Ask Doctor Dawn

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 5-21-2026: This is the second show featuring Mira Achilles, a UCSC graduate working on her masters in epidemiology. Dr. Dawn and Mira open with a Harvard study showing OpenAI's o1 reasoning model reached correct diagnoses 67% of the time versus 50-55% for physicians, and scored 89% versus 34% on treatment plans. The AI advantage shrinks when doctors get more data and time, suggesting its greatest value is in fast-moving triage. Dr. Dawn cautions that over-reliance on AI during residency could undermine the clinical reasoning neurologic pathways doctors must develop, and emphasizes the "zebra paradox"— rare diseases remain rare even when symptoms match the textbook. Dr. Dawn shares a personal case of a patient with throat shingles, leading her to use a medical AI (OpenEvidence) to investigate Shingrix risks. An Australian study found an elevenfold increase in shingles within 21 days of the first Shingrix dose in adults over 65, though dose two reduced overall risk by 73%. She explains this could be one of several things such as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), or that the AS01B vaccine adjuvant's strong activation may transiently reactivate latent virus, and recommends valacyclovir prophylaxis for high-risk patients for their first Shringrex shot.. Mira discusses AI in education, noting the shift from professors threatening plagiarism charges to teaching students how to critique AI output, emphasizing taking summaries "with a grain of salt." Dr. Dawn describes Chinese research scanning 1,154 children that identified a third ADHD subtype—severe emotional dysregulation—showing 45 abnormal brain regions versus 26 in the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types, with standard stimulants working poorly for this group. She connects this to traditional psychiatric personality disorder classifications and A discussion of vagus nerve stimulation's emerging applications for autoimmune conditions. Dr. Dawn and Mira discuss menstruation and bodily autonomy, then describe the Somedays period pain simulator that uses electrical impulses to let men experience menstrual cramps, highlighting differing pain thresholds. An emailer references a Radiolab episode about deliberate hookworm infection to treat asthma and allergies. Dr. Dawn explains parasites release immunosuppressants to survive, including anti-inflammatory protein-2 (AIP) now in drug development, which stimulates T-regulatory cells and IL-10 while "alarmins" inhibit lung inflammation—though this increases vulnerability to new infections. A caller with H. pylori and frequent viral infections asks whether S. boulardii and reuteri probiotics are safe given her low immunity. Dr. Dawn explains immunosuppression warnings target transplant-level drug suppression, not a tendency toward viruses like hers. Dr. Dawn thinks that her near-zero natural killer cells explain frequent infections, and suggests that the H. pylori test given her absence of symptoms, may be an incidental bystander rather than the cause of her low ferritin, which suggests bleeding. In medical news of the weird, Dr. Dawn describes Baby Cassian, diagnosed in utero with congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS), who was partially removed from the womb at 25 weeks for airway surgery, returned, and born again at 31 weeks—leading to a discussion of microsurgery and how specialties partition by the physical scale of the surgery rather the location or type of structure.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 5-07-2026: Dr. Dawn debunks the 1971 "220 minus age" maximum heart rate formula, noting a 2025 study found individual predictions were off by up to 20 beats per minute. She recommends the Tanaka equation (208 minus age) times 0.7, but emphasizes tracking improvement trends rather than absolute numbers. ConsumerLab testing found Safe Catch Wild Elite Pure Tuna and Wild Ahi Yellowfin Tuna had no detectable mercury, prompting Dr. Dawn to reconsider eating tuna after years of avoidance due to concerns about mercury bioaccumulation and its effects on nerve microtubules. A meta-analysis of 115 studies involving 55,000 men found limiting ejaculation before IVF leads to increased sperm DNA damage and poorer motility. Clinical trials showed 46% IVF pregnancy rates with less than 48 hours abstinence versus 36% with longer periods. A personalized mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer showed striking results: of 16 patients whose tumors were surgically removed, half produced killer T-cells targeting cancer, and seven of those eight remain alive six years later. Pfizer and Valneva's Lyme disease vaccine reduced infection by over 70% in a trial of 9,400 people ages five and up. Nearly half a million Americans contract Lyme annually, and chronic infection can cause nervous system damage and chronic fatigue. Dr. Dawn explores the gray-market peptide ecosystem, where compounds are sold as "research chemicals" with wink-and-nod marketing. A 2018 Belgian study found purity levels ranging from 5% to 99.9%, with some samples containing arsenic, lead, or industrial contaminants. A study of 450 people found that blocking smartphone internet access for two weeks improved sustained attention equivalent to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive decline, with depression symptom improvements comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy. A multi-country study of 241 unresponsive patients found that 25% showed brain activity indicating