Theory and Practice

Theory and Practice

Theory and Practice opens the doors to the cutting edge of biology and computer science through conversations with leaders in the field. The podcast is hosted by Anthony Philippakis (a cardiologist and genomicist, Venture Partner at GV, Chief Data Officer at the Broad Institute) and Alex Wiltschko (neuroscientist, CEO of Osmo, and Entrepreneur in Residence at GV.

In season 3, we explored scientific discoveries that would be most impactful on all our futures, delving deep into the languages of life through explorations of the "dark genome," genome editing, protein folding, and more.

In season 4, we'll explore one of humanity's most rapidly advancing and impactful changes: what does it mean to be human in the age of AI when computers and robots are accomplishing more human functions? How will AI with human-level skills influence us and enhance the world around us? How will we change AI, and how will it change us?

Recent Episodes

Calico’s Cynthia Kenyon on The Science of Aging

Calico’s Cynthia Kenyon on The Science of Aging

April 19, 2022

For millennia, humans have believed that aging is inevitable. Yet thirty years ago, the work of Professor Cynthia Kenyon and her colleagues showed that a single gene mutation in a worm doubled its lifespan and postponed the …

Geoffrey Hinton on the Exploration of Thought

Geoffrey Hinton on the Exploration of Thought

April 12, 2022

What is a thought? Some may think that question is quite abstract, but it has huge implications for science and computer design.

The Future of Psychiatry with Professor Karl Deisseroth

The Future of Psychiatry with Professor Karl Deisseroth

April 5, 2022

Psychiatry is changing and will be unrecognizable in the next 10-20 years, given our new understanding about the role of brain circuits in the generation of emotions and behavior. This week we talk to Professor Karl Deissero…

An Exploration of Protein Folding with Professor David Baker

An Exploration of Protein Folding with Professor David Baker

March 29, 2022

This week we speak with Professor David Baker about the enormous scope for making new proteins and how that translates into practical uses to tackle diseases, such as Covid-19.

Guest: David Baker
The Future of Cancer Medicine with Dr. Jay Bradner, President of Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research

The Future of Cancer Medicine with Dr. Jay Bradner, President of Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research

March 22, 2022

In the last 20 years or so, many new cancer treatments have emerged that provide greater precision and targeting of cancer cells. Today, we have a better understanding of the genetic components of cancer. Through novel…

Breaking Barriers in Gene Editing with Harvard Professor David Liu

Breaking Barriers in Gene Editing with Harvard Professor David Liu

March 15, 2022

Genome editing holds the potential to be a transformative new therapy, and the pace of progress is truly breathtaking.

Guest: David Liu

About the Hosts

Alex WiltchkoProfile Photo

Alex Wiltchko

Alex Wiltschko is a neuroscientist, Chief Executive of Osmo.ai and Entrepreneur in Residence at GV.

Anthony PhilippakisProfile Photo

Anthony Philippakis

Anthony Philippakis is a physician, geneticist, and data scientist. He is currently a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a venture partner at GV, and the chief data officer at Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT.