The Scope Radio

Mice severely disabled by a condition similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) could walk within two weeks following treatment with human stem cells. The study was co-led by University of Utah professor of pathology Dr. Tom Lane, and was published online on May 15 in the journal Stem Cell Reports. Dr. Lane discusses the exciting results and what they might mean for patients with MS.

Women’s eyes are different from men’s, which can lead to diseases and conditions that are more common in women. Dr. Kirtly Jones talks with Dr. M.E. Hartnett from the Moran Eye Center about eye diseases that occur more commonly in women. The doctors discuss eye issues that happen during pregnancy and menopause, and what women can do to keep their family’s eyes healthy.

Gum recession, cavities, and cancer: tobacco has serious effects on oral health. Dr. Bryce Williams discusses the negative effects of tobacco on the mouth, and why oral cancer isn’t always in plain sight. He also talks about other lesser-known bad habits that contribute to poor dental health.

They’re becoming more available in public places–but how do you use a defibrillator machine? Dr. Troy Madsen talks about public defibrillators, when to use them, and how they might save someone’s life. He also tells you what to do under pressure if someone goes down in public.

Watching carbs and proteins, counting calories, meal planning and preparation–eating healthy can be stressful. Dietitian Staci McIntosh talks about why you shouldn’t overthink a healthy diet, and why it’s more important to look at how you eat than what you eat. She also talks about fats and processed foods and why they’re not always bad to eat.

There are many myths about receiving care at a teaching hospital – it’s more expensive, inexperienced students provide all the care, and it’s hard to find where you’re going. David Entwistle, CEO of University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, spends some time setting the record straight and explaining why he has spent his entire career in academic medicine. His interview was recorded as part of the University of Utah’s celebration of National Hospital Week.

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Most young children get ear infections, but reoccurring infections can lead to problems. Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Jeremy Meier talks about how to avoid ear infections in children. He also discusses some solutions for children who keep getting infections.

Parkinson’s disease isn’t easy to continually treat, but deep brain stimulation can help with tremors and slowness of movement. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Lauren Schrock about the procedure and the benefits of deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Everyone feels stressed out at some point, but we don’t always know how to deal with it. Psychiatrist Dr. Jason Hunziker talks about how too much stress can lead to unhealthy habits, and gives you some tips for coping with stress in a healthy way. He also discusses the differences between “good” and “bad” stress and tells you how to distinguish between the two.

Depending on the patient, some allergy treatments work better than others. But is there a best way to treat allergies? Dr. Kevin Wilson, an ear, nose and throat specialist, talks about modern allergy treatments and how they work. He also discusses options patients have for a wide range of allergies and their treatments.

There’s a new treatment for patients with ALK+ (positive) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which can occur in non-smoking lung cancer patients. Previously in clinical trial at Huntsman Cancer Institute, the new drug, Zykadia™/ ceritinib, is part of a new generation of treatments that targets a specific genetic defect in the tumor. Dr. Sunil Sharma discusses the medication and its uses for treating this cancer.

AIDS is one of the most significant pubic health challenges worldwide. Professor of biochemistry Wesley Sundquist, Ph.D., researches how HIV - the retrovirus that causes AIDS - infects the body, with a goal of finding ways to stop it. His outstanding research contributions recently earned him a seat on the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. He describes the inroads his team has made in understanding the tactics of HIV, and his latest research, which provides insights into fundamental aspects of cell biology.

Preeclampsia occurs in about 5 percent of pregnancies. There is no known cure for the disorder, which is characterized by high blood pressure and a protein in the urine and usually appears in middle to late pregnancy. Dr. Kirtly Jones shares information on who is at greater risk for preeclampsia and ways to prevent it. She also talks about the chances of preeclampsia becoming eclampsia.

Your mother told you to chew each bite 10 times, but is that really necessary? Does chewing really break down nutrients for easier digestion? Dietician Stacey McIntosh talks about the truths and myths behind these old wives’ tales. She also tells us why it’s healthier and safer to take our time with food.

The immune system fights off infections, but when an autoimmune disease develops, the immune system sometimes attacks the body’s healthy cells. Common autoimmune diseases include celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. How does the body get to the point where it starts attacking itself? Dr. Tracy Frech discusses some theories and research behind the increasing number of autoimmune diseases. She also talks about rheumatoid arthritis and treating it early.