Starting In 1915, cases of something known as encephalitis lethargica started popping up around the globe. Symptoms were varied, but included some sort of lethargy or tiredness, with some more extreme manifestations. But exactly how many people were infected and what exactly caused this remains one of medical history’s greatest mysteries. So, yeah, we’re going to leave you hanging on that. Sorry.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

The Sleeping Sickness

Join Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin McElroy for a tour of all the dumb, bad, gross, weird and wrong ways we've tried to fix people.

Comedy

History

Society & Culture

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Health & Fitness

What if someone was declared dead . . . only for their heart to start beating again? This is a phenomenon sometimes called "Lazarus Syndrome" or "auto resuscitation after failed pulmonary resuscitation". Dr. Sydnee and Justin discuss the outline of exactly what needs to occur, some possible reasons this might happen, and a few wild examples.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sawbones: Lazarus Syndrome

Another day, another fad superfood on social media! Sea moss, or carrageenan or Irish moss, has historically been used for ulcers and sore throats, but does it actually have any proven medical use? Well, no, but it’s probably a good vegan substitute for gelatin.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sawbones: Sea Moss

With so much medical research out there on internet, how can you sort through what's based in science and what's just three people in a room? Dr. Sydnee discusses the all the different factors to think about when deciding how much weight to give any article or study. There's a lot! 

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sawbones: Interpreting Research

If you want to Get Good at video games quickly, are there any magic pills you can take? Well, there are people trying to sell them to you. Justin and Dr. Sydnee look at some supplements that claim to give gamers better focus and more energy, none of which are doctor-approved.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sawbones: Gamer Pills

Dr. Sydnee and Justin are welcoming in the spring and allergy season with listeners' strangest medical questions! Why do some people get goosebumps when they do alcohol shots? Does baking soda work for bug bites? Do people with facial hair get more sick? And for real, how long can you REALLY actually look at an eclipse before it's unsafe?

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

The Sleeping Sickness

Download our free app to listen on your phone