<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-04-2025:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn discusses seasonal affective disorder. She recommends 5,000 units of vitamin D3 and morning light exposure.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Health issues in the news and answers to your medical questions

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-04-2025:
<ul><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn discusses seasonal affective disorder. She recommends 5,000 units of vitamin D3 and morning light exposure.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li></ul>

Vaccine Science: Anaphylaxis Prevention, Adjuvant Controversies, Fentanyl Immunization, Exercise Fighting Cancer, and Sunlight's Hidden Benefits

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-20-2025:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn discusses GLP-1 inhibitors like Zepbound and semaglutide showing unexpected benefits for addiction treatment beyond diabetes and weight loss. Patients in rehab report these drugs mute cravings for alcohol, cocaine, and cigarettes. Multiple studies show reduced substance abuse rates in users, with VA and NIH conducting trials examining brain activity and responses to triggers. With 80,000 annual drug overdose deaths and 48 million Americans having substance abuse disorders, these medications may revolutionize addiction treatment by dampening brain reward circuitry, though costs threaten healthcare budgets.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A Stanford twin study found those twins assigned a vegan diet had substantially lower cholesterol, insulin, and body weight compared to their omnivore twins after several months, with LDL dropping 15mg, four pounds more weight loss, and 20% lower insulin.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn explains how a fungal disease decimating Central American frog populations caused 500% malaria increases in some areas. The fungus kills frogs by blocking skin electrolytes until hearts stop, eliminating tadpoles that eat mosquito larvae. Ecosystem collapses followed with algae blooms and snake population drops. She provides other examples showing how species losses affect human health, emphasizing the "one health" movement recognizing ecosystem health as fundamental to human wellbeing.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An Australian study found people aged 70+ who listen to or play music regularly had 39% lower dementia rates, though causation remains uncertain. Princeton research shows music activates multiple brain regions simultaneously. Learning instruments increases gray matter, and musical memory remains intact in advanced dementia since it's stored separately from other memories.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller discusses how modern screen-based activities provide less multisensory engagement than past social experiences like dances. Another caller describes Grover's disease causing persistent itchy skin with no known cause. Dr. Dawn recommends an elimination diet removing common allergens for one month, then reintroducing individually to identify food sensitivities triggering immune responses.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn explains xenotransplantation advances with genetically edited pigs beginning full-scale kidney transplant trials. Companies use CRISPR to disable genes causing immune rejection and insert human genes promoting immune tolerance. With only 10% of global kidney patients receiving organs, these could provide unlimited supply. Other innovations include kidneys with thymus tissue to teach immune tolerance and external pig liver systems as transplant bridges.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She concludes noting research showing female dogs remember and prefer humans who demonstrate competence at tasks, while male dogs show no preference.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;
 </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-20-2025:
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn discusses GLP-1 inhibitors like Zepbound and semaglutide showing unexpected benefits for addiction treatment beyond diabetes and weight loss. Patients in rehab report these drugs mute cravings for alcohol, cocaine, and cigarettes. Multiple studies show reduced substance abuse rates in users, with VA and NIH conducting trials examining brain activity and responses to triggers. With 80,000 annual drug overdose deaths and 48 million Americans having substance abuse disorders, these medications may revolutionize addiction treatment by dampening brain reward circuitry, though costs threaten healthcare budgets.
</li><li>
A Stanford twin study found those twins assigned a vegan diet had substantially lower cholesterol, insulin, and body weight compared to their omnivore twins after several months, with LDL dropping 15mg, four pounds more weight loss, and 20% lower insulin.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn explains how a fungal disease decimating Central American frog populations caused 500% malaria increases in some areas. The fungus kills frogs by blocking skin electrolytes until hearts stop, eliminating tadpoles that eat mosquito larvae. Ecosystem collapses followed with algae blooms and snake population drops. She provides other examples showing how species losses affect human health, emphasizing the "one health" movement recognizing ecosystem health as fundamental to human wellbeing.
</li><li>
An Australian study found people aged 70+ who listen to or play music regularly had 39% lower dementia rates, though causation remains uncertain. Princeton research shows music activates multiple brain regions simultaneously. Learning instruments increases gray matter, and musical memory remains intact in advanced dementia since it's stored separately from other memories.
</li><li>
A caller discusses how modern screen-based activities provide less multisensory engagement than past social experiences like dances. Another caller describes Grover's disease causing persistent itchy skin with no known cause. Dr. Dawn recommends an elimination diet removing common allergens for one month, then reintroducing individually to identify food sensitivities triggering immune responses.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn explains xenotransplantation advances with genetically edited pigs beginning full-scale kidney transplant trials. Companies use CRISPR to disable genes causing immune rejection and insert human genes promoting immune tolerance. With only 10% of global kidney patients receiving organs, these could provide unlimited supply. Other innovations include kidneys with thymus tissue to teach immune tolerance and external pig liver systems as transplant bridges.
</li><li>
She concludes noting research showing female dogs remember and prefer humans who demonstrate competence at tasks, while male dogs show no preference.
</li></ul>

