Best Cross Contamination Podcasts (2025)

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From Cross-Contamination to Cure: Hepatitis C 5:21

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14d ago5:21

5:21

In this week's episode, we look into the history of Hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus spread far and wide during the era before modern sterilization and screening, infecting millions. We look into the history, risks, symptoms (many have none!), and complications of hepatitis C. Finally, we look at how far treatment has progressed and what's coming…

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Humanitarian Update from Syria 34:03

7h ago34:03

34:03

After 14 years of registering more than 35,000 people as missing, the International Red Cross can finally bring some solace to families on the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones in Syria. We sit down with the head of the Syria delegation, Stephan Sakalian, to talk about how the International Committee of the Red Cross is working to pr…

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The Cost of Extra Weight on Heart Failure Risk 5:04

3d ago5:04

5:04

This week, we investigate the links between heart failure and obesity. We explore what heart failure is, the risks, and how it can have long-term impacts on health. We also look into obesity, some of it's causes, and how it can contribute to heart failure risks. We also look at he two-way street between heart failure and obesty and how each can con…

1
85–90% of Primary Liver Cancers Are Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Why Aren’t We Catching It Sooner? 6:17

10d ago6:17

6:17

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of primary liver cancer. Curative treatments include surgery and transplant, but many patients don't know they have the disease until it's too late. In this week's article, we explore what HCC is, risks and complications of the disease, and what people can do to find out if they have signs of …

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Speaking About Social Anxiety Disorder 5:10

1M ago5:10

5:10

In this episode, we delve into the science and struggle behind social anxiety disorder. This condition affects millions of people and often begins in childhood. We explore how the brain’s fear circuitry becomes overactive, and common treatments like SSRIs. We also highlight an intriguing new treatment being tested: a nasal spray of pheromone-like c…

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The Future of U.S. Humanitarian Aid 29:55

1M ago29:55

29:55

It’s been a challenging time to be part of a humanitarian organization in the U.S. The terms: foreign assistance aid and foreign aid have been discussed a lot lately. But, what do they really mean? Can humanitarian aid to help people affected by conflict and violence—the work we do at International Committee of the Red Cross—really meet an America-…

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Gastroparesis Turns Meals into Misery 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

In this episode, we explore the complex world of gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition that slows the stomach’s ability to empty food and turns mealtime into a daily challenge. From the science behind digestion to the symptoms, causes, and evolving treatments for idiopathic gastroparesis, we break down what happens when the stomach stops coop…

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When Life Gives You Limes, Solve Scurvy 5:15

1M ago5:15

5:15

Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, once killed thousands of sailors during long sea voyages. The breakthrough came in 1747 when Dr. James Lind conducted the first recorded clinical trial, proving citrus fruits could prevent the illness. British sailors were later issued lime juice, earning them the nickname “limeys.” Though now consi…

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Tinnitus Treatments Result From Clinical Trials 4:34

2M ago4:34

4:34

This week we explore tinnitus, a condition marked by ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is affects roughly 10% of Americans and remains poorly understood. Unfortunately, this poor understanding means there are no disease-modifying treatments available. Luckily, clinical researchers have been hard at work looking for relief for tinnitus sufferers, and th…

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Can We Train the Immune System to Kill Cancer? 4:55

2M ago4:55

4:55

In this week's episode, we jump into the emerging field of personalized cancer vaccines. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide due to its complex nature. "Cancer" actually encompasses over 275 diseases, each driven by genetic mutations that make cancer cells act independently and harmfully within the body. Find out how scientis…

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Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options 3:40

2M ago3:40

3:40

In this week's episode, we talk about vascular dementia, a significant yet often overlooked brain disorder caused by reduced blood flow, usually due to stroke and/or vascular disease. It accounts for 15-20% of dementia cases and leads to cognitive decline, memory loss, and motor impairments. While no cure exists, prevention is key—controlling risk …

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A Brotherhood in Arms: The Red Cross Event that Brings Enemies Together 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

Since the beginning of time, war has been used as a tool to resolve disagreements. While countless numbers of civilians die in war, the cost of war only gets more expensive each year. In this episode, we look at one of the only programs on the globe that brings together adversaries and allies to talk through ways to reduce the costs of war—in treas…

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Why Measles Has Gone From Eradicated To Outbreak 6:19

2M ago6:19

6:19

Measles a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. It was declared eradicated in the U.S. in the year 2000 but has resurfaced, with over 700 cases reported so far this year. What are the causes of this latest outbreak? Despite a long history of vaccine success, recent declines in …

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Psoriasis and the Immune System: More Confusing Than Teenage Slang 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

On this week, we discuss psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 2-3% of Americans. It's characterized by red, flaky skin and linked to serious health conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular disease. It results from an overactive immune response which may be initiated or worsened by environmental factors such as stress, obesity, and …

1
Clinical Trials Have Opened Doors to COPD Medications 6:43

3M ago6:43

6:43

In this week we talk about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that restricts airflow due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which damages the alveoli. COPD affects around 11% of adults over 30 and is linked to smoking, pollution, and genetic factors. This episode relates COPD to a house with big rooms and n…