consciousness when asked to imagine playing tennis during advanced brain scans. Scientists call this cognitive motor dissociation, and by some estimates tens of thousands of Americans may be misdiagnosed. Chinese researchers grew functional adrenal cortex organoids that responded to pituitary hormones and produced cortisol when transplanted into mice. They also introduced genetic mutations to create organoid models of Cushing's syndrome for drug testing. A Science paper identified the neural pathway connecting psychological stress to eczema flare-ups: sympathetic neurons from the stellate ganglion recruit eosinophils to the skin. Researchers traced the pathway using pseudo-rabies virus injected into skin. Mouse studies showed prenatal stress causes elevated corticosterone in amniotic fluid, which activates fetal mast cells derived from the yolk sac. Offspring develop eczema-like lesions in areas receiving mechanical stimulation, but symptoms resolve around 24 weeks when bone marrow-derived mast cells replace the activated ones. Callers ask about CBN side effects. Dr. Dawn explains cannabinoids prolong anandamide's calming effects by slowing its breakdown, and considers 30-45mg over a night reasonable, but cautions against escalating doses given limited research.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-23-2026: Dr. Dawn highlights ARPA-H-funded breakthroughs: Duke researchers created injections enabling cartilage cells to divide and remodel bone, UC Boulder developed intermittent-burst delivery of a repurposed drug that reversed rabbit arthritis in 4-8 weeks, and Columbia printed a living 3D knee using stem cells on biodegradable scaffolding. She notes the agency's budget was cut by $945 million despite requiring human trials within 18 months of funding. A cord blood study across 200 countries links phthalates—found in food packaging, vinyl flooring, shampoos, and toys—to placental disruption and premature birth. Dr. Dawn warns that removing specific chemicals just leads to untested replacements, and urges avoiding microwaving in plastic. An emailer asks about microbiome and exercise motivation. Dr. Dawn describes research showing Veillonella atypica bacteria eat lactate produced during exercise and trigger dopamine production via the vagus nerve, creating a reward loop. Bred "super-runner" mice ran three times longer than average, but antibiotics reduced their running by 21%, implicating microbiome involvement. Dr. Dawn expands on cortisol dynamics: levels should rise gradually from 3 a.m., spike threefold at waking to synchronize hormones, then decline throughout the day. Chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, while burnout from sustained overproduction eventually exhausts the adrenals and disrupts circadian rhythm, requiring 6-12 months to restore. An emailer asks about food-based detoxification for skin and inflammation. Dr. Dawn explains that plant bioflavonoids—originally insecticides—trigger enzyme production that also breaks down synthetic pollutants, with sulfur-containing vegetables (crucifers, onions, garlic) particularly important. Colorful fruits and vegetables scavenge free radicals that damage DNA and collagen. Dr. Dawn explores red and near-infrared light therapy (600-1100nm), which boosts ATP production by energizing cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria. The FDA approved a device for dry macular degeneration, and red light is recommended for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. She notes modern buildings filter these wavelengths, potentially starving us of light our bodies evolved to need. Dr. Dawn shares research on unsupervised childhood play, citing psychologist Peter Gray's finding that independent play develops internal locus of control—the belief you can influence outcomes. such as youth anxiety and depression, as children no longer learn to self-soothe through tolerating boredom.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-09-2026: Dr. Dawn shares a follow-up from an emailer in Switzerland providing seven functional medicine practitioner addresses near Zurich and Aargau, noting that Switzerland uses different terminology but is actually an "epicenter of functional medicine." Dr. Dawn calls for support of the bipartisan Break Up Big Medicine Act, modeled on Glass-Steagall, which would prohibit common ownership of medical providers with insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, or drug wholesalers. She explains how vertical integration by companies like UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Cigna allows them to game medical loss ratio requirements through self-dealing while driving up costs. A European clinical trial implanted 2mm x 2mm light sensors beneath the retinas of 38 people with advanced macular degeneration, with 80% gaining clinically meaningful improvement (two lines on the vision chart) after one year. The device bypasses damaged rods and cones, sending camera images from glasses directly to the optic nerve. Dr. Dawn explains that air temperature warnings are measured in shade, but direct sunlight can add 20°C to heat exposure. Heat stroke triggers gut permeability, releasing lipopolysaccharides that cause cytokine storms and organ failure. She advises fans over air conditioning when possible, shade, hydration, and loose natural-fabric clothing. An emailer asks if low-dose oral strontium supplementation has the same problem as pharmaceutical strontium. Dr. Dawn confirms it improves bone density scores without reducing fracture risk, and recommends telopeptide testing