Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
Explorers and scientists are speculating that an age inhibitor, or "fountain of youth" drug may be ready for human trials. Lower speed limits increase crashes due to government overrides? A study suggesting, "Let's do science" is much more effective at getting girls engaged than suggesting, "Let's be scientists."
Many patients arrive in the emergency room as a result of violence or car crashes—events in which police have an investigative interest. Sometimes, police needs clash with trauma care, and priorities are hashed out case by case. Experts discuss which priorities come first and when, and the procedures needed to smooth out sometimes contentious interaction.
Advancements in genetic science are often clouded in ethical controversy. Often, scientists are accused of “playing God.” Experts discuss a new platform where scientists and public can debate it, and from which education can be disseminated.
A cancer diagnosis can create stress that goes beyond the breaking point. Electric scooters are a rapidly rising cause of injury, and a new study shows 1 in 3 will need treatment in the E.R., and finally, people who are good navigators are almost always good at identifying smells as well.
After attempts to use non-human primates as a source of scarce organs for transplant, doctors have turned to pigs for a variety of reasons. They’re now making great progress against the largest hurdle—rejection. One of the world’s foremost xenotransplantation experts discusses how the process might work and what the future might look like for millions of potential organ and tissue recipients.
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.
The life-long effects of trauma experienced at a young age, the need for an additional knee replacement surgery after the first, and finally if you're in a stressful situation, think of your Valentine.
Scientists have discovered that the way parents talk to their infants has a huge effect on their intellectual development and later success. Experts discuss why and how parents should hold "conversations" with their babies.
Professional athletes are among the most superstitious of all people. While we may be tempted to think these rituals have no effect on performance, psychologists say that if an athlete believes it helps, then it actually does. Experts explain how superstitions work in sports and in life.
Cancer deaths are on the decline, parents are dissatisfied with the systems school have in place to counteract gun violence. A study shows an increase in cardiovascular harm to patients taking basal insulin. Finally, more than half of those taking medical marijuana for chronic pain admit to driving while under the influence.
Since the introduction of antibiotics in World War II, doctors have prescribed courses of treatment that typically ran longer than necessary. Bacterial resistance is forcing a reevaluation, shortening courses sometimes to just a few days and even prompting doctors to advise not using all pills if patients feel better.
Hormones were unknown until a little more than 100 years ago, and experts admit we still have a lot to learn. An expert author details the discovery of hormones and how our growing knowledge has shaped treatment of many diseases and conditions.
A drinkable cocktail of designer molecules that stops the development of dementia. Then, using sugar substitutes as part of a weight loss resolution and the evidence that suggests it's no better or worse than plain old sugar. Finally, shaming people for what they do isn't right even thought new research suggests that it can get people who engage in dangerous activities to quit.
Experts discuss the ramifications of this trend both medically and economically, reasons behind it, and how primary care practitioners are changing the way they work to answer objections.
Dupuytren's disease (pronounced DOO-pah-tren) is the most common disorder crippling hands that most people have never heard of. It is a genetic condition of the fascia beneath the skin of the palms, and it stubbornly resists treatment. An expert and a patient discuss the disorder.
Vitamin B9 is an essential nutrient, and now new research shows supplementation is more important than we thought. Then, If you ever fibbed to your doctor, you're not alone, and scientists have found a specific genetic mutation that causes frontotemporal Alzheimer's. Finally, forcing kids to apologize and recent studies that show how it usually backfires.
Experts have believed that autism affects four times as many boys as girls, but the ratio may not actually be quite that high. Doctors are learning that autism shows up differently in girls’ behavior as a result of brain differences. This leaves many girls with autism undiagnosed. Experts discuss how it appears in girls and the consequences of those differences.
Experts say incest is the most common of all sexual abuse, but the least discussed openly. A noted expert on sexual abuse discusses how incest makes girls feel particularly responsible and unable to come forward, and a non-profit organization that seeks to help them.
The number of people with dementia around the world has more than doubled since the 1990s. The effects of air pollution on city dwellers. And finally, studies proving that it doesn't take long to believe your own lies.
Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse is rising. Researchers have found that “fear mongering” educational efforts to combat it in adolescents doesn’t work. New science has discovered that certain personality types are predictably predisposed to addiction risk, and that educational efforts can be targeted to them effectively. Experts discuss.
Does addiction affect all of us in some degree? A noted addiction specialist and author believes we are all somewhere on the addiction spectrum, from bad habits to full-blown addiction. He discusses how small triggers can push people to seek relief, producing deepening decline.
Death risks related to blood transfusion. Sleep studies indicating high anger responses in those who are sleep deprived. And finally, abused employees making great bosses.
In the near future, cars will be able to provide data as well as receive it, and a variety of methods are being researched to tap into this. Experts explain how cars can communicate 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. …
Death rates for most major health conditions are in decline except for chronic kidney disease. Children don't just grow up faster but also age faster if they had a tough childhood, and finally, if you're a night owl, recent studies your health may suffer for it.
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