Discover the chilling tale of the death cap mushroom, a seemingly innocent fungus hiding one of the deadliest toxins known to humans. Hear about its devastating effects, including tragic stories of poisoning and the historical incidents linked to its lethal nature. The discussion dives into the biology of amatoxins, the importance of proper mushroom identification, and the dire consequences of misidentification. With a blend of cautionary tales and historical intrigue, this episode reveals why knowledge is essential in the world of foraging.

Imagine a tongue replaced by a tiny isopod! This bizarre parasite, while horrifying to think about, serves a unique ecological role in fish species. The podcast blends humor with science, exploring the life cycle and feeding behaviors of these quirky organisms. It dives into their impact on ecosystems and argues for a greater appreciation of parasites in conservation discussions. Through charming anecdotes and insightful reflections, listeners learn why keeping these creatures in our biodiversity is essential, even if they are a bit unsettling!

Dive into the terrifying world of Rift Valley Fever, a mosquito-borne virus that wreaks havoc on both livestock and humans. Hear a pathologist’s gripping recovery story, showcasing the virus's severity. Discover its historical ties to colonialism and the socio-economic ripple effects of disease outbreaks. Unravel the complexities of climate modeling in predicting future outbreaks. Learn about the urgent need for effective vaccines and the potential risks posed by environmental changes. This exploration emphasizes the intricate balance between humans, animals, and our changing planet.

In this lively session, Ian Dunican, Director of Melius Consulting and sleep expert, teams up with John Iliff, an emergency physician with firsthand experience of fatigue, to delve into the nuances of circadian rhythms. They discuss how these biological clocks influence our health and performance, particularly in high-stress jobs. The conversation highlights alarming consequences of disrupted rhythms, share practical strategies to manage fatigue, and reflect on the historical impacts of shift work. They also dissect some trendy sleep hacks and the mysteries of sleep science.

Join Robert Alpert, an intellectual property lawyer turned film professor, along with historical experts Merle Eisenberg and Lee Mordechai, as they dive into the intriguing world of disease-themed movies. They discuss the evolution of cinematic portrayals of pandemics, revealing how narratives shifted from heroic to personal struggles. The conversation touches on societal reflections during crises, viewer motivations during COVID-19, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. Get ready for a captivating exploration of how film mirrors our hopes and fears about health!

Yes, the world may be out to get us with allergens around every corner, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to help us cope. Our allergy treatment toolkit includes an impressive suite of tools, and in the second episode of our two-part series on allergies, we focus on three in particular: antihistamine medications, allergy shots, and the epinephrine auto-injector (aka the EpiPen). We take you through how exactly each of these work, trace their development from concept to product, and highlight some of the most promising areas of allergy treatment research today. Have you ever wondered why we have so many different types of antihistamines? Or thought about what the Cold War has to do with the EpiPen? Then this is the episode for you. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes it seems like the world is out to get us: bees in our garden, pollen in the air, nuts in our brownies, any number of other things that could trigger an allergic reaction ranging from itchy eyes and a runny nose all the way to anaphylaxis. Why must our bodies react in such over-the-top ways to these seemingly innocuous substances? In the first episode of our two-parter on allergies, we explore that very question. From the biological basis of an allergic reaction to the potential evolutionary significance of allergies, from the history of their discovery to the global status of allergies today, we cover it all. Tune in today! Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful dialogue, journalist Philip Eil, author of *Prescription for Pain*, uncovers the dark journey of Dr. Paul Volkman, a physician turned notorious 'pill mill' operator. Eil discusses the shocking descent of a once-promising doctor into illegal prescribing, contextualizing it within the broader opioid crisis. They explore the regulatory failures that allowed such practices to thrive and reflect on the devastating impact on communities. This narrative showcases the urgent need for reform in pain management and medical oversight.

For decades, it seemed like the appendix would go the way of 8-track players, pagers, and the phonograph. Outdated, obsolete, not worth keeping around. Surgeons performed appendectomies like it was spring cleaning - when in doubt, cut it out. But then the tides began to turn as medicine started to question the long-held belief that the appendix is a defunct organ (on a good day) or a ticking time bomb (on a very bad one). In this episode, we trace the story of the appendix from its earliest descriptions to the latest advancements in treatment of appendicitis. If you’ve ever wondered whether the appendix actually serves any function and what that function might be, then this is the episode for you! Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the many conditions that creep under your skin and make scratching irresistible, scabies alone holds the honor of being called simply “The Itch” for centuries. In this episode, we examine how the burrowing scabies mites cause this extremely uncomfortable sensation, what we can do to halt their progress, and how contagious they really are (less than you probably think). Today, the word scabies instantly conjures up images of the mite responsible for The Itch, but for centuries, medicine failed to make that connection, even when the proof was right in front of them and when traditional wisdom had long since known mite=scabies. Tune in to learn how the great scabies debate was finally resolved with a public demonstration, what role conscientious objectors played in scabies research during WWII, and where we are with scabies around the globe today. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAu  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.