GLP-1 Drugs for Addiction Treatment, Ecosystem Health Connections, and Xenotransplantation Advances

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-13-2025:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
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.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-13-2025:
<ul><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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. 
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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.
</li><li>
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. 
</li><li>
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.
</li></ul>

Pediatric CT Scan Cancer Risks, CRISPR Gene Editing Advances, and Keto Diet Cholesterol Paradox

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-06-2025:&gt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn interviews Cindy Jackonette and Dr. Michael Alexander about a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer awareness on November 15th at Bargetto Winery from 2-5pm, supporting the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. Dr. Alexander explains pancreatic cancer has only 10-15% five-year survival rates and is difficult to screen for. Screening involves complex endoscopy procedures examining pancreatic ducts, CT scans and biomarker scans. The disease represents 3% of cancer cases but 8% of deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors show limited success except in Lynch syndrome patients with DNA repair defects. The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group donates annually to local cancer organizations and is all volunteer-run with minimal overhead.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks when her 56-year-old half-African American son should get colon cancer screening given his father and uncle both had the disease. Dr. Dawn explains African Americans have increased risk and recommends immediate colonoscopy despite the ideal screening window being 10 years ago. She emphasizes identifying whether he produces polyps, which would require surveillance every 3-5 years. Unlike pancreatic cancer, colon cancer is highly curable when detected early, with death rates dropping 30-40% since colonoscopies became standard in the mid-1990s. She recommends preventive measures including daily 200mg ibuprofen (if no ulcer history) and a high-fiber diet rich in colorful vegetables containing antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage from free radicals.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer from Israel asks about supporting his 38-year-old son's rectal adenocarcinoma treatment. Dr. Dawn recommends nutritional strategies including juicing 10 different fruits and vegetables daily, 20mg melatonin for synergy with chemotherapy, vitamin D supplementation, and L-glutamine as primary food for bowel healing and lymphocyte function. She suggests DHA fish oil to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, green tea for oncogene inhibition, astragalus herb to increase phagocytic activity and natural killer cells, and rotating water-extracted mushroom formulas with beta-glucans, particularly maitake and shitake. Glutamine also protects mucous membranes from radiation burns.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn discusses alarming cancer rate increases among young adults in Corn Belt states including Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, and Kansas. Since 2015, these states show 5% higher cancer rates for ages 15-49 compared to national averages, with particularly elevated kidney and skin cancer rates. Young women face 66% higher skin cancer risk than peers in other states. . Governor Kim Reynolds invested $1 million for research while Bayer's attempt to shield Roundup from lawsuits failed. Dr. Dawn notes Roundup now contains diquat after removing glyphosate. It has taken decades to accumulate evidence of glyphosates harms, She warns that absence of evidence of Diquats being harmful isn't evidence of safety and that Ames testing suggests high mutation potential.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer shares a JAMA article on lithium for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Dawn explains that calcium dysregulation through NMDA receptors plays an upstream role in Alzheimer's pathology. Lithium, a bipolar disorder treatment, can reset deranged calcium gates, inhibiting mitochondrial damage and tau protein production. She emphasizes tau protein as the true culprit in Alzheimer's while amyloid beta is more symptomatic. Correcting calcium homeostasis allows neuronal autophagy systems to clear waste more efficiently rather than being overwhelmed.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She reports dramatic peanut allergy declines following 2017 pediatric recommendations for introducing peanuts at 4-6 months based on the LEAP study showing 81% reduction. Between 2017-2020, peanut allergies dropped from 0.79% to 0.45% of all children under 3, with overall food allergies declining 36%. Studies also show pregnant mothers eating peanuts reduces offspring allergy risk by promoting immune tolerance. 
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
We conclude with breakthrough wireless retinal implants for macular degeneration, where cameras on glasses convert images to near-infrared signals to retinal implants which stimulate surviving retinal neurons. The prototype allowed patients to improve by two lines on eye charts and perceive facial expressions and read smaller print.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; </description>

