MedEvidence Articles

In this week's episode, originally written in 2022, we look at some of the science behind creating and maintaining a successful New Year's resolition. We explore how language, habit, and brain science can all make a difference in makign a better you. References: Larimer ME, Palmer RS, Marlatt GA. Relapse prevention: An overview of Marlatt's cognitive-behavioral model. Psychosocial t...

In this week's episode, written by guest author Chase Berger, we explore the positive health benefits of clinical research beyond the obvious. We look at how those who can particiapte in clinical research have an alternative method of interacting with healthcare professionals that is quick, consistent, and pateint-oriented. References: Koren, M.J., Geddings, K., (17 November, 2025). Coordinat...

In this week's episode, which revisits a topic from several years ago, we go deep into the brain to explore what happens inside whe nwe give gifts. We explore a few studies which have looked at brain activity during gifting - including during diffrent types of gifting - and explore why giving gifts makes you feel good, connects you with friends, and acts as a prosocial activity. References: A...

In this episode we explore the less cheery side of the holidays: holiday heart syndrome. This syndrome is defined as irregular heartbeats that occur as a result of binge drinking, the type of which is frequently seen around the holidays. We explore the risks, outcomes, mechanics, and treatments of this not-so-happy heart syndrome. References: Jain, A., Yelamanchili, V. S., Brown, K. N., & Goel...

In this week's episode, we explore the stream of causes that can lead to the painful inflammatory condition gout . We look at the risks, progression, mechanics, and solutions available for this most common inflammatory arthritis. The primary cause of gout is excessive urate in the the blood depositing itself, especially toes. We then look ahead to clinical trials that recently wrapped up or a...

In this week's episode, we talk about placebos, which are inert "medications" used to compare with active drugs. We talk about how the use of medications that "do nothing" can provide pain relief, change hormone balance int he body, and lower symptoms across a broad variety of diseases. References: Beecher, H. K. (1955). The powerful placebo. Journal of the American Medica...

In this week's episode, we explore some specific, actionable methods for increasing gratitude. These include gratitude journaling, gratitude letters, mental subtraction, and experiantial consumption. We go over what the methods are, how they work, and how expressing gratitude may help mental health. References: Allen, S. (2018). The science of gratitude (pp. 1217948920-1544632649). Conshohock...

On this week's episode, we talk about gratitude, and how it can affect mood, positive emotions, and even biological markers of health. References: Allen, S. (2018). The science of gratitude (pp. 1217948920-1544632649). Conshohocken, PA: John Templeton Foundation.  Boggiss, A. L., Consedine, N. S., Brenton-Peters, J. M., Hofman, P. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2020). A systematic review of gra...

In this week's episode, we talk about how targeting a specific immune cell called an eosinophil may help lower the burden of COPD (chronic obstructive pilmonary disease). We explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options for COPD, including targeting the eosinophil pathway. References: Bhatti, M. S. (1999). A historical look at chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. ASHRAE Transac...

In this episode, we explore the role of adjuvants in vaccines. These addatives help the immune response to a vaccine, making it more effective at stoping infection, complication, hospitalization, and or death. We discuss the need for better vaccines and how adjuvants may be able to help. References: Grohskopf, L. A. (2019). Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendation...

In this week's episode we explore osteoporosis, a condition where there's "too little bone in the bone." We look at how bones work normally ,adn compare that to the risks, pathophysiology, and treatments available to those with osteoporosis. References: Marcus, R., Dempster, D. W., Cauley, J. A., & Feldman, D. (Eds.). (2013). Osteoporosis . Academic Press.  Reginster, J. Y....

In this week's episode, we explore what monoclonal antibodies are, how they make things happen in the body, and how they can be used in medicine. We discuss how they can be used for identifying cells, delivering drugs to specific cells, or anything in between. Tune in to learn about monoclonal antibodies and hwo they relate to a cat who's a picky eater. References: Nelson, P. N., Reynold...

