The "Science of" podcast episode, hosted by students from the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA and the Elementary Institute of Science, features Dr. Alexander Wallace, a postdoctoral fellow at UCSD's psychiatry department. Dr. Wallace discusses the impact of substance use on neurodevelopment and aerobic fitness in young adults. He highlights the complexities of substance use, including the misconceptions about users and the effects of substances like cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine on the developing brain. Dr. Wallace also touches on the role of aerobic fitness in brain health and the ABCD study, which aims to understand the factors influencing substance use. The episode concludes with Dr. Wallace sharing his journey and advice for aspiring scientists.OutlineIntroduction to the Science of Podcast SeriesSpeaker 1 introduces the podcast, emphasizing curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in various scientific topics.The podcast is hosted by students from the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA and the Elementary Institute of Science, in partnership with UCSD Moores Cancer Research Center.Funding for the program is provided by Schoolcast, a cloudcast media program.Speaker 2 welcomes listeners to the series, highlighting the episode's focus on the effects of certain drugs on neurodevelopment and aerobic fitness.Introduction of Co-Hosts and GuestSpeaker 2 introduces Sasha, the co-host, and mentions the special guest, Dr. Alexander Wallace.Speaker 3 and Speaker 4 introduce themselves as junior students at High Tech High and East Village, respectively.Dr. Wallace is introduced as a postdoctoral fellow in the psychiatry department at UCSD, with a background in clinical psychology and substance use research.Dr. Wallace's Journey and Research InterestsDr. Wallace shares his journey from obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, to his current position at UCSD.He mentions his mentor, a world-class leader in adolescent substance use and neurodevelopment.Dr. Wallace discusses his interest in STEM, influenced by his parents who were teachers, and his chance encounter with research during his undergraduate studies.He explains his focus on ADHD and substance use, which led to his current research at UCSD.Rapid Fire Questions and Personal InsightsDr. Wallace answers rapid-fire questions about his first science experiment, favorite scientist, music for concentration, travel destination, favorite place to eat in San Diego, and biggest inspiration.He shares that his biggest inspiration is his mentor because of her kindness and support.Dr. Wallace discusses the importance of education and open communication about substance use to reduce stigma and misconceptions.Myths About Substance Use and Brain DevelopmentDr. Wallace addresses common myths about cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine, emphasizing that substance use does not make someone inherently bad.He explains the complex nature of substance use and the various factors influencing it, such as biology, peers, and family history.Dr. Wallace highlights the importance of educating young adults about the risks and impacts of substance use on the developing brain.Impact of Substances on Brain DevelopmentDr. Wallace explains how substances like alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine affect the developing brain, particularly the frontal regions responsible for executive functions.He discusses the neuroplasticity of the adolescent brain and how substance use can lead to underdevelopment of these regions.Dr. Wallace emphasizes the need for more research to understand the specific effects of different substances on the brain.Neural Processes of Addiction and Gender DifferencesDr. Wallace explains the neural processes of addiction, focusing on the role of dopamine and the cycle of substance use.He discusses the differences in how alcohol affects young women versus young men, noting that women may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.Dr. Wallace highlights the need for more research on substance use in women to better understand and address these differences.Role of Aerobic Fitness in Brain HealthDr. Wallace discusses the role of aerobic fitness in brain health and mental function, particularly as an intervention for substance use.He explains how exercise can help upregulate dopamine receptors and mitigate the harm from substance use.Dr. Wallace mentions his work on the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which aims to understand the factors influencing substance use and brain development.Newest Discoveries and COVID-19 ImpactDr. Wallace shares his most recent discovery, a study on the impact of cannabis use on depression and brain volume in adolescents.He discusses the findings of the ABCD study, which showed that adolescent substance use decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. Wallace highlights the importance of understanding the factors influencing substance use and the need for continued research.Future Directions and Final ThoughtsDr. Wallace expresses his hope for future research to prevent or delay substance use in adolescence.He shares his advice for young listeners interested in science and healthcare, encouraging them to get engaged and take opportunities to learn and grow.Dr. Wallace provides information on how listeners can reach out to him or learn more about his work through the ABCD study and UCSD."The Science Of" is a student-produced podcast. The team members are Kelsey Lewis, Evan Sosa, Max Arola, August Ou, Danielle-Elizabeth Mensah-Baah, Zahraa Munaim, Josue Castillo, Sasha Goldschmied, and Noor Munaim. The students who appeared on this episode and/or produced the episode are Zahraa Munaim, Max Arola, and Sasha Goldschmied. The episode was engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas from Cloudcast Media. About Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "The Science Of" throught its SchoolCAST platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations.  For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media.  About UCSD Moores Cancer CenterEstablished in 1978, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is one of just 57 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, and the only one in the San Diego region. Such centers are prominent among the leading institutions in the nation dedicated to scientific innovation and clinical excellence. From research in molecular genetics to the most advanced treatments, Moores Cancer Center is at the forefront of the fight against cancer, developing promising new therapies and making them available to cancer patients throughout the region. Our cancer services were ranked #1 in San Diego, with 10 specialties ranking nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-2024 "Best Hospitals" survey. For more information, please visit https://moorescancercenter.ucsd.edu/.About Jackie Robinson Family YMCAThe Jackie Robinson Family YMCA serves over 20,000 youth and families each year through a wide variety of educational, recreational and sports programs. In one of San Diego's most critical communities, we have a daily opportunity to make a significant impact on thousands of lives. YMCA programs teach kids character values and valuable skills that will help them grow into responsible, successful adults. For more information, please visit https://www.ymcasd.org/locations/jackie-robinson-family-ymca.About the Elementary Institute of ScienceThe Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing lifelong opportunities for students of southeast San Diego through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Our after-school, weekend and school partnership programs broaden access to quality STEM experiences, foster critical thinking, expand technical skills and encourage students to pursue STEM careers. For more information, please visit https://eisca.org/.The episode was recorded by the students and engineered / mixed / mastered by Christelle Auzas.  

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