Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Ideas / Ideas Boston conference 2004

June 8, 2004

Globe medical reporter Stephen Smith chatted with Boston.com users about the buzz coming out of the IDEAS Boston 2004 conference.

Stephen Smith (Moderator) 11:59AM	Good afternoon. This is Stephen Smith with The Boston Globe's Health/Science Desk. I'm here to talk about the IDEAS Boston 2004 conference. Thank you.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:11PM	Happy to chat about any of the innovations discussed at the conference. Yesterday, scientists discussed everything from chemotherapy delivered via an implanted wafer to treating AIDS in poverty-stricken settings to dealing with the difficult topic of female circumcision.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:18PM	I know this will sound equivocal, but I have to say that I found all of the speakers riveting. The organizers did an especially good job of selecting participants who are adroit public speakers. The presentations by Dr. Gloria White-Hammond and Dr. Nawal M. Nour were especially evocative and moving. You're correct in asserting that there was no formal question and answer period, which I found surprising. Speakers, though, were available for one-on-one exchanges during breaks.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:21PM	What's interesting to me after having spent 16 years in Miami and now two years in Boston is that New England strikes me as extremely risk averse. My colleague Scott Allen wrote an extremely wise piece several months ago on just this topic, vis-a-vis the medical community. For instance, the first Abiomed heart transplant was performed in Louisville, not Boston. Viewed through another prism, one could say that Boston's scientific community demands a higher proof of principle before embracing a concept.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:23PM	During the sessions I attended yesterday, I would say that Leonard Guarente's notions about extending life -- and making it move livable during the advanced years -- proved most provocative.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:24PM	Interesting question. Sorry I don't have an answer for it.
Wee 12:27PM	I checked out the blog by Weinberger yesterday but who did you think was most interesting? And was the format wacky? No Q&A. Right
asyoulikeit 12:27PM	i just finished reading kirsner's 'innovation city' ... i'm wondering what your thoughts might be on the persistence of innovation in boston vs. places like silicon valley, etc.
I'm Lonley 12:27PM	How come no one wants to talk to you?
idear 12:27PM	stephen, anything particularly controversial being discussed? or is it all pretty standard fare? thanks.
rrsafety 12:32PM	Anything being addressed regarding dieting and nutrition, specifically information regarding the pros and cons of low-carb?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:34PM	Interesting question, rrsafety. In his presentation, Dr. Guarente of MIT talked about the benefits of a low-calorie diet. But we're talking ULTRA low calorie here. We're talking, oh, maybe 1,000 calories a day. Say good-bye, Haagen-Dazs, hello, cellery sticks. Guarante's research suggests that low-calorie diets could extend lifespan. But he's the first to concede that there aren't many of use who could hew to a 1,000 calorie diet. So, he's hunting for drugs that would do the same thing.
EGA 12:34PM	Thanks for taking the time today Steve. I wanted your thoughts about the report out of Europe that eating more hot dogs on a daily basis can actually help you live longer. Something about the protiens. Thanks in advance - EGA
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:36PM	Here's my thought on any study coming out regarding nutrition: It's imperative to take a strong dose of circumspection along with your hot dogs .. or red wine ... or whatever. I heard about that study, too, but have not seen the actual paper. It's important to evaluate the rigor of the research before drawing any broad conclusions. The experience with hormone replacement therapy certainly taught us all the importance of understanding research methodology.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:36PM	Stephen I am interested in dean kamens water purifier , how real is the machine ? does it work etc. can the outflow be used to cook with
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:36PM	Sorry, ideasaboutlobstersauce. Not familiar with that machine.
Wee 12:40PM	What about Pomegranite juice? It seems to be all the rage.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:41PM	I wouldn't mind a glass of pomegranate juice right now myself, Wee. But, again, it's important to evaluate any research suggesting that a particular food or libation is a wonder substance.
