The Scope Radio

Bam.iobio is the first app of its kind that allows scientists to analyze genome sequence data on their web browser, interactively, and in real-time, without having to rely on terabytes of storage and vast sources of computing power. The resource, developed by a team led by Gabor Marth, D.Sc., co-director of the USTAR Center for Genetic Discovery and human genetics professor at the University of Utah, was published in the journal Nature Methods on Nov. 25. Marth explains bam.iobio, its features, another ready-to-use app – vcf.iobio - for analyzing variant call format files, and plans to allow developers to build off the IOBIO operating system. Learn more about bam.iobio.

Electronic medical recordkeeping is transforming the way health care is provided. As records move online, information and patient history are becoming accessible from just about anywhere. Chief medical informatics officer Dr. Mike Strong tracks the rapid trends in EMR, and Dr. Tom Miller reminisces about the days of paper recordkeeping, now a thing of the past. They also discuss safety, privacy, and the sharing of information in the digital age.

Although the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are quite similar, they have very different causes. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes over the causes, signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease and discusses how to tell if your child is suffering from a gluten problem.

The tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean are one of the richest sources of biodiversity on Earth. It not only teems with life, but also with extraordinary chemical compounds not found on land. Eric Schmidt, Ph.D., professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Utah, searches marine organisms for novel compounds that could be transformed into therapeutics, such as medicines to combat pain or cancer. He discusses why there is chemical diversity underwater, what he has found, and what marine life is teaching about synthesizing compounds with new therapeutic potential.

The fight against breast cancer understandably has received much attention, but many women would be surprised to discover that lung cancer is a bigger threat to them. Dr. Kirtly Jones spells out the terrifying statistics and offers advice for avoiding the risks.

Sixty million Americans act as caregivers to loved ones in their family or community who are not able to function on their own. Dr. Kirtly Jones talks candidly with Kathleen Ivey, a primary caregiver whose husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nine years ago. In this touching interview, Kathleen tells of her experiences and coping mechanisms for full-time caregiving.

Did you know you can look at your medical records when you’re traveling in case of an emergency? Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Mike Strong bring us up-to-date on how records are shared and what government mandates will do to unify everyone’s medical information. From smart phone apps to digital X-rays and beyond, Drs. Miller and Strong examine the worldwide transformation of medical informatics.

As the seasons change, children may need some extra clothes for the classroom and recess. Whether your child is walking to school or waiting at the bus stop, he or she should be dressed for the cold morning temperatures. Dr. Cindy Gellner gives some tips and ideas for making sure your child is warm and comfortable indoors and outdoors this winter.

Black children are less likely to be diagnosed with and less likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics for ear infections than white children are, a new study has found. But the discrepancy in prescribing fewer broad-spectrum antibiotics means black children actually are more likely to receive care that aligns with the recommended guidelines for treating ear infections. Adam Hersh, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah led the study. He discusses the findings and their implications. The work appears in Pediatrics online on Nov. 17.

The Medical College Admissions Test is undergoing a huge revision that will appear in 2015. Becky Rice and Jen Page from MCAT discuss how the new version will affect scoring and admissions. They also give you some insider details on the update MCAT to help you study.

Diabetes often leads to eye problems that can eventually cause blindness. Dr. Bill Barlow, ophthalmologist at Moran Eye center discusses how this happens and what patients with diabetes can do to keep their eyes healthy for many years to come.

If a fire started in your workplace, would you know how to react and escape? Annette Matherly from the University of Utah Health Care Burn Center offers tips that could save your life. She talks strategies, studies and the most important thing to do if you get trapped.

We know it’s wrong, but domestic abuse still happens on a daily basis and leads to the deaths of 4,000 women each year. Why is this violence so prevalent? Social worker Wendy James discusses learned behaviors of abuser and abused, the vicious cycle of domestic violence and what victims can do to seek help.

Most women have periods in their lives, however brief or lengthy, where they do not wish to get pregnant. Dr. Kirtly Jones gives a brief history of contraceptive methods over the years and the continuing progress of birth control. Whether you’re considering starting birth control or switching methods, curious about the side effects or cost, or just want to know more about female contraception, Dr. Jones can answer your questions.

You’re spraying your lawn with weed killer when a gust of wind blows some of the chemical back into your face and eyes. How much trouble are you in? Poison Specialist Brad Dahl discusses yard care chemical safety and tells you what to do in case of contact with fertilizer, weed killers and insecticides. He also gives some storage tips to keep you and your family safe from these substances.