Ask Doctor Dawn

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-16-2025: Dr. Dawn explains the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology awarded to Shimon Sakaguchi, Mary Brunkow, and Fred Ramsdell for discovering T regulatory cells. Previously, medical teaching held that the thymus only eliminated self-attacking T cells, but Sakaguchi found that removing the thymus from newborn mice caused autoimmune disease, suggesting protective regulatory cells existed. He identified CD4+CD25+ cells that suppress inflammation and can convert other T cells. Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered the FOXP3 gene that controls these cells, linking mutations to severe autoimmune diseases like IPEX syndrome. Tissue-specific Tregs regulate metabolism in fat, maintain gut microbiome tolerance, promote wound healing in skin, and control muscle regeneration. Therapeutic applications include stopping type 1 diabetes, preventing organ rejection, and treating multiple sclerosis. An emailer asks about a study linking soft drinks to depression through gut bacteria changes. Dr. Dawn critiques the cohort association study for establishing only correlation, not causation, with a weak risk ratio of 1.1 representing just 10% increased association. She explains that bacteria can influence food cravings, making it unclear whether sodas change bacteria levels or bacteria drive soda consumption. Without Koch's postulates—isolating bacteria, growing them, and reproducing disease—the causal direction remains uncertain despite statistical significance. Dr. Dawn reads David Whyte's essay on injury as invitation to transformation, exploring how pain reveals vulnerability, changes identity, requires patience, and teaches compassion. She notes this perspective may come easier to men who reach midlife believing they control their bodies, while menstruation disabuses women of that illusion earlier. As a physician, she emphasizes the ego crisis when people transition from healthy to "person with disease," requiring identity restructuring that can shake foundations but also mature and strengthen individuals. A caller responds enthusiastically to the injury essay, citing quotes from André Gide, James Hillman, and Norman O. Brown about how illness opens doors to reality closed to healthy mindedness, how the soul sees through affliction, and how vulnerability is inherent to being human. Dr. Dawn agrees that many religions embrace wounds as paths to spiritual enlightenment and commits to deeper reflection on suffering's role in the human condition. Dr. Dawn discusses cognitive functional therapy for chronic back pain, describing firefighter Joe Lawrence who believed his spine was irreparably damaged until physical therapist Peter O'Sullivan challenged those beliefs. The therapy addresses psychological aspects by teaching that backs need movement, not protection, and that tensing muscles worsens pain. The three-step approach examines pain origins including emotional context, gradually reintroduces avoided activities while learning relaxation, and establishes healthy sleep and exercise routines. GLP-1 drug prices have dropped dramatically to $499 monthly at Costco due to compounding pharmacy competition. Dr. Dawn urges immunizations, noting studies show shingles vaccination reduces dementia risk by 20% over seven years, possibly by generating T regulatory cells that reduce brain inflammation. Natural experiments in England where vaccine rollout occurred at different times in different regions provided strong evidence. She explains that chickenpox vaccination in childhood prevents both chickenpox and future shingles. Even tetanus shots appear to lower dementia risk, suggesting vaccines activate immune responses that reduce chronic inflammation. She concludes with practical advice to reduce microplastic exposure by avoiding plastic cups and containers, especially with heat. Eight-year-old coffee makers contain twice the microplastics of six-month-old machines due to deterioration. She recommends ceramic cups, glass or metal kettles, removing food from plastic before cooking, and washing polyester clothing on low heat to minimize microplastic generation.

Dr. Dawn explores the safety of low-dose lithium for dementia prevention, revealing its calming effects may actually enhance cognition without kidney damage. She highlights the benefits of over-the-counter hearing aids that can save users significant costs. Addressing concerns about methotrexate for psoriasis, she recommends monitoring and safer alternatives like apremilast. Additionally, she emphasizes the dangers of ultra-processed foods and the importance of building exercise into daily routines, promoting simple tips to stay active and motivated.