to monitor actual bone loss after discontinuing. An emailer's doctor wants to prescribe high-dose dexamethasone for low platelets. Dr. Dawn advises against rushing to steroids since platelets of 40 are adequate for clotting, recommending a hematology consultation and repeat testing with citrated blood. Dr. Dawn reviews fiber types: wheat dextrin (Benefiber) is fermentable but technically gluten-free; guar fiber (Sunfiber) ferments slowly and works for low-FODMAP diets; inulin feeds bifidobacteria and produces anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids; methylcellulose (Citrucel) is non-fermentable; and psyllium (Metamucil) is facing a class action lawsuit over undisclosed lead contamination. An emailer with varicose veins reports recurring superficial blood clots. Dr. Dawn explains these don't travel to lungs like deep vein clots, but repeated clotting suggests possible thrombophilia requiring workup. She recommends consulting a vascular surgeon about superficial venous ligation under local anesthesia. Analysis of 25,000 wearable users found that three daily "exercise snacks" of just 1-2 minutes of vigorous activity (stairs, running for a bus) reduced all-cause mortality by 38-40%. Benefits plateau around 7,500 steps daily, and simply standing up every couple of hours dramatically reduces sedentary risks.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-26-2026: li> Dr. Dawn announces a UCSF study recruiting participants for psilocybin therapy to help patients cope with chronic low back pain, requiring ages 25-70 with failed prior treatments. A caller preparing for bladder stone surgery asks about avoiding a repeat of severe post-anesthesia disorientation. Dr. Dawn recommends pharmacogenomic testing through 3x4 Genetics to identify slow acetylator status and other detoxification enzyme variants that can guide anesthesiologists toward better drug choices. A clinical trial found that 24 minutes of music with binaural beats—where slightly offset audio in each ear generates synchronized brainwaves—significantly reduced anxiety in medicated patients. Dr. Dawn encourages trying this accessible, low-risk intervention. Chronic noise exposure triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Data centers and server farms are emerging noise pollution sources, and Dr. Dawn recommends affordable noise-canceling headphones as a health investment. A Crohn's patient in Switzerland reports alarming neurological symptoms including speech arrest with preserved awareness and transient visual disturbances. He is having trouble finding any Functional Medicine trained physician and Dr. Dawn recommends emailing to info@ifm.org. Furthermore, Dr. Dawn suspects possible seizure activity from brain inflammation and recommends pursuing a sleep-deprived EEG and MRI through a neurology referral. MIT researchers discovered Interlectin-2, a protein that both strengthens the mucus barrier by cross-linking mucins and directly traps and kills pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella. Imbalanced levels may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Synthetic versions may be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. A 33-year-old man survived 48 hours without lungs after flu-triggered bacterial pneumonia caused ARDS and multiple organ failure. Surgeons removed both lungs treat septic shock while ECMO (extracorporeal oxygenation)sustained him until a successful double lung transplant. A meta-analysis of 43 studies involving millions of births found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk, contradicting recent political claims. Green tea contains about 30% more L-theanine than black tea, with studies showing 200mg daily improves verbal fluency, sleep quality, and reduces anxiety. Decaffeinated green tea retains full theanine content. Pop star Robbie Williams developed scurvy while on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, highlighting that only 2 of 40+ major GLP-1 trials assessed vitamin intake. Dr. Dawn urges anyone on these medications to take a comprehensive multivitamin.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-12-2026: Dr. Dawn discusses Michael Pollan's critique of MAHA dietary recommendations, agreeing that ultra-processed foods should be avoided but noting the lack of science supporting high saturated fat intake. She acknowledges extra virgin coconut oil as an exception that doesn't raise LDL, and pushes back on the social Darwinism embedded in anti-vaccine, anti-welfare MAHA thinking. Dr. Dawn expresses serious concern about Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician who dropped out of residency to become a wellness influencer. She objects to Means hawking supplements and glucose monitors for personal profit—conduct she considers unethical for a physician giving medical advice. An emailer from Switzerland shares success managing histamine intolerance by avoiding aged meats, shellfish, fermented foods, and cross-reactive pollens during hay fever season. The game-changer was taking DAO (diamine oxidase) supplements before meals to break down histamine in the gut. Researchers found that blood from pediatricians who worked in children's hospitals for over a decade contains powerful antibodies against RSV—up to 25% more effective than existing treatments—built up through years of constant exposure. Dr. Dawn critiques a study finding 2.5 times more microplastics in prostate tumor tissue than surrounding healthy tissue, noting that fast-growing cancers develop extra blood vessels and would naturally incorporate