EP 246: How an AI Tool Helped Uncover a Rare Disease, 23andMe To Sell DNA Data. Then, Elizabeth Bieniek, joins us to share her journey and insights about her book. Plus, we'll explore Signal in depth. | Air Date: 4/1 - 4/6/2025

TechTime with Nathan Mumm

A groundbreaking AI application helped pull a hospice-bound patient back from the brink by identifying an unexpected treatment for a rare disease. By analyzing thousands of existing medications for potential side effects that could treat idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease, researchers discovered a path to remission that human analysis might have missed. This remarkable story highlights AI's potential as a powerful medical tool when used to augment human expertise rather than replace it.
Meanwhile, privacy concerns take center stage as 23andMe secures court approval to auction off customer DNA data despite growing protests. State attorneys general are warning consumers to delete their genetic information before the sale completes, raising fundamental questions about data ownership and personal privacy in our digital economy. Could this case establish a dangerous precedent for how companies handle our most sensitive biological information?
The episode takes a fascinating detour with guest Elizabeth Bieniek, who shares insights from her journey developing WebEx Hologram at Cisco. Her book "Cake on Tuesday" offers 25 lessons for driving innovation within large corporations, distilling years of experience into practical advice for anyone looking to champion new ideas in established organizations. Biennik's approach to creating holographic collaboration technology demonstrates how visionary thinking can thrive even within corporate structures.
We also explore Signal, the encrypted messaging app making headlines for its use by government officials. With features like automatic message deletion and capacity for 1,000-person group chats, this technology raises important questions about security protocols and information preservation within official channels.
From life-saving AI applications to privacy threats, holographic meetings to secure messaging, this episode examines how technology continues to transform our world in both promising and concerning ways. Has a medical breakthrough changed your perspective on AI's potential benefits? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

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1. EP 246: How an AI Tool Helped Uncover a Rare Disease, 23andMe To Sell DNA Data. Then, Elizabeth Bieniek, joins us to share her journey and insights about her book. Plus, we'll explore Signal in depth. | Air Date: 4/1 - 4/6/2025 (00:00:00)

2. Top Technology Stories Preview (00:02:22)

3. Elon Musk Sells X to His AI Company (00:04:07)

4. AI Tool Saves Patient with Rare Disease (00:08:34)

5. 23andMe's DNA Data Sale Controversy (00:14:37)

6. Interview with Elizabeth Biennik (00:19:30)

7. Mark's Whiskey Selections (00:30:13)

8. Signal App and Government Security Issues (00:35:43)

9. NFC Manicure Technology (00:44:03)

10. Final Whiskey Tasting and Show Wrap-up (00:48:51)