Skip to main content
<p>&#8220;Sound Medicine&#8221; announces its program for Feb. 2, including segments about teenagers obtaining emergency contraception, the possibility of a male contraceptive pill, and the history of the iron lung.</p>

On ‘Sound Medicine’: Emergency contraception, animal antibiotic regulations, and the iron lung

121203_actual

INDIANAPOLIS — “Sound Medicine” announces its program for Feb. 2, including segments about teenagers obtaining emergency contraception, the possibility of a male contraceptive pill, and the history of the iron lung. 

Do teenagers have access to emergency contraception? A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers trying to obtain emergency contraception from pharmacists were being denied. Lead author Tracey Wilkinson, M.D., MPH, found that pharmacists told many teenagers 17 and older they needed a prescription for Plan B or to have a parent or guardian present, or they cited ethical reasons for not supplying Plan B. Dr. Wilkinson discusses the study and what has changed since the study ended. Dr. Wilkinson is an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California

Is a male contraceptive pill being developed? Australian researchers recently announced results from mouse studies regarding the potential for a male contraceptive pill. Maria Roth, M.D., discusses that potential, why a male contraceptive pill hasn’t been developed, and when we can expect one to hit the market. Dr. Roth is an assistant professor in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

How is the FDA regulating antibiotic use in animals? The Food and Drug Administration announced its plans to decrease the use of antibiotics in animals raised primarily for meat.  According to the FDA, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are beginning to develop and have the potential to be transmitted from meat to humans.  Stuart Levy, M.D., comments on the change in rules, what it might accomplish and its potential shortcomings. Dr. Levy is a professor of molecular biology and microbiology at the Tufts University School of Medicine. He is also the director for The Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance.

What is the history of the iron lung? The iron lung was a device used to treat patients who had lost lung function due to polio in the 1950s. The large steel, airtight, cylindrical tank resembled a medieval torture device and was large enough to encapsulate a human body. John Bach, M.D., speaks with “Sound Medicine” about the history of the iron lung and the initial fear that surrounded the machine. Dr. Bach is on the faculty of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he directs research and clinical affairs in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Which part of your brain do you use the most? Stephen Kosslyn, Ph.D., founding dean of the Minerva Project, joins “Sound Medicine” to talk about his new book, “Top Brain, Bottom Brain: Surprising Insights Into How You Think.” Dr. Kossalyn comments on replacing the traditional left brain/right brain paradigm, the top brain/bottom brain theory, and how to determine your dominant mode of thought.

“Sound Medicine” covers controversial ethics topics, breakthrough research studies and the day-to-day application of recent advancements in medicine. It’s also available via podcast and Stitcher Radio for mobile phones and iPads and posts updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Co-produced by the IU School of Medicine and WFYI Public Radio (90.1 FM) and underwritten in part by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, “Sound Medicine ” airs on the following Indiana public radio stations: WBSB (Anderson, 89.5 FM), WFIU (Bloomington, 103.7 FM; Columbus, 100.7 FM; Kokomo, 106.1 FM; Terre Haute, 95.1 FM), WNDY (Crawfordsville, 91.3 FM), WVPE (Elkhart/South Bend, 88.1 FM), WNIN (Evansville, 88.3 FM), WBOI (Fort Wayne, 89.1 FM), WFCI (Franklin, 89.5 FM), WBSH (Hagerstown/New Castle, 91.1 FM), WFYI (Indianapolis), WBSW (Marion, 90.9 FM), WBST (Muncie, 92.1 FM), WBSJ (Portland, 91.7 FM), WLPR (Lake County, 89.1 FM) and WBAA (West Lafayette, 101.3 FM).

“Sound Medicine” is also broadcast on these public radio stations across the country: KSKA (Anchorage, Alaska), KTNA (Talkeetna, Alaska), KUHB (Pribilof Islands, Alaska), KUAF (Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Ark.), KIDE (Hoopa Valley, Calif.), KRCC (Colorado Springs, Colo.), KEDM (Monroe, La.), WCMU (Mount Pleasant, Mich.), WCNY and WRVO-1 (Syracuse, N.Y.), KMHA (Four Bears, N.D.), WYSU (Youngstown, Ohio), KPOV (Bend, Ore.) and KEOS (College Station, Texas).

Please check local listings for broadcast dates and times.