more circulating plastics. She attributes the 6% rise in late-stage prostate cancer to discontinued PSA screening rather than microplastics. An emailer asks what to do about microplastics already in our bodies. Dr. Dawn says there's no way to remove them, and advises avoiding microwaving in plastic, limiting breaded processed foods, and rinsing well after brushing teeth with plastic bristles. AI analysis of mammograms can now detect breast artery calcification as a marker for cardiovascular disease risk, with severe calcification indicating 3.3 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. This could identify high-risk women years before cardiac events. Dr. Dawn questions a non-peer-reviewed study presented at an orthopedic meeting found five years of GLP-1 drug use associated with 30% higher osteoporosis risk, 150% higher osteomalacia risk, and increased tendon ruptures—likely from reduced food intake and vitamin D consumption. Twin studies now estimate genetics account for 55% of lifespan variation when separating internal biological causes from external factors. Separately, fathers who showed warmth and responsiveness to 10-month-old babies had children with lower inflammation and better blood sugar regulation at age 7—an effect not seen with mothers' parenting. Grandparents actively involved in childcare showed slower cognitive decline than non-caregiving grandparents. Dancing emerged as the standout physical activity for dementia prevention—combining aerobic exercise, social interaction, music, and motor coordination—with three hours weekly showing observable benefits.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 2-26-2026: Dr. Dawn opens with an urgent measles advisory, noting the virus has an R-value of 15 compared to COVID's peak of 5, with South Carolina reporting over 1,000 cases. She recommends those who received only one MMR shot—particularly people now in their 60s—get an immune titer blood test, as protection declines after 40-50 years. Measles can cause "immune amnesia" destroying immunity to other pathogens, and rarely leads to fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis years later. Dr. Dawn criticizes Quest Labs' cholesterol reporting, which flags average levels as "moderate risk" with alarming red H markers even when values fall within their own stated normal ranges. She explains this creates unnecessary panic and pushes patients toward statins based on outdated 2008-2012 guidelines, when cardiology has since recognized that cholesterol can be too low. An emailer asks how an EKG can detect a past heart attack from "jagged lines." Dr. Dawn explains that each spike represents electrical signals moving toward or away from electrode pads, and a 12-lead EKG views the heart from multiple angles—smaller-than-expected spikes in specific leads indicate dead or damaged heart muscle. She urges everyone to learn CPR and AED use, which more than doubles survival chances. An emailer reports that food tastes strong on the first bite but becomes tasteless thereafter. Dr. Dawn identifies numerous medications causing taste changes including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, statins, diuretics, and even acetaminophen. She also highlights zinc—both deficiency and toxicity above 40mg daily can impair taste, noting a zinc nasal spray was pulled from market after causing smell loss. An emailer asks about Prenuvo full-body MRI scans costing $499-1,000. Dr. Dawn cautions that while Prenuvo found 22 cancers in 1,000 people scanned, 1 in 20 scans requires follow-up biopsy and more than half are false positives—leading to stress, expense, and potential complications from unnecessary procedures. An emailer asks about seed oils after reading a Johns Hopkins article defending them. Dr. Dawn distinguishes fruit oils (olive, avocado) from industrially-extracted seed oils requiring hexane solvent, a neurotoxin that may leave residues despite claims of evaporation. She cites a BMJ study showing coconut oil raised HDL (good cholesterol) while matching olive oil's LDL impact, and recommends cold-pressed oils while avoiding hexane-extracted products, especially for infants.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-05-2026: >ul> Dr. Dawn presents a whimsical "theme park tour" of the upper gastrointestinal tract, from saliva production triggered by sight and smell of food, through the esophageal sphincter's iris-like opening, into the stomach's pH-1 acid bath where parietal cells produce 3,000 mg of hydrochloric acid per meal. She explains protective mechanisms including the bicarbonate layer beneath stomach mucus, H. pylori's role in ulcers, and how H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work—cautioning about long-term PPI effects on B12 and calcium absorption. The tour continues through the pylorus into the duodenum where pancreatic enzymes and bile converge, then along the 23-foot small intestine with its tennis-court surface area of villi absorbing nutrients, iron in the duodenum, most nutrients in the jejunum, and B12 requiring intrinsic factor in the ileum. Dr. Dawn explains why pancreatic cancer—projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030—is so deadly, using a medieval castle metaphor. The tumor microenvironment acts as an impenetrable moat of desmoplastic stroma made of fibroblasts, collagen, and hyaluronic acid that blocks drugs and immune cells. Over 90% of cases have K-RAS mutations acting as growth accelerators that also thicken this protective barrier and increase CD47 "don't eat me" signals. She discusses emerging