Synthetic Biology: Friend or Foe?
Researchers believe “SynBio” may eventually help address hunger, pollution, and other modern problems. Yet in the wrong hands, synthetic biology could unleash terrible biological weapons. Experts discuss.
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An Odd But Common Fear: Trypophobia, the fear of clustered holes
As much as 16 percent of the population suffers from trypophobia, which makes them uneasy at the sight of holes clustered together, as in a honeycomb. Two experts and a sufferer discuss this phobia, which can be remarkably debilitating.
3D Printing of Replacement Organs
Scientists are developing 3D printing technology using human cells to build human organs. The technique could be used to grow organs for transplant, relieving the long waitlist. Experts discuss.
The Danger of Symptom Searching on the Internet (2021)
One of the most popular searches on Google is for symptoms and what they mean. It’s created a much more well informed patient population, but one that may panic at the least pain or discomfort.
Hospital Price Transparency
Hospitals are now required to post prices for many procedures on their websites, including cash prices and what insurers pay. The intent of the federal rule is to allow patients to shop around, putting pressure on hospitals to compete on price. However, many hospitals have yet to follow the rule. Experts discuss the rule, its likely outcome, and how patients …
Medical Notes: Week of July 11, 2021
Officials are worried we may start seeing a spike in COVID cases soon and it could become serious by fall. Then, Have you lost your sense of smell? COVID may not be to blame--it could be air pollution. Then, doctors can now use smartphone cameras to detect bacteria on the skin and in the mouth. And finally, for people suffering from hard-to-treat …
Medical Notes: Week of May 16, 2021
A study showing that even Covid survivors who were never sick enough to be hospitalized have a 60 percent higher risk of death from other diseases. Then Most people assume that smoke from wildfires affects mostly the heart and lungs, but a new study finds that it increases the odds of eczema as well. And finally… more than a year after the first reports of …
The Benefits of Writing by Hand
Writing by hand is done less frequently, and some students are barely able to produce cursive writing. However, studies show that writing by hand creates a better connection to the brain for learning content. Experts discuss.
The Unmeasurable Presence of Pain
Pain varies from person to person and is totally subjective. It can’t be truly measured. This makes pain management one of the greatest challenges in healthcare. An expert discusses how pain works and how doctors struggle to contain it.
Why Knee Replacements May Go Wrong
Knee replacements are successful for 80 percent of recipients, yet many assume the success rate should be higher. Those who are not successful often are bitterly disappointed. However, patients and physicians can take steps to avoid a bad result. New techniques also offer much faster recovery. Experts discuss.
The Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Despite social distancing, experts say people are increasingly “hooking up.” Sexually transmitted diseases are growing as a result. An expert discusses STDs in a pandemic.
Genetic Testing For Drug Effectiveness
People suffering from mental illnesses often go through a number of medications before they find one that works. A genetic test seeks to discover this information right away, so patients don’t have to wait. One of the test’s developers discusses its uses.