STEM-Talk: Charles Serhan, expert on specialized pro-resolving mediators, talks inflammation

Published 7.22.24

For Dr. Charles Serhan, music was one of the keys that unlocked his love of science. Serhan counts among his many talents, being an accomplished vibraphone player.

“Many things I learned in music translated to science,” Serhan said. “If you really wanted to play well, you had to study and practice. It’s like learning a language. In science the same is true. You need to learn the language and study and practice every day.”

Why does he love science?

“The rigor and objectivity and the ability to test hypothesis an experiment,” he says. “Nothing is more fun than that.”

Serhan is our guest on the latest episode of STEM-Talk, available now. He is a Harvard professor who discovered specialized pro-resolving mediators, also known as SPMs, which help promote the natural end of the inflammation process and allow a person to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inflammation is believed to be a contributing factor to metabolic and chronic diseases across a wide spectrum including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, arthritis, and more. Understanding its roots — and the role that SPMs play in switching off the process — is considered a key component to improving healthspan and resilience.

This edition of STEM-Talk features co-host Dr. David LeMay, who appeared on Episode 69 of STEM-Talk back in 2018. LeMay is a sports medicine and rehabilitation physician who has been a consultant for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals. He is a Visiting Research Scientist at IHMC who is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, he is board certified in metabolic and nutrition medicine, and has completed a fellowship in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. He is an associate clinical faculty member at Florida State University.

Tune in to their conversation today on your favorite podcast platform.

IHMC is a not-for-profit research institute of the Florida University System where researchers pioneer science and technology aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. IHMC researchers and staff collaborate extensively with the government, industry and academia to help develop breakthrough technologies. IHMC research partners have included: DARPA, the National Science Foundation, NASA, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Institutes of Health, IBM, Microsoft, Honda, Boeing, Lockheed, and many others.