

Radio Health Journal | The Latest in Health, Science & Public Policy
Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson, Maayan Voss de Bettancourt | AURN
Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection? Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2023 • 4min
Medical Notes: Why Parents Should Be More Selfish, How Scientists Are Creating Lab-Made Muscle, And Do Concussions Lead To Suicidal Thoughts?
Can we stop the progression of pancreatic cancer?Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. It spreads quickly and is hard to manage due to the tumor’s unique biological makeup. However, an investigation in Cell Reports revealed the tumor’s genetic changes as it spreads through the body. This new information has led to the discovery of an experimental drug that could halt this process and stop the cancer from migrating (University of Rochester).Is it time for parents to be selfish?In the early days of parenting, there’s many sleepless nights, forgotten meals, and sick days that we power through because our children need us…but neglecting our own well being may actually be hurting our kids. A study published in Frontiers In Psychology has found that young kids with fathers who have mild anxious or depression symptoms report fewer behavioral difficulties and better scores on a standardized IQ test. More research is needed to reveal the factors that connect these two observations (McGill University).Science is taking muscle repair to the next levelSkeletal muscles are one of the most regenerative organ systems we have, but when faced with something more serious, our body could use some help. Research published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a key gene used in muscle repair that brings us one step closer to lab-made muscles. The scientists hope to move this research into fixing rotator cuff tears, before advancing into more difficult challenges, like genetic muscular diseases (UC Irvine).Concussions may trigger mental health issuesA study published in the Journal of Athletic Training studied how this brain injury is connected to suicide. Researchers found that male teens who’ve had two or more concussions in the past year are more likely to report having suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts than male teens with one or no concussions. The risk of suicidal behavior seems to be the same for female teens regardless of brain injury (University of Michigan).Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-parents-should-be-more-selfish-how-scientists-are-creating-lab-made-muscle-and-do-concussions-lead-to-suicidal-thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2023 • 13min
“It's A Critical Age”: Why Young Kids Should Be Involved In Stem
Research shows that children involved in STEM courses, like engineering and science, have better reading comprehension and are more likely to be successful later in life. One national science fair is helping to keep kids, like award-winner Shanya Gill, interested in these industries and foster their passion for science.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/its-a-critical-age-why-young-kids-should-be-involved-in-stem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2023 • 13min
Natural Disasters Are Only Getting Worse – How Can You Help?
Natural disasters are often devastating to the surrounding communities and environment. And since they’re becoming more frequent – and occurring in places they’ve never been before – it’s more important than ever to know how to support the victims and prepare yourself for these catastrophes.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/natural-disasters-are-only-getting-worse-how-can-you-help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2023 • 4min
Medical Notes: Your Local Park May Be Polluted With Lead, How Pupil Size Affects Anxiety Levels, And The Stress Hormone That Makes Insulin Work Better
Scientists may now be able to catch dementia earlier than ever before. Are eyes the windows to our mental health? A new mouse study may improve diabetes treatments. The neighborhood playground may be holding onto more than just childhood memories.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-your-local-park-may-be-polluted-with-lead-how-pupil-size-affects-anxiety-levels-and-the-stress-hormone-that-makes-insulin-work-better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2023 • 12min
‘Everyone Can Be Made Psychotic’ – The Truth Behind Schizophrenia
Hollywood often portrays schizophrenia in its most extreme form, but the disorder’s progression is much more complicated. Dr. Christoph Correll, a schizophrenia expert, pulls back the curtain on this condition. He explains why it’s often misdiagnosed, left untreated, and can affect anyone – including you.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/everyone-can-be-made-psychotic-the-truth-behind-schizophrenia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2023 • 14min
Can Acupuncture Help Patients Recover From Open Heart Surgery?
Since the heart is part of a larger system in our body, treating cardiac conditions means healing the full person instead of just the one organ. Dr. Kim Feingold, a cardiac psychologist, has researched the use of acupuncture therapy as an integrative approach to treating cardiac patients. She explains her findings and how this needle stimulation may aid in recovery from open heart surgery.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/can-acupuncture-help-patients-recover-from-open-heart-surgery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2023 • 3min
Medical Notes: Is ‘Farm To Table’ Going Out Of Style? How Global Warming Worsens Underlying Heart Conditions, And The Rise Of A New Tick-Borne Illness
Scientists have predicted the future…and it’s not looking good. Farm to table may soon be a thing of the past. Another tick-borne illness is on the rise in America. Is the agriculture industry as harmful as wildfires? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-is-farm-to-table-going-out-of-style-how-global-warming-worsens-underlying-heart-conditions-and-the-rise-of-a-new-tick-borne-illness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2023 • 12min
False Confessions Pt.2: Using Science To Catch The Real Criminals
Last week our experts broke down the psychology of false confessions, and today we’re discussing the aftermath of wrongful convictions. Why do people who’ve been wrongly convicted die earlier? How can law enforcement make sure they’re catching the real criminals? Our experts explain it all.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/false-confessions-pt-2-using-science-to-catch-the-real-criminals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2023 • 14min
The Infertility-Causing Disease That May Not Be As Rare As We Thought
Lisa McCarty experienced four miscarriages before finally being diagnosed with Asherman’s Syndrome, a condition where scar tissue forms in the uterus or cervix. She and Dr. Sigal Klipstein, a reproductive endocrinologist, explain the signs of Asherman’s – and when you should see a specialist.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-infertility-causing-disease-that-may-not-be-as-rare-as-we-thought Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 2023 • 4min
Medical Notes: Using Music To Kill Cancer, Revealing The Secret Behind A Healthy Pregnancy, And How Cigarettes Have Come Back Into Fashion
Is music the new cancer treatment? New research reveals the key to a healthy pregnancy. A new hope for repairing nerve damage. Are cigarettes popular again?Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-using-music-to-kill-cancer-revealing-the-secret-behind-a-healthy-pregnancy-and-how-cigarettes-have-come-back-into-fashion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices