Episode
#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
3:35:45
Published: Wed Sep 01 2021
Description
Vincent Racaniello is a virologist, immunologist, and microbiologist at Columbia. He is a co-author of the textbook Principles of Virology and co-host of This Week in Virology podcast. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Privacy: https://privacy.com/lex to get $5 added to your account - Justworks: https://justworks.com - Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off - The Information: https://theinformation.com/lex to get 75% off first month - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil EPISODE LINKS: Vincent's Twitter: https://twitter.com/profvrr Vincent's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vincentracaniello Vincent's Podcast: https://www.microbe.tv/ Vincent's Website: http://www.virology.ws/ Vincent's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profvrr PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (10:24) - Microbiology by numbers (15:47) - From bacteria to an organism (23:46) - AlphaFold 2 (27:44) - Simulating an evolutionary arms race (53:11) - The most terrifying virus (1:14:54) - SARS-CoV-2 (1:29:38) - Coronaviruses and Influenza. What's the difference? (1:35:45) - Vaccines (1:41:43) - Lex on his reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine shot (1:47:39) - Modern vaccines (1:52:39) - How does mRNA vaccine work? (1:55:26) - Are mRNA vaccines safe? (2:21:52) - Lex on trust in authority (2:36:59) - Ivermectin (2:43:39) - Hydroxychloroquine (2:48:22) - Variants and mutations (2:55:20) - Testing (3:03:27) - How does COVID-19 spread? (3:06:37) - Masks (3:15:05) - Bret Weinstein vs Sam Harris (3:18:39) - This Week in Virology (3:28:19) - Advice for young people (3:30:42) - Meaning of life
Chapters
The speaker shares their personal decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19, based on their understanding of the data and the potential risks.
00:00 - 03:18 (03:18)
Summary
The speaker shares their personal decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19, based on their understanding of the data and the potential risks. They also discuss the dangers of fear and division, urging listeners to think critically and embrace love and compassion.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes that the administrative processes of preparing a meal should be made as efficient as possible to focus more on the joy of eating.
03:18 - 09:59 (06:41)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the administrative processes of preparing a meal should be made as efficient as possible to focus more on the joy of eating. They suggest excellent tools and people to take care of the messy HR and give importance to making a seamless experience.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Viruses infect everything on Earth, including bacteria, and there are more viruses in a liter of coastal seawater than there are people on Earth due to the need for a lot of DNA to create complex cells.
09:59 - 18:15 (08:15)
Summary
Viruses infect everything on Earth, including bacteria, and there are more viruses in a liter of coastal seawater than there are people on Earth due to the need for a lot of DNA to create complex cells.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses their curiosity towards the viruses that wild mice carry, and mentions that people can now send their feces to companies for sequencing the viruses in them.
18:15 - 24:47 (06:32)
Summary
The speaker expresses their curiosity towards the viruses that wild mice carry, and mentions that people can now send their feces to companies for sequencing the viruses in them. They also refer to the concern for viruses from mammals that are similar to humans.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Researchers can simulate the impact of virus pressure on the protein receptor of a host that is receptive to multiple viruses to observe the different proteins and multi-protein systems fighting against each other.
24:47 - 32:50 (08:03)
Summary
Researchers can simulate the impact of virus pressure on the protein receptor of a host that is receptive to multiple viruses to observe the different proteins and multi-protein systems fighting against each other. However, researchers interested in this kind of work are typically introverted and prefer avoiding socializing.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn how to avoid parasites like toxoplasma when trying different foods in foreign countries where eating raw meat is common.
32:50 - 38:12 (05:21)
Summary
Learn how to avoid parasites like toxoplasma when trying different foods in foreign countries where eating raw meat is common.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A virus is a parasite that needs to get inside of a cell to replicate and takes resources from the cell to make new viruses.
38:12 - 42:13 (04:00)
Summary
A virus is a parasite that needs to get inside of a cell to replicate and takes resources from the cell to make new viruses.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The RNA viruses are some of the most successful viruses due to their ability to exist at the error threshold, making it impossible to mutate without reproducing.
42:13 - 46:18 (04:05)
Summary
The RNA viruses are some of the most successful viruses due to their ability to exist at the error threshold, making it impossible to mutate without reproducing. In contrast, herpes viruses do not receive as much attention despite its existence in a majority of people.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
When robots interact with humans, they must be anthropomorphized to understand how they should operate in a human world.
46:18 - 50:58 (04:40)
Summary
When robots interact with humans, they must be anthropomorphized to understand how they should operate in a human world. This is due to the fact that robots operate on the same time and spatial scales as humans, unlike viruses, which operate on a much smaller scale.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The definition of a virus as alive or dead is a debated topic, but if you think of it as an organism with a particle phase in a cell, it makes sense to call it alive.
50:58 - 56:48 (05:49)
Summary
The definition of a virus as alive or dead is a debated topic, but if you think of it as an organism with a particle phase in a cell, it makes sense to call it alive. However, viruses would not be able to replicate or do anything without getting inside of a cell.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker questions the extent of medical care provided to animals living in the wild and draws attention to governments in Africa who refuse to use vaccines.
56:48 - 1:03:27 (06:38)
Summary
The speaker questions the extent of medical care provided to animals living in the wild and draws attention to governments in Africa who refuse to use vaccines.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode discusses the relationship between viruses and their hosts, whether it be plants, insects, or humans.
1:03:28 - 1:07:23 (03:55)
Summary
This episode discusses the relationship between viruses and their hosts, whether it be plants, insects, or humans. The more complex the host organism, the harder it is for the virus to control it.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The transmission of viruses is a powerful selection force for them to find a new host.
1:07:23 - 1:14:38 (07:14)
Summary
The transmission of viruses is a powerful selection force for them to find a new host. Researchers have used a pox virus called myxoma virus, which normally affects a different type of rabbit, to better understand the transmission of viruses in respiratory systems.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This transcript highlights the discovery of human coronaviruses that cause mild colds and the origin of coronaviruses in bats and camels that can infect humans and cause problems.
1:14:38 - 1:21:37 (06:59)
Summary
This transcript highlights the discovery of human coronaviruses that cause mild colds and the origin of coronaviruses in bats and camels that can infect humans and cause problems.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This transcript snippet discusses how researchers can modify viral DNA and put it back into cells to better understand the functional and structural parts of the virus, potentially leading to the creation of antiviral drugs or vaccines.
1:21:37 - 1:29:38 (08:01)
Summary
This transcript snippet discusses how researchers can modify viral DNA and put it back into cells to better understand the functional and structural parts of the virus, potentially leading to the creation of antiviral drugs or vaccines.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The influenza and coronavirus viruses belong to different families and have different characteristics, especially in terms of how the genetic material is structured inside the virus particle.
1:29:38 - 1:34:04 (04:25)
Summary
The influenza and coronavirus viruses belong to different families and have different characteristics, especially in terms of how the genetic material is structured inside the virus particle.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast covers the history of the first influenza vaccines developed by Jonas Salk in the 1940s and the process of vaccine trials.
1:34:04 - 1:41:54 (07:49)
Summary
This podcast covers the history of the first influenza vaccines developed by Jonas Salk in the 1940s and the process of vaccine trials. It also discusses cultural attitudes towards feeling sick and the idea of "toughing up".
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The debate between the use of the inactivated and infectious polio vaccines was sparked due to the oral polio virus vaccine causing polio in eight to 10 kids a year in the US alone, despite being used to eradicate polio.
1:41:54 - 1:47:40 (05:46)
Summary
The debate between the use of the inactivated and infectious polio vaccines was sparked due to the oral polio virus vaccine causing polio in eight to 10 kids a year in the US alone, despite being used to eradicate polio. Max Tyler used the human virus for the yellow fever vaccine.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Virus vectors are used to deliver genes or proteins to cells in order to treat genetic diseases or create vaccines, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 vaccines.
1:47:40 - 1:51:33 (03:53)
Summary
Virus vectors are used to deliver genes or proteins to cells in order to treat genetic diseases or create vaccines, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 vaccines. The years of studying adenovirus have allowed scientists to determine which genes can be safely cut out of the virus to allow for effective delivery without causing disease.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lipid nanoparticles in mRNA-based vaccines are injected into the muscle where they get taken up by cells in the body.
1:51:33 - 1:59:04 (07:30)
Summary
The lipid nanoparticles in mRNA-based vaccines are injected into the muscle where they get taken up by cells in the body. The mRNA doesn't last forever, unlike DNA, but it can stay in the body for a significant amount of time.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Concerns are raised about misrepresentation, lack of transparency, and inaccuracies in collection and reporting of COVID-19 data among top experts in the field, leading to inauthentic representation of the basic process of science and building intuition on the long-term effects of the virus.
1:59:04 - 2:10:32 (11:28)
Summary
Concerns are raised about misrepresentation, lack of transparency, and inaccuracies in collection and reporting of COVID-19 data among top experts in the field, leading to inauthentic representation of the basic process of science and building intuition on the long-term effects of the virus.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss the role of government in a capitalist society and the importance of selecting good people.