treatments including K-RAS inhibitors, PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations, and combination immunotherapies showing 67% response rates, while noting that CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors alone fail because they cannot penetrate the stroma. Dr. Dawn summarizes Duke researcher Herman Ponzer's work using doubly-labeled water to measure total energy expenditure, revealing that humans burn 20-60% more calories than other great apes when adjusted for body mass. His surprising finding: Hadza hunter-gatherers walking 8-14 kilometers daily burn the same calories as sedentary Americans—the body compensates by reducing energy spent on inflammation and stress responses. This "constrained energy expenditure" model explains why exercise alone doesn't cause weight loss, though it remains crucial for preventing weight gain, reducing disease risk, and potentially tamping down harmful stress responses.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-22-2026: An emailer from Canada asks about long-term Remicade (infliximab) use for her 16-year-old daughter's ulcerative colitis. Dr. Dawn explains the drug blocks tumor necrosis factor, which stops autoimmune attacks but also weakens infection defense—increasing risk of fungal infections, tuberculosis, and after about 10 years, slightly elevated blood cancer risk. She recommends the daughter practice good hygiene and mask in high-risk settings. For achieving full remission, she suggests vitamin D levels around 75-80, DHEA supplementation, strict gluten avoidance due to its pro-inflammatory effects, and working with a certified functional medicine practitioner to heal the gut and potentially withdraw medication. Dr. Dawn presents a case study of a 27-year-old woman with progressive weakness, pins-and-needles sensations, and impaired balance. Despite normal B12 blood levels, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid revealed functional B12 deficiency from using 20-30 nitrous oxide whippets daily. Nitrous oxide oxidizes the cobalt atom in methylcobalamin, permanently inactivating the enzyme needed for myelin sheath maintenance. Treatment requires months of daily B12 injections with recovery taking up to 84 weeks. She warns that nitrous oxide also interacts dangerously with Viagra-type drugs (causing dangerous blood pressure drops), methotrexate, stimulants, hallucinogens, and respiratory depressants. She describes Canadian researchers developing a miniaturized 3D printer for vocal cord repair. After removing nodules that cause hoarseness, the device prints hydrogel along the wound to create a flat surface preventing keloid-like regrowth, rather like spackling a wall before healing occurs underneath. Dr. Dawn discusses lipoprotein(a), written as Lap(a), a genetic cardiovascular risk factor discovered in the 1960s. This relative of LDL carries a protein that promotes blood clots, thus raising heart attack and stroke risks. In a recent large survey, only about 14% of people have been screened despite its significance. New drugs like pelicarsin can reduce Lp(a) levels up to 80%,trials underway to confirm a benefit of reduced cardiac events. She notes tennis star Arthur Ashe had high Lp(a) contributing to his coagulopathy. A natural option is already available. She recommends lumbrokinase, derived from earthworms and used in traditional Chinese medicine, as an existing treatment that combats high Lp(a) and counteracts its procoagulant effects. The product Boluoke is commercially available, offering an alternative to high-dose niacin which causes intolerable flushing and diarrhea. Dr. Dawn reports research finding people with anxiety disorders have 8% lower choline levels in brain regions regulating emotion. Increasing choline could help. Choline sources include eggs (two eggs provide 300mg of the 500mg daily choline need), organ meats, salmon, soybeans, and lecithin supplements.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-08-2026: Dr. Dawn concludes her 2025 medical advances recap, noting that while GLP-1 weight loss drugs showed unexpected benefits for addiction, schizophrenia, and dementia risk, Novo Nordisk recently reported semaglutide had no effect on cognition in people with existing dementia or mild cognitive impairment. She describes the first successful human bladder transplant performed on May 4th. The 41-year-old recipient received both kidney and bladder due to the bladder's complex blood vessel network. Surgeons practiced on cadavers with active circulation before achieving success, opening pathways for future bladder-only transplants for the 84,000 Americans diagnosed with bladder cancer annually. An emailer follows up about purslane for cognitive health. Dr. Dawn reviewed the referenced studies and found neither actually supported claims about purslane and cognition—one discussed the Lyon Heart Study's Mediterranean diet, the other described antioxidant properties. She cautions listeners that websites citing "scientifically proven" claims often reference articles that don't support their assertions. An emailer asks about statin alternatives after developing severe muscle pain on both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Dr. Dawn suggests he shouldn't be on statins given his classic adverse reaction. She recommends ezetimibe plus oat bran for cholesterol, metformin for his elevated triglycerides indicating insulin resistance, and checking LDL particle size and inflammation markers. She emphasizes that cholesterol is a risk factor, not a disease, and treating 50 low-risk people