Best WUFT Podcasts (2024)

1
Advice that falls on deaf ears may still help preteens, study shows 2:00

2h ago2:00

2:00

Did you listen to your mom when you were 12? According to researchers in Illinois, it may not matter — because the advice improved your well-being anyway. Hard to believe, we know, but while some parents find their advice falling on deaf ears, this research indicated that even seemingly disinterested preteens may benefit from their parents’ input. …

1
College students’ PTSD levels on rise 2:00

3h ago2:00

2:00

College has always been a stressful time for some students, and mental health conditions have been on the rise at many campuses. But researchers said they had no idea it was this bad. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD [P-T-S-D], diagnoses among college students more than doubled between 2017 and 2022, rising most sharply as the COVID-19 pande…

1
A balanced diet is food for thought 2:00

2h ago2:00

2:00

World-class athletes adhere to strict diets to help them perform their best and maintain peak physical condition. Conversely, those who make unhealthy dietary choices are more likely to be overweight, have lower energy and generally be in poor physical health. But what do dietary choices do for brain health? Well, here’s some food for thought: A ne…

1
The early warning signs of colorectal cancer 2:00

11h ago2:00

2:00

Colorectal cancer rates are going up among young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Millennials born around 1990 are at nearly twice the risk compared with those born in the 1950s. While far more older people get colorectal cancer, researchers say younger adults often pay less attention to warning signs. In a new study led by the University of Calif…

1
It’s July, time to review UV safety 2:00

3h ago2:00

2:00

July is the peak of the heat. The month brings the scorching “dog days” of summer, a season of perspiration. When most of the northern hemisphere isn’t taking refuge in air-conditioned places, it’s a time many of us spend outdoors, at barbecues, pool parties or trips to the beach. Hence this reminder that July is also UV Safety Month. Ultraviolet r…

1
Study: New compound may suppress bitterness in most medication 2:00

2h ago2:00

2:00

There are experiences we call bitter pills to swallow — and then, there are the meds themselves. Now, researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia have found a way to trick our tongues into ignoring the flavor altogether. Scientists are testing a taste blocker that could change medication intake, particularly for those who strug…

1
Bragging about stress may lessen social acceptance at work, study suggests 2:00

4h ago2:00

2:00

When it comes to water cooler talk, stress is a common theme. An even more common one? Your coworker who never seems to catch a break — and is always more stressed than anyone else. If you’ve felt annoyed — or even privately wondered what’s going on — you’re far from alone. A recent study from the University of Georgia indicates that boasting about…

1
Stepping up to a longer life 2:00

4h ago2:00

2:00

Walking up a flight of stairs won’t just get you to the second floor. It might also help get you to your golden years. The elevator apparently doesn’t stop on that floor. It’s not surprising that such exercise is healthy. Carrying the groceries up to a third-floor apartment might not sound like a workout at the gym. But taking the stairs works the …

1
What’s that screaming all about? 2:00

5h ago2:00

2:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream … for all kinds of reasons. Variations in tone and frequency allow humans to express anger, frustration, pain, fear and happiness through the ultimate example of emotion — the scream. Research from Emory University indicates that most people are fairly good at identifying the reason behind most screams. But screa…

1
Pollution is humanity’s biggest killer 2:00

3h ago2:00

2:00

This serial killer’s body count surpasses the toll of all the world’s wars, terrorism, alcoholism, drugs and a litany of diseases combined. One doesn’t need to visit a remote corner of the planet to be threatened. Looking over your shoulder won’t protect you. This menace is in the air, water and even the light that leaks through a window at night a…

1
Girls’ menstrual periods starting earlier in life 2:00

9h ago2:00

2:00

Menstruation has never been an easy topic. And why would it be? In the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed that menstrual blood could kill crops and dull mirrors. Some even held that a menstruating person could shoot “poisonous vapors” from their eyes. Hey, no one said that era was big for science. A new study from researchers at Harvard, the Nat…

1
Study: Marijuana passes alcohol in daily use 2:00

20d ago2:00

2:00

You finish your workday and start driving home. As you pass through familiar intersections and neighborhoods, perhaps your mind wanders to dinner or what the evening will bring. A nice, cold beer has often accompanied the start of the evening, for many. But, according to a new study from Carnegie Mellon University, more Americans aren’t popping a c…

