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UI researchers discover delays in ALS diagnoses for rural patients

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

New research sheds light on people diagnosed with ALS in rural areas, and there are several new rules and regulations concerning cannabis

On this episode of River to River, Jacob Simmering and Andrea Swenson, lead investigator and co-author of a new ALS study published in February, discuss their research. The two reveal findings from the study and what is in store for patients in the future.

Later in the hour: Iowa lawmakers significantly limited the amount of THC in consumable hemp products, and the Justice Department has formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. An expert in cannabis research discusses what makes hemp-derived products different and what the anticipated reclassification of marijuana could mean.

Guests:

  • Jacob Simmering, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, lead investigator ALS
  • Andrea Swenson, clinical professor of neurology, director of the ALS clinic, co-author
  • David Gorelick, professor of psychiatry, department of psychiatry and MPRC, University of Maryland School of Medicine, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cannabis Research
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.