Melanie Matheu: Turning Science into Impact

Howie and Harlan are joined by Melanie Matheu, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Lyric Bio, who also shares evidence-based health and science information on TikTok as LaughterinLight PhD. They discuss developing new antibody therapies, building biotech companies, and communicating complex science to the public. Harlan warns that AI could drive up healthcare costs unless payment models change; Howie highlights encouraging declines in traffic deaths while noting the growing risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.

Show notes:

AI and Healthcare Costs

"What Is Fee for Service in Healthcare and How It Works"

"Payment for Clinical AI"

"CMS floats new Medicare payment category for AI diagnostic software: 6 notes"

Melanie Matheu

LaughterinLight PhD on TikTok

Lyric Bio

Hyper-IgM (HIgM) Syndromes

Polyclonal Antibodies (PAbs)

Autoimmune Diseases

Kawasaki disease

NIH: R01 research grants

Prellis Biologics

Cyclosporiasis

"FDA says false-positive lettuce test doesn't change Taylor Farms cyclospora probe"

WHO: Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dr. Zachary Rubin

From Bench to Bedside podcast

Zachary Rubin: All About Allergies: How to Live Well with Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever and More

Road Safety

"The '100 Deadliest Days' Have Begun"

WHO: "Road deaths fall by 21% globally but stronger action is needed to save lives"

NHTSA: "Crash-Stats: Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate in 2025"

Consumer Product Safety Commission: "Micromobility Products-Related Deaths Injuries and Hazard Patterns 2017-2024"

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Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.