In regards to recent promises made by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to "find the cause of autism" by September 2025, Dr. Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur discuss the history of autism. In this episode, they cover previous attempts made by psychologists, researchers, and other scientists to determine the cause of this condition and to figure out what autism actually is. They also discuss the outdated myths regarding theorized causes of autism, who can have autism, the diagnosis of autism, and the social stigma surrounding those who have it. Why are there so many myths and misconceptions about autism? Is finding the cause of autism in under a month possible? Find out in the latest episode of Health 411.

With some of the sunniest and hottest days of the year still ahead of us, Dr. Johnathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur set out to talk about the main causes of skin cancer and how to prevent yourself from getting it. Today, we answer all of your burning questions-- What SPF sunscreen should you really be using? Is there a benefit to UV protective clothing rather than sunscreen? Are tanning beds actually that bad for you? How would you even know if you had skin cancer? These answers and more when you tune in to this week's episode of Health 411.

In recent years, the subject of primate research has become a controversial topic of discussion. Is it unethical? Are there too many primates being tested on? Are primates necessary to conduct certain studies? What are the specific goals of primate research? Today Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur are joined by Dr. Corey Roach, a researcher from the University of Pennsylvania, to answer these questions and more.

Lyme Disease, while not particularly deadly, is a highly common disease in the Northeast and upper Midwestern North America. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, roughly 476,000 new cases are reported every year. And although this is a curable disease, many people end up experiencing the characteristics of Lyme Disease long after they have been "cured", leading to chronic symptoms. Today, tune into a conversation between Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur as they discuss everything you need to know about this disease.

You may have heard about Methylene Blue recently, with many people promoting it as a cure for different ailments and diseases, and possibly as a "cognitive enhancer". But what is methylene blue and how does it work? Is it really helping to alleviate all these illnesses? Listen in on a conversation between Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur as they go into the science of this prospective medication. From the history to the health benefits and risks, this is Methylene Blue.

The words "Food Safety" can mean a wide range of things- whether or not to wear gloves in food preparation, what temperature to store and cook food at, how to avoid cross-contamination, and even where your food is coming from. With so many things to be mindful about when preparing or eating food, Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur clear up some myths and misunderstandings regarding food safety and provide some history on what has happened when these precautions aren't taken.

From ice baths to cold showers to polar plunges, Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur discuss the health benefits and drawbacks of cold water immersion. Can dunking yourself in a freezing bath raise your immunity? Does it lower anxiety and reduce stress levels? Find out the answers to these questions and more in the latest episode of Health 411.

What is a phobia, and is it a bad thing to have one? Are there treatments for phobias? Today, Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur talk about these questions as they discuss phobias from a social perspective to a neurobiological perspective.