Dr. Eve Espey: End to Reproductive Rights
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Eve Espey discuss the impact of the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade. Dr. Espey explains that 41 states have abortion bans, with 12 states imposing total bans and 28 states restricting based on gestational duration. She highlights the increased maternal mortality and health risks due to these restrictions. She also emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and training for medical professionals in reproductive health care. Key Takeaways: The overturning of Roe v Wade reversed about 50 years of women’s reproductive rights. In...
info_outline
Dr. Emily Callaci: Wages for Housework
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Emily Callaci discuss the Wages for Housework movement, highlighting the 1970s campaign demanding payment for unpaid labor in the home or “housework”. Dr. Callaci explains the movement's relevance today, noting that women's unpaid work has significant economic consequences. The conversation explores the historical context, the five key figures behind the movement, and the economic and cultural implications of unpaid housework. Callaci emphasizes the need for recognition of and payment for housework to address gender inequality and improve women's...
info_outline
Dr. Peter Liang: Rise in Colon Cancers in the Young
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Peter Liang discuss the rise in colorectal cancer among younger people, those below the age of 50. While colorectal cancer is a slow-growing cancer, it is still the third most common cancer for both men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Due to the trend of decreasing age in colorectal cancer patients, screening guidelines have been lowered to 45, but can be done earlier as needed, based on risk factors. Dr. Liang emphasizes the importance of screening, diet, exercise, and awareness of family history in...
info_outline
Dr. Joshua Woolley: Psychedelic Treatments for Mental Health
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joshua Woolley discuss his transition from neurology to psychiatry and his current focus on psychedelic drug therapies. He explains the mechanisms and effects of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, highlighting their potential to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Dr. Woolley describes controlled clinical trials at the University of California, San Francisco, where patients undergo psychedelic experiences with therapeutic support. He notes the challenges and benefits of these treatments, including long-term positive effects in...
info_outline
Maternal Obesity and Childhood Cancer
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow interviews Dr. Shaina Stacy about her studies on cancer risks in children depending upon the body mass index (BMI) of their mothers before and during pregnancy. Dr. Stacy explains how she obtained a sample of nearly 2 million mother-child pairs in the state of Pennsylvania, the largest sample size ever for such a study. They discuss how children of women with a BMI of over 30 when pregnant had a significantly higher risk of cancers compared to children of lean mothers. This was notable for leukemia in children under 5, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia...
info_outline
Dr. Cheryl Hawkes: Maternal Obesity Harms Fetal Brain Development
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Cheryl Hawkes discuss the increasing scientific evidence that maternal obesity affects the developing fetal brain. While many of the effects manifest early, in infant temperament and childhood cognitive (IQ) decrements, other effects do not show up until years later, in adult psychiatric and neurodegenerative problems. The physical bases for these changes in fetal brains are also clearly evidenced in laboratory model systems, such as mice, where the maternal diets can be controlled, and the offspring not only can be given behavioral tests,...
info_outline
Dr. Diane Tober: Egg Donation Can Exploit Donors
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Diane Tober discuss the global egg donation industry, highlighting its lack of regulations and exploitative nature. Dr. Tober details some of her research on egg donors, revealing severe risks and some life-threatening complications that can affect 10-12% of donors. They discuss how donors are often uninformed about the risks and the pressures faced by donors to donate beyond current guidelines. With compensation varying wildly, there are often financial pressures that donors face, too. Finally, Dr. Tober advocates for standardized informed consent,...
info_outline
Kim Mutcherson: Millions of Frozen Embryos!
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Kim Mutcherson discuss the legal and ethical implications of the increasing number of frozen embryos and the complications of assisted reproductive technologies. With an estimated over 1 million frozen embryos in the United States, this is a complex topic, particularly around state laws, embryo disposition, the financial costs of IVF, and the potential increased regulation and legal challenges moving forward. Key Takeaways: There is no hard data on how many embryos are currently frozen around the world, but there are estimated to be...
info_outline
Dr. Chris Beyrer: Cuts to USAID Harm the Health and Prosperity of US Citizens
Critically Speaking
The opinions expressed by Dr. Beyrer are his own and not those of his employer. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Chris Beyrer discuss the importance of USAID, highlighting its role in global health and development, particularly through programs like PEPFAR, which has saved 25 million lives and prevented millions of HIV infections. Dr. Beyrer emphasizes that the economic and security benefits of USAID, whose support amounts to less than 1% of the total US federal budget, have had important benefits at home in the United States. It protects us from infectious diseases like Ebola and...
info_outline
Dr. Adam Berinsky: Political Rumors and Misinformation
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Adam Berinsky discuss political rumors and misinformation. Dr. Berinsky defines rumors as unsubstantiated claims without evidence, emphasizing their social transmission. He identifies two factors influencing rumor belief: conspiratorial thinking and partisan polarization. Berinsky's research reveals that while some people firmly believe rumors, others are ambivalent and more open to correction. He suggests focusing on these undecided individuals rather than entrenched believers. Berinsky also highlights the role of political leaders in spreading...
info_outlineIn this episode, Therese Markow and Richard Conniff discuss his book "Ending Epidemics," which explores the history of infectious diseases and vaccines. Richard highlights the evolution from ancient humoral theories, which thrived for nearly 2000 years, to modern germ theory, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and vaccination. He recounts the development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner and the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk, noting initial resistance and the success of widespread vaccination. He also addresses the current resistance to COVID-19 vaccines, stressing the importance of balancing vaccine risks against disease risks. He also warns of the dangers of withdrawing from global health organizations like the WHO.
Key Takeaways:
-
The Semmelweis Reflex is the tendency of people to stick with what they already believe and ignore clear evidence that it’s wrong.
-
Smallpox has been eradicated. In many areas, they were still using Jenner’s vaccine, which still worked up until 1980.
-
With some viruses, illnesses are dormant but can crop up later in life, such as chickenpox and shingles. Viruses hide in the nervous system
-
When you are thinking about vaccines, think about the disease, and then think about what the relative risk of the vaccine is versus the risk of the disease.
"The problem is that people can develop these imaginary problems with vaccines because they do not have any conception of how awful the disease is that the vaccine is preventing." — Richard Conniff
Episode References:
-
Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape from Contagion - https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262552974/ending-epidemics/
-
The Species Seekers: Heroes, Fools, and the Mad Pursuit of Life on Earth - https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393341324
Connect with Richard Conniff:
Professional Bio: https://mitpress.mit.edu/author/richard-conniff-39217/
Website: https://strangebehaviors.wordpress.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-conniff-9689a02/
Connect with Therese:
Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net
Threads: @critically_speaking
Email: [email protected]
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.