for 10 years prevents only one heart attack. A caller discusses plaque formation theory, comparing it to calluses. Dr. Dawn explains Linus Pauling's similar hypothesis that plaque forms at vessel bifurcations to protect against turbulent blood flow damage. She warns against driving total cholesterol below 130, as it disrupts steroid hormone production. The caller shares his mother's near-fatal rhabdomyolysis from statins—muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin that clogs kidneys—and criticizes data transfer failures between hospital systems. An emailer reports four UTIs in two months at age 79. Dr. Dawn questions whether all were true infections, since vaginal contamination causes false positives on dipstick tests. For confirmed UTIs, she recommends D-mannose and cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion, post-void residual ultrasound to check for incomplete emptying, lactobacillus probiotics, and vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa) to restore mucosal thickness and disease resistance. Dr. Dawn describes Stanford's Phase III trial for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, where defective collagen-7 causes skin layers to separate at the slightest touch. Researchers take patient skin biopsies, use retroviruses to insert corrected genes, grow credit-card-sized skin grafts over 25 days, then suture them onto wounds. At 48 weeks, 65% of treated wounds fully healed versus 7% of controls. She reports a Stanford study showing premature babies who heard recordings of their mothers reading for 2 hours 40 minutes daily developed more mature white matter in language pathways. The left arcuate fasciculus showed greater development than controls, demonstrating how early auditory stimulation shapes brain circuitry even in NICU settings. Dr. Dawn concludes with tattoo safety concerns. Modern vivid inks contain compounds developed for car paint and printer toner, including azo dyes that break down into carcinogenic aromatic amines—especially during laser removal. Pigment particles migrate to lymph nodes and persist in macrophages, causing prolonged inflammation. She advises those with tattoos to avoid laser removal, wear sunscreen, practice lymphatic hygiene, and reconsider extensive new tattoos.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-18-2025: Dr. Dawn opens by examining how market competition is actually working in the weight loss drug sector. Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy compete against Eli Lilly's Monjaro and ZepBound, with prices dropping nearly 50% as companies launch direct-to-consumer websites. The main barriers remain needles and refrigeration, driving development of oral versions. Novo's Wegovy pill awaits FDA approval for early 2026 launch at $150 monthly. Next-generation drugs show remarkable results: Eli's retatrutide causes 24% weight loss in 48 weeks, while Novo's Cagrisema combines semaglutide with amylin to reduce muscle loss. Pfizer paid $10 billion for Metsera's once-monthly drug despite significant side effects. A quick fiber tip suggests adding plain psyllium to morning coffee for cardiovascular and microbiome benefits. Start with half a teaspoon and work up to two teaspoons (10 grams) over several weeks to avoid gas. The prebiotic fiber improves glucose tolerance and may reduce cancer risk. UC San Diego scientists discovered why cancers mutate so rapidly despite being eukaryotic cells with protected chromosomes. The answer is chromothripsis, a catastrophic event where the enzyme N4BP2 literally explodes chromosomes into fragments. These reassemble incorrectly, generating dozens to hundreds of mutations simultaneously and creating circular DNA fragments carrying cancer-promoting genes. One in four cancers show evidence of this mechanism, with all osteosarcomas and many brain cancers displaying it. This explains why the most aggressive cancers resist treatment. Research from 2013 shows any glucocorticoid use significantly increases venous thromboembolism risk, with threefold increases during the first month of use. The risk applies to new and recurrent clots, affecting both oral and inhaled steroids, though IV poses highest risk and topical the lowest. Joint injections fall somewhere between inhaled and oral. Anyone with prior blood clots should avoid steroids except for life-threatening situations like severe asthma attacks requiring ventilation. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials shows creatine supplementation helps older adults (48-84) maintain muscle mass when combined with weight training two to three times weekly. The supplement provides no benefit without exercise. Recommended dosing starts at 2 grams and works up to 5 grams daily. Vegans benefit most since they consume little meat or fish. Important caveat: creatine throws off standard kidney function tests (creatinine), so users should request cystatin C testing instead for accurate renal health assessment. A new JAMA study suggesting risk-based mammogram screening is fatally flawed. First, researchers offered chemopreventative drugs like tamoxifen only to the high-risk group, contaminating the study design. Second, the demographics skewed heavily toward white college-educated women, missing the reality that Black women face twice the risk of aggressive breast cancer with 40% higher mortality. Third, wild-type humans failed to follow instructions—low-risk women continued getting annual mammograms anyway while high-risk women skipped recommended extra screenings. The conclusion of "non-inferior" outcomes is