Nina’s Notes Podcast

This week I sat down with Zack Abbott, Founder & CEO of ZBiotics, maker of the world's first genetically engineered probiotic to go to market.We get into why hangovers were never really about dehydration, the culprit is acetaldehyde, a toxin your gut produces while you drink, and how ZBiotics engineered a bacteria that breaks it down right where it forms. We talk about why every bottle proudly says "GMO," the two-hour rule for drinking and sleep, and their second product: a probiotic that builds fiber from the sugar you're already eating, in a country where 95% of us don't get enough. Plus the radiation-recovery pitch that started it all, surviving COVID after their manufacturer walked away, and the Silicon Valley investors who doubted hangovers exist.Watch & listen to the whole episode on 🔴YouTube 🟢 Spotify, 🟣 Apple Podcasts, 🟠 Substack PodcastsTimestamps* 00:00 Introduction* 00:59 Champagne moments: the world's first GMO probiotic launch* 05:16 Vinegar moments: COVID, canceled occasions, and losing the manufacturer* 11:12 Why "proudly GMO" is printed on every bottle* 18:47 Why you take it before you drink — not after* 22:50 Alcohol and sleep: the two-hour rule* 26:44 The radiation-recovery pitch that came before ZBiotics* 33:06 Pitching VCs who asked if hangovers were real* 40:07 The acetaldehyde mechanism: why it's not dehydration* 45:11 Sugar-to-Fiber and the fiber deficiency problem* 48:38 Sachets, flavors, and habit stackingLINKS* ZBiotics & Nina’s Promo* ZBiotics Linkedin* Zack’s LinkedInABOUT ZACK ABBOTT: Zack Abbott is the founder and CEO of ZBiotics, a company working to develop practical applications of synthetic biology. After completing his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan, he focused on using genetic engineering to build new probiotics that could help solve everyday problems in unique ways. At ZBiotics, he works with a talented team, ultimately aiming to make biotechnology more accessible and useful in people's daily lives. He believes in the potential of synthetic biology to create practical solutions and continues to explore new possibilities in this field.ABOUT NINA'S NOTES: Nina's Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA'S NOTES* Newsletter: https://www.ninasnotes.xyz* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/* Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

This week I sit down with Ekua Yankah, founder of Awodee, a social epidemiologist who left a long career in the UN system, learned the power of big period data at Berlin's Clue, and is now building the research infrastructure to cure endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS, conditions affecting over 170 million women worldwide.Ekua’s founder story starts with a diagnosis. Her doctors found a 9cm, baseball-sized ovarian cyst at 23 years old, then found more than 10 fibroids, and recommended surgery at 39. She navigated symptom-free menopause with tai chi, qigong, and acupuncture (her experience, not a prescription). Through this experience she learned the harsh realities of the medical system and the gaps in women’s health. Like why insurers file these conditions under "fertility" or "pre-existing" and refuse to pay.Her company Awodee's is focused on research-ready data collection with partners like Nigeria's Fertitude, women as co-creators, starting with a self-funded 200-woman study in Kenya.We also discuss Lupita Nyong'o's 75 fibroids, the "Period Insurance" dream, and the first-day-of-your-cycle leave policy at Awodee.Watch & listen to the whole episode on 🔴YouTube 🟢 Spotify, 🟣 Apple Podcasts, 🟠 Substack PodcastsTimestamps00:00 Teaser: a 20-year mission to cure fibroids00:49 Welcome: Nina's first in-person interview, meet Ekua and Awodee01:50 From the UN system to FemTech at Clue03:23 Ekua's story: a 9 cm cyst at 23, 10+ fibroids, surgery at 3906:08 The "Period Insurance" dream: six-month data check-ins08:07 Why insurance calls it "fertility" and won't pay11:07 The Big Three decoded: endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS13:56 Lupita Nyong'o's 75 fibroids and going public15:33 You are the expert on your own body18:18 Funding gaps, environmental factors, and unequal care20:39 Awodee's model: research-ready data, women as co-creators23:04 Not an app: partnering with Fertitude and existing trackers26:10 The womb as ancestral technology: Daoism meets longevity28:41 Ekua's routine: TCM, qigong, and a symptom-free menopause32:13 The self-funded 200-woman pilot study in Kenya37:36 Where to start if you suspect endo, PCOS, or fibroids41:31 Rapid-fire: qigong, funding blind spots, harmful myths43:51 First-day-of-cycle leave: working with your cycle45:53 How to find Ekua and what's next for AwodeeRESOURCESClue - Period Tracking App - https://helloclue.comEndometriosis