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Today we’re diving into the awesome story of Aaryan Harshith. From using light waves to detect cancer in cells at 14 to creating the world’s largest database of Phages as a Stanford researcher, Aaryan’s story is a must-listen.
He shares the largely untold story of Phages: the world’s most underrated organism — with applications ranging from cancer treatment to antibiotics, food seasoning and even alternatives to electric wire.
We discuss how naivety can be an asset, how he uses writing as a forcing function for growth and learning, how to convince people to work with you as someone with no track record, and more.
(03:41) Phages: the world’s most underrated organism
(09:30) Naivety as an asset when starting out
(11:07) Using writing as a forcing function for growth
(16:56) Convincing people to work with you when you have no track record
(19:31) Origin story of Phagebase
(25:05) The future of Phages and how Phagebase plays a part
(29:42) What’s next for Phagebase
(31:56) 3 steps to get involved with phages/biotech
Follow Aaryan on Twitter: https://x.com/AaryanHarshith
Intro to phages/biology links:
Kurzgesagt’s video on Bacteriophages:
BBC’s 1hr history of Phagetherapy:
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