The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Journal Club with Dr. Peter Attia | Metformin for Longevity & The Power of Belief Effects
In this journal club episode, my guest is Stanford and Johns Hopkins-trained physician, Dr. Peter Attia, M.D., who is also the host of The Drive podcast and the author of the bestselling book "Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity."
We each present a scientific paper and discuss the findings' strengths, weaknesses and actionable takeaways.
First, we discuss an article that addresses whether taking the drug metformin can enhance longevity. Then, we discuss an article on belief effects (similar to placebo effects), showing how the effects of a drug on the brain and cognition depend on one's belief about the dose of the drug taken, not the actual dose.
Our conversation also highlights how to read, interpret and critique scientific studies. This episode ought to be of interest to those curious about health and longevity, medicine and psychology and for anyone seeking to better understand how to read and digest scientific findings.
For the full show notes, including articles, books, and other resources, visit hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Peter Attia, Journal Club
00:03:27 Sponsors: Helix Sleep & Levels
00:06:11 Dreams
00:12:36 Article #1, Metformin, Mitochondria, Blood Glucose
00:19:47 Type 2 Diabetes & Causes, Insulin Resistance
00:25:30 Type 2 Diabetes Medications, Metformin, Geroprotection, Bannister Study
00:36:19 Sponsor: AG1
00:37:15 TAME Trial; Demographics, Twin Cohort
00:44:27 Metformin & Mortality Rate
00:51:28 Kaplan-Meier Mortality Curve, Error Bars & Significance, Statistical Power
01:01:17 Sponsor: InsideTracker
01:02:23 Hazard Ratios, Censoring
01:09:00 Metformin Advantage?, Variables, Interventions Testing Program
01:16:02 Berberine, Acarbose, SGLT2 Inhibitors
01:23:48 Blood Glucose & Energy Balance; Caloric Restriction, Aging Biomarkers
01:32:22 Tool: Reading Journal Articles, 4 Questions, Supplemental Information
01:38:10 Article #2, Belief Effects vs. Placebo Effect
01:45:22 Nicotine Effects
01:51:07 Nicotine Doses & Belief Effects, fMRI Scan
02:00:07 Biological Effects, Dose-Dependent Response & Belief Effects
02:05:14 Biology & Beliefs, Significance, Dopamine Response, Non-Smokers
02:10:57 Dose-Dependence & Beliefs, Side Effects, Nocebo Effect
02:19:06 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac