Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-12-2024: 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 on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-05-2024: Dr. Dawn opens with a health alert about a 500% increase in pertussis cases in California, providing guidance on recognizing symptoms and risks for various populations. She explores the growing trend of hospital-at-home programs, discussing their benefits, challenges, and the pending expiration of Medicare waivers that could affect patient care. The show examines the safety concerns in common household products, particularly focusing on harmful chemicals in laundry detergents and recommending safer alternatives. Dr. Dawn presents an in-depth analysis of fertility treatments and ovarian cancer risk, suggesting enhanced monitoring protocols for women with IVF history. She discusses the surprising toxicity of vintage books, revealing the presence of dangerous chemicals in their colored cloth covers and suggesting safety precautions. The show explores recent research linking dark chocolate consumption to reduced diabetes risk, explaining the scientific evidence and potential health benefits. Dr. Dawn concludes with promising breakthrough research using stem cells to treat macular degeneration in mini pigs, suggesting potential applications for human vision restoration.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-21-2-24: Dr. Dawn introduces the groundbreaking Cellular Atlas project published in Nature journal, explaining how new technology allows unprecedented analysis of cellular interactions and developmental patterns. She explores the concept of holobionts - viewing symbiotic organisms as composite life forms with their microbiomes as co-equal contributors - challenging traditional views of individual organisms. The show delves into examples of holobiont relationships in nature, from bark beetles carrying fungal spores to the complex bacterial communities in human bodies and plant root systems. Dr. Dawn discusses how the holobiont perspective is revolutionizing our understanding of diseases, from cancer microbiomes to colony collapse disorder in bees. She examines practical applications of holobiont research in agriculture, including drought-resistant crops and methods to reduce methane emissions from cattle. The show explores the gut-brain axis and how microbiome interactions influence various diseases including depression, anxiety, and metabolic disorders. She then discusses research identifying that various cancers co-exist in the body with distinct fungal and bacterial microbiomes of their own Dr. Dawn concludes with a discussion of declining iodine levels in the American population, examining dietary changes and potential health implications.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-14-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses a severe national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene's flooding of a Baxter International factory which has affected hospital operations and surgical schedules nationwide. She provides a comprehensive explanation of cystic fibrosis, detailing how genetic mutations affect mucus production and impact multiple body systems, particularly the lungs and digestive system. The show explores the daily challenges faced by cystic fibrosis patients and their families, from complex treatment routines to social and financial impacts. Dr. Dawn presents exciting breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulators, targeted antibiotics, and promising developments in stem cell therapy and genetic treatments. She discusses a new universal genomic test developed at UCSF that can identify nearly any pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid, potentially revolutionizing the diagnosis of neurological infections. Dr. Dawn advises a caller about retinal dystrophy, explaining the differences between various eye conditions and suggesting potential dietary and lifestyle interventions. The show concludes with a concerning report about the tenfold increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past decade.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-07-2024: Dr. Dawn opens with a guided deep breathing exercise to help listeners manage stress and maintain emotional balance in challenging times. She helps an emailer understand a stress test result for a 72-year-old patient, explaining ST changes, ischemia, and the importance of follow-up angiography tests for heart health evaluation. The show addresses another email from a listener asking for advice about managing alcohol use in an 85-year-old dementia patient. Dr. Dawn discusses medical detox options and medications like Naltrexone for treatment. Dr. Dawn explores the use of low-dose Naltrexone for chronic pain management, particularly in diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. She discusses cataract formation risks associated with St. John's Wort and also mentions the adverse interaction between prostate medications and cataract surgery which increases the risk of complications. Make sure your ophthalmologist knows you are on prostate medications The show features an in-depth explanation of A1 versus A2 milk proteins, their digestive impacts, and potential inflammatory effects in the body. Dr. Dawn concludes with groundbreaking research on creating viable oocytes from stem cells in mice, discussing implications for future fertility treatments.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-31-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a listener's question about PSA results, introducing the new ExoDX prostate score test as a less invasive screening option. Dr. Dawn provides a comprehensive overview of chronic pain types, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, affecting 30% of the global population. She explains the gate control theory of pain and how recent research suggests autoimmune components in conditions like fibromyalgia. A caller's description of intermittent, localized pain leads to discussion of food sensitivities, immune complexes, and elimination diet strategies. Dr. Dawn reveals exciting new research showing GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic) may effectively treat various types of pain. She concludes with practical advice for pain management, including nutritional support, hormone optimization, and medications to avoid.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-24-2024: Cindy Jaconette introduces the upcoming "Raise Your Voices for Pancreatic Cancer Support" concert at Bargetto Winery on 11/2/2024, benefiting the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. Signup at https://www.sccbg.org/ Dr. Michael Alexander discusses pancreatic cancer detection challenges and explains how the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group supports local cancer services and research. Dr. Alexander describes the comprehensive services offered by the Katz Cancer Resource Center, including nurse navigation, genetic counseling, and support groups. Dr. Joel Primack shares his remarkable pancreatic cancer survival story, highlighting the importance of clinical trials and immunotherapy treatments. Dr. Primack, an astrophysicist, offers fascinating insights into modern cosmology and upcoming astronomical projects, demonstrating the importance of maintaining passion during cancer treatment. The doctor addresses questions about TB testing accuracy, explaining the high rate of false positives in Quantiferon tests and suggesting retesting protocols. Dr. Dawn responds to a caller's questions about alcohol and eating before sleep, explaining how both can interfere with sleep hormones and digestive processes.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-17-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a listener's question about optimal timing for the consumption of iron, green tea, and nori powder to maximize absorption, recommending timing and supplementation strategies. She responds to a listener's email on the issue of plastic in tea bags and provides resources for finding plastic-free options, while also clarifying misconceptions about microplastics in seaweed and fish. Dr. Dawn celebrates the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine awarded for the discovery of micro RNA, explaining its significance in gene regulation and potential therapeutic applications. She highlights a major neuroscience milestone: the mapping of a fruit fly's brain connectome, discussing its implications for understanding complex behaviors and neural circuits. Dr. Dawn provides comprehensive advice for managing ulcerative colitis, including vitamin D supplementation, CBD, omega-3 fatty acids, and stress reduction techniques. She discusses a study on pythons that could lead to new therapies for heart disease, explaining how the snake's unique cardiac adaptations might inform human treatments. Dr. Dawn introduces the Ronnie Gardner method, a music-based movement therapy showing promise in rehabilitation for stroke and Parkinson's disease patients.

Discover Medicare's new offering of over 200 essential drugs for just $2, aimed at easing medication costs for seniors. Learn about the innovative ExoDx urine test for prostate cancer screening that minimizes unnecessary biopsies. Delve into the complexities of Klebsiella infections and the nuances of TB testing. Get practical tips for managing orthostatic hypotension in older adults. Finally, explore the challenges vegans face with vitamin A and the importance of proper testing.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-03-2024: In response to several listener emails, Dr. Dawn expands on the benefits of Nori powder and Rhamnan sulfate, including their effects on cholesterol and the glycocalyx. TheThe type of Nori seaweed species with the high amounts of Rhamnam sulfate is monostroma nitidum (Japanese name Hitoegusa,) and can be obtained online at Https://okume.us. She then took a little time to recap the antiviral, anti-glycemic, and cardiovascular benefits of Rhamnan sulfate found in certain seaweeds. The doctor then emphasized the importance of hot water extraction for seaweed and mushrooms as dried powders to increase bioavailability of beneficial compounds. In response to another email, Dr. Dawn addressed green tea's interaction with iron which binds and prevents absorption and its potential impact on EGCG's antioxidant properties. This lead to a brief reassuring discussion about internet memes around the safety of tea consumption and debunking concerns about lead contamination in most commercial teas. We then heard about the potential link between a common artificial fragrance Musk Ambrette, which is implicated in causing early puberty in girls as young as 9 years old. Dr. Dawn briefly comments on the need for a new economic model to address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and the need for new antibiotics. A discussion on so-called anti-nutrients in foods, including lectins, oxalates, and phytates, and their actual impact on health. The importance of cooking methods in reducinganti-nutrients and increasing mineral availability in foods. The potential benefits of phytoestrogens, particularly from soy, in reducing cancer risk for young women. The risks associated with processed and convenience foods, particularly regarding microplastics. In response to a telephone question, the doctor gave some strategies for managing herpes outbreaks and its potential long-term effects on brain health. She also emphasized the importance of sleep and exercise for longevity and overall health.