Dr RR Baliga's Philosophical Discourses: Mencius (China, c. 372–289 BCE) – Confucian Philosopher
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
Mencius (c. 371–289 BC) was a prominent Confucian philosopher known as the “Second Sage” after Confucius. He emphasized the innate goodness of human nature, advocating for humane governance, moral cultivation, and the welfare of citizens. His teachings greatly influenced Confucianism and later Neo-Confucian thought.
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Mutants, Mitochondria & Metformin 🔬🔋💊: Powering Down Clonal Haematopoiesis
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🧬 Clonal haematopoiesis (CH)—especially with DNMT3A-R882 mutations—increases with age and raises leukemia risk. 💊 New studies reveal that metformin targets mutant blood stem cells by suppressing mitochondrial metabolism, sparing healthy cells. 📉 UK Biobank data shows lower CH prevalence in metformin users. 🔋 Targeting oxidative phosphorylation may offer a safe, preventative strategy against CH progression.
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A Shot 💉 at Memory 🧠: Can Diabetes Drugs Fight Forgetfulness ❓
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
In this large real-world study 🧪 using electronic health records 📊, GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is—two diabetes drugs 💉—were associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias 🧠 in people with type 2 diabetes 🍬. Both showed protective effects 🛡️, with no significant difference between them, suggesting promise for drug repurposing ♻️ in brain health strategies.
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Sweat 💦, Synapses 🧠, Survival 🛡️: Exercise and the Ageing Brain
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🧠 Regular endurance exercise boosts brain health by increasing blood flow 💓, enhancing neuroplasticity 🔁, and reducing inflammation 🔥. 🏃♂️ High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) lowers dementia risk 🧩, supports memory 📝, and promotes the release of powerful brain molecules like BDNF 🧬 and irisin 💪. ✨ In short: Move more, age slower, think sharper!
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🔬 Cataracts Decoded: Clarity, Surgery, and the Silver Years 👓”
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👁️ Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss in older adults, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty with daily tasks. 💉 Surgery is safe, quick, and effective — restoring clarity, reducing fall risk, and even lowering dementia risk. 🔬 Advanced lenses can reduce dependence on glasses, while intraocular antibiotics help prevent rare infections. ⚠️ Watch out for meds like tamsulosin that may complicate surgery — always inform your eye doctor!
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Staph Aureus Bacteremia 🦠 Detect. 💊 Treat. 🔍 Control the Source!”
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🦠 Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a deadly bloodstream infection with high rates of complications like endocarditis and abscesses. 💉 Early detection, MRSA coverage with vancomycin/daptomycin, and source control (🪛 remove catheters, drain abscesses) are critical. 🔍 Use echocardiography and VIRSTA score to guide management. ✅ Once susceptibilities return, de-escalate and tailor therapy—MSSA loves cefazolin!
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🧠 Fast Wins, Flawed Logic, Real Choices
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🧠 People often say they want big wins (like lotteries), but in practice, they choose what wins more often—even if it pays less. 🎮 In experiments, when outcomes are shown side-by-side, we tend to favor the “frequent winner.” 📉 This bias can make us overlook rare, high rewards—shaping real-world choices in money, health, and risk. 🔍 Bottom line: It’s not just what we choose, but how the choice is shown that changes everything.
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Dr. RR Baliga’s Philosophical Discourses: Zhuangzi (China, c. 369–286 BCE) – Taoist Philosopher
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
Zhuang Zhou, also known as Zhuangzi, was an influential 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher during the Warring States period. As a foundational figure of Taoism, he authored the Zhuangzi, a text known for its profound philosophical insights, parables, and critiques of societal norms, emphasizing personal freedom and harmony with the Tao. His ideas remain central to Chinese philosophy and continue to inspire discussions on ethics, metaphysics, and human nature.
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Hands Down, Cream Wins! 🖐️🧴💥 Delgocitinib vs Alitretinoin in Chronic Eczema
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🧴 Delgocitinib cream outperformed oral alitretinoin in treating severe chronic hand eczema over 24 weeks. 📉 Greater reduction in HECSI, 😊 better quality of life, and ⚠️ fewer side effects make it a promising non-steroidal alternative. 💊 Time to rethink systemic pills — topical wins hands down! 🖐️✅
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🧠🦴🚼 “Brains, Balance, and Birth: Cracking the Pelvic Code
Dr. Baliga's 'Got Knowledge Doc?' PODKASTS
🧬 Human pelvic evolution reflects a tug-of-war between 🚶♀️ efficient walking, 🧠 growing brains, and 🚼 safe childbirth. Using AI and genetic data from 31,115 individuals, Xu et al. found the pelvis is highly heritable, sex-dimorphic, and shaped by multiple selective pressures—not just bipedalism or birth. Larger canals ease delivery but risk 💥 pelvic floor disorders, while narrower ones boost mobility but raise ⚠️ labor complications. This study reframes the “obstetrical dilemma” as a 🔄 multifactorial evolutionary compromise.
info_outlineAlcohol is a proven carcinogen 🚨, increasing the risk of at least 7 cancers (mouth, throat, breast, liver, etc.) 🦠💀.
Even small amounts (5g ethanol/day) raise cancer risk, with no safe threshold 📊🚫.
Similarly, exceeding 14 drinks/week (men) or 7 (women) raises CHD risk by up to 43% 💔📈.
Past claims of heart benefits from moderate drinking are now being challenged 🧐❓.
Best advice? Limit or avoid alcohol for better long-term health 🚫🥃✔️.