LJ Sandwich 12:41PM	I own a sub shop in Lawrence, Ma and this Atkins diet craze is killing me. My sandwich sales are off about 25% for the last month. You every try to make an Italian Grinder with no bread? What the heck can I do? Anti-pastos maybe?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:43PM	I've read several reports of major restaurant chains also reporting declinings also, LJ. Interestingly, a restaurant opened up in my neighborhood -- Boston's South End -- called Be Good. It's whole raison d'etre is catering to folks who want healthier fare. My sense is that its menu of low-calorie chicken dishes and salads is doing quite well.
Carl&Kevin 12:44PM	Stephen, aren't you the guy who did the TV interview with Ty Law? If so, bravo, brother.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:44PM	It wasn't me. I swear!
Kallahan 12:44PM	Stephen, I heard about a study recently that says that problems with anger management can cause thinning of the hair, especially about the forehead. Have you read this?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:44PM	Sorry, Kallahan, not familiar with that.
EGA 12:44PM	Anything being talked about at the conference about the effects of young children playing long hours Playstation 2, X-Box, et. all? There has to be a side effect to all those video games.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:47PM	Did not see anything on the schedule, EGA, about that topic.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:50PM	Stephen, I noticed a trend ( at least in my family ) of siblings refusing to leave the nest even after they are fully grown & married . They tend to rely on Dad for evrything did the sociologist who spoke yesterday address this?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:51PM	You're absolutely correct, ideas: Any number of researchers have established that young adults are living with there parents longer these days. I was not present for the sociologist's presentation, so don't know if he addressed it.
rrsafety 12:51PM	Regarding the stem cell issue, has anyone raised the issue of ethics regarding the use of human embryos for experiments or do most at such a gathering fall in step on the issue? Thanks.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:52PM	Because there was no question and answer session, the ethical issues you address were not raised by the audience, rr. However, I have heard them addressed in other forums.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:54PM	Stephen , one more quick question I 've grown tired of driving my gas guzzling caddy with a broken windshield any discussion on alternate fuel-energy strategiesor companies ?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:55PM	Nothing on that topic while I was there, ideas.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:59PM	Thanks to all of you for participating in our chat today.
4 Chatters, 1 Lurker

Stephen Smith (Moderator) 11:59AM	Good afternoon. This is Stephen Smith with The Boston Globe's Health/Science Desk. I'm here to talk about the IDEAS Boston 2004 conference. Thank you.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:11PM	Happy to chat about any of the innovations discussed at the conference. Yesterday, scientists discussed everything from chemotherapy delivered via an implanted wafer to treating AIDS in poverty-stricken settings to dealing with the difficult topic of female circumcision.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:18PM	I know this will sound equivocal, but I have to say that I found all of the speakers riveting. The organizers did an especially good job of selecting participants who are adroit public speakers. The presentations by Dr. Gloria White-Hammond and Dr. Nawal M. Nour were especially evocative and moving. You're correct in asserting that there was no formal question and answer period, which I found surprising. Speakers, though, were available for one-on-one exchanges during breaks.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:21PM	What's interesting to me after having spent 16 years in Miami and now two years in Boston is that New England strikes me as extremely risk averse. My colleague Scott Allen wrote an extremely wise piece several months ago on just this topic, vis-a-vis the medical community. For instance, the first Abiomed heart transplant was performed in Louisville, not Boston. Viewed through another prism, one could say that Boston's scientific community demands a higher proof of principle before embracing a concept.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:23PM	During the sessions I attended yesterday, I would say that Leonard Guarente's notions about extending life -- and making it move livable during the advanced years -- proved most provocative.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:24PM	Interesting question. Sorry I don't have an answer for it.
Wee 12:27PM	I checked out the blog by Weinberger yesterday but who did you think was most interesting? And was the format wacky? No Q&A. Right
asyoulikeit 12:27PM	i just finished reading kirsner's 'innovation city' ... i'm wondering what your thoughts might be on the persistence of innovation in boston vs. places like silicon valley, etc.
