Ask Doctor Dawn

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.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-12-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with alarming news about NIH budget cuts devastating cancer research just as breakthrough CAR-T cell therapy shows promise for gastrointestinal cancers. This personalized immunotherapy extracts patients' T cells, engineers them to target specific cancer antigens, and makes them essentially immortal before reinfusion. While previously successful only for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, researchers achieved tumor shrinkage in 25% of solid GI tumor patients. However, devastating layoffs forced removal of two patients from trials due to staff shortages and supply chain disruptions. Dr. Dawn emphasizes how pregnancy can worsen hidden cancers due to immune suppression, explaining why aggressive metastasized cancers often appear shortly after childbirth. Dr. Dawn takes a call from Bob about concerning forehead growths his dermatologist examined. She speculates they're likely seborrheic keratoses - benign, stuck-on appearing growths common in sun-exposed areas that look like crumpled brown paper "spit-wads". These aging-related changes are harmless and can even be picked off, though she warns against repeatedly traumatizing any skin area as this increases cancer risk through accumulated DNA damage. She explains how repetitive trauma in occupational settings creates statistically higher cancer risks, comparing it to filling a bingo card of cellular errors. She addresses an email about Joe Tippens' cancer cure protocol involving fenbendazole, an anti-parasitic drug. Dr. Dawn explains this viral social media phenomenon began when Tippens claimed his lung cancer was cured by fenbendazole, but he was simultaneously receiving Keytruda immunotherapy at MD Anderson. The story spread rapidly in South Korea, causing pharmacy shortages. Unvalidated internet health information can spread dangerously. Dr. Dawn compares it to old-fashioned medicine show scams. trend Dr. Dawn warns about a recent vitamin B6 toxicity misdiagnosis trend affecting her patients who were told they had dangerous levels of B6 despite lacking neuropathy symptoms. Accuracy requires fasting 12 hours before blood draws, otherwise creating false elevations from recent vitamin consumption. More critically, she alerts listeners about biotin(Vitamin B7) interference with laboratory tests using biotin-streptavidin techniques. High-dose biotin supplements are often used in hair and nail health growth formulas. This can falsely alter tests for thyroid hormones, vitamin D, sex hormones, cortisol and dangerously, troponin levels that diagnose heart attacks. This could lead to missed myocardial infarctions in emergency rooms, potentially causing fatal outcomes. Dr. Dawn takes a call from Richard seeking information about a previous radio program guest. She guides him to use on-line resources at ksqd.org to find program details, pivoting into praise for libraries as community centers offering far more than internet access. She emphasizes libraries provide serendipitous discovery that algorithms can't match, encouraging people to explore their local library systems for events, historical collections, and personal assistance from knowledgeable librarians eager to help visitors navigate both physical and digital resources. She discusses the concerning trend of giving melatonin to children, calling it "the Grinch that stole children's bedtime." While used prescription-only for severe developmental disorders in Denmark and EU countries, American children receive melatonin gummies regularly, with one in five preteens using it occasionally. Dr. Dawn explains melatonin is a hormone affecting pancreas, heart, fat tissue, and reproductive organs still developing in children. Supplemental doses create blood levels 10 times higher than natural peaks, representing an uncontrolled medical experiment on developing brains and bodies. Poison control calls for melatonin ingestion increased 530% between 2012-2021, with one tragic case involving a three-month-old death where 20 melatonin bottles were found in the home. Dr. Dawn concludes by debunking food expiration date myths, explaining that Americans waste a third of food ($7 billion annually) due to misunderstanding labels. Most shelf-stable foods simply degrade in quality rather than becoming dangerous after printed dates. She notes acidic dairy products like yogurt resist bacterial contamination due to protective bacteria,and even surface mold can be scraped off safely. However, she emphasizes trusting expiration dates on lunch meats and deli products, which pose real listeria risks when stored improperly. California will soon simplify labeling laws to reduce confusion between quality and safety dates.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-05-2025: Dr. Dawn answers an email about Dupuytren's contracture treatment, explaining her clinic experience using acupuncture anesthesia combined with Traumeel injections directly into palm nodules. She describes how this anti-inflammatory homeopathic compound, when injected into tendon sheaths, can break the cycle of fibrosis formation. Dr. Dawn explores fascinating quantum physics concepts involving collagen microstructure, water molecules, and hydrogen ion movement that may explain how acupuncture and homeopathy work through crystalline formations in collagen tubules. She discusses vitamin A's critical role in measles complications, explaining how deficiency dramatically increases risks of encephalitis and cardiac damage. Dr. Dawn covers two forms of dietary vitamin A - beta carotene from plants requiring enzymatic conversion, and vitamin A from animal products. She warns about vitamin A toxicity risks, particularly birth defects in pregnancy, while noting that typical American diets are adequate unlike vitamin D. Dr. Dawn examines vitamin D deficiency affecting 68% of children in a South Florida study, linking inadequate levels to bone health, immune function, and gut barrier integrity. She explains how vitamin D receptors throughout the body regulate cell differentiation, insulin secretion, and tight junction formation that prevents leaky gut syndrome. There are higher deficiency rates in darker-skinned populations and the historical context of rickets during industrialization when urban environments blocked sunlight exposure. She highlights revolutionary medical technology, the world's smallest pacemaker for newborns, half the size of a rice grain. This injectable device dissolves naturally after hearts self-repair, controlled by light-emitting patches communicating through the baby's skin. This breakthrough eliminates risky surgical removal procedures that caused complications, such as Neil Armstrong's death from pacemaker wire infections. Dr. Dawn discusses research showing shingles vaccination reduces dementia risk by 20%, particularly in women. She explains the natural experiment in Wales where universal healthcare created clear vaccination cutoff dates, allowing researchers to compare dementia rates. Dr. Dawn hypothesizes that cross-immunity against herpes viruses may protect brain tissue, noting even stronger protection with newer Shingrix vaccines compared to older Zostavax. She covers alarming increases in invasive Group A Streptococcus infections, with cases more than doubling from 2013 to 2022. Dr. Dawn explains how flesh-eating bacteria secretes enzymes that dissolve epithelial barriers in throats and lungs, allowing systemic spread that destroys tissue. She links rising cases to increasing diabetes and obesity rates that compromise immune function, noting devastating mortality rates approaching 10,000 deaths nationwide. Dr. Dawn celebrates a breakthrough antibiotic discovery of Lariocidin which works against highly drug-resistant bacteria through novel protein synthesis inhibition. She explains how antibiotic resistance spreads between bacterial species just like social media memes, emphasizing the urgent need for new treatments as 4 million people die annually from resistant infections. Dr. Dawn advocates for public funding since pharmaceutical companies avoid antibiotic development due to poor profit margins. She answers an email about Epstein-Barr virus detection, explaining its role in mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Dawn describes how EBV can remain dormant and reactivate during stress or immunocompromise, potentially triggering autoimmunity. She discusses similarities between EBV reactivation, Lyme disease, and long COVID, suggesting they may represent variations of the same inflammatory syndrome with different triggers. She explores the nocebo effect - how negative expectations worsen outcomes - and its amplification through social media. Dr. Dawn cites studies showing people warned about erectile dysfunction or altitude headaches experience these symptoms more frequently. She discusses recent phenomena like TikTok-induced tics and vaccine side effect amplification, warning that online health information creates dangerous nocebo loops that spread faster than traditional word-of-mouth.