The Scope Radio

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, and threatens to worsen as the parasites that cause the illness are becoming resistant to current treatments. Paul Sigala, Ph.D., USTAR assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, is developing an unusual strategy to combat malaria: killing the parasite with light. He explains why the parasite becomes vulnerable when it infects red blood cells in the body, how the approach works, and its potential for treating the disease.

With the latest techniques and implants, younger people than ever before are replacing their joints with very few restrictions. Dr. Chris Pelt, a University of Utah orthopedic surgeon, talks about what patients can expect after a major joint replacement.

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, and threatens to worsen as the parasites that cause the illness are becoming resistant to current treatments. Paul Sigala, Ph.D., USTAR assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, is developing an unusual strategy to combat malaria: killing the parasite with light. He explains why the parasite becomes vulnerable when it infects red blood cells in the body, how the approach works, and its potential for treating the disease.

Certain medications have a risk of side effects, some of which can be pretty nasty. Barbara Crouch, director of the Utah Poison Control Center, answers this week’s listener question and tells you who and when to call if your medicine is making you sick.

Certain medications have a risk of side effects, some of which can be pretty nasty. Barbara Crouch, director of the Utah Poison Control Center, answers this week’s listener question and tells you who and when to call if your medicine is making you sick.

It may be hard to wrap your head around, but that high number on the thermometer is not a sure sign you should go to the ER. Believe it or not, there is no way a fever can ‘cook your brain’ and no specific number to be alarmed about. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the more important signs you should look for with a fever before rushing to the hospital.

It may be hard to wrap your head around, but that high number on the thermometer is not a sure sign you should go to the ER. Believe it or not, there is no way a fever can ‘cook your brain’ and no specific number to be alarmed about. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the more important signs you should look for with a fever before rushing to the hospital.

Crossfit injury 3 weeks into your program? Dr. Travis Maak tells you why. What it takes to be an Olympic athlete with Dr. Stuart Willick. Tennis elbow symptoms and treatments with Dr. Angela Wang. Seven questions for an orthopedic surgeon with Dr. Chris Peters. This week’s listener question - what to look for in a joint replacement surgeon answered by Dr. Chris Pelt. Health News You Should Know About: spending lots of time on a smartphone might be a symptom of another problem, behavioral therapy for autism results in better outcomes, obesity ages your brain.

So you’ve been treated for an ovarian cyst in the past, but do you know what kind? Your women’s health specialist wants to know. The difference could have a significant impact on your health and treatment. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones, an obstetrician-gynecologist, explains all the types of ovarian cysts, including which ones are good and normal for all ovulating women, and which ones to be concerned about in the future.

So you’ve been treated for an ovarian cyst in the past, but do you know what kind? Your women’s health specialist wants to know. The difference could have a significant impact on your health and treatment. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones, an obstetrician-gynecologist, explains all the types of ovarian cysts, including which ones are good and normal for all ovulating women, and which ones to be concerned about in the future.

More natural toothpaste options are popping up in the market, and many of these are fluoride-free. Are they as effective as toothpastes that contain fluoride? Dr. David Okano shares what the truth is behind these toothpastes, and what is most effective to avoid tooth decay.

More natural toothpaste options are popping up in the market, and many of these are fluoride-free. Are they as effective as toothpastes that contain fluoride? Dr. David Okano shares what the truth is behind these toothpastes, and what is most effective to avoid tooth decay.

Your coach says you might have a pulled groin while running or playing sports. But is that what it really is? Contrary to what people hear, groin pulls are not common. Multiple groin pulls are even less common. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Travis Maak about what really could be causing the repeated pain in your groin, and how surgery could stop it for good.

Some diseases are so rare and unusual that doctors have never seen anything like it. An excruciating journey for both families and doctors, figuring out what’s wrong can take years, if an answer is ever found at all. Using a computer tool developed by Aaron Quinlan, Ph.D., he and his team recently uncovered the genetic causes behind nearly one dozen previously unsolved cases, all infants with severe seizures. Quinlan describes GEMINI, and how it is helping he and his colleagues at the USTAR Center for Genetic Discovery to understand rare disease genetics.

Your coach says you might have a pulled groin while running or playing sports. But is that what it really is? Contrary to what people hear, groin pulls are not common. Multiple groin pulls are even less common. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Travis Maak about what really could be causing the repeated pain in your groin, and how surgery could stop it for good.