Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
Scientists are discovering that our food preferences are much more than a matter of taste, and that taste itself is more complicated than we thought. Psychology also plays a role. An expert discusses what determines preferences, such as why some people like jalapeno peppers & black coffee, and some don’t.
Glaucoma is the world’s number one cause of blindness and those daily eye drops are not always successful. Then, the number of times a woman has given birth affects how quickly she ages. Plus, you can expect another decline in Covid-19 transmission as we head into spring. And finally, if you want to make shots hurt less… make the right kind of face.
Cars will soon be able to provide data as well as receive it. Experts explain how cars can talk with roads, traffic signals and central computers, and how roads themselves may collect data on the cars they carry. In the future, autonomous cars may use these links to greatly speed travel and make it much safer.
Success of Covid-19 vaccines depends on about 75 percent of people getting them, but distrust of medicine and of vaccines among African-Americans means they may not come close to that milepost. Two experts discuss historical reasons for distrust, how the system will have to come through in ways it has not in the past, and how community leaders will make a huge difference in how the new vaccines …
Doctors consider people at high risk for a stroke if they have medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. But maybe they should consider whether they’re depressed as well. Then, children under age two may suffer effects from antibiotics later on in childhood. And finally, mom may have always told you to eat your vegetables… but a little meat and dairy keep people from breaking bones.
Poor communication and mixed messages have contributed greatly to poor acceptance of anti-coronavirus actions such as masking and social distancing, and experts fear it may be the same with the new vaccines. Experts discuss what we’ve done right in messaging and the lessons from what we’ve done wrong.
Researchers have found that severe emotional trauma in childhood triggers physical disease later in life, and has a cumulative effect. An award-winning science writer who has researched the topic discusses findings.
The incidence of cancer is increasing among teenagers and young adults. Then, This is the time to make new year’s resolutions… but mental health experts say this year may not be the time to make big changes. And finally… your Roomba may be spying on you through your wi-fi network.
Two physicians discuss pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, as well as their research into methods to find the disease in earlier stages.
Millions of Americans are in financial straits due to Covid layoffs and furloughs. A doctor describes how he gets patients to talk about why they’re in trouble and what they do about it to create an eye-opening portrait.
Nearly 40 percent of Americans are attending family gatherings with more than 10 people this weekend, despite authorities’ continuing pleas to stay home. Then, if you have type two diabetes… drinking green tea and coffee are good for you. And finally… it’s seemingly a given that “mindful” people cope with stress better, but a new study finds that’s not true.
Medical campaigns account for a third of monies raised on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe, and many people who’ve fallen through the holes of the safety net have been helped this way. But studies show that fraud is rampant with fake patients and medical providers. Experts discuss.
This holiday season will be unlike any we’ve ever had before, with “loss” as a major theme. Two experts weigh in on how families can navigate this season while keeping it festive.
New Covid-19 vaccines won’t be available for most people until spring, and the months until then may have a staggering cost in lives and illness. A noted infectious disease expert discusses probable time lines and events between now and the vaccine’s availability, and how adherence to social distancing and masking could change outcomes.
Hiccups are annoying and uncomfortable, and doctors don’t know why we (and most other species) get them. An expert explains what we know about what hiccups are and why most home remedies actually work.
Anti-Covid mandates have generally been seen as hurting business… but a new study shows that some of them, short of shutdowns, actually help the economy. And finally… playing brain games before surgery may help recovery.
Just about anyone can report a parent to a child abuse hotline. It’s meant to protect children, but often, parents are reported when no abuse or neglect exists in order to retaliate for a divorce or some other grievance. Some parents are reported for merely letting children play outside or walk to school without an adult in attendance, what was once thought of as normal. Some activists say this …
Unlike most cells in the human body, the central nervous system cannot repair itself. People who suffer brain or spinal cord injuries, or neurological disorders such as MS and ALS have few alternatives. A neurological researcher describes how he has discovered previously unknown nerve growth factors that could someday allow such injuries and diseases to heal.
Doctors are continuing to find new ways among old drugs to cut the damage done by Covid-19. Then, if you live out in the quiet countryside, you may be at lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. And finally, a study finds that, especially during the pandemic, video games can be good for your mental health and well being.
Experts and a former inmate running a new program for moms in prison discuss barriers and ways to overcome them.
Chemotherapy has saved millions of lives, but its origins date to the chemical warfare agent mustard gas. An investigative reporter details how doctors turned death and tragedy to the lifesaver we know today.
Two Covid vaccines showing a better than 90-percent effectiveness rate now have the data to seek emergency approval from the FDA. Then, a study shows that signs of concussion can be detected in a person's saliva. And finally, a new study finds that deflating soccer balls just a little could cut concussion injuries in the sport.
Getting together with family and friends over the holidays will be different this year due to Covid-19 precautions for families and governmental restrictions on restaurants and bars. Experts discuss how to keep gatherings safe and the consequences if we don’t.
Since the beginning of the “baby on back” movement to reduce sudden infant death syndrome, many more infants are developing misshapen heads with a flat spot in one place. An expert discusses whether this is serious.
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