Peptide Popularity

If you spend enough time on social media, chances are you've seen someone post about peptides and how they can be used for weight loss, help you recover from an injury and even keep that youthful glow to your skin.

The problem with those claims? They're often being made about synthetic peptide compounds, many of which are unregulated by scientific bodies in the United States.

Last month, an advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration weighed in and recommended the FDA approve several new peptides for wider use. This was celebrated by those who advocate for the use of peptides, but some medical professionals are still warning about the use of these compounds, which they see as being understudied and under-regulated.

On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," guest host Drew Maziasz speaks with national health reporters about the latest FDA hearings, and what medical experts are saying about the growing use of peptides.

Guests:

- Céline Gounder, M.D., Editor at Large, KFF Heath News

- Christina Jewett, Reporter, The New York Times

'The Odyssey' and the Classics

"The Odyssey," the epic poem chronicling the Greek warrior Odysseus' 10-year quest to return home to his wife and child is over 2500 years old, but it clearly still grabs our attention.

That's evidenced by director Christopher Nolan's new take on the epic as it nears $1 billion at the box office.

To close the "Sound of Ideas," Drew Maziasz hears from several scholars on why the themes and ideas within "The Odyssey" still resonate with modern audiences.

We'll also hear what high school students think when they're assigned ancient works in the classroom, as well as how female authors are publishing new spins on Greek and Roman works.

Guests:

- Andrew Hosler, Latin Teacher, Shaker Heights High School

- Paul Iversen, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Classics, Case Western Reserve University

- Sarah Iles Johnston, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Religion, Department of Classics, The Ohio State University