Can a tick bite make you allergic to steak?In this episode of From Bench to Bedside, Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu explain Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a rapidly emerging food allergy caused by tick bites that can trigger delayed allergic reactions—even life-threatening anaphylaxis—hours after eating red meat.They discuss:• The immunology behind alpha-gal syndrome• Why symptoms are delayed• How the condition was first discovered• Current diagnostic strategies• Tick prevention• Emerging treatments under investigation• Common myths and misinformation surrounding alpha-galAs the geographic range of lone star ticks continues to expand, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome has never been more important.If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who spends time outdoors—or anyone interested in the science behind food allergies.
Jun 28
25 min
How concerned should we be about the current Ebola outbreak?In this episode of From Bench to Bedside, Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu explain what Ebola is, how it spreads, why experts are monitoring the current outbreak closely, and why strong public health systems remain essential for controlling infectious diseases.You'll learn:What Ebola virus disease isHow Ebola spreads (and why it is not airborne)Signs and symptoms of infectionWhy delayed outbreak detection is dangerousThe challenges facing health workers on the groundThe role of vaccines, surveillance, and global health infrastructureWhat the United States and international organizations are doing in responseJoin us for a thoughtful discussion grounded in science, medicine, and public health.
Jun 18
27 min
A controversy at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions sparked national headlines after several prominent diabetes researchers were removed while distributing an editorial criticizing cuts and changes to U.S. biomedical research funding.Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu discuss what happened, examine the editorial at the center of the controversy, and explore broader concerns about NIH funding, scientific independence, peer review, and the future of American research.They also discuss how funding decisions today may impact patient care, medical innovation, and scientific progress for years to come.
Jun 14
27 min
Ticks can do more than bite! They can trigger severe allergic reactions, chronic illness, and even life-threatening infections.Dr. Melanie Matheu and Dr. Zachary Rubin discuss what you need to know before your next hike.
May 4
24 min
In this episode, Dr. Zachary Rubin (board-certified allergist) and Dr. Melanie Matheu (immunologist) break down:✔️ When to see an allergist✔️ Why pollen seasons are longer✔️ The truth about “botanical sexism”✔️ Thunderstorm asthma✔️ What treatments actually workIf allergies are running your life, this is the episode you need.
May 4
23 min
In this episode of From Bench to Bedside, Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu break down the most important and concerning moments from RFK Jr.’s April 2026 congressional testimony.They analyze:The controversy around ADHD and “reparenting” claimsThe current measles outbreak and vaccine misinformationMedicaid cuts and what they actually mean for patientsAHRQ funding cuts and why they matter for healthcare qualityMisleading narratives around nutrition, food policy, and public healthThis is a real-time, evidence-based discussion from two experts who understand both the science and the clinical impact.
Apr 20
48 min
It’s been a chaotic week in health and science, and a lot of critical stories are getting buried.In this episode of From Bench to Bedside, Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu break down what actually matters right now, from overseas drug safety risks to measles outbreaks surging across the U.S., policy changes affecting vaccines, and what it all means for you.
Apr 10
30 min
We went live to answer one big question: What grade does HHS deserve right now?In this episode, we unpack the damage being done to public health, from vaccine policy chaos and agency brain drain to propaganda-style messaging, food policy confusion, and the deeper social determinants that actually shape health outcomes.It’s a frank, lively conversation about what’s broken, what still deserves partial credit, and why oversimplified answers keep failing the public.If you want science, context, and real talk, this one’s for you.
Mar 21
48 min
🚨 BREAKING: A federal judge has halted major changes to the U.S. vaccine schedule.What does this actually mean for parents, doctors, and your child’s care?We break down:• Why the ACIP overhaul may be illegal• What happens to vaccine coverage• Whether future vaccines could be delayed• What you should do right now as a parentThis is one of the most important public health stories of the year — explained clearly, without the noise.🎙️ From Bench to Bedside with Dr. Rubin (MD) & Dr. Matheu (PhD)
Mar 17
25 min
Major changes to the CDC childhood immunization schedule are creating confusion—and risk. Dr. Zachary Rubin (Allergy/Immunology) and Dr. Melanie Matheu, PhD (Immunology) break down what changed, how vaccines are actually approved (FDA → ACIP → CDC), why herd immunity matters, and what this means for parents, pediatricians, and public health. We also discuss real-world vaccine side effects vs. vaccine-preventable disease, and where to find the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule to review with your child’s doctor.
Jan 29
1 hr 1 min
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