1
A New Type of Memory Loss in Older Adults 5:05

3M ago5:05

5:05

This podcast explores Limbic-predominant Amnestic Neurodegenerative Syndrome (LANS), a newly identified condition that primarily affects episodic memory while leaving other cognitive functions relatively intact. LANS is associated with the misfolding of TDP-43, a protein that can accumulate and damage limbic structures. Unlike Alzheimer’s, LANS has…

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Alzheimer’s at the Genetic Level 5:03

3M ago5:03

5:03

Medical treatments are shifting from broad approaches to precise genetic targeting, especially for finicky diseases like Alzheimer's dementia. While many past efforts focused on amyloid β plaques, new research is exploring genetic regulators like APP, which influences amyloid levels, and KDM5, an enzyme linked to memory and cognition. Clinical tria…

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Digital Dilemmas 2.0: Deepfakes 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

In this Digital Dilemmas 2.0: Deepfakes episode, we take a look at two poignant questions: “How do we distinguish truth from manipulation? Who owns the truth?“ We tour a deepfake exhibit created by the ICRC and L'École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) at the United Nations. Then, we zoom out and look at how dissemination of harmful narrati…

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Digging Up the Truth About Potatoes 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

This St. Patrick's Day we explore the history, nutritional profile, and potential health benefits of potatoes. Potatoes are a major global food staple, providing significant calories worldwide. Though often criticized for their high glycemic index (GI), different cooking methods, particularly chilling after cooking, can increase resistant starches,…

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What are Cluster Headaches? 6:28

4M ago6:28

6:28

In this week's episode, we discuss cluster headaches, one of the most severe pain conditions known. This rare condition affects about one in a thousand people with excruciating, clockwork-like attacks can last for weeks or months, with few effective treatment options. In this episode, we break down the causes, triggers, and latest research on clust…

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Alzheimer’s Anxiety: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Act 3:55

4M ago3:55

3:55

Forgetting a name or misplacing your keys can be frustrating, but when does memory loss signal something more serious? In this episode, we explain the key differences between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. We break down how doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s, the role of biomarkers, and why early detection is crucial for those considering clinical…

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New Research on Heart Failure: Understanding IL-6 and Inflammation 4:38

4M ago4:38

4:38

This week, we talk about one of the big contributors to heart failure: inflammation. Heart failure affects millions and comes in two main types: HFrEF (weakened pumping) and HFpEF (thickened, stiff walls). While conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes contribute, chronic inflammation—driven in part by Interleukin 6 (IL-6)—plays a major rol…

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Humanitarian Dispatch from the Congo: Violence Grips Goma 20:15

4M ago20:15

20:15

In a country of more than 100 armed groups, the Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the most protracted and forgotten conflicts in the world. In the latest Intercross episode, we ask what the recent hostilities that started around December mean for the more than 4.5 million people who have been forced to flee their homes? And what is the ICRC’s…

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Short Circuits in the Heart: A Look at Atrial Fibrillation 5:06

5M ago5:06

5:06

When the hot water went out, you might call a plumber, but if the water heater is out it might instead be an electrical problem - just like how heart problems can stem from faulty electrical signals rather than the heart muscle itself. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common arrhythmia affecting six million Americans, disrupts the heart’s elect…

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2025 Trailer 0:36

5M ago0:36

0:36

We'll be back soon with new episodes. For now please like, follow, rate, review, and subscribe to Intercross wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on X @ICRC_dc Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an episode. See archived episodes, bonus materials, and additional information on our website.…

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The Heart is the Beat of Life 4:30

5M ago4:30

4:30

This week's podcast is a crash course on what the heart is, why we need it, how it works, and what can go wrong. Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Youtube For more great content, including disc…

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Alzheimer’s and ADHD, the Missing Link? 6:02

5M ago6:02

6:02

This week we talk about two recent studies which suggest a potential link between adult ADHD and an increased risk of developing dementia; though causation remains unproven. These studies, one in Israel and another in Sweden, found that adults with ADHD were significantly more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment. These findings …

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Shiny Legs, Hidden Danger 6:21

5M ago6:21

6:21

This week we discuss peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting blood flow in the peripheral arteries, most commonly in the legs. We cover its symptoms, such as leg pain, skin changes, and slow-healing wounds, as well as the potential risks of untreated PAD, including amputation and cardiovascular complications. We then talk about treat…

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Is the Deadliest Condition Preventable? Understanding ASCVD and LDL-C 5:40

5M ago5:40

5:40

This episode explores atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes worldwide. Learn about the role of LDL cholesterol in the development of fatty plaques that harden and block blood vessels, as well as the risks associated with ASCVD, including heart disease and peripheral artery disease. The episod…

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From Trials to Triumph: 2024’s FDA approvals 7:12

5M ago7:12

7:12

Join us this week for a brief tour of some body systems as we review five medications approved by the FDA in 2024. From liver disease to Alzheimer’s, we look at Rezdiffra, Iqirvo, Vafseo, Entyvio, and Kisunla, exploring the diseases they intend to treat and a brief overview of how the medicines work. We celebrate the hard work of volunteers, invest…

