The Curious Clinicians

The podcast explores the history and mechanisms of thalidomide, a teratogen that caused birth defects in thousands of babies. Topics covered include the development and marketing of thalidomide, the devastating impact on pregnant women, the mechanisms of thalidomide embryopathy, and the contrasting actions of individuals in drug regulation.

On this episode from our archive, originally posted on February 16, 2022, The Curious Clinicians investigate why antiphospholipid antibodies can be falsely positive during acute illness or thrombosis. Read the show notes here.  Click here to obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.5 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.5 hours), or ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.5 hours). Audio edited by Clair Morgan of Nodderly.com. This episode is sponsored by Audible! New members can try Audible free for 30 days using our own Curious Clinicians podcast code - visit Audible.com/TCCPOD or text TCCPOD to 500-500. 

Discover why normal hemoglobin levels aren't always necessary for transfusions. Explore the evolution of blood transfusion practices from bloodletting to modern techniques. Learn about restrictive transfusion strategies and how the body manages acute anemia. Delve into the relationship between anemia and heart health, highlighting critical care strategies. Plus, uncover the fascinating adaptations of Antarctic ice fish that can survive without blood, offering unique insights into hemoglobin's role in medicine.

Exploring the unexpected connection between tick bites and red meat allergies, discussing the role of the alpha-gal sugar molecule, evolution, and xenotransplantation. Discovering the link dating back to 1991, prevalence in the southeastern US, and how lone star ticks transfer alpha-gal to humans. Touching on allergic reactions to red meat, cetuximab, and challenges of xenotransplantation. Discussing the creation of alpha-gal knockout animals for organ transplantation, successful pig heart xenotransplantation, and availability of meat from genetically modified pigs for those allergic to alpha-gal.

In this episode, we examine how sickle cell trait protects against malaria, in multiple ways. Read the show notes on our website here. And subscribe to our new Substack! Click here to obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.5 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.5 hours), or ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.5 hours). Audio edited by Clair Morgan of Nodderly.com. Our producer is medical student Giancarlo Buonomo.

In this podcast, the hosts dive into the myth of tryptophan from turkey causing the notorious Thanksgiving food coma. They explore the effect of tryptophan on sleepiness, its interaction with the blood brain barrier, and how Thanksgiving side dishes can impact its movement into the brain. They also discuss the theory that starchy Thanksgiving meals cause sleepiness by affecting amino acid levels and tryptophan conversion.

This podcast explores the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors in treating scleroderma renal crisis, highlighting the reduction in mortality rates. It delves into the mechanisms of bilateral nephrectomy and ACE inhibitors in the disease. The physiology of scleroderma crisis and potential treatment options are discussed, including the discovery of Capripl through ACE inhibition. The use of ACE inhibitors in managing vasoconstriction associated with elevated renin levels is also explored.

This episode explores the use and effectiveness of a ketogenic diet for controlling seizures in refractory epilepsy. It discusses the origins and effectiveness of the diet, the potential anti-convulsant properties of acetone, and the historical use of dietary therapy for epilepsy.

For this episode, The Curious Clinicians ask why patients with bioprosthetic heart valves don't require immunosuppression? Read the show notes on our website here. And subscribe to our new Substack! Click here to obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.5 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.5 hours), or ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.5 hours). Audio edited by Clair Morgan of Nodderly.com.

The podcast explores the relationship between hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation, including the effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart and the potential causes of AFib. It also discusses the impact of T3 on cardiomyocytes, the association between fibrosis and hyperthyroidism, and the effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels on AFib risk.