Palliative care offers an interdisciplinary approach to treatment. that goes beyond addressing only the medical aspects of a disease. It's not just about managing pain. It's about enhancing quality of life at every stage of illness and addressing the various needs of patients, their families, and caregivers when navigating life with a serious illness. By focusing on quality-of-life palliative care, palliative care ensures that patients are met with compassion. and treated with dignity as they face the challenges of a serious illness.

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we're joined by Dr. Kathleen Lindell, associate professor in the College of Nursing and the Mary Swain Endowed Chair in Palliative Care. Dr. Lindell has extensive clinical experience working to improve support available to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. She's a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. where she received her bachelor's and master's of science in nursing, as well as her PhD. Her research focuses on promoting palliative care knowledge and preparedness to improve the quality of life for patients with advanced lung disease, specifically IPF, and their caregivers.  

Episode Links:

A Program of SUPPORT: Pulmonary & Palliative Care with Dr. Kathleen Lindell

College of Nursing equips student with palliative care training

Nurse-Led Palliative Care Clinical Trial Improves Knowledge and Preparedness in Caregivers of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we're joined by Dr. Hai Yao, a professor of oral health sciences in the College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and associate department chair for the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program. He also serves as the Ernest R. Norville Endowed Chair and professor of bioengineering at Clemson University. His research studies tempera mandibular joint function and disorders, also called TMJ, and why risk factors for this issue impact treatment and prevention. The TMJ makes it possible to move the lower jaw, which is important for eating and speaking.

We are also joined by Shuchun Sun, who at the time of recording, was a senior PhD engineering student in Dr. Yao's lab, studying machine learning and biomechanics. He is currently a research associate in the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program.

Episode Links:

Explainable deep learning and biomechanical modeling for TMJ disorder morphological risk factors

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we're joined by Dr. Caitlin Allen, an assistant professor in the Public Health Science Department in the MUSC College of Medicine. Dr. Allen is a social and behavioral scientist with expertise in the implementation of evidence-based research to advance precision public health initiatives. Her overarching research goal is to support the translation of genomics applications to maximize population health impact and improve health equity. Dr. Allen is also a 2024 MUSC Developing Scholar Award recipient.  

Episode Links:

Building trust and saving lives: A community approach to genetic education

The genes we inherit can also raise our risk for some kinds of cancer. All cancers are caused by mutations in our cells, and most of the time those mutations happen simply because of aging, or because of lifestyle choices like smoking. But sometimes - in about 5%-10% of cancers - mutations are handed down through families. If you have one of these inherited mutations, you can minimize your cancer risk by following established health care guidelines and taking a proactive approach to your health.  

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we’re joined by Dr. Kevin Hughes, the Director of Cancer Genetics at the Hollings Cancer Center and the McKoy Rose, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology in the College of Medicine at MUSC. Dr Hughes is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in breast cancer, breast disease management, genetic testing and the identification and management of patients with hereditary breast cancer risk.  His research focuses on developing tools that make cancer genetic testing simple, safe, and efficient.   

Correction at the 11:40 minute mark: the statistic should be 1-2 people out of every 100 will have be identified with a gene variant at the population level.

Clarification At the 12:08 and 26:00 minute marks: Once a participant is positively identified, they are offered a free genetic counselling appointment and from there are able to follow up with the Hereditary Cancer Clinic if they desire or may seek follow up care elsewhere.

Episode Links:

Hollings Cancer Center Hereditary Cancer Clinic

In Our DNA SC community health research project

CDC Tier 1 Genomics Applications and their Importance to Public Health

Have an idea for a future episode? Send us an email at ScienceNeverSleeps@MUSC.edu.

Science Never Sleeps is produced by the Office of the Vice President for Research at the Medical University of South Carolina.

In this episode, Dr. Sabrina Horvath an assistant professor of rehabilitation sciences in the College of Health Professions at MUSC shares her research in childhood language development. Horvath is the Principal Investigator for the MACAW Lab, which stands for Methods of Acquiring Concepts and Words. Horvath leads research in child language development and disorder, late talkers, and vocabulary development. 

Episode Links:

The MACAW Lab

Have an idea for an episode of Science Never Sleeps? Send us an email at ScienceNeverSleeps@musc.edu.

