A Dialogue on Dialysis

Human Development and Society

itunes pic [https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/9d/ed/11/germroth/3000x3000_630591.jpg] The journey between fertilization and birth as well as the journey between childhood and adulthood are developmental processes that feature certain milestones but no clearcut answers as to when exactly one is a "full human being" or when exactly one should be considered an "adult" with all the rights and duties and privileges that go with both. Science illuminates the process-like character of development and law often requires a point in time and tends to be rigid, even contradictory.

A Dialogue on Dialysis

itunes pic [https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/9d/ed/11/germroth/3000x3000_630592.jpg] This episode is actually a interview with a dialysis nurse on some aspects of dialysis in regards to how the treatment affects patients and nurses.

When being healthy becomes a liability

itunes pic [https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/9d/ed/11/germroth/3000x3000_630593.jpg] This episode looks at an apparent contradiction observed in the 1918 flu pandemic: those at the prime of their health were disproportionately killed by the influenza virus. How can that be?

Routines and Habits can Kill

itunes pic [https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/9d/ed/11/germroth/3000x3000_630594.jpg] This is the first in a series of 4 Podcasts targeted primarily for my Anatomy and Physiology students as food for thought and discussion. I present two cases in which the patients ended up dead after being admitted to the ER. Arguably, both patients died because of routines/habits/ attitudes leading to delay and error in their treatment. What are the attitudes and habits future nurses should bring along and develop, respectively? The associated picture is a depiction of Janus, a Greek deity, looking simulanously into the past and into the future. It can be interpreted too as a symbol for the dual nature of humans, the interdependence of anatomy and physiology , appearence vs substance .... like I said, food for thought.

Of Pines, Squirrels and Evolution

itunes pic [https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/9d/ed/11/germroth/3000x3000_630595.jpg] Remarks on Ponderosa pine, Albert's squirrel, the Kaibab squirrel and geographic isolation as a mechanism of speciation. Intended for participants of the 2006 HCC honors society trip to the Southwest.