On this week's episode, we explore the ins and outs of chronic spontaneous urticaria. We discuss the signs, symptoms, complications, and how-it-works of the disease, including how linchpin molecules in the cell like Bruton's tyrosine kinase may be the key to tempering extreme reposnses from a hair-trigger immune system. References: Isachenkov, V. (2017, September 19). Stanislav Petrov, w...

In this week's episode we review fatty liver disease, called metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. We look at the prevalence, risks, and complications of this dangerous disease. Then we get into the nuts and bolts of how MASLD and MASH work and some of the treatment options available....

In today's episode we discuss an immune-mediated disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE. We review the symptoms, risks, and damage this disease can cause. We also get into what happens inside the body during and what's being done in both standard medicine and clinical research to try to end EoE. References: [1] Muir, A., & Falk, G. W. (2021). Eosinophilic esophagitis: a review. Ja...

In this podcast, we explore Crohn's disease: who it affects, what it is, how it works in the body, and what you can do about it. We relate the disease to screens on windows, which can degrade over time, letting unwanted bugs in the house. Tune in for the who, how, and what can be done about Crohn's! References: Roda, G., Chien Ng, S., Kotze, P. G., Argollo, M., Panaccione, R., Spinelli,...

In this week's episode, we set sail to explore Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. We cruise past the risks, symptoms, and what actually happens inside the brain to make increase impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity. Finally, we shoot the breeze with various treatment options, including medical, therapy-based, and alternative. References: Norman, L. J., Sudre, G., Pr...

In this episode we dive deep into new technologies in the ongoing attempt to get cholesterol levels under control worldwide. Heart disease remains the #1 killer in America, and much of the blame falls on high cholesterol. We go into what cholesterol is and some of the new targets and technologies being developed now to help keep the body in line producing the right amount of the right proteins for...

In this week's episode, we explore the use of marijuana (cannabis) as a pain relief medication. We go over the main psychoactive component of marijuana, THC, how it works, and how it interacts with neurons in the brain and body to lower our perception of pain. References: Rikard, S. M. (2023). Chronic pain among adults—United States, 2019–2021. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72....

On this week's episode, we review celiac disease. We talk about what it is, and what goes wrong inside the body. We discuss the underlying genetic factors and why genetics alone aren't enough to guarantee celiac disease. We wrap up on a hopeful note, exploring new avenues to be explored in clinical research trials. References: Lebwohl, B., & Rubio-Tapia, A. (2021). Epidemiology, pres...

In this week's episode, we explore how pain works, some of the causes of pain, and some of the possible solutions to chronic pain. We look at the who, what, and the how of pain in the body - and how its a brain process as much has in the body process. References: Kuner, R., & Flor, H. (2017). Structural plasticity and reorganisation in chronic pain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 18 (1), 20...

On this week's episode, we review the history of the flu. We explore ancient flu pandemics, the "Spanish flu" of 1918, and the state of the flu today. In addition, we explore why the flu is so hard to achieve lasting immunity from infection or vaccination. We also get into the nitty-gritty of what the flu is, how it works, and what's being done in the world of science and clini...

On this week's episode, we look at an increasingly full house of treatments which are being developed to join the club of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease medications. We look at what ADPKD is, who it affects, and what kinds of treatments on the horizon may be a diamond in the rough. Find out all about ADPKD in this fun podcast that raises spirits, suits a quest for knowledge, and...

On this week's episode, written by guest author Christy Kestner, PhD, we discuss traumatic brain injury; when the brain gets banged around enough to cause damage. We explore the causes, problems, some ways to protect yourself, and what to do if you or someone you know experiences a traumatic brain injury; along with signs and symptoms to help identify one. References:  Taylor, C. A., Bell, J....

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incredibly common, affecting 1 in 7 Americans, and heart disease is a common cause of death for those with CKD. In this week's article we explore the role inflammation plays in chronic kidney disease and how the same inflammation that damages the kidneys may also lead to damage in other parts of the body, including the heart. We also review why inflammation is...