Blood pressure guidelines have reverted to 140/90 after issues with the 2015 SPRINT study's unrealistic targets. Claims linking Tylenol to autism are debunked, highlighting significant biases and historical trends in autism rates. The dangers of ultra-processed foods are discussed, revealing a link to overeating and excess calorie intake. Additionally, innovative health technologies like biometrics and ultrasound helmets for brain stimulation raise concerns about data privacy and effectiveness.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-25-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with disturbing whistleblower allegations from Patrick Chase about organ transplant corruption. He claims poor patients at Parkland Hospital were systematically denied kidneys that were redirected to wealthier patients at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In 36 documented cases, doctors rejected kidneys as unsuitable for Parkland patients, then transplanted those same organs at the prestigious academic hospital. Chase alleges financial incentives corrupt the entire system, from procurement organizations to waiting list management. She discusses widespread scientific fraud in medical journals, citing research about PLOS journal showing 45 editors facilitated acceptance of fraudulent papers at rates far exceeding chance. These editors represented only 1.3% of reviewers but were responsible for 30% of retracted articles. Paper mills now use AI to generate fake studies with fabricated data, selling authorship to academics seeking publication credits. This undermines evidence-based medicine when treatment guidelines rely on potentially fraudulent research. Dr. Dawn introduces holy basil as a sleep aid beyond melatonin, explaining how its active compound ocimum lowers cortisol and inhibits orexin pathways that promote wakefulness. Unlike melatonin which signals sleep onset, holy basil helps maintain deep sleep by preventing middle-of-night stress spikes. She recommends 500 milligrams of aqueous leaf extract, noting this Ayurvedic herb may be particularly helpful for menopausal women experiencing sleep disruption. She warns about medication-induced osteoporosis, revealing that proton pump inhibitors increase hip fracture risk by 217% after four years of use by impairing calcium absorption and triggering parathyroid hormone release. Antidepressants pose similar risks, with SSRIs increasing fracture risk by 68% and causing women to lose bone 1.6 times faster than non-users. Cancer treatments like androgen deprivation therapy cause severe bone loss, with 81% of long-term users developing osteoporosis. Dr. Dawn challenges cholesterol treatment guidelines, explaining that Quest Labs' recommendation for LDL under 100 contradicts actual medical standards. The Veterans Administration only recommends statins for LDL above 190 plus high cardiovascular risk, or 12% ten-year risk calculated using multiple factors. She criticizes the focus on cosmetic cholesterol numbers while ignoring that high-dose statins increase diabetes risk, which is a greater health threat than elevated LDL alone. A caller describes experiencing severe ear itching followed by facial puffiness after a haircut. Dr. Dawn explains this likely represents a histamine-mediated allergic reaction, possibly triggered by salon products rather than the haircut itself. She advises getting ingredient lists from the salon to identify potential allergens and notes that bilateral symptoms suggest systemic rather than contact allergy. The oral antihistamines the caller took were appropriate treatment. Another caller asks about statin use with LDL of 155, expressing concern about adverse effects. Dr. Dawn recommends calculating ten-year cardiovascular risk rather than focusing solely on LDL numbers. She explains serious statin risks including muscle breakdown and diabetes development, particularly in women. For patients with muscle pain from statins, she suggests CoQ10 supplementation, but discontinuation if symptoms persist to prevent kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-18-2025: Dr. Dawn opens by establishing her psychobiology background and introducing the neurohormonal axis connecting mind and body. She describes revolutionary research published in Nature Neuroscience showing that simply seeing sick people in virtual reality triggers actual immune responses. The study used VR avatars displaying infection symptoms approaching participants, measuring brain activity with EEG and fMRI while analyzing blood samples for immune cell changes. The research demonstrates that infectious avatars approaching in virtual reality activate the same immune pathways as actual flu vaccination. Brain areas including the salience network and peripersonal space system detect potential threats and communicate with the hypothalamus to trigger white blood cell activation. Proximity matters - threats 20 feet away don't trigger responses, but approaching threats do. Dr. Dawn explains the sophisticated methodology, including 128-channel EEG monitoring and flow cytometry analysis of