1
Your recommended heart check-ups 2:00

7d ago2:00

2:00

Your heart takes a licking, and most of the time, it keeps on ticking. But there are several screenings you can get to be sure that it does. According to the American Heart Association, an important factor in lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease is managing your health behaviors. These include your diet, physical activity, whether you smok…

1
Healthy lifestyle crucial, with or without supposedly good or bad genes 2:00

21d ago2:00

2:00

Some of us are lucky enough to see our parents and grandparents enjoy healthy lives well into old age. You’d probably feel as if you’d won the genetic lottery if your 90-year-old parents still managed a round of golf now and then. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve all heard someone lament that “they die young in my family.” A new study reinfo…

1
Can gut bacteria influence one’s sense of fair play? 2:00

8d ago2:00

2:00

The microscopic hitchhikers in our gut might be doing more than catching a ride. They could, on occasion, be driving the car. Each of us hosts trillions of microbes in our gut. They’re essential for a healthy life, helping us digest food and maintain immunity. But do they have more than a physical impact on our bodies? Do they also influence our no…

1
Watch out for sleep-deprived teen drivers 2:00

23d ago2:00

2:00

The next time you curse out the driver who cut you off or mutter expletives at the speed demon next to you, consider the fact that the driver might be a sleepy teen. A National Sleep Foundation study found that the large number of teens who drive while tired poses a serious health concern. The study surveyed U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 to assess the p…

1
Study: Social media may exacerbate (but not cause) depression 2:00

8d ago2:00

2:00

Which came first, doomscrolling or depression? In the 17 years that smartphones have been around, and in the past decade in which they became ubiquitous, young people’s rates of depression have been on the rise. But which came first? A never-ending parade of peers showing off their perfect boyfriends, vacations and physiques, leading young people t…

1
The health benefits of going meatless 2:00

10d ago2:00

2:00

When our ancient ancestors began eating meat, humans were getting more protein and nutrients than ever before. Scientists believe this development allowed human brains to grow bigger and smarter, laying the foundation for modern life. Now, a mere 2.5 million years and a few technological leaps later, it might be time for humans to reconsider their …

1
Microplastics turning up in odd places 2:00

11d ago2:00

2:00

Microplastics are trending. They’re seemingly everywhere, most notably in the news. Scientists are finding them almost anywhere they look. The oceans. The Arctic. The air. In polar bears. In fish. In our bodies. And now they’ve been confirmed in a place that will get the close attention of at least half of the population — in testicles. University …

1
A new hope in the fight against dementia 2:00

16d ago2:00

2:00

Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases are devastating to individuals and the families who care for them. Family members are often left to watch helplessly as their loved one slowly succumbs to cognitive decline. Once-simple tasks become impossible and familiar faces become unrecognizable. Now, there is new hope for the victims and familie…

1
The potential brewery in your body 2:00

15d ago2:00

2:00

Some people view the explanation as an all-too-convenient excuse. And just try telling this to your boss after you slur words and act tipsy in a staff meeting. “I don’t drink, boss. My gut, however, is a brewery.” Yup, tell it to HR. It is, however, a real condition. And it’s called auto-brewery syndrome, or ABS. While ABS is rarely diagnosed, stor…

1
Maintain good self-care while caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s 2:00

18d ago2:00

2:00

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and challenging for family members. All too often, families are unable to afford professional help. So, the burden can fall entirely on them. A 2023 Alzheimer’s Association report notes that about 11 million people — family members and others — provide unpaid care for someone with Alz…

1
Breast health practices 2:02

20d ago2:02

2:02

Scientists believe mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by almost 40 percent since 1990. That’s an enormous burden of human suffering erased. Yet, modern preventive medical procedures are sometimes taken for granted. Do women know when they should begin getting mammograms? And how often? Confusion about timing can lead …

1
Sitting at home is healthier than sitting at work 2:00

22d ago2:00

2:00

You might want to sit down for this. It turns out, while too much sitting can be bad for your health, not all kinds of sitting are equal. How’s that? We’ve all been told that sitting too long raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. But research suggests that leisure-time sitting has a greater risk of heart disease than …