Society of Kenya - https://www.facebook.com/Endometriosiskenya/Lupita Nyong'o Fibroids Campaign - https://www.foundationwomenshealth.org/lupitaTraditional Chinese Medicine - Ovarian Breathing - https://example.com/ovarian-breathingABOUT DR. EKUA YANKAH:Social epidemiologist with a PhD from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and 15 years at UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. Founder of Awodee, a frontier health research platform closing the data gap on African women's health. Her personal longevity journey through Tai Chi, Yoga and Traditional Medicine runs alongside her epidemiological work, making her a rare bridge between ancestral practice and global health science.CONNECT WITH EKUA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/africanwomenshealth/ABOUT NINA'S NOTES:Nina's Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA'S NOTESNewsletter:https://www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website:https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

How Neera's Vibroacoustic Bed Helps You Fall Asleep Faster"If you sleep this way, you wouldn't want to sleep another way.”When Igor said this, I had to go and try out the Neera bed myself, and afterward I interviewed Igor about the innovative science and technology behind Neera. It is a device designed to improve sleep through vibrational frequencies and personalized algorithms. In our conversation we explore how this technology can transform sleep quality and overall well-being.Topics:* Science of vibrational frequencies and sleep* Personalized algorithms for sleep optimization* Acoustic and mechanical engineering in sleep devices* The role of frequencies in regulating nervous system and chakras* User experience and self-reporting in sleep tech* Future developments in vibrational sleep technologyTimestamps:* 0:33 Who Igor is and what Neera does* 1:19 Why he built it: devices measure, apparatuses act* 2:57 Why sleep is the highest-leverage longevity target* 4:05 “See how it feels” and the phrase that sold it* 5:30 Where standard sleep advice runs out* 6:32 The mechanism: frequencies through touch, not ears* 9:48 Do solfeggio frequencies and brainwaves connect?* 11:24 Making 2 Hz on a mattress without a giant speaker* 12:38 Composing a state, and AI programs on request* 15:02 Personalization: wearables, self-reporting, onboard sensors* 17:23 Nina’s session, and the cat purr program* 20:12 Chakra frequencies and the 96% blind test* 21:54 Inside the mattress: actuators and waveguides* 24:57 Validating with EEG and the cost of clean sleep research* 27:05 Day programs vs night programs* 28:43 Who it works best for: athletes, NSDR, day reboots* 29:58 Sleep inertia and the 3am wake-up* 32:53 Catching micro-wakeups and returning you to sleep* 35:06 The first week, and napping vs the 20-minute program* 39:12 Hardest part: hardware or software?* 41:15 The one non-responder* 42:09 Launch & Founders ClubABOUT IGOR:Igor is the co-founder of Neera. They are building nervous system regulation hardware for high performers. Over 15+ years in deep tech, he was design director on YotaPhone, the first dual-screen smartphone, and co-founded Gero (disease prediction from wearable movement data) and Atmotube (air quality sensing, 70,000+ units shipped, used in research at Stanford and Harvard).CONNECT WITH NEERA:* Website: https://neeralab.com/* Neera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neerasleep/* Igor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorme/ABOUT NINA'S NOTES: Nina's Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA'S NOTES* Newsletter:https://www.ninasnotes.xyz* LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/* Website:https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

I asked Drew if we were heading toward a future where my younger cells become a currency I could trade. He didn’t say “no”.There’s a version of you from ten years ago. Skin that bounced back, hair that grew in thick, cells that healed fast and inflamed less.That version is gone.Unless you saved it.This week on the Nina’s Notes Podcast, I sit down with Drew Taylor, CEO of Acorn Biolabs, whose team figured out that the stem cell goldmine we’ve been drilling into hip bones to reach has been sitting at the root of your hair this whole time.With their protocol, you pluck about hairs from the back of your head at your doctor’s office, the follicles get shipped to a lab, checked for viability, and dropped into liquid nitrogen at -196°C.At that temperature there’s no metabolism. No aging. Nothing.A version of you, frozen mid-sentence in storage for when you need it.And, banking those cells costs less than Netflix. $190 a year for frozen storage.Acorn has already taken plucked hair follicles, turned them into iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells which can become anything) and turned them into cartilage, bone, fat, and neurons. They even pushed those neurons into the exact dopamine-producing cells that Parkinson’s destroys. Acron is also exploring using their protocol to create pancreatic cells for type 1 diabetes, and natural killer cells that hunt down senescent and cancerous cells, the same population that falls off a cliff as we age.Oh, and three patients have reported their gray hairs coming back. Nobody was tracking for that!I also asked - Who actually owns your cells if the company gets acquired? Does banking at 12 versus 45 create a two-tier longevity system? He answered both without flinching.Watch & listen to the whole episode on 🔴YouTube 🟢 Spotify, 🟣 Apple Podcasts, 🟠 Substack PodcastsTimestamps00:00 Introduction to the future of healthcare and cell currency02:05 The significance of cells in regenerative medicine06:19 Innovative methods for stem cell collection from hair follicles08:26 From plucked hair to banked cells: the process explained15:31 The secretome: what it is and how it benefits skin and hair24:40 Protocols and treatments for skin and hair regeneration28:30 Using AI to enhance regenerative medicine workflows37:32 Future therapeutics: from 3D printed organs to cell therapies44:28 Ownership, accessibility, and the future of cell banking52:39 Sci-fi visions of medicine: bioprinting and organ regeneration53:26 The importance of early cell banking and next stepsLINKSAcorn Biolabs - https://acorn.me/Cell Banking - https://acorn.me/cell-banking/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-taylor-65b6ab10/ABOUT DREW TAYLOR:Dr. Drew Taylor is Founder and CEO of Acorn Biolabs, a regenerative medicine company pioneering the use of a person’s own cells to power longevity, aesthetics, and personalized healthcare. With a PhD in stem cell bioengineering, he leads development of the world’s first non-invasive platform for banking hair follicle stem cells and YOU™, an autologous secretome for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and recovery. His work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and NewBeauty, and Acorn now partners with more than 200 medical practices across North America.ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: https://www.niasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

John Krakauer, neuroscientist & neurologist, builds therapeutic games for a living, and he is also one of the most honest skeptics you will hear on what actually helps the brain. In this conversation we get into the messy truth behind brain training, why he does not buy most of the hype, and the one long-term study on dementia that he genuinely cannot explain away.From there we go somewhere bigger. We talk about why AI keeps looking smarter every year (and why part of that might be us getting a little dumber), why "uploading your brain" belongs in the same bucket as imagining a plane flying backwards, and why the whole idea of longevity might be a misnomer, since most people do not want more years, they want to be young again.In this episode you will learn:- How most brain training falls short of what it promises, and the surprising result that made Krakauer pause- Why language lets us describe impossible things fluently, and what that means for claims about consciousness and brain uploading- Why medicine reaches for the gadget and skips the hard behavioural work, and why it can be harder to rehabilitate doctors than patients- What immersive, almost psychedelic digital experiences might offer for healing without any drug involvedChapters00:00 Introduction to John and his work in neurotechnology02:06 Overview of the Champlimaud Institute for Brain Research and Repair03:59 Digital Neurotherapeutic Center and its impact06:51 Comparing Hopkins and Champlimaud's approaches to neurotherapy09:55 The concept of digital psychedelics and immersive experiences15:02 Decoupling psychedelic experiences from drugs19:52 Long-term effects of brain training and cognitive games24:50 The potential of digital psychedelics in stroke and neuroplasticity29:56 The importance of sleep, diet, and exercise for brain health34:58 The future of brain uploading and collective consciousness40:06 The role of exergaming and immersive therapy spaces44:48 Prevention and treatment of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases49:54 Barriers to behavioral change in medicine and wellness55:07 The cultural and societal aspects of longevity and aging01:00:09 The human desire for youth and the meaning of aging01:04:58 The limitations of AI and the imagination of future technology01:09:56 Book recommendations and reflections on culture and philosophyThanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Frederik Dierick, a family and sports medicine physician turned founder of Pioneer Wellness Group, to explore how hospitality could become one of the most effective (and most overlooked) tools for helping millions of people live longer, healthier lives.Listen & watch on 🔴YouTube 🟢 Spotify, & 🟣 Apple PodcastsFrederik makes the case that hotels and resorts are uniquely positioned to deliver science-backed longevity care at scale: guests arrive with time, attention, and motivation that almost never exists in a doctor’s office. We dig into what it actually takes to build a luxury wellness experience that’s grounded in real clinical science (not spa-day wellness theater), why nutrition is the most sensitive topic in medicine, where AI fits in as a health accountability partner, and what it will take to democratize longevity so it’s not just for the ultra-wealthy.CHAPTERS* 00:00 The Journey to Longevity Medicine* 05:47 Creating Transformative Experiences in Hospitality* 12:01 Practical Applications of Health in Hospitality* 18:00 The Future of Longevity in Hospitality* 23:57 The Challenges of Personalized Medicine* 29:10 Challenges in Patient Care and Systemic Issues* 38:35 Democratizing Longevity Medicine* 45:07 Nutrition: The Most Sensitive Topic* 51:16 The Future of Health HospitalityABOUT DR. FREDERIK DIERICK Dr. Frederik Dierick trained as a family and sports medicine doctor before founding Pioneer Wellness Group, a consultancy on a mission to turn hotels and resorts into the world’s most powerful health platforms. He works at the intersection of clinical medicine and hospitality, helping brands build wellness experiences rooted in real science rather than trend-driven spa treatments.CONNECT WITH PIONEER WELLNESS GROUP: * Website: https://www.pioneerwellnessgroup.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederikdierick/ABOUT NINA’S NOTESNina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyzKeywords: longevity, health optimization, hospitality, wellness, science, experience, behavior change, AI health coaching, preventive medicine, luxury wellnessThanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

Can a 5-minute brain scan detect dementia years before symptoms?Jurij Dreo, co-founder and CTO of BrainTrip, draws on 20+ years of EEG research to reveal how brain activity can be measured, interpreted, and used to catch the earliest signs of cognitive decline and dementia — often before they’re visible or irreversible.In this episode of Nina’s Notes, host Nina Patrick (PhD) and Jurij explore the real potential of EEG technology, why it’s been underused in clinics, and where brain-health diagnostics are headed next. If you care about protecting your memory and measuring your cognitive capital, this one’s for you.🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The fascination with the brain 03:49 – Neuroscience vs. genetics in clinical practice 06:17 – Understanding EEG: the hidden talent 11:50 – EEG waves and brain health 18:31 – EEG in cognitive decline & dementia 25:32 – Cogniscore: a new approach to brain health 29:26 – Understanding Cogniscore & cognitive assessment 32:24 – The accessibility of EEG testing 35:34 – Advancements in EEG technology 38:24 – Interpreting cognitive assessment results 44:17 – Next steps after cognitive assessment 45:59 – When to get a Cogniscore assessment 47:43 – Daily practices for brain health 52:01 – The brain of Marie CurieWHAT YOU’LL LEARN* Why EEG beats other brain-imaging tools for early detection* How brain waves reveal your mental and cognitive state* The challenges of turning EEG research into clinical tools* How EEG can flag early dementia and cognitive decline* How AI and machine learning decode EEG data* Network-level brain activity and why it matters* How accessible EEG assessments are right now* The future of EEG for diagnosing brain disordersABOUT JURIJ DREO Jurij Dreo is a Slovenian leader in neuroscience and brainwave analysis with over 20 years of experience. His work targets one of the defining health challenges of our time: cognitive decline. Through validated brain-monitoring methods, he’s built a system that detects the earliest signs of memory loss — making it possible to intervene before decline becomes irreversible. From clinical research to directing EEG labs, he bridges science and real-world application, setting new standards for how high performers protect and strengthen brain function over time.BrainTrip: https://braintrip.net/BrainTrip LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintrip/Jurij Dreo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurij-dreo-38360b198/ABOUT NINA’S NOTES Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz#EEG #BrainHealth #Dementia #CognitiveDecline #Neuroscience #Longevity #BrainTrip #Neurotech #MemoryLoss #NinasNotes #AIinHealthcare #Biohacking #HealthyAging #Neurotechnology #DigitalHealth Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