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-06-2025:>/p>
<ul><li>
Dr. Dawn interviews Cindy Jackonette and Dr. Michael Alexander about a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer awareness on November 15th at Bargetto Winery from 2-5pm, supporting the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. Dr. Alexander explains pancreatic cancer has only 10-15% five-year survival rates and is difficult to screen for. Screening involves complex endoscopy procedures examining pancreatic ducts, CT scans and biomarker scans. The disease represents 3% of cancer cases but 8% of deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors show limited success except in Lynch syndrome patients with DNA repair defects. The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group donates annually to local cancer organizations and is all volunteer-run with minimal overhead.
</li><li>
An emailer asks when her 56-year-old half-African American son should get colon cancer screening given his father and uncle both had the disease. Dr. Dawn explains African Americans have increased risk and recommends immediate colonoscopy despite the ideal screening window being 10 years ago. She emphasizes identifying whether he produces polyps, which would require surveillance every 3-5 years. Unlike pancreatic cancer, colon cancer is highly curable when detected early, with death rates dropping 30-40% since colonoscopies became standard in the mid-1990s. She recommends preventive measures including daily 200mg ibuprofen (if no ulcer history) and a high-fiber diet rich in colorful vegetables containing antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage from free radicals.
</li><li>
An emailer from Israel asks about supporting his 38-year-old son's rectal adenocarcinoma treatment. Dr. Dawn recommends nutritional strategies including juicing 10 different fruits and vegetables daily, 20mg melatonin for synergy with chemotherapy, vitamin D supplementation, and L-glutamine as primary food for bowel healing and lymphocyte function. She suggests DHA fish oil to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, green tea for oncogene inhibition, astragalus herb to increase phagocytic activity and natural killer cells, and rotating water-extracted mushroom formulas with beta-glucans, particularly maitake and shitake. Glutamine also protects mucous membranes from radiation burns.
</li><li>
Dr. Dawn discusses alarming cancer rate increases among young adults in Corn Belt states including Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, and Kansas. Since 2015, these states show 5% higher cancer rates for ages 15-49 compared to national averages, with particularly elevated kidney and skin cancer rates. Young women face 66% higher skin cancer risk than peers in other states. . Governor Kim Reynolds invested $1 million for research while Bayer's attempt to shield Roundup from lawsuits failed. Dr. Dawn notes Roundup now contains diquat after removing glyphosate. It has taken decades to accumulate evidence of glyphosates harms, She warns that absence of evidence of Diquats being harmful isn't evidence of safety and that Ames testing suggests high mutation potential.
</li><li>
An emailer shares a JAMA article on lithium for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Dawn explains that calcium dysregulation through NMDA receptors plays an upstream role in Alzheimer's pathology. Lithium, a bipolar disorder treatment, can reset deranged calcium gates, inhibiting mitochondrial damage and tau protein production. She emphasizes tau protein as the true culprit in Alzheimer's while amyloid beta is more symptomatic. Correcting calcium homeostasis allows neuronal autophagy systems to clear waste more efficiently rather than being overwhelmed.
</li><li>
She reports dramatic peanut allergy declines following 2017 pediatric recommendations for introducing peanuts at 4-6 months based on the LEAP study showing 81% reduction. Between 2017-2020, peanut allergies dropped from 0.79% to 0.45% of all children under 3, with overall food allergies declining 36%. Studies also show pregnant mothers eating peanuts reduces offspring allergy risk by promoting immune tolerance. 
</li><li>
We conclude with breakthrough wireless retinal implants for macular degeneration, where cameras on glasses convert images to near-infrared signals to retinal implants which stimulate surviving retinal neurons. The prototype allowed patients to improve by two lines on eye charts and perceive facial expressions and read smaller print.
</li></ul>

Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser, Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines, and Midwest Cancer Cluster Investigation

<description>&lt;p&gt;Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-30-2025:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn opens with Halloween-themed scary medical stories, beginning with food toxins lurking in refrigerators and pantries. She explains how molds on grains and nuts, particularly Aspergillus species, produce aflatoxins that bind to DNA and cause liver cancer, making peanuts especially risky. Fusarium on wheat produces trichothecenes and fumonisins damaging cell membranes. Penicillium molds on fruits like apples produce patulin creating reactive oxygen species that harm organs. She advises discarding soft moldy foods entirely since fungal hyphae penetrate deeply, while hard cheeses can have moldy portions cut away. Meat spoilage involves bacteria producing cadaverine and putrescine, with E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium causing severe illness through heat-stable toxins.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
A caller asks about yogurt-covered peanuts tasting rancid and confirms Botox contains botulinum toxin A in different salt forms, used medically for migraines, hyperhidrosis, and strabismus. The caller also describes paper-thin skin on sun-exposed forearms that bleeds easily. Dr. Dawn explains UV radiation damages collagen and elastin, making blood vessels vulnerable to shear forces. She recommends topical vitamin K products like Dermal K and protective lycra sleeves or gardening gauntlets to prevent injuries, emphasizing the need for annual dermatologic exams after extensive sun exposure.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
An emailer asks about RSV vaccine recommendations before overseas travel. Dr. Dawn disagreed with the couple's physician, citing US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommending RSV vaccination for all adults 60 and older, plus those 50+ with chronic conditions. She discusses FDA-approved home testing options including the PIXEL by LabCorp test for COVID, flu, and RSV, and iHealth rapid tests. She notes RSV point-of-care tests are available to medical practitioners and recommends thorough vaccination before international trips.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn presents a frightening investigation into private equity hospital bankruptcies, focusing on Steward Healthcare's 31 hospitals and Prospect's 16 facilities. Private equity firm Cerberus earned $700 million while Steward 650 documented incidents of deficient care including deaths. One woman died from hemorrhage after vendors repossessed equipment due to unpaid bills. She explains the shell game where companies sell hospital land to Medical Properties Trust, forcing new operators to pay rent while private equity extracts profits. The Brookings Institution study reveals systematic prioritization of investor returns over patient care, with courts failing to prevent these practices despite some states passing protective legislation.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She discusses stillbirth rates being significantly underreported, with Harvard research showing actual rates of 1 in 147 pregnancies versus CDC's 1 in 175, worsening to 1 in 95 for black families. Over 70% involved known risks like obesity or diabetes, but 30% had no identifiable factors. Dr. Dawn emphasizes unconscious bias in medicine where women's complaints are dismissed, particularly affecting women of color and non-English speakers, noting both patient and provider biases require training to address.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
Dr. Dawn warns about HPV-related oral squamous cell carcinoma in young men, explaining that changing sexual practices over 30 years have created new transmission routes from genitals to mouth. Major risk factors include smokeless tobacco and hard alcohol which damage DNA. She mentions newly available saliva tests for persistent HPV detection, recommending risk factor reduction for positive cases.
&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;
She concludes optimistically with a breakthrough Huntington's disease treatment using microRNA molecule AMT-130 delivered via virus to brain striatum. The treatment mirrors toxic Huntington protein's RNA, creating double-stranded structures cells destroy, preventing toxic protein accumulation. The three-year trial of 29 patients showed 75% slowing of disease progression with few side effects, offering hope for 100,000 Americans carrying the mutation, including 40,000 with current symptoms.