1
Fasting and exercising appear to work well together for good health 2:00

1M ago2:00

2:00

High-intensity exercise and time-restricted eating may improve health together, a recent study suggests. Many diets and exercise regimens claim to hold the golden ticket to a healthier, fitter body. Now, a new study suggests that the winning formula might lie in the interaction between time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional exercise. …

1
The heat is on 2:00

1M ago2:00

2:00

Glenn Frey [Fry] said it best: “The heat is on.” If you walk outside on the street these days, you’ll certainly have noticed the temperatures are headed up. Due to climate change, the warmer weather lasts longer each year. To help you prepare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Weather Service joined forces to create an…

1
Americans spend more than two weeks a year working while sick 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Life as an American worker is challenging. Many of us work too hard and don’t get enough time off. Some employees don’t get sick time at all and lose pay if they skip a shift. Even those with successful, lucrative careers see the work pile up when they take a day off. That work doesn’t get done if someone’s home in bed. So, what do most of us do wh…

1
Movement offers a heart-healthy antidote to stress 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Regardless of your stress, a new study posits one easy solution to combat it: getting adequate exercise. Yes, that’s correct — another health study in favor of moving your body. In this case, scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a possible association between physical activity, stress reduction and cardiovascular health. After …

1
Prescription for healthy middle-age is movement, study suggests 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Ladies, please take note. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a walk, playing tennis, or simply climbing the stairs at your job for an office workout, new data supports why you might want to embrace an active lifestyle. A new study from the University of Sydney in Australia emphasizes the positive impact of consistent physical activity on women…

1
Exercise at night more beneficial for obese individuals 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

All exercise improves health unless your morning jog takes you down a narrow, rock-strewn path over a high cliff. Whether you cycle, run or swim, anything that gets the heart beating faster will improve longevity. It will help steer you away from cardiovascular disease and other ailments like diabetes. Few people, however, give much thought to the …

1
Breaking news: Watching sports is good for you 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Hold onto your team-logoed ballcaps and giant foam fingers. A new study by Japanese scientists found that watching sports is good for us. More specifically, frequent sports viewing may rewire our brains — in a good way. Beyond its entertainment value, it’s long been known that sports foster a sense of belonging and community. But little scientific …

1
Is plant-based meat truly better? 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Is it impossible for meat options to be healthier than a juicy Beyond Burger? Think again, friend. Researchers in Singapore conducted a study of adults at risk for diabetes, comparing the health effects of plant-based meat substitutes to traditional meats. The study included nearly 90 adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Over an eight-week span, hal…

1
Cats rule and dogs drool in contest over owner’s sleep quality 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

If you “slept like a dog” last night, it probably means you didn’t have one in bed, draped across your legs like a heavy blanket that occasionally licks your toes. Indeed, even sleeping in the same room as your dog risks ruining a good night’s sleep. A dog can be like an erratic alarm clock randomly waking you through the night. A study by research…

1
Run … away from insomnia 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Tossing and turning. Watching the clock with dread as another minute ticks by. Feeling helpless thinking about how tired you will be the next day. Insomnia is a burden carried by about 30% of adults in the United States. That’s nearly one-third of the country operating at a sleep deficit. Of course, insomnia can cause a wide range of serious health…

1
The best exercise motivation might be hard cash 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Money talks. And sometimes it tells us to take a walk. A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers wanted to study the best ways to motivate people to walk more. Their yearlong study involved 1,062 participants, age 67 on average, who had a higher-than-average risk for cardiovascular disease. The study participants already were becoming more a…

1
Humans may possess innate food intelligence 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

The fat-tailed dwarf lemur is exceptional at choosing food that is nutritionally dense and likely to help it thrive in the wild. The same might be true for humans wanting to thrive in their lives. Research published in the journal Appetite found that humans may have the ability to intuitively choose foods based on the different types of micronutrie…

1
Behold, the blood pressure-lowering wall sit 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

What if we told you about an exercise that can be done just about anywhere, builds strength, tightens your abs and can lower blood pressure? All you need is a wall. The wall sit — sometimes called a wall squat — is one of those exercises, like planks, that offer a big return on investment. A recent British study suggests that isometric exercises ca…