But what exactly causes this decline, and why is it so crucial for us to understand? And how can early detection improve care for patients with cognitive impairment? 

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences Research in the MUSC College of Health Professions, discusses her work on improving the early detection of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Her science underscores the importance of ongoing research in preserving and optimizing cognitive function, ensuring a brighter and more cognitively resilient future for us all. 

Episode Links:

Individualized brain fingerprints can help to uncover early signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Redefining treatments for mild cognitive impairment

Have an idea for an episode of Science Never Sleeps? Send us an email at ScienceNeverSleeps@musc.edu.

Trauma affects us all differently, and the same is true for children. Understanding how we can prevent trauma and reduce the impact of trauma when it occurs, is key to reducing other risky behaviors that can negatively impact children and adolescents into adulthood like substance, use and risky sexual behavior.

In this episode, Dr. Carla Kmett Danielson, a clinical psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina shares her research into helping at-risk youth respond to trauma and how that research has led to new approaches in clinic today. Danielson has been selected by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as the recipient of the 2023 Robert Laufer Memorial Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement. Through her research as a member of the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, she developed both the Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT) and the EMPOWERR Program.

**If your child or family needs help, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)**

Episode Links:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT)

EMPOWERR Program

At one point, living 40 years with a spinal cord injury was nearly unheard of, but now, more people are reaching and exceeding that milestone, making understanding ways to improve the quality of life even more important.  

In this episode, Dr. James Krause, distinguished university professor and the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina shares his personal story and how it led him to commit his adult life to understanding the long-term consequences of neurologic injury on health, quality of life, employment, and longevity. 

Episode Links:

MUSC Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions (CRRNC)

South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

But body weight and related metabolic conditions like diabetes are also linked to our brain health and, in particular, our risk for Alzheimer's disease. With obesity at epidemic proportions, high economic costs of health-related issues, and an increasingly aging population, understanding the connection between obesity and brain health is critical. Thankfully, researchers are investigating obesity and cognitive decline and what might be done to protect our brains as we age.

Guest Notes: Dr. Catrina Robinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology in the MUSC College of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the role of metabolic disorders (such as prediabetes, diabetes, and obesity) on brain health and aging, as well as understanding the pathways involved in developing novel therapeutic targets to improve brain health.

Show Reference Links:

Robinson Research Lab at MUSC

Can diabetes lead to cognitive impairment? - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease

Diabetes Impact in South Carolina Fact Sheet - Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina

But sometimes these fibroblasts become confused about what they should be doing, leading to a condition called fibrosis. Researchers don’t fully understand why fibrosis occurs, but it leads to organs or tissues developing excessive fibrous tissue, which can interfere with multiple organs like the lungs, heart, liver, skin, kidneys, and eyes - ultimately leading to loss of organ function. Inflammation or fibrosis play a role in several diseases, including lupus, cystic fibrosis and scleroderma. There are currently no FDA approved drugs that can halt the progression of fibrosis or reverse it, making it an essential area of focus for research. 

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we'll be discussing scleroderma and fibrosis, and research to find treatments and possible cures.

Guest Notes: Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick is a Distinguished University Professor in the Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology at MUSC focusing on fibrosis encompassing disorders such as Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. In addition to research, Dr. Feghali-Bostwick ‘s efforts include mentoring of junior investigators in patient-oriented research and directing the Center for the Advancement, Retention, and Recruitment of Women (ARROW). She also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Scleroderma Foundation. 

Show Reference Links:

Feghali-Bostwick Basic Research Lab at MUSC

National Scleroderma Foundation

What is Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we’ll be chatting with researchers who are looking at the challenges of healthy space travel and the solutions necessary, both in the stars and here on Earth.

Guest Info: Dr. Donna Roberts is a NASA-funded Professor of Radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Mark Rosenberg is a neurology resident at MUSC who is focusing on aerospace medicine. 

Show Reference Links:

International Space Station

NASA's Study of Astronaut Twins Creates Human Portrait of What a Year in Space Does to the Human Body - Smithsonian Magazine

Space X

Blue Origin

Inspiration 4

In this episode of Science Never Sleeps, we’re going back to basics to ask – what is research and why is it important? Why should the quest for knowledge through research matter to us now, and what are the implications for the future? How can we continue to educate ourselves on the importance of research and build trust in the process? And how can we share this information with family, friends, and our communities so we can all be safer and healthier? 