immune markers. Participants showed faster reaction times when infectious avatars approached compared to neutral ones, demonstrating subconscious threat assessment. The study reveals built-in disgust responses that evolved to protect against pathogens. She comments on how her medical training rewire the protective disgust reaction through repeated exposure.. She transitions to discussing stress effects on gastrointestinal function, explaining how the gut-brain axis operates through the vagus nerve and neurohormonal pathways. The adrenal glands produce both immediate epinephrine responses and longer-term cortisol release, with chronic stress leading to digestive disruption, increased intestinal permeability, and microbiome changes that can trigger food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Dawn details the difference between acute and chronic stress responses in the gut. Acute stress redirects energy from digestion for fight-or-flight responses, while chronic stress causes mast cell activation, histamine release, mucus layer thinning, and bacterial overgrowth. These changes can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, increased food allergies, and even celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. The discussion covers various brain networks including the default mode network active during rest, the central executive network for problem-solving, and the salience network that switches between them when detecting important stimuli like threats, food, or reproductive opportunities. Functional MRI studies show these networks' activity patterns and their connections to immune system regulation through the hypothalamus. Dr. Dawn emphasizes practical implications for modern life, warning that constant screen exposure and doom-scrolling activate chronic stress responses unnecessarily. She recommends avoiding phones upon waking, spending time outdoors, wearing amber glasses for evening screen use, and practicing specific breathing techniques - inhaling for 5 counts, holding for 5, exhaling for 5, holding for 5 - to regulate nervous system activation and reduce inflammatory responses.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-11-2025: Dr. Dawn announces COVID-25/26 vaccines are now available at Safeway with same-day appointments, urging listeners to schedule quickly due to potential supply shortages amid uncertain federal vaccine policies. She discusses promising research on metformin for knee osteoarthritis in obese patients. Studies show metformin users lost half as much cartilage (0.75% vs 1.5%) over four years and had reduced knee replacement risk. The mechanism involves AMPK protein kinase pathways that reduce inflammation and cellular energy storage, with benefits independent of weight loss effects. Dr. Dawn warns hunters about blue pig meat from wild boars that consume rodenticide, which acts like warfarin to prevent blood clotting. The anticoagulant creates blue-tinted tissue that cooking cannot eliminate, making such meat dangerous for consumption during hunting season from September through November. She criticizes the elimination of women's health research funding, highlighting how the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute has advanced medical knowledge benefiting everyone. Dr. Dawn notes that $2.5 billion in research was rescinded for containing terms like "women" and "female," creating dangerous knowledge gaps when women experience different disease symptoms and medication responses than men. The brown rice versus white rice debate centers on arsenic content, with brown rice containing about 138 parts per billion compared to 93 in white rice. While both remain below WHO safety limits, children are especially vulnerable. Dr. Dawn recommends diverse grain options and specific cooking methods like soaking, rinsing, and using excess water to reduce arsenic levels. A caller asks about glutathione supplementation, specifically gamma-glutamyl cysteine products. Dr. Dawn explains how these precursors bypass liver metabolism to deliver glutathione to cells, while discussing the balance between oxidative and reductive stress. She notes individual genetic variations can affect supplement responses and emphasizes measuring markers rather than expecting immediate symptomatic improvements. Another caller inquires about histamine intolerance causing puffy eyes and food reactions. Dr. Dawn explains histamine's role as a neurotransmitter, sources in fermented foods and gut bacteria, and genetic enzyme deficiencies in DAO and histamine transferase. She recommends cromolyn sodium eye drops and systematic food elimination, particularly targeting recently increased consumption of chai tea and smoked brisket. Dr. Dawn concludes with news about an AI tool called FaceAge that predicts biological age and survival rates from facial photographs. Trained on 60,000 photos of people over 60, the system achieved 80% accuracy in predicting six-month survival for terminal cancer patients compared to 61% accuracy for human doctors, potentially offering a non-invasive health assessment tool.

