Ask Doctor Dawn

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.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-07-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with groundbreaking news about the first successful islet cell transplant for type 1 diabetes without immunosuppression. A 42-year-old man received gene-edited donor cells that were modified to avoid immune rejection by removing tissue compatibility markers and adding protective proteins. The transplanted cells in his forearm began producing insulin autonomously, reducing his A1C by 42% over 12 weeks. This breakthrough could lead to off-the-shelf diabetes treatments without the cancer and infection risks of immunosuppressive drugs. She critiques a case where a patient was prescribed an expensive new osteoporosis drug without trying conservative treatments first. Dr. Dawn explains how this monoclonal antibody works by blocking sclerostin, essentially cutting the brake lines on bone formation. While effective for severe osteoporosis, the drug increases heart attack and stroke risk by 15%. She advocates for trying lifestyle changes, exercise, and established treatments before resorting to newer, more dangerous medications with questionable risk-benefit ratios. A caller asks about a pustular rash on his upper body that his acupuncturist suggests might be related to COVID vaccination. Dr. Dawn addresses the distribution pattern of the rash, suggesting possible causes like hot tub folliculitis or topical allergies based on the location. She discusses how to evaluate rashes by their characteristics and distribution rather than jumping to vaccine-related conclusions. The caller inquires about vaccine development timelines and whether rushed approval during COVID might have missed serious side effects. Dr. Dawn explains that mRNA vaccine technology existed for 10 years before COVID and discusses her theory about vaccine side effects. She describes how spike proteins may temporarily deplete anti-inflammatory mechanisms, leading to flare-ups of existing conditions like eczema or arthritis, but emphasizes these effects are generally temporary and rebuilding occurs over time. Caller asks about RFK Jr.'s stance on vaccine research and the long-term implications of reducing vaccine development. Dr. Dawn provides a nuanced response about problems with the current vaccine system, including government-guaranteed markets that incentivize overproduction of vaccines. She discusses the evolution from essential vaccines for devastating diseases to newer vaccines for less critical conditions, explaining the economic forces that drive development and the resulting over-vaccination in healthy populations versus the need to protect vulnerable individuals. Dr. Dawn concludes with an innovative medical technology - a robot mattress designed to prevent pressure ulcers in immobilized patients. The mattress contains 1,260 independently controlled pistons that create undulating checkerboard patterns, alternating pressure points to stimulate blood flow. Research showed that brief high pressure followed by relief works better than constant low pressure, reducing pressure ulcer areas by 34 times compared to standard foam padding.

Katherine Rockwood, a passionate breastfeeding advocate and RN who leads the Baby Talk support group, joins Jess Stevens, a NICU nurse and dedicated milk donor. They dive into the unique benefits of breast milk, especially for premature babies, detailing how it adapts to their needs. Jess shares her milk donation journey and the crucial screening involved. The conversation also highlights community events like breastfeeding festivals aimed at supporting new mothers and normalizing breastfeeding, while addressing the financial hurdles of donor milk.

Dive into the intriguing world of mouth taping for sleep, where scientific scrutiny reveals a lack of solid evidence for its touted benefits. Delve into the brain drain as American researchers flock to France, chasing better funding amid political pressures. Discover Salsalate, an old drug making a comeback for diabetes treatment by fighting insulin resistance. Finally, marvel at groundbreaking surgical robots capable of performing complex procedures with AI precision, hinting at a revolutionary future in medicine.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-17-2025: Dr. Dawn interviews Dr. Drew Richard, a first-year resident at Dominican Santa Cruz Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Richard discusses his motivation to bridge socioeconomic health disparities and his experience creating educational cooking episodes featuring cultural dishes from medical students. He explains his philosophy that medicine should help people cultivate compassion and his belief in the fundamental capacity for human goodness. The conversation explores the evolution of medical training and communication skills. Dr. Dawn contrasts today's team-based collaborative approach with the hierarchical, authoritarian medical culture of the past. They discuss how modern medicine emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, with Dr. Richard noting improved learning environments where faculty are more forgiving of mistakes while maintaining high standards for patient safety. A caller asks about functional medicine's approach to intangible factors like intention, purpose, attitude, energy, and alternative therapies like sound healing. Dr. Dawn explains the functional medicine matrix that places mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects at its center, discussing how these factors influence disease response and treatment outcomes. She describes the body's electrical field and energy medicine principles from her acupuncture practice. Dr. Richard addresses the caller's question about sound healing, suggesting that practitioners frame these concepts in familiar terms rather than using unfamiliar terminology. He recommends starting conversations about therapeutic music by asking patients about their favorite songs rather than immediately introducing concepts like sound baths, making these healing modalities more accessible and less intimidating. The discussion shifts to music's neurological benefits, with Dr. Dawn citing research showing that singing and music-making promote brain health and neuroplasticity. Studies demonstrate that piano practice increases gray matter, improves cognitive flexibility, and enhances auditory working memory in older adults. They explore how music engagement, whether through listening or active participation, releases dopamine and provides emotional regulation benefits. Dr. Richard shares his personal musical background as a drummer and discusses the bonding effects of group music-making. Dr. Dawn describes her experiences with choral singing and four-part harmony, explaining how shared musical vibrations create feelings of communion and connection. They explore how music affects the body's vibrations and blood flow, touching on everything from opera to movie soundtracks. The conversation turns to Dr. Richard's surfing experiences as part of his residency cohort's wellness activities. He describes overcoming ocean fears and discovering unexpected joy in the sport, noting how the entire residency class has embraced surfing as both exercise and bonding experience. Dr. Dawn mentions the conductor paradox - how orchestra conductors live longer than expected despite their lifestyle habits, attributing this to the cardiovascular benefits of continuous arm movement. In a concluding segment. Dr. Dawn presents research from the University of Pittsburgh showing how exercise protects against cancer through microbiome effects.

