Radio Health Journal
Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection?
Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.
1476
Gender Diversity in Basic Research
Only about a third of research subjects in clinical studies are women. Experts discuss why such an imbalance occurs, its results, and how the problem is being addressed. Learn more at:
12 min
1477
The Importance of Play
Many schools are cutting down on recess to focus on the 3R's, but child development experts say play is part of children's "work" and an important part of how they learn.
7 min
1478
The Return of Workplace Wellness
Most medium and large businesses now have corporate wellness programs for employees in an effort to keep health insurance costs down. Many have incentives for reaching health goals. Experts discuss how these plans work and whether the effort shows up...
13 min
1479
Stem Cell Regeneration
Scientists have discovered that older research animals can seemingly be made young again with infusions of young blood which reactivate stem cells opening the door to possibly rolling back the clock on aging.
12 min
1480
Palcohol - Powdered Alcohol
Newly-invented powdered alcohol is entering the market, but some experts and legislators believe it should be banned because it's likely to be abused by teens.
6 min
1481
Liquid Biopsies
Cancer biopsies traditionally require surgery to remove a piece of tumor. But researchers hope to eventually be able to use liquid biopsies for cancer screening and early diagnosis.
12 min
1482
Pet Obesity
Experts discuss why pet obesity is a problem and ways pet owners can keep their furry friends healthy.
9 min
1483
Misophonia
A surprisingly large number of people may become agitated or even enraged when they hear "mouth sounds" such as chewing or slurping, sniffling, or crunching of paper. This disorder, misophonia, is largely unknown, but researchers believe audio...
12 min
1484
Grief
Everyone deals with grief at one time or another. An expert discusses how it's experienced by most people, and a writer/illustrator discusses his experience dealing with his spouse's sudden death.
8 min
1485
The Power of Tears
Researchers are learning that tears shed for different reasons are chemically different. Experts discuss why it's good for people to cry.
7 min
1486
Online Pharmacies, Fake Drugs
Consumers who purchase medicines online are taking a big risk-experts say 97% of online "pharmacies" are rogue sites operating illegally. Experts discuss how consumers can buy safely.
12 min
1487
Multitasking
Multitasking seems like a necessity for most people, and most of us think it improves our efficiency. However, studies show that only a tiny proportion of people can juggle tasks well. Researchers discuss why our brains can't do two things at once,...
10 min
1488
Preserving Life Versus Prolonging Death
An award winning science writer discusses her experience observing how medical professionals and patients differ in their acceptance of impending death, and what families need to know to navigate the end of life toward a "good death."
10 min
1489
The Risk of the Front Passenger Seat
Few people are aware that the vehicle occupant most likely to be hurt in a crash is the one in the front passenger seat. Experts discuss how car occupants can protect themselves from injury.
12 min
1490
Your Brain With Tinnitus
Scientists have discovered that tinnitus involves many more areas of the brain than just those involved with hearing. Experts explain what sufferers can do now. Learn more at:
11 min
1491
Child Suicide Survivors
Experts discuss the right and wrong ways to help children cope with parental suicide.
12 min
1492
The Joy of Singing
Research shows that singing in a group has health benefits. Experts discuss how singing is being used to treat one serious disease.
9 min
1493
Maternal Mortality
Experts discuss possible reasons for the increase in the death rate surrounding pregnancy in the US and one possible ways to reverse it. Learn more at:
11 min
1494
Perfect Pitch
The ability to "know" the musical pitch of any sound has traditionally been thought to be learnable only at a very early age through musical training. But new research shows perfect pitch is teachable to adults as well.
14 min
1495
Air Pollution and Lung Health
Air pollution is blamed for one of every eight deaths worldwide, including 200,000 in the US each year. A noted lung physician discusses some of the diseases smog can cause and ways to keep your lungs safe.
8 min
1496
TV Doctors: Truth or Fiction
TV doctors wield tremendous influence with patients, sometimes even more than a person's own doctor. Experts discuss how celebrity doctors miss the mark and why they're so popular.
7 min
1497
Refuse Workers, The Dangers of Trash
Most people don't think much about what happens to their trash after they set it at the curb. But day in and day out, refuse workers have the most dangerous municipal job, with more injuries than police or firefighters.
12 min
1498
Doctor's Emotions
Many doctors believe emotion is detrimental to medical practice, and many patients think doctors are cold and emotionless. But one influential physician explains why emotion is important to doctors.
7 min
1499
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is a frightening malfunction in the nerve controlling half of the face that occurs for unknown reasons. Sufferers often think they're having a stroke. Experts and two people who've had the disorder discuss.
15 min
1500
Multiple Births in IVF
More than 5 million children have been born as a result of in-vitro fertilization, but many are born as twins, triplets and even quadruplets. Experts discuss new technology that promises to reduce the number of multiples in IVF.
13 min