1
Tattoo ink often comes with a secret ingredient 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Tattoos are now mainstream. They were once relegated to tough guys and the biceps of sailors who wanted to celebrate anchors and their mothers, not necessarily in that order. That was another age. Today, they’re a means of personal expression for people of all walks of life. An art form. That art, however, can come with a secret ingredient. Researc…

1
Water bears might hold clue to future anti-aging meds 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

These microscopic creatures have cute nicknames. Water bear. Or Moss piglet. Scientists call them tardigrades [taar·duh·graydz]. They have the rare ability to suspend their metabolism. That makes them remarkably resilient. They are seemingly impossible to destroy. If humans were as indestructible, we could shoot you into orbit without a spacesuit a…

1
Stress is best viewed as a challenge 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Less stress is best. But sometimes tough situations are unavoidable. A new study shows that how we view these situations can make a huge impact on our mental and physical well-being. Researchers in the UK believe they have found a link showing that those who view stressful situations as a threat are more likely to experience negative mental and phy…

1
Don’t underestimate the power of a sports bra 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

For women who take running seriously, your sports bra can be friend or foe. A new study suggests that wearing a sports bra with an underband that is too snug can impair breathing and cause athletes to run less efficiently. The study monitored the breathing and lung function of nine elite runners as they wore a sports bra with an underband that coul…

1
For men, some hobbies associated with greater neurological risk 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Golfing, yard work, hunting and woodworking are enjoyable weekend pastimes for some men. Now, it turns out those activities may heighten the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that certain recreational activities are linked to a higher risk of amyotrophic [ey-my-uh-trof-ik] lateral sclerosis, whi…

1
Study discovers protein responsible for how we feel cold 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Whether it’s an overly zealous use of air conditioning or a frigid January morning, you and other mammals have one thing in common: You can sense when it’s cold. But until recently, science had lagged in figuring out just precisely how we know we need an extra sweater. Now, researchers from the University of Michigan have drilled down into what, ex…

1
Broccoli scores another health benefit 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Broccoli is the vegetable some of us love to hate. The first President Bush famously banned it from Air Force One. Kids make faces at it. Few dogs keep it on their list of acceptable table scraps. Ice cream it is not. We all might want to re-evaluate our broccoli angst. This power vegetable continues to prove it is one of the healthiest foods. Broc…

1
Vehicle brake particles could harm public health 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Everyone knows the potential harm from vehicles’ tailpipe emissions. Now, scientists are turning an eye to the lesser-known particles created by brakes. When it comes to brake particles, it’s a classic good news-bad news situation. Researchers don’t know a lot about brake particles, although some evidence suggests they may be more harmful than tail…

1
Eating one avocado per day may improve diet, study suggests 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

The adage about an apple a day aside, it turns out that an avocado a day just may be enough to improve the nutritional quality of your diet. According to a new study from Penn State University, the average American diet leaves much to be desired — and poor diet quality is one of the risk factors for several diseases, including heart disease. When i…

1
Protecting biodiversity to block the next pandemic 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

Scientists around the world who hope to avert the next pandemic have a plan. A team of 25 international scientists wants to do so by conserving natural areas and protecting biodiversity. They believe this might be a better strategy than containing a pathogen already circulating in humans. In short, they want to keep animal populations fed and safe …

1
Mold offers nutritious, sustainable meat replacement 2:00

3M ago2:00

2:00

Picture this: You sit down at a gourmet restaurant. The candelight is warm. The atmosphere is posh. And your dinner plate holds the entrée that’s been the talk of the town — an array of vegetables, carefully seasoned around the piece de resistance: mold. Before the record screech, let’s clarify: We mean the humble mushroom. In a recent study, resea…

1
Even small servings of licorice can raise blood pressure 2:00

3M ago2:00

2:00

For licorice fans, this news might be hard to swallow: Even small amounts of the soft, chewy candy can cause high blood pressure. It has been well known that large servings of licorice can spike blood pressure. Now, it turns out that even a little bit can do the same. The culprit is the plant root that is used to make licorice. The root contains a …

1
Intermittent fasting plan linked to higher risk of cardiovascular death 2:00

3M ago2:00

2:00

Devotees of intermittent fasting, take note: One such eating plan has been linked to a substantially higher risk of cardiovascular death. Researchers with the American Heart Association concluded recently that people who limit their eating to less than eight hours a day were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who ate during a…

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