Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-03-2025: Dr. Dawn provides a comprehensive explanation of vertigo versus dizziness, describing inner ear anatomy, how displaced crystals cause positional vertigo, and various treatment maneuvers including the Epley, Sarmont, and Foster techniques. Responding to an email from a listener suffering from both vertigo and tinnitus, she recommends exploring chiropractic adjustment for the tinnitus and special electroacupuncture treatments while suggesting additional vestibular testing might be beneficial. Dr. Dawn addresses an email about POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) likely caused by long COVID, recommending diagnostic tests, mitochondrial support supplements, low-dose naltrexone, and investigating possible heavy metal release due to significant weight loss. A caller with Dupuytren's contracture describes frustrations with Medicare Advantage limitations and surgical options, with Dr. Dawn discussing quality of life impacts, the differences between open and minimally invasive procedures, and possible workarounds including voice-to-text technology. The show concludes with Dr. Dawn discussing how a falsified 2006 research paper led Alzheimer's research astray for decades by incorrectly focusing on amyloid beta protein removal, resulting in questionable drug approvals despite expert objections, while better evidence points to tau protein as a more reliable disease marker.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-27-2025: Dr. Dawn comments on how inappropriate conclusions of cause and effect lead to too many drugs being prescribed and incorrect claims of drug allergies. Dr. Dawn examines the risks of ibuprofen overuse, discussing how NSAIDs can damage the gut lining, affect kidney function, and lead to various health complications when used long-term. She provides insight into Medicare reimbursement rates for common lab tests, explaining the significant price disparities between Medicare payments and commercial rates. The show explores the current H5N1 bird flu situation affecting egg and dairy production, discussing viral mutations and the promising development of a universal flu vaccine. Dr. Dawn explores the remarkable fact that among placental mammals, only humans, certain bats, elephant shrews, and one species of spiny mouse experience menstruation, leading to challenges in research models. She recounts the fascinating history of menstruation research, from 1940s scientists chasing elephant shrews in South Africa to shipping bats in takeout containers for laboratory studies. The show details modern breakthroughs in menstruation research through organoids and organs-on-chips technology, explaining how these tools are revolutionizing our understanding of women's health. Dr. Dawn addresses perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy, discussing historical misconceptions and current treatment perspectives. The show concludes with research on artemisia, explaining how this traditional herb shows promise in treating polycystic ovary syndrome through its effects on hormone regulation.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-20-2025: Dr. Dawn responds to an email about osteoporosis treatment options, explaining the risk assessment for fractures, discussing injectable alternatives to Fosamax for patients with swallowing difficulties, and analyzing vibration plate therapy's effectiveness for osteoporosis. The show explores scientific curiosities including genetically modified "woolly mammoth mice" created using CRISPR technology, showing how gene editing advances could potentially resurrect extinct species and preserve the endangered. Dr. Dawn shares research revealing that tea leaves can effectively remove heavy metals from water, with both black and green tea varieties working equally well. The show discusses how strength training provides the most significant benefits for insomnia sufferers, outperforming other exercise types by creating the micro-damage necessary to trigger deep, restorative sleep. Dr. Dawn describes fascinating developments in biohybrid robotics, where researchers created a functional hand using lab-grown human muscle tissue capable of gripping objects and making scissor gestures. Now they'll work on "rock" and "paper". A caller seeks clarification about the tea purification process, with Dr. Dawn explaining that discarding used tea bags (rather than composting them) prevents reintroducing concentrated heavy metals into the environment. She examines Alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy triggered by Lone Star tick bites that can cause reactions to mammalian products including red meat, gelatin, keratin, and lanolin. The show addresses environmental concerns about "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in sewage sludge fertilizers, potential risks to farmworkers and highlighting studies linking drinking water contamination to increased childhood cancer rates in affected areas. Dr. Dawn explores the expanding benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, including reduced risks for liver failure, cardiac arrest, addiction disorders, and even Alzheimer's, while noting potential side effects. She discusses how GLP-1 medications fundamentally change food preferences and behaviors, citing cases where users shift spending from restaurants to exercise equipment and from processed foods to fruits and vegetables. A caller seeking advice on building muscle mass at age 70 receives recommendations about proper protein intake, hydration needs with kidney disease, and the importance of resistance training over general activity.

