Northwestern Medicine

When most of us think about dopamine, we think about reward signals. But new research from Northwestern Medicine, published in Nature Neuroscience, has found a genetic subtype of dopamine neurons that do not respond to rewards at all, and instead, fire when the body moves.

Rajeshwar Awatramani, PhD, and Daniel Dombeck, PhD led this work. In this episode they explain how the results could change the field of dopamine research

Mitochondria are widely known as cellular “powerhouses” for their role in producing energy for cells. But pioneering research from Northwestern Medicine investigators over the last 20 years has proven mitochondria are also major players in lung disease, cancer, brain disease and immune-related diseases. Navdeep Chandel, PhD, a 2023 recipient of the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, leads this research. In this episode he discusses how his team’s recent findings could advance the design and implementation of new therapies.  

Mothers are often seen as the primary parent. As such, mothers may face unrealistic pressures about parenthood and their roles as friends, romantic partners, employees and individuals. A Northwestern Medicine psychologist discusses how to break free from the sexist norms that impact all relationships and ensure that you are supported by your partners in your parenthood journey.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not substitute for medical advice from a clinician.

Host: Michelle Prickett, MD, pulmonologist, Northwestern Medicine

Guests: Samantha Lewis, Northwestern Medicine patient

Igor J. Koralnik, MD, chief of Neuroinfectious Diseases and Global Neurology at Northwestern Medicine and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Clinic

Khalilah Gates, MD, Michelle Prickett, MD, and Susan Russell, MD, are three Northwestern Medicine pulmonologists who also happen to be best friends. As physicians, they consider themselves lifelong learners, which is why they’re launching a podcast to learn more about their health. Get to know these hosts of Get Better, a new podcast that helps you live a healthier and better life from head to toe.

For more information, visit nm.org/healthbeat.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not substitute for medical advice from a clinician.