Dr. David Hill: Peanut and Food Allergies in Children
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. David Hill discuss the rise of peanut allergies in children. David explains that anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is common in children, often triggered by food. He emphasizes the importance of early allergen introduction to prevent allergies. The LEAP study from 2015 showed that introducing peanuts before six months reduces the risk of peanut allergy. They also discuss other common allergies and the fact that many children outgrow milk and egg allergies by age four. Key Takeaways: The major allergens are milk, egg, soy,...
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Dr. Fred Miller: The Autoimmune Disease Epidemic
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Fred Miller discuss the autoimmune disease epidemic, highlighting the economic burden and the rise of diseases like juvenile diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Miller explains that autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body, affecting various organs. He notes that there are at least 150 types of autoimmune diseases, with prevalence rates varying from 0.1% to 5% of the population - the exact number is unknown due to the need for better registries to track these diseases. Dr. Miller also discusses the role of genetics and...
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Dr. John Kisiel: Early Cancer Detection Liquid Biopsy
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. John Kisiel discuss early cancer detection using liquid biopsies. Dr. Kisiel explains that liquid biopsies detect cancer signals in blood and urine, including tumor cells, fragments, proteins, and DNA. He highlights the FDA's approval of a blood test for colon cancer and the development of multi-cancer early detection tests. Dr. Kisiel notes that false positive and false negative rates vary by test. He emphasizes the potential of liquid biopsies to complement, not replace, standard screening methods and the need for further validation and clinical...
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Dr. Stacy Andersen: Living to be a Hundred
Critically Speaking
Some people live more than a hundred years with no health problems and very little cognitive decline. How come? While healthy lifestyles certainly play a part in healthy aging, these “centenarians” share a number of special biological attributes. Furthermore, these attributes, along with attaining an age of 100 or greater, show a strong genetic component. Dr. Stacy Andersen of the Boston University School of Medicine has been studying these centenarians and the factors that are associated with not only their attaining an advanced age, but also doing so with no...
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Dr. Kari Nadeau: Microplastics in Our Bodies
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kari Nadeau discuss the presence and health effects of microplastics in our bodies. Microplastics can enter our bodies through various environmental routes, including food, water, and air. They are in everyone’s bodies to some degree. Microplastics have been linked to health issues like stroke, cancer, and heart attacks. Simple actions like avoiding single-use plastics and processed foods can reduce microplastic levels in the blood by up to 80% in three months. Dr. Nadeau emphasizes the need for further research and consumer awareness to mitigate...
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Dr. Lise Eliot: Brain Development, Sex, Gender
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Lise Eliot discuss neurosexism and brain differences between males and females. Dr. Eliot explains that historical brain comparisons often aimed to prove women's inferiority, citing examples like weighing cadaver brains. Modern MRI studies show minor structural differences, but still present significant methodological challenges. She highlights that brain plasticity and social experiences shape gender differences, noting that women tend to have more active default mode networks, linked to anxiety and rumination. She emphasizes that gender is a...
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Dr. Catherine Lebel & Dr. Sam Nivins: Disruptors of Fetal Brain Development
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow, Dr. Catherine Lebel, and Dr. Sam Nivins discuss the impact of prenatal factors on fetal brain development. Catherine explains how MRI can detect subtle brain changes due to prenatal alcohol exposure, even at low levels, and emphasizes the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Sam discusses the effects of maternal obesity before pregnancy on brain development, noting sex-specific differences and the importance of early intervention. Both also touch on the impact of stressors, such as natural disasters, and the need for early identification and support...
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Dorothy Roberts: The Mixed Marriage Project - Race
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dorothy Roberts discuss her book "The Mixed Marriage Project," which explores her father's unpublished research on mixed marriages in Chicago. Dorothy's father, a white anthropology professor, interviewed over 500 black-white couples from the 1930s to the 1960s. The book blends personal stories, historical insights, and interviews, revealing the challenges and discrimination faced by interracial couples. They also discuss Dorothy’s mother's remarkable journey from Jamaica to Chicago and the impact of her parents' interracial marriage on her life. The book...
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Dr. Tami Rowen: Q and A - Women's Health
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss the listener questions that arose from her last episode on Critically Speaking. From drinking soy milk as a substitute for estrogen, the complex relationship between the number of children you have and breast cancer risk, dense breast tissue, early menstruation, hormone replacement therapy, and more. Listen in for the answers to your questions! Key Takeaways: Soy is not in any way a substitute for estrogen. How it affects your circulating estrogens depends on your age. While the number of kids you have is inconclusive...
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Dr. Haley Hersant: Brain Health Supplements - Do They Work?
Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Haley Hersant discuss a study by Dr. Hersant and her colleagues that reviewed over 100 brain and memory supplements. They found 18 common ingredients grouped into three categories: those with scientific evidence of benefit, those with no compelling evidence, and those with mixed results. They discuss the results of this study and emphasize the need for more rigorous testing. While not giving medical advice, they caution against potential interactions with prescription medications and advise listeners to do their research as well as talk to their own...
info_outlineIn this episode, Therese Markow and Law Professor Anya Prince discuss the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. DTC testing, which began in the 1990s and grew significantly by the 2010s, allows individuals to purchase genetic tests without a doctor's prescription. By 2021, 100 million people globally used DTC testing. Companies like 23andMe and Ancestry offer ancestry, health, and wellness information. However, concerns include data privacy, potential genetic discrimination, and the accuracy of health results. Professor Prince breaks down the 2023 data breach at 23andMe, discusses what DTC companies do with customer data (including DNA samples), and what third parties may be interested in the data collected by these companies.
Key Takeaways:
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There are hundreds of DTC genetic testing companies out there with a variety of levels of security measures. Some are going to be more secure than others.
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Depending on which DTC company you use, some will destroy your genetic sample, but others may keep it indefinitely, potentially for future research and use.
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The US doesn't have any general data privacy protections, nor any broad genetic privacy action or protection. However, many states are beginning to pass general data protection laws.
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There is no right or wrong answer for participating in genetic testing. It is something each needs to weigh the pros and cons for themselves and understand what is important to them and the risks they are willing to take.
"For the most part, DTC companies can do a lot with your data, and the customer doesn't have too much control over it. The main protection is a company's privacy policy." — Anya Prince
Connect with Anya Prince:
Professional Bio: https://law.uiowa.edu/people/anya-prince
Publications: https://library.law.uiowa.edu/anya-er-prince
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anya-prince-3a06b171/
Connect with Therese:
Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net
Threads: @critically_speaking
Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net
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