Broadcast on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-13-2025: Dr. Dawn debunks the common misconception about extra virgin olive oil's smoke point indicating oxidation damage, citing new research showing it remains stable and safe even at high cooking temperatures due to its high flavenoid and antioxidant content. She discusses critical timing factors for surgical procedures, sharing research that reveals a "weekend effect" with 9-12% higher mortality rates for surgeries performed on Fridays compared to early-week procedures. The show examines promising AI technology that can detect depression and other mental health conditions through voice patterns alone, potentially improving diagnosis in diverse populations regardless of language barriers. A caller asks about measles vaccines and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s controversial claims, with Dr. Dawn explaining different vaccine types and clarifying that while live virus vaccines can technically cause disease in immunocompromised individuals, this is extremely rare and preventable. Dr. Dawn explores the landmark "Nun Study" tracking 678 nuns over 30 years, highlighting discoveries about cognitive resilience including how early-life linguistic abilities correlate with reduced dementia risk and how some individuals remain mentally sharp despite having Alzheimer's brain pathology. The show discusses promising research on transcranial direct current stimulation for Alzheimer's patients, showing how electrical stimulation of specific brain regions improved verbal learning and word production abilities for up to eight weeks. Dr. Dawn examines psychological factors associated with dementia risk, noting that while negative thinking patterns correlate with cognitive decline, determining causality remains challenging. She shares a breakthrough in ALS research identifying neurofilament light chain proteins as a potential biomarker that correctly identified people with ALS more than 80% of the time and predicted survival rates. The show concludes with fascinating microbiome research on bile acids, explaining how gut bacteria transform liver-produced bile and how certain microbial bile acids can either promote or inhibit inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer development.

The discussion covers heart health and the risks associated with stenting in coronary artery blockage. An inspiring story of a blood donor who saved millions highlights the power of altruism. Listeners learn about the health risks of microplastics and practical tips to reduce exposure. Cold water plunge therapy is evaluated for its temporary benefits but potential dangers. The podcast warns about bird flu findings and the need for improved food safety regulations. Insights are shared on vaccine research and the critical role of nutrition in child health.

A tragic measles outbreak in Texas raises alarm, claiming the life of a previously healthy child. The risk of SSPE is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The community is urged to participate in a health survey related to a local battery fire. Discussions on the benefits of adaptogens in mushroom coffee point to rotation for effectiveness. Fascinating research on tardigrades reveals their potential in protecting against radiation, sparking interest in cancer treatments and space exploration.

A new meal program helps provide nutritious options for Medicare Advantage recipients. Dr. Dawn tackles long COVID, offering insights on treatments and management strategies. Excitingly, a novel non-opiate pain medication has been FDA approved, changing pain management dynamics. Research reveals the troubling accumulation of microplastics in brains. The emergence of valley fever due to climate change is discussed, along with tracking innovations. Additionally, promising research on oyster proteins suggests a new way to fight antibiotic resistance.

Delve into the safety of testosterone therapy, revealing its surprising benefits for aging men. Explore the nuanced relationship between probiotics and antibiotics, plus the fascinating implications of pig kidney transplants. Discover why honey could be a better sugar substitute, along with strategies to reduce dementia risk through lifestyle choices. Get insights on managing migraines and learn about the current challenges facing genetic testing companies like 23andMe.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-23-2025: Dr. Dawn announces a recall of Mylan's generic levothyroxine due to quality testing failures, affecting lots expiring in 2025 that don't meet FDA's 5% threshold for stated content. She provides comprehensive guidance on health impacts from the Moss Landing California battery fire, discussing cancer risks, heavy metal exposure, and detoxification methods including testing options and protective measures. The show explores promising research on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis prevention, discussing a study showing one or two doses of Reclast could prevent fractures in post-menopausal women with normal bone density. Dr. Dawn examines innovative research on transplanting foot sole cells to improve prosthetic comfort for amputees, explaining how fibroblast transplantation could create more durable skin surfaces. She discusses alternative treatments for gallstones, particularly focusing on using ursodiol combined with lithotripsy as a potential surgery alternative for high-risk patients. The show addresses listener questions about knee injections for osteoarthritis, explaining cortisone's benefits and discussing vitamin supplementation including vitamins D3 and K2 for bone health. Dr. Dawn provides detailed information to a caller about ischial bursitis treatment, discussing injection techniques and cushioning options for managing tailbone area pain.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-16-2025: Dr. Dawn provides a comprehensive analysis of the H5N1 bird flu situation, explaining viral mutations, transmission patterns, and potential risks in both agricultural and human populations. She examines the concerning implications of research showing rapid viral mutations after human transmission and discusses available antiviral treatments. The show addresses concerns about mirror cell research, warning about potential dangers of creating mirror-image microbes that could be unrecognizable to immune systems. She discusses the alarming rise in hypothermia deaths across America, noting how sudden temperature fluctuations and increasing homelessness contribute to doubled mortality rates since 1999. Dr. Dawn provides detailed analysis of an email from a person post-gastric bypass with dangerous blood sugar spikes, outlining potential causes and suggesting comprehensive testing approaches. A caller presents case of dual ureter injury during C-section surgery, Dr. Dawn explores treatment options and complications. She then responds to another caller with recurring toenail fungus, discussing various approaches from traditional medications to alternative remedies. She shares fascinating insights from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi," exploring parasites that control host behavior, from shrimp-manipulating worms to fungi that turn insects into spore-dispersing zombies. <