common over-the-counter medication used to treat pain and fever. Its active ingredient, acetaminophen, is discussed in relation to a controversial study linking its use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children.

A neurological condition with rising diagnosis rates. Makary discusses potential causes beyond genetics, including autoimmune phenomena and the gut microbiome.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work. It's mentioned as an existing pathway for high-skilled graduates to work in the US.

A secret post-World War II United States program of intelligence and military personnel in which more than 1,600 German scientists, engineers, and technicians were recruited to the U.S. It is discussed as a potential model for a more strategic, targeted high-skilled immigration program.

Companies that provide IT services and outsourcing, which are accused in the podcast of abusing the H-1B visa system by securing a bulk of the visas for lower-wage workers rather than top-tier talent.

The foreign work visa program subjected to new fees and strict reform by the administration.

A term for Western democracies, which Schmidt believes have the correct values that should be proliferated through AI models, contrasting with Chinese models.

Vehicles used for space travel. Schmidt describes them as a challenging and immature technology compared to jet engines, where only 2% of the weight is payload.

A significant demographic issue threatening China's long-term economic strategy.