Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
Scientists say they’ve come up with a simple skin test that can accurately diagnose Parkinson’s. Then, a new Covid-19 test could be coming that requires you to simply gargle with a sterile saltwater solution. Then, a study shows that a single dose of sub-anesthetic ketamine can treat lazy eye. And finally… a study that shows how smog generates plastic trash.
2020 has produced an ongoing barrage of stressful events, and psychologists say the months of strain have started to show in both physical and mental breakdowns among increasing numbers of people.
Some people are finding relief from mental health issues through music therapy, a combination of psychotherapy and music-making
A study finds that some occupations may be more at risk of getting seriously ill. Then, a new study shows that men in jobs with hard physical work have a 55 percent higher risk of developing dementia, compared to men doing more sedentary work. And finally… it’s no secret that alcohol consumption has gone up in the pandemic. But a recent survey has quantified some of the results.
Someone who is always late for everything and never finishes any project on time is often labeled as irresponsible, lazy, or purposely insulting. But they may be suffering from a brain abnormality called time blindness that’s often a part of ADHD, with often sad consequences.
Left-handers are often seen as somehow different than the rest of us, and over history they’ve been stereotyped as more quirky, intelligent, and sinister than righties. Science shows that some labels are likely to be true.
One of the biggest questions about the coronavirus is whether people who are infected are immune from reinfection… and if so, for how long. Then, wildfires this year have generated respiratory and circulatory illnesses costing more than 1.3 billion dollars. And finally, fast fashion means more plastic pollution of both our water and land.
Some nursing homes with a large number of patients with dementia have found that farm animals on-site and even in rooms can be helpful in raising spirits and reducing the need for medications. A therapist and program director at one such nursing home discusses how llamas, chickens, goats and mini horses have found a home, to the benefit of residents.
The disease is completely preventable, but a distinguished reporter and author has still found plenty of it among today’s miners.
The official death toll in the United States from Covid-19 is around 230,000. But a new study shows that the real number could actually be much higher. Then, Covid's effects on virtually every organ of the body have been noted for months… And a new study shows that its effects on the brain can be profound. Then, a study shows that a new experimental technique can regenerate the cartilage that …
The field encompasses more than environmental science and ecology, and helps to explain pandemics and other illnesses, mass migration, food consumption, and other public health factors.
Today many people are suffering from unresolved grief, since there are no rituals to ease these forms of grief and prohibitions against large gatherings such as funerals. An expert discusses the many forms of grief and how we can get through them.
A new study shows our diets are suffering as a result of stress from Coronavirus. Then, a study finds that when teachers are having a bad day, students pick up on it and are more likely to behave badly. And finally… eye doctors say they’re getting an influx of patients asking about eye irritation called “mask eye.”
New research shows perfect pitch is teachable to adults as well. Experts discuss the implications on all forms of learning.
An investigative journalist explains how a black man’s heart was harvested without his family’s consent for the first human heart transplant in the South, and how incidents such as this help to explain ongoing African-American distrust of medicine.
The leaders of two of the nation’s leading science advisory groups are warning about what they call “Alarming political interference” in the government’s response to Covid-19. Then, one reason people oppose action on climate change is that it’s more expensive than doing nothing, at least in the short term. And finally… if you plan on having any trick or treaters this year… a word of warning about …
A Covid-19 vaccine is on the horizon, but while billions have been spent on its development, little has been spent on distribution and there are still many unanswered questions. Experts discuss how vaccine distribution might be carried out, how long it’s likely to take, and the steps needed to make it work.
A searing, stabbing pain on one side of the face can be so severe it's sometimes called "the suicide disease," and may evade diagnosis. Trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by a throbbing artery in contact with nerves at the base of the brain. Treatment can be difficult though often ultimately successful. Two experts discuss.
A group of Black physicians has created a task force to vet government decisions about Covid-19 including treatments and a possible vaccine. Then, a study showing that many youths don’t understand just how strict social distancing has to be in or that restrictions are more than a short-term requirement. And finally, migraine headaches are the third most prevalent illness in the world, but exposure …
An estimated 35 million people were food insecure last year, and the dislocations due to Covid-19 have made it much worse now.
Researchers see the new acceptance of telemedicine as an opportunity during clinical trials. Along with Zoom visits, numerous sensors on participants could provide constant monitoring of health conditions without traveling to see doctors, making control better.
Wearing a face mask may give people a sort of immunity to serious cases of Covid-19. Then, one more reason to save honeybees—their venom is a powerful chemotherapy agent against so-called “triple negative” breast cancer. And finally, a study finds thick thighs save lives when it comes to high blood pressure.
Studies show that medical professionals are as biased as the rest of us against people who are overweight, resulting in lectures, misdiagnoses, and patients who start avoiding the doctor.
Rheumatoid diseases number around 100, though arthritis is the most well known. They can be crippling and sometimes even fatal, but good treatments exist. The key is early detection, as an expert explains.
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