meaningless given poor adherence. Stick with annual mammograms, and consider alternating with MRIs for high-risk women. The EAT-Lancet report condemns red meat based purely on observational data showing correlations with heart disease, cancer, and mortality. But people who eat lots of red meat differ dramatically from low consumers: they weigh more, smoke more, exercise less, and eat less fiber. Studies can't control for sleep quality, depression, or screen time. Notably, heavy meat eaters also die more in accidents, suggesting a risk-taking lifestyle phenotype. The inflammatory marker TMAO is higher in meat eaters, but starch is also pro-inflammatory. Eating red meat instead of instant ramen might improve health. A balanced diet with limited amounts beats epidemiology-based blanket statements. Dr. Dawn grades Dr. Oz's performance as CMS administrator. Starting at minus one for zero relevant experience, he earns plus two for promoting diet, exercise, and gut health on his show. He studied intensively after nomination, calling all four previous CMS directors repeatedly and surrounding himself with experienced staff (plus one). He finalized Medicare rules favoring prevention over surgery and earned bipartisan praise as "a real scientist, not radical" (plus one). He divested healthcare holdings but kept some blind trust interests (minus 0.5). He's developing a CMS app and partnering with Google on a digital health ecosystem (plus one), but supports ending ACA subsidies that will raise premiums for millions (minus one). He correctly promoted COVID vaccines and contradicted Trump's Tylenol-autism claims (plus one). Final score: 3.5 out of 5 possible points, the only positive score for any Trump health administrator.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-04-2025: Dr. Dawn opens with an experimental vaccine that prevents severe allergic reactions by targeting IgE antibodies. The vaccine could eventually replace current monoclonal antibody treatments like omalizumab that require injections every two weeks. She explains how adjuvants work in vaccines as additives that irritate the immune system enough to notice the vaccine target. Aluminum hydroxide is s common adjuvant. Modern vaccines use small pathogen fragments rather than whole organisms, requiring adjuvants to trigger adequate immune response. Dr. Dawn expresses concern about the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewing aluminum adjuvants this week. A Danish study of over one million children finding no connection between aluminum with autism and ADHA contradicts RFK,Jr's public claims.She worries that removing aluminum could devastate vaccine effectiveness and children's health, noting that whenever vaccination rates drop, diseases like measles return to native circulation. She recounts pertussis vaccine history—when Japan stopped vaccination due to rare adverse reactions (approximately one death per million doses), they lost about 5,000 children to whooping cough in the first year. The newer acellular vaccine using pathogen fragments plus adjuvants is safer but only lasts 4-5 years versus lifetime immunity from the older whole-cell version, necessitating "cocooning" strategies where everyone contacting newborns must be recently vaccinated. Dr. Dawn describes a vaccine to prevent fentanyl from reaching the brain now starting clinical trials in the Netherlands. It pairs a fentanyl-like molecule with a carrier protein large enough to trigger antibody production. Once primed, the immune system attacks any fentanyl entering the blood, preventing highs and overdoses—potentially helping people in addiction recovery and those accidentally exposed through contaminated drugs. She reports the first documented death from alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal is a meat allergy triggered by Lone Star tick bites; the tick essentially vaccinates humans against the alpha-galactosidase protein found on beef and pork. Cases have increased since 2010 as climate change expands the tick's range northward, yet a 2023 survey found 42% of doctors had never heard of the condition. Dr. Dawn highlights research from Edith Cowan University showing that blood drawn after exercise suppresses cancer cell growth when added to tumor cultures. In breast cancer survivors, plasma from high-intensity interval training or weight lifting caused cancer cells to stop growing or die; blood drawn before exercise had no effect. The key mechanism involves myokines, particularly IL-6, released by contracting muscles. A Stanford study found colon cancer survivors who exercised were 37% less likely to experience recurrence. A caller asks about pig-to-human heart transplants and mask recommendations. Dr. Dawn clarifies that newer xenotransplant pigs have more genes edited to reduce rejection compared to the 2022 case. For masking, she recommends context-dependent use—especially in public restrooms where toilet flushing aerosolizes COVID-containing particles, transportation hubs, and hospitals, noting that COVID vaccination prevents death but not infection or long COVID. She advises the same caller about spacing vaccines because adjuvant loads stack. Most vaccines can be combined safely, but she recommends against pairing COVID and Shingrix vaccines due to their heavy adjuvant content—wait at least ten days between them. She suggests inducing a sweat the night of vaccination through hot baths, saunas, or exercise to reduce adjuvant-related discomfort without diminishing antibody response. Dr. Dawn discusses seasonal affective disorder. She recommends 5,000 