For decades, Parkinson’s disease has been viewed primarily as a disorder of dopamine-producing brain cells.

But what if that’s only part of the story?

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Rebecca Wallings, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Indiana University’s Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, to explore a groundbreaking shift in how we understand Parkinson’s.

Dr. Wallings explains why the immune system — and specifically immune cell exhaustion — may be a key driver of disease progression. She challenges the prevailing “too much inflammation” narrative and introduces the provocative idea that Parkinson’s may involve a burned-out, aging immune system rather than simply an overactive one.

This conversation dives into:

• The role of lysosomes in immune and brain cells
  
  
• Why most preclinical Parkinson’s models may overlook aging
  
  
• Gut-first vs. brain-first Parkinson’s subtypes
  
  
• Immune exhaustion and its connection to aging
  
  
• Lifestyle factors that may influence disease progression
  
  
• Why future therapies may need to be personalized
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Parkinson’s may be a whole-body condition, not just a brain disease.
  
  
• Aging dramatically alters immune function — yet many models study “young” immune systems.
  
  
• Immune exhaustion may prevent proper resolution of inflammation.
  
  
• Non-motor symptoms (constipation, sleep disorders, loss of smell) can appear decades before diagnosis.
  
  
• Stratifying patients by biological immune age could transform treatment strategies.

About Our Guest

Dr. Rebecca Wallings
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Indiana University – Stark Neuroscience Research Institute

Dr. Wallings studies the role of immune cell exhaustion and aging in Parkinson’s disease, challenging traditional pathology-focused models and exploring translational therapeutic strategies.

Resources Mentioned

• Stark Neuroscience Research Institute
• Research on immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Studies on REM Behavior Disorder and Parkinson’s risk
• Research into biological aging clocks

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To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with neuroscientist Micaelly Alves, PhD candidate at Temple University and a 2025 Toffler Scholar supported by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust.

Micaelly shares her personal journey into neuroscience, inspired by watching her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and dives into groundbreaking research on microRNAs, tiny molecules that may hold the key to earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment for Alzheimer’s and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

The conversation explores how brain research is evolving, why personalized medicine matters, and how emerging technologies like RNA sequencing and bioinformatics are accelerating discovery.

⭐ Key Takeaways

• How microRNAs regulate brain pathways linked to Alzheimer’s disease
• Why Alzheimer’s may begin developing 20 years before symptoms appear
• The role of blood-brain barrier health in cognitive decline
• How extracellular vesicles may enable early blood-based diagnostics
• Why personalized medicine is the future of neurological care
• The challenges and promise of big data and AI in neuroscience
• How philanthropy supports early-career researchers and innovation

🔬 Resources & Mentions

• Temple University Neuroscience Program
• MicroRNA research in Alzheimer’s disease
• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)
• RNA sequencing and transcriptomics

👉 Enjoying Research Renaissance?

If you found this episode helpful:

✅ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
✅ Share this episode with a friend or colleague
✅ Leave a review to help more listeners discover the show

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

How does neuroscience shape state policy? And what happens when scientists step inside government?

In this episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Julianne McCall, CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), to explore how scientific thinking informs public policy in one of the world’s largest economies.

From spinal cord injury research in Germany to advising California’s Governor during COVID-19, Dr. McCall shares how scientists can help governments navigate AI, climate, energy, and public health in a rapidly accelerating world.
This conversation reveals what it really takes to translate research into action.

Key Takeaways
Why scientific training is uniquely suited for policymaking
How California integrates nonpartisan science advisors into government
The role of “the Third House” in shaping legislation
Why AI policy must evolve every six months
How fellowship programs are training the next generation of science policy leaders
Why community and trust are central to effective governance

About the Guest
Dr. Julianne McCall
CEO, California Council on Science and Technology
Neuroscientist turned science policy leader with experience spanning academia, international research, state government, and public engagement.

Resources & Links
California Council on Science and Technology: https://ccst.us
CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Calls for Experts (AI, Quantum, Emerging Technologies)
Science & Technology Week at the California State Capitol

Listen & Connect
If you found this episode valuable:
Follow Research Renaissance
Share this episode with a colleague in science or public policy
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Science doesn’t move society alone. It needs translation.

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.