Loneliness can cost you up to 20 years of healthy life. More than poor sleep. More than any supplement. And until now, there was no way to measure it.Dr. Axel Schumacher spent 25 years at the forefront of genomics and epigenetic clock research and says your social life is a more powerful longevity biomarker than anything in your bloodwork. In this episode, he walks through the Social Connectivity Value (SCV): a framework he developed to map your social network, identify the relationships that drain your energy, and turn your social health into a number you can actually track. What you’ll learn:* Why loneliness can cost 12–20 years of healthy life (men are hit harder than women) and why the “smoking 15 cigarettes a day” statistic doesn’t change behavior without a way to measure it* How to build a sociogram using Dunbar’s three layers, assign energy values to every person in your life (including the ones dragging you down), and calculate your SCV score* Why looking for a romantic partner through your close friends almost never works, and the “super connector” strategy that statistically gives you access to 150 new people from a single introductionWhat’s the link between loneliness, AI companions, and living to 150? We get into all of it.Timestamps* 00:05 – Intro* 01:35 – Meet Dr. Axel Schumacher* 02:21 – From Genomics to Social Science (The Pivot)* 04:28 – How Loneliness Affects Your Health Span* 06:36 – The Loneliness Epidemic & Declining Birth Rates* 07:47 – Why Is Social Health So Hard to Measure?* 09:56 – The Holt-Lunstad Meta-Analysis Explained* 10:47 – Introducing the Social Connectivity Value (SCV)* 12:44 – The Sociogram: Mapping Your Social World* 13:13 –Building Your Sociogram: Mapping Social Connections* 14:54 – The Dunbar Layers: Your 3 Social Circles* 15:22 – The Invisible Load: Identifying Energy-Draining Relationships* 17:03 – The Invisible Load of Toxic Relationships* 20:09 – The Role of Family and Close Connections* 22:38 – What Is Your SCV Score?* 24:51 – How Your Nervous System Responds to Others* 28:08 – Tracking Your Social Life Like a Biohacker* 30:44 – Introverts vs Extroverts & Social Energy* 31:49 – AI Companions & The Future of Connection* 35:31 – Should Your Partner Be Everything?* 37:34 – Weak Ties & Super Connectors* 41:37 – The Mathematical Magic of Super Connectors* 42:57 – Rapid Fire: Social Media — Net Positive or Negative?* 43:51 – SCV vs Epigenetic Clocks: Which Matters More?* 44:59 – The Best City for Human Connection* 47:12 – One Weekly Habit to Protect Your Social HealthABOUT DR. AXEL SCHUMACHER: Longevity scientist and epigenetics researcher with over 25 years of experience, believes the most powerful biomarker for how long you live isn’t in your blood it’s in your relationships. After decades at the forefront of genomics and biomarker discovery, he now focuses on quantifying human connection, developing the Social Connectivity Value (SCV), a first-of-its-kind framework to measure your social network as a health metric and longevity tool.RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Website: https://www.grailmaster.com* YouTube ‘Inside the Dating Mind’: https://bit.ly/4s2U2i4* Axel’s Longevity Protocol: https://bit.ly/4qIL0pZ* Sociogram Preprint with DOI: https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/m6h58_v1* X: https://x.com/TheGrailmaster* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_grailmaster/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draxelschumacher/ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyzThanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

This week on the Nina’s Notes Podcast, I sit down with Nahid Zoukaei, an Oxford researcher, cognitive neuroscientist, and founder of Cerebella, to explore why menopause may be one of the most overlooked neurological transitions in a woman’s life.We talk about the connection between menopause, brain fog, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s risk, why women are often dismissed when reporting cognitive symptoms, and how hormonal changes can directly affect the brain during midlife.Dr. Zoukaei also shares the science behind estrogen and brain health, the future of non-drug cognitive therapies, and what women can do today to better protect their long-term cognitive health.KEY TOPICS:* How hormonal changes during midlife affect memory, focus, mood, and cognition.* Why menopause-related brain fog is a real neurological symptom, not “just stress.”* Exploring why women make up the majority of Alzheimer’s patients.* How estrogen supports memory, cognition, and overall brain function.* Why women’s midlife health has been historically overlooked in science and healthcare.