Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus carry a genetic predisposition, but need an environmental trigger to take hold. Triggers are poorly understood, but some women claim their disease is a result of contraceptives, including birth control pills and IUDs. Experts and one women suffering from autoimmune disease discuss the issue.
DNA mutations happen all the time in the body, but the immune system usually detects and deals with them. When the system fails, cancer results. Yet some animals, such as elephants, almost never get cancer, and scientists have learned that the elephant DNA repair system is 20 times more powerful than the human system. Experts explain how they hope to tap …
A new cure for infants with Bubble Boy's Disease. Then, a study in the American Journal of Public Health shows that depression, suicide, drug use, and alcohol abuse are rising for people in their late 30s. And finally, does smiling make you happier?
The flu’s unique ability to mutate makes it one of the toughest diseases to solve, as it evades vaccines and treatment. It also has a deadly history, which prompts fears each flu season. A noted expert discusses all about the flu and its myths.
A new study finds that the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps can actually be making bacterial able to withstand medications. Then, a study suggests enlarged prostates appear to prevent colon cancer. And finally, using apps to chart your health and how these shadow health records can tip off a lot about your health to savvy data gatherers.
Women's brains burn energy in a much more youthful way throughout adulthood. Binge drinking and prolonged heavy drinking may trigger a permanent change in a person's DNA. Finally, more than half of all American workers burned out and not taking time off of work for mental health.
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.
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.
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.
Many people with dwarfism also face skeletal abnormalities which can lead to disability. Experts, and little people themselves, discuss major causes of dwarfism, the hurdles they create, the struggle for respect, and the prospect of treatments that could one day make little people much more rare.
A study indicating how ramping up exposure to peanuts can make it safer for kids with allergies. Then, the increase of multigenerational households, and why volunteering to help out co-workers isn't always a good idea. Finally, genetic super tasters, and their likeliness to enjoy more caffeine.
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