The Scope

Genome sequencing - reading our complete set of DNA instructions - is a powerful tool for understanding and diagnosing disease, and has become integral to precision medicine, a movement to bring the right treatment to the right person and the right time. Does that mean that everyone should have their DNA sequenced? Eric Green, MD, PhD, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute , dis...

You may think you know what to look for in pink eye: red itchy eyes, goopy discharge, swelling. But are you sure? Dr. Troy Madsen explains how pink eye can be very difficult to diagnose and that even those telltale symptoms could be a sign of something as simple as allergies. We cover the signs you should be looking for and the treatment options if you think you or your child may have pink eye.

In Utah’s dry climate, you might not notice how much water you’re losing through sweat. Even for short, hour-long hikes, dehydration can set in faster than you realize, which can lead to serious complications like heat stroke and exhaustion. Dr. Emily Harold , sports medicine specialist at the University of Utah Orthopedics Center, talks about how much water you should be drinking on the trail, as...

Men and women aren’t the same when it comes to physiology, but the male body has been the default in medical research. Today, doctors and researchers are identifying the differences between men and women and how best to treat each individual more effectively. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones details the differences we know, the ones we’re looking into, and how these differences are changing the way we heal...

From separation anxiety on the first day of school to serious injuries or accidents, young children experience stress and trauma just like everyone else. What can parents do to comfort a child without spoiling or overprotecting them? Dr. Katherine Rosenblum, director of the infant and early childhood clinic at the University of Michigan, explains what steps you can take as a parent to support your...

Contact sports come with their share of risks—but few injuries sideline athletes quite like a torn ACL. Orthopedic surgeon Patrick Greis, MD , joins Tom Miller, MD , to break down what happens when this key stabilizing ligament ruptures, who is most at risk, and what to expect from recovery. Whether you are an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or just hoping to get back to hiking, learn how to pro...

The nasal spray flu vaccine is out. Regulators have dumped the needle-free alternative after new evidence shows the treatment will be ineffective during the 2016-2017 flu season. For parents, this means one more shot for your kids. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner has some tips on how to best prepare your children, both physically and mentally, for the scary prospect of a needle.

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, and threatens to worsen as the parasites that cause the illness are becoming resistant to current treatments. Paul Sigala, Ph. D., USTAR assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, is developing an unusual strategy to combat malaria: killing the parasite with light. He explains why the parasite becomes vulnerable whe...

For dogs you know, a dog bite should be treated like a laceration and watched for signs of infection. But for deeper wounds and those from strange dogs, it might be time for a trip to the ER. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen takes us step by step—from what you should do after being bitten to when you should be worried about rabies.

Hip and knee replacements are no longer just for older adults—patients in their 50s and even younger are choosing surgery to get back to the activities they love. Tom Miller, MD , talks with Chris Pelt, MD , about what you can safely do after joint replacement, how long implants typically last, and what innovations may make them even more durable in the future.

What is the difference between a regular athlete and an athlete ready to compete on the world’s biggest stage? Sports medicine specialist Dr. Stuart Willick says it comes down to dedication, good genes and a bit of luck. Dr. Willick has worked with Olympic and Paralympic team members and shares some of the surprising factors that can make an athlete able to compete for the gold.

Are the everyday germs around us really as dangerous as we think? Kirtly Jones, MD , separates fear from fact and takes a closer look at the real risks hiding in plain sight, exploring whether our modern fear of contamination is misplaced—or even harmful in itself. In a world full of alarming headlines, she makes the case for perspective, balance, and a healthy dose of common sense.

Some diseases are so rare and unusual that doctors have never seen anything like it. An excruciating journey for both families and doctors, figuring out what’s wrong can take years, if an answer is ever found at all. Using a computer tool developed by Aaron Quinlan, Ph. D. , he and his team recently uncovered the genetic causes behind nearly one dozen previously unsolved cases, all infants with se...

It may be hard to wrap your head around, but that high number on the thermometer is not a sure sign you should go to the ER. Believe it or not, there is no way a fever can ‘cook your brain’ and no specific number to be alarmed about. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about the more important signs you should look for with a fever before rushing to the hospital.

So you’ve been treated for an ovarian cyst in the past, but do you know which kind? Your women’s health specialist wants to know. The difference could have a significant impact on your health and treatment. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones , an obstetrician-gynecologist, explains all the types of ovarian cysts, including which ones are good and normal for all ovulating women, and which ones to be concerned...

With an increasing number of natural toothpaste options hitting the market, a common question arises: are fluoride-free toothpastes as effective as their fluoride-containing counterparts? David Okano, MD , reveals the truth behind fluoride-free toothpastes and offers insights into the most effective strategies to prevent tooth decay.

Not every groin injury is actually a pulled muscle. While true groin strains can happen, athletes with recurring groin pain may be dealing with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a hip condition caused by abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. Tom Miller, MD , talks to orthopedic surgeon Travis Maak, MD , about how to recognize the warning signs, why certain sports may inc...

This week’s Scope listener question is about acute arch pain when walking long distances. The pain usually goes away by the next day, but the pain stops long walks and makes hikes short. Orthopedic specialist Dr. Emily Harold shares some simple exercises you can do at home to help keep your arches feeling fine for long distances, and advice for how to decide when it is time to see your doctor.

A hip or knee replacement can last 15 years on average, 30 years with newer technology. But sometimes a replacement might not hold that long when implants become loose or develop inflections. This is when you’ll need a revision. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic specialist Dr. Chris Pelt about when a replacement needs to be revised, what happens during the complex revision surgery and recovery af...

August is the month with the highest reported horse-related injuries in Utah, according to emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen . Additionally, injuries from falling off a horse are one of the top-five causes for serious extended hospital stays. Dr. Madsen explains what makes horse-related injuries specifically dangerous and how you can protect yourself from experiencing one.

Every year, 13,000 children in the US are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, while more than 1 million kids and adults deal with it every day in our nation. There is no prevention for type 1 diabetes, so if your child is diagnosed with the disease, it’s important to understand it is not your fault. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner discusses the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes as well as treatment...

According to Natalie Sanders, MD , one-third of people 65 years or older will sustain an injury from falling. A fall can lead to additional falls, loss of independence, and even loss of life. A fall is a crisis and, like a heart attack, a sign of something wrong. A faint and fall clinic can be vital to these patients. Dr. Sanders explains how a specialized clinic not only can treat the injuries fr...

The placenta seems like the perfect organ to take care of a fetus. Letting in everything good and keeping out everything bad. But the placenta isn’t perfect. OBGYN Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones explores how the womb works and how infections like the Zika virus can sneak past its defenses to affect the growing fetus.

The unexpected death of a child is tragic under any circumstance, but it becomes even more so when the reason why is unknown. Martin Tristani-Firouzi, MD , a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Utah, leads the Sudden Death in the Young Center which is searching the DNA of the deceased for an explanation of why they died unexpectedly. He explains what they are searching for and how results...

Rather than seek professional help for opioid abuse some people addicted to those drugs turn to the Web for solutions for easing their withdrawals. One product being misused to treat opioid withdrawals is the diarrhea-relief medicine Imodium. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen warns about the life-threatening dangers of using this over-the-counter anti-diarrheic for detox.