units of vitamin D3 and morning light exposure. She suggests that sun avoidance advice may have gone too far. A UK study of 3.36 million people found 12-15% lower mortality with greater UV exposure even accounting for skin cancer risk. A Swedish study following 30,000 women for 20 years found sun-seekers had half the mortality risk. Benefits may involve nitric oxide production lowering blood pressure, with each 1,000 km from the equator correlating with 5 mmHg higher blood pressure. Lack of bright outdoor light also contributes to childhood myopia, with rates exceeding 80% in some Asian cities. Dr. Dawn concludes with Danish microbiologists at Copenhagen's Alchemist restaurant reviving an old Bulgarian practice of fermenting milk with live red wood ants. The resulting yogurt, cheese, and ice cream contain far more beneficial microbes than commercial products, with a complex lemony acidity. Only live ants work, and wild ants may carry parasites dangerous to humans.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-13-2025: Dr. Dawn discusses a New England Journal of Medicine study examining radiation exposure from medical imaging in over 4 million children showing increased hematological cancer risk. Head and brain CTs deliver highest bone marrow doses, with under-1-year-olds receiving 20 milligrays compared to background radiation of 1 milligray yearly. The study found 3,000 cancers in 4 million children over roughly 10 years, with relative risk increasing 1.6-fold per CT scan. However, methodological flaws include combining US and Canadian cohorts with different data quality, potential reverse causation where imaging detected pre-existing cancers, and arbitrary 6-month latency assumptions are significant flaws in this study.. Despite small absolute risk increases given low baseline cancer rates, she encourages parents to question necessity of repeat scans and request alternatives like MRI when appropriate. She reports on cutting-edge CRISPR therapy using lipid nanoparticles to deliver molecular scissors targeting the ANGPTL3 gene controlling LDL cholesterol production. Recent setbacks in several other CRISPR trials raise issues for unexplained liver toxicity. Concerns include off-target gene editing effects and partially repaired DNA creating mutated proteins triggering autoimmune reactions. Dr. Dawn emphasizes restricting gene therapy to life-threatening genetic diseases with no alternatives until safety improves. Stanford scientists used AI model Evo trained on 9 trillion gene samples to design 300 new bacteriophages from scratch, with 16 phages successfully killing E. coli bacteria. AI tools now predict protein structures, design custom drugs, create antivenoms, invent antibiotics, and break down PFAS forever chemicals. The research represents evolution through computation and requires guardrails on AI's ability to manipulate biological structures. An emailer shares the Rosencare model where hotel chain owner Harris Rosen created self-insured health coverage featuring direct provider contracting, imaging facilities charging one-third to one-half traditional costs, transparent pharmacy benefit management, and zero or $5 primary care copays. Employees receive proactive screening for colonoscopies, mammograms, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension during clinic visits. Ninety percent of medicines including insulin cost nothing, with remaining drugs $0-25, and hospital admissions cost flat $750. The model saved $600 million while providing superior preventive care by eliminating insurance middlemen and focusing on early chronic disease detection when 75-85% of costs originate. Dr. Dawn explains abdominophrenic dyssynergia causing bloating unrelated to gas or food. The diaphragm descends and abdominal wall muscles relax, pushing organs forward after meals. CT scans showed lettuce-related bloating involved no intestinal gas changes but demonstrated this abnormal muscle reflex. Randomized trials showed biofeedback training with chest-lifting and abdominal wall contracting exercises before and after eating for four weeks improved symptoms 66%. She warns that constant bloating in postmenopausal women unrelated to eating requires ovarian cancer screening. She discusses how genes drive personality using dopamine receptor gene DRD4 polymorphisms as an example. The 7-repeat variant present in 48% of Americans creates receptors binding dopamine poorly, associating with ADHD, pathological gambling, alcoholism, drug dependence, and bulimia, plus personality traits of novelty-seeking, impulsiveness, and optimism. The 2-repeat DRD4 variant common in Asia correlates with lower anger and higher forgiveness. DRD2 variations enhance the memory of negative outcomes, creating pessimistic bias and avoidance behavior. She presents the KETO trial showing "lean mass hyper-responder phenotype" where very low-carbohydrate dieters averaging age 55 maintained LDL cholesterol of 272 for five years but showed identical coronary artery calcium scores and plaque burden as matched controls with LDL under 150. Despite extreme LDL elevation, the very low insulin levels from carbohydrate restriction prevent LDL oxidation, the inflammatory "loading" process enabling arterial damage. She concludes with unusual cancer symptom where recurrent pain in specific body locations after alcohol consumption, lasting 1-2 days, occurs in 5% of Hodgkin lymphoma patients and in other cancers when alcohol induced blood vessel dilation and inflammatory chemical release in cancer-containing lymph nodes causes pain after drinking.