Guest Info:

Dr. Lori McMahon is the Vice President for Research and a professor of neurobiology at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a federally funded basic and translational neuroscience researcher who is nationally and internationally recognized for her work in the areas of neurodegenerative disease and neuropsychiatric illness, with a focus on synaptic plasticity and sex differences. 

Show reference links:

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/

National Institutes of Health - https://www.nih.gov/

National Institute on Drug Abuse - https://nida.nih.gov/

American Diabetes Associaton - https://www.diabetes.org/

Dr. Kathleen Lindell, is well-versed in these issues. An associate professor in the College of Nursing, and the Mary Swain Endowed Chair in Palliative Care, Dr. Lindell has extensive clinical experience working to improve support available to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. She's a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing where she received her Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Nursing as well as her PhD.

Dr. Lindell's passion for her patients and their caregivers has led to the development of a palliative care intervention entitled, A Program of SUPPORT, which is symptom management, understanding the disease, pulmonary rehabilitation, palliative care, oxygen therapy, research participation, and transplantation.

Dr. Carpenter is a professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. She received her PHD from Binghamton University and completed her residency and fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Woster is Professor and Chair of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences at MUSC's College of Pharmacy. Additionally, he is a South Carolina SmartState Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery, Director of MUSC's Drug Discovery Core, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and is an inductee in the American Chemical Society's Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame.

Dr. Habib Rizk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Rizk completed his medical degree and residency training at St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon, and went on to complete a fellowship at MUSC. Dr. Rizk is on the Board of Directors of the American Balance Society, a member of the Equilibrium Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, as well as a representative of the Academy in a joint task force of the American Academy of Neurology to investigate quality improvement measures in neurotology. His research focuses on hearing-related and dizziness-related research.

So what should we do to address this health and economic concern? Why are cigarettes still readily available and so addictive? And how do we help those who want to quit and have not been successful or encourage loved ones to quit who continue to smoke while suffering its deadly effects?

Dr. Matthew Carpenter is a professor in MUSC's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. A clinical psychologist with a PhD from the University of Vermont, Dr. Carpenter's research interests relate to tobacco use across a broad methodological continuum, from lab-based studies of craving and nicotine dependence to small and large-scale clinical trials for smoking cessation, to public health policy for effective tobacco control. He has led multiple studies and trials on smoking cessation and alternative tobacco products.

Dr. Stephen Duncan is a professor and the chair in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and SmartState chair in liver development and disease. A native of Glasgow, Scotland in the United Kingdom, Dr. Duncan received his PhD and doctorate in Philosophy from Wolfson College at Oxford University in 1992. He then moved to the Rockefeller Center in New York City to undertake a post-doc fellowship. He transferred to the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1997, where he moved through the ranks to become the Marcus Professor in Human and Molecular Genetics in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. In 2007, he accepted a position as the founding director of Medical College of Wisconsin's program in regenerative medicine. He joined MUSC in 2015.

Dr. Patrick Flume, is a professor of Medicine in Pediatrics with specialties in pulmonology and critical care medicine at the Medical University. He serves as the Powers- Huggins endowed chair for cystic fibrosis, and is the director of the Adult MUSC Cystic Fibrosis Center. Dr. Flume is heavily involved in MUSC's research enterprise, including the way MUSC manages clinical trial safety and protection of all those engaged in any clinical trial. Dr. Flume, along with many other clinical scientists at MUSC, has been instrumental in several very successful clinical trials, most recently the implementation and success of the COVID-19 trials.

She is the laryngologist for the internationally renowned Spoleto Festival USA, and president of the Performing Arts Medicine Association.

Dr. Eric Powers is a Professor of Medicine and the Peter C. Gazes M.D. Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology, is a board-certified physician of internal medicine, cardiovascular care, and interventional cardiology. He's a graduate of Harvard Medical School, and completed his residency and fellowships at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He has received numerous awards for his work as a clinician and scientist, and has been named one of America's top doctors.