The Scope

The human brain is still making major developmental changes until around age 25. Adolescent decision making processes continue to develop as well. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones examines the latest facts regarding alcohol’s effects during adolescence. She gives some tips to help parents prevent their children from drinking alcohol and placing themselves in unsafe situations.

Cancer is an unwanted experiment in progress. As the disease advances, tumor cells accumulate mutations, eventually arriving at ones that give them the insidious power to grow uncontrollably and spread. A study led by Jared Rutter, Ph. D., professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, reports that cancers select against a protein complex called the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), and...

Many eye injuries occur in the home. From chemicals to weed trimmers, eye protection is an important consideration. Dr. Bill Barlow from Moran Eye Center discusses home eye safety and what to do if an accident does occur.

Once thought to only help digest food, the microbiome plays a role in a host of processes. Dr. Kathleen Boynton specializes in research to discover how these microorganisms that inhabit our bodies affect other systems. She discusses probiotics, immune response, and what can happen when our microbiome is disrupted or leaks into other parts of our body.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a heartbreaking occurrence that affects too many families. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , sheds light on the risk factors associated with SIDS and provides insights into its prevention. Discover what science has unraveled about SIDS and the practical steps you can take to safeguard your child from this tragic condition.

Imagine knowing whether your child is at risk for developing cancer. There would be the chance to stop the disease before it even starts. Joshua Schiffman, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah, and pediatric oncologist at Primary Children’s Hospital, is part of the first initiative of its kind – the Primary Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Program - that promises to...

What do the strong female leads of many television shows have in common? At the end of the day they're often shown with a large glass of wine. Dr. Kirtly Jones says that heavy alcohol consumption often has worse consequences for women than for men. She presents the case for limiting your intake and thinking before drinking.

Frequent recurring heartburn can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications. Gastroenterologist Dr. Kathleen Boynton talks with Dr. Tom Miller about the warning signs, diagnosis and treatment for chronic heartburn. They discuss screenings, endoscopies, and prescription medication for heartburn treatment.

When toddlers start to discover, and in some cases, share and display their private parts, many parents get nervous. Dr. Cindy Gellner says this curiosity is all part of normal development. She gives tips for approaching the issue with your child and reminds parents of the one thing to never do when teaching kids about private parts.

Secondhand cribs may seem like a budget-friendly option, but they often come with serious safety risks that parents may not be aware of. Many older models no longer meet current requirements, and features like drop-side rails and non-breathable bumpers can put infants at real risk of injury or suffocation. Nathan Bexfield, MD, talks about why pediatricians recommend avoiding used cribs and what to...

Life with diabetes is hard enough but those who take medicine to control their symptoms can experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, that if left untreated can lead to, seizures, coma or even death. While most diabetics experience warning symptoms, such as shakiness or hunger, 20% of type 1 diabetics do not, meaning they don’t know that they need to take action to raise their blood sugar to sa...

Many women who experience uncommon breast pain immediately think of breast cancer. Kirtly Jones, MD , says it is probably something else. Learn what can cause breast pain in women of different ages, and the most important thing to do if one or more of your breasts feels tender.

A clear, concise understanding isn’t always what a patient takes away from a doctor visit. The Ask 3 program reduces doctor/patient communication to three simple questions everyone should understand. Patient education specialist Darren Doman explains this program, encourages patients to ask these questions and urges doctors to make sure they’re understood.

Much like a welcome channel at a hotel, University of Utah Hospital has a patient education channel on all of its TVs. Listen to find out how this underutilized resource provides info about services in the area and informational videos about common illnesses and procedures. Darrin Doman, patient education specialist, says that the channel is there to provide valuable information to patients and sa...

For some people, a good, stiff drink can have a calming effect during stressful times, but dealing with stress also requires clear-headed, rational problem solving. Dr. Kirtly Jones aspires to healthier options to handle pressure. She discusses habitual drinking, alcohol as a social lubricant and dealing with life’s burdens in a positive way.

Healthy aging is not about one magic habit—it is about daily anchors that protect your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. From staying socially connected to challenging your mind and keeping your body moving, Kyle Bradford Jones, MD , talks about how these strategies work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and depression. Learn how simple, consistent habits...

It takes a couple of weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective, so the earlier you get it the better. It also means you’ll be less likely to spread the illness during flu season. Vaccines are in plentiful supply and currently available.

Depicted in books and movies as split personalities, Dissociative Identity Disorder is a complex defense mechanism for severe trauma. Psychiatrist Jason Hunziker compares differing theories that seek to explain this bizarre disorder. Dr. Hunziker talks the intersection of Hollywood and the science of the human mind, how we portray mental illness and what we actually know.

Fire drills may seem silly, but they’re an essential part of preparedness. Making a plan and preparing for contingencies ahead of time is key. Burn specialist Annette Matherly from University of Utah Burn Center describes some vivid scenarios to help you and your family prepare for a fire and be safe.

Babies can sense stress even before they’re born. Dr. Kirtly Jones, OB-GYN, explores animal studies and historic crises that point to developmental effects attributed to stressors. She talks about interventions, surrogates and the importance of showing your baby lots of love.

Ebola outbreaks have increased in frequency in recent years, culminating in the alarming epidemic that we face today. This phenomenon is due in part to the virus’ amazing ability to adapt and evolve. Michael Kay, Ph. D., professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, and research assistant professor Debra Eckert, Ph. D., report in the journal Protein Science a universal drug target against E...

Last week’s dinner has been in the fridge for several days now, is it still safe to eat? Registered dietitian Theresa Dvorak answers all the questions you might have about leftovers. She goes over some food safety basics concerning storing, freezing, and reheating food so it doesn’t go to waste.

As the kids leave home, parents often anticipate newfound freedom and excitement. However, the reality can sometimes be quite different. Family physician Kyle Bradford Jones, MD , delves into the phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. He discusses the emotional challenges, the return of the "boomerang generation," and navigating the evolving dynamics of caregiving roles within the family.

What if your child's back pain is not about posture, but something more? Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, often appears during a child’s growth spurt and affects more kids than you might think. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , goes over the signs to watch for, and the steps to take if scoliosis is detected. Learn how to spot early symptoms, understand potential cause...

What is genome sequencing? How is it different from other kinds of genetic testing? And what can it really tell you about your health? Wendy Kohlmann, a genetic counselor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, answers these questions and explains who should get it done, and where the technology is heading.