Discover the intriguing effects of lion's mane mushroom on blood thinning and cognitive preservation, weighing its benefits against potential risks. Learn about the promising but limited research on Fatty15 supplements for longevity and find out why a food-first approach is recommended. Dr. Dawn discusses the importance of continuing L-arginine for vascular health and the efficacy of nicotine and caffeine as nootropics. Plus, dive into the significance of physical activity for seniors and critical thinking in making health decisions.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-03-2025: Dr. Dawn responds to an email about vitamin D and statin interactions, explaining how statins may prevent vitamin D's longevity benefits by interfering with CoQ10 production. She references a study showing vitamin D preserved telomeres and prevented aging over 3-4 years, but benefits disappeared in statin users. For borderline high LDL, she recommends testing for large versus small particles and oxidized LDL rather than treating with statins or red yeast rice. Red yeast rice may also block CoQ10 production, potentially negating vitamin D benefits. She discusses the critical problem of overmedication in elderly patients through a story of a 75-year-old taking 21 prescription drugs who improved dramatically when reduced to eight medications. Multiple specialists practicing standard care in isolation create dangerous polypharmacy without coordination. HIPAA privacy laws prevent medication sharing between providers, while electronic medical records remain siloed and incompatible. England's pilot program will provide whole genome screening for every newborn within 10 years, assessing hundreds of disease risks and enabling personalized medicine. While beneficial for identifying genetic disorders and drug metabolism variations like 2D6 mutations affecting tamoxifen effectiveness, Dr. Dawn expresses concern about government surveillance implications. Unlike voluntary phone tracking, this represents involuntary comprehensive genetic monitoring of citizens unable to provide informed consent. She describes alarming research showing cancer cells steal mitochondria from nerve cells by extending tubes and sucking out energy-producing organelles. This behavior helps cancer cells survive the hostile journey through bloodstream during metastasis. Turbocharged cancer cells with stolen mitochondria generate more energy and survive better when subjected to physical stress mimicking bloodstream travel. Dr. Dawn explores the parasitic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica, which causes intestinal disease but can become invasive, liquefying organs through tissue destruction. The parasite kills cells without eating them immediately, then consumes fragments and displays stolen cellular proteins on its surface to fool the immune system, potentially leading to CRISPR-based treatments or targeted drugs. She discusses converting plastic waste into acetaminophen using modified E. coli bacteria. Researchers chemically degrade PET plastic into precursor molecules, then use bacterial enzymes to complete synthesis into paracetamol with 92% efficiency. This transforms environmental waste into globally important medication, though she notes acetaminophen risks for regular drinkers due to toxic liver metabolites. MIT research reveals that AI writing assistance reduces brain engagement, memory, and sense of authorship. Students using ChatGPT showed lower neural connectivity in memory, attention, and executive function networks over four months. AI users retained less information and struggled to quote from their own essays. Dr. Dawn compares this to physical atrophy, emphasizing that cognitive challenge strengthens neural pathways like exercise strengthens muscles. She warns about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing aortic aneurysm ruptures, in addition to known risks of tendon ruptures and retinal detachment. People with dilated aortas, hypertension history, or smoking should avoid these drugs entirely. This represents new information that wasn't widely known among primary care physicians, highlighting the importance of continuing medical education. Research shows celecoxib (Celebrex) cuts colon cancer recurrence rates in half for patients with circulating tumor DNA, but provides no benefit without detectable residual disease. This anti-inflammatory drug appears to impair cancer's ability to thrive in metastatic conditions. The finding supports using circulating tumor DNA testing to identify who needs targeted therapy rather than treating everyone. Dr. Dawn concludes with surprising research showing chronic inflammation during aging occurs only in industrialized societies. Studies comparing indigenous communities from Bolivian Amazon and Malaysia with populations from Italy and Singapore found inflammatory cytokines increase with age only in industrialized groups.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-26-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with groundbreaking results from Vertex Pharmaceuticals' stem cell treatment for severe type 1 diabetes. The experimental therapy, Zimislecel, converts stem cells into pancreatic islet cells and infuses them into patients. In a 12-person study, 10 patients no longer need insulin after one year. The cells migrated to the liver and began producing insulin in response to glucose levels. Patients with hypoglycemic unawareness saw complete elimination of dangerous episodes after three months. However, patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. The research represents 25 years of work by Harvard's Doug Melton. A caller asks about Keytruda treatment for melanoma. Dr. Dawn explains it's an immunotherapy drug targeting programmed death receptors that cancer cells hijack to evade immune response. The drug can cause serious immune overreactions but is standard for metastatic melanoma. Treatment protocols depend on cancer staging. For young patients with decades to lose, aggressive treatment is often justified despite risks. An email about morning arthritis pain leads to chronotherapy research discussion. Macrophages have energy levels that peak in the morning when inflammasome activation is quicker and more robust, explaining why arthritis pain is worst after overnight rest. Treatment timing could optimize anti-inflammatory medications by taking them at bedtime. Another email about eye irritation prompts diagnostic discussion. Dr. Dawn recommends examining for bacterial blepharitis before assuming food allergies and testing antihistamine drops. For elimination diets, common allergens include wheat, dairy, corn, soy, and peanuts. However, without other symptoms, food allergies are unlikely causes of isolated eye problems. Dr. Dawn explores advancing CAR-T cell therapy using RNA technology. Traditional therapy costs up to $500,000 per patient requiring lab reprogramming. New RNA-containing nanoparticles temporarily create antigen receptors for about one week. Mouse studies eliminated detectable tumors at highest doses. While effects are temporary, this could dramatically reduce costs and complexity. She discusses DNA forensics evolution from O.J. trial era to current technologies. New paleogenomics technology can analyze fragmented DNA from hair, previously considered unusable. Mitochondrial DNA analysis can definitively exonerate suspects. This led to Charles Fane's release after 17 years on death row when hair evidence proved innocence and identified the actual perpetrator. Dr. Dawn introduces Barrett's esophagus screening replacing invasive endoscopy. Patients swallow a capsule containing a compressed sponge that expands in the stomach and is pulled out via string, collecting esophageal cells. The test identifies abnormalities with 100-fold increased cancer risk when positive and 98% accuracy when negative, allowing targeted endoscopy only for high-risk patients. She concludes discussing body composition analysis superiority over BMI. Studies found overweight BMI showed 3.6 times higher heart disease risk, while large waist circumference showed four times higher risk. However, BMI had no significant relationship with overall mortality. Dr. Dawn advocates for bioimpedance analysis devices to measure body fat percentage and track muscle loss.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-19, 2025: Dr. Dawn presents the VITAL study evidence showing 2,000 IU daily vitamin D prevents telomere shortening in immune cells, effectively slowing biological aging by three years. Groundbreaking mouse research reveals maternal iron deficiency can alter fetal sex development. When iron levels dropped 60%, the SYR gene controlling male development switched off, causing 6 of 39 XY offspring to develop ovaries instead of testes. Thus, mammalian sex can be influenced by environmental factors just like in amphibians and fish. Dr. Dawn connects this to gender identity questions, advocating supporting puberty blockers based on their 30-year safety record. Dr. Dawn advocates widespread CPR and AED training after describing a successful Buffalo airport rescue. With 350,000 annual out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and 90% fatality rates, immediate AED intervention can triple survival odds. She promotes the Pulsepoint app registering 185,000 AEDs and praises countries like Norway achieving 90% population CPR training through driver's license requirements. Post-Roe v. Wade data shows vasectomies doubled in men aged 19-26 while tubal ligations rose 70%, mostly in abortion-ban states. Dr. Dawn notes the irony that policies intended to increase births prompted widespread voluntary sterilization. Environmental concerns from January 2025 Moss Landing battery fire and LA wildfires highlight toxic contamination from burning lithium, plastics, and building materials. She advocates fire-resistant landscaping and home hardening, noting some fire-resistant homes survived while surroundings burned. British research shows pet ownership provides life satisfaction equivalent to $90,000 annual income boost. Dr. Dawn experiences this firsthand, noting pets provide family-like benefits without complex interpersonal dynamics. Sleep study reveals 15 minutes additional nightly sleep improves cognitive performance in tweens. Children sleeping 7.25 versus 7.10 hours showed better academics and larger brain volumes, though Dr. Dawn questions causation versus correlation. Mayo Clinic identified Interleukin-23 as a reliable cellular senescence biomarker across multiple tissues. Natural compounds like quercetin, fisetin, and luteolin can reduce these aging markers, supporting her dietary supplementation philosophy.