The Scope

Cancer is difficult enough to treat as it is, but when it become drug resistant, it becomes nearly impossible to stop. Trudy Oliver, Ph. D., an assistant professor of oncological sciences at the University of Utah, has devised an exciting approach to understanding and combatting drug resistance. She describes her work, progress, and hopes for the future.

While a tank and mask can make sleep apnea more manageable, the machine is still loud and difficult for some people to use. A new appliance may be able to solve this problem. Dr. Bryce Williams talk about how the device works and how users and their partners can benefit from it.

Researchers at the Moran Eye Center are exploring some promising new avenues in understanding the genetic causes of age-related macular degeneration. Chief resident Leah Owen describes her recently published study that incorporates collaborators from around the world, searching for answers to better combat this common affliction.

Just about anything an infant grabs hold of goes directly into his or her mouth. New theories on immune system development may help to explain this behavior. Dr. Kirtly Jones explores the rise in asthma and other allergic reactions and the possible correlation to life in the “ultra-clean world” of sanitizing wipes and sterilized binkies.

What would you do if you spotted someone at the bottom of a pool and a lifeguard wasn’t on duty? Learn the emergency procedures from ER doctor Scott Youngquist. He describes the dos and don’ts of getting someone to breathe again.

What happens to all that sugar when you drink a 64-ounce soda? Liver specialist Juan Gallegos, MD , tracks the consumption, absorption, and storage of sugar in our bodies. He talks about how our modern eating habits have become accustomed to the relative ease of food availability as our evolutionary metabolism struggles to cope.

An organ transplant can give patients a new lease on life, but the surgery and the processes surrounding it can be daunting. Transplant doctor Jeffery Campsen and staff discuss the transplant process: from the initial contact and selection to recovering from surgery and beyond.

Stroke is often sudden—but rarely without warning. Dana DeWitt, MD , a stroke specialist at University of Utah Health, talks with Tom Miller, MD , about the most common causes of stroke and the essential steps to prevent a second one. From silent heart rhythm disorders to unmanaged blood pressure and lifestyle-related risks, stroke rarely strikes without a root cause. The good news? Many of those...

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is the second most common form of neurodegenerative disorder. University of Utah Health Care provides one of only five clinics in the world specializing in this form of dementia. Dr. Rudolfo Savica explains this disease, which is much more common than one might think. He discusses different treatment methods, local resources for diagnosis and how to find them.

Using principles borrowed from population biology, Dr. Luca Brunelli, an associate professor in pediatrics at the University of Utah, has developed a rapid and inexpensive one-step method for isolating rare recombinants without using selectable markers. The work was published online in Nature Methods on July 13. Brunelli describes the method, its advantages, and its wide applicability, from creati...

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment, but the good news is that they are treatable. Craig Chaya, MD , explains how cataracts affect vision, what factors contribute to their formation, and what you can do to protect your eyes. From UV exposure to certain medications and injuries, learn about the risks and how to maintain eye health as you age.

A combination of Hepatitis C and liver disease makes treatments, therapies and even transplants useless. However, a new combination of treatments before and after a transplant seems to have successfully treated the Hepatitis C, while giving the patient a healthy liver. Doctors Jeffery Campsen and Juan Gallegos-Orozco talk about their exciting new study and its expansion to clinical trials.

The Anticonconvulsant Drug Development program at the University of Utah has been instrumental in bringing an amazing 16 epilepsy drugs to the market. Director H. Steve White, Ph. D., describes the program, the reasons behind its success, new directions in epilepsy treatment. In a separate Scope interview, Dr. White describes his personal connection to the disease and how it has motivated his work...

Many women expect the baby weight to come off after delivery, but for some, the opposite happens. Kirtly Parker Jones, MD, explains why postpartum weight gain is so common, from sleep deprivation and stress to thyroid changes and lifestyle habits. She also shares practical strategies that can help new moms lose weight safely, improve their long-term health, and model healthy habits for their growi...

Young adults with autism rarely have a regular college experience in order to find a career. A new program called First Ascent aims to match these adults with careers that interest them, and then find education and certification opportunities to help them reach their goals. Joseph Viskochil talks about the program and the success it has already seen. He gives some tips to avoid being “stable but s...

Things are seldom dull in the ER, but just how valuable is a stethoscope? Dr. Troy Madsen describes: the frantic situations he is often faced with, the importance of keeping cool to avoid being overwhelmed, and why the modern tools used for making a prompt, accurate diagnosis are so vital.

When you’re staring at a computer screen all day, you don’t blink as often and your eyes dry out faster. Dr. Leah Owen from the Moran Eye Center talks about the 20-20-20 program, a nationwide initiative to recognize and combat eye fatigue. She suggests some exercises to alleviate dryness and talks about how we can benefit from this new initiative.

For patients struggling with liver disease, diet can become a matter of life and death. Dr. Juan Gallegos talks about how daily food choices can impact the diseased liver. He also gives some tips for improving diet and prolonging the lives of patients with liver disease.

Genetic research has led to many important discoveries in understanding the causes and potential cures for diseases, but it wasn’t always so. Best-selling author and investigative reporter Edwin Black discusses America’s quest to create a blond-haired, blue-eyed “master race” a century ago. He also talks about what surprising uses genetic mapping is put to today and how the future of genetics comp...

You’ve just had surgery and are ready to get on the road to recovery. How long does it usually take to heal? Transplant specialist Dr. Jeffery Campsen offers some advice. He suggests some simple tests to determine if and when it’s safe to drive a car, carry your grandkids, or resume your golf game.

Monitoring safety while having fun at the pool can pose challenges for any parent. For reasons you may not expect, monitoring pool safety is especially important when caring for developmentally disabled children. Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones emphasizes patience and understanding in these situations. He also offers perspectives about fun, sun and supervision.

What would you take to a deserted island? Dr. Troy Madsen tells us that as an emergency room physician, he’s given this question a lot of thought. He shares what medical supplies he’d like to have if he were injured in a wilderness area. It may be time to update your camping first-aid kit!

Many of the causes, reasons and risks of addiction are hidden deep within the brain. The brains of those with serious addictions change over time, along with the ability to make decisions about substance abuse. Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Howell explores the many levels of addiction and sheds light on the psychology of those with addictions. Find out who is most at risk for addiction to alcohol and...

The University of Utah Poison Control Center speaks with people who accidentally swallow gasoline almost daily. But poison specialist Brad Dahl says it’s what many people do afterward that is most dangerous. He talks about what should be done if you swallow gasoline or get it on your eyes or skin.

Many teens and adults don’t wear mouth guards for sports, but an accident in these activities can ruin a million-dollar smile in seconds. Oral surgeon Dr. Bryce Williams talks about how many of the procedures he’s done could have been prevented by these simple devices. He also discusses how you can get mouth guards for cheap and why they are a great investment.