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Shedding Light on Seasonal Depression 5:10

5M ago5:10

5:10

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder that fluctuates with the seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition affecting millions during the darker months. We explore its symptoms, causes, and demographic prevalence, highlighting its impact on mood, cognition, …

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Migraine vs. Komodo Dragon: A Battle of Headache Proportions 5:58

6M ago5:58

5:58

This week we discuss episodic and chronic migraines. Migraines are primary headaches that affect about a billion people globally each year. In this weeks episode, we discuss symptoms and the differences between episodic and chronic migraines. Learn about risk factors, treatment options, and why accurate and appropriate treatment is critical to keep…

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No Gym, No Problem: Making Fitness Work for You 6:22

6M ago6:22

6:22

This podcast episode examines the challenges of sticking to fitness resolutions and how to make exercise more accessible and sustainable. We discuss the health benefits of physical activity, the impact of stress on the body, and why reducing barriers like time, cost, and convenience can improve consistency. Learn practical tips for incorporating fi…

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Will the Science of Exosomes Revolutionize Medicine? 5:24

6M ago5:24

5:24

This week, we dive into the fascinating world of exosomes, the body’s nano-sized delivery drivers and communication hubs. We’ll explore what exosomes are, their role in cell-to-cell communication and healing, and the potential medical applications they offer. These include drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and combating diseases like cancer and…

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Are You Treating Your Sinus Headache All Wrong? 4:29

7M ago4:29

4:29

Sinus headaches are annoying, bothersome, and might not really be sinus-related for most people! We look at research that explains why sinus inflammation is rarely the cause headaches above the sinuses and how accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Learn about the role of sinuses, why facial pain isn’t always what it seems, and ho…

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Lipoprotein (a): The Cholesterol You Inherit, Not Eat 7:05

7M ago7:05

7:05

As we approach Thanksgiving and gather with family, it's the perfect time to ponder how our genetics, from eye color to cholesterol levels, shape our lives in unique and sometimes dangerous ways. This episode sheds explores how genetic disorders run in families and looks at lipoprotein (a), a very very very very bad kind of cholesterol. We also lea…

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Statins Good or Bad: Why the Popularity of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Sparks Criticism 7:08

7M ago7:08

7:08

In this episode we unpack the facts, controversies, and benefits surrounding the most prescribed drugs for lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. Statins reduce risks of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, yet concerns over side effects - like muscle pain and blood sugar increases - fuel debates around their use. We’ll explore how statins work…

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The Physical and Mental Toll of PTSD 6:39

8M ago6:39

6:39

In this week's episode we explore how trauma affects many system in the body, with symptoms that can last years or even decades. PTSD impacts not only mental health but also physical health, causing chronic stress that can lead to cardiovascular issues, metabolic changes, and immune dysfunction. We’ll break down the science behind stress responses …

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Is Inflammation the Fire That Fuels Kidney and Heart Disease? 5:07

8M ago5:07

5:07

In this week's episode we dive into how chronic inflammation connects kidney disease with cardiovascular risk. Learn how inflammation, typically the body’s healing response, can become a destructive force when it lingers, contributing to kidney damage and cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and artery hardening. We’ll also explore why CK…

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Does Intermittent Fasting Really Work – Or Is It Just About Eating Less? 5:58

8M ago5:58

5:58

This week we explore the science behind one of an increasingly popular approach to managing weight and health—intermittent fasting. We'll break down how limiting your eating window can influence everything from metabolism and inflammation to blood sugar control. With new research showing potential benefits like weight loss and improved glucose leve…

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Can an Inflammation Blood Test Detect Heart Disease Early? 5:47

8M ago5:47

5:47

In this week's episode we take a closer look at the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, a powerful tool which may help assess cardiovascular risk. It is a biomarker of inflammation, and hs-CRP’s ability to predict heart disease is both fascinating and complex. We’ll explore how chronic inflammation affects the heart, what high hs-CRP…

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Cat Naps and Calories: Uncovering the Link Between Sleep and Weight 5:41

9M ago5:41

5:41

In this episode we explore the surprising link between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Discover how hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and metabolism, are thrown off balance when we don't get enough sleep. We'll break down the science behind why losing sleep can lead to increased hunger, stress eating, and obesity, and how e…

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What is High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)? 6:42

9M ago6:42

6:42

In this episode we explore the vital role that HDL cholesterol plays in maintaining cardiovascular health. Known as "good cholesterol," HDL helps clear excess fats from the bloodstream, but recent research shows that its role is far more complex than we once thought. We'll discuss how low HDL levels are linked to increased heart disease risk, why s…

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Can We Outsmart Viruses by Targeting Their Shared Weakness? 4:01

9M ago4:01

4:01

In this episode, we take a microscopic look at how some of the most dangerous RNA viruses, like COVID-19, Ebola, RSV, and the flu, hijack our cells to replicate. Discover the science behind viral reproduction and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the specialized machinery these viruses rely on. We’ll also explore how new antiviral treatments based on R…