2:10:32 - 2:20:10 (09:38)
Summary
The host and guest discuss the role of government in a capitalist society and the importance of selecting good people. They also touch on the potential dangers of conspiracy theories that challenge the mainstream narrative in the age of social media.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of openness in gaining the public's trust in science and the role of data in making decisions during times of uncertainty, specifically with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine.
2:20:10 - 2:26:41 (06:30)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of openness in gaining the public's trust in science and the role of data in making decisions during times of uncertainty, specifically with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses vaccine hesitancy and mentions the importance of getting kids vaccinated not only for the benefit of society but for the well-being of each individual child.
2:26:41 - 2:35:36 (08:55)
Summary
The speaker discusses vaccine hesitancy and mentions the importance of getting kids vaccinated not only for the benefit of society but for the well-being of each individual child.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the censorship of Covid-19 treatments like Ivermectin from YouTube and the influence of money in vaccine research and production.
2:35:36 - 2:43:26 (07:49)
Summary
A discussion on the censorship of Covid-19 treatments like Ivermectin from YouTube and the influence of money in vaccine research and production.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 has been widely debated, but author and scientist Alex Wong explains the flaws in the early studies and how it does not effectively reduce the virus in humans.
2:43:26 - 2:48:12 (04:46)
Summary
The use of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 has been widely debated, but author and scientist Alex Wong explains the flaws in the early studies and how it does not effectively reduce the virus in humans.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Researchers are exploring the strategy of devising a broad vaccine to handle evolving variants of the virus similar to those used against the flu.
2:48:12 - 2:54:55 (06:42)
Summary
Researchers are exploring the strategy of devising a broad vaccine to handle evolving variants of the virus similar to those used against the flu.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Michael Minna's innovative idea of developing an inexpensive, self-administered Covid-19 test could potentially help with scaling testing efforts.
2:54:55 - 3:00:19 (05:23)
Summary
Michael Minna's innovative idea of developing an inexpensive, self-administered Covid-19 test could potentially help with scaling testing efforts. A PCR test can check for viral RNA in cells and mucus and determine whether someone is shedding the virus, stopping transmission up to a million copies of RNA.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The efficacy of masks in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 is discussed as a potential solution to reopen society.
3:00:19 - 3:08:31 (08:12)
Summary
The efficacy of masks in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 is discussed as a potential solution to reopen society. The discussion covers the epidemiological aspect of mask-wearing in different populations, as well as the importance of the quality and material of masks in reducing viral load.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of revealing uncertainty and trusting intelligence in people.
3:08:31 - 3:13:45 (05:13)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of revealing uncertainty and trusting intelligence in people. The topic touches on controversial mass issues in the 20th century and the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast hosts discuss the balance between vaccines and testing for COVID-19 and the hesitancy towards the vaccine for certain groups of people.
3:13:47 - 3:20:20 (06:33)
Summary
The podcast hosts discuss the balance between vaccines and testing for COVID-19 and the hesitancy towards the vaccine for certain groups of people.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Amid the pandemic, people are still willing to help each other, and the vaccine manufacturers are genuinely dedicated to providing solutions to the health crisis.
3:20:20 - 3:28:03 (07:42)
Summary
Amid the pandemic, people are still willing to help each other, and the vaccine manufacturers are genuinely dedicated to providing solutions to the health crisis. Despite the isolation and other challenges brought about by the pandemic, love remains a powerful force that unites people and keeps them going.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host ponders on giving advice for young individuals on how to live a life they could be proud of and reflects on the beauty of the universe.
3:28:03 - 3:31:40 (03:37)
Summary
The host ponders on giving advice for young individuals on how to live a life they could be proud of and reflects on the beauty of the universe.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Humans are unique in their ability to contemplate their own mortality, compared to other animals who are more focused on perpetuating their species through offspring and finding food.
3:31:40 - 3:34:40 (02:59)
Summary
Humans are unique in their ability to contemplate their own mortality, compared to other animals who are more focused on perpetuating their species through offspring and finding food.
Episode#216 – Vincent Racaniello: Viruses and Vaccines
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Vincent Racaniello explains how viruses have played a fundamental role in the evolution of life on Earth, including the oxygenation of the planet and the creation of multicellular organisms.
3:34:41 - 3:35:41 (00:59)
Summary
Vincent Racaniello explains how viruses have played a fundamental role in the evolution of life on Earth, including the oxygenation of the planet and the creation of multicellular organisms.