The Scope

Cancer is generally thought of as an acquired disease resulting from an accumulation of genetic mutations that causes things to go terribly wrong. Huntsman Cancer investigator and University of Utah professor of oncology, Joshua Schiffman, MD, is on a mission to let physicians and patients know that in the case of childhood cancers, there is a good chance that some are inherited. Knowing this info...

When you get pregnant, you need to eat for two, right? Dr. Kirtly Jones says otherwise. She reveals the most recent findings and explains the guidelines for pregnant moms of all shape and sizes. Find out where (on the scale) you belong.

Some clothing and swimwear advertise their “UV protection” technology, but does this really work? Doug Grossman, MD , from Huntsman Cancer Institute talks about varying levels of protection you can adopt to reduce your risk of skin cancer, especially in Utah, where the high altitude intensifies the UV rays. Swimming with clothes on or mowing the lawn after sunset may appear extreme, but all that s...

Sedation is commonly used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to make patients who require mechanical ventilation more comfortable, and less anxious. But sedation can have serious side effects, including delirium, that can endanger a patient’s life. Dr. Richard Barton , Director of Surgical Critical Care at University of Utah Health, and Nick Lonardo , Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, describe the haza...

Erica Lake, associate director of the Hope Fox Eccles Health Library, is excited about how a new, first-of-its-type kiosk is transforming a community. The Health Information Station, serving the Sugarhouse Health Center, is bringing the benefits of the information age to a diverse, multilingual community. A user-friendly interface may bridge the online gap for a less tech-savvy populous.

Researchers have overlooked differences in sex and gender for a long time. Jean Shipman, director of Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, says this criterion may determine funding for most future medical research. The 2014 info fair, “Women’s Health Sex and Gender Research Conference,” focuses on this issue, and the public is invited!

Recent evidence has revealed flaws in past research based on sex and gender. Jean Shipman, Director of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library talks about new research that looks at differences in sex and gender. From medicine dosages to surgical implements, sex and gender are being re-examined as important factors to be included in future medical research.

One of the biggest challenges with curing a disease is figuring out what causes it. Is ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, caused by genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of other things? Researchers are trying to solve that problem. Dr. Mark Bromberg , director of the ALS clinic at the University of Utah, provides an insightful look at the state of treatments and research for the...

When you look in the mirror, your reflection is essentially the same but everything is reversed. Published in the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences University of Utah professor of biochemistry Dr. Michael Kay has discovered how to make mirror images of the proteins in our bodies. These small changes can have big impacts. He discusses how mirror image proteins, and even mi...

While ALS is a fairly rare disorder, it is devastating for those who contract it. Dr. Mark Bromberg is the director of the ALS clinic at the University of Utah. He goes over the symptoms of this disorder, which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and talks about what you can do to support someone who might have it.

As many women are faced with the challenges of establishing a career path and finding a stable partner, starting a family is now happening later in life. OB/GYN Kirtly Jones, MD , talks about the trade-offs and risks of delaying pregnancy. She discusses modern technology, eggs, sperm, complications, considerations, and ramifications.

SPF stands for "sunburn protection factor" and indicates how long one can stay in the sun without getting burned. Despite common belief, the SPF number alone may not be the most crucial factor to consider when selecting sunscreen. Doug Grossman, MD , explains the SPF sunscreen index and underscores the significance of active ingredients, particularly minerals like zinc or titanium, in providing ef...

Acne is an embarrassing topic for them, but 90% of teenagers may benefit from acne treatment. Dr. Cindy Gellner goes in depth on modern acne therapy and discusses the dos and don’ts of treating the three common types of pimples. From mild through severe, acne is not just a rite of passage, but also a treatable condition.

In an environment where others struggle to survive, Tibetans thrive in the thin air on the Tibetan Plateau, with an average elevation of 14,800 feet. A study led by University of Utah scientists is the first to find a genetic cause for the adaptation – a single DNA base pair change that dates back 8,000 years – and demonstrate how it contributes to the Tibetans’ ability to live in low oxygen condi...

Anger, sadness, and anxiety are signals of your emotional wellness. Listen as Dr. Kirtly Jones probes the boundaries of Emotional Health, which has been identified as one of the Seven Domains of Women’s Health. Take the quiz to discover where you are on the emotional wellness spectrum. Dr. Jones suggests some simple activities to bolster your positive emotions and improve your overall sense of wel...

One of the most important parts of school registration is getting your child up-to-date on vaccinations. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , walks us through the required vaccinations and the ages they should be given. She gives details about vaccine exemptions and the best way to keep track of the boosters your child receives through the years.

There is a battle going on around us, and most of us don’t even know it. Nels Elde, Ph. D, assistant professor in human genetics at the University of Utah, is uncovering frightening ways in which viruses evolve to outsmart, at least temporarily, our own defenses. He describes his research and how understanding virus’ tactics may eventually help us to win the war.

Wisdom tooth extraction is almost a rite of passage for many Americans. Dr. Bryce Williams talks about why it’s important to have them removed. He also describes the difference between dentists and oral surgeons and offers some insight about which may be a better choice if you are having this procedure done.

Sometimes, what happens before and after surgery can be more complicated and confusing than the actual operation. Assistant Professor of Surgery Dr. Benjamin Brooke seeks to involve patients in the design and implementation a new study that identifies problems from a patient’s perspective so hospitals can do a better job. By tapping into common patient experiences, the study hopes improve coordina...

Flies get diabetes? How similar these winged nuisances are to people may surprise you. Carl Thummel, Ph. D., professor of human genetics at the University of Utah, explains the power of modeling disease in fruit flies, and what they are telling him about the development of the diabetes.

It’s a bit of a dilemma: you can’t treat a patient’s Hepatitis C because they have kidney failure, and their kidney failure is only going to get worse if you can’t treat their Hepatitis C. What would you do? Dr. Jeffery Campsen, a transplant surgeon at University of Utah Health Care, tells you how they got to the “ah ha!” moment that solved that problem for one of their patients.

Walking is something many of us take for granted. For a stroke survivor, walking is a crucial component to their recovery and lifetime health. Dr. Tom Miller talks to the Director of Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of Utah and stroke survivor Dr. Steven R. Edgley about the importance of walking. They discuss how fast a stroke survivor should be able to walk, what obstacles they might face,...

Potty training is a milestone that can feel overwhelming—but when done patiently and positively, it becomes a manageable and rewarding phase. With support and consistency, most kids transition out of daytime diapers by the time they start school. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , offers clear, evidence-based strategies parents can use to guide their child toward bathroom independence.

Does getting a rich golden-brown tan offer protection from dangerous skin-cancer causing UV rays? Dr. Doug Grossman from Huntsman Cancer Institute describes suntanned skin on a molecular level. He discusses the effects of sun exposure on DNA, tanning beds and different forms of skin cancer.

Severe abdominal pain that leaves you unable to stand up straight should never be ignored. Emergency physician Scott Youngquist, MD , explains why sudden, intense abdominal pain often warrants an emergency evaluation. Learn about potentially serious causes, how symptoms can progress, and why waiting too long can lead to dangerous complications.