* How non-drug cognitive interventions may help support women’s brain health.* The importance of sleep, exercise, hearing health, and staying mentally active during midlife.TIMESTAMPS:* 00:00 – Why 60% of Alzheimer’s Patients Are Women* 00:39 – Leaving Academia to Build a Women’s Brain Health Startup* 05:13 – The Menopause–Alzheimer’s Link Explained* 06:27 – Understanding Menopause and Brain Health* 13:55 – Brain Fog Is Not Taken Seriously And What Brain Fog REALLY Means* 17:36 – Women Are Being Gaslit About Menopause Symptoms* 19:18 – Menopause as a Window to Prevent Alzheimer’s* 23:34 – Why Most Brain Training Apps Don’t Work* 29:06 – Building Brain Games for Women in Midlife* 35:11 – Early Symptoms Women Should NEVER Ignore* 38:35 – Why Women’s Health Research Is So Behind* 42:11 – What Women Can Do TODAY for Better Brain Health* 45:41 – Why So Many Women Quit Their Jobs During Menopause* 47:21 – The Worst Advice Doctors Give WomenABOUT NAHID ZOUKAEI: Nahid Zoukaei is a cognitive neuroscientist, Oxford researcher, and Founder of Cerebella, is focused on advancing women’s brain health through science-backed digital therapeutics and non-drug cognitive interventions. After more than a decade researching dementia, cognition, and aging, she now works at the intersection of neuroscience, menopause, and Alzheimer’s prevention helping redefine how women’s cognitive health is understood and supported during midlife.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Website: https://www.cerebella.health/WhatApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H5tNvI5LPAE4OmOOeBrHc1Professor Aimee Spector’s Lab: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/1239-aimee-spectorNahid Zoukaei Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahid-zokaei-b3795563/ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: https://www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyzThanks for reading Nina’s Notes!This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katrin Dreissigacker, a plastic surgeon turned longevity architect and founder of Epigenedit, to explore why hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be one of the most overlooked tools in longevity science.We talk about her journey from a small village in East Germany to becoming known as the “Queen of Needles,” how she reversed markers of biological aging, improved her VO2 max in midlife, and why oxygen, mitochondria, skin health, resilience, and reinvention are all deeply connected.Key Topics:* Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its role in longevity* Innovations in aesthetic medicine and needling techniques* The impact of oxygen saturation on aging and skin health* Biomarkers of aging and how hyperbaric oxygen influences them* The use of peptides and biohacking for healthspan extensionTimestamps:* 00:00 – Reversing Biological Age? The Power of Oxygen* 00:30 – From East Germany to Elite Medicine* 02:30 – Why She Chose Medicine (Unexpected Path)* 02:57 – What Is Aesthetic Medicine (Beyond Vanity)* 05:14 – “Queen of Needles” & Revolutionizing Fillers* 08:46 – First Encounter with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy* 11:24 – From Pandemic to Longevity Innovation* 12:43 – Why She Built Her Own HBOT Chamber* 16:22 – Can HBOT Really Improve VO2 Max?* 18:02 – How HBOT Actually Works (Simple Explanation)* 20:11 – Mild vs Medical HBOT: What’s the Difference?* 21:23 – What It Improves: Sleep, Recovery & Aging* 24:00 – How Often Should You Do HBOT?* 26:17 – Risks, Side Effects & Common Fears* 30:40 – The Real Benefits (Why You Don’t Feel It Immediately)* 33:29 – Skin, Collagen & The ‘Glow Effect’* 36:04 – Who Should NOT Use HBOT?* 38:22 – Peptides: Hype or Breakthrough?* 42:48 – Biggest Misconceptions About HBOT* 44:24 – Most Overused Aesthetic Treatment Today* 47:10 – Daily Habits for Longevity & Energy* 48:08 – What Shows Up on Your Skin the Most?* 49:49 – Reinvent Yourself at Any AgeABOUT DR. KATRIN DREISSIGACKER: Physician, pioneer in aesthetic medicine and Co-Founder of EpigenEdit, believes ageing is not something to fight but something to design. After three decades at the forefront of aesthetics, she now focuses on longevity science, using tools such as mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support cellular regeneration, performance, and vitality from within.RESOURCES MENTIONED:* www.epigenedit.com* Instagram: @epigenedit_europe / @katrin_dreissigacker* LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-dreissigacker* Katrin’s individual practice: www.katrin-dreissigacker.comABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better.CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: www.ninapatrick.xyzThanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe