Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-09-2025: Dr. Dawn celebrates major medical breakthroughs of 2024, highlighting the successful pig-to-human kidney transplant using CRISPR technology and a revolutionary HIV prevention injection. She discusses research showing the cognitive benefits of handwriting versus typing, explaining how writing activates more complex brain patterns in memory formation. The show explores recent health findings about the benefits of human touch, internet use for seniors' mental health, and promising LSD research for depression treatment. Dr. Dawn provides detailed analysis of dietary concerns, examining common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the American population and their health implications. She examines the growing problem of kidney stones in children, linking it to increased sodium consumption and environmental factors like urban heat islands. The show concludes with an explanation of "fartlek" training, a Swedish exercise method combining interval training with spontaneous pace changes for improved cardiovascular health.

Explore the journey of a sepsis survivor rebuilding her microbiome through probiotics and fermented foods. Discover details on managing itchy skin, the diagnostic process, and implications of bacterial infections on eye health. Delve into methylene blue’s intriguing transition from dye to vital medical solution, particularly for cancer and surgery. Examine a Swedish study linking COVID-19 to heart arrhythmias and challenge recent vitamin D supplementation recommendations for older adults. A holistic approach to health emerges throughout the conversation.

A groundbreaking lawsuit challenges food giants for allegedly designing addictive ultra-processed foods for kids, sparking insights into health impacts like type 2 diabetes. The discussion shifts to new FDA standards, where many breakfast cereals fail while whole foods shine. Listeners explore Portugal's successful drug policies in addiction treatment. Dr. Dawn addresses omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, linking excess omega-6 to rising colorectal cancer in younger adults. The show wraps up with a scientific look at hangovers and their treatments.

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.