Guruduth Banavar has spent his career applying artificial intelligence to some of biology's hardest questions, work that now sits at the center of how Viome analyzes the human microbiome. That expertise is what Guruduth Banavar brought to his conversation with Sean Kelly on the Digital Social Hour.
The discussion moves quickly past the usual health headlines into the science of gene expression, exploring why RNA — not DNA — may be the real-time signal that reveals what's actually happening inside the body.
About Guruduth Banavar
Guruduth Banavar serves as the Founding Chief Technology Officer of Viome, where he has helped build the AI systems behind the company's microbiome and gene-expression testing. His background sits at the intersection of computer science and health technology, applying large-scale data analysis to questions about aging and disease.
Under his technical direction, Viome has grown into a platform that analyzes thousands of biomarkers per person, aiming to detect signs of chronic disease years before symptoms appear. That work has positioned him as a leading voice on how AI is reshaping preventative medicine.
What Guruduth Banavar and Sean Kelly Talked About
- Why RNA, or gene expression, may matter more than DNA for understanding real-time health
- How the microbiome is linked to chronic disease risk more than genetics alone
- The connection between oral health, gut health, and brain health
- What biological age actually measures and how it can potentially be lowered
- Why he argues that no single food qualifies as a true 'superfood'
- Which dietary patterns are associated with slower biological aging
- How AI is used to analyze thousands of biomarkers per person at Viome
- Why environment may outweigh genetics in most chronic disease outcomes
Why This Conversation Matters
Guruduth Banavar's work sits at the leading edge of a shift from reactive to preventative healthcare, and this conversation lays out the science behind that shift in plain terms. For anyone curious about what AI and gene-expression testing can reveal about their own health, it's a clear-eyed look at where the technology is headed.
▶ Watch the full episode on YouTube
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About Sean Kelly & the Digital Social Hour
Sean Kelly is an entrepreneur and the host of the Digital Social Hour, one of the fastest-growing interview podcasts in the world, where he sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural voices for candid, long-form conversations. The show draws over 100 million views a month across platforms. Explore more guest features on SeanKelly.io.
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