I'm Lonley 12:27PM	How come no one wants to talk to you?
idear 12:27PM	stephen, anything particularly controversial being discussed? or is it all pretty standard fare? thanks.
rrsafety 12:32PM	Anything being addressed regarding dieting and nutrition, specifically information regarding the pros and cons of low-carb?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:34PM	Interesting question, rrsafety. In his presentation, Dr. Guarente of MIT talked about the benefits of a low-calorie diet. But we're talking ULTRA low calorie here. We're talking, oh, maybe 1,000 calories a day. Say good-bye, Haagen-Dazs, hello, cellery sticks. Guarante's research suggests that low-calorie diets could extend lifespan. But he's the first to concede that there aren't many of use who could hew to a 1,000 calorie diet. So, he's hunting for drugs that would do the same thing.
EGA 12:34PM	Thanks for taking the time today Steve. I wanted your thoughts about the report out of Europe that eating more hot dogs on a daily basis can actually help you live longer. Something about the protiens. Thanks in advance - EGA
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:36PM	Here's my thought on any study coming out regarding nutrition: It's imperative to take a strong dose of circumspection along with your hot dogs .. or red wine ... or whatever. I heard about that study, too, but have not seen the actual paper. It's important to evaluate the rigor of the research before drawing any broad conclusions. The experience with hormone replacement therapy certainly taught us all the importance of understanding research methodology.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:36PM	Stephen I am interested in dean kamens water purifier , how real is the machine ? does it work etc. can the outflow be used to cook with
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:36PM	Sorry, ideasaboutlobstersauce. Not familiar with that machine.
Wee 12:40PM	What about Pomegranite juice? It seems to be all the rage.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:41PM	I wouldn't mind a glass of pomegranate juice right now myself, Wee. But, again, it's important to evaluate any research suggesting that a particular food or libation is a wonder substance.
LJ Sandwich 12:41PM	I own a sub shop in Lawrence, Ma and this Atkins diet craze is killing me. My sandwich sales are off about 25% for the last month. You every try to make an Italian Grinder with no bread? What the heck can I do? Anti-pastos maybe?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:43PM	I've read several reports of major restaurant chains also reporting declinings also, LJ. Interestingly, a restaurant opened up in my neighborhood -- Boston's South End -- called Be Good. It's whole raison d'etre is catering to folks who want healthier fare. My sense is that its menu of low-calorie chicken dishes and salads is doing quite well.
Carl&Kevin 12:44PM	Stephen, aren't you the guy who did the TV interview with Ty Law? If so, bravo, brother.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:44PM	It wasn't me. I swear!
Kallahan 12:44PM	Stephen, I heard about a study recently that says that problems with anger management can cause thinning of the hair, especially about the forehead. Have you read this?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:44PM	Sorry, Kallahan, not familiar with that.
EGA 12:44PM	Anything being talked about at the conference about the effects of young children playing long hours Playstation 2, X-Box, et. all? There has to be a side effect to all those video games.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:47PM	Did not see anything on the schedule, EGA, about that topic.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:50PM	Stephen, I noticed a trend ( at least in my family ) of siblings refusing to leave the nest even after they are fully grown & married . They tend to rely on Dad for evrything did the sociologist who spoke yesterday address this?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:51PM	You're absolutely correct, ideas: Any number of researchers have established that young adults are living with there parents longer these days. I was not present for the sociologist's presentation, so don't know if he addressed it.
rrsafety 12:51PM	Regarding the stem cell issue, has anyone raised the issue of ethics regarding the use of human embryos for experiments or do most at such a gathering fall in step on the issue? Thanks.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:52PM	Because there was no question and answer session, the ethical issues you address were not raised by the audience, rr. However, I have heard them addressed in other forums.
.ideasaboutlobstersa... 12:54PM	Stephen , one more quick question I 've grown tired of driving my gas guzzling caddy with a broken windshield any discussion on alternate fuel-energy strategiesor companies ?
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:55PM	Nothing on that topic while I was there, ideas.
Stephen Smith (Moderator) 12:59PM	Thanks to all of you for participating in our chat today.
4 Chatters, 1 Lurker