Episode 184: Ken and Dawn answer listener questions on AI, grip strength, ketamine, protein, digi... @IHMC

Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago

It’s time for another episode of Ask Me Anything. Dawn and Ken answer listener questions that range from generative AI to whether grip strength is a biomarker for longevity and the potential of ketamine as a treatment for depression. Dawn also gives a brief overview of work she is doing with the deep-sea technology company Deep. As a special treat at the end of today’s episode, Dawn plays a recording of the commencement speech that Ken recently gave at the University of West Florida. As the saying goes, you don’t want to miss it.

If you have a question you’d like to submit for a future Ask Me Anything, email STEM-Talk producer Randy Hammer at rhammer@ihmc.org.
For full show notes, or browse the entire STEM-Talk library, visit ihmc.us/stemtalks

Episode 184: Ken and Dawn answer listener questions on AI, grip strength, ketamine, protein, digi...

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$Michael Larson - Sleep - what is it and why we cant do without it? Contrary to the typical view, sleep is not just downtime; it’s when our brain does some important heavy lifting, like consolidating memories and clearing out toxins. It’s crucial for regulating our mood, boosting immunity, and even keeping our weight in check. Everyone has experienced the negatives of missing sleep: we feel grumpy and struggle to focus. Over time, lack of quality sleep can lead to big health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. IHMC is inventing technology that can be a game-changer in bringing the benefits of deep restorative sleep. Michael will present some exciting solutions that he and his colleagues are creating, including wearables that do more than just tell you that you didn’t sleep well but actively help you get better sleep by working naturally with your brain and body. Michael Larson earned his PhD from MIT in 1992. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he spent over 30 years as a university professor, holding positions as the El Pomar Endowed Chair of Engineering and Innovation, and as Associate Chancellor for Research at the University of Colorado along the way. With funding totaling more than $8M from a variety of agencies, Michael has tackled a wide range of research projects from assessing the fracture and failure of advanced materials to creating novel surgical devices. Michael has a passion for creativity and innovation. He has co-founded four tech start-up companies. While on the faculty at Tulane University, New Orleans’ City Business magazine named him “Entrepreneur of the Year”. He received the “Inventor of the Year” award from the University of Colorado on two separate occasions. Dr. Larson provides engineering design services for many clients and serves as an expert in legal cases. He has been the plaintiff in a patent infringement suit before the U.S. Supreme Court, piloted a jet aircraft, and steered a nuclear submarine. This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series. https://www.ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/$

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