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Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-30-2025:
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Dr. Dawn opens with Halloween-themed scary medical stories, beginning with food toxins lurking in refrigerators and pantries. She explains how molds on grains and nuts, particularly Aspergillus species, produce aflatoxins that bind to DNA and cause liver cancer, making peanuts especially risky. Fusarium on wheat produces trichothecenes and fumonisins damaging cell membranes. Penicillium molds on fruits like apples produce patulin creating reactive oxygen species that harm organs. She advises discarding soft moldy foods entirely since fungal hyphae penetrate deeply, while hard cheeses can have moldy portions cut away. Meat spoilage involves bacteria producing cadaverine and putrescine, with E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium causing severe illness through heat-stable toxins.
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A caller asks about yogurt-covered peanuts tasting rancid and confirms Botox contains botulinum toxin A in different salt forms, used medically for migraines, hyperhidrosis, and strabismus. The caller also describes paper-thin skin on sun-exposed forearms that bleeds easily. Dr. Dawn explains UV radiation damages collagen and elastin, making blood vessels vulnerable to shear forces. She recommends topical vitamin K products like Dermal K and protective lycra sleeves or gardening gauntlets to prevent injuries, emphasizing the need for annual dermatologic exams after extensive sun exposure.
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An emailer asks about RSV vaccine recommendations before overseas travel. Dr. Dawn disagreed with the couple's physician, citing US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommending RSV vaccination for all adults 60 and older, plus those 50+ with chronic conditions. She discusses FDA-approved home testing options including the PIXEL by LabCorp test for COVID, flu, and RSV, and iHealth rapid tests. She notes RSV point-of-care tests are available to medical practitioners and recommends thorough vaccination before international trips.
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Dr. Dawn presents a frightening investigation into private equity hospital bankruptcies, focusing on Steward Healthcare's 31 hospitals and Prospect's 16 facilities. Private equity firm Cerberus earned $700 million while Steward 650 documented incidents of deficient care including deaths. One woman died from hemorrhage after vendors repossessed equipment due to unpaid bills. She explains the shell game where companies sell hospital land to Medical Properties Trust, forcing new operators to pay rent while private equity extracts profits. The Brookings Institution study reveals systematic prioritization of investor returns over patient care, with courts failing to prevent these practices despite some states passing protective legislation.
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She discusses stillbirth rates being significantly underreported, with Harvard research showing actual rates of 1 in 147 pregnancies versus CDC's 1 in 175, worsening to 1 in 95 for black families. Over 70% involved known risks like obesity or diabetes, but 30% had no identifiable factors. Dr. Dawn emphasizes unconscious bias in medicine where women's complaints are dismissed, particularly affecting women of color and non-English speakers, noting both patient and provider biases require training to address.
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Dr. Dawn warns about HPV-related oral squamous cell carcinoma in young men, explaining that changing sexual practices over 30 years have created new transmission routes from genitals to mouth. Major risk factors include smokeless tobacco and hard alcohol which damage DNA. She mentions newly available saliva tests for persistent HPV detection, recommending risk factor reduction for positive cases.
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She concludes optimistically with a breakthrough Huntington's disease treatment using microRNA molecule AMT-130 delivered via virus to brain striatum. The treatment mirrors toxic Huntington protein's RNA, creating double-stranded structures cells destroy, preventing toxic protein accumulation. The three-year trial of 29 patients showed 75% slowing of disease progression with few side effects, offering hope for 100,000 Americans carrying the mutation, including 40,000 with current symptoms.
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Halloween Special: Food Toxins, Private Equity Hospital Scandals, and Huntington's Disease Breakthrough

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