Episode 100: Gut Microbiome testing and analysis using AI with Leo Grady and Jaclyn Kawwas

Episode 100 of the One Thing Podcast with Dr. Adam Rinde did not disappoint.
First, some goodies to mention: To order the Jona test we talk about this episode... go to jona.health and enter ONETHING100 to receive $100 off the test.
In this episode I welcome on the CEO of Jona, Leo Grady, PhD and the Director of Business Development and GTM strategy, Jaclyn Kawwas, MBA.
We discussed a revolutionary stool microbiome test called Jona that uses AI to analyze gut microbiome data and connect it to health outcomes: Jona, developed an AI system to analyze microbiome data obtained through shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
The AI system is able to:
• Read and interpret existing research on the microbiome
• Match patterns in an individual's microbiome data to relevant studies.
• Generate personalized recommendations for dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and supplements based on an individual's health goals
The microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in overall health: we discuss how the microbiome is a complex ecosystem with connections to various health conditions, including:
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Crohn's disease, colitis, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Autoimmune Conditions: Hashimoto's disease Metabolic Diseases: Diabetes, obesity
• Mental Health: Depression, anxiety
• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease
• Other: Cancer, liver disease
The gut microbiome is highly individualized and influenced by various factors:
We highlight how the gut microbiome is highly personalized, with limited overlap between individuals.
• Factors contributing to microbiome variability include:
• Diet: Processed foods, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives, fiber intake
• Lifestyle: Exercise, travel, pet ownership
• Medications: Antibiotics, chemotherapy, opioids
• Infections: Salmonella poisoning, C. difficile infection, long COVID, PANDAS/PANS
We discuss how stool testing technology has evolved significantly: Stool testing has advanced from basic culture techniques to more comprehensive methods like shotgun metagenomics, providing a more complete understanding of the microbiomes' composition.
We discuss metabolomics and how it provides additional insight into gut health: Metabolomics, the study of metabolites produced by gut microbes, complements microbiome analysis. By understanding both the organisms and their byproducts, a more holistic picture of gut health can be created.
We discuss how the field of microbiome research is rapidly evolving: The podcast emphasizes that microbiome research is a rapidly evolving field, with over 2,000 studies published monthly. Jona's AI system helps address the challenge of staying current with the latest research.
The discussion stresses the importance of personalized recommendations based on an individual's unique microbiome and health goals. This approach moves away from the generic advice often given, such as increasing fiber intake.
About our guests:
Leo Grady, PhD Leo is internationally recognized for his work to deliver AI in healthcare for 20 years at pioneering bay area startups (HeartFlow), multinational medical companies (Siemens) and, most recently, as CEO of Paige.ai. As CEO of Paige, Leo led the company to become an industry leader, internationally launching groundbreaking products and receiving the first-ever FDA approval for an AI product in pathology. Leo authored two books on AI, over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and is an inventor on over 300 patents. Winner of the Edison Patent Award, he was inducted as Fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Leo earned a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Systems from BU. Leo is CEO in Residence with Breyer Capital and the Founder and CEO of Jona.
Jaclyn Kawwas, MBA Jaclyn has dedicated her career to advancing medical and health technology, striving to combat the growing challenges of chronic illness. During her tenure at Medtronic, she contributed to the design and development of cutting-edge cardiovascular devices, including one that garnered FDA approval for hypertension treatment. Her solutions have earned her multiple patents in cardiovascular disease management. Currently serving as the Head of Business Development and GTM Strategy at Jona, a health tech AI company specializing in the gut microbiome, Jaclyn continues to sit at the intersection of technology and healthcare. Prior to her role at Jona, she held positions in business development and growth strategy at Viz.ai and Thirty Madison which focus on chronic conditions from both a provider and consumer lens. Jaclyn received her B.S.E. in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Healthcare Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She remains committed to leveraging technology to make a positive impact on preventive health and patient care.