Broadcast from KSQD on 9-04-2025: Dr. Dawn opens by criticizing new FDA restrictions on simultaneous COVID and flu vaccinations, calling out vaccine regulator Vinay Prasad for creating artificial shortages. She explains that while no formal studies test multiple vaccines together, decades of safe practice demonstrate effectiveness. The FDA's requirement for separate testing ignores practical evidence and threatens vaccine supply chains during critical flu season. She discusses Oregon research suggesting adults may not need tetanus boosters every 10 years, but warns this misses the pertussis component. Dr. Dawn explains that acellular pertussis vaccines only provide 4-year immunity, making adult boosters essential to prevent whooping cough transmission to vulnerable infants. The focus should remain on pertussis prevention rather than tetanus economics. California, Oregon, and Washington announced a West Coast Health Alliance to maintain scientific integrity in public health policy amid federal changes. Dr. Dawn supports this states' rights approach to vaccination recommendations based on trusted medical organizations, expressing concern about potential vaccine shortages if manufacturers reduce production due to uncertain federal demand. An emailer shares an AI-generated analysis comparing tuberculosis and Lyme disease. Dr. Dawn critiques the AI's inaccuracies, noting that while tuberculosis may be present in 25% of people globally s the AI reports (she did not fact check this), the distribution is very uneven and cases in the US are low which we know since accurate latent TB testing is readily available in the US. She warns against AI's tendency to incorporate conspiracy theories due to a bias which favors frequency vs accuracy and emphasizes the importance of fact-checking AI-generated medical content. Dr. Dawn addresses FDA concerns about unregulated GLP-1 drugs, warning about counterfeit semaglutide and tirzepatide from questionable sources. She discusses dosing errors, non-FDA-approved compounds appearing in gray markets, and the rare but serious cancer risk for people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes - affecting 1 in 30,000 people who could develop hormone-producing cancers. A caller asks about genetic testing for GLP-1 cancer risk. Dr. Dawn explains that complete genome testing costs around $1,000 and requires professional interpretation. She discusses the economic challenges of testing 30,000 people to prevent one cancer case, while acknowledging that obesity's health risks generally outweigh the small cancer risk for most patients. She examines FDA challenges in approving MDMA for PTSD treatment, explaining the "Catch-22" of blinding studies when drugs cause obvious consciousness changes. Dr. Dawn describes how psychedelic research faces unique obstacles requiring 8-10 hour supervised sessions with therapists, making traditional double-blind studies nearly impossible to conduct properly. An emailer asks about B vitamin effects on brain and heart health. Dr. Dawn warns about high-dose biotin interfering with thyroid tests and troponin levels used to diagnose heart attacks. She explains how B12 deficiency affects 40% of people over 80, recommending methylmalonic acid testing for accurate assessment rather than standard blood levels. She discusses research showing coastal living extends life expectancy by over a year compared to inland areas, attributed to cleaner air and better recreational opportunities. However, living near inland waterways may slightly decrease lifespan due to flood risks and environmental factors, suggesting ocean proximity specifically provides health benefits.

This discussion reveals alarming findings about PFAS in feminine hygiene products, raising health concerns. Explore how vitamin K can significantly alleviate leg cramps in older adults. The evolving gut bacteria's ability to digest food thickeners introduces hidden calories in our diets. A critique of Botox studies questions their methodology and real-world implications. Finally, learn how the Mediterranean diet could lower dementia risk and the vital role of hormone therapy in mental health, particularly for menopausal women.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-21-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with disturbing research linking respiratory infections to breast cancer reactivation. Studies show increased breast cancer deaths during COVID beyond screening delays, suggesting viral infections may awaken dormant cancer cells through inflammatory signals. Mouse models demonstrate that influenza infection can increase metastatic burden up to 1000-fold by triggering neutrophil extracellular traps that act as growth signals for sleeping cancer cells. She covers neuroimmune crosstalk in lung fibrosis research, where mice lacking pain receptors developed worse scarring when exposed to lung injury. The absence of pain signals failed to trigger natural inflammation suppressors, leading to increased neutrophil activity and inflammatory nets that contributed to tissue damage. New food spoilage detection technology uses pH-sensitive dyes in packaging that fluoresce or change color when bacterial metabolism produces acids. This could prevent foodborne illness from contaminated deli meats and dairy products by providing visual warnings before consumption, particularly important for high-risk foods like lunch meats and mayonnaise. Dr. Dawn warns about diquat replacing glyphosate in Roundup products, potentially creating 200 times more toxicity. The new compound suppresses gut lining proteins, creating leaky gut and allowing bacterial toxins into the bloodstream, while causing permanent kidney, liver, and lung damage. Most countries have banned diquat, but it remains available in American stores. Research reveals that lactose intolerance can cause intense nightmares through gut-brain connections. Montreal studies found that people with dairy sensitivity experience more frequent, distressing dreams that improve significantly when dairy is eliminated from their diet. The mechanism likely involves gastrointestinal discomfort causing microarousals that make dreams more vivid and memorable. She describes revolutionary remote-controlled probiotics combining genetically modified E. coli with pill cameras. These bacterial robots can detect inflammation, produce therapeutic compounds on command, and communicate through bioluminescence. Applications include targeted inflammatory bowel disease treatment where bacteria manufacture anti-TNF nanobodies when activated by LED signals from swallowed capsules. An emailer with recurring diverticulitis asks about surgical options versus dietary management. Dr. Dawn explains the structural causes of diverticular disease and the vicious cycle created by repeated antibiotic treatments that damage gut microbiomes. She emphasizes the importance of dramatically increasing fiber intake and addressing underlying leaky gut issues that may contribute to the condition. A caller asks about foods for better bowel movements while managing diabetes and taking Wegovy. Dr. Dawn recommends ground flaxseed mixed into various foods and weekly preparation of roasted root vegetables for someone with limited cooking skills. The conversation becomes personal as the caller expresses concerns about housing security and healthcare access during uncertain political times. New microplastic research reveals how these particles accumulate bacteria, viruses, and toxins in biofilm "coronas" that enhance their harmful effects. Different plastic types carry varying electric charges affecting where they travel in the body. Breakthrough laser detection methods now allow precise identification and tracking of specific plastic polymers in tissues, enabling better research on health impacts. Dr. Dawn discusses advances in CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma, sharing positive results from her husband's recent treatment. New research suggests injecting lipid nanoparticles containing CAR DNA instead of removing T-cells for laboratory modification, potentially making this therapy much cheaper and more accessible while maintaining effectiveness for blood cancers.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-14-2025: Dr. Dawn shares the story of Tim Fried, a construction worker who deliberately exposed himself to 850 snake venom doses over 18 years to build immunity. An immunologist developed antivenom from Fried's antibodies that neutralizes venom from 19 deadly snake species, potentially saving thousands of lives annually from snakebite deaths. She describes cuttlefish sign language research revealing four specific arm movements. The cuttlefish respond to videos and water vibrations from these signs, suggesting complex communication abilities rather than simple mimicry, potentially comparable to octopus intelligence. New research challenges the assumption that Neanderthals were hyper-carnivores. While bone nitrogen levels suggested a meat-only diet, dental evidence showed plant consumption. Researchers now theorize Neanderthals ate maggots from rotting meat, which contain 43% more nitrogen than flesh and would explain the contradictory evidence between bone chemistry and tooth wear patterns. CPR guidelines may soon from the traditional ABC approach (airway, breathing, circulation) to focusing immediately on chest compressions. Research on 45 collapsed athletes showed that 27 who received inappropriate airway clearing died or remained comatose, while three who received immediate rapid chest compressions survived with potential for rehabilitation. The recommendationcould become 100-120 compressions per minute without preliminary airway management. Dr. Dawn presents reassuring statistics about spinal abnormalities in pain-free adults over 60. MRI studies show 90% have disc degeneration, 80% have disc bulges, and 40% have protrusions - yet these individuals have no back pain. This raises questions about attributing back pain to imaging findings when so many similar abnormalities exist in asymptomatic people. Australian cockatoos have learned to operate drinking fountains for entertainment rather than necessity. Researchers observed 70 birds attempting and 40 successfully using fountains, waiting in organized lines and taking turns, despite easier water sources being available nearby. An emailer asks about Essiac tea for cancer prevention. Dr. Dawn explains this herbal blend of burdock root, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm shows promise in laboratory studies but lacks quality human research. While not harmful, no studies demonstrate reduced cancer recurrence rates, though the antioxidant properties may provide general health benefits. Another emailer inquires about lithium supplements for Alzheimer's prevention. Dr. Dawn discusses research showing lower brain lithium levels in Alzheimer's patients and how amyloid plaques trap lithium. Studies suggest lithium orotate (unlike lithium carbonate) isn't absorbed by plaques and may help memory in mice. Low-dose lithium orotate appears safe and mildly calming for humans. Groundbreaking research shows exercise dramatically improves colon cancer survival. A study of 900 patients found the exercise group had 80% five-year disease-free survival versus 74% in controls, with 40% reduced death risk. The intensive program required 10 METs weekly exercise with behavioral support sessions over three years. Dr. Dawn explores coffee's health benefits, noting humanity consumes 2 billion cups daily. Multiple studies show moderate consumption (3-4 cups) reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and slows Parkinson's progression. Compounds like cafestol and chlorogenic acids provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, though benefits disappear when adding significant cream or sugar. She warns about Chikungunya outbreaks in China affecting over 8,000 people. This mosquito-borne illness causes severe bone pain and can spread through blood transfusion. With increased global travel and climate change expanding mosquito ranges, Dr. Dawn emphasizes the importance of volunteering travel history to healthcare providers when presenting with fever and body aches.